I'm going to post a few pictures here in my blog, but I'm also going to set up a separate page for pictures, making them easier to find and see.
This was my first look at South Africa. It took my breath away.
This was my first look at South Africa. It took my breath away.
I arrived in Cape Town a little before 8am. Three other volunteers were on my flight. We were met at the airport and taken to our homes for our time here. I'm staying in a flat in Muizenberg. I'll post pictures of it later, because it's interesting.
After working out who was sleeping where, I met several of the other volunteers who would be working on various projects. A group of 8 of us decided not to waste the day and take the train to Simonstown, which is where Boulder's Beach and the African Penguins are. At the point I am jet lagged and over whelmed, but doing my darnedest to smile.
Taking the train was an experience in itself because it was Sunday and the ticket stations aren't open. You buy the ticket when you arrive at the end of line. We made part if the way there and then the train stopped and everyone got off. Being ignorant tourists, we sat there and looked around in confusion. Eventually, someone mentioned this was as far as the train went and we had to take a bus the rest of the way.
No worries! We made it to Simonstown and started the ~2k walk to the beach.
Here's where my adventure starts. Shortly before we got there, my shoe snapped. I was wearing sandles and one of them would now not stay on my feet. *sigh* Being the hardy Canadian I am, I kept going! I wasn't missing the penguins because of a stupid shoe!
It was amazing. Totally worth doing, even barefoot.
After working out who was sleeping where, I met several of the other volunteers who would be working on various projects. A group of 8 of us decided not to waste the day and take the train to Simonstown, which is where Boulder's Beach and the African Penguins are. At the point I am jet lagged and over whelmed, but doing my darnedest to smile.
Taking the train was an experience in itself because it was Sunday and the ticket stations aren't open. You buy the ticket when you arrive at the end of line. We made part if the way there and then the train stopped and everyone got off. Being ignorant tourists, we sat there and looked around in confusion. Eventually, someone mentioned this was as far as the train went and we had to take a bus the rest of the way.
No worries! We made it to Simonstown and started the ~2k walk to the beach.
Here's where my adventure starts. Shortly before we got there, my shoe snapped. I was wearing sandles and one of them would now not stay on my feet. *sigh* Being the hardy Canadian I am, I kept going! I wasn't missing the penguins because of a stupid shoe!
It was amazing. Totally worth doing, even barefoot.
(Don't miss the pictures section to see some more of my penguin photos! I know I took too many, but I did edit them!)
After the AMAZING penguins, we started to walk back. At this point, my feet started giving in and I was starting to limp. Normally, I would be good for quite a while (I have near Hobbit-like feet!) but the sidewalks are bumpy and sharp here. One of my new friends, Eamon, stayed back with me to try and catch a cab while the others kept walking.
Only there were no cabs to be seen. None. We started walking again figuring we could try at the nearest restaurant or hotel to see if they would call us a cab. But there didn't see to be any of those either... Shortly, we came across a police station. After asking, the officers offered us a lift... So long as we didn't mind riding in the back of the paddy wagon!
After the AMAZING penguins, we started to walk back. At this point, my feet started giving in and I was starting to limp. Normally, I would be good for quite a while (I have near Hobbit-like feet!) but the sidewalks are bumpy and sharp here. One of my new friends, Eamon, stayed back with me to try and catch a cab while the others kept walking.
Only there were no cabs to be seen. None. We started walking again figuring we could try at the nearest restaurant or hotel to see if they would call us a cab. But there didn't see to be any of those either... Shortly, we came across a police station. After asking, the officers offered us a lift... So long as we didn't mind riding in the back of the paddy wagon!
That's a view I bet most tourists never get!
Next post will be a tour of the Township.
Next post will be a tour of the Township.