Being in Africa has opened my eyes making me realise that not all countries are like New Zealand. Here there is a lot of people that don't even live in proper houses or have no food. It goes from people to animals, like the rhino. They have been poached illegally for their horns for very many years, too many years and as a result they are now almost extinct. It has made me realise that I am lucky to live in a country were there is peace and enough food for everyone and I hope other people can get a chance to realise what I have.

Kruger Park

 

What a wonderful time to end our holiday! We had four nights and five days in Kruger National Park where we got to see Africa’s awesome and unique animals, most of them only found in this country.

Already we have seen zebra, giraffe, wild dog, impala (antelope), kudu, water buck, terrapins, warthog, lots of birds, cheetahs, serval cat, hippo and crocodile. Not forgetting the big five which are Africa’s five most dangerous animals. They are the elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo and lion. We were fortunate enough to see all of them. Tomorrow we fly back to New Zealand and I am looking forward to seeing my friends again.

Easter in Johannesburg

 

After we got back from Plett we stayed our final night in Cape Town before hoping on the plane to fly up to Johannesburg for Easter. We stayed with my Aunty Sue and her partner Brian. The first night we were there we went for dinner at our father’s old friends place. I was awed at the house (it was very big) but was most surprised about the five desserts we were given. From another family that was there we were given tickets to a school sport festival, so our plans for the next day were decided. The next day we some more of our fathers friends. This time Linder was an artist so we spent our time painting in her studio. That afternoon we went to the sport festival like planed and watched the rugby. The next day was Easter!!!! We got up early and found our Easter eggs, that was followed by a yummy breakfast. After breakfast we went to church for a special service. The rest of the day was family time.

6th of April

On Sunday we were very lucky because it was my father’s birthday. To celebrate this day we went out for breakfast and went on a special family outing exploring the coast of Cape Town. First we stopped off at Muizenberg and went on some terrific water slides and then went for a walk along the beach. Our next stop was Fish Hook bay where we swum off the rocks and got lunch. After that we went on a scenic drive through Chapman’s Peak. On the other side we stopped at Harp Bay and got ourselves an Ice cream. Here is a story I wrote about our trip to Fish Hook.     

 

Tour of Cape Town’s Coast

“Here I go” I cried as I took a running leap of the end of the slippery rock. Splash!! I hit the water with an almighty crash.

             Almost immediately the salty water plunged down my throat leaving the bitter taste of salt and stinging my open eyes. The water was surprisingly warm and refreshed my sweaty body. I had desperately needed a swim after all it was 31 degrees and my last swim had been an hour ago.

            “This is lovely” I sighed, paddling away from the rocks so Dad, Tessa and Lydia could jump in. Soon we were all splashing and playing about while the small waves plummeted to shore. This is the life, I thought as we dove under the waves and bobbed out the other side like corks.

            Sadly it was soon time to go, though it took me awhile to tear myself from the ocean. What a swim!!!!

The dam

Add horse riding, water skiing, tubing, sand sculpting, boat riding and swimming and you get the dam where we spent the whole day yesterday hanging out with old friends. 
After a early start we left Cape town at 8:45 and arrived at the beautiful lake house at 10:20. My Mother and I got straight into our horse riding clothes and hopped on the boat to go over to the farm on the other side of the lake. We were met by my fathers friends brother named David who had offered to take us on a ride. Straight away I was shown by the groom, Richard, who was from Malawi, to the horse I would be riding. I immediately fell in love with Kiera.
We spent the whole morning riding around David's 600 hectare farm. The rest of the amazing day was filled with Biscuting, swimming and learning to water ski with a delicious lunch in the middle. We finally headed home at 6:30. What an amazing day. 

A bumpy ride

Here is a story I wrote about the plane trip

A bumpy ride

               

                My breath leaves me as I gasp at the sight before me. I’m looking straight down from the window of a large international plane. Down below the clouds have parted, giving me an open view of the magnificent city of Perth, with its evening lights and welcoming glow.

                “What a flight “ I said exhilarated by the 7 hour trip. The plane bumped then shuddered as it bounced wildly on to the run way, making what was supposed to be a gentle landing. Some expert pilot he is, I thought sarcastically as the speeding plane skidded to a halt at the end of the run way.

                “All passengers may exit the aeroplane”  came the sweet voice of the flight attendant’s voice over the PA system. I hauled my heavy carry-on bag over my shoulder and waited patiently for my family to get organised. Though that patience wavered as we waited to get out of the plane. After another twenty minutes we finally weaved our way out of the busy plane and into the shoot leading to the airport.

                Next stop south Africa!  

The sights of Cape town

If you have seen a semi-precious stones then you know what they look like, so imagine that there was so many of them that you could walk in them. Well that is a experience I was fortunate enough to get a chance to do today. It was the most amazing thing ever!! My Grandfather bought each of us kids a cup full of stones which in average is about 80 stones for a cup. So we spent the next half an hour finding interesting and appealing stones to take home. I chose stones that ranged from pale pinks, blues,reds, purples and greens to spotted and striped bold colours.
Once we had left we went into town to get lunch. We ordered pizza for everyone. fortunately we were   at a children's park so we all played while we waited for our lunch. After lunch we walk to Cape towns eye, a impressively large Ferris wheel. For a specail treat mum bought tickets. The view was one of a kind!! You could see right across the wharf and all the way across town to Table Top Mountain.
 Finally once we finished our ride, for free public entertainment the circus was performing. So of course we stopped to watch them preform. The circus was so entertaining and funny. The acrobatics were sensational and unbelievable. We had the best day ever!!