Cape Town - Security Tips for Tourists

The Famous Tablecloth over Table Mountain
View from Blouberg Beach.

Cape Town is an exciting, vibrant and cosmopolitan city and a tourist mecca.

It is a must see destination and you will not be disappointed.

However, as with most cities in the world, opportunist/petty crime can be a problem

This has nothing to do with poverty, it is everything to do with morals and integrity.
The criminals are extremely well dressed and very fast, especially with bag snatching.

So please take care, especially during really busy periods.

The modus operandi with stolen cell phones works like this:
You call your own stolen cell phone
Somebody answers claiming to have "found" it and offers to meet in one of the townships provided that you bring cash. The price ranges from R1000.00 upwards.
For your own safety do not fall for this.

Enjoy the city but leave all valuables in the hotel safe or make sure handbags are securely held.

So many people blame crime on poverty in South Africa.
This is not the case - it's a "job" or "career" and a very lucrative one!!

Travelling anywhere in the world one needs to be vigilant with valuables.

So please take care and enjoy your stay in our beautiful Mother City

Exracts below adapted via Courtesy of Cape Town Tourism

Security tips

·        Avoid carrying large sums of cash, carrying cameras or video cameras in plain sight and leaving belongings unattended.

·        Heed the advice of your hosts, Cape Town Tourism Visitor Centre staff or locals on where to go after dark. Try not to walk alone.

·        Do not allow strangers to assist you in any way at ATMs.

·        Street children and beggars may approach you for a handout. Many social workers counsel against giving money to the children as it usually gets handed over to an older person or is used to purchase drugs.

·        At night, park in a secure, well-lit area.

To report any safety incident, phone the following numbers:

·        All emergencies from your cell phone – 112

·        All emergencies from a landline – 107

·        South African Police Services (SAPS) – 10111

Cape Town Tourism in partnership with Protection and Emergency Services run a successful Visitor Support Programme to assist you further, should you be involved in an incident. For more information, contact:
+27 21 487 6800

Safety Table Mountain National Park

·        Cape Town Tourism recommends the use of a qualified mountain guide should you wish to explore Table Mountain National Park on foot. Alternatively, make sure you take a Table Mountain map, comfortable walking shoes, a few friends and a charged cell phone (mobile).

·        Make sure you are also prepared for weather that can change rapidly; bring sunblock and something warm to wear.

·        Start heading back well before dark and keep to demarcated paths.

·        Save the following emergency number on your cell phone before you begin your hike: +27 861 106 417.

·        To book a guide, phone the Contact Centre on 0861 322 223.

South African Travel Safety Tips

Safety Tips 101 - What to do and what not to do


Safety has become an important issue throughout the world. The Tourism Safety Task Group of South Africa has compiled the following tips for tourists and migrants who come to the country:

At a hotel:
 
Never leave your luggage unattended

• Store valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box
• Keep your room locked, whether you’re in it or not
• If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door

 In the street:

Avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewelry, cameras and other valuables

• It’s definitely not advisable to carry large sums of money around 
• At night, steer clear of dark, isolated areas
• It’s better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets
• Plan your route beforehand
• A policeman or traffic officer will be glad to direct you if you get lost
• If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service

In a car:

• Plan your route in advance
• Keep the car doors locked at all times and wind the windows up
• Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk)
• At night, park in well-lit areas
• Never pick up strangers
• If in doubt about the safety of an area, ask the hotel or guest house Manager.

In general we advise people to carry a reliable map with them at all times and to keep a certified copy of passports and other important documentation such as flight tickets in a safe place such as a bank or hotel's safety deposit box.

Leave your valuables at home, your luggage may be opened and your valuables missing from your bags when you collect your luggage from the check out area.

• Do not wear expensive jewellery.
• Do not allow yourself to be separated from your hand luggage.
• Laptops, camera’s, mobile phones and handbags are targeted items.
• Do not allow yourself to be distracted by one person while another person runs off with your possessions.

If you are hiring a car and intend driving from the airport be sure you know the exact route you should take so that you need not stop to ask for directions making yourself vulnerable and an easy hijack target.

Avoid walking in deserted areas on your own during the day and particularly at night.

South Africa is not the only country where the above list applies, it applies to many destinations and innocent tourists are caught up in unpleasant situations because they are not vigilant and do not apply wisdom because they are “on holiday” and in a carefree mood.

Please also avoid giving money to beggars; you are more likely to lose your whole wallet in this type of situation.

Bo-Kaap - a Must See in Cape Town

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

Nelson Mandela - 18/07/1918 - 05/12/2013, South Africa

Moullie Point Lighthouse, Cape Town

"May Mandela's light forever shine down on the South African people" Judelle Drake

Tribute to Nelson Mandela - 1918 - 2013

Today, 06/12/2013 is a sad day for all South Africans
Our beloved Nelson Mandela, died last night 05/12/2013 aged 95 after a long illness.

As an ordinary South African citizen, I never had the privilege of meeting this icon of our times
However, Nelson's personality, charm, leadership qualities, love of people and great statesmanship shone through always, whenever he appeared on TV.

I just loved that unique voice, those colourful shirts that have become such a trademark that vendors make a living selling them, the joy on Nelson's face at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, his love for all South African sports, his gentleness with children and his quest for a better life for all in South Africa. A truly unique man who became an icon in his lifetime.

South Africa still has many problems to contend with politically but we hope that Nelson's spirit and example will live on as an example in the people of our beloved South Africa.

Some of Nelson Mandela's quotes below:

Unlike some politicians, I can admit to a mistake.

"If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness."
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.

