Black rhino

Both the black AND white rhino reside in this park. Black rhino have two horns on their nose (like the one in the picture). They weigh 1,750 - 3,000 lbs (800 - 1,350 kg), but , for their weight and 'bulkiness' they are extremely fleet-of-foot, and can outrun a human being easily.

Kinga Freespirit

R.I.P ~ 9 June 2006

I was so moved by her book. Kinga was a brave woman, who feared nothing. She embraced life with all its challenges, and carved a path of her own in her very own special and soft way. Her book follows her and her love's (Chopin) trail around the world, as they hitch hike and grab rides on trucks and boats etc., describing in the most incredible detail and infinite love; the humble and giving people they meet, the cultures they embrace, the raw food they eat, the soil they touch, the sky they fly.

Thank you Kinga for touching my life so. I am so glad to have known you for the brief time I did.

Kinga's site

Kinga's book for sale on Amazon

The gentle stripe?

Many people think that the zebra is a gentle and mild-mannered animal. This is incorrect. It doesnt take much for them to take fright, and get upset, they can be quite unpredictable too. If their ears fold back, the best thing is to get out of the area as quickly as you can (without frightening the animals of course). Each stripe on a zebra is different and this is how zebras recognise one another.

Rare leopard sighting!

The most elusive of the Big Five are the leopards. They are mostly solitary creatures, and live near rocky outcrops. We were driving along and a ranger stopped next to us in his khaki-green landy and told us that there had been a spotting of a leopard around the next bend! So off we went, very excited and full of anticipation I might add!

As we rounded the bend, there it was. A sole leopard, calmly walking alongside the road (!!!!!)

Now I have been to game parks plenty of times, and have NEVER viewed a leopard yet, so we were all so excited. The leopard didn’t seem at all worried about our presence. We turned the air conditioning off so there was less noise, and slowly (very slowly) followed the leopard on its walk. This I think is one of my most poignant moments when game viewing, and I relive the excitement I felt whilst writing this even!

Then, out of the bally blue, we heard a thump thump of music, and then there, careering around the corner (going far too fast for the park!!!!!), was a silly and inconsiderate driver, driving too fast, with music that was far too loud for a game park. Of course, the leopard took fright and within a minute, he was lost in the tall grass. Drat! I could have gladly clouted the fool.

Anyway, we got to spend about 5 minutes silently following the trail of the most elusive animal, and we were delighted! The photo was taken just after he dashed into the grass, and if you look very carefully (as he is quite camouflaged), you can spot him :)

Pilansberg Game Reserve

Pilansberg is a perfect outing for a family. One can come on a day visit from Johannesburg (2 hour drive away), or come for the weekend. One can come and camp or live it up more luxuriously. It is quite convenient in location, and has a lot to offer. When one is in really big parks, with facilities quite far from one another, it isn’t very pleasant travelling with children often. When they need to go, they need to go! They also might get grumpy in the car after a while, understandably.

Pilansberg is a good size park, but isn’t massive, so this s good from this aspect. It has a restaurant that serves good food, and service was fine. My immediate family live on 3 continents, the UK, South Africa, and the United States. So when we DO manage to get together, it s a special time indeed!!!

Pilansberg was a good choice to go to so we could spend time together on African soil, plus introduce my new American sister-in-law to this beautiful country and her wild animals. She had never seen an elephant before, sans from books and postcards (not even in a zoo!), so she was gob smacked when she saw the size of the lumbering beast for the first time. I have been to this park a few times, but this time it was extra special, as I was viewing it through her experiencing it for the first time :)

The African Lost City

The brain child of a man who had a Standard 8 (which in international terms means he did not complete his basic schooling), Sol Kerzner went on to create a fantasy-land in the form of The Lost City, with an incredibly expensive and ultra-luxurious palace, with facilities only movie stars can afford. The penthouse suite is a not-so-small fortune per night! More than 5 star material! Luxury in the extreme. This consists of a stunning fairytale hotel, and a waterworld-wonderland. There is a fake sea (with real beach sand and rolling waves), rapids, quite a few water rides etc. A lot of fun for adults and children alike.

