Joburg, safari, Swaziland

Okay, so sorry we haven't posted. We typed a LONG post on Tuseday night and then out time ran out and we lost everything. SO we are typing fast and leaving a bunch of stuff out because we don't want to have that happen again. So excues any errors please. :) We have not had internet access until now. Actually, we have not had phone, TV, and even limited elctricity and water.

So here we go to try to update you on our incredible journey so far. It has been nothing less than INCREDIBLE!!!
To back up, Tuesday, we visited the # 4 Prison where we learned about some horrible things that occurred here during apartheid. Next to the prison is now South Africa's Constitutional Court because of Mr. Mandela. It was an incredible place. What feelings we had overcome us here. We will say more when we get home about this. After this, we went to the Apartheid Museum and the Hector Peteirson Memorial Museum. Both were very powerful. Once again, more to come when we get home. We then visited Soweto and had an authentic South African lunch. Soweto is alive with soul! Here we tasted sheep intestines upon Oratile's recommendation. -very interesting! We found the people here very warm and friendly. We went to the Regina Mondi (?) Church were the mass funerals were held after the tragedy on June 16, 1976. It was another powerful experience. This church is in the center ofd Soweto and has much history and meanning to the people here. It was a place to remember the past and to worship. There were still bullet holes in the ceilings and walls. We met the father of the church so we feel our visit was blessed. To end our day, we met Takalani (Andrea and Reba's friend)! What a warm, genuine man! He is going to set up a time that we can visit his school in Soweto when we return to Johannesburg. We can;t wait!
It is so hard to sum all of this up with such limited time. We can't wait to tell you more and show you the photos!

Wednesday, we were transported northeast to the Kruger National Park area. We thought we would have internet access when we got there, but what were we thinking? We were goign to the bush! Not only was there no internet, but there was no TV, phone, and the water was spurting out and we had to be very conservative because there has been a drought here. The first night, there was a snake on teh threshold of our door. Around here, you have to be very careful because many of them are very poisonous (such as the Black Mamba and the Spitting Cobra!). We had a sunset drive the first night we were there where we were just amazed. Amazed in every sense of the word! It was beautiful! We saw zebras running in front of us with impala, and some warthogs and then giraffes and elephants. We can't go into the detail we would like becasue of time, but can't wait to tell and show you! The next day was Kruger National Park! What an expansive breathtaking place. To be in the home of these animals was exhilarating to say the least!! The next morning we took a walk in the bush! We were out ther in the middle of it!! Talk about exhilaration!!! We were alomost caught on foot between two huge herds of elephants!!! We got back in the landrover and in minutes, we were surrounded by about 40 - 50 elephants!! Incredible!! (I know I am saying incredible a lot, but no time to think of other words, gotta type fast.)

So then we head off to Swaziland. What breathtaking scenery. The mountains here are so beautiful! What a fabulous drive!!! The place we are staying is on a farm and it is a true working farm and it is awesome! It is situated amongst sugar cane, pineapple and banana farms. We are about to ride around and see the area now. Tonight, will will have a brie (did we spell that correctly Oratile?) Mthandeni says he can cook for us, but I know Read, and he will have to have part in the grilling! :) Now we will try to post photos. We are crossing fingers. Gonna post this first so we don't lose it. Sorry about the errors.