From a student for you!!

Hey everyone... we are now just about to finalize this epic adventure of mine. Today, I'm sharing with you guys my last pictures and tips together with some helpful (well, at least, I think it is) information I took from those past 3 months, living in my lovely Mother City.

Twelve Apostles's Picks

As you guys already know, I'm a (let's say) quite experienced english student in Cape Town. For I have been to Mother City twice before, it is probably easy to say I've got a good understand of the city and most specially the people. With this said, I believe I've got something nice to share with you guys.

Furthermore, here we go with some pre-boarding #Tips when travelling to South Africa, for studying english (or other purposes as well):

1. Whether you are confident enough in your english skills, would be better getting in contact straight with an english school (in my case, LAL Language School). Surely, it will make you save some cash. If you are not willing to go through on all of this mission, however, you may as well just get in touch with some good travel-agency (suggestion would be IE Intercâmbios).
2. Do a bit of homework regarding pre-board vaccines as well as visa requirements. For brazilians, for example, we must get  yellow fever vaccine, minimum 10 days before the trip.
3. Also, be mindful of some stuff you might want to take with, such as: international credit card, valid passport (min 3 months valid), some cash (I'd recommend USD Dolar or Euro), and the school's letter of confirmation. Nevertheless, be responsible with your own stuff and safety.
4. Don't forget to bring some "students stuff" such as a note-book and a pen, also a good dictionary (very important) as well as your photo camera... you'll most likely need this.
5. Please... before packing have a look at the weather/season, thus you make sure you pack some proper clothing!

Regarding on the english school, whether you are not sure yet, I would suggest you to have a look at LAL Language School. They have a strong expertise and a good structure... Nevertheless, I must mention, once again, that their staff members are very well prepared and friendly. Not mentioning that LAL also has schools all over the globe: Fort Lauderdale (close do Miami), London, Torbay (UK), Malta and some other places... just go through the link here, and check it out.

My beautiful italian friends!!

About accommodation, I would recommend you to stay at the school's residence. The enviroment is rather fun and safe... other than that, you'll also enjoy your friends at anytime. Furthermore, staying at the school's residence is a good opportunity for you to make new friends from all over the world as well as practice your english skills at any time.

The colorful fields of Springbok!

About the country, I assure you guys (far by heart) that South Africa will never let you down, specially Cape Town. Mother City is full of colours, excitement, life, music and movement. My advice, however, is also to not be only in Cape Town... you may be willing to explore some other interesting spots, such as Durban, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, JBurg. Those places will definitely give you a better picture of South Africa.

Another tip would be: you would rather spend your money travelling than shopping around (trust me!) . Go explore as much as possible, safely and fearless. Each place you may visit, will give you a singular experience... besides, you'll certainly take this for the rest of your life.. it's priceless, isn't it?

Teaching SAMBA!!!

Another suggestion is get to know local people. Being among them is a quite unique opportunity for learning whatever you are not able to get from the school. On the top of that, it's also a nice way to lear the street language as well as swearing words and slangs (a very important lecture, for sure).

I don't mean to be repetitive, but you'd better not even go to the supermarket without your camera; each moment can be a unique, and you might not want to miss out! Another good #tip is to keep your student card and a copy of your passport always on you, just in case. 

Having an international studying experience (or even travelling in general) is something completely relevant for your growth and self-development, I would say. There are just several things you may easily achieve during a trip like this, such as: improving english skills, getting to know new friends (trust me, you will get new destinations after that), enlarging your professional network, and what more. At least, but not last... you are getting life experience, and also many "histories" to tell!

Last photo... off to the airport! 

That is it my friends... I do hope you have enjoyed all of the tips and experiences I've been sharing along on the past several posts. The web-blog is online for you may read it anytime and share it along with your friend.

I hope to see you guys soon... maybe with some other exciting destination.

I thank you guys so much for supporting me (special thanks to LAL staff members and Edgar Vallois, my dear)!!

And always remember: YOU DON'T NEED A HOLIDAY, YOU NEED CAPE TOWN!!!

Namibia - Part 2

Hey guys... I'm back again... we are almost close to the end!!! So, regarding to the previous topic, we are keeping our noses in Namibia and I'm telling you the places we've visited in that country.

