AFRICA - 26 July - 29 August 2006

July 26, 2006

Don’t know what to say… The adventure begins! I’m still speechless, emotional from leaving. It’s hard. Leaving from the airport was hard, but leaving from my grandparents (Claude and Fleurette) was even harder! But who said it was going to be easy! I’m on the edge of a “panicky state”. Fear, worries, uncertainty are present but with much more curiosity, excitement and impatience. I’m impatient to see and live what’s ahead. I’m one of the lucky! I have the chance to pursuit a dream and to have people around me that encourage me to do so. But all I can think now is «What the hell did I get myself into this time! », and I smile.

Mom (Carole), Dad (Paul), Alexandre (brother), Grand-maman Gertrude, aunt Ghislaine, uncle Serge, aunt Rachael, aunt Lyn and friend Suzie were at the airport to see me off. Love you!

July 27, 2006

I’m in Paris. Well, I’m not an expert in airports yet but I don’t like this one! I had to change terminals twice because of changes in the flight, and then my flight changed locations… I just didn’t know where to go anymore. There’s so many people and fatigue is crushing my entire body!

But other then that, things are fine. I’m waiting for my flight to Johannesburg. It’s weird to speak French in another country then your own. People drive like maniacs here! Everybody toots at everybody! It’s really amusing for some reason to observe people. I so can’t wait to take a shower!! And to sleep in a bed!!!

I’ll be righting from South Africa next…

July 28, 2006

Daddy it’s your birthday!!! I’m thinking of you very much now, so your ear will buzz! I’m sad for not being there…

I’m in Johannesburg!!!!!!!!!! Holly shit! Apparently, Africa has 11 official languages! Sheeshh! Well, lesson number one, don’t mistake “kindness” for “I want a tip”. I figured that one at the airport! He even had the guts to tell how much he wanted as a tip! I thought that was funny and interesting. He insisted so much on bringing my bag! I almost had to fight him not to. So funny! Then, while I was waiting for my ride to Drifters Inn, some guy proposed to me!! What the ….??! Now that is what I call a cultural difference! At least I was smart enough too respectfully but clearly decline! It’s a dam good way to put someone on the spot though!

Temperature is cold (cold for me anyways). It’s not so bad during the day. However, the mornings, evenings and nights can be quiet cold!! Drifters Inn,where I’m staying, is cool.

I’m supposed to call home now. As you can see, I’m stalling. I’ve been trying to build up my courage for the past hour. If I call now, I know I’m going to cry at the sound of their voice. But on the other hand, I don’t want them to worry because I haven’t called like I said I would. I still have this “What the hell did you get yourself into woman!” in my head. I’m a little shaky, exhausted and lonely. Most people from my group arrive tomorrow, and we leave the day after that (on the 30^th). I had to struggle and stay awake all day. I couldn’t go very far. They won’t let me out alone, it’s too dangerous. And, my first thought of the day was “Why didn’t I bring my running shoes??!!” Seriously, what was I thinking, me not bringing my running shoes??

Ok. I’m going to read a little then I’ll call home.

So, that’s what a “cultural shock” feels like I assume.

August 2, 2006

Oups.. I have 4 days to catch up…

We already passed Botswana. We did a game drive (safari) in Chobe National Park, located in the town of Chobe. Very cool! We saw… everything (except lions)!! Elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, antelopes, etc. We slept in the town of St-Francis (in our tents). It was fuckin cold that night! The money is called ‘’Pula’’.

And then, welcome to Zimbabwe!! Even though they don’t seem to like Canadians (We have to pay 65$ US for our visa and we can’t get a double entrée. The others that do have to get a visa, there is few, have to pay around 20$ US), it was still fun! I couldn’t care less about political stuff anyways. For 3 days, we stayed at Victoria Falls Inn. During our first evening, our diner was made for us and we had live entertainment (not only by a group but by Alex as well!!!). The next day, we visited Victoria Falls….woohooo! They are gorgeous!! The natural state of the area has been preserved even though it’s a very touristy place. The falls are about 1.2km long!

Last night, we had an « all inclusive » sunset cruise (all you can drink alcohol!). Woohoo again!. Except for 4 people, there was only our group on the boat. Sweet!

