The sun is shining, the first almond blossoms are out and a little stream is running next to our path. We have been walking for a few hours and we are still finding our rhythm. For the next six days we will be hiking around Imlil and we are really looking forward to it. The high peaks of the Atlas Mountains are still covered in snow and serve as an impressive backdrop. Small villages dot the valley, where rivers are running and the first sign of the spring‘s green is visible.

But let’s start at the beginning:

We arrived in Morocco a day late due to a strike, but happy that everything went well. In Casablanca, we board the train and enjoy the view. We stay in Marrakech by evening and are simply happy that everything went so well today. We stroll through the alleys and enjoy the warmth of the last rays of sunshine, peer into the windows of the small shops, and look for a restaurant.

The Mountains Are Calling…

On Wednesday, we meet up with our friends at the parking lot. Our driver takes us up into the mountains to Imlil. For the next six days, we will hike through the Atlas Mountains. The snow-capped Mount Toubkal looms before us at 4,176 meters.

In Imlil, we meet our guide and three other men who are leading our three mules. What a luxury not to have to carry our backpacks.

Leaving Imlil, we walk steadily uphill until we reach a pass. Here we meet the mules and take a lunch break. What a wonderful place. The sun is shining, the red mountains around us, the blue sky… We are given a proper meal cooked on a gas stove. How nice to meet again after last year’s unforgettable week on the Isle of Skye.

Then we continue along the slope. Very little grows up here. A few prickly little bushes and the occasional old, gnarled juniper tree. Walnut and almond trees grow in the valleys, along with all sorts of other things the people in the villages grow. Water flows here, and it’s greener.

On we walk…

On the second and third days, we sleep in very basic accommodations. A mattress on the floor and simple blankets. We sleep huddled together under three blankets with all our clothes on. There is always a warm shower, though, and a wood-burning stove in the dining area.

The remote villages seem very poor and simple. The traces of the earthquake a few years ago are still clearly visible. Some houses have collapsed, and families are still living in tents. Few women are to be seen; occasionally, a door opens slightly as we walk past, and a face peeks out.

It is quite cold in the evenings and at night. But during the day, in the sun, we walk in T-shirts. Especially when the mountain climb is steep, as it was on the second day. Leaving the village, we hike up to 2400m. We feel the altitude and need a break every now and then. Occasionally goats and their shepherds pass us. The sounds of the little goats calling for their mothers are following us for quite a while.

On the third day, we even climb to 2700m. Every day, we cross a pass into the next valley. On the fourth and fifth days, we buy orange juice at the top of the pass. A man, a donkey, a few oranges… that’s all we need. We enjoy the view and the fresh juice. We are amazed at the changing landscape. Some valleys are bare, others have a river running through, the trees and bushes lining the path…

We have three mules with us and they carry not only our luggage, but also our kitchen supplies and water. In the morning the guides surpass us at some point, so that by the time we reach our lunch spot, they are already busy preparing our food and tea. In the afternoon they usually catch up with us again at some point and we sometimes arrive at our guest house together.

Snow in March?

What weather… the sun shines every day. And when it gets darker on the third day and the clouds are rolling in, we cannot believe it when it starts to snow. We are wearing our rain jackets and the backpack covers. Up at the pass, an icy wind blows, and the flakes dance in the breeze. Further down into the valley, the snow continues, and soon the landscape is blanketed in white. It is wonderful for hiking. We enjoy it. By the time we get to the guesthouse, it has stopped.

We are well catered for in terms of food: Breakfast is usually served at 8 a.m. Later our lunch is served in a beautiful spot and consists of   rice and vegetables along with tea and fruits for dessert. What a luxury. In the afternoon, once we have reached our Guesthouse, we always enjoy some popcorn with tea and then some delicious dinner in the evening.

We are thrilled with our mules. They carry up to 150 kg up and down the mountains. At some point in the morning, they overtake us. At midday, they graze nearby and then usually overtake us again on the trail. If the trail allows, the guides ride, otherwise they walk alongside. The mules are pretty obedient to their every command, which impresses us. No need for sticks to prod them.

Marrakech

On the 6th day of hiking, after lunch, we return to Marrakech. The many people, the mopeds and scooters driving through the narrow alleys of the souqs… what a difference to the mountains…

We have a free day in Marrakech before our return flight, and we enjoy wandering through the various markets. The colours, the cats, the smells, the people… There is so much to see and take in.  In the afternoon, we drink Berber tea overlooking the large Jemma el Fna square. It is quite hot and it feels wonderful to rest a bit and enjoy the views.

In the evening, we meet for one last dinner together. We had a lot of fun together, chatting and laughing. Us three girls are glad we invited the men to join us on this hiking adventure.  

Today, after a leisurely breakfast, we head back to Germany. We really enjoyed our holiday and are looking forward to returning to our little house in Malta.

Der Beitrag Hiking in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

A day off in Cairo gives a five-day work-trip a nice, warm perspective in the middle of December. On the first evening in Hanover, I do not do anything except walk to the supermarket, eat on my bed, shower, and sleep. The alarm went off this morning shortly after 4am and will do so again tomorrow.

In Madrid, I at least manage a short evening stroll into the city center. It feels so good to breathe some fresh air, take in some of the Spanish evening atmosphere after a long day of working. However, the shopping jungle on Gran Vía and the many people are a bit overwhelming after the long day, and I soon head back to the hotel.

The Pyramids

In Cairo, we are able to sleep in and meet for breakfast in the morning. This alone feels already like luxury after all the early morning starts. Afterwards, we set off for the Pyramids.

The drive is not very long and quite interesting. There is a lot to see out the window. We cross the Nile on the highway. Despite it being the weekend, it is not very busy at the Pyramids. There are relatively few foreigners and more Egyptians around.

