We left the Durban area ( actually Natilia) and travel about 100 KM along the coast to Margate, which was a place suggested by another well travelled camper we had met earlier at BadPlass. As we left Natilia it was threatening rain again but clear up as we got to Margate. Therefore we took the opportunity to drive around the area to see the sites and to see again how much beautiful Beach Front this country has available. We are glad to see that the Hotels, in general , are build off the beach proper and the beaches are for the people, not wealthy hotel patrons.
Then we decided, that since we are now on the water we should try a fish plate for lunch and we were not disappointed with the fish nor the price.
While eating lunch on the deck, Carroll spotted a Unisex hair salon where I could get a much needed trim for R50 ( less than $7.00 cdn ) so in we went. I didn't realize how badly i needed a haircut until the lady said; do you want a Perm or a Trim. ha ha. Then we headed for the beach but the water was too cool to swim as a result of 5 days of continuous rain. So, Carroll ,just had to check out the Hawkers Wares again, as she just can not walk by them. I ask what she needed or wanted and she said Nothing so I know that means... get out my wallet because she is buying but not before she beats the guy down to 1/2 price. After carroll picked out some much needed Place Mats, we decide to drive around the area and then find a camp site for the night.
There were only 2 camp sites in our "Camping Book" so we chose one and plugged it into the "trusty" GPS which took us directly to the site. The camp looked OK and the price was right ( R120 ) so we took it for the night. I will say in hind-site it only met our Minium Standard but it was clean and very friendly. We ask the owner for the best place in town for a fish supper and he directed us to another town some 5 or 6 KM away to a John Dory's which a large chain but with excellent food. Once we read the menu we "kind of change our minds. " We ordered dinner for two which included , Ribs along with Muscles, Prawns, Calamari, squid with rice. We also had a Greek salad and of course a beer for the driver. The supper cost us R208 or $26.00 cdn. I don't know how the can make a meal like that for so little money.
We then returned to the camp site and listened to it rain all dam night and it did not get any better the next day.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
21 Nov Monday
Did I mention in my Sunday blog that we would be headed south. Well, our planning is never cast in concrete as you know by now. When we got up this morning the sun was shinning; it was warm with a nice 30 KM breeze and the ocean was beckoning for the swimmer to join in.
Since we dearly wanted to ride the SkyCar at the famous soccer stadium we decide to stay another day and go back to Durban. On sunday we were advised by the Ticket agent that Monday was " Booked " for Schools but what she did not apparently say was that after the schools were done we could ride the skyCar. So , Carroll decide to Call the Skycar office on Momday and they said, for sure the ride was open and available as we would not get there until near noon anyhow.
So back to Durban we go , some 45 KM away and for a city of 3.5 Million people it is very easy to get around. also we were heading for the Malacon, ( my word for the waterfront and beach ) which of course is on the ocean and the stadium is only 3 blocks away.
You may recall, the minor parking problem i had on Sunday. Well " Mr who thinks he Owns the parking Lot " was on duty again and again he said No way...you are too big and you are a Bus, which not allowed. . But I am now in the entrance way blocking any traffic so he comes close enough for Carroll to discuss the situation. She explained that this our passager vehicle, not a Bus, etc etc etc. He finally gives in and allows us to park. besides the parking lot is half empty anyway.
So we get to ride the SkyCar to the top of the soccer stadium and the view of the stadium and the city are fabualous. I think we are 300 M off the ground so you can see forever. The stadium holds 56,000 for a soccer game and will hold 85,000 . ZA dearly wants to host the Summer Olympic as the world cup did so much to help bring this country to the world stage. I think it help bring the people together also.
After the SkyCar ride we decided to have lunch at the stadium as there are several resturaunts, cafe's and other boutiques around the perimeter that will gladly take the tourist money.
As we were eating lunch we mused about walking the Malacon and do some people watching , just to top of the day. However, the weather turned from beautiful to down right nasty as the winds increase and the rain returned. therefore we decided enough was enought we headed back to our camp. Carroll, the navagator decided, and rightly so the we could stay on M2 ( M stands for Motorway ) as we would eventually need that road to exit the city. what she did not know was the M2 took us right by the Convention centre and there was an Enviromment Conference hosted by the United Nations. Hence the security was tight and the 4 lanes of traffic became one. Which means i had to pilot our Motor Home into the traffic jam and of course I'm probably one of the few with Insurance and i beieve most of the drivers are 'training " for the Indy 500.
