In the Bush

After spending those last weeks travelling around east and southern Africa, it was either time to pack up and head home or find a solution to stay longer. And here is the solution. While in Namibia I picked up a job at a lodge in Etosha National Park.

Shortly after my visit to Johannesburg I flew back to Tanzania to pick up the rest of my belongings. Augustine kept my room and all of my things in order while I was away. I only spent two days in Morogoro before heading back to Dar Es Salaam to catch my flight to Namibia. It was great to meet the new volunteer staff with YCI and to sit with Jessica and Godfrey. I was craving local food so we went out for some mishikaki and chipsi.

So now I am working and living at a lodge in the middle of the bush. It is still under renovation and will be a spectacular 106-room property when finished. We currently only have a few guests in house, but just a few days ago we did have a tour group of 100 guests. The lodge has an airstrip and most groups fly in. This group flew in on two DC-6 aircraft. Unbelievable machines!The experience so far is hard to describe. Its been almost two weeks and everything is amazing. Last week we had lions roaming the property and there is always the possibility of crossing paths with a spitting cobra or black mamba when heading home after work. Not to worry. The closest medical facilities are only one hour away. I really am in the bush.

J-Bay to Jo'burg

Now you might be wondering why I haven't written any new information about my travels. The answer is quite simple; exciting fun! The past days in Jeffreys Bay have turned from one night to two, and in the end, to five nights. No doubt due to the convincing of Emma at reception.

Each day, more and more interesting people would pass through. People travelling from Norway, Egypt, Mauritius, Sweden, Holland, France, UK, Brazil, Canada and the US. And the staff (like the bar staff, Ronel, Werner, Kim, and Fabian) compliment the vibe and everything about the place; hence the name Island Vibe I guess.

After spending at least two hours surfing everyday, sometimes four, we would head in for lunch and then for a relaxing nap. Love the napping. And then after the napping some more surfing and lounging around. This place is amazing. Then as the sun went down the bar turned into a party. It felt like being in someone's house or being at home with friends, a lot of friends.

Every day came the thought of leaving, but there was no reason to. The only way I was going to leave was if I booked a flight out to Tanzania. So I did. And I booked it all the way back to Namibia.

J-Bay, or at least Island Vibe, is one of the greatest places to relax and meet friends.

I met Adam from Egypt and Alex from Mauritius who were heading up to Port Elizabeth and was able to catch a lift with them. Great guys.

From PE I flew to Johannesburg to meet up with Shannon who I met in Swakopmund. She picked me up from the airport and it took us four hours on a normal 45 minute route. Imagine the hectic traffic during the 2010 Worldcup. I will crash here for two night before flying to Dar Es Salaam and head back to Morogoro to pick up my things. Nothing exciting in Jo'burg.