For those interested in knowing where I will be (tentively) for my 6 weeks in Africa, here is the schedule. Not to worry, everthing in Zimbabwe is being relocated to Zambia. :)
There are many dates and anniversaries I will be missing but I would like to say Happy Mother's Day, 29th Anniversary to M&P and Happy Father's Day...in chronological order ;)
Flight to Nairobi from Athens, the 8th of May
(May 10-13)Days 1 - 4 Our Kenya to South Africa trip begins! We depart Nairobi early morning to begin our Africa overland travel experience and immediately find ourselves in hot savannah grasslands, with thorn trees and acacia providing the only shade. We usually see zebra and giraffe as we head south and cross the border to Tanzania. From the town of Arusha we use a local Tanzania travel safari company to guide us through Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Parks. On the crater floor you can spend the day viewing the abundant wildlife including Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, White Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Antelope, Crocodile and Pink Flamingos. From here you can choose to go into the Serengeti where vast herds of Wildebeest roam the plains. For those who decide to view Ngorongoro only, there is a free day to visit a local Maasai Village to learn about there culture and way of life.
(May 14-18)-Days 5 - 9 It's a one-day drive to Dar Es Salaam, a must-see on this Tanzania travel leg. We pass through a number of small towns and villages along the way and, if we are lucky, we may see the towering peak of Mt Kilimanjaro. We camp for about 4 nights in a campsite on a beautiful Indian Ocean beach. From here most people take the ferry out to Zanzibar for the full four days and venture into the narrow bustling streets of StoneTown and its exotic spice markets, old slave forts and dungeons. There is also time to indulge yourself on Zanzibar's famous white beaches before returning to Dar Es Salaam.
(may 19-21)Days 10 - 12 After meeting the Zanzibar ferry, the next leg of our Kenya to South Africa trip begins. We continue our Africa overland travel through the interesting and often mountainous hinterland for which the country is renowned. In the afternoon, after negotiating some appalling roads and 'in God We Trust' drivers we pass through the peaceful Mikumi National Park. We usually see here Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra and Antelope from the roadside. Passing rivers and small waterfalls, our Tanziania travel leg ends as we enter Malawi, dominated by its huge fresh water lake.
(may 22-16)Days 13 - 17 We spend 2 days at a small laid back camp site on the edge of the lake. We follow the lake shore south and spend a further 2 or 3 nights on one of the campsites equipped for water sports. Here you can windsurf, scuba dive, etc. If you are inclined to just relax during your Africa overland travel experience, there is no better place than the shores of Lake Malawi. Here you have the opportunity to go off for a couple of days and stay in one of the many nearby villages, or visit a school or one of the craft markets where artisans produce some interesting wooden furniture and carvings. From here we continue our Kenya to South Africa trip on to Blantyre in the south of the country where we stop for two nights. Here we organise our Mozambique visas and possibly visit the local brewery - a highlight on any of our backpacker trips to Africa!
(May 27-29)Days 18 - 20 From Blantyre we cross into Mozambique and head for Zimbabwe. We follow the infamous 'Tete Corridor' which was well known in the days of Mozambque's long running civil war as the 'Gun Run'. Thankfully these days things are a lot different! We enter Zimbabwe and travel to Harare, the capital, for a couple of days.
(May 30-June 1)Days 21 - 23 From Harare we head south to Gweru and a privately run horse and game ranch where you can go game viewing on elephant and horseback or perhaps on a walking safari with young lion cubs!
(June 2-June 4)Days 24 - 26 From Gweru we travel to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins which was once the greatest medieval city in Sub Saharan Africa and where the name 'Zimbabwe' is derived, literally meaning 'house of stone'. Next we enter Matabeleland and the town of Bulawayo.
(June 5-June6)Days 27 - 28 Here you have the option of leaving the truck for a day and a night and using a local safari company to venture into Motobo National Park, where on foot, escorted by an armed ranger, you should see the elusive Black Rhino amongst hordes of other game. There is also the opportunity to visit Cecil Rhodes grave and Ancient Rock Paintings before catching an old style sleeper train (if available) to rejoin the truck at one of the adventure playgrounds of the world - Victoria Falls.
