Home Again Jiggity Jig

Hello everyone, This shall be the last big blog for awhile until the next journey which I'm sure will be going back to Africal. Left Swazi with regrets as I so liked it there, Met up with Michael again from Denmark plus the other people on the baz bus I also had known throughout other places and hostels. Headed again for the borders hopeing the driver won't be like the last and he wasn't. No major problems occured and off again only to Jo/Berg where we were all to fly out back to our homes within days. A good choice of hostel great new best friends from Denmark, Canada and the UK were all there just waiting for the new ones to march in. Within minutes arrangments made for the next day amoungst us all to head for a gold mine, casino, and where the museum was. It happened to be in all the same place. The gold mine was in a great great theme park. A dissapointment however where I've been down coal mines before and they only brought us to the 5th level where there were 15 levels in all not much to see and the elevator ride wasn't scary either. Went into the Casino for our breakfast have a look around at all the people loosing their money and headed for the musuem which we had to leave as it was so depressing what happened in S. Africa in the last 10 or so years. Decided we needed to go to a mall so the next day the day we were all leaving a ride was given us again to a rather large mall met up for lunch which was the best ribs I've ever had. How can you beat that. I must add to all of this for our last 2 days we were wearing our best meaning upon leaving the trash bin would be full. Each one of us had on our already stained pants now with rips and tears in all some places very noticible. over pulled out necks on our t-shirts and the usual not so nice looking warmer bits over all of this. People at times you could see them looking at us especially in the Casino where everyone was well dressed as well as the musuem. I don't think the bag people would take a second look aftger going through the hostels trash bin.Back to the mall now. Of course more things were bought for the bring home gifts stuff which ment another wraping to hand off my already wrapped girraif ending looking more like a M-15 when I finished. Really wondered now if I would even get into the airport with the rather large article under my arm plus all the other stuff for the ride home as well. Everything went by plan with no problems except I had to go the desk for BA as I had changed the part from England back to here and of course pay more money. It was there I met up with three more people I knew from Germany and Denmark. Made plans after getting through the hassel of going through the usual security we would all meet up at the nearest bar. Well it never happend for me anwyay. The line was as long as the county it seemed and a fight broke out across from me with now the guy from Cork Ireland behind meready for the match as well. Police you name it making us all move which was now another added problem. Some French people decided they were to be at the head of the line where others did not like the idea and again pushing and shoveing started up of course the police had barley left when another come back for this problem. They stayed for the duration now and we all peacefully finally got to the other side without incident. It was too late for more shopping had just enough time now to get to of course the other end of the airport for my gate for London. My looking like the M-15 gave some people a start as I quickly went by with my prize under my arm heading of course like I was ready to shoot. The ride home was quite entertaining which I like. It so happened my next to me on the overcroweded plane, was a person who was a bit confused. A giant man he was only dressed like a woman. Every half hour out would come the pancake makeup to cover the already starting shadows lip stick I wouldn't even wear for halloween would again applied and the deepest baratone voice when spoken to by the air hostesses. Quite a trip made it go alot faster as already there was 19 hours of flying time to be had. Plans have already been made for some of the people I've met in September an Ireland trip. My friend Mary from one of these trips does not know it yet but she will be on board as well from the the US. Hoping now my rambling on about the comings and goings have not bored you. Of course there are some things one must leave out these were the most entertaining of all not involving me but as usual if anything is to happen it shall be me that will be the witness. I must add however the countrys I visited were beautiful and the people as well. I learned one thing throughout my journey I became colour blind as we are all equal with the same red blood running through all our veins. People could of not been kinder to me just a backpacker being invited to their homes with real meals which were not pasta thank God. The beauty of this world really has been created by someone much higher than we. My book I've started hopefully will be completed within the year. The name of it? The life I almost missed. And for that all have a great summer if on this side of the world and to those who aren't stay warm. For me now I start living a different life but starting to plan of course for the next venture out probably in Nov or Dec again. Just only hope the parachute to life does open as you go along if it doesn't you have missed out. Only you can make yourself happy. Bye for now and of course my usual email people I shall be sending you the private ones real soon. Till the next time until my space ship leaves again be well, happy and don't forget to live life to the fullest.

Me Bridget that is.

