This past weekend Charlie and I decided to go on a bit of a drive. We woke up at 4:00am, jumped in the car with our handy directions downloaded from google maps and headed in what we thought was the right direction. Hmm. As it turns out, google maps is not so great with directions in South Africa. Or rather, South Africa is not so great with sign posting roads. We ended up a bit lost. There is nothing quite like the rush of driving around Johannesburg before the sun is up through windy country roads labeled not with street names but with signs that read: 'highjacking hot spot'. Add to that the fact that gas stations in South Africa do not sell maps, and you have a recipe for an adrenaline filled morning.
After three hours and going in several circles, asking for directions every 20 minutes we managed to make it to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Here are the first of many images to come from our day in Pilanesberg. We managed to see quite a bit of game, from zebra and rhino, wildebeest, cheetah, elephant and hippo. I want to give each critter its time in the spot light. Today: Zebra
The Zebra in The Pilanesberg is called the Burchell's Zebra (Equus quagga burchellii). This species is the most common species and is doing pretty well in terms of population health. Charlie and I contemplated why they were never domesticated. I had visions of myself riding into the show ring atop my faithful striped steed. But then, on average they are about four and a half feet in height. Not exactly built for jumping. Random fact: no two Zebra's markings are exactly alike. The pattern on their coats are kind of like our finger prints.
Tomorrow: Rhino
LOVE the photo!!! How are you doing?
(03.29.10)Fantastic photos. Can't wait to see the other critters! Hope you are both well and see you soon!!!
(03.29.10)Thanks Yvette! That's right, we have a date with a beach in the Bahamas. I can't wait!
(03.29.10)Thank you! I am having a ton of fun and trying to be safe. Johannesburg is another world!
(03.29.10)Amazing photos Sara!
(03.31.10)Adorbable. I love this last image. The grass color really brings out hte beauty of the black and white of the zebra. What an a crazy morning that turned into a wonderful outing.
(04.07.10)Thanks Shelly! It did turn out pretty great, I was a little concerned to start though!
(04.19.10)
The ride from the airport to our new diggs was great. The driver was a nice fella named France (like the country). We had a wonderful conversation about his baby girl and the importance of family. We spoke about our aspirations and what it was like for him to grow up during Apartheid in South Africa. I could have easily sat in the back of that his car and not said a word to him. That would be easy, but it would not have been nearly as heartwarming.
We arrived at Charlie's work and Charlie came over to take me to our new abode. It is literally a stones throw from his office. Our home is really nice. We have a decent kitchen and lovely pool in the back yard. My favorite: the living room has neon pink shag carpeting. Now, carpet does not make the list of things I love. But pink shag carpeting just might sneak its way into that list.
Despite all of my time in South Africa I have never spent much time in Johannesburg, I am looking forward to see what kind of trouble I can get myself into. Charlie and I are trying to decide what we will do this weekend. We are thinking either Kruger park or 'The Cradle of Man Kind'. Either way I should come away with some great images!
Glad you made it safe and sound! The come visit comment is enticing :)
(03.24.10)I agree with Lianna...will you be there next year? Haha...maybe Darren and I can stop by during our honeymoon =)
(03.24.10)Actually, I am not sure the next time I will be here. Hopefully next year though! But then, we will be living the life of starving students at that time. It might be a bit difficult. Maybe you should come to LA for your honeymoon =)
(03.24.10)You must go to Kruger park simply because that's my new last name. :) Miss you, Sara!
(03.25.10)Good point... maybe you should come to Kruger park too. Does tomorrow work for you?
(03.25.10)Hi - I helped you all the way. Miss you already. Still digging out and returning to batchlerhood. Hello to Charlie. Kitties say hi. See ya when I see ya. Cheeers.
(03.25.10)Thank you Uncle Bill! I could have used you on that bumpy flight! I kept looking at the air hostesses to make sure that they were not frightened!
(03.25.10)
We will be staying in Johannesburg where Charlie will be working and I will be doing a few jobs in Cape Town. I am looking forward to those beautiful South African weddings! That and the beach.
It will probably be a few days before I get my act together and get new posts up. I do have several back logged and I can not wait to get them up! And hopefully the change of scenery will mean many more posts to come. However, my subjects may be of a different sort. The four legged African sort.
Cheers!
Have a safe trip
(03.23.10)Safe travels Sara!!!
(03.23.10)
You have to forgive me, I only had my point an shoot and almost no light in some of these images. You can see the slide show: HERE
So did I win? I don't know, but it doesn't really matter. It was more about the experience. Having a project made me look at the world differently. So, I encourage you to take on a personal project. And if you have the time, share it with me.
I love the creativity of your alphabet! I will keep my fingers crossed that you win, Sara.
(03.12.10)Wow!! I love it! I hope you win Sara! You've inspired me to go out an take some photos today. I'll let you know how it goes. =)
(03.13.10)Sara, I am a co-worker of your mom and have followed your blog and photograph journey since you first went to school in South Africa. I just need to tell you how much I enjoy your stories and your pictures, whether it be Dedie's family or others, I get quite uplifted from your site. I keep hoping for an opportunity for you to photograph some special (or ordinary) event in our family. Meanwhile, keep up the inspirational life's work, and keep polishing your talents, you are a bright star.~Patricia
(03.13.10)Hello Patricia! Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so honored that you keep up with my blog, I never know if it ever gets seen by anyone. When I hear from someone who reads it is so special! I would love to photograph ANYTHING for your family. It would be great to get you on the blog, especially if you are a long time reader! xx
(03.13.10)