With Carroll help and her brave words such as " Cut in Now" we managed to get to the freeway called N2 ( I have no idea what N stands for ) then stopped at the grocery store to pick up a ready made supper. It now appears the the windis increasing and for sure rain will not stop tonight.
Since we dearly wanted to ride the SkyCar at the famous soccer stadium we decide to stay another day and go back to Durban. On sunday we were advised by the Ticket agent that Monday was " Booked " for Schools but what she did not apparently say was that after the schools were done we could ride the skyCar. So , Carroll decide to Call the Skycar office on Momday and they said, for sure the ride was open and available as we would not get there until near noon anyhow.
So back to Durban we go , some 45 KM away and for a city of 3.5 Million people it is very easy to get around. also we were heading for the Malacon, ( my word for the waterfront and beach ) which of course is on the ocean and the stadium is only 3 blocks away.
You may recall, the minor parking problem i had on Sunday. Well " Mr who thinks he Owns the parking Lot " was on duty again and again he said No way...you are too big and you are a Bus, which not allowed. . But I am now in the entrance way blocking any traffic so he comes close enough for Carroll to discuss the situation. She explained that this our passager vehicle, not a Bus, etc etc etc. He finally gives in and allows us to park. besides the parking lot is half empty anyway.
So we get to ride the SkyCar to the top of the soccer stadium and the view of the stadium and the city are fabualous. I think we are 300 M off the ground so you can see forever. The stadium holds 56,000 for a soccer game and will hold 85,000 . ZA dearly wants to host the Summer Olympic as the world cup did so much to help bring this country to the world stage. I think it help bring the people together also.
After the SkyCar ride we decided to have lunch at the stadium as there are several resturaunts, cafe's and other boutiques around the perimeter that will gladly take the tourist money.
As we were eating lunch we mused about walking the Malacon and do some people watching , just to top of the day. However, the weather turned from beautiful to down right nasty as the winds increase and the rain returned. therefore we decided enough was enought we headed back to our camp. Carroll, the navagator decided, and rightly so the we could stay on M2 ( M stands for Motorway ) as we would eventually need that road to exit the city. what she did not know was the M2 took us right by the Convention centre and there was an Enviromment Conference hosted by the United Nations. Hence the security was tight and the 4 lanes of traffic became one. Which means i had to pilot our Motor Home into the traffic jam and of course I'm probably one of the few with Insurance and i beieve most of the drivers are 'training " for the Indy 500.
With Carroll help and her brave words such as " Cut in Now" we managed to get to the freeway called N2 ( I have no idea what N stands for ) then stopped at the grocery store to pick up a ready made supper. It now appears the the windis increasing and for sure rain will not stop tonight.
Sunday, 20 November 2011
20 Nov Sunday Tour of Durban
Today the rain has final stopped and we have a nice soft breeze, with the Sun threatening to burn thru the clouds, so we are off to Durban about 45 KM away. Since Durban is a city of 3.5 million people we are a little apprehehensive but the young guy at the Tourist office assured us with his map and his directions , it would be a breeze and he was right. He sent us to the Ocean front, called the Malacon. The Malacon is several KM long and has a width of 100 M right along the ocean where everyone, runs,walks, roller baldes, cycles, etc. The Hawkers also have stalls at street level so they do not bother you on the Malacon. This whole area is beautiful and i assume it was done so for the World cup held here in ZA last year. I was advised by my niehbour that anything done for the World Cup was paid by " Tax payers ", which did not surprize me.
It also surprized us that there was ample free parking along the entire Malacon area . The hotels all have there own underground secured parking.