I forgot one thing. the quad biking was the best. Scared out of my mind as we were up and down mountains where I don't even think a goat goes. After all said and done and we were having the evening meal with the guides we were told that we all did so well considering it was a high risk ride for hardened bike riders which we were not. Oh well again had some help from beyond on that one again as there were some times I really thought this is it. The last night as well in Swazi again we all went back to the house on fire only this time the group being from Zimbabwe were the best amd well known as well. Hated to leave as the baz bus was early picking up for all going to Jo'berg. thats really it now. HOpefully I will be able now to send some pictures of this unbelivable journey to share with all of your especially my backpacker friends this is a must place for all to visit. Bye till the next time.............................

Greetings From Swazi

So much going on and so many places to go to chilling out today at the pool still here at swazi back0packers. Went to the concert at House on Fire only to find it was a rap group they were good however and incrediable dancers. Met up with some Canadian friends again and German Patrick it seems is at every other hostel. Still with my Dutch and Dane friends. My Swedish friends left today for Mozumibque while two more girls from England moved in I've been with as well up the coast. Was taken by one of the people here to a real gospel singing church it was just amazing. The talent the people have here. This country is probably on the top of being one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. The people can't be more friendly. It is so easy to hitch hike here (I don't do it alone). Everyone has trucks stop while you climb in the back and off you go. The other mode of transportation is the mini buses and they are really an adventure. They pack as many people they can get in them. It seems I always get between to large ones or on the edge of my seat with two beside me. Of course the music just roars over here loudly as well.The big event however was yesterday getting to a place about an hour and half from here to attend the Kings birthday party. 6 of us left the hostel at about 6 am to hopefully find a ride into Manzini and to find transportation from there to the stadium where the party was to be held. We got a ride luckly from a guy with a truck and we all pilled in. It seemed everyone you saw was waving and happy and all going to the same place. The Irish people we were with found a big bus going there and again like the mini's they put as many as they can just barley shutting the door and off you go. A gospel vidio was on the whole way and of course the people were just a rocking. We went up into the mountains looking down into the valleys below was sensational. We were dropped off in town and just followed the crowd walking it was about a mile away. There it was with flags from every country flying above the stadium and people just everywhere selling food, clothes you name it it was there. After going through security we found the best seats in town directly across from the Kings throne where he was to sit. There was entertainment going full tilt when we got there from dancing their native dances to huge choirs, groups singing. About 200 warriors came in with the animal skins on with their spears in hand. All ages sizes you name it. They also performed the native dances as well. Bands started coming on board with dazzling majorettes doing all types of patterns in the field. It came now time for the kings guards and his band to appear. Hundreds of guards in bright red coats with black pants and red stripes. Almost looked like the RCMP's. They filled fhe field with their marching in so many formations and the band was also unreal. Then it was time for the King's wives (all 12 of them) to arrive as well as the queen mother. Now it was the Kings turn. He arrived in a jeep painted all colours standing tall as they went around the stadium twice waving to all. AFter he went to sit on his throne time again for his guards to perform as they marched by him a salute to them was given. I don't think I have ever seen anything as spectular as this day. It just went on and on never stopping until we had to leave to find our bus hopefully to get back to Manzini than another mine to here. Tomorrow is an all day 4 wheeler quad bike day. MY dutch and dane friend are going and we are moving to another hostel situated in a game park. It takes so we are told 40 minutes to walk just to get to the main gate to get out to do things. Oh well it is supposed to be beautiful. Maybe I'll wake up in the am with a hippo in my room. Saturday is an all drive day going back into South Africa again and getting to Jo'berg for a 2 night stay at the North and South hostel and than home 19 hours later. This has been about the best adventure I have ever had. So many things I have seen and of course the party with me always goes on That is an every night event. New people to travel with hopefully to S. America this time. Will probably be on one more time before I leave for reality and the same conversations I was having before I left. I finally met a woman my age who is also a traveller. She and I are going to a sangoma tonight. A physic guy in the township not too far away and of course she has a car. Time for the sunshine and relax and waite for all my friends to come back tonight with their stories especially my newfie from Newfoundland who is an amazing musician. He plays for us at the bar every night. Still living the life to the fullest and hopefully you all are to.
ME

Chris from Bangor I'm back on the 2nd of May will call the office when I return looking forward to seeing you and pictures like you've never seen before.

Chris B #2 I expect a nice dinner next weekend like a good roast beef?

Jimmy I can't waite to see you and the dog. You and I will have to go out and celebrate. I just can't seem to get you on the phone. It will be another week and I will be there.

Darby Did you get the place schedule to give to Hycie?

Mitch We still must go on a travel together even if it is back to Mexico. I do plan on coming back to the UK not to worry we shall meet up again.

