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Thursday, February 13, 2020
Update 29
We headed for White River today where we'd booked another fabulous Airbnb up on a mountain over looking a lush valley. On our way, we passed miles of farms growing sugarcane, banana & other fruit trees and macadamia nut trees...and very little litter. Homes are mostly cement block with metal roofs and though some are a bit rough, most look pretty good. Some really nice. Vastly different than Mozambique!
Amanda & Paddy, our host are from UK but have built a impressive hotel/home & we're in a cottage beside them. It's cleverly decorated with many modern features.
We were surprised when Amanda said power grid is often turned off & she'd let us know when she got notice. We commented how nice SA was...She smiled and said, "SA is is really a 3rd world country with a 1st world veneer." Guess we're in the veneer right now!
Today we drove the Panoramic Drive. The name describes it well. Incredible views overlooking valleys filled with thousands of acres of planted trees...some 50' tall & straight as a metal pole. The lower branches were torched so the bare trunk remained. Some field had been harvested and just charred stumps remained.
As we climbed, the rounded mountains looked like they were covered with velvet. Next rugged mountains came into view. They'd been sliced down the middle by mountain streams which were flowing fast due to recent rains...and after a 3 year drought. When the streams came to the mountain cliffs, tremendous waterfalls rushed over them. Some causing perfectly formed pot holes to form. With the sun shining, rainbows formed in the mist. Such great timing for us...recent rain & sun!
We stopped for lunch at a famous pancake house with a chocolate store next to it. Mmmm. A couple hours later we came to Potluck Boskombuis....a restaurant serving authentic African food. The bridge there was closed so we had to scramble over rocks next to a fast running river until we got there. The restaurant was situated under a rock ledge. Food was cooked over an open fire in a half barrel. We weren't hungry, so we sat by the river drinking beer & Coke and ordered the special, bobotie to go.
Our last stop on the Panoramic Drive was called God's Window...breathtaking!
Just before getting back to our Airbnb, we passed a McD...yup I couldn't resist. The Coke Light & hamburger were almost like home & the fries were spot on!! Rog of course, ate a burger too...just because he could. Then when we got back, Rog heated up his bobotie liking that too. He said it tasted like beef hash.
We sure saw some gorgeous parts of SA today!!
Sent from my iPhone
Amanda & Paddy, our host are from UK but have built a impressive hotel/home & we're in a cottage beside them. It's cleverly decorated with many modern features.
We were surprised when Amanda said power grid is often turned off & she'd let us know when she got notice. We commented how nice SA was...She smiled and said, "SA is is really a 3rd world country with a 1st world veneer." Guess we're in the veneer right now!
Today we drove the Panoramic Drive. The name describes it well. Incredible views overlooking valleys filled with thousands of acres of planted trees...some 50' tall & straight as a metal pole. The lower branches were torched so the bare trunk remained. Some field had been harvested and just charred stumps remained.
As we climbed, the rounded mountains looked like they were covered with velvet. Next rugged mountains came into view. They'd been sliced down the middle by mountain streams which were flowing fast due to recent rains...and after a 3 year drought. When the streams came to the mountain cliffs, tremendous waterfalls rushed over them. Some causing perfectly formed pot holes to form. With the sun shining, rainbows formed in the mist. Such great timing for us...recent rain & sun!
We stopped for lunch at a famous pancake house with a chocolate store next to it. Mmmm. A couple hours later we came to Potluck Boskombuis....a restaurant serving authentic African food. The bridge there was closed so we had to scramble over rocks next to a fast running river until we got there. The restaurant was situated under a rock ledge. Food was cooked over an open fire in a half barrel. We weren't hungry, so we sat by the river drinking beer & Coke and ordered the special, bobotie to go.
Our last stop on the Panoramic Drive was called God's Window...breathtaking!
Just before getting back to our Airbnb, we passed a McD...yup I couldn't resist. The Coke Light & hamburger were almost like home & the fries were spot on!! Rog of course, ate a burger too...just because he could. Then when we got back, Rog heated up his bobotie liking that too. He said it tasted like beef hash.
