The Thrifty Travelers

Today is the day we head home. Our flight from Cape Town is around noon arriving 2 hours later in Jo'Burg. We have a 7 hour wait and then an overnight flight to Cairo.

We bought tickets a couple of days ago to visit Robben Island, the famed prison which held Nelson Mandela and many South African leaders during Apartheid. The morning was about exploring Fish Hoek, Simons Town (we end up going to one of the largest mineral/gemstone shops in the world), and of course Kalk Bay. We go to the V and A Waterfront to finish shopping, but it rains most of the way to Cape Town. Once we finish shopping, grab a small bite to eat, and make our way to the ferry, the rain seems to be subsiding. Robben Island is very foreboding...the history, the atrocities, and the sheer inhumanity can be felt any where you go on the island. The amazing thing about the place...the tour guides here are past inmates and the passion in their voice is clear as is their message. Hope lives and hatred can stop, but only if each of us is willing to love our neighbors as ourselves. A very unique end to our evening. Here is the link to the pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/aquadri26/World...

We woke up to a dreary day today...the sky is overcast, but minimally. Since the bay is clear, we decide to try Table Mountain. After hanging out in Kalk Bay for breakfast and doing a little shopping, we head towards Cape Town. On the drive, we notice that Table Mountain is not even visible and decide instead to head over to Green Market Square for shopping and then on to the V & A Waterfront. We shop and walk around at the square, but find that there are many stalls which sell the same stuff and head on out. The V and A waterfront is a very nice place...lots of eating places, shops, boats, and even a large amphitheater to watch the game.....an overall fun experience. Here is the link to the pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/aquadri26/WorldCupDay11#

We are at the airport by 5:45(late arriving) and make our 6:30am flight. We fly on Kulula Air...reminds me of Southwest Airlines, when they were funny, and we get our bags quickly. We rent a VW sedan from Tempest Car Hire (probably the nicest car company I have been around), pick up a GPS rental and then head out the beach house. It takes a little bit to get used to a right hand drive car and to drive on the opposite side of the road, but not as hard as I thought it would be. We meet up with Val (the lady in charge of the home), get settled in, and then visit Fish Hoek. The group wants to get to GreenPoint Stadium early and use the Park and Ride at the University of Cape Town. Things are much better organized about transportation and we get there very early. We have dinner (not that great), but have a place to watch the USA even the match with Slovenia. Let me tell you....the England fans probably dominate the Algerians by 10 to 1. The chanting, yelling, trash talking is domin...

Well, after a long battle to get organized, plans are coming together to go to the World Cup in South Africa. In the next couple of weeks, I will be telling you on the preparation for the trip, costs, and the itinerary. If you are going to the World Cup, I would love to hear from you and want you to share your ideas, thoughts, and frustrations as well.