Emily & Mike so glad the company is doing so well. I do miss you guys hopefully you can come across the pond again this summer.

Tracey I think of you often so sorry things did not work out. You are a good person and you shall find another equally good one. Don't give up. Just start saving money again you can travel with me.

Wally Are those damned little fleas still around from the beach? They have them here I think I have bought out every store sprays to kill them. See you in Florida and you to David Murphy/

from Swaziland backpackers

10 more days and counting now. I'm staying here for at least 6 of those days so much to see and do plus the place is like a palace. Way out in the country with little mini buses packed full of people to take you to town costing only 4 rand about .50 cents. The ride here from St. Lucia was an eventful one quite eventful. The driver had not one but two cell phones one in each hand while driving mind you and shifting with his knee as he did not want to stop his conversation or look up a number while driving. We had to go through customs to get into the country dropped us off it seemed forever to walk to cross over and when we did he was no where in site. Did the toilet routine looked in a shop bought some more brain food and still no driver or baz bus. finally he arrived and away we go again. The country is beautiful and the people are the best. It is not at all dangerous here compared to S. Africa. One of my room mates I was with at Mantis & Moon she being black and from Namibia made a big difference on our travels we did yesterday. Met up with another German girl and away we went for our first day out here in the country. We caught the mini bus into the town of Manzini a real african experience and went to one of their markets. At least 100 mini buses were about where we got and all really wiondering if we could find the right one to get back to the hostel. I've never experienced a day like yesterday. After the market and the bargining down on prices we again went back to the crazy mini bus place to try and find another one to take us to another place where candles are made also a craft market as well. Having no idea where this place was and finally finding the right bus craming ourselves in and I mean cram away we go again. The country side was beautiful but getting a bit risky as this place was in no wheres ville. With the music playing loud and everyone bumping and grinding in their seats (including me) being the only white people on the bus the rest thought it was great. Did the look around thing now wondering how we were to get back again to town which was about 40 minutes away decided we would go to another place instead further up the road but did not know how far the next place was. We tried to haul down the mini buses but they were to full so the next thing to do is hitch hike. We finally got a ride got in the back of the pickup truck the driver dropped us off and told us where to walk to find another mini bus. We got to our destination had a look around another Swazi market got on another bus back to Manzini when we decided again lets go the the place "house on fire" after finally getting on the right bus off we go again only to find house on fire was closed when we got there. Went to the Irish pub next door to it and got a ride from one of the patrons drinking there back to our hostel. In all we were gone over 14 hours. The house on fire is having a huge rock concert tonight getting tickets for it as well as for my two friends arriving here around 7 on the baz bus. The dutch guy again and another friend from Norway. They called me to make arrangements for this as Michael had seen this group in Namibia. On Monday going back to Manzini to the soccer arena to celebrate the King's birthday. It will be a full day of watching just about anything and everything including seeing the kings entrance around 2 o'clock with his 12 wives. that should be interesting. Going to the capitol city tomorrow for a look around and who knows where else. Well a nice surprise my Swedish friends just arrived with their rental car. My new best friends of course will be heading out again real soon as food shopping needs to be done. don't forget live the life you love and love the life that you live. If life was like a parachute and it did not open well you know the rest.

bye for now,
Me

Emily I am doing great Darby needs me to work earlier than I expected that is the only reason for my not stopping over in the UK. Start making plans however for the return visit.

Darby Did you get my airline information I sent you?

Chris in Bangor How are we doing on the case? Do we have a date yet for what I have to do?

Fr. Marc Have I got some music for the 5 O'clock mass you will love it. Going to a full black gospel church on Sunday to hear the singing and Sat. night to the Cathedral in Manzini.

