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.