Most Inspirational Moment
For both of us, the Langa township tour. The Democratic Alliance here in Cape Province (unlike the ANC in other parts of SA) is making a real difference to the lives of all the people starting from the bottom up with structured layers of building which provides incentive. We were impressed (nay, humbled) by the way people of all colours seem to be pulling together to advance the lot of all after the dreadful years of apartheid. Using two individual hand-picked locals found by our tour guide rather than just going to a tour sub-contractor again allowed us to get ' beneath the surface'. The passion they all showed was truly heartening and the lack of resentment, often commented on, was (again) humbling.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Read the comments already given. In addition, Justin said he was 24 hours on duty for us. He had a chest infection needing medication but he didn't allow that to get him down or detract from his level of care to us. What more can we say? One in a million.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If Justin is your leader, listen carefully to all his advice e.g. 'Do not go on the Waterfall Trail in Tsitsikamma, it is too dangerous'. Be sensible - we aborted the Suspension Bridge walk in that park as we felt under-fit and too 'frail' to complete it - Take personal responsibility and don't end up embarrassing your Tour Leader.
Go to South Africa with an open mind and this trip and this leader will open your eyes . We have had so much comment (starting with the taxi driver home from Heathrow) that 'You're one of the very few people who have come home with a positive view of South Africa; most people think it dangerous and going smartly downhill'. No preconceptions, please - If you go looking for the negative, you'll certainly find it in the poverty and the history; the future looks bright for SA to us provided the Democratic Alliance wins and the ANC go to the wall. There is enormous potential in this berautiful land and in the people.
