So here is another interesting story from my travels. I was attending global AIDS Conference in JOHANNESBURG, South Africa and I decided to stay a couple extra days and explore the country. With all the traveling I do, i tend to miss out on experiencing the countries I visit but no more.
While in country, I decided to take a safari tour through Kruger National Park (link) and it was definitely an adventure I won’t forget anytime soon.
What and where is Kruger?
Kruger National Park is a South African National Park and one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,623 km2 (7,576 sq mi) in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and extends 360 km (220 mi) from north to south and 65 km (40 mi) from east to west. The administrative headquarters are in Skukuza. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa’s first national park in 1926.
Adventure time
During a park ranger’s impromptu outing in the preserve, I was offered the opportunity to join the trek and I decided to take it. As we drove through the park, we stumbled upon a group of lions and decided to stop and observe. We were in a specially designed off-road vehicle that had a cage-like structure, which provided some protection from the wildlife. However, one particularly curious lion approached our vehicle, jumped on the hood and then on top of the cage, and unfortunately started to relieve itself on us. It was not a pleasant experience, especially as we were still hours away from our destination.
Aside from this incident, the rest of our journey in the preserve was relatively uneventful. On another trip, we were in an open-air truck and were caught in a rainstorm. The road was already wet from a previous downpour, and as we took a turn on a road overlooking a river with hippos, our truck slipped a bit. In that moment, I was genuinely scared for my life as hippos are known to be extremely dangerous and have been known to attack humans.
However, aside from these two instances, the rest of my trip in Kruger was truly amazing. I was able to get up close and personal with a wide variety of wildlife, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
The Horn of Africa
As I stand here in Cape Town, looking out into the vast Atlantic Ocean, I am filled with a sense of awe and wonder. The endless expanse of water, dotted with ships and dotted with clouds, is a breathtaking sight to behold.
Regardless of the reason, standing here in Cape Town and looking out at the Atlantic is an experience like no other. The city itself is a vibrant and bustling place, full of life and energy. But there is something about the ocean that brings a sense of peace and calm, even amidst the chaos of the city.
Cape Town is a city that has a rich history and culture, and this is reflected in the many landmarks and attractions that dot the cityscape. From the iconic Table Mountain to the historic Robben Island, there is so much to explore and discover here.
But for me, the real attraction of Cape Town is the ocean. Whether I am strolling along the beach, watching the waves crash against the shore, or simply taking in the view from the seafront, I am always drawn back to the Atlantic.
It’s hard to describe exactly why I feel this way about the ocean, but there is something about the sound of the waves and the endless expanse of water that just speaks to my soul. It is a place of tranquility, where I can escape the chaos of the world and just be in the moment.
As I stand here, looking out into the Atlantic, I am reminded of the beauty and majesty of our planet. We are lucky to live on a world with such stunning natural wonders, and I am grateful to be here, in Cape Town, experiencing the power and majesty of the Atlantic Ocean for myself.
Fun Food
As a foodie, I am always on the lookout for unique and exotic culinary experiences. That’s why when I heard about alligator burgers, I was intrigued. The idea of eating a meat that is often seen as a dangerous predator was both thrilling and frightening. I was hesitant about trying it, but I decided to take the plunge and see for myself what all the fuss was about.
The day finally arrived and I found myself in a local restaurant, staring at the alligator burger on the menu. I was filled with apprehension, but I couldn’t back down now. I ordered the burger and waited anxiously for it to arrive. When the plate finally reached my table, I was struck by the appearance of the burger. It was small and unassuming, but it held within it the potential for a unique and exciting taste experience.
I took a bite and was pleasantly surprised by the taste. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before. The texture was a cross between chicken and fish, and the flavor was slightly gamey. It was a bit tougher than I expected, but it was still delicious. I was grateful that the restaurant had seasoned it well, as it really brought out the flavor of the meat.
As I continued to eat, I became more and more confident with each bite. The initial hesitation was quickly replaced with a growing appreciation for the unique flavor. I found myself savoring each bite, relishing the new taste experience. The alligator burger was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I was glad that I had taken the chance to try it.
In the end, my experience with the alligator burger was a positive one. Despite my initial hesitation, I was pleasantly surprised by the taste and texture of the meat. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique culinary experience. Of course, it is not something that I would eat on a regular basis, but I am glad that I had the opportunity to try it at least once.
South Africa was fun and definitely a place I would go back!