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A bit on Mozambique…

Monday, July 31st, 2006

It occurred to me while staring at my hotel ceiling last night that most people reading this probably don’t know very much about Mozambique, and that I might write things that I (now) take for granted (such as the whole speaking Portuguese thing; I didn’t know until recently that Portuguese is the first language in Mozambique). So, before I continue with my little story, allow me to provide a very rough outline to the country’s history. [read on]

No one is going to give up their seat for me!

Saturday, July 29th, 2006

After Kruger, I headed back to Nelspruit for a few days, mostly just waiting out some time to make my car rental cheaper (if you can imagine that).  Nothing really exciting happened except for one night while watching the World Cup with some people, when a 17-year old little rich Korean kid from San Francisco experimenting with his freedom burned the entire inside of his mouth while doing “initiation” flaming sambuca shots.  He deserved it anyways, especially after spouting out such garbage as “everyone in the United States wears Prada” and other such nonsense; I had a good talking-to with him. [read on]

No one ever said what to do if you find a rhino in the middle of the road.

Saturday, July 15th, 2006

With some helpful directions from a local man returning his car at the car agency, I headed off in my little VW, recalling how to drive on the other side of the car and road. It was a good 4 hours to Nelspruit, the main town closest to Kruger, probably the most well-known game park in South Africa. The ride was pretty uneventful, but it was interesting to see the large number of people trying to hitch rides along the side of the road, a definite no-no in the States. At one point, as I passed a very slum-my area, I noticed an increased number of people looking for rides. Not as if I would pick anyone up, but I couldn’t help but think that the large “Elevated hijacking area” signs posted along the road were not helping these people’s cause. [read on]

So, yeah, I’m in Africa…

Saturday, July 15th, 2006

After a few hours of sleep and the end of “King King”, we finally made it to Africa. The sun was just peeking over the horizon as we neared Johannesburg, and it was pretty cool watching the shadow of dawn making its way across the ground – Africa, if you will. I saw a pretty neat fireball reflection off some lake (I’m assuming this is what it was) before we turned the other way to make our landing. And that was it; 8 hours later, and I’m in Africa. Now, if they’ll only let me stay…

[read on]