(June 7- June 11)Days 29 - 32 For some Mosi oa Tunya - 'The Smoke That Thunders' is the highlight of their Africa overland travel trip. When you arrive it is a surprise to discover the enormity of Victoria Falls. One mile wide and hurling over 5 million cubic metres of water a minute into the Zambezi Gorge this is the setting for the most awesome grade 5 white water rafting in the world. There is something here for everyone from the more sedate canoe trips, Flight Of Angels or Sunset Cruises to one of the highest commercial Bungee Jumps in the world! After your adrenaline has been spent we head into Botswana.
(June 12-June 13)Days 33 - 34 Although only a short drive away, once in Botswana you will easily notice quite a contrast in the terrain and vegetation from what we have seen so far in this Kenya to South Africa trip. The arid Kalahari with it's expansive freedom, night sky ablaze with shooting stars and the warm glow of our campfire make it an unforgettable camping experience. We spend the first night in Chobe National Park famous for its hordes of elephants as well as an abundance of other wildlife. There is the opportunity to take a cruise on the Chobe River - a less intrusive way to view the amazing wildlife in this park.
(june 14-15)Days 35 - 36 We then organise our 2 day trip into the Okavango Delta (optional). You have the chance to go on a Mokoro (dug out canoe) and explore the extensive waterways of this unique desert wetland. You will also have the opportunity to take several game walks in this huge oasis. Elephant, crocodile and hippo are nearly always seen. The Okavango Delta is the worlds largest inland water way and its serenity and quietness seems to have a calming effect on those that experience it.
(june 16-june 18)Days 37 - 39 Heading west we travel on to Namibia and continue north-west toward Etosha National Park, recognised as one of the worlds greatest wildlife viewing areas. We game watch by night at one of the floodlit watering holes, hoping to see some of the wide variety of wildlife that inhabits this amazing park.
(June 19-June 23)Days 40 - 44 From Etosha we visit a local Cheetah park before continuing on to the Brandenberg Mountains in Demaraland and the Skeleton Coast. We then visit either the stunning Spitzkoppe Rock formations or the world famous Cape Cross Seal Colony and the sight of thousands of these mammals as well as their accompanying pungent odour is remembered by all! For the next three days we are based in Swakopmund. From here there are a variety of activities and excursions. You can spend a day deep sea fishing for shark and other game fish or head out to the desert and try quad biking and dune sledding. You can also go horse riding or take a flight over the desert and it's dramatic coastline. In Swakopmund itself you can walk along miles of deserted beaches, visit the museum or relax in a café.
(June 24-June 28)Days 45 - 49 A one day drive takes us to the Namib-Naukluft Park, a vast expanse of desert which contains some of the highest sand dunes in the world. At Sossusvlei we stop and explore the area and the dunes. Continuing South we enter the semi desert, and wide open countryside of cattle ranching, until we arrive at one of Africa's most sensational natural features, Fish River Canyon. We camp next to this massive gorge, where you can soak up the sun and fabulous scenery.
(June 29-July 2)Days 50 - 54 A couple of hours drive away we cross the Orange River, a rich source of diamonds, and into South Africa. We travel south through the Cederburg Wilderness area to Stellenbosch visiting one of the historical Cape Wineries before arriving at the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Here, we stay at a comfortable backpacker's lodge.
Flight from Cape Town, S. Africa to Mumbai, India July 8th
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
1/3 year update: 2008
I sit here in my hostel in Brosov, Transilvania, Romania, asking myself what am I doing and how I arrived? Mr. Vlad the Impaler, Dracula himself, is not helping me answer this question. I am back on the backpacker circuit and feeling energized and overwhelmed at the same time.But before I can begin to tell you why I'm in Romania, I must back up a few steps.
Immediately following my departure from Bariloche, Argentina where I had found a home and made a family...I met my real family, in Brazil. Mom and Dad visited for a month, conveniently during carnaval. They said they didn't know. I say, of course they did when not even a half hour after stepping off the plane we were in the crowded streets of Manaus, beer in hand.
