Saturday July 7th. We awoke very early to a downpour, much to Bill’s dismay. Not the right weather for them to head back into the bush with a 4×4 to look for a kudo. I had decided that I was ready to see more of South Africa so I organized my things and Bill and I agreed to meet at the Port Elizabeth airport around 4:00pm on Monday for our flight back to Johannesburg.
After brunch Madeline and the kids drove me to Port Elizabeth. PE is the closest big town and where the airport is located. She dropped me off at The Beach Hotel which is across from the main beach area in front of the casino/Boardwalk shopping/entertainment area. Across the street is their pier and sandy beach. The beaches are pretty here and supposedly clean, though the port and some major industry is just a few miles down the road.
I was delighted to have my lovely room with my own bathroom, soft sheets and pillows, and most important working wifi!
Took a walk along the beach and through the Boardwalk area in late afternoon as the sun peeked out and lit up the skys. I checked the weather report and was delighted that clear skies, sunshine and no rain was predicted.
My winter room special includes breakfast and dinner. I like the idea of dinner in the hotel as I didn’t want to be walking around after dark. It’s probably safe but being alone I will take a few extra precautions.
Dinner is buffet style but with excellent service – mostly traditional South African foods again. I didn’t go to dinner until 9:00pm and was chatting with my waiter, Ramsey, about what I should do on Sunday. I had seen some brochures about a day safari to the Pumba Game Reserve for only 695 rand (about $80). I mentioned this to him and he hurried off to the reception to organize the excursion for me. Silly me thinking I could wait until the last minute to make plans for a trip that is 100 kilometres away that required transportation. But this is South Africa and they take good care of their visitors. Ramsey came back and let me know everything was arranged.
Some pictures I took on the beach across from the hotel on Sunday night. Met a lovely family Thami and her kids. Sand letters is her email so I could remember where to send the pictures I took of the kids.
