Out of Africa: Garden Route!

Hello! I survived my Spring Break. The fears of not surviving included: being run off the road (left side, that is) by crazy South Africans, being eaten alive on a safari, trampled by an elephant, pecked to death by an ostrich, or something drastic in the Indian Ocean. NONE OF THAT HAPPENED!!! I'll take you all on a brief, day-by-day description.
Friday: Visit an AIDS clinic for class, but barely take it all in because I was too excited/nervous about renting the car and then driving said car. After a great trip to the clinic, we were on our way. We were supposed to have a Yaris and I was looking forward to getting a Flip video of a Yaris in South Africa to complement Thomson's video of a Yaris in Nica, but we ended up with a nice Honda Civic. Emily, the other 21 year old driver, and I drove around a parking garage for about 15 minutes before hitting Main Road.... We took off for the N2 towards George and arrived in Mossel Bay around 6, just in time for some dinner. Mexican, of course. The drive was beautiful and quite hilly and mountainy. Drivers turned out to be friendly once we got out of the city.
Saturday: Our hostel man told us of a cheaper safari than the one we had originally planned, so in the morning, we went to Botlierskop Game Reserve for a day of safari-ing and elephant riding. The safari was great. It was only the four of us and the guide, Neil. He took us all around the reserve, which is owned by a private family. We could get out at the giraffes and were about 15 feet away from them. Neil told us that two died last year; one from drowning and the other was struck by lightning. A natural lightning rod, I suppose. The elephant ride was so cool. I had no idea how it would work and I decided not to overthink it too much. Details such as getting on and then steering were pushed to the back of my mind. I was on the dad/husband in the family of 3. Sam is 42 years old. Tsotsie, the mom/wife is 38 and her name means mischievous from her youth. Their son, Chima, means surprise because no one knew he was coming. He is 4 and still in "class" to become and elephant safe to ride. The two adults were saved from a culling program, where they kill elephants to reduce overpopulation.
Sunday: This was a busy day. We started out at an ostrich farm. They farm ostrich here like we farm cattle. I stood on the egg and sat on the beast and fed it little pellets. I decided to not die of a heart attack by riding it. I can only handle so much bird. After that, we were driving to the Cango Caves, when we passed our other housemates on the side of the road riding camels. Only in Africa.. The caves were amazing. They were quite cavernous. Apparently, they used to hold concerts in the caves until 1994, when vandalism began to ruin the different rooms. Once we finished the caves, we went to the Cango Wildlife Ranch. It was basically a zoo, but way cooler because..well, it just was.
Monday: We went on a canoe safari in Knysna (pronounced nice-na). It ended up being kayaks, but still fun. I just can't get away from unstable boats on the water. I wore some of my rowing stuff in honor of the day's event.
Tuesday: We were in Plettenberg by now, our last stop before heading home. Here, we went on a waterfall zipline. It was amazing. The owner of the grounds was great and talked two of the group into doing it. He made it sound all deep and life lesson-y. Of course, they loved it! After we finished, we ate lunch while watching crazy people jump off the highest bungee jump in the world. After watching it for so long, I could almost, kind of, a little bit, slightly, talk myself into it. It was cool to watch people go, but I remained comfortable in the cafe. I also went swimming in the Indian Ocean. Not quite as cool as my dad swimming in Antartica, but he can keep that one to himself..
Wednesday: For some reason, we woke up very early on this trip. Since all of the towns we visited were summer towns, and therefore dead, nothing was open in the morning, so we began our long, 7 hour ride home. Magically, my camera died on the ride home!
After we got home, we had the house to ourselves. It was amazing and we took full advantage of it. We basically just ate and slept. It was much needed after having such a busy 2 months. Wow, I have been here for 2 months. I can't believe it's half over!! I have so much to do still!!! Anyways, here are some pictures from the trip. Hope you all enjoy!