Category: Africa 2012

Caroline Bach6 Comments

Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Eden

While in Nelspruit for the weekend, we took the opportunity to visit the Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden, 14km south of Nelspruit. It’s a sanctuary where rescued chimpanzees from all over Africa are brought to be saved and taken care of. We got a guided tour where we were introduced to the different characters and their stories. Some of them had been beaten badly and malnourished when in a circus, some had been taught to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes and some had been left to die after their parents had been killed by poachers. Joao, who is almost 70 years old, spent some years alone next to a baboon cage, so today he understands not only chimpanzee, but also baboon, portuguese, english and afrikaans. There are many chimps in acute need of being rescued, but it is very expensive and only the transport to Nelspruit costs about 4000€. By taking the 14€ tour we made a small contribution to the survival of the sanctuary while getting an opportunity to meet with Jessica, little Tamu, stone-throwing Cozy and their very entertaining friends.

To all of you going to Nelspruit for shopping every once in a while, the place is very close to Nels and easy to find, just follow the R40 road going south towards Barberton for about 12km until you see a sign to the left saying Chimp Eden, then follow the road for another 4km – and you have arrived. There are tours every day at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 – provided that it is not raining.

Caroline Bach3 Comments

Traditionally perfect

Here’s a song I’ve been in love with sine I first heard it on the radio here in Maputo. Please note the wonders that kick in at 1:46 – we dance to this beauty whenever we get the chance to.

So yes, the video drips of traditionally pink and fluffy “perfect wedding” dreams. The slow motion effect and the theme take away a lot of beat and edge from the song as I knew it before, but it’s a sweet and well made video that might be an interesting insight for those of you who are far from this enchanting continent. I guess we can conclude that dream weddings look pretty much the same over here – horses and all that stuff included.

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Bitten

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So it seems like that when I get a lot of bites, may it be mosquitos, bed bugs, flies or any other evil blood sucking creature, I get sick. It happened when I came back from my trip to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, and it is happening now.

I get a fever, then a headache, then my temperature goes below normal and I feel very weak. Headache is always there, so is a general muscle pain. And it goes around like that for two-three days. Hot, cold, weak.

I did a malaria test last time I felt like this but all they found in my blood were high levels of histamines and signs of an ongoing battle. Allergic reaction gone aggressive. Damn bugs.

I will give this another day, then I’ll do a malaria test. Did you know that there are these really nice self-testing malaria kits? They look just like pregnancy test sticks, but you put a drop of blood into them instead. I buy them in South Africa and I would recommend anybody visiting a malaria prone area to do the same, and to bring a couple back home – any really bad flu up to 6 months later can be malaria.

Good morning!

Caroline Bach6 Comments

Ponta do Ouro

We listened to tukstuks music, we laughed, we played Ha-Ko-So. We did a little bit of beach hanging, a lot of eating and some dancing. A group of friends in a rented house on the golden point of Mozambique. There was a broken exhaust pipe, some blood, a bucket of caipirinha, a captain, and a big sensation.

Caroline Bach3 Comments

Not happening

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With everything planned and under control, making this event happen was going to be a huge experience for me. I got this great opportunity and responsibility that I not only worked long hours for, but also learnt tons from. I couldn’t wait to see it all fall into place this upcoming Friday. It was my baby.

And then, three days prior to this very exciting international high-level event – it’s not happening due to reasons we cannot control.

It makes me quite sad for many reasons, not least for the young participants that were looking forward to it more than I was, for the months of focus and work, or for the sudden gap in my resumé.

Next step is trying to find a way to make up for this loss. I need more checklists, bring on the responsibilities!

Caroline Bach1 Comment

Sunscreen and happy people

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Guess who forgot her sunscreen when sitting in the sun all Sunday. I’m all pink today.

My favourite moment of that 34 hour birthday celebration? Back in Maputo, after returning from those sand dunes I showed you before, a perfect song comes on. It’s 8am, Sunday morning, and the streets are almost empty. Etevaldo suddenly stops the car, jumps out, drags the rest of us out as well, and we all dance kizomba in the middle of the street.

This group is just great, so much energy, love and happiness.