We pass through the gate directly in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza. It looms before us, large and impressive. The stone blocks are quite big (each weighing 2.5 tons), and you can climb a few meters to the entrance to the burial chamber. It would be quite strenuous to climb all the way to the top. I do not know exactly how people did it in the past.

It is chilly in the shadow of the pyramid, and many people are wearing winter clothing. A few vendors offer drinks and souvenirs. Camels and horse-drawn carriages await tourists. The city stretches almost up to the Pyramids. It is difficult to imagine what the area must have looked like during the time of the pharaohs.

Our guide tells us a lot about ancient Egypt, the pharaohs, and the construction of the pyramids.

The area is very extensive, so we drive a little way out to a viewpoint from where we can see the three pyramids together. The size of the structures is impressive. The Great Pyramid of Giza is 140 meters high. The wind is blowing across the desert and I love being a bit away from the many people.

The Sphinx

The Sphinx lies on the other side of the pyramids, toward the Nile and the Valley Temple. The city stretches right up to it here. When we first arrive, there is a dense crowd in front of it. But we wait a bit, and suddenly it empties. Her face is partially weathered, but her features are still clearly visible. Her body was repeatedly covered with sand and dug out. It is incredible to see the Sphinx in person. As with many sights, which we know so well from photos, it is an interesting feeling to be finally standing here and seeing it for myself. The small queen pyramids are in the background and look so small compared to the three big pyramids.

It is incredible that the pyramids were built around 2500 BC. What an achievement. I am often reminded of Asterix and Obelix and want to watch the film again when I get home. It is incredible that such a large pyramid was built for just one person. There are also other burial sites here. Giza was used as a necropolis even before the pyramids were built.

We eat lunch at a restaurant directly across from the pyramids. The rooftop terrace offers a beautiful view. We sit for quite a while, savouring our mezze and enjoying the view.

In the afternoon, we return to the hotel, and I have plenty of time for a siesta. And then at midnight we are getting picked up for the return flight back.

It was a truly beautiful day in Cairo. I finally managed to see the pyramids. In March 2020, I had a day off in Cairo and wanted to go to the pyramids, but then it rained all day, and I returned from the flight with COVID.

What a lovely last tour before Christmas.

Der Beitrag A Trip to the Pyramids in Cairo erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

After my Italian holiday I am going back to work today. But it could be worse than a six day Cape Town rotation.

In Cape Town it is gray and cool when we open the plane door. Spring is expected to show its cool, rainy side this weekend. However, the strong Cape wind often blows the clouds away quickly. So we are full of hope for a nice layover.

Sunset Sailing

It rains heavily during the day and I rest a bit after the night flight. This is the first time I have done this in Cape Town. The last two times I was in Cape Town (in 2022 & 2023) we always did something straight away.

In the evening the sun comes out and the rain has stopped. We meet for a catamaran sunset tour. Almost the entire crew is here. We make ourselves comfortable at the front of the catamaran and enjoy the view. There are a few others on board, but that does not bother us. The seals frolic in the harbour basin and the Table Mountain rises above the city in all its splendor. We slowly sail out of the harbour and the sun shines golden in the evening sky. Two penguins swim by! I am excited that we want to do the Cape tour on Sunday. We sail towards sunset, past the city, the big football stadium, Table Mountain, Lions Head… it is so beautiful… The sun shimmers in the windows of the chic houses in Sea Point and Camps Bay.

We are wrapped in blankets and enjoy our drinks. Only when the sun sinks into the sea do we make our way back. That was a really nice tour. What a start to our layover.

In the evening we eat at the waterfront. The food is always so good here in South Africa. Something that I always look forward to. We sit together for a long time and talk.

Oranjezicht Farmers Market & The Old Biscuit Mill

Saturday is supposed to be cool, windy and rainy and it is. At the weekend the Oranjezicht Farmers Market takes place near our hotel. The market offers fruit and vegetables, handicrafts and lots of food. Many Capetonians meet here for a Saturday brunch. There is a lot going on and we enjoy the hustle and bustle. A warming rooibos tea and a cinnamon roll is just the right thing to strengthen ourselves in between.

We then continue to the Old Biscuit Mill. The concept is similar. There are also small shops and studios with lots of pretty things and some food and drink. There are so many cute things for sale. It is so nice to stroll along.

So far it has been mostly dry and it was not until we got back to the hotel in the afternoon that it really started to rain. I snuggle up under my duvet and relax a bit before we meet again in the evening for dinner. There are only six of us this evening and while we order, the South African women at the next table are singing and dancing while they wait for the bill. The rhythm is infectious. What a beautiful day.

Cape of Good Hope

The weather is supposed to be better on Sunday so we decided on the tour to the Cape of Good Hope and the penguins in Simon’s Town.

We meet at 9am and sun and rain alternate at the beginning. The big waves break on Clifton Beach and our guide says the water temperature is 12 degrees. The Table Mountain is shrouded in clouds and it is drizzling lightly. The large granite rocks with the white beach still look beautiful. When the sun shines, this is one of Cape Town’s postcard motifs and I can see why. I will have to return when the sun shines…

We continue over Hout’s Bay and Chapman’s Peak. The views are beautiful, even though we are almost blown away by the wind. The sun slowly comes out and everything shines brightly. The coastline is so pretty here.

We stop at a farm for a short breakfast break. There is a petting zoo and small shops. I buy a rooibos latte and a cinnamon roll. The low Cape Dutch buildings are so cute. What a beautiful day… The sun is slowly winning against the clouds.

In the Cape National Park we observe a few ostriches and eland. It is always so beautiful here in spring. The flowers are blooming and the low bushes are pushed even lower to the ground today in the wind.

