I saw a giraffe today. Actually- not just one... oh about 8 or 9- maybe 12 or 13. I kinda lost count. I must say- they are the most graceful awe-inspiring creatures I've seen. As much as all the animals ( I've seen Zebra, Elephant, Rhino, Hippo, Crocs) are amazing in their own way- the one creature I've been DYING to see is the giraffe. And today- only 7 days before I leave South Africa- the fabulous animals graced me with a show!
here are some pics of the rather HUGE spotted beasts
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Friendly Giant
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sunrise
So I went on a safari yesterday (stay tuned for more in next post...) We set out from where we were staying at 5:30am ( YUCK!) but it was well worth it, because of the scenes that beheld us at the game park. The sunrise was absolutely stunning!
This is my most favourite photo... hope you like it as much as I do!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Food of Champions.
Ok... so one of my observations in South Africa, is that they aren't afraid of "interesting" flavours...In the grocery stores- you'll find an array of uncommon tastes. Sweet chilli is one of the most common ( and yummy I might add) flavours you'll find. But there are some that may set you off a bit...
Fruit Chutney, Smoked Beef, Chicken and Rib- These are all potato chip flavours. I haven't had the courage to try the chicken and ribs one yet. But the fruit chutney is rather nice. lol 
Another S.A. fav is the "monkey gland" sauce. Apparently this is not made up of actual monkey glands, however- I think they'll have to trick me into trying this special sauce on a burger. Eesh. But my favourite S.A. flavour is the Greek pringles. Oh so yummy. And at only $2.50 Cdn a package- they are the comfort food of champions.
I think all countries should take a risk in their chip varieties. Step outside of the chip box world. It can be exciting.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Images of SA!
(These are just some shots I've taken of the beautiful randomness of South Africa. This country is an artists dream!)
I found this on the beach and it looked so amazing I had to take a photo. This photo is so South Africa. Something that is broken down, surrounded by lushness and beauty. 
One of the many gorgeous flowers in this country!
Photo of a house in one of the townships. 
A dead tree about to be swallowed up by the evening tide. The colours were just too beautiful in the landscape that I had to take this shot!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Photos
Here's some pics of South Africa so far! Enjoy:)
Some Zulu drummers
Me enjoying the sunshine!
The beautiful City of Durban
Medical Adventures Around the World!
Ok. In a country where HIV/AIDS is a PANDEMIC... you would think all the doctors and nurses would wear gloves. So I had to get a blood test the other evening ( For those who don't know, I have hypocalcemia and so I have to get things checked out once in awhile). So... this person was trying to take my blood. ( For those who also don't know, I have the worse veins known to man) it took her 4 pokes- and she didn't get any blood out. ( Yeeeooww!!) So the doctor comes in. No gloves, nothing. Takes a fairly large needle- and sticks it in my hand. ( no warning I might add) I quickly yelp in pain, and pray for the moment to be over. Well- so he takes the needle out, and I feel them wiping my hand. I look down and there is blood that was spurting from my vein. Nice. All over the doctors hand. Nice. Once again... I do say.
In a country where HIV/AIDS is a PANDEMIC!!!!!!.... you would think all the doctors and nurses would wear gloves. ESPECIALLY when dealing with needles and blood. To all the labs in Canada... I forever appreciate your cleanliness, caution and rules.
Thank you Canadian labs and medical system. Thank you.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sawubona! ( hello)
Sawubona my friends! Well I’m officially starting my third week in South Africa. Week one was basically adjusting to S.A time. And let me tell you.. I’ll never be getting up with the sunrise (which is around 5am) as the locals do. ( this also means South Africans call it a day around 8pm. ) Week two was spent getting into my daily routine- which consists of going to the Seed of Hope Centre during most days. The pace of life here is definitely different for this Canadian girl. But I so love it.
I’m staying in a place called Amanzimtoti… located in the KwaZulu-Natal province on the east coast of S.A…about 15-20 min from the major city of Durban ( about 4 million people) Toti is kinda like a suburb of Durban…. With quite a few townships surrounding the main area. I’m living about a 10 minute drive from the beach, which is the waters of the warm Indian Ocean. ( temperature hovers between 20 – 24 degress Celsius year round☺ ) And though the constant breeze makes high waves and strong currents… it's still nice to enjoy a dip and swim ever now and then… even in the shark infested waters!
Last week I taught my first class @ the Seed of Hope’s After-School programs. ( for 11-15 year olds) we looked at different careers available in the world. Let me tell you how much teaching/classroom skills are a bit rusty. You would think, that with all the teacher friends I have back home- I’d be a bit better. Alas… made it through and am ready to face the class again this week.For those of you wondering what the Seed of Hope is… I will get into it in more detail in later posts, but for now, please check out their website at www.theseedofhope.org
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Oh Coffee- How I Miss Thee!
Ok- so I do love espresso... but in the morning- i just want to savor a big cup you know the regular size. Not a mini cup thats adorably cute but the size of my thumb. That to me is not a morning wake up call. But their idea of une grande cafe- is an extra shot of espresso.
Ugh.
On another note, Bill and I went back to Lolo the restaurant with the fantastic gnoochi.
I just had to take photos of my meal. Moment of silence for out of this world food.
I'd come back to Lyon just for this dish. It was that good.
Wow- a salad not slathered in creamy dressing! Amazing!
And of course bread.... shocking!
Tomorrow I head for Paris! I'm tres tres excited.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Ahh Lyon
I do love this town. The fantastic buildings, the cobble streets- the hundreds of restaurants downtown ( take note Edmonton). I've been to more than a few restaurants, and I must say wow. Best food I've EVER had. Bill and I went to this one place- no idea what it is called, but it had the best Gnocci we've ever had. And for Bill to say that, it was ridiculously good. We're going back for lunch today. 
2 nights ago- Bill took me and Liz (from the Edmonton Journal) to a gay restaurant. He had happened to stumble upon it, and besides the staff being in love with him, the food was amazing. So he took us back. 
We had a BLAST... here's a pic of our waiter Tony. We now have a place to stay if we ever return here. 
A few things I've learned so far:
So before I came- the rumours that the French were rude were flying though my ears. I find in Lyon quite the opposite. You do your own thing, they do theirs. You attempt to speak French, and they may laugh at you with pronunciation,but they appreciate the effort. You do have to watch where you're going, because dog owners don't believe in taking their dogs to parks and picking up after them. Today when it is rainy out... the streets are particularly dangerous because of that. Bread is served with EVERYTHING. I mean- absolutely everything. If you have a wheat allergy France is not the place to come... and finally you eat from 12-2 or you're not going to get lunch. Alot of places close down. Me who is usually the late lunch eater is having issues remembering that one.
On another note... The shopping here is also fantastic. I remember why I loved European style... there actually is some! Shopping at home won't be the same after this. Today it is raining, and I just finished breakfast so I'm going to head out and roam the streets a bit. I'm meeting Bill and Liz in a few hours for lunch, so I may just spend a bit of money before that. Tomorrow being Sunday ( and all the stores are closed) I'm heading up to the hill where the beautiful basilica is. The old 5th quarter is apparently amazing to explore- so that's my Sunday activity. And then I head to Pariee! More later!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Pics from Day 1
Here's a few pics from my trip so far
Beautiful view in the plane as we leave the border of England and carry onto France!
View from my hotel room- ok.. maybe looks a bit ghetto, but it really is nice.
The Opera house in Lyon. Where I'll be spending all my evenings
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