Moving down to Oudtshoorn and settling in to Paradise Backpackers

The next part of my journey was to Oudtshoorn, widely known as the Ostrich Capital. Taking the Bazbus down, it would be a decent journey as heading to the backpacker's involved another addition shuttle service down through the karoo or semi desert country.

 I had to reach Port Elizabeth by the 4th of March and hence had to skip some stops along the Garden Route. The pick-up shuttle service was prompt and it helped that most of the waiting points had a Macdonald's right beside. Gavin, a very friendly staff from Backpacker's Paradise and Joyrides (www.backpackersparadise.net) came by to pick us up. It was definitely interesting to watch the temperature rise as we drove on through from the town to where the backpacker's was located. The reception at Paradise was very warm and it's easy to understand why it has a reputation as a good backpackers. The dorm rooms were very spacious and clean and the small pool was perfect for the hot afternoons, to just chill and cool down with a drink.

 I met Mariam and Jurgen here, a German couple travelling through the garden route as well as we became fast friends. It was almost late afternoon by the time we reached the backpackers and the day would be spent just settling in and relaxing. The change in temperature also meant that we were glad just to unwind in the pool. Dinner was at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge and we got a lift there together with a few other girls who were heading there for dinner. After catching sight of a few hippos and giraffes roaming around, we settled in to a really nice dinner. 

Mariam and I ordered South African Bobotie a South African dish made of traditional cape malayan flavored coarse milled venison, baked with an infused yogurt topping served with papadam, toasted coconut shavings, tomato chutney, olive preserve and brown wild rice. The dish was really good and overall dinner was awesome !

We had signed up to visit the Cango Caves as well as the Ostrich farm tomorrow and Gavin would bring us there first thing in the morning. 

Time to sleep !