After walking the Malacon for an hour or so and checking out the hawkers wares, we decided to find the new " Soccer" stadium that was built for the World cup, as it is only a few blocks away and can be seen for miles. The most direct route had a detour, of course, so we had to make 2 or 3 runs at it to get on the correct street. Then as we approched the stadium to park, they had a Marathon so the police redirected us causing to our confusion. We did find a parking area but the attendant said I was not allowed in as it was only for the Patrons going to the soccer game so he kick me out. So I parked across the street and a policewoman said I could not park there but I should go into the stadium parking. When i said I was kicked out, she don't move, I'll talk to the attendant, which she did and we were allowed in. His logic was , that i was a Bus and Buses were not allowed in the parking area, but the policewoman changed our " Bus " to a "Van "so then we could park in the area.
The stadium has a "Skywalk " Gondola that takes people to the Top and then you walk around an area and get a view of the city. However, since the soccer games was about to start, so they had to close the Skywalk until tomorrow , ( Monday). Also, we are not allowed on Monday, as only Schools can ride on Mondays and we are not going to wait until Tuesday so hopefully we will get to see the Stadium in Cape town.
We had lunch at the Stadium and then we returned to the Malacom to catch a " Double Decker " tour Bus, for a 3 hour , conducted tour of the Durban. The Sun was now shinning and there was a slight breeze and the tour was great. The tour took us to the Port and I have never seen a Port this huge. I estimated , that there were 100 hundred ships, loading and unloading but I stopped counting at 50. There was 10,000 vehicles being loaded and off-loaded as Toyota has a huge assembly plant here. Incidentally, Toyota also mfg most of their parts in this area. One of the parking areas was full of used cars from other countries but they were being off loaded and held to be re-loaded for another country. These used vehicles can not be sold in ZA.
After the Tour , we went to the Casino so Carroll could donate some money and to have supper. To get into the Casino parking area it cost R1 ( about a 1.30 ) and then if you want to park close to the entrance to the casino you pay again. I took general parking. The casino is a carbon copy of any new casino in Vegas. However, you have to go thru an airport type security to get in and I was told I could not wear my ball cap in the casino. Women are allowed to wear a hat. does that make any sense? Then to play a machine you had to "purchase " a Players Card for R20 which was refunded when you leave. Carroll says she broke even but math was never you "strong subject ".
We left our 45 KM trip back to the camp site until dark and that was not the best move we have ever made but Carroll managed to navagate we thru the traffic; we did miss one turn but with about 3 left turns we did get on the proper " Motorway " and arrived home safely. Monday we will head south along the coast but we are not sure of the destination yet
It also surprized us that there was ample free parking along the entire Malacon area . The hotels all have there own underground secured parking.
After walking the Malacon for an hour or so and checking out the hawkers wares, we decided to find the new " Soccer" stadium that was built for the World cup, as it is only a few blocks away and can be seen for miles. The most direct route had a detour, of course, so we had to make 2 or 3 runs at it to get on the correct street. Then as we approched the stadium to park, they had a Marathon so the police redirected us causing to our confusion. We did find a parking area but the attendant said I was not allowed in as it was only for the Patrons going to the soccer game so he kick me out. So I parked across the street and a policewoman said I could not park there but I should go into the stadium parking. When i said I was kicked out, she don't move, I'll talk to the attendant, which she did and we were allowed in. His logic was , that i was a Bus and Buses were not allowed in the parking area, but the policewoman changed our " Bus " to a "Van "so then we could park in the area.
The stadium has a "Skywalk " Gondola that takes people to the Top and then you walk around an area and get a view of the city. However, since the soccer games was about to start, so they had to close the Skywalk until tomorrow , ( Monday). Also, we are not allowed on Monday, as only Schools can ride on Mondays and we are not going to wait until Tuesday so hopefully we will get to see the Stadium in Cape town.
We had lunch at the Stadium and then we returned to the Malacom to catch a " Double Decker " tour Bus, for a 3 hour , conducted tour of the Durban. The Sun was now shinning and there was a slight breeze and the tour was great. The tour took us to the Port and I have never seen a Port this huge. I estimated , that there were 100 hundred ships, loading and unloading but I stopped counting at 50. There was 10,000 vehicles being loaded and off-loaded as Toyota has a huge assembly plant here. Incidentally, Toyota also mfg most of their parts in this area. One of the parking areas was full of used cars from other countries but they were being off loaded and held to be re-loaded for another country. These used vehicles can not be sold in ZA.
