tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51651093152866242272024-02-20T16:16:12.368-08:00South AfricA: Discovering the Hidden GemsPerfect destination for nature..for animals..for food!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165109315286624227.post-88385463185406776542013-01-20T06:24:00.001-08:002013-01-20T06:24:22.632-08:00Exploring Inverdoorn Game Reserve<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safari Awaiting for Us!</td></tr>
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After Oudtshoorn, we had to embark on a 5h driving trip towards Ceres, where <a href="http://www.inverdoorn.com/">Inverdoorn Game Reserve</a> is nearly located. The journey though long, it was enjoyable with a lot of wildlife sightings such as baboons and antelopes, snakes and tortoises..tortoises practically run I think over there..their speed was much faster than we thought..<br />
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De Denne had very nicely packed our breakfast that morning..which was extremely sumptious...really had a good time at De Denne guesthouse..and we set off happily..We were filled with excitement upon reaching Inverdoorn..as this was our first safari experience on a land rover driven by a game ranger.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inverdoorn Luxury Chalet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine for Celebrations!</td></tr>
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After checking in and exploring our luxury chalet, which was the best accomodation we stayed thus far, we went to have lunch..
how the game reserve works is that..it actually caters for day visits for people in Cape Town, providing transport to and fro from the Game Reserve(located 2.5h away from Cape Town by driving) to your hotel in Cape Town, if you dont wish to stay overnight in the game reserve..(but I highly recommend you do so as you will enjoy the tasty meals..the sunrise and sunset game drives..and of cuz the starry starry night filled with a blanket of stars...)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starry Starry Night</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inverdoorn Chalets</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ours!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Forward</td></tr>
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Our visit to Inverdoorn included 2 night stay at one of their 5 luxury chalets, all breakfast, lunch and dinner included..4 game drives in total..I must say that at least 4 game drives are necessary to spot the animals at the game reserve..you wont be able to see everything on a single game drive unless you are very lucky..some animals are more active in the morning while others just keep sleeping..like the lion in the morning..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted the African Elephant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At dinner</td></tr>
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Each game drive lasted for 3 hours and we were brought around by an experienced game ranger..Our game ranger was very spontaneous and knowledgeable..He filled us up with lotsa information on the Big Five(lion, rhinocerous, african elephant, hippotamus) and other animals(antelopes, giraffes, zebras, elands, bonteboks,cheetah) we saw along the way..drove in a safe way although the route was still very bumpy..and had been very humourous throughout the trip..Below are the various animals we have spotted..to give us a great and total experience to be in Africa..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osama our game ranger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8375817693/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal3 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal3" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8375817693_9641e711dc.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Elephant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8375818525/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal1 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal1" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8371/8375818525_da0b6bd36b.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8376887194/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal16 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal16" height="346" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8376887194_107b4569ec.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippotamus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheetah speed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parallel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couple</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One on One</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mating?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tortoise(crawls quickly!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Migration</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8375792991/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal97_1 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal97_1" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8375792991_78a4acb106.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection</td></tr>
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I hope in future we will have the opportunity to visit Kruger National Park for more wildlife experience..have heard so many raving reviews of Kruger..unfortunately it's nt a good time to visit Kruger when we were there as temperatures may soar to 40C and above during summer time..best time to visit is during their winter season when the vegetation is sparse and animals can be easily spotted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the Safari Experience!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165109315286624227.post-23522153072702923232013-01-20T05:53:00.000-08:002013-01-20T06:24:27.904-08:00Exploring Oudtshoorn and Nearby<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383897394/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee132 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee132" height="313" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8383897394_e104306024.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Country Road...</td></tr>
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We hit the roads at 9am today after breakfast and saying farewell to Karin and dogs..After getting the car refueled and making sure the car is in great condition, we set off for Oudtshoorn...the ostrich capital in Africa..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8375798111/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal70 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal70" height="278" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8375798111_731b0a7827.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ostrich Capital!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.oudtshoorn.com/">Oudtshoorn</a> is a town in Western Cape.. located along the Garden Route and is accessible by the famous Route 62.. The journey for us this time was smooth fortunately although we did travel on gravel roads on some instances. The scenery towards Oudtshoorn was beautiful..no wonder Route 62 is popular with tourists!<br />
