We arrived in Knysna after a long drive that saw us take in some of the amazing views on offer along the garden route. Port Elizabeth where we set off from was nothing special; a port and an airport...sorry if that offends but that really is a pretty accurate description. The place where we stayed was lovely and had the best breakfast of the trip so far. It was called Sir Roys By The Sea and if you need to spend any time there, you would be hard pushed to find better. On our way to Knysna we passed through many pretty places, and none more so than Storms River.
There was a huge bridge over 100 metres across and 216 metres down that traversed deathly jagged cliffs and fast running torrents below. I struggled to walk out to take the photos, but i surpassed John's meagre 2 metres, although my venture out was peppered with a few swear words and tantrums that thankfully only i was witness to. I made it to a middle spot to take the pictures, hope that you enjoy.
We arrived in Knysna at a stunning little fishing town with a delighful boardwalk and marina, complete with tourist shops and yummy eateires. Our hotel was the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays which, from our room, had a view to die for of the Marina and Kynsna Heads. We spent the first day exploring the beaches and huge houses located in the area, before heading to the rock pools and indulging in a spot of fishing and crab hunting. Roman ended up totally wet through but had lots of fun; dad even managed to catch a couple of fish before having to be reminded that it was the childrens net and needed to be given back!
We took a cruise out to Knysna heads on the evening aboard 'John Ben' and learnt that the heads are the most dangerous in the world, being responsible for over 130 shipwrecks; upon discovering this we decided to stay safely inside and not venture out just to become a statistic...for today at least.
Our final day was spent on a tour of a Township located on the outskirts of Knysna. The tour was given by Penny and her business partner Ella who is a member of the township community. We travelled through the township with them, handing out sweets to children and feeding the local animals.
We went with them and visited a hairdressers that was located inside a shipping container, folowed by shops, and then on to Ellas home. Ella has taken it upon herself to help the young people of the Township and provides a soup kitchen daily, catering for over 30 children as well as providing a home for approximately 16. The children took Roman into their group quite happily and he spent a couple of hours charging around in the 30 degree heat.
We also took part in a drumming lesson where the children sang songs and stole our hearts.
When it came to leaving we found it upsetting that in the run up to Christmas the children were only going to be looking forward to opening one present each so we went out to top up their Christmas hoard, wrapping up a few extra presents from us, for we could never do enough to help the boys and girls we met, some of whom had experienced the most traumatic events in their short lives. Despite all of this, they welcomed us with open hearts, teaching us a lesson in resilience. We will be back to visit and have provided a link to their site so if anyone feels they can help or just wants to learn more you can do.
You can see in our pictures the huge divide in the wealth of South Africa, you have huge mansions with a large staff being overlooked by the small shacks of the areas that are home to over 25,000 people. South Africa has come along way in recent years but it is clear to see, it has still a long way to go.
We have left Kynsna now and driven the 400km to a small place called Gansbaai which is a place here in South Africa that the big two of the ocean hang out: The whales during the whaling season between July and December and the Great White Shark, known locally as the man in the grey wetsuit who we have an early morning date with tomorrrow. We are away to take the first of our sea sickness tablets, though im not sure they help with fear sickness and then hopefully we will all be back tomorrow to update you on what we then know is an amazing experience with one of natures true greats.
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