I am confident that nobody... will accuse me of selfishness if I ask to spend time, while I am still in good health, with my family, my friends and also with myself.

I was not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/nelson_mandela_2.html#GJZYQfJlVihfdtcM.99

The following history is courtesy of "News 24" 6/12/2013

Johannesburg - Nelson Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95.

Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state.

His condition deteriorated and he died following complications from the lung infection, with his family by his side.

Announcement

The news was announced by a clearly emotional President Jacob Zuma live on television, who said Mandela had "departed" and was at peace.

"Our nation has lost its greatest son," said Zuma.

"What made Nelson Mandela great is precisely what made him human," he said.

Mandela, once a boxer, had a long history of lung problems after contracting tuberculosis while in jail on Robben Island.

His extraordinary life story, quirky sense of humour and lack of bitterness towards his former oppressors ensured global appeal for the charismatic leader.

Once considered a terrorist by the United States and Britain for his support of violence against the apartheid regime, at the time of his death he was an almost unimpeachable moral icon.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner spent 27 years behind bars before being freed in 1990 to lead the African National Congress (ANC) in negotiations with the white minority rulers which culminated in the first multi-racial elections in 1994.

A victorious Mandela served a single term as president before taking up a new role as a roving elder statesman and leading Aids campaigner before finally retiring from public life in 2004.

 "When he emerged from prison people discovered that he was all the things they had hoped for and more," fellow Nobel Peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said.

"He is by far the most admired and revered statesperson in the world and one of the greatest human beings to walk this earth."

From prisoner to global peace icon

He was a global cause celebre during the long apartheid years, and popular pressure led world leaders to tighten sanctions imposed on the apartheid regime.

In 1988 at a concert in Wembley stadium in London, tens of thousands sang "Free Nelson Mandela" as millions more watched on their television sets across the world.

Born in July 1918 in the southeastern Transkei region, Mandela carved out a career as a lawyer in Johannesburg in parallel with his political activism.

He became commander-in-chief of Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the armed wing of the by now-banned ANC, in 1961, and the following year underwent military training in Algeria and Ethiopia.

While underground back home in South Africa, Mandela was captured by police in 1962 and sentenced to five years in prison.

He was then charged with sabotage and sentenced in 1964 to life in prison at the Rivonia trial, named after a Johannesburg suburb where a number of ANC leaders were arrested.

He used the court hearing to deliver a speech that was to become the manifesto of the anti-apartheid movement.

"During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society.

"It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

He was first sent to prison on Robben Island, where he spent 18 years before being transferred in 1982 to Pollsmoor prison in Cape Town and later to Victor Verster prison in nearby Paarl.

When he was finally released on 11 February 1990, walking out of prison with his fist raised alongside his then-wife Winnie.

Ex-prisoner 46664 was entrusted with the task of negotiating the path to democracy with president FW de Klerk.

Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their role in the ending of apartheid.

After the ANC won the first multi-racial elections, Mandela went out of his way to assuage the fears of the white minority, declaring his intention to establish "a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world."

Critics said his five-year presidency was marred by corruption and rising levels of crime. But his successors, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, have never enjoyed anywhere near the same levels of respect or affection.

In retirement, he focused his efforts on mediating conflicts, most notably in Burundi, as well as trying to raise awareness and abolish the taboos surrounding Aids, which claimed the life of his son Makgatho.

His divorce from second wife Winnie was finalised in 1996.

He found new love in retirement with Graca Machel, the widow of the late Mozambican president Samora Machel, whom he married on his 80th birthday.

"Every time Nelson Mandela walks in a room we all feel a little bigger, we all want to stand up, we all want to cheer, because we'd like to be him on our best day,"

Mandela is survived by three daughters, 18 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. He had four step-children through his marriage to Machel.

His death has left his family divided over his wealth. Some of his children and grandchildren are locked in a legal feud with his close friends over alleged irregularities in his two companies.

GOOD-BYE MADIBA

REST IN PEACE

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

Cape Town - Sea Point Promenade - Cape Town Walking Spot

Three Anchor Bay Beach

If you fancy a long,. interesting walk, park at the V&A Waterfront and walk (or run!) towards Sea Point Promenade.

The views of these city suburbs, with Lions Head and Table Mountain in the background, are tremendous, the sea is gorgeous and blue, the breeze either gentle or fierce depending on the season and it is a great spot for people watching. Thin, fat, tall or short, all sorts enjoy this local attraction and in all weathers as well!

Green Point Lighthouse was the first solid lighthouse built in South Africa and was first lit on 12/04/1824. It's red and white and stands 16 metres tall. There have been numerous lighthouse keepers over the years, the longest appearing to be a Mr J Hopson who manned the lighthouse from 1860 - 1878 - a period of 18 years. Quite an achievement!

Opposite the lighthouse, you can detour into the Green Point Park for stunning local flora plus views of the Soccer Stadium and Table Mountain.

Further along towards Sea Point you have children's play areas, a putt-putt course, then you reach Three Anchor Bay where there is a beach popular with canoeists and jet skiers.

Just past this spot you will find some outdoor gym equipment - that's if you really want to exercise madly before continuing your wander.

The area of the demolished Graaf's Pool

Graaff's Pool was closed some years back (it was a gay hang-out, overlooked by the huge block of flats!) but one can still wander down the old path where we did spot a chap being brave enough to head into the sea for a swim.

Broken Bath Beach

There are a few small beaches along the way - the name I like the most is "Broken Bath" beach. I have no idea where this strange name originated. The promenade ends at the Sea Point Swimming Baths.





There is always some something interesting to see - watch the tandem para gliders launch themselves off  Signal Hill and come floating down, to land gently on the Sea Point lawns. A must-do activity if one is brave enough!