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We were lost in finding for <a href="http://www.dedenne.com/">De Denne Guesthouse</a>..our GPS gave us wrong information as it cannot pinpoint the exact location of De Denne after we keyed in the GPS coordinates..GPS brought us to a super secluded place that just dont look right! De Denne is in fact 15min away from the Oudtshoorn main town area..and to our relief, we found it located next to HighGate ostrich farm..<br />
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We were very happy to arrive at De Denne.. It has the airconditioning we were craving in a hot day of 38C that day!...and the whole cottage looks extremely clean and spacious and comfortable for a great sleep after on the roads for few hours.. We met up with Johan, the owner..He's very knowledgeable and we took up his suggestion to have an ostrich meat dinner on the day of arrival..Johan is extremely capable..he's the boss, he's the chef...he knows astronomy, taught us about Sirius, Jupiter on one starry night..and I think he belongs to the Keller family in owning huge ostrich farms..Also..Johan did us a great favor..we had a lot of laundry to wash and we're so glad Johan allowed us to wash our stuff at De Denne at a minimal cost..Johan has a huge dog named Bruno..and because of the hot weather, Bruno wanted so much to enter our room as it was airconditioned! We had a great time relaxing at the swimming pool and playing the swing at De Denne while waiting for our sumptious ostrich meal..I must say the ostrich meal exceeded expectations..very nice experience!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382793237/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1365 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1365" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8382793237_7a2bfe810f.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At De Denne Guesthouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfort!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382792889/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1373 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1373" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8382792889_09e11e65a8.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ostrich Steak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut pie and icecream</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunset at Oudtshoorn</td></tr>
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With the attractions that we've been to as mentioned below, I think Oudtshoorn is definitely worth visiting..to know everything about ostrich, staying in a farm, and exploring the wonderful scenery surrounding this beautiful town.<br />
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Attractions:<br />
1) <a href="http://www.cangocaves.co.za/">Cango Caves </a><br />
A spectacular work of nature..from limestone..located along the route towards Swatsberg Pass..We spent about an hour with the guide from the attraction..who brought us around together with a big group for the standard tour..Initially, we wanted to try the Adventure Tour, which would require us to climb through the various natural-made obstacles in the caves for 1.5h..but we were not in the right attire and decided to go for the easy way out instead. Anyway, the standard tour was interesting still..as we awed at the magnificent structures formed in a nature's way..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382791247/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1481 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1481" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8382791247_629277ff91.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cango Caves</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cango!</td></tr>
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2)Swatsberg Mountain Pass<br />
This mountain pass is definitely a must go..but I will recommend to go on a bright sunny day, no rain, not cloudy, not foggy day. We went up on a cloudy day and faced visibility of less than 5m when at the top of the mountain. The view was still spectacular. And almost as if heaven knows we were kinda worried while travelling this mountain pass, when we were on the other side of the mountain after reaching Prince Albert, all the clouds disappeared and it transformed into a bright sunny day with tiny wisps of clouds! The scenery was breathtaking with all the majestic mountains..no wildlife was seen..but the mountain view, the valleys..and even waterfall..were very impressive!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383927718/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee9 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee9" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8383927718_dbb48b793e.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382790025/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1564 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1564" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8382790025_0fb9ce0281.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Fondue/Steamboat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382789633/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1567 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1567" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8382789633_2d607fe7a2.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamboat for Xmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383874974/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1568 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1568" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8383874974_1f2e512136.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
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The round trip from Oudsthoorn to Swatsberg and back to Oudtshoorn via Meiringspoort takes us near 5h, with a stop over at Prince Albert for lunch on Christmas day..most shops were closed..except for one to our delight..their xmas menu was special..it was Chinese Fondue..we absolutely had no idea what was that until it came upon us that this meant steamboat!..in english terms..when they started bringing a hot pot of chicken soup , raw chicken meat, and some veggies out.. a steamboat in South Africa on Xmas day was not expected at all!...something to remember indeed..