Fish River Canyon - Namibia

Our first stop was at Fish River Canyon, in Ai-Ais National Park. Although the road is not in the best condition, it isn't that difficult to get there; you will need a GPS (I used Tom Tom). Furthermore, you need to be patient, because all the way through Ai-Ais goes on a hard gravel road, however the landscapes are awesome and makes you forget about everything else (worth it, indeed). As a National Park, of course, you must to pay an entrance fee, which costs N$80 (we are speaking about namibian currency just now). Once you're there, certainly you will get astonished by such a beauty… what a place... take your time over there and enjoy the second biggest canyon in the world. Just please don’t forget to take lots of pictures… your folks should see it.

About the Namibian dollar, there is no need to worry about because its got the same ratio as rand. Actually, you can spend rands in Namibia, however you can’t  do the other way around. My tip is to get few namibian cash, in case of you don’t have enough rands to spend.

Afer Fish River Canyon, we start heading through out our next destination - the desert. That place where everything becomes worth it. In accord to Wikipedia, the namibian desert is one of the eldest deserts on Earth, as well as one of the most infertile ones (only 1cm rain per year).

Namibian Desert

 Once you get in that magical place, you will appreciate the stunning beauty of the dunes, also the incredible fauna and flora that lives there. My tip is: carry your own tend and sleeping bag, so that you can sleep over inside the National Park; that is the only way to watch the sunset and the sunrise over from the dunes (both are unmissable). Another clue is: go for a walk in to the desert…park your car over the shelter and go explore the desert. Take a bottle of water along and your camera with you. Other very important tip is to visit The Deadvlei… a valley where you can see the famous centuries petrified trees - it is simply amazing, an unforgetable place.

Unfortunately we couldn't spend too much time over the desert and, in the day next, we're back to the road, heading to the north, to Swakopmund. 

It is a small coastal city, which owns a marvelous beach as well as some beautiful landscapes. The most interesting thing is that you can check out the desert ending up at the ocean… it is just amazing. Once in Swakopmund, don’t expect any trace of a nightlife because the city is sleeping after 8:00 pm. During the day take yourself for a walk, visiting the touristic places, take some photos, shop and eat something. My tip is to stay one night at Swakopmund Backpacker.

Windhoek

Our last destination, over that intriguing country, was Windhoek, the capital. Don’t expect a huge city, because definately you won't find it in Namibia… not even close. Although Windhoek is the capital, the city is quite small; its people are shy and most of them are actually able to speak english, afrikaans and german. There is no nightlife at all, so my tip is to have a good dinner at Joe’s Beer Restaurant… the place is really very nice, with an alternative and fun decoration; take your time and enjoy the opportunity to have some zebra meat (delicious!).

Namibia's Trip Company: Alex, Me and Fabian

This is it guys... Namibia was a dream coming true to me. I enjoyed each moment on that trip as well as practice my english every second, day-by-day. I hope you had really appreciated my experience. And if you want anything else, just write me!

See you later...

Namibia - Part 1

Hi guys... I'm back again. Although we are close to my last adventures in Africa, today we are speaking about my highlight during these 3 months. Today, I'm taking you to Namibia!!!

Namibia is a quite big country which bordering South Africa from the north. Namibia's population is around 1,5 milion people, whom 15% are infected by HIV (in accord to Wikipedia). The country owns loads of stunning natural landscapes (with mountains, rocks and desert) and an amazing fauna and flora. Surely is one of the best options for those who like to venture themselves into unknown places seeking for adventure (like me).

Well... everything has started in the school (as usual) when I joined two other friends (a russian guy and a suiss guy) as crazy as me. We started our research by the wisest person I’ve ever met… Google.com; and in a few days we already had our route. Our second step was to rent a car, and so we went for renting the cheapest one we found.

Our small desert car!

That wasn’t our best idea, unfortunately, because the car were very small, and not strong enough for namibian roads. Here I can give you the first advertisement: if you can, you'd better rent a big car with big tires, because in Namibia you are driving on gravel roads, mostly… so is better to drive a big car (either you have money or more people to join you on the trip), like a Toyota Hilux. Other useful tip is: you must arrange a GPS, updated with information of both countries.

Full of courage and disposition we started our journey, leaving Cape Town via N7. Our first stop was at Cederberg in a fantastic camping side called Gecko Creek (with hot water shower, warm tend, good internet and a real scary wolf). So, we spent our first night in that magical place, enjoying the brightest night sky I've ever saw in my life.