We sure saw some gorgeous parts of SA today!!
Sent from my iPhone
Change in Weather / Low Rumblings /Strong Beliefs. By Roger
Change in Weather
Since a few days before leaving Mozambique we have enjoyed much more comfortable weather. While at Zimpeto the skies clouded over giving us some relief while visiting the hospital, the streets of Maputo, and the dump. Was that good timing!
Then on the day we left for South Africa it had rained all night, flooding streets and cooling things further.
The weather has been exceptionally nice here in S.A. (Around 75 to 90 degrees). We have even need blankets several times. Heading South tomorrow so expect more great weather.
Low Rumblings
As I sat on the porch of our Air BnB in the early morning my eyes were busy scanning
the dense surrounding area for animals. Sounds of strange birds and animals were like a music that I had never experienced. Was that a monkey chattering, or some bird? What caused that crunching sound? ...maybe tree bark being torn apart?
We are at Marloth Park which adjoins Kruger National Park and many animals from Kruger may be seen grazing here.
We saw and heard some Hippos when we came to Kruger with Ben and Jen so now I scan with anticipation after hearing a low rumble nearby.
Two impala graze peacefully just 30 feet from where I sit on the porch. More strange unidentifiable sounds then, once again, the low rumble. Closer this time. Could it be a Rhino? How exciting would that be!
My eyes squint as they penetrate the undergrowth to notice any movement or unusual color. Another rumble...and another. Regular now, I recognize it as a sound I have heard before.
Jane, still in bed, has been unintentionally tricking me!
Strong Beliefs
Reflecting back on our experiences at Zimpeto...
We have met many people here with strong beliefs. That shouldn't be too surprising since many of them are true missionaries,sent on their mission by their Creator.
He can be heard when the noise of the busy world subsides.
They regularly talk to God and look to Him for direction in their lives. Then they act on what he tells them.
Some have given up personal control of their lives so that they can do what they hear God telling them to do. Giving up many personal possessions, hobbies, toys, homes, and time with family, frees them to do what they are compelled to do. Serve others for God.
Their faith leaves me in awe.
By Roger
Since a few days before leaving Mozambique we have enjoyed much more comfortable weather. While at Zimpeto the skies clouded over giving us some relief while visiting the hospital, the streets of Maputo, and the dump. Was that good timing!
Then on the day we left for South Africa it had rained all night, flooding streets and cooling things further.
The weather has been exceptionally nice here in S.A. (Around 75 to 90 degrees). We have even need blankets several times. Heading South tomorrow so expect more great weather.
Low Rumblings
As I sat on the porch of our Air BnB in the early morning my eyes were busy scanning
the dense surrounding area for animals. Sounds of strange birds and animals were like a music that I had never experienced. Was that a monkey chattering, or some bird? What caused that crunching sound? ...maybe tree bark being torn apart?
We are at Marloth Park which adjoins Kruger National Park and many animals from Kruger may be seen grazing here.
We saw and heard some Hippos when we came to Kruger with Ben and Jen so now I scan with anticipation after hearing a low rumble nearby.
Two impala graze peacefully just 30 feet from where I sit on the porch. More strange unidentifiable sounds then, once again, the low rumble. Closer this time. Could it be a Rhino? How exciting would that be!
My eyes squint as they penetrate the undergrowth to notice any movement or unusual color. Another rumble...and another. Regular now, I recognize it as a sound I have heard before.
Jane, still in bed, has been unintentionally tricking me!
Strong Beliefs
Reflecting back on our experiences at Zimpeto...
We have met many people here with strong beliefs. That shouldn't be too surprising since many of them are true missionaries,sent on their mission by their Creator.
He can be heard when the noise of the busy world subsides.
They regularly talk to God and look to Him for direction in their lives. Then they act on what he tells them.
Some have given up personal control of their lives so that they can do what they hear God telling them to do. Giving up many personal possessions, hobbies, toys, homes, and time with family, frees them to do what they are compelled to do. Serve others for God.
Their faith leaves me in awe.
By Roger
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