The Cape of Good Hope sign is besieged by tourists. We stop here briefly and I sit on a rock and look out to the sea. The sound of the sea is loud and impressive. Two seals climb onto a flat rock and are repeatedly washed over by the waves.

The waves are impressive and I could sit here and look out at the sea for a long time. The sun is coming out more and more. What a day…

We continue to Cape Point and walk up to the lighthouse. The colors are now shining in the sun: the green cliffs, the blue ocean, the white surf… the view is magnificent. It is my second time here and I could always return again and again.

Right now is whale watching season. We see a small group of southern right whales from Cape Point. One even jumps out of the water a little. Later on the drive to Simon’s Town we see some more.

The rain comes as we sit back in the car. We are really lucky today because by the time we have had lunch the sun is shining again.

The Penguin Colony in Simon’s Town

The penguins at Boulders Beach are wonderful. I love it here even when there are a lot of tourists. There are tourists on the boardwalk and penguins on the beach. Some lie on the sand, many preen themselves and a few swim up. It is so cute how they emerge from the waves and wash up on the beach. Some actually pose in front of the tourists. A few penguins nest under the bushes in small plastic huts or in self-made nests. We discover a small, fluffy young one at the feet of its parent.

The turquoise water, the white beach, the large granite rocks and the little penguins… It is so beautiful… Our guide tells us that the residents do not really like the penguins because they come into the gardens at night, causing mischief there and sometimes even jump into the pool.

We had such a beautiful day. The tour  was great and we were really lucky with the weather. It only rained while we were in the car and we had lots of sunshine. We were ten and we had a lot of fun together.

Strolling along the Waterfront

Monday is departure day. The time until 3:30pm goes by quickly. I sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast at the waterfront, go to the supermarket and then it is almost time to get ready for the flight back.

One more layover day was a luxury. I really enjoyed my time in Cape Town and made the most of the spring-like weather.

Der Beitrag Another Trip to Cape Town erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

Two years ago I also had a day off in Nairobi and we ended up going to Amboseli National Park (A View of Kilimanjaro). I had been a big dream of mine to see Mount Kilimanjaro. This time I originally wanted to do “something relaxing”. But then eight of my colleagues wanted to go to Amboseli and I simply could not stay behind.

The Drive

We are a group of nine colleagues departing early the next morning. The drive is relatively smooth as we go down towards Mombasa. It gets hotter and hotter and the sun slowly emerges. There is so much to see along the way. We drive through towns, the trucks that drive the route to the port of Mombasa line up along the road. Little by little the landscape becomes more barren. Cows and goats graze on the side of the road.

Before we turn towards the gate of the Park we already see zebras and giraffes by the roadside. And we spot the snowy cap of Mount Kilimanjaro between the clouds.

Masaai Village

After lunch we first head to a Masaai village. The mud huts are built in a circle surrounded by acacia branches protecting them against the wild animals. The men explain their lifestyle and how they build their huts.  we meet some women and get to step into one of the buildings. Every couple years they move their village to a new spot. We stand under trees in the shade and the weaver birds are flying in and out of their artistic nests right above our heads.

The National Park

Afterwards we drive to the park. Zebras, gazelles and wildebeest graze along the way as we pass. In the distance the elephants cool off in the swamp. The road is terribly dusty and without sunglasses we would not be able to look out of the roof while driving.

Four giraffes walk leisurely between the bushes and umbrella acacias, plucking leaves here and there.

If there are lions to be seen somewhere, word spreads quickly between the drivers. A group of lionesses with a male sit in the grass in front of a palm oasis. First, one of the females moves and runs a little in our direction. She roars several times and one by one the others follow her. Last to move is the male and he also crosses between the cars. What an impressive sight.

We continue driving and see so many more animals. Amboseli is known for its many animals. Kilimanjaro provides a lot of water in the area. The grassy areas are quite dry, but waterholes and green oases create a green belt that runs through the park.

The Crossing of the Elephants

The elephants cross the main road into the park twice per day moving from the protective forest at nights to the swamps and grassland during the day. As day turns to night and the red sun drops towards the horizon, the dust filters the sunlight and sets the landscape aglow. We cut off the engine and wait while the herds of elephants slowly walk towards us. The rhythmic grabbing of grass bushels with their tusks is a wonderful sound. They pluck the tufts of grass as they walk, shake off the earth and continue walking leisurely, chewing.

The air is full of dust as they cross the road in front of us. It is so meditative to watch these large animals. Male elephants can weigh up to 6,000kg, drink 300 liters of water and eat 250kg of greens, up to 18 hours a day.

Good Morning Kilimanjaro

It gets pretty chilly at night and when the alarm goes off at 6 a.m. the next morning, I do not want to get up for a moment.

However, the view from the tower is breathtaking. Now Mount Kilimanjaro looms before us with its snow cap and not a single cloud. A single hot air balloon passes by. It is very quiet and wonderfully idyllic. The sun rises behind the trees. The day starts…

After a short breakfast we set off. We drive in the beautiful morning sun, the dust cloud immediately surrounding us again. In the morning the elephants head back towards the swamp. The rhythmic plucking can be heard even before they appear. It is wonderful.

The Waterhole

From here we continue towards the waterhole. Along the way we see wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, a warthog with two young, secretary birds and crowned cranes and many more.

We only see the hippos’ noses and backs in the water. Their size can only be guessed at until a mother comes out with her young. They graze on the bank and stroll slowly along.

We drive around the waterhole to the viewing hill on the other side. Here, we are allowed to get out because the larger predators seem to live further away. We walk up the hill and admire the view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the lake below us and the vast landscape. The white pelicans shine as they sit so closely on one of the small islands. A lone elephant walks along the bank. Later, as we drive back, we see it up close.