Firts accommodation!

Keep driving on N7, through the north, and you will pass reach the charmous and colorful Springbook, and if you have time make a short stop over that beautiful city. 

The way is too long but very pleasant. Nevertheless you must be ready to stay in the car for hours... so keep a good music on, unless you want to get bored. 

When we got at the border, the proceeds were very simple and fast; just keep your passport in hands (check if you need a visa, though you'll have to pay N$400,00 for driving in namibian roads) and with a new stamp you are able to go ahead into the Namibian B1.

Namibia has some magnificent landscapes, so be ready with your camera anytime. As there are few cities by the road, you'd better keep you a fully tank, whenever you find a gas station. The main cities you will find during the way are: Keetmanshoop and Mariental; in that last one you find better accommodations.

About food, you may have some few difficulties… because it is really rare to find a restaurant by the road; so is better to keep with you some snacks as hunger-killers (chocolate, biscuits, chips…).

So guys... I'll keep your curiosity about Namibia to my next post!!! See you later!!!

Durban!!

So everyone... are you enjoying the travelling tips about South Africa? Today I'm back with a excellent option for those whom want to stay in a car farther.

As a good and resilient Brazilian, I kept my ass on the car, seeking for more adventure, on the way to Durban. The trip takes a such long time, however each hour in the car worth it. During the way, you can appreciate the landscapes changing into a different and curious Africa – Kwazulu-Natal, the Zulu’s land.

Durban is a huge city and owns a very particularly beautiful cost. Although Durban is not as beautiful as Cape Town is, the city has its own attractive. In Durban you will find the biggest Indian colony in world, which gives you an impression of being in another country.

View to Durban

Duban’s people are faster and busier than Capetonians; the traffic is a big mess, however the city brings you a nice atmosphere. The culinary is hot and has strong flavors which is a strong influence from the Indian culture. In my opinion, what is the best over there is the weather, which is always warm and comfortable, even on winter time.

My tips for “places-to-visit” is: 

Go to visit the famous Moses Mabhida Stadium which was built to host some of the 2010 World Cup’s games. Once there, take the sky car through the viewpoint right on its top… from there you can have a nice view to the city. The skycar costs only R55.

Leaving the Stadium go to Casino which disposes you a rich sort of entertainment options. In the Casino, you may spend your time shopping, cinema, having a good meal or even playing  with the machines. From Casino you can go walking to the beach where you can also find some free markets and people in everywhere.

Another good tip is to visit uShaka Marine World, where you may spend an entire day enjoying your time, since they have plenty of amusement options for you. Over uShaka Marine, you may have a funny time doing shark diving or even swimming with dolphins. 

What I found more interesting in Durban is the beautiful beaches and its warm water…. So you may enjoy some time for swimming on the ocean, if you are up to.

Another curious aspect I got from Durban is the people; they are completely different from Capetonians, but not less cozy. Furthermore the biggest difference between both people are the accent; the english spoken in Durban has an easier accentn (actually reminded me a bit of british accent) comparing to capetonians. I think they owe their british accent to the fact they are literated in english only. So, the languange experience over Durban is quite particular, because you can get english better!

My friend from Durban, Lache! 

The nightlife in Durban is quite calm so don’t expect too much from it. The tip is to enjoy a good dinner with friends at Keys on Florida Restaurant, or any other restaurant at Key West Street.

So, I hope you guys have enjoyed my tips from Durban. Whether you have time or money just go there... you won't regret!

See you later...

Garden Route

Hi everyone... I'm back again with a very nice topic. Today we are talking about Garde Route.

Garden Route is one of the most beautiful and interesting trips that you may go on in South Africa; the trip goes from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. In the way to Garden Route, you will appreciate stunning landscapes, amazing places, curious animals, and many other things. 

First of all, you have to arrange a car and 3 or 4 friends to join you. Here my tip is traveling with friends from different nationalities is a very good opportunity to learn and practice your english (I did it twice and can assure you it worth). You might have a GPS which makes your journey safer and faster (but don’t forget a map).

