"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." - Nelson Mandela
After a long double-overnight voyage from Chicago to Istanbul to Johannesburg (June 2-4), we caught our transfer from the Joburg airport to the Hilton and spent a day getting caught up on rest and adjusting to the new time zone. Candice and I looked at each other and couldn't believe we were in Africa. What seemed to be such a distant land was now under our feet. The vacation that seemed so far off (conceived in 2006, booked in 2009) became our "now."
Throughout the first few transfers in the country, we were overwhelmed with the hospitality and warmth exuding from just about every South African we encountered. They are incredibly proud and passionate to serve as World Cup hosts, and the country was frothing with excitement, ready to explode upon the tournament's start. Cars traveling the motorway, many decorated with South African flags, randomly honked their horns in celebration, the drivers and passengers within thrusting their arms with fists clenched. Vuvuzelas periodically blared from unassuming environs. The people were absolutely pumped.
Selecting an easy, low risk first adventure, we cruised through the mall (yes, a mall) at Nelson Mandela Square and found the entire place tricked out in truckloads of world cup paraphernalia. Every store had soccer balls, jerseys, scarves, etc decorating their display windows such that it required a double take to determine what each store was selling. Merchandise prices were outrageously expensive so we settled for a Thai meal and a good night's sleep to complete our day.
The initial "highlight" of our trip came the morning after our arrival (June 5) when the Windows XP powered NedBank ATM machine spontaneously rebooted in the middle of a transaction and Candice's ATM card was swallowed in the process. We immediately canceled the card with no additional harm done. When she wants to, that woman can be prepared for anything.
On Friday morning we transferred to the charter air field at Johannesburg International (OR Tambo Airport) to begin the most exotic (read luxurious and expensive) segment of the journey: a three night safari at Singita Boulders Lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve adjacent to the world famous Kruger National Park. Here is a map to give you an idea of our destination:
Before takeoff, our pilots relieved any "small plane fears" we had by announcing they drank all the beer in the onboard cooler and thus, only water and sodas remained for the passengers and our 60 minute flight. On arrival at the airstrip, we were greeted by our guide (ranger) JD, tracker Phanuel, and other staff/management before being escorted via open air Land Rover to the magnificent Singita Boulders Lodge. Kobus, our host (the magic hospitality sprite), gave us the lay of the land, daily schedules, and some natural history before guiding us down the elevated wooden walkway to house #7: a 1300 sq foot "suite" with more amenities than I care to put in words. These videos will do far greater justice:
After some lunch on the outdoor terrace and a brief rest, it was on to the first true landmark activity of our stay...the primary reason for just about every visit to this region of the world: the game drive.
Are you kidding me??! That place is fucking awesome. Even without the World Cup, clearly this would be a once in a lifetime trip. Looking forward to seeing more posts.
I finally had time to begin the 'African Odyssey' with you two. Can't wait till the next installment. Did you enjoy everything you're suite had to offer, naked or otherwise
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amazing. can't wait for the rest!
