South Africa Trip - Day 2: Stellenbosch tour of wine country (6/5/10)

The gorgeous mountains of the stellenbosch area. Glad it is a pretty day.

View from the highway of the stellenbosch area.

After getting ready for the day, we got to the train station and headed out to Stellenbosch; 

Me trying to figure out the train system on our way out of Cape Town towards Stellenbosch. Nice trains with graffiti but we were one of a few people on this train.

we picked a great day as it was sunny and clear as opposed to yesterday which was overcast and drizzly. Got to see the top of table mountain which looks nice and would be great to get to the top of it (though we would not get to on this trip).  The train ride was pretty cool as we saw people's farms that had zebras and other livestock on them; used to seeing people having just normal horses and cows on their farms back in the states. We get to the SB train station and some people Jim was put in touch with (Lianel and Chanel) picked us up from the train station and take us to the wine country after we all pile into the one car. 

Our group cheersing to the start of what would be a fantastic day meeting new friends and enjoying the fabulous countryside.

Our group including our amazing hostesses for the day. Dont know if we would have enjoyed ourselves as much without their wonderful hospitality.

View from the balcony of the second winery we went to. Had a nice reflection pool and beautiful surroundings (though all the places had the scenery)
It just so happened that this weekend was the annual SB wine festival, which made this trip even more awesome as the atmosphere was much more crazy than just visiting a vineyard. On the drive to get to the wine festival area, the highway had baboons on them, just chilling on the medians and on the sides of the roads.

A baboon on the side of the road just chilling. We are not in Kansas anymore. 

The wine region was beautiful, the mountains and vegetation reminded me somewhat of Philmont from my boy scout days. 

One could get used to views like this. 

We went to a few different wineries, tried some of their wines while socializing with other wine-philes and having some grub.

This was one of the attractions at one of the wineries. Those are people in giant plastic balls running on water. It was pretty awesome.

Us getting some grub. Well me stuffing my face and Sean posing for the camera. 

Wispy clouds before the sunset while standing at the final winery of the day. I was loving being outside on such a glorious day.

Clearly someone caught me enjoying the skyline a little too intently. Behind me is the crowd of the festival at this winery; clearly we werent the only one enjoying the spectacular event. 

Sean and I posing for a pic in the tent outside. 

 Was a fantastic time. After things started winding down, Lianel drove us back to Cape town where we got some more food and had some beers before calling it a night.

South Africa Trip - Day 1: Robben Island (6/4/2010)

Arriving gate on Robben Island once the ferry lands from mainland SA.

We head to Robben island after we get up. My first impression upon arriving on the island, reminds me somewhat of the concentration camp I visited outside of Berlin a few years ago; the incarceration of people who shouldn't be in there, the compound they were held in, etc.

Leper Graveyard on the island. 

I believe this was the entrance to the prison camp (the island had many buildings and parts to it, the whole thing wasnt a  prison). Seems like a nice place no?

One of the sterile halls of the encampment where the prisoners were held.

My bro paid the guards some money to lock me up as he was already tired of my shenanigans.

 Was very educational to learn about some of the history of SA and RI; however the coolest thing about the island to me, were the penguins! 

Penguin mean mugging me trying to pet them. Protected by the brush.

Me spending time with the resident penguins. Soooo cute!! 

They had tons of penguins all over the island that were tiny (maybe a foot tall if that) and able to crawl/waddle underneath the shrubs (this was no where near the ocean). Really cool and I tried to have some come out so I can pet them but they do not oblige. After we get back to the mainland, we head to the district 6 museum and the “Castle” which was really just an old fort. 

You can definitely tell this place has some European influence. Just look at the architecture.

Beautiful building in the middle of Cape Town. Dont remember what it was but based on the number of pictures we took of it, it was impressive :)

Wall of the castle with flags flying high and a protective moat.

Entrance to the Castle. Here we go.