The Meiringspoort was a definite attraction as the cliff walls lined the roads neatly and it's a luxury to just stop the car and appreciate the beauty for a few moments.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383927404/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee12 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee12" height="317" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8383927404_a9a54ccd43.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meringspoort</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382838451/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee15 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee15" height="346" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8382838451_80e39a32c4.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
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3)Ostrich Farm Tour<br />
Oudtshoorn is like the ostrich capital of South Africa..so it makes sense to join an ostrich farm tour and learn everything about ostriches! We participated in one that brought us through the life cycle of an ostrich and understand the anatomy of this amazing bird..who thus far bear the largest egg on earth..the ostrich egg.. The guide was very comprehensive in flooding us with information of ostrich, their young, the females and males, and he described how each part of ostrich was made to good use, be it ostrich leather handbags, ostrich-made jewellery from the egg shell, or feather dusters from different parts of the ostrich body. It was an eye opening experience to see the baby ostrich crack through the egg shell that day..we were lucky to see that in fact!..This tour was arranged by De Denne..at their family's ostrich farm located at Mooiplaas..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8376874058/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal64 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal64" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8376874058_29eec038a4.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nursery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8375800663/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal63 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal63" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8375800663_daeb4080e4.jpg" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hatching in process</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383877908/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1398 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1398" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8383877908_8f12963542.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feather dusters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383877586/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1410 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1410" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8383877586_c8c0e82e21.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the ostriches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383896714/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee135 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee135" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8383896714_e69dee4880.jpg" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8376869120/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal76 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal76" height="287" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8376869120_837cb0241c.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other wildlife spotted</td></tr>
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4)Going to Kalinska for dinner..<br />
We visited this restaurant for dinner on our last night at Kalinska..it was recommended by <a href="http://www.reveplanner.com/">Reveplanner</a> and many other good reviews at Tripadvisor..We didnt make any prior bookings and it was Christmas Eve..lucky us that we got seats..and enjoyed a..rather interesting and tasty dinner..Dear had some bobotie..while I had the usual pasta..which turned out to have a unique taste!..Service was prompt and excellent..worth to go! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dimsum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8375797681/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal71 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal71" height="232" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8475/8375797681_ee2c8bee12.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ostriches in Sunset</td></tr>
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I guess the pictures were convincing enough to push you to visit Oudtshoorn.There are of course more attractions than what I have mentioned here..is just a matter of the time and weather..On the day of leaving Oudtshoorn, we bought some decorated ostrich egg shells back home at a very reasonable price, as compared to the cities like Cape Town and those other tourist attractions. Prices at these places were near to twice as much as what we paid at Oudtshoorn. This is kind of expected though..regardless, we had a lot of fun star gazing at De Denne, watching the dramatic sunset and cloudy days..and most importantly, get back to nature..before we geared up for the next 5h drive to Ceres, where the Inverdoorn Game Reserve is located at!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382835819/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee26 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee26" height="241" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8382835819_78b59ede50.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon and Star</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382835253/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee30 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee30" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8382835253_6d6ea56ea3.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weather change</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383919070/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee38 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee38" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8383919070_c4fc8ab414.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Sunset in our Memories!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165109315286624227.post-56367410840032546312013-01-20T05:36:00.002-08:002013-01-20T06:24:30.468-08:00Exploring Swellendam and AroundAfter quadbiking at Hermanus, we refueled and set off for the next destination: Swellendam.<br />
This journey was the most nerve-wrecking and most challenging for both of us.<br />
Fortunately, we purchased maps from a local bookstore at Hermanus(just in case anything happened!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382797127/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1213 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1213" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8382797127_e7693b3764.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">towards swellendam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8375802249/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal57 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal57" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8375802249_0fcb3fb995.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curious </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8375801877/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal58 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal58" height="252" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8375801877_1929d9ceed.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lining up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Indeed, incidents of such do happen! So we strongly advise people to print out maps(well..even Google maps are not really accurate at times)..better is to buy maps from bookstores there..<br />
<br />
The initial intention was to take Route 60 towards Swellendam. With our GPS, we also saw R60 is the only way out. However, after on the road for 1.5hour, we came to the entry of R60 and it was blocked. There were no alternatives given on the signboard. We clicked the detour function of the GPS. It suggested us another route. So we took that..after 1.5 hour of travelling on gravel road..(we were really praying tyres are not punctured..none of us know how to change tyre except for brief intro by the people at Avis)..we came to a point where it said "Only private entry. All intruders will be prosecuted."..At that moment, both of us were lethargic and stressed up. The GPS provides no other detour routes..<br />
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So..we turned to our purchased maps.. turned calm..and worked our way around those highways..finally..after 1.5h..we reached Swellendam! Cannot emphasize how relieved we were when we were at Swellendam and thank goodness our car is still in good condition except being dirtied by those gravel roads.. Not all routes are tar road..many are gravel roads..especially mountain passes..so be careful..<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383882202/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1242 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1242" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8383882202_b6f1c4769f.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old thatch Lodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382796517/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1243 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1243" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8369/8382796517_fde2d98c1f.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">toilet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383880958/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1289 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1289" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8383880958_6ecd33ea0f.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuddle Dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We checked in at <a href="http://www.oldthatch.co.za/">Old Thatch Lodge</a>, located at Moolman street. Swellendam is a really small place and they dont have many attractions interesting to us unfortunately. At the period when we were at Swellendam, temperatures soared to 40C to our dismay. And, our accomodation has no airconditioning..if the temperature is at about 20C, we may still take it..but at that situation, we were very unhappy there was no airconditioning and would rather stay in the car than to be in the room as it was quite stuffy.