The money is called « Zimbabwe Dollar ». The people are great!! We leave for Zambia this afternoon.

I feel like in the « Lion King ». It’s winter here. The nights are freggin cold, no freezing!!! During the day, it varies around 20-25 degrees Celsius. Green grass is practically non-existent; either it’s being burnt or it simply doesn’t grow. Culture, values, lifestyle are obviously different. The « Africa time » is not the same as « Canadian time »; one Canadian hour equals to 3 African hours! So when they say a certain time, triple it! They are very laid back. Hihi!

It would be about time I talk a little about our group. They are great! We have Germany; Simona, Nico, Alex and Melanie. We have France; Nicole. We have Portugal; Guida. We have England; Carla, Ceri, and Joe. We have Denmark; Jane. We have Sweden; Jackie and Irene. And, the last but not least, we have South Africa; Gerard, our super duper amazing tour guide!!!

It’s our last day in Zimbabwe today. Everyone, or almost, left early this morning for their activities; rafting, walk with the lions, elephant walk, etc. I stayed behind, woke up late and had the most part of the day all to myself. It feels so good. Funny how I got this sense of belonging in Africa… weird… But for now, I’m just going to ride this wave and enjoy!

August 6, 2006

Man, I have 4 days to catch up again! That’s what happens when you’re having fun! But it’s not too effective; I’m missing to write many things! But oh well.

Once on the Zambia side, we stayed at the « Waterfront camp » for the night. I finally had the chance to download and save my pics on my USB, and send an email home. I didn’t get the chance to call home yet… The money is the « Zambia Kwacha ».

We just finished our 3-day canoe trip on the Zambezy River! That was great!!! We slept « in the wild »! There were hippos every freggin 10 meter!; along with crocodiles, elephants, etc.! Last night an elephant stepped on our tent and went through our campsite! This happened 20 minutes after I had surmounted my courage to get out there to pee!! The hippos where screaming like crazy and they seemed by our tents! A second later and I would of peed in my pants! It’s so cool (not the peeing part)!! On our first night, there was an elephant eating close by. During one lunch… or a break… we almost got ambushed by elephants! That was cool! Our first day of canoeing was a little more stressful for everybody. Nobody knew what to expect of the wild life! But that’s what made it so exciting and fun! We got charged once by a hippo… never saw so many canoes go in one direction so quickly!!

This morning we had a game walk really early! We had to wait for our speed boat to get us back to camp « Karaby ». At least by boat we had the chance to stop closer to the animals, especially hippos. That was great! Now, we are back at camp and we have the rest of the afternoon to ourselves…. Haaah!

I was sick at diner today… Then I was ok for a while. I watched some play pool and taking sips from Simona’s beer. There were freggin huge spiders on the ceiling….yurk… chills down my spine!!

August 7, 2006

Still wasn’t able to call home today…

We spent the majority of the day in the truck. We made a quick stop in Lusaka. We had an hour to do our « shopping ». But, it was a holiday for them, therefore banks were closed. I couldn’t get money out, nor could I exchange any, so couldn’t buy my stuff and couldn’t call home… I got caught in a moment of panic and I cried… fuck I hate crying!! I just wanted a hug, a little security. But, I knew this moment was going to happen at some point during my trip. And it will probably happen again. It’s part of the game and I’ll learn! luckily I’m with a nice group to start with!

Things are « working » in my head; my past, my future… What do I want to do exactly? I sure know what I want… but some things you just can’t control…

We didn’t get to our destination today. We slept in another campsite then the one intended. I don’t remember the name…

I think I just had the most amazing shower!!!

Alex, Mom and Dad, I thought of you a lot today!

August 9, 2006

We slept at Wildlife Camp in South Luangwa last night. We are staying here tonight as well. Feels good to stay put a little while. It becomes confusing changing places all the time. Anyways, we had a heck of an adventure last night! We had a long day of driving ahead of us. It was hot. So, we all voted for the proposed shortcut. Well, let me tell you, that is the longest short cut I ever took! We wanted adventure, we got it! We got stuck with the truck twice! The first time, it took us half an hour to get unstuck. But the second time…. It was more like 2 or 3 hours! Good evening to the lions, leopard and whatever hunts at night! But we were so preoccupied digging, shoveling, gathering rocks and whatever, that we didn’t pay much attention to it. Finally, we got to our destination at 11pm… just 5 hours later then predicted. Haha! Almost everybody went straight to bed at arrival. I took a shower before. I was so dusty and muddy from the shoveling and etc.

