Durban and the North West

Hello! Welcome!

Sorry it has taken me a little while to get another post on here, however the internet access around these parts can be somewhat unreliable and for the most part, excruciatingly slow. Hence, I've just selected a few of the ebst photos from my time in Durban, and my first couple of days in the North West province, before the game against Ghana...enjoy!

Seriously the best stadium I have ever seen.

The guys that were staying at my hostel. I had to share a room with just about every one of those Germans...just as well they were nice guys.

Myself feeling very patriotic and in a bouyant mood, totally unaware of the carnage that was about to unfold.

A defiant Aussie supporter still proudly showing his colours after the match.

The view of the stadium and the city from the beach, which was literally just across the road from the hostel!

After Durban my next stop was a town called Brits, about 45mins out from Rustenburg where Australia's second game was played against Ghana. Across from where I was staying were 2 sancturaries, one for monkeys and one for elephants!

Two quite angry looking monkeys.

This sneaky little bugger reached into my pocket and tried to pull my wallet out!

Walking the elephant!

At the end they ask you if you want a 'kiss' from the elephant. After a couple of weeks with no action, I was up for it.

Myself somewhat regretful post elephant kiss.

That is all for now....thanks for following, check back soon for more! (hopefully)

M

Perth and Pretoria

Welcome to the Golden's official Africa Trip 2010 blog!!! (loud cheers, applause). I know you are all at bursting point just trying to contain your excitement. I write this sitting in an internet cafe in Durban, in balmy 22 degree heat, wearing thongs, shorts and my Australian shirt with pride...

Before dropping myself into the great unknown, the first stage of my trip involved 2 relaxing days in happy, friendly, familiar Perth. I owe my stay to my college friend Amy, now studying in Perth, who took time away from swotvac study time (for those who know her well this is some feat!) to kindly escort me around her new home town. Below is a series of photos from a day spent driving around the Swan Valley, visiting various wineries, breweries, and chocolate factories!

After an extremely draining 11 and a half hour flight from Perth, I arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa. The following photos are of my first two days in Africa, while I was staying in a backpackers in Pretoria...There is not really much to see and do for tourists there, thus alot of time was spent playing street soccer with other travellers (mainly from the US) and locals.

The backpackers where I was staying in Pretoria was located only 2 blocks from where the Argentina team had their training base. Naturally, hundreds of Argentinian supporters camped outside, and this is one of their banners.

Locals selling flags. You see them at almost every intersection!

View of city from gardens in front of government buildings.

View from inside the local Voortrekker monument, built to recognise the journeys of ealry European settlers.

A group of locals rehearsing what looked to be some sort victory dance.

Myself and Sean, a fellow aussie, with the World Cup mascot.

That's it for now folks...Tomorrow I am off to see Australia versus Germany! Look out for me on the T.V.! I'll be the one dressed in Green and Gold...

M

Before dropping myself into the great unknown, the first stage of my trip involved 2 relaxing days in happy, friendly, familiar Perth. I owe my stay to my college friend Amy, now studying in Perth, who took time away from swotvac study time (for those who know her well this is some feat!) to kindly escort me around her new home town.