The sea is always an attraction - from stormy winter days where the waves crash over the sea wall, to the calm blue of summer with many boats sailing past.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

Clipper Round the World Racing

Preparing for the Cape Town to Australia leg

Are you into Adventure Travel?

Then look no further than a dream journey on one of the 12 Clipper Yachts!

This remains one of the world's longest yacht races.

With circumnavigation of the globe taking a full 11 months, this is a challenge like no other. Totalling 15 races, 64,000 km with varying weather conditions, you will become tougher, leaner, hopefully not meaner, and you will either love the life or wish you had never set foot on a yacht! You may need to become a navigator, medic, weather forecaster, electrician or chef plus doing all the deck work on a racing yacht!

Don't be put off - training is provided and you can opt for just one of the legs of the race - approx. 3 weeks e.g. Cape Town to Australia.

Quote from web site: November 2014 "Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, 75, will return to his solo ocean racing roots this November 2014 when he takes part in French single-handed classic, the Route de Rhum on his Open 60 entry, Grey Power. 
The founder of the Clipper Race and first ever man to sail solo, non-stop around the world in 1968/69, will compete in the tenth anniversary edition of the 3,500 mile Transatlantic race  from St Malo, France which starts on 2 November 2014.

Knox-Johnston last did this race in 1982 in his 70-foot catamaran Olympus, better known as Sea Falcon. He is the oldest participant entered so far at the age of 75.
Asked why he had chosen a solo Transatlantic Race at the age of 75, Knox-Johnston responded:
“Participating in the 2013 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race reminded me how much I enjoy the excitement of an ocean race.  Solo sailing is where I feel most at home – no one else can benefit you or let you down – it is all in my hands. The Route de Rhum is one of the classics – it is a very well-run race.”
The race sees sailors cross the Bay of Biscay late in the year in November before reaching the kinder, yet still squally climes of the trade wind belt before finishing in the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.
The first edition of the race in 1978 was won by Canadian Mike Birch after a nail biting finish but was marred by the disappearance of French sailor, Alain Colas, who was lost at sea.
The 2014 race is open to mono and multihull boats across four classes with almost 80 entrants. Sir Robin will be racing in the Rhum class and will start serious practice once the current Clipper Round the World Yacht Race finishes in July.
Knox-Johnston will celebrate the 45^th anniversary of his inaugural circumnavigation on April 22 2014. The voyage took 312 days"


The Clipper 2013 were brand new boats, sleek 70 ft with approx. 22 crew plus a professional skipper on each of the 12 yachts.
 Crew ages range from 18 - 73! So age is no excuse!

We were privileged to be able to go on board one of these yacht during November 2013 whilst they were moored in Cape Town prior to their leg to Australia.

Seeing all the food being sorted out in enormous piles - huge cans of baked beans, canned fruit, sweets, salty biscuits, carrots, onions, potatoes, eggs, oranges, corned beef, flour etc, etc plus loads of toilet rolls, was an eye-opener. I don't know if I would know where to start to supply food for 3 weeks to a crew of 22/23. They certainly do not want to go hungry whilst at sea!!

The yachts are built for speed, not comfort so anybody who is the least bit claustrophobic needs to scratch this race off their bucket list. Space is at a premium, with a large section used only for storing all the various sails that are used during the voyage. Engines may only be used to reach the starting point and again once over the finishing line. Man overboard? They may use the engines but will have to log this and return to the point where they started the engines. Hopefully, this never happens.

The "bunks" are purely a place to crash after your stint on deck - no luxury and certainly no privacy! There are 2 toilets on board, one right next to the very tiny galley so smells could well linger......!  So many tins of baked beans!

This race attracts crew from all walks of life and we were able to chat to a few of them. Some have never sailed at all before and it is a dream come true for many.

The total voyage costs GBP 45,000 (subject to change) - this includes training, meals and accommodation. The price is less if you only opt for one or two legs.

Split into shifts of 08.00 - 14.00, 14.00 - 20.00, 20.00 - 12.00, 12.00 - 04.00, 04.00 - 08.00 and then the cycle starts again. Everybody has a turn to do all the tasks on boards so cleaning and cooking also feature. The galley is so tiny, imagination is required.

We met Vicky, the skipper of Switzerland and we met crew on board the Jamaica.


Whilst I am unashamedly a Semi-luxury to Luxury traveller so I would not dream of a voyage in these conditions. However, if you are into crazy, fun, and stimulating adventure, don't suffer from sea-sickness, love small spaces, love meeting like-minded people, then this is an adventure of a life-time that just has to feature on your bucket list!!!

A crew member on one of the yachts mentioned a Tuk-Tuk race across India.
Perhaps somebody could persuade me to do something along those lines provided that I stayed in 5* hotels along the way....but sailing, no way.

But don't you delay - get that application off soon!

If you are interested in doing the Clipper race in the future, then get in touch with the organisers:

www.clipperroundtheworld.com

@clipperrace

We wish all the brave (or foolish??) crew a wonderful experience at sea - there is no doubt that it will change your life!

PS: I have no connection with the organisers - this was just a trip to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town which turned out to be most interesting!

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

India - Things I love or hate about India!




Mumbai, India

India is such a melting pot of experiences that many will return to my memory at odd times - here are just some of them:

Commerce:
Industry is alive and well in India - from the latest technology to the humble shoe repairer, umbrella repairer, the seamstress on an old fashioned sewing machine, the hardware store that is so small yet has just about everything, the Fisher folk with their nets cast just offshore,  the tuk-tuk drivers, the men on bicycles that still have those old-fashioned racks on the back, last seen in the 60's!, the hand-drawn carts carrying goods, these  Indian people are all entrepreneurs, each in their own small way. It's wonderful to see and takes one back into an era that has been forgotten, such is the pace of modern life in many Western countries where many of these skills have long been forgotten in favour of modernization.

