Gap Year Experiences

Updates and info from on the ground during our 11 week and 5 week Experiences in South Africa

Chilling at the Coffee Shack

Thursday 5 March 2009


Firstly, apologies for the delay of the latest blog update, we've been mostly in the depths of the Transkei in the Eastern Cape. This week seems to have flown by. We've moved from Umkomaas to Durban to Coffee Bay and last night we arrived in Hogsback. We've packed a lot in, but also have had the chance to chill at one of the most talked about backpackers in South Africa - the buzzing Coffee Shack.

The amazing week's scuba diving finished with a Pepper Experience first. The ever-fearless Lucy joined the boys on the unique Tiger Shark dive. This is undoubtedly one of the most nerve-wracking but also exhilarating scuba dives you can do. To spend almost an hour in the water with three of these apex predators is a pretty amazing feeling. Lucy, as always, took it in her stride and has certainly changed her mind about sharks. It really does help to dispell the 'sharks are killers' idea that we are all too quick to believe in.

Saturday saw us bid farewell to Vince at Durban airport as Johnny took over the reins and we made our way down the windy roads of the Transkei and onto the Wild Coast. This is one of the most sparsely populated areas of the country but the local tribes love to welcome visitors and the reception afforded to travellers at the Coffee Shack is second to none. A complimentary drink on arrival sets the tone for a seriously sociable stay, where bongo drum lessons, games of killer pool and chilling around the fire are the order of the day.

The options for day trips mostly take the shape of exploring the coastal paths on foot. On a pure blue sky day, Dylan and Ricky, who have joined us on the road trip, walked with Jules and myself down almost deserted beaches passing only a few cows, the odd fisherman and a very shy iguana, on the way to the 'Hole in the Wall'. This is pretty much what it says it is, but is still a sight to behold, the crashing waves surging through gap, with Dylan and Ricky brave enough to time the jump to swim from one side to the other. The others joined us for frisbee and tanning on the beach before heading back to the shack.

Our last night was a big fun-filled fancy dress evening with everyone getting fully involved in the jungle theme. There were many imaginative outfits, including some brilliant grass skirts but the winner has to Ricky for his determination to impersonate a praying mantis for almost all of the night.

Despite the late night, Eloise and Johnny still managed to persuade each other to start the day in one of the best possible ways. The point break at Coffee Bay makes for some great waves and their dawnie surf was a perfect way to end a memorable stay at the Coffee Shack. Carrie was quoted on the journey yesterday as saying it was her favourite place so far. This is becoming a familiar phrase and we hope to hear it again and again!

Hogsback provides us with a chance to catch our breath. The quiet mountain community is all about the fresh air, big pine forests and cracking views, we'll be hoping to explore the trails together as well as kick back and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the area.

Watch out for photos on this page very soon.

Bye for now

Doug

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