Tina's excursion experiences

This past week was a much-needed break from my routine, which has become internships, classes and trivia. I was excited to go to Johannesburg and go to a place I probably would never have the opportunity to go to otherwise.  I instantly liked the city as we were driving through on our coach bus, seeing the metropolis vibes and mixture of city and greenery.  I did not realize how much I missed being in a city and having access to so many different attractions, restaurants, and sites. It made me think back to Storrs and to what exactly I do to occupy my time in the middle of nowhere back home, and how I desperately want to go to New York, or really any major city, once I get back.  

During excursion, I had potentially one of the best meals I have eaten in South Africa at a restaurant called Coobs, and I won 60 rand on a video bingo machine called “Glitzy Kitty.” I bartered for souvenirs and played with cooked chicken feet at a traditional South African restaurant. I was excited to go to all the different museums and to have a schedule, and to just be a tourist.  It was a refreshing change of pace.

I would say that the Apartheid museum was my favorite attraction in Johannesburg. I was surprised by the amount of information within the museum, and was taken aback by how long it would actually take to go through it in its entirety. I wish we had the opportunity to spend more time there, because even being there for two hours left much to be desired.  I thought it was a really beautiful museum, laid out very clearly and effectively, which made reading for information pleasurable and made me want to continue on.

I have to say, hands down, my ultimate favorite experience, perhaps on the entire trip, was going to Kruger. Having done an evening, early morning, and night game drive, I was able to experience utterly different animals, temperatures and overall moments; each proved to be wildly entertaining. I could have honestly spent weeks just doing tours because each time provided a totally different experience. By the last drive, I mastered being able to stand and take pictures while the car was in motion, learn what setting of my camera to use for what animals and what time of day, and where to sit to get the best pictures and overall safari experience. Although I did see leopards, lions, and hyenas the most, it was also really great seeing zebras, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos sporadically. It was unreal being so close to the animals and seeing them interact in their natural habitats. Throughout the trip, I had to remind myself that I was in Africa and that these animals could attack me at any point in time for encroaching on their space; it was the real deal. It definitely was one of the coolest things I think I’ll do in my lifetime, and I hope one day to be able to experience it again, with my friends and family.