Cannons on the Castle grounds. I wonder if they still work :)

The museum was interesting to see as we got to learn a little more about the apartheid era and the history of SA. After that, we walked to a nearby restaurant area and ate at an Italian restaurant where Claire finally joined us (had some airplane issues getting to SA). After completely gorging ourselves (especially Jim – never watch that man eat), we walk back to the hostel for a minimal pub crawl (like 2 stops).

Ran across the WC mascot. Had to get a pic. 

This bar had a weird dress code. Apparently it finds vests and slops (whatever those are) after 6pm a no no.

The gang united finally and drinking some kickoff drinks (dont remember what they were but I do remember they were similar to our long islands both in taste and composition - no bueno).

We wind up at the hostel and hang out for a little bit before heading to bed for another crazy night of listening to the soccer hooligans chanting the night away, police sirens sounding, night club music from the hostel, and other extra noises.

South Africa Trip - Day 0: Getting to SA (6/1-3/2010)

I transferred most of my miles to Sean's one-pass account so that we could book our airline tickets using (mostly his) miles; I found out that when this is done, the tickets redeemed have the status of the member who booked them, so we had platinum status (Sean had been traveling for work a couple of years). I found all this out by accident when I tried to go through security, the lady pointed me to the business class area instead of the economy area (where I am naturally inclined to head to at the airport). Before the flight, I ran into Sean (he came looking for me in the airport) and he got me into the KLM lounge. This was the first time I had been in one of the lounges; it was nice and way better than just sitting at the gate as they had food and drink that you could help yourself to. Since the tickets were purchased with miles, they have a few connections. The first leg, IAH – AMS, was a horrible flight; the guy next to me took up at least ¼ of my seat and in front of me there was a baby, granted it was decently behaved for baby standards. Get into AMS and get to the connection with plenty of time (Sean beat me as he got off the plane way before me with his better seat :) ). From AMS we head to FRA (Frankfurt), which was a short and sweet flight as I had no one next to me. In FRA our aunt picked us up and took us to her house outside of Wiesbaden where we met up with our cousins for a small German brunch feast (meat, bread, cheese, etc.). 

My older bro, my Aunt, and me at the cafe where we stopped to grab some apfelwein  before exploring Wiesbaden and the surrounding area. Notice the stray sheep in the background just chilling in the street??? :)

After eating, they took us into town and we walked around a little bit checking out some churches, the assortment of cuckoo clocks and trying some of the region's apfelwein (apple wine – tastes like a cider mixed w/ champagne). 

The worlds largest coo-coo clock (according to them :) ) in Wiesbaden.

After that we went to the Neroberg mountain railway which is surrounded by some pretty amazing houses and lots of trees which made for a beautiful drive. We took a tram up to the top of the hill and walked around a little bit before sitting down to have a beer out on the patio to enjoy the view around us while taking in the cool, crisp air (which was colder than what they like but I was loving it). 

This was the tram coming down the hill as we went up.

My bro and I in front of one of the many beautiful churches in the cities of Europe. 

One of the many beautiful views from the top of the hill that the trolley took us up.

After that we went home for dinner and a few more beers while hanging out before we headed back to the airport to catch our flight. We were let into the Lufthansa Senator lounge near the gate and got to relax for the hour or so before our flight while having some food and drinks. While waiting I saw a plane that had gummy bears advertising painted over it; thought it was pretty cool. We got onto our jam-packed plane and I was sitting next to a German and a Norwegian man which made the flight a little better as they were smaller than the guy I had on my first flight. Got some sleep, and woke up to see the sunrise out the window; wasn't as nice as below the cloud-line but still beautiful. Landed in Jo-berg and we missed our connection as continental booked our flights too close together and we couldn't get to out gate in time. After dealing with a bunch of yahoos and running around the airport a bit to fix this slight, we got on our plane to Cape Town where we found Jim waiting for us upon arrival.

Clouds covering the top of Table mountain in Cape Town. Unfortunately this was the view the whole time we were there. Still a cool vista. 

