Just Passing Through ....... those wonderful creatures

Those wonderful creatures of nature that frequent our home. Recently three simple events occurred that remind us of why we enjoy living away from the hustle and bustle of city living.


GECKO

Just after Xmas we happen to notice a small yet hugely fat Gecko wondering our inside wall, without a care in the world. I would guess he filled up on numerous insects over the previous days/ nights including our dreaded mosquito.

They are normally nocturnal but this one was out in the daytime hours. Their feet / toe-pads being adhesive based, allow for scaling of smooth vertical services without challenge including ceilings. An added benefit is that they are self-cleaning hence this little creature is pretty hygienic in nature.

The Gecko's lacks eyelids which are replaced with a thin membrane. One will see them continuously licking their eyes clean as there move along. Cool little fellows !!! Always welcome in our home.

SPOTTED THICK_KNEE DIKOP

Our next surprise was the presence of a pair of Dikop birds seeming to be scouting the area.  A few days later we saw them again, our garden becoming their preferred choice of home. It was great to see two young ones dashing under mom's wings away from danger every now and again.

These birds are difficult to see when sitting low in the grass due to their natural spotted camouflage. Funny thing is they too are nocturnal so not sure why they were so active during the day.

They feed on seeds, insects, lizards and small mammals

For the next week or so we enjoyed their company, watching the antic's and general chick growing pains. There was the periodic absence of the father only to see him return shortly thereafter with food. We insisted our visitors make a detour  to our door during this time which in itself was a bit of fun. Group-ups Tip toeing around these tiny creatures trying desperately hard not to stress them out.






Sadly I got too clever, leaving a Watermelon for them to munch on. Seems this chased them away never to be seen again.



The lesson, ....... leave nature well alone!!!












MOUSEBIRD

Bryony and I were enjoying our lunch when we heard this awful thud above followed moments later by another to our left.



It took a moment or so to realize that a Mouse-bird had flown into our Upstairs window only to fall concussed onto our outside table.

At first I thought it had broken its neck, so still was it. I was about to bin it when suddenly it twitched in the palm of my hand.



A little later one eye opened which seemed terribly unfocused and confused. During this time I tried to keeping it cosy and warm so as not to stress it out. After what seemed about 5 minutes I tested for broken bones and legs which all seemed fine.



Throughout the 5 minutes I tried to keep it awake, gently blowing into its face as its eye's wanted to close. What do I know, in the movies when someone is dying, the person close by tries to ensure the injured continues to keep their eyes open by talking etc.




Once it became apparent that the bird could stand unsteadily, and hobbling around, I transferred it to our garden under close observation, offering it drops of water which it struggled to digest.

Another few minutes passed it which point it could focus. Soon as it gained its bearing it immediately flew into a low hanging branch, just peeping at me with what seemed to be amazing interest.


While taking these pic's I must have got too close as suddenly it regained its strength and flew off to a higher branch.

Hopefully he is still flying around out there somewhere enjoying Gods gift of life.!!

SERVAS- Fostering peace worldwide-

As promised, here we are again with hopefully more valuable travel tit-bits.

Having discovered Couch-Surfing we assumed it to be the ultimate solution to communing with those folk similar to ourselves, and truly this is the case, .... well almost !!!

As it happened, we were hosted by 3x Couch Surfer members who also so happened to belong to another group of absolutely incredible folk. In the scheme of things there is much similarity, but in another not so much. Couch-surfing being more of a huge community of "travelers" joined together, sharing, experiencing, and enjoying the gift of travel etc.

Not to detract from all the wonderful reasons why CS is fantastic, let me introduce you to ;

  SERVAS

Since inception in 1948 and just after the 2nd World War, a Mr Bob Luitweiler ( a peace activist of the time) dedicated his life to fostering relationships between previously warring nations / cultures. The idea being to offer worldwide hospitality, friendship, openness and most importantly, PEACE. This is a place for those wishing to learn about other cultures, their perspectives on life and for and a need to understand their respective value systems. A place of acceptance, yet more importantly that of valuing human relationships.

SERVAS is an independent non-profit, non-political group, and is not associated with any religious nor government agency. Joining this organisation comes at little cost, basically to cover internal administration etc.

