Matt and I made it to Port Elizabeth, South Africa today. I have been travelling for nearly 3 days to get here, Matt over 3 days. We had one 8 hour flight, one 11 hour flight, a 15 hour bus ride and two delays lasting multiple hours. That isn't including the drive and wait time for me to get to Chicago or Matt's flight from Idaho to Chicago. We finally got some needed sleep on the bus ride last night, but are still sleep deprived.
This is the first time I have felt like a true minority. It is an interesting feeling. Even in South Africa where there are a good number of white people, we are still the vast minorities. People often stare at us, but I think it has to do more with the fact that we are carrying around backpacks and a large duffel. We are clearly travelling which places us in the tourist category. Being stared at is something that we just have to get used to as it isn't going to change. It will likely only increase the farther north we go and as we pass through more rural areas.
Tomorrow we will go to the Atul Auto dealership and figure out how exactly we are going to purchase the tuk tuk and hopefully we will be able to take the maintenance course that is offered and be on our way by tomorrow afternoon. The tuk tuk dealership asked for a 50% down payment before we arrived which we didn't feel comfortable doing. They said it was needed so they could begin getting the tuk tuk ready for us. I don't know what "ready" meant and didn't want to transfer $2000 to someone I've never met. We expected to see at least some tuk tuks here in Port Elizabeth. So far we haven't seen a single one since we arrived in Africa.
Outward Bound South Africa is expecting us on Tuesday midday in the town Knysna, about 250 km away. I hope we can get the tuk tuk sorted out and arrive on time. They are having a training this week that we don't want to miss out on and I think we'll be helping out with a course next week in Cape Town.
As for now we are hanging out in a hostel that is near the Indian Ocean relaxing after travelling so far and long. We are doing well and are excited to begin our trip.
This is the first time I have felt like a true minority. It is an interesting feeling. Even in South Africa where there are a good number of white people, we are still the vast minorities. People often stare at us, but I think it has to do more with the fact that we are carrying around backpacks and a large duffel. We are clearly travelling which places us in the tourist category. Being stared at is something that we just have to get used to as it isn't going to change. It will likely only increase the farther north we go and as we pass through more rural areas.
Tomorrow we will go to the Atul Auto dealership and figure out how exactly we are going to purchase the tuk tuk and hopefully we will be able to take the maintenance course that is offered and be on our way by tomorrow afternoon. The tuk tuk dealership asked for a 50% down payment before we arrived which we didn't feel comfortable doing. They said it was needed so they could begin getting the tuk tuk ready for us. I don't know what "ready" meant and didn't want to transfer $2000 to someone I've never met. We expected to see at least some tuk tuks here in Port Elizabeth. So far we haven't seen a single one since we arrived in Africa.
Outward Bound South Africa is expecting us on Tuesday midday in the town Knysna, about 250 km away. I hope we can get the tuk tuk sorted out and arrive on time. They are having a training this week that we don't want to miss out on and I think we'll be helping out with a course next week in Cape Town.
As for now we are hanging out in a hostel that is near the Indian Ocean relaxing after travelling so far and long. We are doing well and are excited to begin our trip.
Sounds exhausting but very interesting. So happy you are finally able to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Wondering how you found the hostel.
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ReplyDeleteYes it is a funny feeling to be a minority but what a wonderful education & cultural exchange. Phew!! I am exhausted just thinking about all that air time. Apparently you got a plug for the tablet? So glad you are sharing this journey with us!!. Stay safe.
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ReplyDeleteSounds exhausting. Stoked to see pictures of your new Tuk Tuk once it's purchased!
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