We slowly make our way to the exit. The water buffalo can be seen in the distance. The road is flooded in one place and we in the smaller bus (we have two cars) are struggling a bit. A little water comes in through the closed sliding door! But in the end, we manage without any problems.

The journey back to Nairobi goes by without any major traffic jams. Every now and then we get stuck behind slow trucks, but we are back at the hotel in the afternoon with enough time for a shower and a nap before flying back.

What a beautiful safari.

Der Beitrag Revisiting Amboseli National Park erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

Dear Kara,

We were swimming in the Mediterranean in front of our house, the sun was shining… and we were talking about packing for our holiday…. We both said that it felt a bit weird talking about our holiday and going away when we live in a holiday place.

But….

Oh my…. we fell in love with La Réunion right away. Have a look at a map. It is part of France, but lies in the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and Mauritius.

It was already quite a trip to get there… First, we flew to Paris, spent four hours at the airport and then continued overnight for 11 hours to Saint Denis, La Réunion. We loved it, it felt like it was all part of the journey.

What a beautiful island… We love the mix of French and Creole, tropical plants, beautiful beaches and reefs, high mountains, volcanoes…. The island really has it all. What a gem…

Saint Paul & the famous Friday Market

Our first few days we spend in Saint Paul for the big Friday Market. There are lots of different veggies and fruits on offer, sugarcane for rum and vanilla beans. The rum is turned into “rhum arrangé”, fruit infused rum, which is delicious after a meal. The small Victoria pineapples are so sweet and delicious. We have one almost every morning for breakfast. Samoussas are the creole version of the Indian samosas and they are delicious as well, the perfect little snack for in-between.

Of course, there are also souvenirs and handicrafts being sold. It is nice that they are mostly locally made and not imported ware. We like strolling among the stalls and taking in all the different sights and smells. Locals and tourists mix in the big outdoor space along the ocean. During lunch time it gets difficult to find a spot along the boardwalk, because everyone is having their lunch here. We also buy some samoussas and chicken and rice and sit down with live music being played in the distance.

We occasionally have a sunset beer, a “dodo”, named after the famous bird that used to live on the island but got extinct in the 17th century by seafarers. On the first evening we stumble into a nice bar with live music and spend quite a bit of time there. It is such a nice, slow start to the holiday. We chat, we have a beer, we plan our holiday a little and generally just enjoy the atmosphere. With just a two hour time difference we are also not very jetlagged. We like the weekends on the island when people meet for music and drinks.

La Saline les Bains & all the snorkelling you can imagine

The beach in Saint Paul is black and signs warn against swimming due to currents and sharks. Good that our next stop is a little further along the coast, where the beach is protected by a reef and it is safe to swim in the lagoon.

I should also mention that humpback whales migrate to La Réunion to have their young ones. Every day we see whales from the coast. It is amazing. Sometimes we see only their backs, and sometimes they jump.

In La Saline les Bains we have a cute Airbnb not far from the beach. We brought our snorkel and mask from home and just jump right in the sea. There are so many fishes between the corals. It is so beautiful and we cannot get enough of it. It is amazing to simply step into the lagoon and be surrounded by this tropical underwater paradise.

One day we go to Saint Gilles for a whale watching tour and see quite a lot of humpback whales. It is so beautiful to observe them from the boat. A mother and her cub are far away in the distance, but it is so beautiful to see the little one jump again and again. And I like the companies’ policies. They cut the engines when they are still quite far away from the whales and drift and just look. Sometimes the whales come closer, sometimes they do not. My last Kenya safari experience was different and I did not like it as much in parts. The drivers were following the lions too much for my taste, getting in their way, just so that we could get good photos.

Cilaos & some impressive hiking

After some beach time we are heading into the mountains. The ‘road of the 400 corners’ is taking us to Cilaos and getting there on the bus is already an adventure. The clouds are hanging low and the air is full of humidity, even though it is not raining. The contrast between the tropical beach and this green caldera could not be bigger. The inland of the island is dominated by the highest mountain, Piton des Neiges, which is 3000 metres high. There are lots of old, dormant volcanoes and an active one.

We cannot believe our eyes as we open the curtains the next morning. The clouds have vanished, the sun is shining and the view from our little terrace towards the green walls of the caldera is breathtaking. We love hiking in this verdant, subtropical landscape. It is breathtaking, the beautiful nature, as well as the strenuous paths. We hike up steep mountains, cross rivers, marvel at waterfalls and the high peaks surrounding us. We have such a wonderful time.

The food here is traditionally rice, lentils or beans and some form of carri (the creole version of curry) with fish, chicken or pork. We like the cuisine a lot. It’s fragrant without being too spicy. The mix between the Creole and the French is felt in many aspects of island life and the kitchen is no exception.

Piton de la Fournaise & an incredible volcano hike

After one night by the sea we are heading up the mountain again. This time our destination is the “most active volcano in the world”, the Piton de la Fournaise. We join a tour from a mountain tour guide and it is a lot of fun and very interesting since this way we can get off the marked paths. We see so many different types of lava, every shade of brown and black stretches out in front of us as we cross the caldera towards the main peak. The most recent eruption was in July, but there is one every year.

We go all the way up to the big crater and marvel at the beauty and the view. The area is so barren around us, the sun burns relentlessly from a near cloudless sky and the wind blows strongly. We do not stay long, but turn around and hike down the flank a little. In a wind protected spot we have our lunch, before we continue down the steep, but very grippy slope.

It was a fantastic hike and something very special. Usually I am not a group trip person. But the road to the parking at the outer crater rim is only accessible by car. We debated if we should rent a car and hike on our own or if we should join a group. In the end we went for the group option and were very happy with that. With a guide you can leave the marked paths and really explore. Didier told us a lot of facts and was a super guide.

Knowledge of French helps a lot on this island. Just like mainland France, most people only speak French or very limited English.