But, this lodge has its plus points..Karin the owner, is extremely friendly and gave us many tips on travelling around Swellendam..she's the one who suggested us to go <a href="http://www.capenature.co.za/reserves.htm?reserve=De+Hoop+Nature+Reserve">De Hoop Nature Reserve</a> and I'm really glad we did as we saw far more wildlife at De Hoop, than at <a href="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/bontebok/all.php">Bontebok National Park</a> or <a href="http://www.capenature.co.za/reserves.htm?reserve=Marloth+Nature+Reserve">Marloth Nature Reserve</a>, though is much further away from Swellendam. Karin also has 5 dogs..and we took particular interest in Cuddle..the small and cute dog, which always come by my side in the morning, hoping I will give her some bacon. The other dogs are too huge to my liking, in fact, scary at times when they tried to lick me!<br />
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<u><b>Attractions at and around Swellendam</b></u><br />
<b>1) Powell House</b><br />
This is not really an attraction but it is a very worth to mention restaurant, having at the moment, I think..the best customer service, as compared to other restaurants we were in..Dear has a Cape Malay bobotie dish..while I have tiger prawns and avocado salad..followed by a super yummy choc dessert..The serving for all dishes was huge and we had a very happy meal that day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382796163/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1261 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1261" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8382796163_3542ab8a11.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy Prawn avocado salad</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382846237/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sasightsee143 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="sasightsee143" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8091/8382846237_7eeceaa75b.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brownie with vanilla icecream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383880294/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1307 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1307" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8383880294_c6f57c9aa0.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langeburg Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>2) De Hoop Nature Reserve</b><br />
This is the reserve, that wins hands down for its beauty, its beach, the scenery, the flora and fauna,and the wildlife spotted. We managed to spot snake, tortoise, bonteboks, various type of antelopes, while driving around the reserve. The beach over at De Hoop and the sea was amazingly clean, as depicted in the photos.. THey also have huge areas of white sand dunes that is extremely fine to walk on.It can easily take you a day including travelling time of course.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383901532/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee118 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee118" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8383901532_41702a96be.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De Hoop Beauty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383903462/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee110 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee110" height="451" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8383903462_2f8db97eab.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out for snakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8375802895/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal55 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal55" height="295" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8375802895_49093ef827.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antelopes spotted at De Hoop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>3) Bontebok National Park</b><br />
It wasnt a fruitful journey to Bontebok as we only caught sight of interesting birds, and one antelope..the bushes were too high to spot anything..As it is in summer season, when the amount of vegetation is the greatest, animal spotting becomes tough. But surprisingly, this is still manageable at De Hoop, but not at Bontebok. So our trip to Bontebok wasnt very interesting :( Maybe it will be better in some other seasons like the winter season when the vegetation is sparse.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8376875056/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal61 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal61" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8376875056_a2c3c89a2b.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird Portrait</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8375794585/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal79 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal79" height="221" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8375794585_0f7d903a17.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>4)Bonnievale</b><br />
A small town that is famous for wine, for Parmalat cheese..We reached Bonnievale along the way en route to Swellendam.. There are many areas in Bonnievale that boost beautiful views of the wineries and the mountains. The soil must be very fertile and ideal for these wineries.If you are a wine lover, Bonnievale is a must to go..for us, we are just average drinkers and not really into wine..so we didnt stay long there.<br />
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<b>5) Mattsen Restaurant</b><br />
We had some really good steaks and grilled chicken at Mattsen. This place was recommended by Reveplanner.. and we decided to have a try on our last day at Swellendam. The ambience was great and everywhere was decorated in Xmas mood..service was also not bad, but we still think Powell House wins hands down. Also, there were many mosquitoes although we sit inside the restaurant..so that's not very nice while having dinner..<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383880656/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1301 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1301" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8383880656_b5dc6c6841.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the weather was excruciatingly hot when we were in Swellendam, we reckoned we need some place to cool down..and naturally we decided to head to the sea.. As we looked at the map, we were very interested in Mossel Bay. Although it was a good 2.5h drive, it was still manageable travelling on the N2 tar road..and we enjoyed great scenery along the way.I'm glad we made it to Mossel Bay as the sea over there was stunning!<br />
