We woke this morning to find out that Di had been up for most of the night with a major migraine. Luckily she was well enough in the morning to join us for our trip to the Cradle of Humankind, where excavations have revealed is the site of the beginning of human civilization.
After an hour’s drive we had difficulty locating the site. No one that we asked knew where it was. The signage in South Africa is often abysmal. Was it possible that there was no actual interpretation centre? That’s what we thought for a period of time and we were extremely disappointed. We had seen a sign for caves, however, and we decided to head there. Thankfully, that is where the centre was. We were met by a guide who led us to the museum explaining the archeological finds revealing skeletons 3.2 milllion years old – one of the the first homanids. It was fascinating. Our guide took us well into the cave system where excavations are still taking place. The site of the discovery of Little Foot was actually not open to the public as the excavations was still underway. We got to peek into where they were working and thought “we’re just meters away from one of the most important discoveries ever”! The caves were stunning and we were a small group going through so we had the opportunity to ask tons of questions.
After the caves we headed over to Maropeng. The museum was brilliant! One of the best we have ever been to. The recreations of early man were incredible. It was a very interactive educational experience in the Cradle of Humankind. It seems that scientist now agree that mankinds birth was in Africa – a question of whether here or in Ethiopia. The exhibits includes a 4-senses boat ride through the creation of earth, and then exhibits on the history of man and the various theories on how/where we came from. The museum concldes with actual fossils and bnes in a secure vault. Very entertaining.
Our plan for the trip home was thwarted by heavy traffic. We ageed that we would take a wide berth of Johanesberg. We instead took the highway towards Pretoria, and then highway back towards the airport (near to where we are staying). It was a great idea, and we arrived back safely in about an hour. And, we happened to drive by a IPL Cricket match underway on the way. We watched it when we retured to the guesthouse. Quite a coincidence. For those who do not know the IPL is the Indian Premiere League Cricket. For safety reasons (apparently India is not safe?!), the league moved to South Africa for this year's season. It has been an amazing success and we’ve been watching it quite regularly. Who says we aren’t learning anything on this trip?
After an hour’s drive we had difficulty locating the site. No one that we asked knew where it was. The signage in South Africa is often abysmal. Was it possible that there was no actual interpretation centre? That’s what we thought for a period of time and we were extremely disappointed. We had seen a sign for caves, however, and we decided to head there. Thankfully, that is where the centre was. We were met by a guide who led us to the museum explaining the archeological finds revealing skeletons 3.2 milllion years old – one of the the first homanids. It was fascinating. Our guide took us well into the cave system where excavations are still taking place. The site of the discovery of Little Foot was actually not open to the public as the excavations was still underway. We got to peek into where they were working and thought “we’re just meters away from one of the most important discoveries ever”! The caves were stunning and we were a small group going through so we had the opportunity to ask tons of questions.
After the caves we headed over to Maropeng. The museum was brilliant! One of the best we have ever been to. The recreations of early man were incredible. It was a very interactive educational experience in the Cradle of Humankind. It seems that scientist now agree that mankinds birth was in Africa – a question of whether here or in Ethiopia. The exhibits includes a 4-senses boat ride through the creation of earth, and then exhibits on the history of man and the various theories on how/where we came from. The museum concldes with actual fossils and bnes in a secure vault. Very entertaining.
Our plan for the trip home was thwarted by heavy traffic. We ageed that we would take a wide berth of Johanesberg. We instead took the highway towards Pretoria, and then highway back towards the airport (near to where we are staying). It was a great idea, and we arrived back safely in about an hour. And, we happened to drive by a IPL Cricket match underway on the way. We watched it when we retured to the guesthouse. Quite a coincidence. For those who do not know the IPL is the Indian Premiere League Cricket. For safety reasons (apparently India is not safe?!), the league moved to South Africa for this year's season. It has been an amazing success and we’ve been watching it quite regularly. Who says we aren’t learning anything on this trip?
At the guesthouse, we discovered that a punk band from the Netherlands is here! We had a terrific evening getting to know the 5 band members, their manager and local promoters. Maybe we'll go to the bar tomorrow night to see them. The band is "No Turning Back".
What a fascinating excursion! You guys are really starting from the beginning. Oh, off to India it is then...Duh.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, Brendan you make a bad monkey (as you are upright and blond) but cute photo with the Neanderthals. Looks like you're getting enough to eat cause you appear to be growing like a weed. Looking good.
Ryan, hoping the Cricket takes the place of your beloved Hockey for the time being? Great to see you in the photos - your a Modern MAN now eh.
Love you all. Please be careful. LOVED Your call from Mumbai and the knowledge that it used to be Bombay gives me a bit more prospective than the recent Millionaire Movie. Stay well - Love you LOTS. Thanks for the calls and keep them coming (how about a post card? from Mumbai maybe? Love you, Judie & Mats & The Cats
Hey Brendan,you are lucky you weren't there last friday we had the track meet. In the track meet we hade to run a lot, plus it was cold and it was raining. Hey and those are cool caves.
ReplyDeleteFrom your freind, Sebastien.8-)