We went for a game drive this morning. I love the elephants! And the giraffes too! The baboons are funny! Still no lions today. But I still have a chance, I’ll see some. We had the afternoon too ourselves. I took the opportunity to wash some close, sleep, read. Then came happy hour at 5pm!! Woohoo!

I so can’t wait to call home!

August 10, 2006

It’s so crazy how many stuff I see! I forget so many things!

During the day, we spent a couple of hours in Lilongwe. I had my first experience on the market. Wow! It’s invasive and intimidating at first. But still very fun! They made me laugh.

I took a chameleon in my hands today. It was so cute!!

We are in Malawi!!! I couldn’t wait to get here! And it’s beautiful! We are at Steps Camp Site – Livingstone Beach Hotel (in our tents again), by the beach. We arrived in the evening so it was dark. I quickly found a huge flat rock where I could lie down and admire the stars and the moon. The entire rock looks like a turtle, so « Turtle Rock » it is! I stayed there for a while just listening, looking and breathing! I felt so good. Later, after diner, Simona and I took a walk by the beach.

I think I’m not too far from Kayak Africa, where Nadine is. But she arrives only in a couple more days I think… It would be cool to see her.

We have the entire day to ourselves tomorrow!! Woohoo!

August 11, 2006

Woke up late, feels great! I had breakfast and later on, I went sun tanning on the rock with Simona. Eventually, we went body surfing in the waves!! It was so fun! I felt like a 10 year old! Mel, Alex and Nico came as well. We kept that up until late afternoon. And then, it was beach volleyball time! Woohoo! Alex reminds me so much of my brother, it’s unreal! He’s great! Eventually came time for a good shower! And, later came diner. It was a perfect day!!

Funny how sun seems to be affecting my moods. I wake up all energetic and lively as soon as the sun is up, no matter the hour. When sun goes down, my mood changes. It’s like a split personality. I like it! I didn’t really notice it before… I probably didn’t have time too.

What to do when I go back home? Quit everything and start painting?… Ya, I wish!

Ren, I miss you!

August 12, 2006

We left Steps Camp Site this morning at 7am. We stopped at the market. Woohoo! I bought myself an “African drum” (sorry, don’t know the actual name of it…)! I love it! And, I bought almost all my gifts for everyone. I even exchanged socks and batteries!! I love how you have to negotiate for things! I love it and I’m not so bad at it either! It’s fun! We continued are way to Malawi Golf Course later on. We are spending the next 2 nights there. We saw fields of tea plantations and mount Mulanje. The scenery was different. I felt like we entered another country, but we are still in malawi. I helped make diner, “improvised macaroni and cheese”. Then, after diner was all done, I spent my time talking with Simona until bedtime.

August 13, 2006

“Hiking day”!! We hiked Mount Mulanje (about 2000metres in altitude). Quit a steep hike I must say. But it was fun. Alex, Carla, Ceri and I, and the guide, were first on top. Our time was about 1h50min. The view was really nice! We came back down on the other side of the mountain. It was more interesting that way. We got to see waterfalls, lakes, other mountains, etc. We stopped at a lake were we could jump off a rock, about 30 feet above the water. The water was freggin freezing!!! I didn’t jump… Why? Because I sprained my ankle on the way down!!! Dam it! We were not even half way down I think. I felt so bad! I couldn’t walk, especially not down a mountain! So, Gerard, Alex and Nico literally carried me down!! Everybody gave a helping hand! I didn’t feel good. I was slowing down everyone. I just felt like saying go and I’ll make my way down and meet you later. But, woohoo! At some point a truck drove by and accepted to drive us back down! Even Alex had bought a walking stick from a guy going up the mountain! Hihi!

Finally, we got back to the Golf Club, I took my shower, had diner and settled for a movie. I didn’t walk very quickly but at least I didn’t need anyone to help me. I hate that!

Simona surprised me! While I was watching the film, she came to give me a little bag she had prepared for me for the night! She had put cream for my ankle, sleeping pills, painkillers, chocolate and her MP3, all in case I couldn’t sleep. She’s so cute and thoughtful!