Beach Meditation:
If you spot an Indian man squatting on the beach, gazing at the Arabian Sea, please don't go up to him, thinking that this is a meditating guru.
It works like this:
Make a little hole in the sand close to the high tide water mark
Squat down and expose the buttocks
Gaze longingly at the ocean in front of you
Once you have completed your ablutions, get up and walk away, leaving a little pile for the waves to wash away at next high tide.
We grew up with LONG DROPS as kids at our beach house long before flush toilets happened. These work well - all you need is a spade and some effort to make a very deep hole! Not rocket science? To be fair, these folk are fishermen and live and exist near the sea so their outlook is most probably more in tune with nature than mine is!

Umbrella Romance:
The Indian population has no chance despite the government pleading to keep the family at one or two kids.
Little black umbrellas dotted along the shore mean that these are courting couples - snogging or groping, they all look young enough to still be at school!
It's so funny to see them huddled together under these tiny umbrellas.

Horn Please:
Most vehicles have this painted on the back - Sound Horn -  it's a way of life in India - the HORN.
Perhaps a thorn in the side of those worried about sound pollution?

Beach Clean-ups:
Alleppey needed beach clean ups quite often due to the very large crowds that descend on the beach. The next day, the ladies were out in force picking up litter. With red and white striped umbrella's over their heads, they made a pretty early morning sight.

Is America next to Africa?
We had this question posed to us from a family outside of Kerala. Our driver (with a degree) was most shocked and hastily explained some geography to this chap. Apparently, most "white" visitors are deemed to be either from America or Britain. Yet South Africa features in cricket and most Indians LOVE their cricket!
The majority of those who asked where we were from, seemed to know about South Africa, mainly through sport.

Friendly, so friendly:
The favourite question from most folk who asked where we were from, was also "What is your name" I really did not grasp the significance of this - perhaps they are looking for some different names for their kids one day?

Caste System:
The caste system is still very in place but nobody really wanted to explain this to us. The closest we came was the explanation that the "name" suggests the caste. We did see an article on cricket where the "backward" caste was mentioned. What an awful name and rather sad in this age of democracy.

School Uniforms:
The school children in Alleppey all wear very smart uniforms and always look extremely neat. As mentioned previously, literacy is alive and well in this province with many English Speaking schools. These children are most polite and friendly - it's says much for their upbringing.

I loved the total mayhem of traffic in India - it's organised chaos at its very best.

I loved the vibrant colours of India

I loved the little boy who we helped to swim in the pool at Panoramic Sea Resort, Alleppey. He  came to thank us, chatted about the India cricket against Australia and shook hands when his family were leaving. Making sure that he found us on two separate occasions. Beautiful English and wonderful manners.

I loved the smell of spices in Munnar, the Hill Station where the weather is cooler and not humid.

I loved the natural forests of Kerala and the beautiful waterfalls

I loved the wide open beaches of South Goa

I loved the many fishing boats dotted on the shores of Kerala

I loved the fact that so many Indians ASK to have their photograph taken

I loved the fact that Indians ask which country we come from

I loved the service from the staff at Panoramic Beach Resort, Alleppey

I loved the crazy, bumpy rides in the well-worn tuk-tuks

I loved the South Indian food and especially the buffet dinners at Holiday Inn, Goa

I loved the casual dining experience at Dreamers, Beach Road, Alleppey

I loved the ride on an Indian Elephant

I loved our time and conversations with Aneesh, our graduate driver in Kerela

I was grateful that I did not have to endure Delhi Belly

I loved the reporting in the "Times of India"

I loved the friendly smiles of the Indian people and the children who wanted "photo please"

I did not enjoy:

Mumbai International Airport - its horrid, totally horrid with virtually no seating or restaurant if one is too early for check-in.

The fact that foreigners cannot drive in India (mind you, it's a wise move on their part!)

The humidity at all coastal places that we visited - Mumbai, Goa, Alleppey.

The garbage littering some places

The stares from some Indian males in Mumbai

The fact that water is not drinkable

The men using the beach as a toilet

Whist we were very sceptical about visiting a country so very different to everywhere we have travelled to date, it was an incredibly interesting journey.

Don't rush around from place to place, stop and experience the people and their way of life - it will be well worth your while.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

India - Alleppey to Mumbai Airport, (26)



Alleppey, Kerala, India

Sadly, our last night in Alleppey and India.
After 4 glorious weeks, filled with life in India we have to start packing to leave!

16th October 2013 was a Muslim holiday so the beach suddenly became packed after 16.30 hrs with everybody catching up with friends and family and the welcome sea breeze. To witness this is something - the buzz of many people, the horns of the tuk-tuks, the ice-cream carts doing brisk business, the street vendors, all this makes for total local atmosphere. We headed for our final meal at Dreamers - sitting upstairs in this open-air restaurant which is so rustic, one has a bird's eye view of the beach. Once darkness descended, the people started trying to get back home. Yeh right!!

Traffic jam so that even the scooters struggled to make their way out of this area. It was total chaos and took ages for the traffic to clear. The downside of  celebrating on the beach but nobody seemed to mind - they sat on their horns and jostled for that minor gap before the tuk-tuk's squeezed through. Crazy to watch and made for a memorable spectacle on our last night. The food always good, the staff excellent at Dreamers. Thanks guys!

Our last day dawned - after a late breakfast, we had a shower and did the last minute packing before our 2 hour drive to Cochin Airport.