We travel by bus and enjoy the slow getting around. We could have gotten a rental car, but especially in the mountains it is nice to be driven and focus on the nature around you. La Réunion has a good bus system and getting around is not a big problem. We enjoy this holiday so much and cannot believe how lucky we are to have found this gem in the Indian Ocean.

We have been here almost two weeks and have seen and done quite a lot.

Saint Joseph & the Langevin Waterfall

Our last stop is the Langevin waterfall. We take the bus to Saint Joseph and since we can only check into our apartment in the evening, we spend the day at the Bassin de Manapany. Last time I swam in a salt water pool like this was in Australia. We enjoy the mix of sun and shade and jump in whenever we feel too hot. There is a small restaurant up the street and we go for smoked chicken, lentils and rice and some samoussas for lunch. This slow afternoon is a perfect example of our holiday here. Everything moves a little slower on the island, and yet a day is always filled with so many beautiful impressions.

The next day, we take a small bus partly up the valley and then we continue on foot. We walk up a small street past the Trou Noir waterfall. We enjoy walking along the lush green valley. The birds are chirping, bananas and mangos grow around us. Shortly before we reach the Langevin waterfall it gets a little more crowded. There are a few people here climbing among the boulders and at the viewpoint. We only stop here briefly to admire the water falling down into the basin. The colours are so beautiful: the lush green wall, the emerald water, the grey rocks…

Later we stop for a swim at the Trou Noir waterfall. The water is quite cold, but so refreshing. There are a few other bathers and some dogs in the cool pond.

A bus ride & a stop by the ocean

On the last day we finish the loop back to Saint Denis. We drive along sugar cane fields and pass small villages along the way. At the ‘plage de Tremblet’ we are getting off the bus and walk down to the coast. We find a shaded spot under some pine trees on the black lava rocks overlooking the ocean. This is a perfect spot for a little break and our lunch. A little further is the “youngest beach”, which was born out of a lava eruption in 2007. The green colour stems from olivine minerals and shines in the sunlight against the black rocks.

As we continue our bus ride later, we pass two older lava streams from when lava flowed into the ocean. It looks spectacular, even now after all these years. In the afternoon we finally reach Saint Denis and it feels familiar to get off the bus at the main bus station by the ocean.

We had a wonderful holiday and really enjoyed the diversity of the island. There was so much to do and see and experience. Before this trip we only had a vague idea of what to expect and we can safely say that our expectations were wonderfully surpassed.

Susanne xoxo

Der Beitrag La Réunion – an Island Holiday erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

It is still winter in South Africa, but the sun is shining and I cannot wait to be back in Cape Town. Last year I was here for the first time and loved it. We are all full of energy as we get to our hotel midday and plan to meet again in 30 minutes. If the layover calls for it, we can change quickly and be ready right away.

Table Mountain

At the valley station of the Table Mountain cable car we have to wait in line for a bit. Saturday is maybe not the best day to go, but we do not mind. We are chatting and admiring the view already and so time passes quickly. The city stretches out in front of us. The bay shimmers in the sunlight. Clouds are slowly creeping in, but soon we are in the rotating gondola and glide up the mountain.

The view over Cape Town and the bay is so beautiful. Robben Island is visible in the distance, Lion’s Head is sitting to the left, and the city stretches in front of us…

Table Mountain is 1067 metres high and up here it is quite cool. Some tourists are only wearing light summer clothing and freeze visibly. After a while the clouds take over completely and visibility is almost zero. It is cold and very wet as we finish our walk around the plateau. The landscape is still beautiful. Low bushes grow between the rocks, moss covers a lot of the surfaces and birds sail in the wind.

Already on the way down we sail through the clouds and are back in the sunshine. It was such a good idea to immediately set out after our arrival, so we could catch the Table Mountain views before the clouds came in. The weather can change quite quickly here at the Cape.

Tonight the crew meets for dinner in Camps Bay. It is always a nice experience to sit with everyone, share good food and wine, talk and laugh and exchange flight stories. Layovers can be such a lot of fun.

Stellenbosch

Last night, six of us decided to go on a wine tasting tour to Stellenbosch today.

We meet our driver at nine o’clock and immediately set out for the drive out of the city. Cape Town layovers are really not made for sleeping, they are action-packed.

Wild Callas grow along the highway and after having passed the biggest township of Cape Town, we are already nearing Stellenbosch.

We follow a small track through fields to our first vineyard. The rolling hills are beautifully green. The gnarly wines are without leaves, but with the green grass around it still looks pretty. A few guinea fowls run across our path. Signs warn of chameleons crossing. They are hibernating right now, but easy to spot in the summer, according to our guide. That would be wonderful to see. I have a completely new relationship with chameleons since I have seen a few now in Malta.

It is 11 o’clock in the morning and we are tasting our first three wines. It feels very decadent, but we love it. The sun has not fully come out yet and we are happy to sit inside close to the fire. The view over the pond and towards the hills is quite beautiful and I wonder how it must all look during harvest season, when the wines are at their peak.

Today it is Sunday and we stop in the centre of Stellenbosch for a walk around the Sunday market. People sell handicrafts, second hand clothing, self-made cosmetics and food. It is a nice atmosphere walking along the small streets and admiring the beautiful white houses from colonial times. They shine brightly against the blue sky and the distant hills. It has gotten warmer and we happily stroll around for an hour and get lost among the crowds. People are sitting outside cafés in the sun, soaking up the warm temperatures.

Our next vineyard is also our lunch stop. While we wait for our table, we try another two red wines. I am really looking forward to some food after having tried so many different wines already this morning. The food here in South Africa is always so delicious. This lunch is no different. We cosily sit together, enjoying our lunch and good conversations. We are a really nice group and get along very well.

