George, South Africa

I really like when my job sends me to places that I would otherwise never have the chance (or desire) to visit.  George is definitely one of those places.  It's a small city of about 120,000 people that emerged from the demand for wood.  That's right, wood.  

I don't know what's so special about the wood along the southern coast of South Africa, but the area is now more popular as a holiday destination.  George is located about four hours from Cape Town, along the Garden Route.  I really wanted to rent a car and drive to Cape Town, but I'm not so good at driving on the left side of the road and I have no experience using a manual transmission.  

Arriving in George was beautiful.  Lush, green mountains framed the city and the waves of the Indian ocean crashed against the rocky coastline.  I almost had a feeling of being in Hawaii (although I have never been to Hawaii). 

My hotel was opened in 2010 as part of the Oubaai Golf Resort and the ambience was that of understated luxury.  I love newer hotels because I don't feel like I am sharing my room with thousands of strangers who have occupied it before me.  Everything just felt cleaner.  My only observation was that the bathroom is completely open to the room, which is great for me but may not be good for people who want any privacy when they are showering.  Maybe the designers were exhibitionists?  

Here's my beautiful room in Oubaai

I love when amenities are in my room and this hotel totally delivered in that department as well.  Sparkling grape juice, chocolate-dipped strawberries, cashews, and biltong (dried meat) were the perfect way to welcome me to the resort.  

The next morning, I woke up early to run a 10k race that was being held at the Garden Route Mall in the city.  I was excited when I discovered the race because it is one of the few races that coincides with my travel schedule this year.  I'll admit, this race is far from glamorous.  It starts and ends at the mall and registration was in the McDonald's parking lot.  The course took us through new housing developments under construction and crowd support was completely absent.  Still, it's always nice to have a 'check' on my fitness level and make sure I am not getting completely out of shape.  

Before the race even got started, I was amazed to hear everyone speaking Afrikaans.  I had always assumed English to be the standard language in South Africa, but Afrikaans absolutely takes predominance in this area.  Of course everyone is bi-lingual, but no one will speak English unless they are prompted.  

The race, itself, was fine but I was amazed at how fast people are in South Africa!  My overall finish time was respectable, but my placement was a lot lower than races I have done in other countries - especially the US.  It is clear that racers here are all serious runners and not just out for a fun weekend activity.  Regardless of my placement, I am really glad that I had the chance to run. 

Finish line of the Garden Routeh 10k race

After the race was over, I explored the mall for a couple hours.  Based on the selection of shops and high percentage of sporting goods stores, it is clear that this city is all about outdoor activities and casual living.  Suited professionals and fashionistas need not visit the Garden Route Mall!  

The next day, I went out for the afternoon with some of the local staff.  It was nice of them to give up part of their weekend to show me around because the coastline was really beautiful.  We had lunch along Victoria Bay and watched the surfers enjoying the waves.  

Here's the restaurant where we ate lunch

And this was the view from the table...

After a few hours in Victoria Bay, we drove through George, then Wilderness (a nearby town with more of a coastline for beaches), and finally, to Herolds Bay for more good views and some ice cream.  I was really surprised by all the restaurants, shops, and inns that had closed down due to low/seasonal business.  If this resort town was in the United States, it would be making loads of money. 

Here's the view as we drove into Wilderness

A couple fishermen in Heroldsbay

My first weekend in George was quiet, but it set a really good tone for a relaxed project.