Our thanks to all the staff at Panoramic Sea Resort for very good service, always delivered with a smile. Unfortunately, Aneesh was unable to drive us to the airport as his 6 year old daughter was taken ill.

The drive took forever as we were so sad to be leaving this peaceful place - yes, despite the honking horns and squawking crows!

We did not have too long to wait at Cochin Airport as there is not much too see from the waiting area. We had to pay for 5 kg of excess luggage at IR 250 per kilo with Jet Airways. It pays to read the small print prior to booking!!!

The pilot was a very young looking lady which freaked me out. Don't worry says James, she has 4 stripes so must be competent!
Fair do's the flight was fine and the landing pretty good!

After 4 wonderful weeks in India, we get to Mumbai Airport. Domestic from Cochin looked fine but one has to catch a shuttle bus to International. Nobody tells you that there is NOTHING at Mumbai International prior to check-in. Not even chairs to sit on. Small coffee bars have no seating and virtually no food choice either. So do not ever get to the airport more than 3 hours before your check-in as you will end up sitting on a trolley or standing for hours on end. It is totally pathetic for an international airport and leaves a really bad taste in the mouth.

To make matters even worse, we ended up at "Spice Bazaar" where they totally ripped us off for a tiny beer which they charged USD 8. And 450 IR for a beer is criminal. To add insult to injury, they dish up change in Rupees!! Now nobody is supposed to have rupees once they have checked in for an International Flight.

It seems that there are double standards here and the owner of the franchise is rather suspect when they make up their own exchange rate. A rather disgusting end to a holiday in India and extremely off-putting to international travellers.

Oh well, I suppose things cannot always go smoothly. Feeling very ratty and still have to wait for hours for our flight.....

Eventually, on the plane back to South Africa. As the plane only takes off at 02.00 we wondered if we would be fed. I was so tired by this time but we did get beers and food at the ridiculous hour of 03.00 or thereabouts. Our flight steward was  a bundle of smiles and energy, most probably having slept for the entire day! He offered me a Kingfisher - great, I thought only to be told that he could not possibly promote Kingfisher on an SAA flight so it was Castle or Hansa!!

Eventually, lights out and then the uncomfortable 8 hours or so. The flight was fine with a very smooth landing in Johannesburg. The same steward was just as chirpy at breakfast and when the couple in front of us asked for mugs of milk, he said with a totally blank expression that the cows were on strike in South Africa! This same couple also asked for 10 bottles of water - his reply was " Yes, when we land you can buy it all at Makro" His dry sense of humour was a breath of fresh South African air and made for a pleasant flight despite cramped condition in cattle class. Oh to be so rich as to be able to afford a business class seat one day......

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

10 Tips for Travel to India

The Chaotic Traffic near Crawford Market, Mumbai, India

India travel is very diverse given the enormous country - I am only commenting here on Mumbai, Goa and Kerala.

1 - Hotels: If you are a semi-luxury or luxury traveller or just enjoy very decent rooms, do not book anything less that 4* in India.

2 - Don't be in a hurry - travel is slow on the roads in India due to traffic congestion and the design of the roads.

3 - Enjoy the Indian people - they are friendly and very welcoming.

4 - If you are using a Travel Agent, get EVERYTHING in writing, including any cancellation policies. Get the hotel names specified on the quote and check the Trip Advisor Reviews before committing to payment.

5 - If using Jet Airways internally, ensure that you only have 15 kg of luggage! Otherwise, stuff as much as you can into your hand-luggage for the flight.
Excess baggage is expensive on the budget class air-fares.

6 - Get Malaria Tablets for Goa or any other malaria area that you are visiting. Whilst inoculations are not compulsory, they do give peace of mind.
Medication for Delhi Belly is another safe-guard - hopefully, you will never need to use the tablets.

7 - If you suffer from Motion Sickness, bring plenty of tablets - the roads are torturous and even the locals have to jump out to get sick!

8 - Although swimming in the sea is not advised during Monsoon season, most hotels at the coats have swimming pools so don't forget the sun-tan lotion and swimming costume.

9 - If you want to be part of the local scene, walk around - don't just get taken from place to place for a quick photo stop. One cannot experience the Indian culture without mingling. Indians tend not to travel to places like Goa during season (November - February) Being the only Westerners in many of the places that we have visited, has meant that we could experience India with the Indians.

10 - Everybody says this - do not eat street food, drink only bottled water and make sure the cap is not glued on! But do heed this advice - it will keep you healthy!

Restaurants with good Trip Advisor Reviews are fine as are the better class of hotel. Hygiene is still a matter of concern in India so do not take any chances.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

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India - Kumily/Thekkady to Munnar (24/25)

A torture chamber would most probably be a better option than the road to Munnar. Twists and turns, nausea inducing bends, never a straight line, it must be the worst road I have ever experienced - like a slippery, slithering snake it winds it's way through the forest - deadly in it's poison of perpetual motion sickness. Although the journey was only 140 km, I wished for a helicopter to airlift me up and away from this horrid feeling - bend after bend, U bend after U bend - it just goes on and on. Whoever built this road should be exhumed and submitted to excruciating terror for at least a month, if not more. The forest is green, the wild flowers sacred bells of beauty, the drivers manic, the curves never-ending and the villages along the way busy as in all of India.

Help me and get me out of here!

We passed many cardamom plantations where they have electric fences to keep out the wild elephants. There are also tree houses which they use to spot an approaching elephant - the guards then make loud noises in the hopes of chasing them away from the plantation. Unfortunately, we did not see any elephants on the road - this would at least have taken my mind off my motion sickness (despite 2 Sturgaron) The buses hurtle around the bends as if there is no tomorrow and we saw one that honestly looked like it was going to turn over at the next bend. Going very fast, basically on 2 wheels around every corner, it can only be called a "vomit factory on wheels"  One supposes that the locals are used to this crazy driving and don't get sick?

