Oudtshoorn Rotary Meeting

I was very lucky to meet with Rotary Oudtshoorn during my vacation last week.  The members  were incredibly warm and friendly, and even offered us lodgings during our stay in Oudtshoorn!  I can't thank them enough for the incredible hospitality.  Below is my first banner swap, as well (I thought Rotary Far North might enjoy this).

Ostrich Fams and Cave Exploring in Oudtshoorn

We just had spring break this past week and a fellow Ambassadorial Scholar and I went out to Oudtshoorn.  Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world.  While there, we also checked out the Cango Caves.

This was the entrance to our caving adventure

Concerts were originally held in the larger chambers of the cave (above), but because people would take away pieces of the cave as souvenirs, it was decided to stop having such concerts.  

Me crawling through some of the narrower passages of the cave

Angie and me with our wonderful tour guide

Because Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital, Angie and I took a tour of one of the ostrich farms.  Though it looks like I am getting a hug from the ostrich, it's actually reaching around me for some ostrich treats.  What a weird feeling!

These things looked vicious - I kept thinking I was in Jurassic Park

We also drove through Swartberg Pass.  It was one of the most amazing things that I have done.  The views were breathtaking and the photos just don't capture it's beauty.  

We were blown away by the Pass - literally.  The winds were so fierce that we couldn't even stand upright to pose.


Another memorable part of our trip was travelling to Knysna, which is famous for it's amazing forests and lagoon.

A view of the lagoon

These are pictures of where the lagoon meets the ocean.

All in all, it was a great way to spend spring break!  

Seal Island

My host counselor took me on a ferry trip out to see the seals on Seal Island.  The view was fabulous, and the seals were fun to watch too :)

The name of the ferry that took us across, I didn't get a chance to meet the Skipper, unfortunately

Just a few of the spectacular views aboard the boat

The stars of the day - the seals just lounging and enjoying the sun

A few seals went out to nab some fish