Day 8- February 2, 2014 - Palapye to Johannesburg

Big day so up tragically early again to leave by 6am. A very long bus ride and sleeping on this bus is difficult because it rocks around so much and the seats are less comfortable than Mama.I cannot eat and sit anymore, my body and brain is revolting so I skipped lunch that I made in hopes of a nice dinner at our final destination. Oh, this destination was changed yesterday as Nomad bought a Lodge in Midrand just outside of Jo'burg called Belvedere Estates. Hmmmmm. It is shocking we drive closer to Jo'burg how the road conditions improve, the houses are nice…but completely locked down, and there is more and more concrete and fences and signs and cars and lanes on the highway - wow, civilization as I know it again - feels weird and I feel kind of sad. We drop some of the group off at the airport, some at the hotel we were supposed to stay at and then Sandilie got lost driving to the Belvedere - he had never been there. 2 hours later, we arrive - Pascal, Randy. Stefan, Tahiya and I - are a little wee bit grumpy, needless to say. However once we are shown around the place and we are treated to a free drink and dinner BBQ, everyone is quite happy. The rooms and place is gorgeous, first rate. What a treat! We had a great dinner and met the owner of Nomad and his staff. Of course I put in a good word for Alfred and Viva Africa Tours - you never know!

During the night, it started to rain, no torrent no bucket for 4 or so hours. In the morning, the place (which is by a small river that has a culvert underneath the road to the property) is flooded - water is almost coming into the rooms, water everywhere - poor owners - they were frazzled! Everyone finally gets off OK and I have one more glorious, fabulous day to myself - yah! I catch up on this again and emails and life is good! Had a great night's sleep and was picked up by Gavin at 7:45am for my next adventure - Sabi Sans Private Game reserve and Kruger Park. I wonder if I 'need' another safari but it is paid for and the Kruger is very famous - so here goes!