Browsing Tag

South Africa

Africa, Destinations

Cape Town it is

December 4, 2008 • By

After 14 hours on South African Airways, something the flight attendant called chicken and an hour conversation with some guy from the Arctic Circle in Sweden (I really should not talk to everyone I meet), I’ve arrived in SOUTH AFRICA and a place called Cape Town.  Did I mention I already need to toss all that bug spray I packed?  What was I thinking?  A normal light packer I clearly out did myself this time.

Cape Town is gorgeous.  I mean simply incredible and that’s just the backyard of my hotel.  The Atlantic is a perfect shade of sky blue and it’s hard to see where the ocean ends and the sky begins.  Mountains surround the city and after I get some rest tonight I will be hiking 2 -4 hours up Table Mountain to see panoramic views of the city.  Cape Town seems a bit like any other international city but I need to delve in a bit more before I can report back.   

Oh and it’s WINDY!  I guess I am prone to liking cities known for wind.

Africa, Destinations, Europe

Economy Plus is so not First Class

December 3, 2008 • By

I decided to take the economic route to South Africa—Economy Plus on United from Chicago to London and finally two days later landing in Cape Town.  My thoughts on Economy Plus are the following:  better than the cheap seats but so very far from the relaxation of First Class.  Note to self:  Pay the extra money. Thankfully, I don’t have leg cramps just a few aches and pains in my neck.  Some of you are probably saying I am a pain in the neck so well deserved but that is a topic for a different day.

Had a few hours to spare in London and thought Westminster could fill my thirst for the cold and rain of England.  To my surprise, I stumbled on the State open of Parliament and I got to see the Queen herself.  Well her backside in the distance but it was still her.  I took some great pics with guys on horses and funny hats.  Those will come later.  I am back at the airport after walking around Westminster for four hours with my carry on bags why did I think I should read all those travel books on the plane?  Looking forward to another 13 hour plane ride and my arrival on the CONTINENT of Africa.