For our last wine tasting we are able to sit in the garden of the estate overlooking the hills and the wines. The sun is shining and a hint of spring is lying in the air. Bougainvillaea are snaking up the white buildings. It looks so pretty. We enjoy our day very much. It all feels very luxurious and decadent today and sometimes that is just what you need.

A waiter passes by with a very good smelling dish for our neighbouring table. We quickly decide to order some cheesy nachos as well. Getting food inspiration like this is my favourite kind and it pairs so well with the red wine.

What luck we have had with the weather today. As we drive back towards Cape Town we can see the clouds hanging low.

Even though I am tired and had a good lunch, five of us go out to dinner again in the evening. Eating out is just always such an experience here. We are having a good time and enjoy the beautiful restaurant a lot. It is dark and moody and feels a bit like sitting in someone’s living room.

Bo-Kaap

Today, we are flying back home. But till then, we still have some time and so three of us decide to go to colourful Bo-Kaap. The area has a rich history and is said to be the oldest residential quarter of Cape Town. The houses are shining in the sunlight and there are quite a few tourists strolling around taking photos. I love the bold colours of the houses. Sometimes the neighbouring colours match and sometimes they form contrast, which is just as nice.

This was my second time in Cape Town after last year’s amazing trip to the Cape of Good Hope and it was just as special. We were very lucky with the weather and it only rained a little during the night. We were a really nice crew and had lots of fun together. There is still so much to see and explore and I cannot wait to come back and discover more of the Cape.

Der Beitrag Cape Town Calling… erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

There are six of us who would like to make the most of the free day we have in Nairobi. After arriving in the evening in our hotel, we organise a tour for the next day to the Nairobi National Park followed by lunch on the Karen Blixen estate. Sometimes being spontaneous is the best thing.

Already on the way to the entrance we spot some of the animals behind the fence. Everything is very dry and the dominating colours are grey and brown. In the beginning we see zebras, wildebeest, gazelles passing us in the distance. A male lion lies in the high grass, barely visible. In a waterhole a group of hippos enjoy the cooling water. A crocodile slowly swims past them. It is a slow start into the animal gazing, but we have time and enjoy the scenery around us.

We continue our drive and our driver always has one eye on his phone being in contact with other drivers. In the distance, the huge bridge of the fast train from Nairobi to Mombasa crosses the park in one straight line. Vultures are circling behind the bridge and we see a freshly killed gazelle. There are no lions in sight and we observe a group of giraffes sampling the acacia trees a little further.

Then we get a call that a lioness is on her way across the green strip towards us and the carcass. While we wait for her, a few more cars arrive. The drivers are a little too aggressive in our opinion and several times block the lionesses’ way. She seems undisturbed and moves easily between the cars to the gazelle. Another lioness appears and they briefly meet before they part ways again. They are such beautiful and majestic animals. It is incredible to observe. The vultures sit patiently close by and come back once the big cats have gone again.

On our way to another watering hole we come across a rhino and her little one. They are grazing and slowly moving towards the road and the cars. The young calf stays close to its mother, never venturing far. They pass behind us and gingerly jog across the dusty road, despite their massive bodies. Our driver switched off the engine and suddenly it is quiet enough to hear the sounds of the savannah. I like this a lot. The birds are chirping, the wind is swishing through the grass…

While driving we are mostly standing in the car, looking out through the roof. Dust is flying in our faces. I love the views. On one side of the park Nairobi‘s skyscrapers seem to grow out of the steppe. On the other side the park is open so that animals can migrate freely.

There are a lot of animals at the watering holes. Zebras, wildebeest and antelopes wade into the water despite the crocodiles resting on the shore not too far away from them. It is a nice mix of different animals coexisting side by side.

After leaving the Park, we are heading to lunch. Our driver takes us to the Karen Blixen Estate. The former coffee plantation now houses a museum and a little further down the road is a restaurant and guest house. Getting out of the car feels like stepping into lush greenery. The grounds are filled with palms and tall trees, as well as with lots of flowering bushes and smaller plants. We are sitting near the pool and feel very spoiled in these beautiful surroundings. Needless to say that our lunch is very delicious and we do not want to leave this oasis. We eat, we chat, we laugh….

It was an unexpectedly active and beautiful layover. Sometimes you do not need to make big plans in advance. We had such a good time together exploring the Nairobi National Park.

Der Beitrag Enjoying a Day Off in Nairobi erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

Popular among flight attendants and therefore hard to get… after many years I finally manage to grab one of those coveted Cape Town rotations and cannot believe my luck.

Hiking to Lion’s Head

It is 11am by the time we reach our hotel at the waterfront in Cape Town. Sunshine and clouds grace the sky and the temperature is a lovely 18 degrees Celsius. It would be a shame to go to bed now. Signal Hill is towering over the houses in the near distance. One of my colleagues also still feels energised despite the night flight and we decide to meet up and go for a hike.

We walk through the streets in the direction of Signal Hill. The Hill rises steeply in front of us. Behind the houses grows a small band of Eucalyptus trees followed by meadows covered in flowers. It is spring in South Africa and everything is blooming in yellow, purple, pink and glows in the sunlight. Butterflies soar past us. Big black beetles knock their bodies against rocks to attract partners with the sound.

The amazing views follow us all along the hike: the sea, the bay, Robben Island, the stadium, the different areas of Cape Town, the Table Mountain. We talk, we walk, and we stop in awe and admire the view. What a day.

Past Signal Hill we follow the path and continue on to the impressive Lion’s Head. The steep rocky hill rises right in front of us. The wind is our constant companion blowing coolly and strongly in from the sea. After a while we reach the rocky part with ladders and big steps.

