Stu's Travels

Cape Town, 8th November

Once I had said my goodbyes to the truck it was time to take the flight from Zimbabwe to Jo'Burg, which went suprsingly smoothly considering the lack of organisation everyone there has. I survived in one piece, but unfortunately the wooden Rhino I had bought as a present for the Small family in East London didn't- the poor bugger arrived both horn- and leg-less into the semi-civilised world.

I spent two nights in Jo'Burg , staying with Greg Pitt (an old friend from my gap year) before moving on to East London for the week to once again stay with the Smalls. Their house was just as I remembered it, set just of the Nahoon River with stunning views, which proved perfect to daydream and reminisce over.

Then it was on to Grahamstown (the town where I spent my Gap Year) for a few days, where I managed to slip back into the old rhythm of partying hard with the Rhodes students by night and lazing by the pool by day. I went back to visit Kingswood, and it like Grahamstown, hadn't changed at all apart from the people. It did feel stlightly strange seeing so many familiar faces in a place where I used to know everyone. Even so we had some great nights back in The Rat and Parrot and Friar Tuck's, which brought back many hazy, alcohol-fuelled memories!

After Grahamstown I went back to east london for a few days, and took in a day-nighter at Buffalo Park from the comfort of the hospitality lounge thanks to John Small. But all too soon it was time to move on once again, only this time I was headed for Cape Town.

Cape Town was stunningly beautiful, as ever. The scenery (for anyone who hasn't been) is spectacular thanks to the towering Table Mountain, and it was paradise to be back on Camps Bay, sipping cocktails in front of perfect a sunset. I stayed at the base of the mountain with Angie, who I met way back at my local pub, funnily enough (as if I'm ever anywhere else!).

We spent a great two weeks eating out, drinking out, and lazing around at hers, which was divided by a weekend in Stellenbosch. There I met up with the same truck that I had been on up to Vic Falls, and more importantly everyone on board! We took in a wine tour around some of the famous vineyards, which essentially led to two nights of debauchery, before driving down to Cape Town and then on to Boulders' Beach and the Cape of Good Hope for a day.

So now I'm here on Camps Bay beach, watching the world go by and taking in the beautiful scenery. I've only got two days here before I leave for Australia, leaving Africa behind me. Africa has been fantastic- two and a half months have gone by in the blink of an eye, but I've seen and done so much that it's time for a new challenge- and frankly I can't wait to get to Oz for good old-fashioned Ashes-style Aussie-Bashing! Until then I'm going to be busy packing for my 24 hour trip to Cairns via 4 different flights!

So when I get there, it'll feel like 4am, but ACTUALLY it ll be lunchtime and it'll be 35 degrees....