I have been on the Garden Route exactly thrice and in each time I had a particular and unique experience. You don’t need to arrange too much stuff, beyond the car and friends. In case of you don’t get a GPS, get a good map or a travel book. And so, be ready to have some fun, during the trip.

To go through on Garden Route, you must start your journey taking N2, from Sea Point (on the way to airport). Driving on N2 is a pleasant and safe experience, because the road is well-signalized and there are no wholes. Find bellow the places that you can visit and the amusement you can find in each one.

Mossel Bay: normally that's the first stop on Garden Route’s trip. Leaving Cape Town, you may arrive at Mossel Bay after nearly 5 hours driving. That small town has a very charming old century english architecture. Over Mossel Bay you may find some nice restaurants by the beach where you can enjoy a delicious meal while watch some dolphins or even whales jumping out from the sea. You can also visit some museums in town, like the traditional Marine Museum which keeps a bit of Mossel Bay’s history. It's quite easy to find a B&B or Backpacker over there, even if you don’t have a GPS or a travel book.

Wilderness: Wilderness is one of the most magical places you can visit in Garden Route. The town is quite small, which takes place by the ocean though is surrounded by mountains. So, keep yourself  some time and enjoy Wilderness and the landscapes. You can’t waist a chance to stay at Wildfarm Backpackers… that place is amazing, beyond the good price (R120) and a breathtaking view to the ocean. Here I go with some tips: go to visit Woodville Tree (it's a small forest where you can admire an 800 years old tree); take your time by the lake to make some shoots; and go to the beach to explore the rail road tunel.

Knysna: that's a delightful place where you usually find a good and warm weather with colorful fields in a small, but no less comfortable, town. My tip is: go to Knysna Waterfront and have a meal at 34º South Restaurant… their price is nearly nothing and the view is quite beautiful. Afterwards, you can go to visit the orphans elephants at Knysna Elephant Park, where you can enjoy a nice elephant encounter, feed it or even ride it.

Plettenberg Bay: woww that is the most adventurous part in Garden Route. The place is simply amazing (as usual) and surrounded by the Tsitsikamma Mountains. You may enjoy some time in the beach or swimming on the ocean, if you’re up to. But few minutes away from town you can find the biggest bungy jump on bridge in world… get ready because the 216 meters jump is a life-changing experience. If you are crazy enough, just like me, then go there, book yourself a jump and the guys from Face Adrenalin will provide you anything else… you just have to pay a small fortune of R1000 (jump, photos, dvd and t-shirt).

Tsitsikamma National Park: next stop is really excited, as well. Tsitsikamma is a huge National Park, with stunning landscapes and gorgeous mountains. Over there, you may enjoy your time in one of the beautiful beaches, mountains, viewpoints, camping places, and whatever. Of course, for being a National Park, you must to pay an entrance fee of R88 (foreigner’s price) which worth each cent. Once there, go to the famous suspension bridges and climb up the mountain until a viewpoint, right on the top. From there, you may have the most beautiful view in Garden Route (promise you). So, take your time there: relax, think abouth your life, try to feel the place, sing, jump, cry… but, please, don’t you forget to take lots of photos (You might want to keep this in your memory).

Jeffrey’s Bay: the most famous destination in Garden Route. For those who know about surf, JBay is an old friend, because the place hosts the Billabong Pro, every year. Furthermore, Jeffrey’s Bay has the most beautiful and astonished sunrise that I’ve ever saw in my life (so, wake up early and don’t lose it). The beach is other spectacular thing… so, take your time enjoying a bit of it. My tip is to stay at Vibe Island JBay Backpackers… that place is formidable and quite cheap (R120). In Vibe Island you can have some fun with friends in the bar and meet some new people, as well. Nevertheless, JBay is not only about that… the city is also famous because of the surf brands mega-stores where you can get real good prices. So, enjoy this opportunity to buy some gifts to your folks.

Port Elizabeth: the last destination on the trip. To be honest, Port Elizabeth is just a big town where the one of the biggest harbors in country is taking place. That’s why the city is so important and famous. Although I have been there twice, I don’t know the city; so unfortunately I can’t talk too much about that.