 We all got a cab to the hostel (Carnival Court), checked in, got oriented in our area, and then went shopping while having an easy night. Got some dinner, had a few drinks then got to sleep a little early as we were exhausted from our travels. 

Sean and Jim (who is doing some work while we hang out - shame!) and I hanging out after settling in to the place.

We didn't sleep well that night (J did as he had earplugs) as there was an argument out the window with enough swearing to upset a sailor, glass bottles being clanked constantly, and then some soccer hooligans (think English) singing drunk chants after places had closed.

Photographs from my Western tour of America

Below are at least some of the photographs I took on my trip with brief captions (sorry some of the pictures reverted to original orientation after I flipped them to be right side up):

Hullabaloo Diner in Bryan. Good, cheap food, decent beer selection. Was a nice stop.

Pulled over on my way through NM as the road ahead looks dangerous. Time to don the rain gear.

Blue Hole of Santa Rosa. That swimmer does not look comfortable. That's because the air temp isnt much warmer than the water temp (posted on the sign there)

The Blue Hole itself. Divers were getting ready to go down. Very pretty. Wish it were warmer the day I was there as it was mighty inviting.

View in Albuquerque of the mountains. So pretty.

Entrance to the Bandera Ice Cave and Volcano. One of the more lackluster parts of the trip but the drive there was pretty going trough a national forest. If I had more time to kill, not a bad way to kill a few hours.

Entrance of the gift shop/admission desk at Bandera.

Stopped on the way up to the volcano to admire the view.

The Volcano at Bandera. Not exactly what I was imagining but I guess those thoughts were ignorant as the volcano hasnt been active for millenia (not sure exact time).

View on way down from the volcano.

Proceed at your own risk: the way down to the ice cave

Standing platform looking over the ice cave. Felt good; nice and chilly.

Not as pretty as I was expecting but was definitely cool in there. For the record, I did not go out onto/into the ice, but the cave felt good.

Entrance building at the Petrified Forest National Park.

First vista upon entering the Petrified Park. Pretty cool. Many of the formations had various color patterns in-bedded in them which made for nice views.

Another view from that first look out at the PP.

My bike at said first stop. I took a few pics of my bike at certain places to show that I was there :) cause otherwise i could have gotten these photos from anywhere.

A different view in the PP. I find the various formations and vastness of the land incredible.

Still in the PP. Got onto a look out to take some pictures. 

This photo in the PP you can definitely see some of the color striations in the rock (on the right side).

This was a monument to the old Rt 66 in the PP. 

At the above monument. I believe this was an original path of Rt.66

Among all these giant multi-colored rock formations. Was cool to be able to drive through them.

One of the aforementioned multi-colored rock formations.

Any Eagles fans out there? This was a street corner park dedicated to one of their best songs, Take it Easy. This was in Winslow, AZ.

The monument paying homage to the song that paid tribute to one of the towns through which the original Rt.66 went through.

Rt. 66 historic highway still runs through Winslow. The park from above is in the background.

A view in Sedona, AZ. Look at those red rocks. Was a pretty little city. 

More Sedona. Was just admiring the view from one end of a bridge in the middle of the city.

A view from atop a hill that holds the airport. The town of Sedona below practically surrounded by giant red mountains.

A 360 panorama from the viewing platform by the airport in Sedona.

A church built into the rocks in Sedona. Was small, but pretty. One thing I do love about religions, they put effort into making some beautiful houses of worship.

The plaque designating the church above as a national historic place. 

View from the church look out. That house in the foreground was HUGE! Apparently people in Sedona have some money.

Close up of some of the red rocks. And by close up I mean still 100s of meters away.

So in Flagstaff, to get good craft beer, you must visit a Mobile gas station. So figured I would kill 2 birds with one stone; fill up and try some local beers after I get back to the place.

The Grand(est of) Canyon(s). I have said it before, but pictures cannot do this place justice. Nor does the word Grand.

