A Wandering Sole

Montage Monday: A Little Love in Stellenbosch

// August 23rd, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Photo of the Week, South Africa

I dropped in at the Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens run by the local university. An eager male student asked if I was here to see some really rare plant from Namibia (of course I can’t remember the name now). I was like, “Uhh, yes?” I’m no plant expert so he showed me the plant in question and then I walked around. I was intrigued when I came across what appears to be a heart-shaped cactus from Namibia. I wanted to ask the horticulture student about it, but he was pre-occuppied answering questions from two little old ladies, most likely, who actually knew a thing or two about plants. Therefore, I can’t tell you anything about it, but I think it’s neat. However, if you need to know the Latin name of the Red Maple tree or the Sawtooth Oak, I’m your girl. That’s about the only thing I remember from my Plant Sciences class I took in university.

Montage Monday: Bo Kaap, Cape Town

// August 16th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // Photo of the Week, South Africa

Bo Kaap is a neighborhood on the edge of Cape Town’s city center and is known for it’s colorful, semi-detached houses. Bo Kaap’s residents are largely descendants of slaves that were imported by the Dutch in the 1700s from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Because of this, the neighborhood is mostly Muslim and has colorful mosques as well.

Montage Monday: Sociable Weavers Nest, Namibia

// August 2nd, 2010 // 4 Comments » // Namibia, Photo of the Week

The sociable weaver is a fascinating bird that I discovered in Namibia’s Etosha National Park. They spend years building huge nests in trees and continue to build on them, until they eventually fall apart or break the tree limbs. They are the largest nests built by any bird. If you are a bit of a nature nerd, watch this video about the sociable weaver. If you’re not, at least watch the first 30 seconds to see a massive nest!

Montage Monday: Sunset on Chizumulu Island

// July 19th, 2010 // No Comments » // Malawi, Photo of the Week

Spending a couple of nights on Chizumulu Island on Lake Malawi, I was spoiled with some pretty sweet sunsets. From my accommodation at Wakwenda Retreat I could sit on one of the wooden platforms jutting out into the bay and look at this lovely masterpiece.

Montage Monday: Chobe River Cruise, Botswana

// July 5th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Botswana, Photo of the Week

On Saturday afternoon, I took a three hour river cruise in Chobe National Park, Botswana. It was one of the most impressive and worthwhile experiences to date. I was on the boat with a New York Times photographer who said it ranked in one of his top two safari experiences (and he’s done this very river cruise five times before, not to mention all of the other safaris he’s been on). Yes, it was that good. This is just one photo from the trip, but I have high hopes to post more soon. I also saw hippos out of the water, which they rarely come out except at night, along with giraffes, monkeys, impalas, and vibrant colored birds.

Montage Monday: Likoma Island

// June 21st, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Africa, Malawi, Photo of the Week

Likoma Island, in Lake Malawi, is a taste of tropical paradise with an African setting. There are views of neighboring Chizumulu Island (pictured here along with some fishermen), and if you take a short walk to the other side of the island there are stunning views of Mozambique. Likoma Island boasts some of the most friendly people in Africa and no crime. It’s only 17 square kilometers and has a population of 6,000 people. As I write this, I can hear the waves off of the lake in my little hut on the beach. There is snorkeling, swimming, and amazing sunsets. Who knew you could find a place like this on a lake in Malawi?

Montage Monday: Malawi, A Reminder in Simplicity

// June 14th, 2010 // 7 Comments » // Malawi, Photo of the Week

As the plane was making its descent into Lilongwe, I had my face glued to the window. I felt like I was flying into the pages of a National Geographic magazine. I could see little villages as we were approaching the airport. In Malawi, the huts are still largely made of mud with grass roofs. While they look quite picturesque, reminding me of childhood visits to my grandmother’s where I flipped through stacks of National Geographics, its a reality check to how simple people can and do live. I technically have internet access now through my wireless modem again, however it’s so expensive, that I probably won’t be posting again until I reach Zambia. And it’s actually a nice break away from the fast paced technology-ridden world that we live in. I’m typing this up by candlight- there’s an electricity shortage in  Malawi and with the World Cup going on, they’ve shut off power between games. It’s not all that bad. Sure we (the volunteers) whined over not being able to heat up water for tea, but it’s hardly a sacrifice considering how people in other parts of the world live daily.

And on a final note: the people in Malawi really are as friendly as their reputations claim them to be.

Montage Monday: A Photo Essay of Nyiragongo Volcano

// June 7th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // DR Congo, Photo of the Week

Trekking the Nyiragongo Volcano was one of the most challenging accomplishments to date in my adventure-ridden journey. I’m glad that I did it, and even though I’m bummed that I didn’t get to see much of the lava lake, maybe I’ll give it another go when I forget how painful it was! Enjoy the trek!

View of Mt. Nyiragongo from Gisenyi

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Montage Monday: Glimpse at the Treasury

// May 31st, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Jordan, Photo of the Week

Petra in Jordan is one of the most fascinating sights. As you meander your way through the Sikh (literally means ’snake’ but referring to the gorge) you walk for a bit before coming upon the Treasury. It’s incredible to get your first glimpse of it before the walls open up, and you are suddenly standing in front of this magnificent piece of history.

Montage Monday: Lake Kivu, Rwanda

// May 24th, 2010 // 7 Comments » // Photo of the Week, Rwanda

Knowing that I had to spend a week in Kigali, I needed to take a day trip or two to pass the time. The Rwandan tourism office ORTPN recommended I go to Kibuye, a town on the shores of Lake Kivu. Less touristed than it’s northern counterpart Gisenyi, I can’t say that there was much to do there. However, the lake was beautiful and the five hour round trip drive to get there was full of stunning scenery. You can also get a glimpse of the Democratic Republic of Congo from the town of Kibuye.  As I head to northern Rwanda on Wednesday, I’m looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful lake.