Ed's blog

Location

Berlin is a huge, vibrant city. It has more than enough distractions for every kind of tourist, and really does seem to have something to do at any time of night.
But the best thing about Berlin is that its history is pressed so firmly into your face that you could lick it. And, with Germany's famous purity laws in effect, you won't pick up any nasties in the process*

Location

Now the holiday starts the get real: I finally get to do some hula hooping and stay in a backpackers. Whilst I've loved the fancy rooms and wildlife, I'm looking forward to more humble accommodation. Ideally with bed bugs. It's a long way to Swaziland, and the roads get more ridden with potholes the nearer you get to the border. But the real adventure start when you reach passport control. While the South African officials are not so bureaucratic, the boxes of free condoms available in the toilets tell you what their concerns are. Being a sensitive bunch of Western males, we each take a pack to play jokes on the others. When we realise that we are all completely unoriginal, we stash the packs (totalling around 50 condoms) in the glove compartment.

Location

Right, this was probably not very eco. In fact, I reckon we used a lot of petrol on the boat trip, but it was amazing. I've never seen dolphins before, and I was beginning to think that I wouldn't see them on this trip either. But we did and it was great. Our guide explained that we were going on a wildlife trip, not a pleasure cruise. He wasn't joking. Just getting into the sea and past the break of the waves has us rattling around, gripping onto anything tied down. But it's lovely once you're in. Except if you get sea sick, like 1 of our fellow passengers. The petrol fumes and the ocean swell don't help, but she bravely holds onto her food until we reach a calmer bit of sea.

Location

More hippos, today. Again we mostly see noses as the hippos are submerged in a pond to escape the sun. THe last we saw of Dom was pretty much the same. Except he was submerged in his macbook editing a video. Shame for him, look what we saw... A drive into Cape Vidal park, and just after the hippo noses we spot our 1st set of springbok. Not 1 of the big 5, but worth a few photos. The springbok don't lure any leopards, but it is a bit early for lunch. Sadly we don't see any rhino, either. However, a ball of manure rolling across the road more than makes up for it - DUNG BEETLE! Clearly hungry, the little beetle has managed to shift the poo into the grass before we can get a proper look.

Location

Yesterday's slow pace is just a memory - a 4 hour drive from Durban is St Lucia estuary. We arrive at Amazulu lodge, put our bags into the room then sprint down the jetty for a boat trip. Davide is almost left behind when he rushes back to fetch the camera tripod.