 

Tea Plantations, Munnar, Kerala, India

As we neared Munnar, the tea plantations started. The tea plant is actually a tree but is kept at very low height as they pick the new leaves very often. With roots firmly anchored into the soil, they are difficult even for elephants to pull out. Beautifully ordered in neat rows, they make interesting patterns on the hills. Every square inch is planted, some on very steep slopes. Very pretty and scenic and it makes it interesting for me, being such a total teapot!



There is a very narrow stretch of road where a van crashed into the wall and brought all the traffic to a standstill. We got out to see what the problem was and everybody wanted a photo with us as "whites" from South Africa. Lovely friendly people and honest. The driver left the car unlocked which naturally freaked me out but nobody interfered with anything even though our lap top bag and luggage was in full view. Amazing - in South Africa, the luggage would have vanished in a second, never to be seen again.

President Zuma, get your people to learn about honesty and integrity in order to make our country great. PLEASE?????

The impromptu shoot was good fun although I shudder to think what I looked like, all windblown and nauseous. Indian women are so pretty with their long black hair and the men are always game for a photo! Eventually, the traffic was cleared and we drove on.

Today is Buddha Holiday so the traffic is apparently much worse than normal as everybody wants to be out enjoying themselves. When we arrived in Munnar, it was crazy, traffic, traffic and more traffic. In a small place, this becomes even worse then Mumbai! The tuk-tuk's were all decorated with palm leaves and flowers, people everywhere enjoying their day off.

Our first touristy stop for the day was the Kannan Devon Tea Museum. Again, hundreds of Indians enjoying their own heritage and culture which is wonderful to see. We saw a 30 minute video on the history of Munnar and the start of the tea plantations. Amazing how the early pioneers discovered all these areas on horse-back to start up these tea plantations. There are many tea factories in Munnar but only one is open to the public. Tata joined forces with the British company, Finley but eventually the British sold out to Tata. Today the workers own most of this particular tea estate.

Tata, of course, has fingers in  many pies such a motor industry, tea plantations and numerous others. Being one of the 20 most richest men in the world is a substantial achievement!

Our hotel is way out of town so we had to brave the huge crowds in town again to get out. The traffic coming into town was still unbelievable, huge snake-like queues even though it was now late afternoon. The drive on muddy, pot-holed roads took us about 10 km's out of town up into the hills. We passed Blackberry Hills along the way, where we had asked to stay. Unfortunately, Munnar is very full and we have landed at a really crap hotel called Deshadan Mountain Resort.

Having booked and paid for 4* hotels, we are currently spitting blood!!!! The views are great but when you have no mattress protector, flat sheet, one chair for 2 people, no wi-fi, a dead bug on the wall, no decent lighting (how are we going to read?) a toilet that is so low down, I nearly fall flat on my face every time I venture to sit down,  the toilet cistern has a crack so every flush brings more water onto the floor, the shower curtain is hanging half on, half off so it's all a bit much. As they say, it's a long way to Tipperary, it's a long way to go - downhill and the bathroom smells!!!!! Yuck! 

Our driver, Aneesh, has phoned the tour operator who is "going to try his best" to move us. Sorry, NOT good enough. Why did he not inform us before we left that he had a problem getting a 4* hotel??? Not impressed!

Supper is buffet - fair do's it all looked pretty decent until a mother came in with a crying kid. Crying, crying, crying and she did nothing. Next thing, we have vomit all over the restaurant floor where we are sitting. Now if that's not enough to put one off one's food, then I don't know what is. So starving, we left the restaurant and  asked for our tea/coffee to be brought to the room. Luke warm tea was delivered just to add insult to injury. As they say, when one thing goes wrong, it all goes wrong and we are decidedly extremely fed-up with the Tour Desk at Panoramic Sea Resort for booking us into this crappy hotel without advising us of the shortage of accommodation in Munnar. Given the horrendous drive, to have to settle for this is just killing the great holiday that we have enjoyed so far.

Unless tomorrow brings really great sightseeing, I think Munnar is over-rated and not worth the hassle. Kumily/Tekkady - yes - a must see.

After a night of very little sleep as the sheet kept creeping up and exposing the mattress, we braved the breakfast!

As it only started at 8.00 hrs we had to wait. Enough said - let's move on and out.

Munnar lies at the confluence of 3 mountain streams and is situated 1600 m above sea level. This hill station was the summer resort of the British due to it's cooler climate and beautiful scenery. Rolling hills covered in tea plantations, natural forests and a very bustling town with hundreds of shops make for an interesting stay if one's agent had booked us into a decent hotel!

We checked out this morning so will have to cut out our sightseeing as we now have to get back to Alleppey. Most annoying, to say the least.

Our first stop was at a beautiful flower garden - loads of plants in pots or hanging baskets look very colourful. Most of the species are also found in South Africa. Entrance is IR 10 and it does not take very long to wander around. It is still a holiday in Kerala so everybody and their aunt are out in full force. Indians love to take photos of their family members in the places they visit so it is often stop and wait for the photo's to be taken. They don't just snap away, everything must be just right so sometimes this takes awhile. We do not mind as it's quite fun to watch this ritual.

Our excellent driver, Aneesh, stopped at a "honey tree" These are natural hives very high up. The honey must be harvested somehow as there are honey sellers on the road near this tree. Indians are very resourceful and will make a plan of some sort to earn a living. In Kerala, unemployment is very low as any unemployed persons can register with the authorities and a job will be found for them. There are many graduates doing work other than their field of expertise.

