2019 Trans-Africa Motorcycle Adventure: Unspoiled Beaches Overload

After breakfast at the lodge, we had a few hours of great twisty roads through some nice mountains towns, and farms. Interesting how in some villages, they make round buildings with current materials so they really are octagonal.

Our first large town that seemed predominantly black was King William's Town ... lots of traffic, lots of people, lots of cars, lots of shops.

We had lunch in East London by the beach and headed to our lodge for the night ... but right before arriving, we hit a dirt road ... steep, narrow, washed out, big deep 2' ruts, gravel, water, a bit of sand ... all neatly packed in 5 km. Definitely got the good old adrenaline going.

Our lodge is right on the beach ... my room is at the top of 3-level bungalow with thatched roof facing the ocean. Great view. Went out for a run on the beach again (what is happening to me? : ) It is just too nice to pass I guess.

Met a family from these parts as they played with their dogs and little kids. Talked about the area, how peaceful and remote it is, the people, how the river winds through villages up stream before coming to the ocean.

Here are some additional thoughts about South Africa so far: the country in general works very well - roads, signs, maintenance crews, trucks, ambulances, police, traffic controls, rules - all first class. As with any developing country, there is a marked contrast between the haves and the have nots which also tend to match ethnic lines ... beautiful beach houses everywhere, poorer towns inland.

For the first time, I am becoming aware of the effect that the color of my skin has on other people. I am beginning to enjoy this sequence: "hello", shield-up, "wait, wait, I am not from these parts", shield-down, followed by conversation, smiles, laughter ... and all the learnings about family, society, expectations, frustrations ... and yes even the good old politics.

Tomorrow is a long day, as we make our way to Lesotho.