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6)Mossel Bay<br />
We relaxed on the beaches of <a href="http://www.visitmosselbay.co.za/">Mossel Bay</a>.."Mossel Bay is situated exactly half way between Cape Town - the
provincial capital of the Western Cape Province – and Port Elizabeth
(both 400 km away" it's quite like Hermanus..series of shops lining the beach..but really nice apartments and bungalows along the coast..really envy those folks..jus imagining waking up to the Indian Ocean in front of you..We reached there at about 4pm..and spent 3hours walking around, appreciating the sea view and sea breeze..and also..we spotted seals swimming freely..Dinner was settled at Two Oceans Restaurant.. and you bet really fresh seafood was served since it's near the sea..<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382814921/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee122 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee122" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8382814921_d00bbdc3f1.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mossel Bay<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
7) Berry picking at <a href="http://www.swellendam-stay.co.za/listing/wildebraam_berry_estate">Wildebraam</a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382793607/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1359 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1359" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8079/8382793607_e59632a343.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our harvest for just 4Rand!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383879452/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1331 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1331" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8383879452_1af451984b.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Berry to be the darkest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382794621/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_1315 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1315" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8382794621_bcc9fc1d76.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy finding berries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We didnt have much time to explore everything that's offered at Mossel Bay..I knew from travel brochures that you can have scenic cruises to spot whales and dolphins, go for a safari at one of the nearby game reserves, do golf, and much more shopping than Hermanus perhaps.. it will be really great to revisit this place if we are to do the garden route again in the future!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165109315286624227.post-91091753415056443832013-01-20T05:23:00.002-08:002013-01-20T06:24:36.247-08:00Exploring Cape Town: The Nearby<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Now, I will talk about attractions located around Cape Town city..those that can be covered in a hour's ride from Cape Town. in fact, there are many but I will only talk about 2 of them..</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382783233/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_2654 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2654" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8382783233_8068c4d829.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Table mOuntain National Park</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">
1) Cape Point Peninsula</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8382846011/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmsightsee2 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmsightsee2" height="308" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8382846011_55ab149ea2.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seascape</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8383931472/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sasightsee146 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="sasightsee146" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8383931472_6fd926c397.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the iconic Sign</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">It has been known that the convergence of the Indian ocean and Atlantic ocean happens near to cape point, not exactly at cape point but it is Cape Agulhas. the visit to cape point was made possible with <a href="http://www.africaneagle.com/searchto.aspx?sts=y">African eagles tour</a>. you can opt to do self drive too. In this tour, we stopped over at Hout bay, Muizenberg, Simon's town and the Cape Point.</span></div>
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The scenery at Cape of Good Hope was mesmerizing with the beautiful seascape. Everyone wanna take picture with the signage, including us! And I do recommend to take the cablecar up at Cape Point to see the sea from above..I cannot emphasize enough on the sea and waves you get to enjoy at south Africa..it's the best I have ever seen before..</div>
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The tour also brought you to <a href="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/attractions.php">Boulders beach</a>..where the African penguin colony resides in. You pay an entrance fee to get into the beach..(this beach is special tats why is not free)..but I enjoyed sometime looking at penguin behaviours, their actions, mating process, and adult penguins taking care of their eggs under the shade.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8376879836/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal40 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal40" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8376879836_990cc04c94.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suntan</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yagizashin/8375792635/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="wmanimal105_1 by yagiza2812, on Flickr"><img alt="wmanimal105_1" height="306" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8375792635_2c6597626d.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boulders Beach</td></tr>
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2) <a href="http://www.khwattu.org/">!khwattu culture centre</a></div>
