A Taste of South Africa The flight from NYC to Johannesburg is 16 hrs.-non-stop. L Nancy and I thought it wise that we partially acclimate to the time changes by spending a few days in NYC prior to the long haul. There is a limit as to how much I want to torture myself flying at this point in my life. I looked into Business Class tickets for this exceptionally long series of flights-about $10K/PP. Fortunately all of the seats were sold out :) but I would have been tempted... Between seeing the Book of Mormon Broadway show-a scream, lunch in Central Park, the “High Line”, 9/11 Memorial, Empire State Building and a number of the other “must do’s”, I have to say-I love New York City! It was not what I expected for my first real visit there. Few horns honking, probably the friendliest, most helpful people I’ve ever run across anywhere in the U.S. and great food and atmosphere everywhere you venture out to. Add trendy little roof top bars, great shopping and so much within walking distance-we had a simply incredible mini-vacation experience prior to taking on the Dark Continent. Our 10-day trip was put together by Vered Hasharon Tours, based in Israel with an office here in the U.S. in Maryland . Ari Marom, the company’s CEO and our personal guide did a superb job for us from start to finish. “Us” consisted of my girlfriend Nancy, my cousin Sue, Patty & Paul, long time Sacramento friends and Joyce & Sara, travel agents from New Jersey . The attached wild game photos are from 3 days of game drives in Pilanesberg and Kruger National Parks-3 and 5 hrs. respectively from “Joburg”. I have had similar experiences in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania but we had many more very “close encounters” here which added a greater element of adventure-which at times, was palpable. The lioness that walked unafraid within 10’ of our open touring vehicle made me question the sport of game drives and yet would not have wanted this experience any other way. For we animal people, this was all quite cool… Cape Town is the most beautiful city I have ever seen-partially because of its breathtaking back drop, Table Mountain . In many ways the area reminded us of the Northern California coast. The dynamic Stellenbosch wine region is quite comparable to the Napa Valley in both beauty and the quality of the wines. Top of the line wine is $10/bottle, $1.50-$3.00 a glass-we did not miss a single night of imbibing, liberally! On a spectacularly beautiful sunny day we saw huge “Right” whales hundreds of feet below us from the lighthouse cliffs at Cape Point, located at the very tip of the Cape of Good Hope. Down the road near Simon’s Town I saw my first colony of penguins-dapper characters with their natty little black tie looks. The travel Gods were definitely with us on this odyssey as every single day was mild and sunny. I came away from this trip more impressed with Mr. Nelson Mandela than any single prominent figure I have ever known anything about. His story is incredible as to the point of being almost unbelievable. We visited his hiding place during the earlier struggle for racial equality at Liliesleaf, his home in Soweto , the cell at Robben Island where Mr. Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison and finally his home in Johannesburg where his days are surely numbered. There are thousands of small rock thank-yous and prayers surrounding the property. This hero to a nation is finally winding down at age 95. Maybe if you can, see the movie “Invictus” or at the least read the poem of the same name written by William Ernest Henely*, you might better understand why this man is so strong and so revered. He is an inspiration to so many in his homeland and now to me as well… So, bottom line, if you are a traveler that wants to see some of the best there is to see on this planet-South Africa is a must do. If you can figure out a way to get there that is a little easier on your body I would suggest it. If I return I would probably stay in Europe for a few days to adjust then head south. You need your stamina on a trip to South Africa and though we all managed pretty well, I believe we were all tested just a bit… I will be looking forward at a visit to Jordan and Israel sometime early into the new year and will be working with “Ari” . He took exceptional care of us. I have been to Israel once before and loved it but Petra is on my Bucket List and combining these two fascinating countries seems like a perfect fit. If anyone is interested in joining us please let me know. Travel as often as you can, travel safely and have fun! Tom [email protected]/916-265-3939 *Invictus By William Ernest Henley 1849–1903 Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 06:13:04 +0000
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