updates

Wow.
So.  I don't think we'll be able to do very much blogging over the next month, but we're taking tons of pics and having a wonderful time!  So, if you don't see a blog for a while, we're not dead, just out looking at Giraffe's and giant birds!!!!!  Internet prices are sky high, and it's very difficult to find as well.

We've been in completely black communities, backpacker communities and White African homes as well.  That mix has given us an incredible opportunity to talk to every kind of person with every kind of perspective, which is eye opening!

We're currently staying near Lake St. Lucia, in the city of Mtubatuba, which is slightly more touristy, but far away from world cup craziness (slightly cheaper)...EVERYTHING is more expensive when it comes to the world cup.  We had a few hotel room prices hiked up, and we are extremely happy that we rented our little car, because transportation prices sky rocketed as well! 

This has already been an amazing experience!  We've become animal experts as we drive around the mammal parks in our little Kia seeing all kinds of National Geographic specials!!! 

DRAKENSBURG:
We also spent a few days in Drakensburg getting to walk in the clouds overlooking mountains I've only seen in the Land Before time movie!  (movie number 1 of course!)...I was waiting for a Brontosaurus to jump out at us at any moment!

FOOD:
So far, the most traditional South African food we've gotten to try is PAP!  Which is kind of like grits, tastes like grits, but looks like a fluffy mashed potato, which you eat with meat or you dip into a spicy tomato sauce!  Really yummy!  They also love meat pies!  (Steak and kidney pie, chicken and mushroom pies..etc.) and we also got to try an Indian ...(Durban area) food called Bunny Chow: a curry that's poured into the center of half a loaf of bread and eaten with your fingers...I had the mutton curry!  Absolutely fantastic!

OVERALL:
Most importantly of what we've experienced so far, is the kindness and thoughtfullness of everyone we've met here.  White. Black.  Coloured (mixed).  Indian.  Backpackers.  Everyone treats you like family and does their best to help you and make you feel welcome.  Unlike what I had first thought entering the country, as long as you use some street smarts and don't do anything dumb, it's an incredible experience!!!!