Intermidiate

Arriving in Ladakh is possibly one of the greatest adventures in the world. Whether you travel on bus through the land of high passes from Spiti or take a flight through the majestic mountains as I did. Nothing quite describes the flight into Ladakh. As the airplane ascends through the largest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas seem to change color at every angle as the plane swoops between these giant peaks. Your flight comes to an abrupt end on the shortest runway and the highest elevated airport in the world. Welcome to Ladakh. My breath is immediately taken away when I walk off the plane. Not in a metaphorical sense but literally as it is hard to breathe from the lack of oxygen at 11,500 ft. The purple mountains glow in the background as your head starts to feel dizzy. After arriving at your hotel it is necessary to take a day of rest before seeing the sites to acclimate to the altitude.

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I have dreamt Cuba for years and finally I managed to go there!

It was like be carried 50 years ago....see things and a way of life I just heard about from my granmother's tales. A big shock considering our way of life but simpler and more genuine.

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Another great wake-up in this corner of paradise, my body hurts everywhere, it must be the surfing from yesterday. Today there are still 350km ahead to port Saint Johns but first we have to interview Sean the owner of this wonderful place to learn how is possible to create a good compromise between, environment, tourism and social communities.  On the other hand there is no way we going to leave this place without a final jump from the top board!

We have a rich Sunday breakfast with Sean, then head down to the beach to try and catch some waves. Dom is already exhausted after 30 min struggling and fighting to get into his wetsuit. I try to do my best and I manage to get an easy wave, but after that, with my arm still suffering from yesterday, we return to the beach, get back in the car, and onto the N2 to drive along the wild coast.

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Yesterday evening we arrived at the Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers resort, just outside of East London, in Chintsa West. Established back in 1983, these guys are considered one of the early pioneers in the South African backpacking industry. After a little confusion over the sleeping arrangements we check in and enjoy an evening meal of South African braai with potatoes and vegetables. A few Castles later and we retire for the evening.

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About time!...The car is ready...we are too!!

We are not alone, even Liz, Dom's mum has decided to come along for our first stop: Garden Route. Born and raised in Cape Town, Liz has never been able to explore her own country, like many other South Africans, because of the Apartheid.

In those dark years, travelling in the holidays was certainly not as easy as for Europeans and even now not many people have the chance...so, what a coincidence! Why not go and explore the nearby Garden Route. It's getting dark very quickly, we left late and the traffic jams were very difficult to get through, but finally we get away from the chaotic metropolis and the roads are starting to become more lonely. A sense of freedom, vast plains open up in front of us in the twilight.

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A busy day running around Cape Town to sort out the last issues before pressing the rec button! To do that we need to reach the city centre on the shadow of the Table Mountain...and we need to do it quick...so the best way in town to move around is to listen to the taxi guys screaming destinations from white, fast 9 seat minvans...cape Town Cape Town Cape Town ...it’our lift...a black, excited short man jump down the van and as a professional shepherd coordinate people from the road  to move on board..here we are..me, Dom, Liz and other 16 souls squeeze as sardines,...the shepherd is still looking for one more passenger all the way down .. I m wondering where he will fit...well no worries we focus on our goals no matter how..heading as quick as possible in the city!

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