Although not yet members, we are in the throws of applying. Turns out an interview with another recognized member is necessary prior to acceptance which is in itself a major benefit. The security of knowing someone responsible has vetted each and every member cannot be over emphasized.

Wish us luck, who knows we may just be too irresponsible for this group!!

Couchsurfing?.......The answer to International travel !!! No, this is not a question, it's a statement!!

During the planning stage of our 2014 USA trip, and after many weeks of searching the Web for cost effective accommodation options, costs, etc, it became apparent that with incorporating even the least costly would have a significant impact on our ability to stay longer than 4 weeks.


After exhausting the options on the Web and being totally demotivated, a kind lady from a Camp Site in USA suggested that "Couch surfing " would be our only solution. The name itself conjured up visions of selling ones organs / body in exchange for a bed etc and didn't leave me with much promise...... but how wrong was I!!

I searched:  https://www.couchsurfing.com  and read, and read,and read,

.....Seemed like there were crazy folk out there simply offering to be friendly, compassionate, trusting, etc. Fellow travels with similar aspirations prepared to open their homes to those seeking to enjoy without blowing the travel budget. Nothing was asked for in return except camaraderie, sharing, laughter, travel stories etc.   ...... Hard to believe but true.  

Oh, and of course the need to reciprocate..... (the preferred option that allows Couch Surfing to stay alive!!)

 Not only was this thing "Couch-surfing"a huge surprise, but more so rejoicingly (not sure if this is a word) good news., Through the generosity of others, our trip could now take on the reality of my original imagination. The otherwise short "whistle stop tour" now had wings to fly!!!!  With the original accommodation costs estimate now being slashed by over R 12 000. ($ 1 000), our trip could now allow for over two months stay depending on transport costs (this story for another post).



In the beginning we entered homes with in-trepidation and suspicion, wondering if this was the time when we stepped into the house of the "Axe Murderer" !!  Alas, this was never to be. Turns out everyone beginning the journey of Couch-surfing started out with similar thoughts of resultant disaster striking.



Make no mistake, there are many, many, groups within Couch Surfing so just be sure to join those with similar and personal characteristics as yourself. Stay away from questionable groups or those not representing you and yours. Other groups within Couch-surfing include but not limited to Nudists, Gays, etc. so be selective in your quest to meet like minded folk.



Can you believe it, travelers have been doing this for over 10 years now, ....... and we didn't know about it?.... one learns something new every day!

....... and then there are other folk around the world, similar to but not the same as Couch Surfing 

..stay tuned for more .....

Meet new friends, foster peace, localize the experience, swop travel stories, experiences and lessons learnt from others.

How does one describe the Wonderful world of Sharing and Togetherness between travelers in a few words? With difficulty that's for sure.

How does one enjoy every foreign location visited as a local while simultaneously making new friends along the way? How is it possible to foster love and friendship between cultures while abroad?

The answer is pretty simple, yet requires commitment to treat others as you wish to be treated. Yep , that simple!!!. There as so many like minded people out there who do not wish to follow the TOURISTS, nor stay in IMPERSONAL hotels while traveling. On the reverse of the same coin there are folk just waiting to embrace travelers, offering a safe place to bed down, getting to know you, enjoying a few laughs etc knowing that one day another, in another country will reverse the role by returning the favo(u)r of hosting them when abroad. .... HOW GREAT IS THAT!!!

We have been fortunate enough to meet extraordinary folk where ever we travel!!!. Fortunate enough to befriend many that have now become close friends and or adopted family. More importantly though, instilled in us the ABSOLUTE NEED to foster, peace, togetherness, camaraderie and our home to the wary traveler

We thank God for blessing our lives every day, being able to meet like minded folk while enjoying His beautiful creations on this earth.

In the next few posts we will introduce the WONDERFUL WORLD as described above. Don't go away now!!

But just before we go, please meet our adopted parents from Bulgaria !!!!.  WE LOVE THESE PEOPLE SOOOOO MUCH !!!

Our Adopted parents in Bulgaria!!! 

(FAH) .THE PLAN...."While we plan, God laughs"......1st leg..

THE PLAN... he, he, ..