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This tour was prearranged by Pamela.the freelance driver who brought us to the centre was Mike Zuma..he was an amazing guy I will talk further later..He brought us to!khwattu culture centre to learn about the origins and all about the San bushmen, who were one of the first to colonize South Africa. This centre was started as an initiative to support descendants of these bushmen to learn skills and receive education as a non profit organization. We met with a young man, named Andre Antonio, whose parents were San bushmen. He has developed an impressive set of music skills from this centre and will be on his way to receive music education at Germany..this has been kindly supported by the centre. Professionals fromAfrica, Sweden,Norway also go there to teach students and help them develop skills so that they can contribute back to the society. We learnt so much from Andre as he told us all about bushmen living.. the medicinal practices, the plant species, the traditions and culture we found them interesting to learn about.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Andre</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Mike Zuma</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andre explaining to us</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibits</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How Bushman go hunting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To create sounds in the forest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grasshoppers Mating!</td></tr>
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3) <a href="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast/">west coast national park</a></div>
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After the visit to the centre, Mike brought us to this national park to spot some wildlife like antelopes, springboks, cape zebras..snakes..tortoises etc... We managed to spot some ostriches...but the vegetation was really high that time..and we didn't have much luck..there is a really beautiful beach within the park where pple do yachting, fishing, or just simply suntanning. We did see some elands there..they were huge! Near the size of bulls!you needed to pay a nominal fee to enter the park.. But in our hearts, we still think De Hoop Nature Reserve is still the best thus far..I will talk about that in the following parts.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Coast National Park</td></tr>
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So these are the places we covered in our short excursions out of cape town. In the next few parts to come, I will share with you attractions in other parts of Western Cape as well as Oudtshoorn in the Eastern Cape. We actually did a 10day circular route starting from Cape Town..then to cover Hermanus, Swellendam, Oudtshoorn, Inverdoorn Game Reserve(Ceres)..and then back to Cape Town..</div>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165109315286624227.post-17481969946208180612013-01-20T05:05:00.003-08:002013-01-20T06:24:33.506-08:00Exploring Hermanus and nearby<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">En route to Hermanus!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving Off with Avis rented car</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy from Cliff Cottage as our honeymoon gift!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">A drive to Hermanus from Cape Town takes about <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors="true">3h</a> for us as we reached our lovely accomodation suggested by Pamela.
<a href="http://www.cliffcottage.co.za/">Cliff Cottage </a>has been well known among tourists for the warm and friendly hosts Dot and Chuck. I think they are from UK..and have come to Hermanus to settle down.. I must comment that both of them are extremely helpful in giving suggestions on what to explore atHermanus and recommendations of seafood like the Quayside Cabin, which we have been there twice for our meals!!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Cliff Cottage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast at Cliff Cottage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Cottage</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Attractions at <a href="http://www.travel2hermanus.co.za/">Hermanus</a> and nearby</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">1) Old Harbour</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Well..the old Harbour is where all the amenities, supermarket, shopping for souvenirs, restaurants are concentrated at. We had a bite at Wimpy, the fast food restaurant. it was not bAd, serving very fresh fish and chips that satisfied our hunger. There is also a whale museum that you can visit. Whale watching is the highlight of Hermanus and it only happens from July to late Nov...Dec is in fact to catch any sight unless u are super lucky..we didn't unfortunately!..so we went to the whale museum to have a taste of what are the different types of whales..their interesting behaviors etc..</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">2) Grotto Beach</span></div>
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We drove off to Grotto Beach for sunset one day and it is one of the Blue Flag beaches..being awarded..it has very fine sand...very strong and beautiful currents..and comes with lovely sunset and mountains around it.. Washing our tired feet in the cold waters of the ocean removed all filth and dust Away...keeping us refreshed for the next lap of the journey!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fine sand at the Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Grotto Beach</td></tr>
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3) <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g312663-d1197988-Reviews-Quayside_Cabin-Hermanus_Overberg_Western_Cape.html">Quayside Cabin</a></div>
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This restaurant...we took some time to find at the New Harbor(opposite end of the Old Harbor)..as it is not really obvious..it is just a container...inside being decorated as restaurant..the ambience is great..and I must emphasize..we have the best calamari tasting and seafood tasting over here at this restaurant. Aside from service being excellent, the food is really worth your monies! We came here for dinner and lunch the next day...the taste of calamari still lingered in our mouths!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge servings at Quayside Cabin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Oysters</td></tr>
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4) Hemel-en-Aarde valley</div>
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This valley consists of several wineries all along a route that you can stop over to have some wine tasting, or simply just sit by their balcony to enjoy the magnificent scenery with a cup of cappuccino! We did that..with recommendations from Chuck..to visit La Verge..one of the wineries..the view was breathtaking..is a good time to just completely relax while enjoying the scenery in front of us..we need that after a hectic 2012!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appreciating scenery and coffee</td></tr>