leaving tomorrow for Swaiziland

Sending this off as another different country and don't know the situations yet about computers ect. I know my cell phone won't work there oh well. Went on a game drive this am 5 am to be exact. The two crazy dutch people who had their problems in Durban and 2 from Nova Scotia. It was cold rainy sides open wide so one can see (the rain that is) not too many animals like I have seen in the past still what ever animals seen is a plus as never will see these guys in North America. A few giraffs, some rino's zebras all over the place and the usual antelope. Could of stayed here and some rum and cokes and kept warm. First time no room mates almost hate to leave. Had a great time last night at the night drive ended up at a game club quite interesting. The people there were as interested in us as we were in them. The bell sisters ding and dong just arrived on the baz bus most people who have seen them have now all dissapeared. Remember I said some people I've met are quite entertaining and some off their trolley's? AThese fit both scenes. The weather here has been terrible rain like I've never seen before however they are right about one thing. Yes the hippo's do walk down the street the grassy side that is. No more snake stories nor spiders as of yet I'm sure they are just around the corner. A girl I knew from a few hostels ago has just come down with tick fevour. There is alot of this over here as well as the aids thing. A funeral everyday no matter where you go is always present. Have met up with some great voltuneers who work with these people as well as ones on the peace core. If you think that everything that comes along your way will get to you def. stay at home as it just might do. Only a little over a week and I shall be back to the life I almost forgot except the people in it. The freedom as all who are the travellers know when it is about to end already your thinking of the next one or place or so forth. At the moment S., AMerica still might be the next one. Work hard and leave later as long as the cage door is open this free spirit will fly and keep on flying. For now until the next adventure.
me

greetings from Unbzumbi mantis and the moon backpackers

Arrived here late last night by the overcroweded baz bus. Very very hard to leave Amamapondo backpackers and Port Saint John. Stayed at this place for 16 days and still not long enoungh. It was situated high on a hill overlooking the ocean where breakage in the electricty was alot and candles were everywhere. We would load everynight so many people in the small landrover to drive to the now acient airstrip where only cows use to see the sunset. Free oysers come with the staying at amapondo they come on the trip as well as an eskie full of beers and wine coolers. People hang off the sides sit up top and we actually got 13 people inside one time. I almost felt I was back in India again with the bus situation only chickens and a few goats were missing. There was a long long veranda housing arund 8 hammocks at least 6 couches and a few chairs all beckoning to come and lie or sit in them. The bar is where everything tooik place. A raging party every night with dancing on the tables and bar. The floor was wooden making it even better. You would see cop cars lined up in the long drive only they were not on duty just hanging out at the bar. Very convient people to know. When I get to Petoria where I fly out on May 1st the cops I met there at the bar are picking me up at the hostel and away we go to have a look see around their area. There is still the Irish guy colm back in the dorm the rest of us left having to go our seperate ways except the dutch guy he is still travelling with me before he leaves back to Holland. The ocean like here as well you can hear the waves crashing at night. The sand goes on forever. The other night we hiked up some rather large hills to go to a shebeen ( township pup). It overlooked all of Saint Johns bay a bit scarey coming down as most of it was steep it's the snake thing is what can happen. There were two large black mamba's under the bar which were promptly removed and one of the banna trees in front of my dorm a boomslang (posineous tree snake) decided to take up residence. One also like going into one of the toilets as well. Nonething happens however they are just as much a part of Africa as we are. Everynight is a feast. Fisherman come daily to the hostels selling cray fish, fish, oysers, mussels the likes.This the first place where there has been a computer I could use so better try and catch up on all the happening things. Hikes again to waterfalls into Xhosa villages to meet and see the real people dance singsect. Sundays is a real treat to go to one of their gospel churches the singing is just outstanding. The friends made here are mates for life. Guess I better start liking Glasgow Scotland a bit better than I did as one girl lives there I must see. The rest are from Perth Scotland and for some reason I can't excape the jordies from New Castle. My Swiss and danish friends meeting up with again in Durban in a few days time another rocking place called Tewikini. From Durban after Easter leaving for Zulu land than onto Swaziland. I'm leaving on the first of May so don't have all that much time now. I hate to be the bearer of bad news guys but I won't be stopping like I had planned in the UK only to change planes and heading back to Boston instead. Too much to get done and ready to work which is coming eariler than expected. I shall however plan on a trip back over probably around the end of October instead. but for now back to Port St. Johns. The town is so typical african. Music blaring from just everywhere sound like bob marley is back in town again and again. of course the dancing fool takes off bouncing around the town like the pied piper with all the people behind me laughing and singing. I went one night into town with 5 others who were all sick with sinus infections to see the Dr. Dr. Mahoney no less from Ireland of course. He was great showed up the next night for one of the many raging parties brought more drugs with him for all the rtest of the sick group. No one seemed to be any better. Next move was Johnny rotten a cousin of Colms (the irish guy) who has become a some what healer. Heal he did all of us. I was told after licking the black sort of stuff than throwing my hands over my head it was a combo of burnt snakes and some kind of plants. It did the trick and in one day was up and running again. I also took some courses for the last weekend there on indian head massage and stone healing. Fanstic it was including the teachers. They even came and joined in on the party attitude enough so the following morning our class started a little later. As to here it is beautiful. A huge spa next to the rock pool above the hugh bar and dance floor. Above all this is the dorms in treetops. Only four to a dorm which is great and no bunk beds to climb. At the moment cooking a nice roast lamb for supper tonight got a ride into town to do some shopping in the village. A beautiful spot but the traveling must begin again. Meeting up with old friends along the way is now common. Patrick the german guy is now back in my dorm he was last seen about 4 weeks ago at another place. Nonething ever ends and new beginnings just keep coming. Have a happy and blessed Easter everyone I shall be spending it in Durban with a meal to booit from people I met in Away with the Faries a few weeks ago who live there. What a deal ey..

