You want me to do what...go watch a choir?

While most of you woke up this morning to the sound of alarms, hairdryers and traffic, we were treated to a thick cloud of mist drifting through the valley surrounding our hotel. Yesterday’s after dark arrival yet again proved to be a blessing in disguise. When the cloak of darkness finally lifted off the mountains we were treated to the Drakensberg in all its glory. It was as if the mountain was boasting with its snow capped peaks.

Day two of our trip through the Drakensberg had officially begun and, to be honest, breakfast couldn’t have come a second too soon. After all the travelling, we finally had our legs back and were looking forward to a day of activities. For some, however, it took a bit longer to find our feet. A condition that’s brought about by consuming generous quantities carefully fermented liquids – or combinations thereof. One such combination, considered a local delicacy, is called a Springbokkie. It’s a mixture of peppermint liqueur and Amarula Cream and, even though it goes down like honey, it attacks you like an angry badger. Isn’t that right, Jess?

After breakfast, our only task was to select our activities for the day. One such activity, scheduled for later in the afternoon (I’ll get back to the other ones later) was a visit to the Drakensberg Boys Choir. Yes, I know what you’re thinking...a choir!? Especially if you keep in mind that other things to do include quad biking through the mountains and helicopter rides. Some of us were rather cynical about the idea of watching a bunch of boys in their early teens singing. Including me.

I guess it’s best to say that I was wrong then, very wrong. The Drakensberg Boys Choir is world renowned for their vocal prowess and has entertained audiences all over the globe. But to see them perform on their home pitch – so to speak – was downright unbelievable. From classics by Queen and The Beatles to indigenous South African songs, they caused goose bumps with every note. After their performance, each and every one of us was in concurrence that this was the best thing we could have done. I suppose the moral of the story is that overseas travelling has many twists and turns. And the only way to get to the end of that road is to explore every possible avenue. It’s the only way to discover the unexpected.

But enough of that, back to the rest of the day. The fun started with quad biking and as our guide said, “The wetter the better.” We had a bit of rain last night, which meant that the trail was a rather muddy affair. Add to that a bunch of people who have never ridden a quad bike and, well, you can imagine. Once person in particular, Kerry Anne, volunteered herself as the day’s laughing stock. Her first detour through the bushes could have been excused if it wasn’t for the fact that there weren’t really bushes around. However, her second excursion off the path was a gem. Coming down a steep hill she had to take a sharp bend to the right. Problem is, she didn’t turn, and in a complete malfunction of her motoring skills, neglected to brake too. Without warning our convoy had been reduced to six bikes. Luckily, apart from a bruised ego and two guides wrestling her bike from the bushes everything turned out just fine.

While all this was going on, another part of our group visited the Didima Rock Art Centre. It’s a cultural centre dedicated to the San people’s (Bushmen) rock art. It takes a close look at their 4000-year history and relationship with the local wildlife, especially the Eland (large African antelope). It’s a world class facility and Jan, our resident history buff, was particularly impressed with the way it’s all presented.

One thing that seems to be true about all these activities is that they make you hungry. And here’s where an old adage couldn’t be more relevant – when in Rome do like the Romans do. Our eyes set upon the menus like ravenous dogs and for many of us the temptation of a cheeseburger proved too much. It was only once the ostrich steaks (very local) wrapped in bacon and grilled in a red wine reduction arrived, that Daniel and Hannah’s burgers didn’t look, or taste, very Roman.

After that we headed off to the choir performance and then back to the hotel. And what did I say about these activities? They make you hungry. Right now there’s a buffet with my name written all over it, just sitting there, waiting. Who knows, maybe I’ll something I’ve never had before. It could make for an interesting South African story.
Until tomorrow.

For more information please go to http://www.pandemonium.co.za/