This won't be a long post for the last two weeks, simply because we haven't really been 'travelling'. It's been more like 'living'. We have spent out time staying with our friends Michael and Charne and their son Charlton. We have had two mini breaks to nearby timeshares courtesy of Charne but the majority of our time has mostly been spent relaxing, eating, drinking and eating. Lots and lots of eating. Michael sure knows how to cook and he certainly knows how to 'braai'. Which is BBQ everywhere else in the world.

So to briefly summarise-


St Lucia Wetlands.
This was our first mini break. St Lucia is on the southern tip of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Ironically, whilst we were there, there was a drought meaning we had no fresh running water throughout our visit to the 'wetlands'. This was no big problem to us though and didn't hinder our travel plans at all. From the town we explored the nearby beach, rivers and trails where we saw lots of wild hippos and crocs chilling out in the sun.

Safari.
We visited the Hluhluwe game park from St Lucia. We drove round ourselves and were lucky to see a lot of rhino, one giraffe, a croc, buffaloes, loads of wildebeests and lots birds. No big cats, but to be honest we never expected to at this particular park. We were a bit unfortunate to miss out on Zebras as well, but not to worry as there is a field near to Michael's home where we spotted them regularly as we made our morning walk to the shop.

The Midlands Meander
An area just south of Durban, known for little farm shops, nice scenery and a tranquil setting.
This was another timeshare that Charne secured for us and it was truly luxury. We had a huge property with its own private pool, mini golf course, lake and set in an area surrounded by rolling green hills. Here we played archery, ate chocolate dipped gherkins, explored little tourist spots and did plenty of relaxing.

Gina Gorge.
Literally, right in front of Michael and Charne's house is a huge gorge! We did a couple of the trails that take in the gorge both at the bottom and the top where the views are jaw dropping and the scenery is spectacular .

So that's our (very) brief sum up of out little bit of luxury in South Africa. And so now, we pick up the backpacks again and we need to get back into the spirit of spending little, eating a lot less and stopping in dodgy hostels.

Thanks Michael, Charne and Charlton. We have had a great time making the most of your generosity. It's been great to see you all and hopefully will see you all soon(ish).

Things we have learned
1. An ace of spades found in your drink after 36 hours of travel is not amusing.
2. When getting out of a small rowing boat at the side of the lake make sure you know how deep it is or you may end up in the lake.
3. BBQ is a swear word in South Africa.

Planes used - 7 (+3)
Buses used - 24
Trains used - 24
Metros/subways used - 28
Cars used - 8 (+3)
Minivans - 8
Russian Campervans used -1
Horses used - 1
Camels used - 1
Taxis used - 11
Cable cars used - 1
Bicycles used- 2
Tuk tuks/autorickshaw used - 31
Scooters used - 6
Elephants used - 0
Ferrys used - 4
CycleRickshaw - 1
Bamboo HouseBoat - 1





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