After the Tour , we went to the Casino so Carroll could donate some money and to have supper. To get into the Casino parking area it cost R1 ( about a 1.30 ) and then if you want to park close to the entrance to the casino you pay again. I took general parking. The casino is a carbon copy of any new casino in Vegas. However, you have to go thru an airport type security to get in and I was told I could not wear my ball cap in the casino. Women are allowed to wear a hat. does that make any sense? Then to play a machine you had to "purchase " a Players Card for R20 which was refunded when you leave. Carroll says she broke even but math was never you "strong subject ".
We left our 45 KM trip back to the camp site until dark and that was not the best move we have ever made but Carroll managed to navagate we thru the traffic; we did miss one turn but with about 3 left turns we did get on the proper " Motorway " and arrived home safely. Monday we will head south along the coast but we are not sure of the destination yet
19 Nov Saturday. Rained all day
Today was a terrible day as we had to travel thru the rain to our next location which was somewhere near Durban. Our exact plans are never made until we get close to out destination , just in case we change our mines. By the time we had travel a few hours we began to think that fighting the traffic in a rains storm wasn't worth the fight so we chose a camp site called Natalia as it was only 40 KM from downtown Durban.
After we found our camp site and got set up we decided to ask direction to a Shopping mall since there wasn't much you can do in the rain. The gate keeper, an older gentleman gave us very specfic direction and we were sure we could not get lost or miss the Mall. Well, we made 3 runs at getting to the Mall from the Freeway but finally found the entrance. First I must say that this is a Huge Mall with 5 or 6 entrances. However, every entrance had a height restrictionof 2.2 M ( we are 12 feet high so you do the math ) and they have an overhead bar to make sure you don't excede the height . On the last entrance we just turned in anyways as it also said Bus and Taxi parking and Deliveries only. Once I got in the entrance lane I realized there was no turning back due to the line of cars behind me. I had no choice but to pull into the "Delivery Vehicles " only lane, thinking I could somehow get turned around. However there is always a "catch " and this looked serious. They had a security gate and I assumed you would need a pass code so I rung the intercom and got ready to plead " temporary Insanity " hoping they would let me thru to turn around. All of a sudden the gate open and I drove thru, all the time thinking some security cop would stop me and boot me out. We decide to keep driving around the entire Mall until someone stopped us but they never did. We just drove out the other end and went home since we could not get parked.
When we arrived back at the camp site the rain had abated to a mist so we donned our rain gear and join a few other brave sole, who were also bored and went for a short walk on the beach. To be honest, we mostly talked to the others on the beach, in lieu of wlaking very far, until the rain drove us back indoors.
Since the train tracks ran close to our camp i ask one guy about the train system since it is only run by electricity. His advise was , don't every ride the train in ZA , becuase, without a doubt you will be robbed. He says, it is not safe for Whites.
All in all; it was a lousy day. Hopefully the rain will stop tomorrow so we can visit Durban
After we found our camp site and got set up we decided to ask direction to a Shopping mall since there wasn't much you can do in the rain. The gate keeper, an older gentleman gave us very specfic direction and we were sure we could not get lost or miss the Mall. Well, we made 3 runs at getting to the Mall from the Freeway but finally found the entrance. First I must say that this is a Huge Mall with 5 or 6 entrances. However, every entrance had a height restrictionof 2.2 M ( we are 12 feet high so you do the math ) and they have an overhead bar to make sure you don't excede the height . On the last entrance we just turned in anyways as it also said Bus and Taxi parking and Deliveries only. Once I got in the entrance lane I realized there was no turning back due to the line of cars behind me. I had no choice but to pull into the "Delivery Vehicles " only lane, thinking I could somehow get turned around. However there is always a "catch " and this looked serious. They had a security gate and I assumed you would need a pass code so I rung the intercom and got ready to plead " temporary Insanity " hoping they would let me thru to turn around. All of a sudden the gate open and I drove thru, all the time thinking some security cop would stop me and boot me out. We decide to keep driving around the entire Mall until someone stopped us but they never did. We just drove out the other end and went home since we could not get parked.
When we arrived back at the camp site the rain had abated to a mist so we donned our rain gear and join a few other brave sole, who were also bored and went for a short walk on the beach. To be honest, we mostly talked to the others on the beach, in lieu of wlaking very far, until the rain drove us back indoors.
