-told ya it was bumpy.-

Endured the mother of all bumpy off-road rides this afternoon while on my way here. Not only was it backbreaking (notwithstanding my already-broken back) and assnumbing, it bordered on being life threatening (I exaggerate) for we were bouncing around the back of the vehicle WHILE it was chugging up the mother of all steep hills. But it was a most unconventional journey too, for we passed friendly locals on a donkey cart, a lone wild horse and had to wait not one, two but three herds of cows to clear the road before we could proceed.

top & below - the essence of africa i suppose?-

Finally reached our destination and the view was indeed to die for. Lush plateaus stretched as far as the eye could see, bordered by hills and rifts in the distance. Witnessed my very first sunset here and while this might sound ultra clichéd, but words left me at that moment. There was nothing that could do justice to the spectacle that was happening right in front of me. It was as though the sky was putting up a performance just to welcome me. (Yea right.) I’ve been though that today’s sunset wasn’t all that amazing as compared to other days, so am guessing I’m not that welcomed after all.

-the crazily beautiful natural phenomenon, otherwise better known as a sunset-
-sry, couldn't resist myself...-

-a last brillant burst and it was gone.-

-what it looked like on the dark(er) side-

Dinner was a simple affair but to sit outside in the rapidly (and I DO mean rapidly) cooling night and watch the moon and stars slowly come into light, this was one meal that I’ll definitely remember for a long time to come.

-adore this shot. check out the moon!-

Caught National Treasure with the rest of the guys around and while the show proved to be just as watchable the fifth time round, it was the sight of the 5 of us huddled in the back of the vechicle with nary any moving space that made it all the more memorable.

-this natural gradient of colours never fails to capture my breath-

-as the dark encroaches...-

Emerged from the vechicle to a sky filled with stars shining so brightly and with such an intensity that a flashlight wasn’t all that necessary. Standing outside with the cold cold cold winds rushing past me, taking in all that the South African night sky has to offer, I’m struck by a sense of insignificance. I’m positive that this scene has been here way before I existed and would probably remain unchanged long after I cease to be.

-specks of light u see slightly off centre are in fact the distant towns of Sishen & Kathu-

It’s comforting to know that in today’s everchanging world, there are still some things that stay the same.

Am writing this while being assaulted by strong, chilling winds. This place is truly out from the pages of National Geographic and I’m thanking all my lucky stars (while looking up at them) that I’ve got the chance to experience it. Now if only I could stay out here for a few more days.. :P

Happy Mothers’ Day to all mums out there, ESP my very own.