Blyde River Bonus!

Blyde River Canyon...umm, absolutely breathtaking. Wednesday I took a tour of the canyon and surrounding area with a nature-loving outdoor enthusiast turned tour guide named Jimmy and another girl I met at the hostel in Nelspruit. The day started about 7:30 as we started climbing the hill to get to the first (and what I think is quite possibly the best) view of the day – the "Three Rondovals," which quite literally is three huge vertical rock projections that take the shape of rondovals, types of houses here that typically have a thatched roof over a circular foundation. There was a small river (small being respective to where we were standing 700 meters above, which in reality turned out to be pretty raging waters – perfect for kayaking) in which Jimmy pointed out what appeaByred to be a tiny stone that is apparently large enough to land a helicopter on! So, it's all about perspective! The Rodovals were just beautiful as they sat behind the winding river and water dam and in front of the green farmland extending for miles in every direction. It was incredibly relaxing to dangle our feet over the edge and take in the beauty of our surroundings.

Next on our Blyde River excursion was "God's Window," a location that provides more extraordinary views of the surrounding area (green at this time of year) and a secret rainforest that reminded me of a mix between "Fern Gully" and "Swiss Family Robinson." Rainforests are just so calming because they provide a whole realm of relaxing stimuli – the air is richer, the leaves of various plantlife constantly rustle, regardless of if there is a breeze or wind, the sounds from the ANIMAL life...everything!

Question...if we were standing at God's window, does that mean we caught a glimpse of heaven? I think sooo...it sure looked like a good heaven to me. Aside from the main viewing attractions, our trip was interspersed with many different waterfalls (Lisbon, Berlin, Mac-Mac, Whiteriver, and others whose names I don't recall L) – some 50 meters high, others 90, some we could jump over the top of, some we could hike down to the base, some we could drink from, and others not so much.

Thursday morning was transport day as I headed back to Badplaas to catch up with Jean for a little horseback ride in Adventura, the local resort that I refer to simply as Jean's own. Had a quick bite at "Gangster's" (nope, not kidding...it's the resort's restaurant) and it was off to the stables for our horseback adventure through the reserve. Gearing up and wearing the stellar helmets was quite possibly the most fun moment of our preparation...that or just getting to spend time with the nice man running the stables, whom Jean of course knew. That woman is amazing at remember names and finding connections to each and every individual that crosses her path – two extremely wonderful talents. Just as we were about to pick our horses, the lightning started exploding throughout the sky and we could see the clouds releasing rain in the not-so-far-off distance. Having just a small suggestion from the man (who was secretly a Doppler radar weatherman) to get going before the rain came, we did as we were told. And as we started walking, the rain started chasing us down…so we picked up the pace, and the rain followed suit. Now, running as full-speed as we could having just eaten, we are literally trying to outrun the rain…which was such good fun! It caught up to us, but in a Hollywood movie moment, we shouted mid-run to a man up ahead backing out of his driveway in a sheltered golf cart for a ride – perfect timing!!! So we waited out the remainder of the passing storm and had a laugh under the roofed entranceway. The second half of the waiting out process took place in, you guessed it, Gangsters!

Friday I met back up with Katy in Pretoria (yay!) and got to meet another of her good friends from the Peace Corps. We had some good eats – my favorite being the local frozen yogurt/ice cream bar Marcel's – and toured Hatfield for a bit. Got to share some stories with an international student at Pretoria University (originally from the south back in the states) and Katy over an amazing spiced chai tea latte J Saturday, we started making our way back to Katy's village by way of Kwamhlanga, a great place to stop and get some last-minute groceries and meet up with Katy's closest neighboring PCV and good friend at the newly redesigned KFC. Fantastic lunch followed by a big blessing – a ride from a friend of the Katys' and ANOTHER ride from a student who recognized Thandeka – Katy's name given to her by her African family, meaning "to be loved." Can't get a better name than that!! And once we finally reached her home and I had the opportunity to meet her host family, I could definitely see this love they had for one another. Sunday is a day for a little R+R before SCHOOL on Monday. I have not been this excited for SCHOOL ever in my life! Pumped to meet the kids Thandeka teaches and see the influence they have had on each other! Love to all back home! Heading off to try again with the safari on horseback with KATY!!