Since the train tracks ran close to our camp i ask one guy about the train system since it is only run by electricity. His advise was , don't every ride the train in ZA , becuase, without a doubt you will be robbed. He says, it is not safe for Whites.
All in all; it was a lousy day. Hopefully the rain will stop tomorrow so we can visit Durban
Saturday, 19 November 2011
18 Nov Friday; Battila
We spent thursday night in Richard's Bay at a camp site on the Indian ocean, however, it started to rain hard about 1/2 an hour after we got set up so there wasn't much we could do except have supper and listen to the rain , which continued thru the night. To make matters worst, I could not get a connection on the computer, probably partly because of the weather and also we were located in a heavily treed area. On Friday morning we decided to tour the city/town and found a Macdonald's and they usually have WiFi so we decide to have breakfast and use there WiFi. Like most hotels, WiFi is only free for 15 Min and then you have to pay.
We then checked out their beach area and with the rainny weather , the beaches were not crowded. Only the arden surfers were out in the ocean.
This placed did not tickle our fancy so we moved down the road about 200 KM to Battilo. This city/town is definitley a tourist area but also is a sugar cane growing area. We found a camp site on the Ocean for about 20.00. In fact the guy at the gate charged me R180 but told me to officially sign in after 2 PM when the owner would be in the office. When I went to sign in she refunded me R15 because I was a " Pensioner" . They don't use the word " Senior " and we were also advise to ask for pensioners rates.
After signing in we headed for the city as I still could not get a connection on my Vodafone SIM card and i was sure they would have a Vodafone shop in town. We stubble over a HUGE mall and I went to the Vodafone shop. They young lady checked my SIM card and verify it was good but said the weather was causing some connection problems. I put the SIM back in the computer and it worked so the young lady told me to use a desk provide and check my emails which I did while Carroll shopped
After Carroll finished shopping we went to the grocery store to buy supper. These store, much like a Safeway, and have an array of already cooked foods such as meat pies,chicken pieces, shikobs, stew, fish, rice any and all veggies, and salads. so for about 5.00 we had supper cooked and just had to warm it up in the Mirc.
Unforetunately, as we arrive back at the camp site it started to pour rain and never stopped all night. When we left Sat morning it was still rainning so hard the wipers would hardly keep the windshield clear. As if I need another distraction while driving. We are now on our way to some where near Durban about 100 KM south.
We then checked out their beach area and with the rainny weather , the beaches were not crowded. Only the arden surfers were out in the ocean.
This placed did not tickle our fancy so we moved down the road about 200 KM to Battilo. This city/town is definitley a tourist area but also is a sugar cane growing area. We found a camp site on the Ocean for about 20.00. In fact the guy at the gate charged me R180 but told me to officially sign in after 2 PM when the owner would be in the office. When I went to sign in she refunded me R15 because I was a " Pensioner" . They don't use the word " Senior " and we were also advise to ask for pensioners rates.
After signing in we headed for the city as I still could not get a connection on my Vodafone SIM card and i was sure they would have a Vodafone shop in town. We stubble over a HUGE mall and I went to the Vodafone shop. They young lady checked my SIM card and verify it was good but said the weather was causing some connection problems. I put the SIM back in the computer and it worked so the young lady told me to use a desk provide and check my emails which I did while Carroll shopped
After Carroll finished shopping we went to the grocery store to buy supper. These store, much like a Safeway, and have an array of already cooked foods such as meat pies,chicken pieces, shikobs, stew, fish, rice any and all veggies, and salads. so for about 5.00 we had supper cooked and just had to warm it up in the Mirc.
Unforetunately, as we arrive back at the camp site it started to pour rain and never stopped all night. When we left Sat morning it was still rainning so hard the wipers would hardly keep the windshield clear. As if I need another distraction while driving. We are now on our way to some where near Durban about 100 KM south.
Friday, 18 November 2011
17 Nov. Headed for Richards Bay
Man , this was a hard day driving. All the roads were secondary ( meaning 2 lanes) and only some had shoulders. I should add, that any two lane road with 8 ft shoulder turns into a 4 lane Freeway and you better move to the shoulder if you are not doing 120KMH because they will be blinking light as they come up behind you.