As Aneesh says, education is all about just that, education. It does not mean that one cannot branch out into another field and really enjoy the work.
Apparently, some very rich Indian families don't bother sending their kids to school as they have enough money not to have to work ever. Bad strategy and a very short-sighted vision. Money does not bring happiness and imagine not knowing anything about anything, just because you are wealthy?

With photo stops along the way, we headed towards Mattupetty. This is situated about 1700 m above sea level and is 13 km from Munnar. A large storage dam and lake are the main attractions. We decided to take a speed boat ride on the lake but what a long queue! The wait was very long and we had an elderly lady slightly ahead in the queue who kept coughing and then spitting. Huge blobs of spital - is that not totally gross??? Does she have TB  or something? In which case, don't come and infect everybody else, please.

Eventually our turn came for the ride. Life jackets are compulsory and mine was rather smelly! The ride was fast and fun although we did ask the driver not to do any rolling tricks! The roads are twisty enough without having a boat twist me around as well!

Next to Echo Point where it is alleged that one can hear your own echo. However, the road and entire area is jam-packed with stalls selling all sorts of goods.
Again, because of the Buddha holidays, the place is packed. Everybody is well behaved and walking around is no problem. Those souls who come to India to "find" themselves must have one hell of a task amongst thousands if Indians!

At Echo Point we turned around to to time constraints so we were unable to go to Top Station or Eravikulam National Park.

Traffic was basically 1st gear all the way back to Munnar as this holiday has brought out many large tour buses, the smaller Traveller buses, hundreds of cars but very few motor bikes. Indians love to get out and about as can be seen from the massive traffic jams. Honking horns around every corner are a must. I do remember my father hooting around every corner when we were driving over the mountain pass to Mossel Bay - strange that this memory has re-surfaced in India of all places! There is a move afoot to stop so much hooting and some buses and scooters now have stickers on them saying "Don't Hoot" The noise pollution is very high in India but I have my doubts if the honking will ever become a distant memory! Although the driving is crazy, the speed is low so there is usually room to pull over. Honking and driving here go hand in hand. If it keeps the roads safe, then so be it.

The road in Munnar and on the way to Alleppey was very bad. Being polite, I said to Aneesh that the roads were really bad. No he said, they are not bad, they are TERRIBLE! But it's all part if the Indian experience and even the traffic did not phase me - going slowly in India is par for the course as the roads are so twisty and turny. As I said before, slitthery, slippery, horrid snake!

There are some beautiful waterfalls in this area - there is no shortage of water in Kerala and one can see why.

The road was long...... and slow......with many towns along the way, selling their goods. Some towns have more modern shops, others are the normal, small stalls. We eventually got back to Alleppey at about 18.30 hrs. A long day for the driver and for us. Alleppey beach was packed, hundreds of cars and even more people, even though it was now dark. The holidays have certainly been enjoyed by all.

Panoramic Sea Resort welcomed us back with open arms, from the Manager, to the Reception Desk, to the waiters. It was like coming home with so many welcoming smiles.

A cold beer was a must and then to Dreamers for a light supper.

Thankfully, a decent bed tonight!

 

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

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India - Kumily and Thekkady (23)

On the way to Kumily - the ever present Tuk-Tuk!

Kumily has many hotels and home stays. A young chap started talking to me when I took a photo of the "Don't Throw Plastics into the Forest" sign. He said that people don't obey the rules here and throw litter around. He was also telling us that the home stays are very good - clean, basic rooms within a family home. Kumily is all about tourism now with the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. We visited a shop that sells all the Hindu gods and there are many of them - each one has a different purpose. Their 2 shops have been around and in the family for 25 years and were the only 2 shops originally plus a grocery store. The town has certainly grown since then with many tourist shops now. His shop has beautiful goods, but expensive so we only bought a small silk painting of an elephant which we will frame back home.

Unfortunately, there is alot of dust down this one road which has many lovely spice shops - the spice smells tantalize the taste buds! There are loads of spice plantations in this area. Down the road, all the shops have had to move backwards as they have encroached on the highway (!!) so much that it became about 7 metres wide instead of 10 metres. So there is dust and noise everywhere as they move themselves back and re-build their stores. Once that is done, the road will be repaired. At least these people have taken heed of the warning before being bulldozed into the ground!

In a lake near Alleppey, 2 resorts are having to bash down their buildings as they are on government land and illegal. That's loads of cash lost as the one has over 25 rooms plus it's public areas. Crazy tales. The government does not take no for an answer so destroy or be destroyed.



Martial Arts Show, Kumily, India

We are now off to watch the Kalaripayattu performance. This is the oldest form of martial arts and is known as the mother of martial arts. Originating in South India, training is holistic and aims at co-ordination and control over mind and body. Kung-Fu comes from this originally and draws its inspiration from the strength of  animals such as lion, tiger, elephant, wild boar, snake and crocodile. Although Kung-Fu originated in India, it sort of got claimed by China.

Originally, Kalaripayattu form of martial art was shrouded in mystery and was taught by the masters in total isolation and away from prying eyes.

This is one show that one simply cannot afford to miss if visited Kumily. The holy area where the performance takes place is below the seating of the spectators and I was totally riveted to my red plastic chair and totally enthralled by these 4 guys and their superb performance. When one sees sparks fly from daggers, it's scary! They are so flexible that some of the body positions shown are beyond my understanding and unfit limbs. The performances with fire were spell-binding - such total concentration and skill has to take years of practice and total concentration. My face was screwed up in terror most of the time - one slip and an arm or leg would have been sliced off. Simply mind-blowing.