He has built an oasis in the midst of this, and created employment for thousands of locals, where unemployment is rife. We never got to go here as kids because we didn’t have the extra money for the excursion, but as a young adult I started to go a few times with friends from Technikon, for pop concerts (Richard Marx), and to spend the day in the sun and sea in The Lost City.

Not being one who enjoys gambling, I didn’t do much of that – but if you DO enjoy gambling, this is a gambling mecca! They do conduct a 'responsible gambling policy', not sure exactly what that entails, but as it can become an addiction, they have obviously taken strides to prevent this. They work in conjunction with a National Responsible Gambling Programme Toll Free Helpline: 0800 006 008.

Easily driveable from Johannesburg (2 hours drive), this is a lovely day outing/week end getaway for the family, or with friends. There is a bus service that operates from some of Johannesburg's finest hotels.

London's urban hike with Jenniflower

Regent Street

A wonderful way to see and experience London: walking. Come and join in!

Begin London's urban hike at the Lancaster Gate entrance to Hyde Park, just off Bayswater Road. Reach Lancaster Gate by underground via the Lancaster Gate tube station. Start the hike sufficiently early in the morning to be able to visit Hyde Park at a pleasant time.

Discover Hyde Park by walking through the park to the Marble Arch. Until late 19th century, Marble Arch was the site of public hangings. From Marble Arch continue east along Oxford Street. This street is London's most important and crowded shopping district. Major department stores are found here. Selfridges, Debenhams, C and A's, and Liberty's are all located on in the area. Do some browsing, but try not to buy anything on the walk, as whatever you buy, you have to carry! Hikers carry water and plasters only! ;)

Where Oxford intersects Regent Street, turn right and continue down this stunning street until you reach Piccadilly Circus. Hamley's is a favourite stop ~ 6 stories of delight for all ages!

(this first photo was taken with my camera phone, so is poor quality unfortunately)

Okay, and then?

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and movie theaters.

This is where I work! I really enjoy my lunch hours, where I amble around to the art galleries, squares and sights all around me. I feel very spoilt sometimes to be working in such a beautiful and historic place. Anyway, that aside, you are on a hike and must try and savour the sights around you, but not be distracted! lol

From Piccadilly Circus, follow Piccadilly to Leicester Square. Leicester Square is where all the movie premiers take place, and where stars turn up in the freezing cold weather of winter in skimpy dresses, pretending not to feel the cold :)

From Leicester Square, walk along Charing Cross Road to Trafalgar Square.

From stars to columns to squares...

Lord Nelson's Column is found in the center of Trafalgar Square. Before reaching Trafalgar, pass directly by the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery. The National Gallery is located on the north side of Trafalgar Square.

National Gallery

From Trafalgar Square, continue up the Strand. This is London's theatrical district. The Strand becomes Fleet Street in several blocks. Fleet Street is the legendary home of the British press.

Wedding bells, something smells ;)

Catch a bus (preferably a red Routemaster!) from Fleet Street to St Paul's Cathedral. St Paul's Cathedral was built by the great architect Christopher Wren. This gorgeous, baroque cathedral was completed in 1711. Prince Charles and Princess Diane were married here. A visit to St Paul's should include the crypt beneath the church.

St Pauls Cathedral

One can walk up some stairs, all the way up to the cathedral's rotunda. It is a spectacular view :) St Paul's floor plan is a lateran cross. The rotunda is located directly above the center of the cross.

From the dome to the tower to the crown...

Take the St Paul's tube to the Tower Hill Station. The Tower of London is located here.

William the Conqueror began the Tower in about 1078. In subsequent years, much English history has involved the Tower. Imprisonment, torture, murder, and execution have all contributed to establishing the Bloody Tower's reputation. The famous have been housed here awaiting their fate. Henry the VIII imprisoned and then executed his wives Ann Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and Margaret Vicountessa of Salisbury within the Tower. Elizabeth I was, herself, kept a prisoner at the Tower for some time before becoming queen.

