Yesterday was a DELIGHTFUL day. Kerry and I shared a taxi to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden around 12:30 pm- split up as soon as we got there and decided to meet back up at 4pm. As soon as I walked in I was amazed... every single thing about this place is beautiful- and it's HUGE! There are dozens and dozens of trails, some of which are hiking trails, the longest of which takes about three hours to walk, the shortest takes only 15 minutes. Then there are brick trails that meander throughout, with paths shooting off those everywhere as well. There are about two dozen different garden themes, for example the fragrance garden or the garden with really old plants (I should have brought the brochure with me in order to write this, clearly). I didn't pay much attention to where I was going, or to the specific plant types, I just wandered and wandered, going whichever direction looked the most interesting or Secret Garden-ish. There were huge open areas of grass, where lots of people were laying out, picnicking, playing soccer, etc. There were also paths through densely wooded areas where you couldn't even see the sky. There were several ponds and streams running throughout as well, where kids were wading and playing. One of my favorite areas was a natural spring that flowed down into a waterfall- I was very tempted to drink the water (crystal clean) but all these cholera reports had me scared. Too bad. But the best part: all of this has the incredible backdrop of several mountains that the garden is right at the base of- really stunning. Every plant throughout was labeled, and there were tons of signs with interesting garden information and facts (yes even I found some of it interesting). Three things I kept thinking while I was here: (1) This would be Mom and Dad's heaven. You guys must come here- for the plants, the hikes, and Dad you would have a field day taking pictures (I think I took ~100). (2) This would have been the type of place that Kristin, Karen and I would have LOVED to play in when we were little. You two can probably imagine what I mean (think Ochsenreiter Forest/Crocodile Isle times about a million). And (3)I was so incredibly HAPPY the whole time I was there. It was just such a gorgeous day, in really one of the most beautiful places I have maybe ever been- where everything was so well done and not to mention it was cheap to be there (~$3). I just loved it all. So yeah, that is why yesterday was delightful! I will probably go back soon. (Additionally, I have decided I would like to get married there but that is just a side note).
Kirstenbosch.
When I got home I layed out on the back patio and read for a while. Around 10pm Friederike and I went to Panchos, a Mexican restaurant in Obs that was so cute and festive (actually kind of reminded me of Playa del Carmen) and really crowded- Obs is pretty hopin' apparently. Sofia met us there and we had dinner and a drink and then came home to go to bed. Nice night though- and I am liking these girls more and more.
Woke up this morning around 9 am to go to Gary's Surf School with Friederike! We took the train to Muzinberg, which is about 45 minutes from Obs (and very conveniently the train station is just a couple blocks from our house and the train only cost ~$1 round trip). Gary's Surf School is another one of AVIVA's projects, where the volunteers learn to surf and then give lessons. The plan was for me to get a lesson (Friederike has been like 5 times already), but when we got there it was really overcast and there were basically NO waves. So instead of paying for a lesson (250R, about $25) in crappy conditions, we both just rented wet suits and boards (50R for an hour- cheap!) and decided I would attempt surfing without any lessons (ha ha). In short, it was hard. The waves were very small, which makes getting up on the board harder, and you would have to wait about 5 minutes, then three decent sized waves would come all in a row, and then you would have to wait again... not great. I almost got up so many times and I think that with any type of lessons I would have, but oh well. We did this for an hour and then came in, showered off and went to get coffee at one of the surf shops with one of the AVIVA volunteers there. Caught a train home around 2pm. I am really glad we went and that I got to give surfing a shot, it was neat to see Muzinberg and all the surfers and what it's all about. Don't know that I'll have time to go back though.
Tonight we (me, Friederike and Sofia) were going to go on a sunset cruise at the Waterfront but it is still overcast so we probably won't. Plan to go out on Long Street later though. Tomorrow we are going to go to what is supposed to be a really good market and then we are going to climb Lion's Head with a picnic dinner at sunset- sounds nice huh?
I FINALLY was able to get pictures onto Facebook and email some to Mom (who is supposed to pass them on), but I still cannot get them to load onto my blog (something wrong with the sizing). I am very bummed and sorry about this, I'll have to go back later and add them in (boo).
That is all for now!! Time for some sushi.
1 comment:
aaaaaahhhhhh...what a lovely few days! It DOES sound absolutely delightful, Lauren. I got the pictures and they're huge, which is why you're having such trouble loading them. They're great, though, and gives a good sense of where you are and what you're up to - the perfect combination of service and sights and fun. Keep it up and keep in touch! love you, Mom oxox
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