Magnificent Drakensberg
Small in a large environment
A chain is only as strong as its weakest....Hi All,
February 14th
We left Cape Town reluctantly but not before meeting with Dani and Gill Saks, their sweet, young children, Jacob and Ruby. We saw Dani some 17 years ago when he visited San Diego for Natalie’s bat mitzvah. Dani is our nephew through Jenni’s sister.
Jungle Jen...againThe problem with overseas travel is that one is forced to buy return-tickets which ‘cramps one’s style’ when wishing to remain in a place for an extended period. Nevertheless, we’re working on a plan. Meanwhile, we flew a little north and mostly east to the port city of Durban. Colyn and Sharon Levin invited us to visit them in La Lucia on our way to the Royal National Park of KwaZulu-Natal. The difference, in our opinion, between La Lucia and La Jolla is that the former is modern, very well planned and at a third of the price or less. We also mentioned we lunched with the Levin’s last week in Johannesburg. The have two homes, we have none. However, we calculate it as an average of one house each. Makes sense, we think. Their home in this delightful enclave is near perfect and their hospitality was superb. Thank you, Levin’s.
Some good bondingSouth Africa is a dilemma for us. To be honest, which is the only way we think one should be, Johannesburg is a…well, not a desirable city. However, the natural attractions and beauty of the Cape and the appeal of KwaZulu-Natal have aroused our interest greatly. We mentioned it earlier. The Cape above ground level is another world—an exquisite one. The north coast of KZ-Natal is also a very desirable area within which to live. The dilemma is thus simmering. Perhaps we should engage in a cooling off period, say a winter in North Dakota, to clear our minds. Anyway, we pondered as we sat on the boulevard of La Lucia, coffee in the left hand, index finger on the keyboard while wondering ‘buy, sell, hold or order another cup’. Coffee seemed the least risk to take. The breeze came off the Indian Ocean, cooled the face, the coffee too and made us realize again how fortunate we are.
Water from HeavenWe left ‘Durbs by the Sea’ and drove to the Royal Natal National Park near Bergville. From the moment we approached this district, we could already feel the knees quivering. It is another beautiful part of the country, of the world. Time allowed us a short hike before sunset, especially as our internet system, purchased earlier in the day, did not operate. Instead of being able to do some work, we were forced to enjoy an early evening hike in the foothills. No! It’s not easy.
Crossing number 10 of the day
Another fascinating placeIn the morning, we set off for the Gorge and beyond. We hiked over 10 miles, which included viewing spectacular scenery, mountains soaking in mists, greenery, rivers crossed on at least 10 occasions, waterfalls of incredible height and so much more. The variation from the Cape was drastic but this place is dramatic in itself.
Tiny view of amphitheatre
There goes another pair of bootsTo get to an internet café, we passed through small villages and watched children returning from school. The main road is a thoroughfare for the inhabitants, livestock, baboons, all and sundry. It could have been a scene from the 19th century. We spoke with locals and enjoyed their banter. The African people are friendly, humble and refreshing. Of course, we are not referring to the ‘city slickers’, the unruly elements and the criminal class. Another of life’s tragedies occurs when all are lumped together and compared with the criminal few. One can see the changes that have occurred over the last two decades, many of them easily apparent and for the better.
That's really highThe African blood may have hibernated for a few years but it seems to be pumping through our arteries again…vigorously. Hmm!
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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