Friday May 11 we were given a peek into Zulu culture with a visit to Shakaland,an authentic Zulu Village. We were given a tour of the village and provided with insight into the traditions, customs and lifestyle of the Zulus. Joe, our resident guide at the village made points by addressing me as "granny", a fitting reference but one difficult for me to acknowledge. After our brief tour of the village, introduction to spear making and beer making ceremony, we were served a lovely lunch prepared by the citizens. Our visit concluded with an entertaining display of tribal dancing.
SOUTH AFRICA HERE AND NOW
A late arrival. At our hotel in Port Edward deprived us of full appreciation for the beauty of our accommodations surrounded by a golf course and ultra modern amenities. Contrary to my preconceived idea of South Africa, this is a modern country of great resource.
Saturday, May 12 we departed our hotel at 730A for a full day of travel to the Wild Coast arriving at Crawfords Beach Hotel in Cintsa just after 3 PM. We arrived just in time for early beach walkers to catch a beach wedding which they reported as simple but lovely. Dinner was served buffet style in the dining room of the resort while below us the congratulatory music, toasts and frivolity of the wedding reception could be heard.
Sunday May 13 marked our first full week in South Africa. The week has been full, adventuresome and energy challenged. We have enjoyed the animals, the awesome scenery, the Swazis, the Zulus and the history of South Africa which our guide has provided us.
I caught a cold after getting caught unprepared in a rain storm while touring Kruger and it concluded with a bout of flu like symptoms that cost me a day out in the wild. The maid was kind enough to wish me a "happy mothers" day, which help me remember that Terri had given me a card to be opened on mothers day. The card was a delightful reminder of the reason I am blessed as a bona fide member of that awesome group called mother. That said, I nursed my malady and made the best of my seclusion.
Ken and the rest of our group visited a native village where a 93 year old lady reviewed the history and traditions of the locale. She shared commentary on the impact that various countries had provided her region. She said the Germans taught the natives how to do things, how to cultivate the land, how to plant vegetables and build things. The English were not so helpful. They were gentlemen.
After lunch and a tour of the village, they did a safari on a wild game refuge which the group enjoyed immensely. It was a great day for the group and Believe me the pictures were spectacular. My Cup runneth over.
Monday May 14, was a hard days drive in the rain which interfered with our enjoyment of the scenery, views and beautiful Indian ocean that we could only glimpse through the fog. Nevertheless it was uneventful day but once at our hotel, our accommodations were outstanding. More later.