The Amazon was incredible with 2 amazing weeks full of adventure, pouring down rain, brilliantly colored birds and sunsets, hammocks galore, camping under the canopy, natural remedies, cruelly delicious fruits, private boat trips with personal cooks. I even swam in the Rios Amazonas, which, as a person ridiculously afraid of fish, was a huge feat to be in the water where we caught piranhas and caught and released caimen!! I was pretty proud of myself and was thinking that a big incentive for scaring myself so much, was to tell Brain Chew about it later! So there Brian, I swam with caimen :)
My parents definitely know how to do things right and I had no problem, stepping back and having someone make decisions (and swipe the card :)! More than anything though, it was really great to see them and share travel stories and tactics. It took us two weeks of chattering like monkeys in the jungle before we could quiet down and relax on the beaches in the north. We elected Jericoacoara, a village of three sand-made streets to hang our hammocks for a while. Although though I could semi get by understanding Portuguese, it was a relieve when the owner of our pousada was Argentine so I could ask where to buy the best caipirinha.
The airport departure was not as dramatic as in Mexico, as we bid farewell again for another few months, and we hopped back up to the northern hemisphere.
Because my "job" in Switzerland fell through, I still had a ticket leaving me in London and a few awesome ladies wanting to catch up in Europe. Natasha and her generous family, welcomed me into their home in London for a ridiculously long time while I awaited the return of my passport. I had to send it into the embassy to have more pages added! After 2+ weeks, my time was up and I headed to warmer climates and to a place where I had left my heart: Espana!
Originally, I had planned on working on another farm in Spain to try and save some dinero because Europe and the disgusting dollar is killing me. Of course we all know how much Spain loves to party and with my expert timing, I arrived during Semana Santa, one of the largest all year. NO ONE wanted to work, including the farms I was calling. After 60+ phone calls, I decided that I too would celebrate and stop worrying that instead of saving $$, I was now spending double. (I met some awesome people though and in a period of 2 weeks, was invited to sleep on 3 couches, Gracias a todos!!) The parades were impressive with drums and trumpets blasting through the streets all day and night and costumes that were alarming. (Let's just say that the KKK uniform was inspired by the Semana Santa processionals.)
I was pretty proud of myself for keeping the promise that I had made to return to Spain as soon as possible. I followed closely the same route that I had showed Mom exactly 3 years ago. My heart swells when I think of how much Spain feels like home to me.
3 nights in Frankfurt, Germany to catch up with Paige, a friend from high school that I hadn't scene in 6 years. We're on the same continent? Of course we will catch up there! We weren't successful meeting up in the states, but somehow schnitzel and apelwein just bring people together!
Another week with the Lovely Leann and Brooke in Budapest. There was a lot of Italian food, Belguim Beer, SF catch-up, and one dreadful but adventurous Hungarian meal out. A few weeks later, and stomachs are in check, but just! Miss you already girls. Thanks making me feel like a human and not a backpacker!
Romania...well mostly Transylvania, where I put in my fangs and sunk my teeth in (sorry, had to.) It was the most surprising beautiful place, where strangers give you rides and grandpas knock the hats off the young boys bothering young girls in the train station at 5AM. Multzumesc old Man!
And now Greece, where I sit and write this email. Its always been a special place for me where the Gods make their presence felt and my brother does too. Today, sitting on a hill watching the sun set over the Acropolis, I couldn't shake the feeling that he was with me. Especially with the upcoming BDay looming and the butterflies lingering :)
Jess (college roommie and soul partner) just left after more than a week of spilling our guts. Sometimes it takes a best friend to make you blurt out all of the emotions that you didn't even know you were storing. It's been a challenge not being able to be emotionally close to the new people Ive met. Thank God I spewed out everything in 10 days with JB and I could spew for another lifetime! Let's all congratulate Jess for getting into her Green MBA program! woo hoo
I just spent the last few days in Napflio where everything was booked because of Greece's Easter. (Jess and I saw the most beautiful ceremonies, including one where the entire town of Pyrgos, Thira was lit on fire). All accommodation was booked but someone who reminded me so much of my Grandpa, invited me to sleep on the couch of his hotel. Efharisto!!! I happily accepted and spent the last two days in the sun on the rocky beaches.
This has been the most scattered, written over a period of 3 months however, everyone has been anxious for SOME kind of update. With my African tour coming up, computer time will be scarce so Im taking advantage of Athens late night cafes!
Signing out.
Immediately following my departure from Bariloche, Argentina where I had found a home and made a family...I met my real family, in Brazil. Mom and Dad visited for a month, conveniently during carnaval. They said they didn't know. I say, of course they did when not even a half hour after stepping off the plane we were in the crowded streets of Manaus, beer in hand.
