May 15 A picture is worth a 1000 words

Deb: As Brenda and Di are off to their safari, it’s just the Kuffners going hiking today. It’s strange travelling with just the four of us and we miss our friends.

Our first stop is Mac Mac pools – natural rock pools north of Sabie. Brendan took his shoes off and tested the waters. In his words, “It’s freeeeeeeeeeeeeezing!!!” We sat marvelling at the natural phenomenon when Brendan said, “Hey, guys, these pools are not natural.” He had spotted the concrete reinforcements. We all felt a little cheated. We did, however, do a beautiful hike around a rock-strewn mountain. The formations were other-worldly – boulders piled on top of each other like massive cairns.

Our next stop was Mac Mac Falls a kilometre up the road. Unfortunately, the path was closed for repairs. We stopped at the craft market on the way out and bought what would be our one souvenir of Africa – a soapstone statue carving of a family of four. We’ll be sending it and any extras that we’ve accumulated home with Brenda in a week’s time. We want to head to Asia with as little luggage as possible as we will be without a car.

After a drive back through Sabie we headed towards Bridal Veil Falls. Following a short fifteen minute hike straight up we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the falls. The ‘veil’ is created by the mist created by the water thundering on the rocks bordering the pool of water below (Joe: As the falls reach terminal velocity after falling about 50m of the 70m, individual water droplets form creating a wonderful mist that spreads with the breeze creating the dreamy bridal veil for the final 20m of their decent).

Brendan: The elephant santuary was pretty fun. The elephants were huge. I was really nervous. I thought that they would trample me. But they didn’t. In fact they were really tame and we got to hold their tusks, feed them, touch the soles of their feet. Did you know that elephant have 16 sounds to communicate with other elephants and humans can only pick up five of them. The other 11 sounds are through the ground’s vibration –elephants pick up but the “sounds” through cracks in their feet - humans can’t feel them nor hear them. Their were two elephants there. The big one’s name was Kaspar he was 25 years old and 4.5 tonnes. The little one’s name was something like Itzuit and he was 10 years old. After the lesson we were able to walk them around. First of all it felt like they were chasing us around and you would have to walk faster and faster. We also got to feed them elephant treats. After a while they said “do you want an elephant kiss” I had no idea what it was until the elephant put his trunk to my neck an sucked with incredible force. You would not belive what it felt like, it was as if my face was being torn off. Over all, it was an amazing experience.

It was a great day – lots of fresh air, exercise, and unique African scenery.

Dinner was remarkable in that it was the first time that Brendan had ever had Indian curry. He delved into both the lamb and chicken dishes and munched happily on papadum. Ryan has already developed a taste for spicy food and enjoyed his meal greatly, too. Joe and I were in heaven – we eat Indian once a week at home and, after a couple of months without, were experiencing withdrawal!

Once home I headed over to Brenda and Di’s chalet. They talked excitely for over an hour about their safari experience in Kruger – they were the only clients and had their guide (who was exceptional) all to themselves.

We have one more day at Hippo Hollow before heading to a private game reserve, Kapama River Lodge. It’s supposed to be quite posh and we’re looking forward to it greatly. We’ll be doing both early morning and night safaris. Boma dinners will be accompanied with local music, dancing, and entertainment.

Di and Brenda will be accompanying us to Johannesburg for a few tours and then are off to Capetown. They will be staying with Kyrt and RJ at the same bed and breakfast that we stayed at while there. They are going to have a wonderful time touring with Kyrt and experiencing the warm atmosphere of ‘Seamore Express’!

Our six weeks in South Africa are soon coming to an end and although we are excited about our journey, we are sad to be leaving this unbelievably beautiful country. Our trip here has been wonderful!

In preparation for India Joe and I are reading a hilarious Bill Byrson-like book that provides a unique insight into the transcendental charms of India entitled ‘Holy Cow!’. It is written by an Australian woman who was posted in India and she calls it as she sees it – an unsanitized, highly enteraining romp through India.