Gap Year Experiences

Ricky's Thoughts

Wednesday 11 March 2009

Umkomaas

On arrival at La La Manzi one would think; I’ve just walked into a horror movie, at first glance I’d walked into a scene from ‘The Shining’. But within no time at all I felt warmed by the hotels’ charming qualities. This week we all studied hard and felt very much rewarded after completing our Dive courses. Unfortunately after a few days of rain the river was rapidly flowing into the sea, making our voyage to the dive spot a daily battle through a series of chocolate waves. Once underwater we had so much aquatic life upon to gaze we felt spoilt for choice, from white tips, raggies and sand sharks to loggerhead turtles. Our second dive involved losing each other at sea, there was opposing currents on our descent. A minor search and rescue performed by the skilled captain brought the Pepper group back together. Carrie may have become slightly hysterical in the heat of the moment.

After overhearing a local tell the tale of a tourist soiling himself during this last dive there were mixed feelings for the Tiger Shark experience. The thirty or so black tips left the feeding bowl and then the sound was muted as a very large dark shadow approached. These things are massive, but it turns out the oceanic beasts are very shy. Luckily we all were very comfortable in Mark’s dads presence (shark legend) we onlooked as this guy rode a shark to the bottom. Thought we’d leave it to the professionals rather than get involved in shark jiggery pokery.

The boys took the girls took the cleaners in the local pub quiz, I believe the chaps were victorious and took the prize, I won’t repeat the scores though because they’ll have to read this.

By spending the week here and achieving diving qualifications you start to acknowledge what this small town is all about. Diving, maybe some fishing and then more Diving.


Coffee Bay

A must do for all travellers. Since coffee bay is situated pretty much in the middle of nowhere, there is an abundance of travellers just enjoying life away from reality. It’s a chance for everyone to let go, relax and just take in the surroundings. After Johnny made it through the windy potholed lanes, we arrived at the Coffee Shack with high expectations. It didn’t disappoint, although our first surf seemed a little wet.

Half the group too tired from being lazy took an easy option a drove to Hole in the Wall, an awe-inspiring local spectacle. Those with the energy rambled along the coast three hours, crossing all sorts of terrain. Jules persisted even though her toe was hanging off, and joins in on chasing a monitor lizard Steve Irwin style. We had an amazing beach session, swimming and ‘having a jol’ within the picturesque landscape. Johnny, Larry and Doug braved another hike whilst another beach day ended in sand castles, surfing and watching locals flip all over the sand dunes.

Nights were packed full of bongos, killer pool, jungle themed fancy dress and local entertainment all under supervision of the cheeky staff. I actually love this place. It’s all over way too quickly before we said goodbye to the salty air and take a turn inland…


Hogsback

During our four days here we couldn’t help to completely engross ourselves in the mythical aura surrounding Hogsback, and its fairy tale presence. The ‘Lord of The Rings’ novels were even inspired by the lush vicinity. The mountains are named Hog one, two and three, due to their ridgebacks, sunrise and sunset here are an absolute treat. Dan ‘the skipper’ settled here 12 years ago and never left, I can see why. The town is almost non-existent but very quaint and possesses a brilliant personality.

We enjoyed, or some endured many escapades into the mountains where there were mammoth trees, stunning waterfalls, and to add to that a gorgeous array of indigenous creatures and flowers. The Madonna Falls hike was a never ending trail but ended well with its massive power shower with added rainbow for extra effect. This lead into a series of cool pools, most of us took a quick dip Scaling the rickety treehouse was pretty funny, it’s not for the feinthearted, I don’t think its quite up to British Health and Safety Standards but once your up its probably a good idea to stay there for while, just don’t look down. And watch out for the tiny locals pulling on your ankles when climbing the ladder.

The hostel offered an outstanding viewpoint, it’s not often I get the chance to sit on a ledge watching the world and wildlife, just smelling fresh mountain air. Whilst upon the edge, mooching at breakfast Jules and myself were treated to a mass of boisterous baboons descending the mountain rapidly. By night we dined at ‘The Enchanted Treehouse’, where great service and a passion for food made one of my most memorable experiences on the journey so far. Try the medallions. I also sampled a massage and reiki from the local therapist Eva, are massages supposed to make you cry? I enjoyed it nevertheless.

I was completely captivated by the whole scene and I hope to return in the near future.

cheers Ricky