Ride only Unicorns they take you away faster and never cost a cent. Living the life as usual.
ME

emily I shall cal you when I get in the UK on the 2nd. Yoiu must make plans now for Agust again.

Mitch you also must come over the pond as well

Jimmy, Darby and Russ I love you and all my little grandbabies.......................and you to B#2

by way if you are wondering how much these hostels cost a night. You pay for three nights get the fourth one free. Each night costs in American dollars 7.00 can;'t beat that with a stick can you. You buy and cook your own food unless there is something you would rather eat the hostel cooks are making and that is usually only like 6 or 7 dollars as well.

Bit By Bedbugs

Waiting for the baz bus thought would take the advantage of sending this off as it will be another few days or a week before I get to where their is electricty. The highlights somehow I forget to put in as their is so many things that do happen while on the voyage. At the Away with the Faries hostel we were all in the lounge in front of the fire when a woman carring her baby asked for our help in finding the snake that got into her room. It was quite large have no idea what kind it was and thank God it was not aggressive. Finally got it out the door and into the yard. Today I am getting over the worst mosquito bites I have ever experienced. they are vicious here leaving bigs bumps lumps I look like I have something wrong with my face but than so do the rest of the people as well. Bed bugs are rampant I have been lucky and only had them once over a month ago finally the scabs from that experience are almost gone. Everyone has had them twice that I have travelled with. they do not come from dirty places they are everywhere even in hotels. As soon as I feel a bite I'm out of that bed immediately. The only way to rid them is fumigation which the hostels do quite frequently. Yesterday after coming back from the beach i went into the shower only to find a large water moniter in it. A guy who works here got it out and away that went. A friend I was with in Storms river hostel just walked through the door joining up with my already durch friend and danish guy. This is the world of bonding amazing people I have met so far. A german girl I travelled with awhile back is studying to become a doctor as well as another dutch friend as well. It is not the drunken teen agers traveling.These people all have talents. An Irish guy who is a dentist back in Ireland and his friend a builder. there are accounts, banque managers, marketing specilists even attorneys. They are travelling like myself who are free spirits and have taken time off from their lives to enjoy the freedom backpacking has to offer. I don't think I will ever go back into the cage as the door now is gone. Life could not be better. Until the next time as the baz bus just arrived and I shall be gone again for another adventure. Don't forget pick more daisies and enjoy your lives.

Me

Too Many Shots

This will probably be the last of my emails until I leave again which I'm sure I will back here to J Bay for another weekend. Switched hostels this am Island Vibe was great a busy busy busy place with a bar, dancing, pool table the works. Not feeling too well today just as well I'm here as the new hostel does not have a bar just 9 Irish guys in my room so sure that will be a going out night for me again. Jeffery's Bay is beautiful. A small town surrounding the beach. There are flowers and dogs everywhere. Being a sea town having fish and chips for my meal tonight wraped in newspaper like New Zealand does. There is a pool where I am now so I did the sun thing. Tomorrow will be the beach all day and Monday am early the baz bus again back to Storms River and meeting new friends. There is bungi jumping here as well as sky diving shark diving in the cage and absailing off the cliffs. Have everything ready for the kids when I get back they are trying hard to get everything right for their performance end of March. Sounds like my life is pretty boring after reading this email well it's not believe me. Until the next time around sending sun, fun and laughter from South Africa.
me

The other me: It is my train pass I had when you and I went to Brighton I need to get a new one. Will do it over the internet it has to go to Darby's house first as they won't send it to a foreign country. Will let you know when it will happen. thanks

Wally Your emails are so incrediable keep them coming your are right this is the calling

Mary S. What is your decision ireland in the fall?

Mitch start planning the weekend

Chris A. The house looks beautiful and so does the baby. Copy my emails for russ if you could

Jim I will be speaking to you hopefully tomorrow your time in the am.