Addo Elephant National Park: if you want to put more adventure in it and if you also have time enough to do, so keep driving through on the road, 72 km away from Port Elizabeth. Once there, the National Park is able to provide you anything you may need, even nigh-safaris. My tip is to do a self-driver safari which is the cheapest way. The entrance fee is R110, however they have a very good discount for students (so keep your LAL card, if you have one). The tour takes an entire day but is very interesting because, during the way, you can see a rich sort of wild animals like buffalos, elephants, wild pigs, and so many others. Whether you want to stay there for one night, the cheapest way is staying outside the park; so, the best place is Orange Elephant Backpacker (R120)!

Route 62: if you don’t have any time to go through into other places, you should star your journey back via Route 62. The road is as safe and beautiful as N2 with mountains, fields, and marvelous landscapes. Don’t lose a chance of make a stop at Ronnies Sex Shop which places just by the road. My glue is to go to Oudtshoorn to visit the Kango Caves doing an adventure tour over there (you won’t regret). Afterward you can have some good and delicious time tasting some ostrich meat.

Do you really think you have seen all? If you have money and time enough my advice is to going on through East London, in the famous Wild Coast. On that way, there is a quit and beautiful university town called Grahamstown… my tip is to make a stop over there and visit The Rat and Parrot, the most traditional pub in town. You should also visit Coffee Bay, wich is famous for a stirred nightlife.

So... that's all for now. About all that you have read today, my tip is: Do not leave Cape Town without that experience! Whether you don't find anyone to share a car, you can book yourself a tour, it's so easy!

About the people and life cost!!

Hi everyone... I'm back again!! I guess after read all these interesting tips about Cape Town, you are probably considering my first offer, aren't you? 

Cape Town is a fantastic city and has loads to teach you... it isn't only about english (trust me). The city is inspiring, magic, welcoming, plural and happy. You just need to be open for the new experiences and opportunities and the Mother City will do the rest for you, for sure. Furthermore, you'll have a personal priceless life improvement, learning from people from everywhere, including South Africans.

About South African people, by the way, you will certainly fall in love with them. They are a very friendly people, warm and musical (actually, they're very similar to Brazilian, from this point of view). South African people are truly warriors and they have a curious and rich history to tell you. 

Dude, a zulu's south african lady, saleswoman at GreenMarket!

Try to speak with them, dance with them, laugh with them; try to get involved with them. Get to know them close and they may teach you about Ubuntu, the South Africa’s spirit/lifestyle. Try to understand a bit of their huge history of struggle and you may see how cruel humanity can be in order to keep the power and control in their very hands. It is just amazing speaking with mzanzi and share with them all the diversity only Cape Town can give you.

Another curious aspect of learning english in South Africa is the linguistic diversity. The country has 11 official idioms (not even couting on the many dialects), and the most spoken languages in Cape Town are: English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. I used to say if you are able to understand a Xhosa or an Afrikaans accent, you then are able to get anyone else’s accent in this planet. Furthermore, after Apartheid, all South African children are literated in two languages (english +), at the same time in school.

My crazy italian friend... skydiving!

Coming back to Mother City... in Cape Town, if you like radical sports you will feel quite at home. It is easy, cheap and safe… you have access to just so many different options such as: gliding, paragling, skydiving, scubadiving, shark cage diving, and what more. You may also have some nice other options, involving less adrenaline: helicopter sightseeing, sailing tour, fast-boat or catamaran tour… everything is under your dispose at Waterfront, you just have to pay for it (or you can also arrange all of it from LAL)! Nevertheless, the most famous and biggest bungy jump on bridge in the world, you will only find outside Cape Town (we are speaking about that later).

The cost of living in Cape Town isn't too expensive, for brazilians I must say. One american dollar costs about 11 rands while 1 euro costs about 14 rands. So, the South Africa currency makes our life quite confortable over there. Furthermore, what you find really inexpensive is: food, convenience (restaurants, pharmacy, cinema), beverages (except water), taxi and fun. You dont trully want to look at electronics... they are indeed more expensive than anything. But, perfurms and cosmetics are way cheaper than Duty Free shops, trust me!!

My tip is... do not purchase Rands in your home country. It is better take dollar or euro on you and then exchange it into Rand on later stage... for this, you can to Long Street and meet my friend Mario, at Western Union Bureau of Change. Whenever you can, is also a good idea to draw cash from the ATM's (that was always my first option). While I was in school, studying, during 8 weeks I've spent about US$800,00; including trips, food and night life! It's just a matter of spending your money wisely!

