Yes, it's a case of better (extraordinarily) late

  London, England, United Kingdom
Monday, February 23, 2009

Soweto, Jo'burg
I had not expected to enjoy our few days in Johannesburg, having spent two nights there in the past and remembering nothing of it except for a shopping mall and the fact that the owners of the B&B were car-jacked during our stay. Enter tour guide and Soweto resident Zak, who showed us his home town and culture from what felt like a truly unique perspective. Being a bit of a geek for modern history, sociology and (well, fairly obviously) psychology, experiencing the living history of those who lived through Apartheid was a fascinating experience. Incidentally this trip starting our southern African experience had a pleasing symmetry with our visit to Robben Island which was one of the final things we did on the continent.

Namibia, Dune 45 and surrounds
Spectacular natural beauty was something that we were becoming a little complacent towards the end of our travels, but seeing Dune 45 and its surrounds was a chance to sit back and marvel at Mother Nature. Wow. Climbing up it wasn't easy with the winds blowing- but rolling down it, now that was fun!


Zebras at the Okavango Delta

Zebras

Enough said.









New friends & a personal achievement
Fully organised travel was not something we embarked upon lightly, and although we had a wonderful time, not necessarily something I would do again. Largely because on this trip we were fortunate to share our experience with some lovely, like-minded people and that may not be the case on future journeys. (Although it must be said that even on this trip there were a few odd moments, which I'm sure will at some point prove useful in my study of psychology). We have already enjoyed spending time with some of the Oasis gang here in London, are looking forward to having others home in the Spring and hope one day to catch up with others who are now in further flung places such as Dubai.

Rafting crew

Camping, particularly of the no shower, bush toilet variety, was also not something I was overly keen on and plans for this element of the trip were met by much amusement by friends and family back in the UK. It was, with a bit of good humour, a doddle, and I now feel that five nights camping at Glastonbury (potential floods excepted) will be a breeze...although, thinking about it, bush toilets may actually be a little easier to cope with than the average festival portaloo.



Cape Town Reunion 

Ani & Soph

And, of course, one of the best moments of the entire trip was being woken up by a porter at 3am to have my sister Ani and cousin Sophie jump out at me from round a corner, followed a few sleepless hours later by my parents arriving! A great family holiday, for which I thank my wonderful, generous parents, finished off the most incredible 9 months of my life (so far!).






Thank you, Piet, for organising everything (honestly he did everything, I barely know how to work the hostelworld website), I look forward to many, many more adventures with you. 
                                                                

Piet