More things you don't see at home...

These cute little guys are called Dassies or Rock Hyraxes.  They are fluffy guinea pig-like animals but guess what their closest relative is?  The elephant.  You see them all over South Africa where ever there is rocky terrain.  They were in Cape Town on top of Table Mountain, and at Tsitsikamma Park right on the rocky shoreline.  As you can see they are much cuter than those evil baboons and monkeys!  However, when they open their mouths they have these big giant teeth so I'm not sure they'd actually make a very good pet.

Dassies or Rock Hyraxes



Beware of Lion Signs -- Enough Said!

In South Africa, every time you go into a state park, you have to sign a waiver that indemnifies the State from all liability in case of an accident.  I also noticed that there are signs posted all over the place, at a lot of beach side pathways and parks that say travel or use at your own risk. Traveling in South Africa is not for the faint-hearted or the sue-happy.  However, I don't believe US National Parks make you sign a waiver when you go to Yellowstone or Yosemite and technically you could get eaten by a bear.     

Guess what this is called in South Africa?

Answer:   A Robot

The first time I was given directions on how to get to a nearby travel agency, the security guard told me to go down to the next robot and turn left. (I sniggered at that!)  There are private security guards just about everywhere in South Africa.  In the malls, in front of business, on street corners in business districts.  At first it seemed really odd and kind of scary (Why do we need Security Guards on every corner?)  but after awhile it seems like second nature to see them everyplace.  They are not armed, are typically dressed nicer than most people and are very helpful. 

Woolworth's Department Stores are everywhere!

There are Woolworth's all over the place and they are like nothing you have ever seen.  They are not like the old five and dime store that used to be in the USA.  I started to say they are more like a Target but not really.  They sell high end clothing and soft good like Macy's but they also (frequently) have a grocery store inside them that sells high end, organic foods, foods to go - sort of  like a high end Whole Foods Market.  It's a weird combination but I admit I have stopped in frequently to get lunch or dinner to go.  Food to go is called Takeaways here.

That's just some of the many things I have learned since coming to South Africa.  It seems like everyday I learn something new.  More pictures to come from Addo Elephant Park.

Shari