Fellows, although the topic was quite short I think these information is very important together with the other topics. Next post I'm back talking about an INCREDIBLE trip!!

Cheers!!!!

That isn't only about learning... Let's have some fun!!

Hey everyone, I'm back again with good tips about Cape Town. And  at that time, I think you guys are enjoying a lot, because we are talking about something very interesting... FUN!!!

As I've been telling you here, english learning is not only about staying in class, being bored. There are many other possibilities (most of them are very amusement) for practicing and learning english all the time, including during the evenings. In addition to it, I can assure you that the learning goes really fast whenever you associate this with something funny.

The evenings at LAL used to be quiet (from Sunday to Wednesday); however the school is always arranging some night activities to the students, like karaoke turns, games, etc. Whether you want (like I used to do) you can also look for enjoying a friend's company in a good conversation or take your time surfing on the internet, posting photos and speaking with your family. Furthermore, Sea Point has lots of night programs…like restaurants, pubs… it’s up to you.

Now let’s have some fun... I’ll show some of the best places in town for enjoy your time, with your friends, in the capetonian night life:

Dubliners: that nightclub takes place at Long Street... it's one of the most traditional and well-visited places ever. As the name says, the nightclub is about a typical Irish pub where you'll find an excellent live music, cheap drinks, and people from all over the world (so, don't waste any chance and practice your english). You don’t need to pay any entrance fee (but Friday’s nights) and the nightclub disposes two nice dance floors (live music and Dj).

Dubliners, day-view!

The house is open from Monday to Monday.. however the best nights to enjoy are Thursday's and Saturday's. It’s quite safe, so whenever you leave Dubliners just take a taxi (you will find plenty of taxis) which costs about R50 to go back to Sea Point. My tip is to go at Thursday’s night because the place is not that overcrowded and the band is fantastic.

Tiger Tiger: the LAL student’s favourite place for Thursday’s nights. That nightclub takes place in a shopping mall at Claremont, nearly 25 minutes away from Sea Point by taxi which costs about R160. So, if you want to go there, you must join the other students whom use to gather at school’s reception, every Thursday's night. The place is quite good and you may find lots of beautiful young people… there is an entrance fee of R40. The guys must to pay attention at Tiger Tiger’s dress code (shirts and shoes, always), otherwise you can be refused. Drinks are cheap, they have 3 different bars and every night has drinks promos. The music is quite good; however the place is too overcrowded. I’ve been there couple of times and had so much fun with my friends; besides it, the place wasn’t my couple of tea.

Russian, Swiss, ME and German... at Bohemia!

Stellenbosch: outside Cape Town that's the best place for having fun… to have a really enjoyable Friday’s night. Stellenbosch is a small university town, 40 minutes away driving from Cape Town, so the only way to go there is by car. My tip is to rent a car with 2 or 3 other friends and leave Cape Town about 17:00; you can stay at Banghoek Hostel (to make things easier is better to have a GPS). Start drinking some good wine at the backpacker, park your car there and go to town walking (don’t worry because it is a really small town). The pubs you must to visit are: Den Anker (the most traditional), Bohemia (overcrowded, but very good), Opskop (good drinks), NuBar (dancing nightclub) and Cubana (good food). Nevertheless, you can find plenty of other good places over there. So, just go there and enjoy your time with your friends, but don’t forget the way back to hostel.

Some others nightclubs at Cape Town: in Mother City you should visit others good nightclubs. Don’t lose the opportunity to show your face at: Casablanca, 31º Floor, The Loop and Dizzy’s. My tip is to go to Long Street, just be careful.

Grand West Casino: Yes... Cape Town has a Casino and is a legal activity in South Africa. The place disposes dozen of different entertainment options, isn't only about old people playing in coin machines. Over the Casino, you can have loads of fun, doing different stuffs, although the disadvantage is the distance. The Grand West is quite far away from Sea Point, but don't worry because LAL has weekly tours to the casino.

I must to advice you that drinking outside streets is a prohibit activity in South Africa. So, if you don't want to be stuck in trouble, don't leave any pub, bar, restaurant or whatever handing a glass or any bottle of alcohol stuff (#Tip)!

I'm finishing another good topic with good information about Cape Town's life! Hope you guys are enjoying it!!

Cheers!!!