Tower of London

The modern Tower is associated with the Beefeaters or Yeoman Warders who wear the distinctive Tudor style uniforms. The Crown Jewels of England are kept here. White's Chapel within the Tower contains a superb museum, including a well displayed armour collection. One could spend an entire day here... But YOU cannot! You have a hike to complete... move on now!

Bridging the water... not swimming it!

After visiting the Tower, walk along the Thames River. There are some British navy ships anchored along the Thames that can be visited (H.M.S Belfast being a particular favourite), or, for the Tower Bridge enthusiasts, there is a walkway along the upper level of the Tower Bridge that can be used to cross the bridge. From the Tower, take the underground to Tottenham Court Road Station, and Bloomsbury, London.

Looking out over the Thames, inside Tower Bridge

Bloomsbury's fame is often linked to two reasons, the British Museum and the economist John Maynard Keynes. The British Museum is only one block to the west of Tottenham Court Road Station. The British Museum is a favorite of Londoners. The museum's large collection includes exhibits of things from classical times to the present. A half day or more can be effortlessly spent exploring the British Museum.

Meet up with Ben and Abbey!

Next, take the tube to Westminster Station. The British Parliament Buildings are located in the Palace of Westminster. Big Ben is also found here. Walk across the Thames River Bridge for a famous view of Parliament. If Parliament is in session, admission to the strangers' gallery in either the House of Commons or Lords may be possible.

Westminster Abbey is next to Westminster. Since 1050 AD, all but two of England's kings and queens have been crowned at Westminster Abbey. Many of England's monarches are also buried here. Brass rubbings from Westminster Abbey are familiar decor. These brass rubbings can be made from cathedral artifacts. Purchase paper and ink and try a brass rubbing.

Westminster

After leaving Westminster Abbey, walk across Parliament Square and north on Whitehall. Downing Street is a few blocks up Whitehall on the left hand side. While visitors are no longer allowed outside 10 Downing Street, the famous residence can still be seen from Whitehall.

...end it off with tea with Lizzy :)

After leaving 10 Downing Street, return to Parliament Square and walk up Birdcage Walk to St. James Park. Walk through St. James Park to the Mall.

Buckingham Palace is at the opposite end of the mall. If the Queen is in residence, one can see her distinctive flag with the three lions of England above the palace. The changing of the guard takes place at Buckingham Palace at 11:30 am every day in the summer and every other day in the winter. Buckingham Palace completes the London urban hike!

Buckingham Palace

We hope your enjoyed your virtual hike with us... now why not do it for REAL? The London experience will be substantially better for first having got out and found the city on foot, this we can guarentee!

Going back to South Africa ~ the reality

Jobs arent that plentiful in South Africa and an entrepeneuring spirit is needed if you want to have a roof over your head and food in your tum. So, we will go back with our thinking caps on and hopefully create jobs for ourselves as well as others... there is alot of opportunity available! It's just a question of time.

We are wanting to work with Hiv AIDS orphans when we return home to South Africa, we have had the privilege of working with some orphans before and look forward to returning to this work in a fuller capacity, although at this stage we are unsure in what capacity.

So many children are orphaned not once, but twice, and three fold sometimes too. Two generations of people are being wiped out.

They need our help. NOW.

Travelwires

Travelwires is a new website detailing what's going on in the tourism industry, primarily within South Africa. It has some very interesting articles and information!

My birthday!

Thanks everyone for the emails, comments and phone calls, it sure made my day, especially as I have been in bally bed all day. Caught a nasty little bug on Friday. Still on apple juice and water. Off work till Wednesday.

Something that REALLY sucks is that hubby has organised a 'surprise' chocolate birthday cake for me, and I can't eat any!!!! Aaaaaaaaaahhhh... (I say 'surprise'.. as he tried to hide it in the kitchen on top of the fridge behind something, but I found it hehe ;) It's really large too... I am not sure who else he is expecting tonight??? haha

Scrumptious huh?... yeah I can live with that!!! :))

*5 mins later!*

The 'mystery' of the cake is no longer a mystery.. hah... he was expecting family round tonight, which he's had to cancel due to me being ill.