August 14, 2006

Woke up early this morning… 5am. We have a long day of driving. I love Malawi!! Considering I’ve only seen miner parts of all the countries, it’s hard to compare. At least here, in Malawi, there are circulation lights, children going to school in uniforms; houses are built with bricks or cement (and not hay and wood), etc. People start their day when sun rises, and stop when sun sets. There is no rush!

August 15, 2006

We slept at Katamdika Ranch last night. They were very nice people, but not the best of places we stayed. We had done a long day of driving before getting there. I had the longest conversation with Simona; about everything (life, death, fears, future, past, etc.). That was cool. Hope we get the chance to do that again.

This morning, the fuckin rooster and dogs woke us up at 4h30am!! They woke me up anyway! I could of have them shot! Another long day of driving was ahead of us. We drove on the Tete Bridge, supposedly the longest suspend bridge in the northern atmosphere… according the people of Mozambique. It is prohibited to photograph that bridge. We slept close to a beach in Mozambique at Smugglers in Kapitas. The evening ended up around the pool table until Joe, Jane, Alex, Gerard and I got kicked out of the bar. Then we had our mini photo session outside by our rooms… I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much!

The money in Mozambique is called « Makitas ».

August 16 2006

We left for Barra Beach this morning. We arrived at 2pm. We stopped at a market prior to getting there. I love markets! And the beach… Gorgeous!!! I’m so happy that we’re staying here for 3 nights!! The huts are great; 2 per room and 4 per hut! Gerard and I are in one room; Joe and Jane are in the other one. Really cool!

For our first night, we took the liberty of savoring our 2$ bottle of rum with coke. We bought plenty today on the market!! I had a blast! I ate very little for diner. The full moon was spectacular. Later in the evening, I went for our routinely walk with Simona on the beach.

August 17, 2006

I woke up late… feels so good! The view from our room is so great! I had breakfast then I scheduled my activities for tomorrow: scuba diving in the morning and horse back riding in the afternoon. It’s going to be great! After all that hard work, I had a good run by the ocean! Hmmm! The best place I ever ran! And it’s the first time I ever run bare foot! It felt so good! I took a quick dive in the waves before going for lunch. I went back playing in the waves in the afternoon, followed by an afternoon snooze and sun bathing. Eventually, I took a shower; spoke to Alex for a little while then we made our way for diner… I started in the rum and coke... hihi! I barely ate again. But that’s ok. I’m eating so much on this trip! I seriously gained a few pounds of fat (and lost a great deal of muscle mass)! Anyway, we had some fish tonight. Sadly, some got sick. The rest of the evening was a session of stunts and flips and whatever could possibly break our neck! That was funny!

August 18, 2006

What a day! I started with a good run on the beach. It’s funny how my mood changes with a simple run. After, I went for some scuba diving…. Ya! I’m surprised I didn’t die drowning!! I don’t think I ever panicked like that in my life! Everybody went down so quickly, I didn’t have time to adjust. Then, I couldn’t go down because I hadn’t put enough weight to make me sink. Therefore, while everyone was down at the bottom, I had my little head popped out of the big freggin ocean looking for weights to put in my vest!! Then I started panicking. Luckily, Gerard came back up, that calmed me a bit. Once at the bottom ,I freaked out and decided “fuck it, I’m going back up” but the guide literally sat me in the bottom of the ocean to calm me down before I could do anything. After 2 minutes I was back to normal, and had consumed half the air of my tank already... Sheesshh! What a nut case I was! You’d think I never scuba dived in my life!! The rest of the dive was great! And I wasn’t the first to miss out on air! Woohoo! Obviously I went picture crazy. Our dive lasted almost an hour.

After all that excitement, we went back for lunch. I admit I was a little tired after this major event… But no time for that, there was a horse ride with Jacky waiting for me! That was wonderful! It reminded me of my childhood memories! Hihi!

On my way back from the horseback riding, some were sitting on the beach so I joined them. Simona and I stayed to watch sunset and the beautiful sky full of stars.

Just before diner, I took a shower and joined the group. People went to bed early after diner. Simona and I stayed up for the rest of the evening and part of the night, along with the rum and coke. Gerard and Nico stayed for a while too.