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5) Eco-scenic cruise</div>
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We took a cruise ride with <a href="http://www.southernrightcharters.co.za/">Southern Right Charters</a>..to see dolphins...seals..whales..and people fishing..if there's any out at the ocean..weather was fantastic that day with wisps of clouds that look like cotton wool scattered in the blue sky.. Our luck that day was not bad we saw seals swimming..the fisherman out at the sea catching crayfish.. Wind and the waves were very strong out there..didn't catch any whales..if there's an opportunity again to catch whales..this is one option u can take..to see them up close and personal..or just along the beach..as what the locals told us..</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seals spotted</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crayfish Catch!</td></tr>
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6) Quadbiking to Fernkloof Nature Reserve and wineries</div>
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Before leaving Hermanus, we made a last minute decision to go for Quadbiking with <a href="http://www.hermanus-activities.co.za/">Hermanus Forest Adventures</a>..it was a great choice..both of us haven't been on quadbikes and we wanna have some adventure fun..we took this up..travelling on gravel roads up the mountain and absorbing the scenery that we saw..we reached the top of Fernkloof and saw Hermanus below..the view was just belong words! Though at some parts of the route travelled, it's really steep and I almost fell off..it was a memorable experience!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching Hermanus from Fernkloof</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adventurous Us</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful time at Cliff Cottage</td></tr>
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Before moving off to the next destination, we refueled the carat the petrol kiosk..I must say the people at the petrol kiosks were very helpful as being our car's doctor..check the water level..tyre air pressure.petrol level..to make sure all is good before we set off to Swellendam.very nice people..enjoyed talking to them as well :)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5165109315286624227.post-24929321911959020232013-01-20T04:55:00.000-08:002013-01-20T06:24:45.070-08:00Exploring Cape Town: City Highlights<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyped for New Year Eve</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">As We boarded the plane back to Singapore on 1st Jan, I was trying to recollect memories of the past 17 days we spent in South Africa. To summarise, what this country offers totally exceeded our expectations</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Sea Point</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night view of Cape Town</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">In this blog, attractions which we have been to will be covered to share with everyone what kind of experience you will get at these places. Useful and worthy suggestions have been given to us by our travel planner Pamela, from <a href="http://www.reveplanner.com/">RevePlanner</a>. Of course, there are some </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Places which we have ventured on our own by chance :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">To start off..I'll begin with Cape Town. To spend 5 days at this amazing city will be sufficient to cover the various attractions..and the <a href="http://www.citysightseeing.co.za/home">Hop On Hop Off Bus</a> (HOHO) does best to bring you to these attractions/highlights along its Red/Blue Line</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on board HOHO Bus</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">1) <a href="http://tablemountain.net/">Table mountain</a> : being named as one of the new wonders of the world, you must be kidding if you haven't experience the magnificence of this mountain. It's majestic. You see if everywhere as long as you're in cape town or even see it from Robben Island. Depending on the clouds, weather, the cableway to the top of the mountain may not be in operation. So check that out first before even planning yr visit. Tickets are advised to be booked online as we saw such long queues for the tickets..what's more is the summer season.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table Mountain Cableway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from bottom of Table Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic Icon</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">2)<a href="http://www.capetown.travel/attractions/entry/Kirstenbosch_National_Botanical_Garden">Kirstenbosch gardens</a>: this is a huge national garden that features many species of fynbos, proteas and many unique plants and flowers which we have never seen before. On that day, we were blessed with excellent weather and beautiful clouds. Picnic is a norm. Definitely worth a visit to learn more about the national flower, or rather it is named as the Nelson Mandela's flower.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">proteas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nelson Mandela flower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His salad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shashuka!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">we took a rest at its cafe and have the best dish..which is Shashuka..which I had it at its cafe.. It's like poached eggs in rich herbal tomato sauce, that's well cooked and prepared in a steel pan..and you eat it with bread or chips..this dish was recommended by Pamela..and it's definitely worthwhile!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><b>3) Victoria and Albert Waterfront</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">This place I will say..is a have-to-go place in Cape Town as it comprises all the shopping, souvenirs stuff,cruises, seal-spotting, and an amazing aquarium that is known as the <a href="http://www.aquarium.co.za/">Two Oceans Aquarium</a>. Species of fish, underwater wildlife can be seen there. I was amazed by unique fish colors over there. A definite to visit! But queues may be long..</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">clownfish</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cowfish!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nelson Mandela statue at V&A Waterfront</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singapore Away</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfront</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At moyo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">waterfront sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eland Meat at Moyo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at Moyo</td></tr>