Tomorrow we are eventually off to Munnar ......140 kms and most probably 5 hours or more......

Cheers!

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

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India - Kumily Thekkady, Kerala (22)

After a brief rest in our hotel Green Forest, Thekkady, we headed to the Mudra Cultural Centre for a display of the Kathakali Show. Kathakali means story-play and is a dance drama which originated in the 17th century in Kerala. The elaborate costumes take ages to put on and if one arrives earlier at the show, you will be able to view this practise. Unfortunately, I did not take my camera as I thought the extra fee was IR 200 - it turns out this was for video only! Artists are trained for 6 years in this form of dance and they can start training from 10 - 12 years old. There are 9 basic expressions used to convey the feelings/emotions and these were demonstrated. Anger, love, sadness, fear, joy, happiness, excitement - all emotions have to be acted out with only facial expressions and hand movements. The lady rolled her eyes every which way to the drum beat and it was hysterical to watch - I did not realise that eyeballs could move in time to music and so rapidly from side to side or up and down! Hand gestures are known as Mudra and are common throughout Indian dance. Two different types of drums plus cymbals make for an exciting beat to all this silent action. A non-dancer also sang, mournful yet very much part of the performance.

Truly something very different from anything we have seen before - as in all cultures, the various forms of local dance such as Maori, Greek, Spanish are always so interesting to witness.

Supper in the hotel - Vegetable Korma for me as it was not supposed to be hot and a capsicum dish for James. Well, what I thought was a red pepper was actually a chilli so burn, burn, burn!!! We ended up swopping food. I should have stuck to my first choice of veg moussaka!

The electricity supply in India can be rather erratic and the lights go off at the most inconvenient times. I got up during the night for the toilet and half-way to the door, the power went off. Total darkness in a new room so I was frozen to the spot with a bursting bladder. Thankfully, the lights came on fairly soon afterwards.

The weather is much cooler here yet there are still hundreds of mosquitoes. They seem to love me, they set me on fire in an most unpleasant way and I hate them! Biting through socks or shorts is no problem for these horrid little pests. Mosquito rage has me in its grip - does anybody know what their beneficial use is? I certainly cannot see the benefit of these blood suckers.

Saturday dawned clear so no rain, thankfully.

Our first excursion was a trip on the Periyar Lake within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. I have my doubts that there are any tigers left but they do have elephants. Foreigners are charged IR 300 to get into the park, whilst locals only pay IR 25. It's a huge difference and rather unfair? Perhaps 50%  or even 100% more would be acceptable. So rather a rip-off. As usual, there were only about 5 Westerners on board - the rest all Indian. They are certainly tourists in their own country which is fantastic.

The cruise on the lake was lovely except for the smell of diesel  from the engines. We were allocated seats and were not allowed to stand up during the journey. Life jackets are compulsory since a bad accident approx. 4 years ago where 35 people died. The boats were always over-crowded and this contributed to the fatal accident. Since then the government has regulated the number of passengers and life-jackets must be used. This lake is man-made and there are still many dead trees in the lake. How they have not rotted away is incredible. The scenery around is of forest, forest and more forest so it unlikely that many animals will come down to drink unless it is very hot. We did spot a baby elephant, some deer and birds nesting on top of the dead trees.

One can also do jungle treks, night treks etc if staying in the area a little longer.  Th e tourism department has various accommodation options plus one right in the middle of the lake! Apparently, this needs to be booked at least 6 months in advance as it is very popular.

Next came an elephant ride. Whilst we are very used to elephants in either Addo Elephant Park or Kruger Park, South Africa neither of us has ever ridden an elephant before. Elephants have featured in Indian mythology for over 3 thousand years and so it seemed fitting that we ride on this gentle Indian beast. Ganesha, the elephant headed Hindu god is the god of good luck and prosperity and don't we all require that? Elephants are used in special Hindu celebrations and many temples have their own elephants. Forestry operations still use elephants.

The elephant camp that we visited has 3 trained elephants, a male and 2 females. They listen so very obediently to their trainers who don't use force, only verbal commands. Our ellie kept wanted to stop and browse but he got called back  the path! Shame! They can eat whole bunches of bananas, skin and all. Apparently, they don't enjoy peeled bananas. With funny pink ears and hairy backs, this ride was something special. Luckily for me, I have been exercising in the pool these past 3 weeks so I managed to get my leg over and across the very wide back of the elephant. Without those stretches, I think I would have torn a muscle - you know how wide an elephants back is????? I am very proud of  myself that I could sit astride an elephant's back without a problem! James battled!

Such a fun time - 30 minutes was just too short! A very cheeky sms came from a friend who wanted to know if the elephant will OK after having to carry my weight. D and L, come and try it so that I can laugh!!!!! Loved the sms though - " Is the elephant OK?" Bloody cheek! To be honest, I have put on weight in India with all the delicious food. The buffet suppers are the best - one can try various dishes and go back for those one truly enjoys. Dreamers in Alleppy has also been so good - really tasty food without being hot curry.

Next stop was to a sample of spice plants and a spice shop. The chap was very informative and gave us much information about various plants. Indian has so many different spices which are used for all sorts of ailments from diabetes to jaundice, to high blood pressure or cholesterol. Our guide is a qualified mechanical technician, looking for work. Sadly, it seems that persons with tertiary education cannot always get jobs locally in their fields.

A cyclone is hitting the East Coast of India (Bay of Bengal) and hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated. Luckily, India is so big that we should be OK on this side in Kerala. We hope so.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

Please share - if you did not enjoy this post .....Shhh - but please still share!

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