The neighbouring Table Mountain is covered in clouds by now and we are happy to be hiking the smaller hill with the amazing 360° view from the top. Wisps of clouds fly by and we cannot believe our luck to be standing on top of the hill just a few hours after landing in Cape Town.

After climbing down the rocky part we take the path to the parking lot and order a taxi for the way back. The first rain drops start falling as we reach the road. Perfect timing.

Even though I went to bed later than I had planned to after our delicious dinner with the whole crew, I feel energised and excited for the tour to the Cape of Good Hope.

A day trip to the Cape of Good Hope

I already love the drive out of the city. The colonial houses of Downtown Cape Town give way to suburbs, vineyards, and then beach towns. There is so much to see and the time to Boulder Beach passes quickly.

A colony of around 2000 small South African penguins lives on the pristine white beach. Several groups stay on the beach and occasionally jump in the water for a swim. A few prefer the shade of the shrubs. Some are still sitting on their eggs, others care for their youngsters.

The contrast of the black and white animals against the white beach and turquoise water is amazing. Of course, there are a number of tourists on the boardwalks, but I could stay here all day and watch the penguins.

A second boardwalk follows the coastline through the shrubs. The vistas are so beautiful. At times it smells sweetly of flowers and then more pungent of penguin guano. From time to time I spot penguins hiding in the shade.

I have seen penguins now on Galapagos, in Australia and South Africa. I love the sweet little creatures.

The Cape region is home to a growing number of baboons. Shortly before entering the Cape National Park we encounter a baboon traffic jam. A group of them is occupying the road and they let us pass only reluctantly.

The vegetation is in full spring mode here as well. The area is more arid and without trees, but so beautiful. The salty spray of the massive waves crashing against the rocks lies in the air.

The Cape Point lighthouse sits high on the rock and the views are spectacular as we climb up. Here Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet; warmer water from the north hits colder streams from Antarctica.

Colonies of cormorants breed on the Cliffside. It is very green and wet from the spray. The colours, the contrasts… It is so beautiful.

There is a trail to the Cape of Good Hope. Little black lizards lie on the rocks. The flowers are blooming around us. Sea lions lie on rocks out in the sea. Here, there are once again many people. The sign for the Cape is a popular photo spot. Have I mentioned already that the views are spectacular?

From here we take the car back to Cape Town. Along the coast in the National Park we see antelopes and ostriches. It is our own little safari. The blue ocean spreads until the horizon to our left.

What a day! Again we meet for dinner and spend a lovely evening in good company.

The colourful beach huts of Muizenberg

Wednesday is our departure day. I want to use the time until 2 o’clock in the afternoon and drive to the beach in Muizenberg. We passed through here yesterday and I want to explore some more.

The Uber driver drops me off right at the parking space for the beach. Surfers are on- and offloading their boards. The waves are quite busy and so is the beach. I have come here mainly for the colourful beach huts right on the beach. In the centre of Muizenberg they are nicely renovated and painted. A little further off they are more in need of renovation. I imagine that they are not used as changing places as much anymore.

I am taking my shoes off and walk through the fine sand. The water is refreshing, I love listening to the waves, soaking in the sunshine, the good air, the wide views…

The path from Muizenberg to St. James follows the waterline. It is gorgeous. The waves crash into the rocks. I stop in a café by the railway station for breakfast and relax.

So this was my wonderful time in Cape Town. I had the best time and enjoyed myself so much. It is a wonderful feeling when you have built a destination up in your head and then it delivers and it is simply magical.

Der Beitrag Cape Town Adventures erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

A rotation with a day off in Nairobi certainly needs to be properly celebrated. You could say that the best plans are made at the pool bar in the evening with a cool drink in your hand. We decide on the details and in the end we are five colleagues who set out for a two day safari trip to Amboseli National Park the next day.

The Drive

The long drive is already an adventure. There is so much to see on the Nairobi-Mombasa road. The landscape is slowly changing. We pass through market towns and overtake a lot of trucks on the way.

Finally we turn onto the gravel track and the gate to the park is not far off now. For a brief second we spot some snow between the clouds. The mountain is there, but still hiding. The drive is an adventure. It feels a bit like a rollercoaster but I cannot take my eyes of the beautiful savanna. It is pretty dry here and the thorny bushes are only interesting to the grazing goats. The Maasai villages are surrounded by thick thorny bushes protecting them against wild animals.

An abundance of wildlife 

Once inside the park gate we soon come across the first animals: elephants, gazelles, wildebeests, zebras, warthogs, giraffes, so many different birds, baboons, ostriches and so many more. It is spectacular. It is spring and the baby animals jump around everywhere. The stripes on the little zebras are still a little brown. Wildebeests certainly are not the most beautiful animals of the savanna, however even their little ones look cute.

The water flowing down the mountain collects in swamps and a lake. Elephants stand up to their bellies in the swamp and feed off the grass. Flamingos adorn the lake and fish. In the lower lying parts of the park palm trees form a real forest. We are mesmerized by the spectacle in front of us.

Before we reach our lodge we pass through an abandoned lodge. It suffered from severe flooding roughly ten years ago and was subsequently abandoned. Now nature has taken it back: zebras pass between the huts and the buffalos use the lake access.

After a delicious lunch at the lodge we relax a little in the garden. Everything is lush and green and the gazelles graze close by. A short and heavy thunderstorm clears some of the oppressive heat. Hopefully we are going to see the mountain in the afternoon. All I wanted for this trip was to see Kilimanjaro. But Amboseli is famous for the abundance of animals and it does not disappoint. I am so happy I went on this little adventure.

Our afternoon drive

The damp earth smells delicious. It is still slightly overcast as we set out on our afternoon drive, but the Green is vibrant. We are standing most of the time and enjoy the views out of the roof of the car. We are amazed at the herds of animals grazing as far as the eye can see. What views.

