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
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