August 19, 2006

We had to say goodbye to the beach this morning… snif, snif. And, welcome to Maputo. We drove all day and we are sleeping in a hotel (no tents!!!) in Maputo tonight. We took a ferry this afternoon. I think this is the first city we actually see in Africa.

I wasn’t in the greatest mood when we got there. Why? I don’t know. The trip is coming to an end… I was very emotional and annoyed by everyone when we got there; well, almost everyone. Then, there was shit going on with the room seperations… I couldn’t care less, I just wanted my time alone for a little while. Finally, I found myself a quiet little spot and I wrote in my journal. I bought my first beer at diner! And, yes I drank it all! Hihi! It doesn’t mean I like beer, I was just in the mood for one… or a couple… We all called it an early night after diner.

August 20, 2006

It’s my birthday! And, I’m in Africa!!!! Haha!! Simona was the first in my room this morning to jump on my bed and wish me happy birthday! Hihi! But technically Gerard was the first to wish me happy birthday at 3am this morning when I woke up in a fright!

After breakfast, we took the road to get to Krugger National Park in South Africa. Obviously, we crossed the boarder from Mozambique to South Africa. We took another ferry and stopped at a market. We did a game drive in the afternoon. And, yes we saw some lions!!! Not once, but twice! I knew we would! I wasn’t leaving Africa without seeing lions!!! That’s the best birthday present ever!!! Tonight is our last night in our tents! I’m going to miss those!

Since it’s my birthday, rum was part of it tonight! I was so surprised, I had gifts from everyone! Hihi!! They’re so great! Alex, Gerard, Simona and I stayed really late by the camp fire… with the rum!

August 21, 2006

We left at 6am this morning. We started our day with a game drive. In the afternoon, we arrived at our destination. Halyview, I think is the place. It’s really nice! It’s like a big lodge in a rainforest. We have a kitchen, a dining room, balcony with a mini bar, etc. I have a huge room all to myself! Ain’t that great?! I can throw my stuff around!

We made some fajitas for diner. They sang me « Happy Birthday » and I got to blow candles off a chocolate cake!! Yummy! The rest of the evening was spent around the bar. We were entertained by Carla and Ceris’ games and Alexs’ music! This is our second last night for the most. It’s officially our last all together since Simona and Nico are leaving earlier tomorrow, instead of coming back at Drifters Inn like the rest of us.

August 22, 2006

This is the hardest day I ever been through in a long time… It’s so heart breaking! I barely ate for breakfast… I was sitting across from Simona at the end of the table. At some point, she started crying and left the table… I didn’t know what to do. I should of followed her. I started crying too. She gave me her MP3 player so I could continue my trip with it. She’ll try to come to Paris and meet me there. That would be so great!

I did the rest of the ride with Gerard at the front of the truck. Once back at Difters Inn, we had a last diner together. After, I just went back to my room to pack my stuff and wrap up what I wanted to send home tomorrow. Then, I said goodbye to Mel, Alex and the rest, and went to bed (with Simona’s music).

August 23, 2006

My flight was at 9am this morning. Gerard offered me to drive me to the airport! He’s so nice! He even stayed and helped me send my stuff home! The lady at the counter wasn’t in a rush! I was getting impatient!! And, sure thing I missed my boarding time! I couldn’t even say goodbye to Gerard properly!! That made me sad! I didn’t want to leave! When I got to my gate, there was just 10 minutes left. Now, I’m a little angry… too many emotions in 2-3 days!!

Once I got to Capetown, I had to wait for Carla and Ceri. Their flight was leaving Joburg a little later. I’ll spend my time in Capetown with them and two of their friends. They rented a car, how great is that??! They where so kind to offer me to tag along with them! They’re great!

Finally, they arrived at 7pm and we got the car. We made our way to 18 Kloof (the B&B of Gerard’s parents). It has a view on Gordon Bay. It’s beautiful!! We each have our own room with a bathroom, balcony and huge fluffy bed with many big comfy pillows!! I feel like I’m in a palace! We went for pizza at an Italian restaurant near by later in the evening. Very good! Later, I watched some TV and took the longest hot bath ever!!! It felt so good!!