We regularly check on the clouds surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro. And finally, after an hour the clouds slowly start lifting. We cannot believe our luck and the sheer beauty of the mountain as more and more of it emerges from the clouds. Two lionesses stroll in the distance and the famous umbrella acacias look so beautiful in front of the mountain.

From now on until we return back to the lodge our eyes keep shifting back to Kilimanjaro every once in a while. The mountain has to be the secret hero of the park. At the same time it is sad to see that there is not a lot of snow left on the top.

We pass a small group of elephants with their two little ones. Our guide estimates them to be about a month old. All baby animals are cute, but elephants have to be on the top of the list. They are so sweet as they discover the world around them and stop for a feed every once in a while.

The hippos are standing in the swamp. They are such amazing creatures, slowly munching on the grass. We love to slowly drive along the small roads, observing everything that is going on around us.

In between there are so many birds: big pelicans and crowned cranes, marabous and ibises, small singing birds and egrets. With all the bigger and more spectacular animals the birds almost fall a bit short.

We are really tired after such a spectacular day. The African concert of cicadas and other insects is just beautiful to fall asleep to. I dream of animals roaming the grasslands and am excited to get up at 5.45am for the morning drive.

Our morning drive

Our driver greets us with the fact that Kilimanjaro is clearly visible without a single cloud in the way. Driving out of the lodge compound and seeing the mountain stretch out in front of us with the pink morning sky leaves us speechless.

Already yesterday we heard talk of a cheetah with her four cubs being in the area. Today we want to try and find them. The car in front of us stops and we ask what they are observing. The family has spotted three lionesses very well hidden in the brownish grass. Today the road takes us closer to the green band of trees and bushes stretching out in front of the mountain. The colours and contrasts are so beautiful: brown and dry grass, lush green trees, the dark brown mountain and the blue sky.

A movement in the distance alerts me to something. We stop the car and there she is: the cheetah and her four little ones. The cubs are difficult to distinguish as they run around and play with each other. She is walking around a little, being alert, paying attention to her surroundings. We do not get tired of observing them. A few cars stop next to us and join us. After a little while she takes her cubs and vanishes in the bushes. What a spectacle. And we got to see it.

The sun has climbed over the low clouds on the horizon.  As we drive on we find a giraffe delicately picking leaves off the bushes. She slowly moves between the trees, directly in front of the mountain. It is a picture for a post card.

The three lionesses, which we have seen before in the distance, are now crossing the road in front of us. They are so beautiful, so graceful as they trot along the road. I am repeating myself in saying: what a wonderful safari.

After a delicious breakfast we start heading back to Nairobi. It is a long drive and we are flying back home tonight. We meet the elephant herd with their two little ones again before we leave the park. A giraffe says goodbye, a hyena lies next to the road and gives us a lazy glare.

What a beautiful Safari

We saw so many animals. The sheer masses of zebras, wildebeests and gazelles roaming the savanna were spectacular. Our group was lovely and we had lots of fun. It has been a dream of mine to see Africa’s highest mountain and Amboseli National Park did not disappoint. Five hours later we are back in Nairobi. A shower and siesta later I am ready for the flight back home. Thank you for an unforgettable safari!!

Der Beitrag A View of Kilimanjaro erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

Something keeps drawing be back to Morocco. My first trip to this beautiful country was in 2013 with my sister and now I have come back in November 2017 for an Arabic course. This time in Rabat I am staying at a guest family’s house with a few other students. In the mornings I attend classes with two other students and in the afternoon it is just me and the teacher.

I learn a lot, but still it remains difficult to communicate with people and I find myself switching to French whenever it gets more complicated. My feeling for the language improves a lot, though and I am proud of myself when I can buy things in the small shop around the corner speaking Arabic.

When thinking about what to do for the weekend Chefchaouen comes immediately to my mind. The last time I was here it rained and I would love to see the blue town in the sunlight. There are a few other students joining me on this trip.

My mornings start with an early stroll through the blue town. The alleyways are still empty, the shops are closed and only a few cats cross my path. There are so many beautiful shades of blue, doors, hidden courtyards. It is just mesmerising. I could walk for hours and just look and take it all in.

There is a viewpoint a little outside of town and it offers spectacular vistas of the cluster of blue and the surrounding hills. We stop at a place a little further for some mint tea and a tajine. The weekend is very relaxing. We have all been studying Arabic or French during the week and look forward to some exploring, some good food, and some nice company.

At the end of my two week language course I continue on to Essaouira. The town is really worth the long journey, four hours by train to Marrakesh and then three hours by bus. By the time I get to my Riad it is dark. Seagulls call, the moon is shining into the open courtyard and the smell of tajine from the owners wafts through the air. This feels like a mini-holiday.

I begin my stay here, the way I love to discover new places; I stroll around aimlessly admiring the sights. It is November, the main tourist season is over and there is a lot of construction and renovation going on. The medina and the souq offer a mix of touristy shops and everyday items for locals. I love exploring it all. My favourite spot is the little harbour. The blue fishing boats are beautiful. And for lunch the small restaurants along the shoreline offer the day’s catch. I brought my book with me and find a secluded spot at the beach. I really plan on enjoying the couple of days in Morocco before I have to head back to wintery Germany.

My last stop before flying home is Marrakesh. The difference between calm and quiet Essaouira and busy, loud Marrakesh could not be bigger. The colourful souqs swallow me and I love getting lost in the many different market areas. Now that there are fewer tourists about I get to talk to people more. I meet so many interesting people: shopkeepers, a man doing the prayer calls from a nearby mosque for his elderly father and many more. The outer rim of the souqs is where a lot of the workshops are. Weaving blankets, sewing leather shoes, banging copper pots, chiselling silver trays; there is so much happening.

Der Beitrag Language School in Morocco erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.