things i've learned in south africa

• the landscape looks like everywhere i've been and nowhere else i've ever seen. our drive from cape town to wilderness (or wildernis) established that, the drive from knysna to outdshoorn cemented that.
• baby ostriches are cuter than you could ever imagine. we saw a group being herded to the barn at the end of the day and they are very excitable. a few had a collision and fell down. we have it recorded. also the adults are bony to sit ontop of. which i did. a little boy (maybe 10?) and german, rode one and he was quite excited at first but as soon as they let it run he held on for dear life and cried out "ahhhh....maman! maman!" it was impossible for us not to laugh uncontrollably. also our guide's name was runsley titus.
• caves are the same in every country.
• kinder joy is like kinder surprise times 1000. the best candy ever. also american candy falls flat in any country comparison. here there is: cadbury chocolates, kinder (my fave), and these funny candy bars called 'p.s.' with messages like friends forever or you can make it. also fortune telling candy bars. every time we go i buy 5 candy treats.
• i eat much more past the international date line. it happened in paris, and really happened here. i have to have snacks all the time and i still eat full meals. likely three times what i eat back in ny.
• krista is a good left side of the road driver. i am a good navigator.
• it is hard to convert rand to dollar in my head.
• ostrich eggs have 25xs the cholesterol chicken eggs do. one egg feeds 12 people. it tastes lighter than a regular egg.
• wine is cheap.

tomorrow we leave for the wine country and stellenbosch. we plan to stop at a hot springs along the way to soothe our aching car traveled, not enough yoga bodies. and more incredible mountain passes along the way.