It's good to be the King

Our 2nd and 3rd game drives were even better than the first. Saturday evening we started out around 4:00 pm. The weather was nice and our group decided to let us sit up front since I was so ill the night before. I was actually feeling back to myself, but a ride in the front was pretty nice! Our drive started with a few views of giraffes, some buffalo, and more rhinos. We were headed to the hippos when a call came in to the driver. He turned to us and very plainly said “Do you want to see the hippos, or would you like to see a mother lion with her cubs?” “Umm- lions please!!!” - we said it almost in unison. We made our way to the lion cubs where we found 5 cubs and 2 mothers feeding off a baby buffalo they had killed. It was absolutely incredible. I thought I was watching a documentary on TV! I would give details, but I think the pictures say everything!

We had another cocktail party in the middle of the jungle under the stars which was just perfect. After that we headed back for a nice dinner- Kudu for me and Ostrich for Ryan. Delicious! The food at the resort definitely did not disappoint. Dinner is usually inside due to the chilly weather, but breakfast and lunch are always served on the patio. On Saturday we were lucky enough to have the patio to ourselves for lunch. . . or so we thought. While we were waiting for our main dishes, a monkey came down from one of the trees and started walking toward us. Excited, I reached into my bag to look for my camera. Before we knew it, he was on the table stealing our bread and then making a run for it. All we could think was “what just happened?” Word to the wise- never trust a monkey.

We headed to Capetown on Monday. The flight was a bit longer but not any trouble. We were given recommendations for a seafood restaurant on the waterfront that was apparently “one of the best” in Capetown. We would have to disagree. Our food was decent but a little fishy, and noting to write home about. To make it even worse Ryan woke up with food poisoning. No more octopus salad for him! We had a day planned to see the city and take a wine tour which Ryan tried his best to attend. He did very well. . .although I could tell he would have rather been at home in bed. I think he just didn’t want to miss out since we have such a short time here. We went to the Cape of Good Hope which was beautiful, and saw a few whales and baboons on our way. Pretty amazing. We, I mean I had lunch at a place just off the water which was great- kingklip is amazing! After lunch Ryan still wanted us to at least see the winery so we went up for a quick tasting on my part, and then headed home. Ryan is resting up now, hopeful that he will feel better by tomorrow’s shark dive.

We have gotten quite a few lessons on apartheid since we have been here, which has been really interesting. It feels so different from what we are used to in the States, but I guess in a way the States haven’t really had equality for that long. There is still a fair amount of HIV here, but nothing like Lesotho. Apparently the doctors here are not paid well and are currently on strike. . . . that just can’t seem good for the people.

We are off the swim with the sharks tomorrow if Ryan is feeling better. Otherwise I am sure we will find things to fill our time! Cross your fingers for Ryan- he is so excited about the shark dive!