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At the waterfront, they also have many restaurants. One that we patronized was <a href="http://www.moyo.co.za/">Moyo</a>, which serves generous portions of game meat(springbok, ostrich) and other delicious meat like its Kingklip fish. The view of waterfront from the restaurant was also splendid to spend a wonderful sunset there.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">The waterfront, which comprises of a Clock Tower and the Nelson Mandela gateway to Robben Island is located there as well. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">4) <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/916">Robben Island</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">A place full of history...where President Nelson Mandela spent years in there as a prisoner..you have to book or buy ferry tickets and it takes about 30-40mins ride across the sea to reach the island. from there, you will be escorted to a bus, which will bring you on a 45min ride round the island with a guide to tell you the history of places you see at the island, the prison, the church, and a fantastic view of Table Mountain from Robben Island. You will also be entitled to a tour in theMaximum Security Prison, to understand the conditions that prisoners have to endure, and a walkabout in the different prison cellars.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">It's a sad but meaningful journey to visit Robben Island. But, I need to mention this trip is weather dependent. If weather is bad, ferry operations will stop as there are accidents before due to strong wind and waves..The waves can be really bad..so check out the weather forecast before hand. If weather is bad and your trip is cancelled after u book, you can get a refund.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">5)<a href="http://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-national-gallery">South African National Museum</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">This museum gives great information on the history of how south Africa started..from the San bushmen, the various tribes, the healers, the cultures, the languages etc.. It's a great start to our Africa adventure to get ourselves informed of this country. Coincidentally, there's an exhibition on the wildlife photography that day when we visited. It showcases the various award winning photos which were simply breathtaking. It really gave me inspirations on how I should shoot during my safari in the days to come!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunset at signal hill</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> We took the sunset ride on HoHo bus to see sunset up at Signal Hill and it was breathtaking! Weather was great..sunset was about <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors="true">8pm</a> during summer season. If you want to see sunset at different points, the beaches is a great idea..we saw one at Sea Point since we stayed at Amalfi Executive Suites,which is located within 5-10min walk to Sea Point..we also saw sunset at Camps Bay..all very beautiful with the lovely beaches around. Cape Town is definitely blessed with the mountains, the white-sand beaches..simply relaxing to have a jog, a stroll or a picnic at these venues.</span></div>
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<b>7) Bo Kaap, District Six, Langa Township Tour</b></div>
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We took up a tour with <a href="http://www.ilios.co.za/">Ilios Tours</a> to visit these areas..a different side of Cape Town. when we arrived at Cape Town, we felt we have entered Europe as there were more Europeans than the native African Blacks. We were surprised to know there are in fact 4big groups in south Africa: blacks, whites, colored(Chinese, Malay, mix between black and white), and the Indians. In fact, Durban has the 2nd largest population of Indians outside India. Places like the waterfront, sea point, camps bay gave the impression of the Rich and wealthy..but just liken any city, there is a rich-poor gap issue to be seriously given attention to..and try to circumvent or reduce this income gap problem. We felt we need to be exposed to all these in order to understand South Africa better and understand what Nelson Mandela has done to help the disadvantaged and the poor.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Him with the Vuvu!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District Six Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langa Township</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langa township</td></tr>
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So in this tour, we were brought to District Six museum for a better understanding of what happened when the Blacks were devoid of human rights..something which Nelson Mandela has fought hard for..the museum is definitely worth a visit and you can use the HOHO bus to reach it..we then moved on to Langa township where we were brought on a walking tour through the shacks..or known as informal structures to live in...personally I thought the environment the people lived in were not as bad as those I saw at Dharavi Slum in Mumbai. The township people live with integrity although they are poor.They laugh as they wish to, they cry as they need to. They are warm to visitors and are happy to share their thoughts with you on life.Children play happily in courtyards, singing and dancing although they have no much choices unlike urban kids with iPads...this walking tour definitely brings a different perspective..to our life..an enlightening trip indeed!</div>
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8) <a href="http://www.grootconstantia.co.za/">Groot Constantia Winery</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine Appreciation</td></tr>
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To reach this winery, it is possible with the HOHO Bus..there's a cellar tour that brings visitors around the cellars..to understand the making of the wine..and at the end..a wine appreciation class..to teach u how to appreciate wine in terms of its scent, flavor, and color. It's beneficial for us as we are novices and we totally enjoyed it :)</div>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0