Looking at an outlook where people are taking pictures of the GC. Thats the canyon all around them and all to my right and behind me. Starting to understand the scale of this place?

More Grand Canyon. If you were to fly to the other side of this picture (many many miles) that is the North rim of the Grand Canyon. Popular camping area. Wish I could have checked it out. Next time. 

A 360 panorama from a lookout at the south rim of the GC. 

The entrance to the Desert Station side of the GC south rim.

A tower at the Desert station. you are allowed to climb to the top (where the windows are, not the tippy top). From here you get some nice views looking from one end of the canyon.

The watchtower above is another national historic landmark. I guess you can now call me a history buff :)

View from the top of the tower. That canyon goes on forever it seems.

Picture perfect view of the Grand Canyon. Just soaking it all in. 

Visitor Center right outside of Page, AZ, near the border of UT and AZ.

Bridge overlooking the Dam. Happened to be around here a little before sunset. Pretty colors laying over the rocks.

The dam and the massive lake formed behind it which is one of UT and AZ water sports destinations.

My campsite in Kanab. I am a simple traveler.

My Coffin/tent. Thank goodness I am not claustrophobic. :)

View from my site of the sun starting to bask the mountains in UT.

Entrance to Bryce Canyon

The tallest lookout in Bryce Canyon

The Grand Canyon is huge. Bryce is just amazing. Trees, wildlife, etc. abound with paths all through the canyon and places to camp and what not. Really wouldnt mind getting my gear, a few friends, and just taking a week to wonder through here.

Red rocks, white rocks, different formations. So beautiful.

These were some caverns in the side of the canyon. See near the bottom right the transition from the white rock to the red. Nature aims to please :)

The US Geological survey seal from atop Bryce Point. Remember finding one of these in Philmont and thinking it was cool that these exist on top of our mountains. Something to look for when/if you climb on top of our nation's mountains.

Another lookout in Bryce.

View from Sunset point. Closer to all the formations down in the canyon.

A rock tunnel on the way into/out of Bryce. Notice the size of the RVs on the other side of it. I can only imagine what it must feel like when you drive through the tree tunnels over in the red wood forests. These rocks are just sediment. Those trees... they are living things that are able to make us feel like ants.

East entrance to Zion.

Zion visitor center. 

A rock formation after passing through the mile long tunnel to get into Zion park from the East entrance.

Within Zion. Walking among the giants.

More Zion. Surprised I didnt pull a muscle in my neck looking up so much.

Rad lil spider on the trail. 

The canyon is narrowing. On the path to the trail head called the Narrows.

Rocks can cry? Water coming out of the rock providing a source of continual sustenance for the flora on the rocks.

Proceeding toward the Narrows

This is as far as I go toward the narrows. People playing in the water and proceeding to the trailhead.

The unconventional eggs benedict I had in Avon. Not only does this stretch of road have unbelievable scenery, but really good food (based on this meal)

Little outlook stop in Breckenridge. Was absolutely stunning.

360 view from the above stop. 

Sun shining through holes in the clouds in Kansas/East Colorado. Seeing rays of sunlight pierce through clouds is incredibly inspiring and beautiful. 

To anyone who has seen this guy freak out you will know why I took this picture. DOUBLE RAINBOW! I had to take a picture if only to show people that link :)

Thank goodness for clouds. Sunsets are beautiful things. Throw in some clouds to help with the color palette of the sky during sunsets and BAM! so much better!

Butcher shop in KC. They had like 5 different kinds of bacon (shown above) as well as all kinds of other meats. Pretty nice!

A tasty beer that decided to rupture in my saddlebag on the drive from KC to OKC. So we put the rest on ice and enjoyed it. 

Oh, Braums. Where have you been all my life. What you see here is 2 breakfast burritos (was like 10 or 11am), a sausage english muffin and a peanut butter fudge shake. Yeah, you only live once so I went for it :)