August 24, 2006

Beautiful day! Woke up slowly, without any alarm and took another hot bath! Had a lovely breakfast at the B & B!! Even had strawberries!! We headed out to see the world after that. We drove along a beautiful scenic route!! Ocean on the right, mountains on the left!! Never saw anything like it!! We first stopped at Betty’s Bay to see some penguins, yes there are some penguins in Africa (They are so funny!! But, so smelly!) . Then we went to Hemanus to take a hot chocolate in a cave-restaurant while watching the African Right Whales jump in front of us!!! Absolutely amazing!!! I never saw real live whales before. In the afternoon, we went back to the airport to pick up Carla’s 2 friends; Vicky and Sam. Very funny girls! We then headed to our apartments Ceri rented for us for the next 3 nights. It is on Dixon Road close to the Waterfront in Capetown. The place is amazing! I have the second floor of the apartment all to myself; bed, TV and sofa, balcony with a great view! After settling in, we walked to the waterfront to meet with Carla’s parents. We went to a little pub for a drink, then an Italian restaurant for a late diner. This was an awesome day!

August 25, 2006

Wow! What a day! We climbed Table Mountain today. It took us about 4 hours. We took the “Skeleton Gorge”, the scenic route and reached the highest point in Capetown (Maclean’s Beacon or Baken… at around 3 200 feet). This is the most amazing view I ever saw so far!!! The sun was gorgeous today! Then we walked all the way to the opposite side of the mountain to get the cable car down. I had the greatest shower afterwards. We were all on our way to a club later in the evening (the “Bronx”) but I changed my mind at the last minute. I felt like dancing earlier but did not feel like it all of a sudden. Therefore, I stayed back, watched maybe 10 minutes of TV before falling asleep.

August 26, 2006

Today woke-up early after a good night sleep. Did my laundry 2 blocks down and some Internet, then had a little walk around. I like it here! People are friendly and it is cozy. Then, when finally everyone got up, we went to the waterfront to catch a tour on Robben Island. I think it stopped being a prison in 1996 and started around 1600. The prison was for men only and mostly black men. White men were more privileged in general. The tour took 4 hours and was very educational. I loved it! Our tour guide was an ex-prisoner there. Prisoners where in mostly for political issues. The view of Capetown and Table Mountain from there was amazing! A man proposed to his girlfriend on the island… so romantic… hell, even I cried!

We went to the waterfront for dinner (a pizza place). We called it an early night since we have to get up early tomorrow… and now I felt like going out! Sheesshh!! Talk about being opposite of everyone else! Oh well…

God, I so can’t wait to run!!!!!!!!!!! I’m going nuts!!!

August 27, 2006

We had breaky in a nice little resto by the sea! Very nice! Then we went to Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope. We spent the majority of the day there. We saw some whales jumping in the sea on our way back. Then we stopped in centre town of Capetown for some shopping. Huge!

We arrived at the winery and olive farm around 5h30pm (Reibeekasteel… not sure that’s how it’s spelled…). Just beautiful! This is where I will spend my last days in South Africa.

August 28, 2006

Visited Paarl and its surroundings today. Had lunch in a little French restaurant then went to Boschendal for wine tasting!! For 2$ I tasted 6 different wine! Woohoo! Then, we went back to the farm for late snacks. There is a little school at the bottom of the farm, where approximately 80 children attend. Apparently, some spend the entire weekend without eating. The only meal they have is the one the school gives them. Many, like Carla’s family, organize fundraisers to help the school and the children around that area!! Really amazing!! The girls bought them some toys and goodies today. We will go to the school tomorrow to give them to the kids.

This is officially my last night in South Africa…

August 29, 2006

My last day in South Africa… We saw the kids this morning. They are so cute and adorable! They were so happy to have some visitors. There was one little girl… so cute and affectionate. She even called me “mommy”! They loved being in pictures that is a fact!

Then we went to Century City for some shopping. Then it was on the road for the airport. I flew from Capetown to Johannesburg. Now I am still waiting for my flight from Joburg to Paris… there’s a 45 minutes delay so far; trouble putting gas in the airplane…

Fuck, I so cannot wait to have my running shoes and start training again! For one, I’ve put on so much wait and two, my mind is going nuts!!

Going to France, this means I’ll get to see Carole soon! Woohoo! And, Simona too, maybe…