South African "Safari"

In search of the "Big 5" (the five most ferocious beasts to hunt), we left the relative safety of Cape Town and headed up the east coast. We understood from the jungle drums that elephant had been spotted near the town of Knysna, a six hour drive from Cape Town.

From the relative safety of the balcony of the B&B where we "camped", we could see the famous Knysna lagoon and Heads, a gateway to the Indian Ocean.

We ventured into town and discovered Dr. Mama had a remedy for all of life's problems.

We were also relieved that commerce was alive and well in Knysna.

We boarded the requisite safari transportation to go in search of the wild things of Africa.

First on the Big 5 list is the lion. This guy was very laid back, probably not informed about his status as a member of the elite five.

We were glad Ellie was so relaxed as we were very up close and personal with her. She even allowed us to tickle her behind the ears for this magical shot!

Ben decided to offer food instead of becoming lunch.

This eight hundred pounds of mean old water buffalo was taking an afternoon nap

The rhinos on the other hand were alert, so we kept our distance.

Although the zebra is not a member of the Big 5, they were very cute.

Technically, the leopard rounds out the Big 5, but on this safari we had to make do with cheetahs. They looked as if they were sizing us up for lunch.

The ostrich is considered the dumbest bird alive, with a brain an eighth of the size of one eye!

Known for being shy animals, this lovely specimen didn't hesitate to pose for the camera.

Although very cute, we were warned about these mischievous monkeys. We were told to hang onto our car keys, wallets and sunglasses.

Our guide told us monkeys are particularly partial to high end cars and recounted the story of how one monkey stole the keys to a BMW. The monkey returned the keys a week later, but the unfortunate tourist had already spent over $1,000 to have a new key shipped from Germany.

These tourists read the warning signs to close the windows and lock the doors, but how the heck were they supposed to get these guys off the roof?

You wouldn't want to meet this guy in a dark alley!

Enough of the wild things - we returned to Cape Town to visit the tourist spots.

Ben & Lindy

Cape Town, South Africa

We were excited to arrive in the beautiful city of Cape Town, where Lindy grew up before moving to Denver 16 years ago. Known fondly as the "Mother City", Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa. The city is a cosmopolitan mix of culture and business, industry and leisure, history and innovation.

The city of Cape Town is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Table Mountain.

A little over 100 miles south east of Cape Town is Cape Agulhas, the southern most tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans converge.

We are awakened every morning at sunrise by the awful screeching of guinea fowls, which are "protected" and roam freely in residential neighborhoods.

The Protea is the national flower of South Africa.

We took a few hours strolling through Kirstenbosch, a huge botanical garden established on the mountainside just north of Cape Town.

The V&A Clock Tower, named for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (later of tobacco fame), is the entry to the vibrant waterfront district.

These statutes on the dock at the waterfront commemorate South Africa's four Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nkosi Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, FW De Klerk, and Nelson Mandela.

We spent a rainy afternoon at the incredible Two Oceans Aquarium, a world class exhibit of ocean swimmers.

Our personal favorite - The Thinker!

Fish on a stick anyone?

No, this is not Boulder, Colorado.....but Boulders Beach home to.....

South African penguins.

Also at the V&A Waterfront is the Nelson Mandela Gateway for departure to Robben Island. Here we experienced a moving tour of the maximum security prison where many of the leaders in the struggle against apartheid were incarcerated.

Besides apartheid leaders, other notorious prisoners convicted of violent crimes, were held at Robben Island. Each group had different menus with political prisoners given less food to emphasize their "lowest of the low" status.

Prisoners were given a number and never referred to by name. Billy Nair was known as 6964.

In 1992, after more than 20 years of prison life, apartheid ended and the new regime leaders were freed.

We're leaving civilization to visit the "wild" parts of SA. Coming next the "Big 5".

Ben & Lindy

Banos and Tumbaco, Ecuador

After roughing it in the southern Andes, we returned to "civilization" in the upscale city of Tumbaco, about 25 minutes south of Quito. We stayed in a delightful cottage on a country estate.

Luxury at last!

We hiked a scenic gorge along railroad tracks that were abandoned long ago. The trail wound from the riverbed through...


several tunnels considered engineering marvels for the times.

On to the town of Banos, the toffee capital of Ecuador. Every other store was engaged in the street-side production of this really sticky, sweet delight.

Every Ecuadorian town and village has its own special saint and Banos was no exception. Through the month of October the villagers set off fire crackers throughout the day, walked in parades in their Sunday best as pictured above, and held frequent services in the church that were broadcast on loudspeakers in the town square well into the night. One morning we noticed a line of cars parked opposite our hotel with doors, hoods and trunks open, for the local priest to splash holy water and say a special "car blessing".

The excellent volcanic soil produces wonderful fruit and veg....

huge green onions (spring onions) sold in bunches for 50 US cents.

Pork is a popular menu item - head 'n all.

One stop shopping - tours, river rafting, bicycle hire and laundry.

We gave up our lives to the gods and boarded this rickety cable car....

to cross the gorge to bring this photograph to you!

We also trekked down a very, very long, steep path at the bottom of the gorge to see this beautiful waterfall.

Happy 21st birthday, Lindy.

Adios Ecuador and on to sunny South Africa.

Ben & Lindy

Around Ecuador

The roads and bus drivers in Ecuador leave much to be desired, so we decided in the interest of self-preservation to fly whenever possible.

One advantage of flying was that we were able to take this photograph from our airplane. This is the summit of Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador (20,702 feet).

A windy day on the town square of Cotacachi with palm trees swaying at an elevation of 9,500 feet.

Flowers are inexpensive and bountiful in Ecuador, with roses costing $1.00 for a bouquet of 20.

Cuicocha Lake is situated in a volcanic crater two miles above sea level. The two islands in the middle of the lake appear to be floating and can only be accessed by the local Shamen for ceremonial rites.

This beautiful valley is located in southern Ecuador in an area known as Vilcabamba. Its claim to fame is perfect Spring-like weather year round and for the most centurians per capita in the world. We enjoyed hiking the mountain range surrounding the valley.

The valley is extremely fertile and fruit and vegetables grow in abundance.

One of the centurians checking Lindy out in the village of Vilcabamba.

Ben fitting in the with locals and doing laundry in the stream.

The view at the breakfast table of the valley.

Inca legend recognized Lake Cuicocha as a sacred spot and we could certainly feel the peace and tranquility here.

Unitl next time, Ben & Lindy