The Amazon was incredible with 2 amazing weeks full of adventure, pouring down rain, brilliantly colored birds and sunsets, hammocks galore, camping under the canopy, natural remedies, cruelly delicious fruits, private boat trips with personal cooks. I even swam in the Rios Amazonas, which, as a person ridiculously afraid of fish, was a huge feat to be in the water where we caught piranhas and caught and released caimen!! I was pretty proud of myself and was thinking that a big incentive for scaring myself so much, was to tell Brain Chew about it later! So there Brian, I swam with caimen :)
My parents definitely know how to do things right and I had no problem, stepping back and having someone make decisions (and swipe the card :)! More than anything though, it was really great to see them and share travel stories and tactics. It took us two weeks of chattering like monkeys in the jungle before we could quiet down and relax on the beaches in the north. We elected Jericoacoara, a village of three sand-made streets to hang our hammocks for a while. Although though I could semi get by understanding Portuguese, it was a relieve when the owner of our pousada was Argentine so I could ask where to buy the best caipirinha.
The airport departure was not as dramatic as in Mexico, as we bid farewell again for another few months, and we hopped back up to the northern hemisphere.
Because my "job" in Switzerland fell through, I still had a ticket leaving me in London and a few awesome ladies wanting to catch up in Europe. Natasha and her generous family, welcomed me into their home in London for a ridiculously long time while I awaited the return of my passport. I had to send it into the embassy to have more pages added! After 2+ weeks, my time was up and I headed to warmer climates and to a place where I had left my heart: Espana!
Originally, I had planned on working on another farm in Spain to try and save some dinero because Europe and the disgusting dollar is killing me. Of course we all know how much Spain loves to party and with my expert timing, I arrived during Semana Santa, one of the largest all year. NO ONE wanted to work, including the farms I was calling. After 60+ phone calls, I decided that I too would celebrate and stop worrying that instead of saving $$, I was now spending double. (I met some awesome people though and in a period of 2 weeks, was invited to sleep on 3 couches, Gracias a todos!!) The parades were impressive with drums and trumpets blasting through the streets all day and night and costumes that were alarming. (Let's just say that the KKK uniform was inspired by the Semana Santa processionals.)
I was pretty proud of myself for keeping the promise that I had made to return to Spain as soon as possible. I followed closely the same route that I had showed Mom exactly 3 years ago. My heart swells when I think of how much Spain feels like home to me.
3 nights in Frankfurt, Germany to catch up with Paige, a friend from high school that I hadn't scene in 6 years. We're on the same continent? Of course we will catch up there! We weren't successful meeting up in the states, but somehow schnitzel and apelwein just bring people together!
Another week with the Lovely Leann and Brooke in Budapest. There was a lot of Italian food, Belguim Beer, SF catch-up, and one dreadful but adventurous Hungarian meal out. A few weeks later, and stomachs are in check, but just! Miss you already girls. Thanks making me feel like a human and not a backpacker!
Romania...well mostly Transylvania, where I put in my fangs and sunk my teeth in (sorry, had to.) It was the most surprising beautiful place, where strangers give you rides and grandpas knock the hats off the young boys bothering young girls in the train station at 5AM. Multzumesc old Man!
And now Greece, where I sit and write this email. Its always been a special place for me where the Gods make their presence felt and my brother does too. Today, sitting on a hill watching the sun set over the Acropolis, I couldn't shake the feeling that he was with me. Especially with the upcoming BDay looming and the butterflies lingering :)
Jess (college roommie and soul partner) just left after more than a week of spilling our guts. Sometimes it takes a best friend to make you blurt out all of the emotions that you didn't even know you were storing. It's been a challenge not being able to be emotionally close to the new people Ive met. Thank God I spewed out everything in 10 days with JB and I could spew for another lifetime! Let's all congratulate Jess for getting into her Green MBA program! woo hoo
I just spent the last few days in Napflio where everything was booked because of Greece's Easter. (Jess and I saw the most beautiful ceremonies, including one where the entire town of Pyrgos, Thira was lit on fire). All accommodation was booked but someone who reminded me so much of my Grandpa, invited me to sleep on the couch of his hotel. Efharisto!!! I happily accepted and spent the last two days in the sun on the rocky beaches.
This has been the most scattered, written over a period of 3 months however, everyone has been anxious for SOME kind of update. With my African tour coming up, computer time will be scarce so Im taking advantage of Athens late night cafes!
Signing out.
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