Also, there were many miles of construction. First, you should know that the maps do not have the miles between towns and the road signs are only approxi, give or take 20 %. Also, the gov't has changed the name of some cities/towns to Black names but the maps have not been changed yet nor has the GPS been revised. To add to the confusion, some roads are R33 and R44 but R44 will turn west after a few miles while R33 continues north. The sign do not nec indicate this so you end up driving several mile before you notice the error. We ask one guy who seemed like a traveller , according to his stories, how far from Badplaas to Richards Bay and he said about 323 Km so I figure about 5ard Hours drive. The acual distance was over 500 KM and there was no end to the road constuction which held us up for about 1 1/2 hours. I was beat by the time I got to Richards Bay. We got to Richards bay and booked into a Camp site hoping to do a Bar-B-Q but the rain started and contiued on thru the night. To make matters worst, we were located in a heavily Treed area and I could not get a connection on my Vodafone airtime Sim card so i could even do the Blog. I spent the evening reading. Tomorrow we head south towards Durban
Also, there were many miles of construction. First, you should know that the maps do not have the miles between towns and the road signs are only approxi, give or take 20 %. Also, the gov't has changed the name of some cities/towns to Black names but the maps have not been changed yet nor has the GPS been revised. To add to the confusion, some roads are R33 and R44 but R44 will turn west after a few miles while R33 continues north. The sign do not nec indicate this so you end up driving several mile before you notice the error. We ask one guy who seemed like a traveller , according to his stories, how far from Badplaas to Richards Bay and he said about 323 Km so I figure about 5ard Hours drive. The acual distance was over 500 KM and there was no end to the road constuction which held us up for about 1 1/2 hours. I was beat by the time I got to Richards Bay. We got to Richards bay and booked into a Camp site hoping to do a Bar-B-Q but the rain started and contiued on thru the night. To make matters worst, we were located in a heavily Treed area and I could not get a connection on my Vodafone airtime Sim card so i could even do the Blog. I spent the evening reading. Tomorrow we head south towards Durban
16 Nov Headed for Badplaas
OK; we are now finally and officially touring ZA. After leaving Kruger park we headed for a Place called Badplaas. it is not a Town or city but an area and it is a Theme park complete with a 100 or so Chalets and 75 camping sites, along with a host of shops and resturaunts to take your money. it's main attraction is a lagre ontdoor hotpool, 2 outdoor cool pools , several slides and one indoor Hydro pool. they cost to camp and to use all the facilities ( with the exception of the Hydro pool ) is R125 X .13 cents will give you the Cdn equivalent. The bathrooms are at least as good as any 5 star hotel in N. A. and there is a bathtub in the bathrooms, which you will not see in Canada or the USA. or MX.
We met a third generation ZA couple at the pool and as usual, I pried into there knowledge of the country since the Blacks' took power and, too say the least, it is interesting. Also, the newspapers are full of Gov't scandals.
Everyone we have talked to have given us advise on where to visit so that has been a big help since we left our " Lonely Planet " book at home. The people are extremely friendly. However, we have noticed that the "Blacks' " only answer the question you ask and do not offer addition information. As an example, I ask which way to the pools and they said turn right at the tee junction but the fact that i can not get our MH in the lot never occurred to him. Also, I paid for our camping with a R120 but cost was R115 and the reception did not have the R5 change because the " Finance " people had gone for lunch. I said, they don't even trust with change for R100. Tomorrow we will head south towards Durban.
We met a third generation ZA couple at the pool and as usual, I pried into there knowledge of the country since the Blacks' took power and, too say the least, it is interesting. Also, the newspapers are full of Gov't scandals.
Everyone we have talked to have given us advise on where to visit so that has been a big help since we left our " Lonely Planet " book at home. The people are extremely friendly. However, we have noticed that the "Blacks' " only answer the question you ask and do not offer addition information. As an example, I ask which way to the pools and they said turn right at the tee junction but the fact that i can not get our MH in the lot never occurred to him. Also, I paid for our camping with a R120 but cost was R115 and the reception did not have the R5 change because the " Finance " people had gone for lunch. I said, they don't even trust with change for R100. Tomorrow we will head south towards Durban.
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