So close yet so far

So many of us never thought they would be in South Africa. Many had fears before arriving and phobias they believed they were unable to overcome. Yet, here we are! We have done so much today. We went on a hop on hop off bus tour and viewed the natural beauties of South Africa. Many of us now believe we have encountered a beauty that many did not know of or did not believe it existed here in South Africa. 

Our first stop was at Hout Bay. We had the option of going on a boat ride to see the seals or shopping around the local market. Many of us took our time seeing the view around us. Amazing isn't it?

We continued driving to Boulders but we had to make some stops to see the scenery around us! We were so happy and felt so lucky to have the opportunity to see true beauty!

We finally made it to Boulders and saw the most adorable penguins! Many of us wanted to take them back on our carry-on! But Dr. Rance-Roney put a stop to that. 

You really can't blame us for trying to bring them home right? 

We continued to Cape of Good Hope and could not believe the scenery! Here the Pacific and Atlantic meet and we were there! Yet the best part of the adventure....we biked there!!! For many it was a fear they overcame and were able to say the mountain biked on Cape of Good Hope! 

We are truly lucky and blessed to have arrived at such a beautiful location and be welcomed the way we have. Just look at Sister John Marie's expression!

We decided that we would take the funicular up to the light house on Cape of Good Hope. Riding the bikes was enough exercise for many of us. There were a few who braved their way up to the lighthouse. I'm sure we will all feel it in the morning. 

At the top of the lighthouse there was a post that had various cities and their distance from the lighthouse. This just made us reflect that we are so much closer to different cultures, countries and people. To think that we are just 12,541 km from New York and 6,066 km from Rio de Janeiro truly makes us reflect and amazes us that we were once in New York awaiting to arrive at South Africa. We braved the 20, feeling almost 30 hours, to arrive at a new location, makes us want to experience more. How close are we to other countries? How many of us would dare the flight? Would you? Would you be willing to stand here and look up and see the various locations on the post and say,"I will be there one day"? 

We were told to beware of the vicious baboons that were around us during our tour! Yet we didn't see any. 

We were lucky to some zebras at the side of the road, back to Cape Town!! This just topped the day! Penguins, bike rides, beautiful scenery and zebras, what will tomorrow bring?