After a very sad evening of good-byes, I woke up feeling just yucky! It is hard to explain, but I know these children receive many unkept promises from the parents they do have, and am sure it is difficult to have people in and out of their lives. I know I will see them again before I return to the states, however I could not tell them that at this time. So it was more hugs and kisses, with a huge lump in my throat, as we prepared to take the older children to school. On the drive, I quickly pulled out my camera and had the children make funny faces. We all had fun enjoying all the pictures we had taken. They are very good at making silly faces!
Lana and Tyler dropped me off at the East London Airport where I rented a car for my road trip through the Garden Coast. Thank you Marilyn for the suggestion to drive this part of the country, it really is stunning! As I pulled out of the lot, I soon realized I had no power steering, no power windows, and no power seats. Well when you are on a budget, you get what you get!
My first day's drive took me along the Indian Ocean coastline which was stunning. At one point, a monkey crossed the highway. All by his lonesome, just walking across the highway. Pretty funny! As I left a very dry Komga area, I found the coastline to be a beautiful green, with plush, rich foliage. And then the mountain range started which was amazing! The road twists and turns, winds up hills, and rolls back down, offering a beautiful sight over each new turn. I would be driving along, then up over a hill, and see this beautiful ocean view, just stunning. The mountain cliffs were along one side of the highway, with the ocean on the other. The hillsides were painted with color as the flowers were blooming. You would see beautiful homes in the cliffs overlooking the ocean, and then you would come upon a township made up of plywood hammered together to create a home. I ended the first day of driving staying at a lovely B&B on the water in Wilderness which was very charming.
Day two began driving along the coastline headed towards the southern most point of South Africa. There are so many bays that invite you to stop and enjoy all they have to offer. The shoreline was again stunning with beautiful views all along the way. I found the southern most tip, Cape Ag, to be very flat and very rocky. That evening I made it to Hermanus, which is known as the land capital of whale watching. Upon driving through the town, I parked and was able to see the whales in the bay, wow!! They are just something to behold!!
This day began with a walk along the cliffs in search of whales. It was wonderful! And I saw so many whales! They were lifting their tails in the water, they were rolling on top of the water, and they were blowing water! It was so exciting! There were Moms and their calves. I didn't want to leave! Next on my road trip was a visit to the wine country. It was suggested that I take a mountain pass into the wine country so I did. What a beautiful ride! I am not sure I was actually on a road, it was dirt, was graded in some places, and not in others, however it was a beautiful ride through the mountains. As I was winding down the mountain, coming out of a hairpin turn, I found a bunch of monkeys playing around, or monkeying around on the road! They were too funny! Of course I had to pull over and enjoy their antics for some time. Froenschoek is a very beautiful, pristine, artsy, wine town with a French flair to it. The next stop was at a winery called Spier in Stellenbosch. It is not only a winery, it also has a cheetah reserve which is where I went right away. I was able to pet four baby cheetahs who were just adorable. This evening I made it to Gordon's Bay and stayed at a lovely Beach Lodge.
And the next day, I finally made it into Cape Town. What a beautiful city! I started exploring at the Waterfront which is filled with shops, restaurants, and anything a tourist could possibly want. I had hoped to visit Robben Island however they were sold out of tickets for two days. So I explored the waterfront and then ventured over to Table Mountain and rode the cable car to the top of the mountain - absolutely stunning! The views were amazing from the top!! I was able to stay in Gordon's Bay another evening so returned to the Beach Lodge.
And for my last day of holiday before beginning my next volunteer work, I chose to continue driving along the coast and find the penguin colony. It is known as Stoney Point and is located in Betty's Bay and is quite amazing. It is a marine and nature reserve with built in planks or walk ways around the reserve. The walk takes you through a colony of penguins living on the coast line and the rocks. The penguins have built tunnels and nests under the shrubs and in the ground, and would scamper all around. They would hide under the plankways and then peek out - lots of fun to watch. There were lots of chubby, fuzzy babies which I believe is a definite sign of a healthy colony. The ride back to Gordon's Bay was along the coast, with the mountain cliffs on one side, and the ocean on the other. I felt if I just leaned a little to the right, I would roll right into the ocean. A very exhilarating ride!
I was not able to work with the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity in Cape Town and will try to locate them in Joberg. Tomorrow I meet with volunteers of Sparrow Ministries and will begin serving with them. Thank you again for all your many prayers for the children and for me, we all appreciate them.
Thanks for posting and sharing some pictures from Open Arms Home. The kiddies are so adorable and I love their names! Your road trip sounds absolutely amazing! I hope you took some pictures to share with everyone. So your journey continues at Sparrow Ministries.....where you will attempt to memorize the names of 225 kids! Ha ha! Can’t wait to read about this adventurous experience. Sweeeeeeet!
Posted by: Yui Chan | September 10, 2007 at 09:10 AM