Ed's blog

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*

For example, I decided to meander between Kreuzberg and Warschauer Strasse, and I stumbled across some beautiful gardens following the course of the old Luisenstädtischer Canal. While this doesn't immediately scream "History!" at you, it turns out that this canal was 1st started in 1852, but the project was abandoned then restarted several times due to the upheaval that Europe was experiencing (2 World Wars, being just part of this). At some point the canal was filled in and provided the foundation for part of the length of the Berlin wall.

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

Yesterday's slow pace is just a memory - a 4 hour drive from Durban is St Lucia estuary. We arrive at Amazulu lodge, hurl

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.

The boat trip is well worth the journey. We soon see hippo nostrils peeking out from the river. Then shortly afterwards we

cruise past an unnervingly fast crocodile - apparently the crocodile is not really pushing it, either.

Our captain and guide also introduces various species of bird, from the big (Goliath Stork, Giant Kingfisher) to the small

(Yellow Weaver). But would you have expected to learn so much about Climbing Whelks? These little invertebrates climb up

Location