Monday 20 January 2014

The Many Facets of An African Nation

by Ruhaani Mahadeva, Junior 1 Higgs, Class of 2015

When I first heard that I was traveling to South Africa for my holidays, the first few things that came to my mind was ‘apartheid’ and ‘segregation’ because that was all I used to hear about the country. To be very honest, with those keywords in my mind, I wasn’t exactly jumping out of my seat. 

However, the minute we touched down in Cape Town, I was proven wrong. Never had I realized how remarkable it was until I actually stepped onto Cape Town soil. When we arrived at the airport, the attendants welcomed us with uttermost respect. One man thought we had come back from a holiday; apparently we looked like one of them! The friendliness and warmth of the first few locals we met already made us feel accepted and comfortable. We stayed right in the heart of the city, so it was quite convenient for us to do lots of sight-seeing. Perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad trip after all.

Photo Credit : Ruhaani Mahadeva
On the first day, we decided to ride on a ‘Hop-On-Hop-Off’ bus to get a little tour of the magnificent city. When I saw how stunning the beaches looked, I couldn’t help but run out of the bus and sink my feet in warm sand and clear waters. The soft sand surrounding my feet and the soothing sound of crashing waves created an ethereal scene. The crashing waves were practically calling out to me and reeling me in; I couldn’t wait to go swimming. However, I learnt looks are deceiving because I felt as if I was dipping my feet into a bucket full of ice; it was unbelievably cold!  

Photo Credit : Ruhaani Mahadeva
If you’re really into wildlife, Africa is definitely the place to be. My family and I set off at 5 a.m in the morning and took a three hour drive to a safari. As early as it was, I couldn’t contain my excitement. The tour guide for the day took us out on a jeep to see the animals. I saw so many animals - lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, hyenas, wildebeests, I could go on forever! You wouldn’t believe it if I told you, but we took a drive to penguin island where I could be an inch apart with an adorable penguin! Though it was indeed a joyful experience, seeing these animals roaming around freely also made me realise how suffocated animals who are caged up in the zoo must feel.

Photo Credit : Ruhaani Mahadeva
On our way back to the apartment, my father almost crashed the car. I thought I was dreaming when I opened my eyes to a giant hippopotamus right in front of us, casually walking across the road. I saw a documentary about hippos and how they are the second most dangerous animals in the world! You could imagine how terrified I was. Luckily, it didn’t seem to care about us so we were safe. 

We decided to end our holiday in Cape Town by visiting one of the natural wonders of the world, Table Mountain. Its name is given to it because the mountain is flat at the top, just like an ordinary table. It was so high up that we had to take a cable car up, although some adventurous hikers made the brave decision to climb! The top of Table Mountain seemed like a whole different country altogether. The atmosphere was cold and misty; the clouds were passing through us as fast as lightning. I finally got to experience what clouds felt like and don’t worry, the answer is they feels like nothing!


Photo Credit : Ruhaani Mahadeva
On our final day in Cape Town, I was more than upset to leave this aesthetic country. It was funny how I’d started this trip so pessimistically but I had practically gone through a complete 180 degree turn by the end of it. I knew I was leaving with great memories and fun stories to tell, to change the minds of people who thought of South Africa the same as I once did.

21 comments:

  1. When i was student, i had holidays in South Africa, and it was awesome! As you, when i saw hippos i scared, but if you keep distance, they won't touch you. If you interested in to read my article, about trip to Africe, come to my blog - http://www.casestudywriter.org/case-study-help

    ReplyDelete
  2. There's no doubt i would fully rate it after i read what is the idea about this article. You did a nice job..House Call Doctor

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for your sharing. I feel this is an interesting article, I laughed a lot. Whenever sad I'll need it, it helps me become love life.apofraxeis

    ReplyDelete
  4. The evaluation totally endorses Achievement for All's approach. For the first time we now have a proven intervention that can improve outcomes and change the lives of children and families.cara lapor pajak online

    ReplyDelete
  5. I read your blog and
    I’m very impressed. It’s very useful I hope I will see this type
    of post again in your blog" Thanks homestay melaka with swimming pool

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very good and It’s very useful I hope I will see this type
    of post again in your blog" Thanks homestay melaka with swimming pool Lowongan Kerja Online Freelance

    ReplyDelete
  7. κτείναμε σταδιακά τις δραστηριότητες μας εκτός τις Αποφράξεις αποχετευτικών αγωγών και εκκενώσεις βόθρων, τώρα Primbon Jawa

    ReplyDelete
  8. An SEO service provider utilizes the practice of search engine optimization to increase the amount of visitors to a Web site by obtaining high-ranking placements in the search results page of search engines (SERP). Typically, a business with a website and online presence will hire an experienced SEO service provider to improve its organic Google search result listings.read bitcoin hero software ewview

    ReplyDelete
  9. It is always good to have something with you to keep them distracted during travels. It can be something you eat or a great travel toy. I find origami as a nice way to keep your kid’s distracted. fantastic tips and ideas.
    beach hop 2020

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sejak awal, saya tidak bisa menahan kegembiraan saya. Pemandu wisata untuk hari itu membawa kami naik jip untuk melihat slot deposit pulsa.

    ReplyDelete

  11. Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.guzel sozler

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have read your writings and I have read articles on this topic in several articles from other sources. I got a lot of information from your writing, is there any other suggestions you can convey regarding the theme of your writing? so that I can get more and more complete information.

    I certainly thank you for writing this article well, hopefully it will become a reference in journals or other scientific writings and can help many people. thanks.

    kunjungin : <a href="https://uma.ac.id/berita/pelantikan-wakil-rektor-universitas-medan-area-periode-20222024</a>

    ReplyDelete


  13. To keep current, you need to find trustworthy technology news sources that will provide you with up-to-date information.


    HDeuropix
    Cox Internet outage
    Cricfree


    ReplyDelete
  14. https://coub.com/jack.media
    https://pastebin.com/u/jackmedia

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the closing phase I take care of such information much.
    universitas di medan
    pts di sumut

    ReplyDelete
  16. NAGAPOKER Tempatnya Mencari Kemenangan Sensasional

    ReplyDelete
  17. GLADIATOR88 Tempatnya Mencari Kemenangan Sensasional

    ReplyDelete
  18. ERAPLAY88 telah memperoleh reputasi sebagai destinasi utama bagi para penggemar slot dan game casino online di Asia.

    ReplyDelete