Goodbye, South Africa

Well, it has been an exciting 5+ weeks in South Africa but I'm ready to move along.  I'll admit - the last couple days of working from my room have actually been really nice.  No alarm clock, no strict schedule, and attire that includes only a tee shirt and shorts.  Maybe a work-from-home job should be in my future?  

Even though I was supposed to be starting my next property review remotely, a lot of time was spent on rearranging my upcoming travel schedule (again).  With all the political instability in Egypt, my plans to visit our properties there were cancelled and I was told that I could take my break a month early.  To be honest, my initial reaction was mixed.  I had already started tentatively planning things with the expectation of being home in early September.  However, I will gladly accept an earlier break.  

As I was planning my new schedule, I realized that my break was coinciding perfectly with Drum Corps finals week in Indianapolis...  So many questions ran through my mind: Could I possibly fly from Qatar to Indiana?  Would I even be awake for the show with all that jet lag?  Would this officially make me the biggest band geek ever? (Ok, I already know the answer to that one...)

Within a 24-hour period, I received schedule approvals from all my contacts and found a flight that wouldn't require me to pay too much out-of-pocket for this stop in Indianapolis.  How could I resist?   I may be the first person in history to fly from Qatar to Indiana, just for a night of drum corps.  

By this point, all disappointment in the schedule change is completely gone and I am looking forward to some well-deserved time off that is finally confirmed.  Well, 99.9% confirmed.  (There are never any guarantees in my job).  

As I was packing my suitcase, I decided that it would be fun to watch my last sun rise in South Africa from the coast.  I set my alarm clock and laid out my running gear so I could incorporate the sunrise into my morning workout. 

When I left the hotel, it was still really dark.  I jogged carefully along the edge of the resort to avoid any missteps and turned onto the trail.  At this point, the daylight was just starting to emerge, which helped my visibility a lot.  Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a deer ran right in front of me (at least I think it was a deer - or some other massive, scary animal).  I literally stood still for 5 minutes with my heart beating like crazy, debating whether to keep going or to turn around.  I'm not a fan of wildlife, so I decided that it would be best to just turn back and run like the wind.  

I was disappointed that I couldn't watch my final sunrise from the coast, but I tried seeing the silver lining: at least I got my heart rate up!  Next stop, Tanzania...  

Adventure in the Western Cape

I was planning to leave South Africa on Friday, but President Obama seems to be occupying my entire hotel in Dar es Salaam so I had to extend my stay in Oubaai by a few days.  Part of me was disappointed because this means I will only get one weekend to explore Tanzania, but I can't complain too much because Oubaai has been so relaxing and beautiful.  I was determined to find something to keep me occupied for my third and final weekend in South Africa. 

My ears immediately perked up when the concierge recommended shark diving because I love activities that get my heart rate up.  Sadly, as is the theme of this trip, no one else had signed up for diving and the only way the company would take me out on the tour was if I was willing to charter the entire boat.  Donald Trump forgot to wire me an allowance this week, so I had to find another activity.  

The concierge recommended a hiking trail.  My first thought was: *yawn*. I'm a runner, not a walker.  But, in a town with very few things to do,  it seemed to be my only other option.  I started around 10AM at the edge of the golf resort.  Before I even entered nature, I was in awe by some of the houses.  I would love to wake up every morning with a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean - especially with the sunrises I have been witnessing over the past two weeks.  

Amazing views from this little shack. 

As I ventured down towards the coastline, I passed a pond with lots of amazing birds and wondered if I would see any other animals (hopefully not).  They are just as afraid of me as I am of them - at least that's what my Dad always used to say.  The hiking trail started through some wooded areas and was surprisingly well-kept.  Every time I caught a glimpse of the ocean, I took another picture as if it would be my only opportunity to see it.  

Here's my first taste of the Indian Ocean from the hiking trail...

I didn't realize that the view at the end of this trail would be the most amazing coastline I have ever experienced.  I took about an hour to just sit on the rocks and enjoy the peaceful solitude.  I even blasted my ipod and started singing along to the music - something I never do anymore since I don't have any privacy in my life.  

I set my camera in a bush with the self-timer for this picture!

I could have literally sat here all day

When I was finally ready to move along, I hiked across the mountain ridge toward a whale viewing deck that was closer to the water.  From there, I could actually climb along the rocks and get right up to the ocean.  I feel like a kid whenever I get to climb on rocks.  It always reminds me of the days when my family would go up to my grandparents' cottage in New Hampshire and walk through a rocky brook that meandered along the edge of their property.  

Climbing along the rocks near the water. 

I sat on the rocks for a while and just enjoyed the sound of the waves crashing against the coast. Looking out over the vast blue ocean, I could even see a few whale backs emerging along the surface.  It was amazing to think that the next land mass to the south is Antarctica.  I eventually decided it was time to keep moving and started walking back towards the trail.  

From there, the trail continued along the mountain ridge and literally weaved its way through all kinds of terrain imaginable.  There were several parts where I couldn't even tell whether I was following the trail because the trees and shrubs had started growing back.  This portion was considerably more difficult than the route along the coast and it was obvious that most people are not up for the workout.

One of many diverse views along this part of the trail

Silly self picture? yes.  But the views were too good!

Every twist of the trail brought a new and exciting terrain.  Before I knew it, I was alongside a river that reminded me even more of the brook near my grandparents' cottage except that it was surrounded on both sides by lush green mountains.  I must have had a smile on my face the entire time because my surroundings were just so peaceful and relaxing. 

But you know what wasn't relaxing?  The hike!  My gosh, it's no wonder the trails aren't used very often - they were tough!  I think I went up and down the side of the mountain at least 5 times over the course of the day.  By the time I reached the resort again, it was almost 6pm and the sky was almost dark.  My ankle felt like it was ready to pop out any moment, but the pain was totally worthwhile.  

I returned to the hotel and thanked the concierge for the amazing recommendation.  I wasn't initially excited about a full-day hike, but it was just what I needed to rejuvenate myself.  My entire life is on display, as I am constantly watched by everyone in the hotels - from the fitness center attendant to the housekeepers.  It was so nice to get away from it all - even just for one day.  I could sing at the top of my lungs, I could take stupid pictures of myself, and I didn't have to fake-smile to anyone.  It was perfect.  

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.