9th  April @ 9 pm.     Boston Arrival = Searching for a Couch (SFC)
10th                             Franklin. (favorite USA Sister in Law) ....Karen and Family !!
14th                             Philadelphia. (Couch).
16th                             Youngwood or surrounds = Searching for a Couch (SFC)
17th                             Columbus or surrounds    = SFC
18th                             Cincinnati.  ( Couch)
20th                             Louisville or surrounds    = SFC
21st                             Nashville or surrounds     = SFC ( tentative)
23rd                             Memphis  ( Couch)
26th                             Little rock  or surrounds   = SFC
27th                             Fort Smith or surrounds   = SFC
28th                             Oklahoma or surrounds    = SFC
30th                             Amarillo ( House sit)
14th May                     A PLAN FOR ANOTHER DAY ..... ( Albuquerque AND BEYOND ?)

( See maps for now but will update as time goes by )
Feel free to offer couches, friends couches, family couches, .....

FINDING A HOST.......... similar to "Finding Nemo"....... just more exciting!!!...

"FINDING A HOST"  A True Story   

The trails and tribulations of locating those elusive yet wonderful hosts out there ......

Follow the enthralling adventures as they unfold. Become one with the Story, embrace the Spirit of Adventure, feel the Intrigue and Rush of adrenalin as we leave no stone un-turned in our pursuit to unravel and harness the Power of togetherness.

Although sometimes Scared do not be Alarmed.
Although sometimes despondent, be Brave.
Although tiring, be Persistant,    as .....Nothing Great ever achieved has been done without it!!!!

Lets begin, ...........

This trip begins on 8th April 2015  the auspicious birthday of the one penning this story. Arriving at Boston around 9 pm on the 9th. The immediate mission is to "find a HOST" ( FAH). One that will suffer through late night conversations only known by a few.(those present). Sleep will be delayed yet embraced as wonderful travel experiences are told and foretold. Finally sleep will overcome excitement, yes sleep,  BLISSFUL sleep.

The following late morning shake-up will bring with it "Wind-in-our Ears" as we are smoothly rocked by the gentle swaying of the Many Wheeled Beast feverishly moving beneath us. Finally, we arrive at Franklin Station sapped of energy, yet ready for disembarkation and motivated to take on the fast paced "Walk to Karen", .... "Yes! you know who you are !!!!, We're just minutes away but no need for alarm, we come in peace bearing Love and Gifts. Our keenness for hugs and kisses by the whole family (and dog) will be our just reward. Finally a milestone achieved!!!. 

The time approx 5 pm 10th April 2014. - departure expected on 14th April. 

Having embraced and thoroughly enjoyed the "Way to Few" blissful days with family its time to move on. The Trip now begins in earnest. With the Van primed and ready to accommodate our every need, wish and desire, "forever the bringer of  those places and people afar, closer!!.."

Now having four wonderful HOSTS in place, we say many thanks to those wonderful Americans out there! To those still prepared to once again suffer through our company, and those not yet sure but willing to take a chance.  Without you folk, our trip would simply be : TOO SHORT AND TOO BORING!!..... and not worth the effort

 See (FAH 2)....for schedule ( ... while we plan, God laughs......... but we will remember to embrace change !!!).

The Times they are a-changing ( Bob Dylan) ... and so is our route.... :) :)

As every plan every put together, ..... expect change and embrace it!!.

Our trip has now taken a few new tacks leading us inward from Philadelphia, through Cincinnati, down through Nashville and then Memphis. Hopefully a little break there prior to moving southwest through Oklahoma to our house sitting job in Amarillo. Things are hazy after that but we may be passing up San Francisco to enjoy a few of the great USA Nat Parks.

Please see: " Finding a host" , by Ron Downs .........
(sorry not a book but just a blog entry name. he, he)

Please feel free to offer thoughts, ideas, etc .
Have a great day all

The 1st stage of the journey

The 2nd Stage .......Expect a few changes

The 3rd Stage.... Expect a few more changes

CAMPER VAN- USA 2014 - Honda Oddyses

Just a few pic's of our "Camper Van" from USA Trip 2014.

It's an old girl with 290 000 miles on the clock when purchased. We traveled 5600 miles without much hassle. She treated us well, kept us warm and safe while camping and offered a comfortable drive. Hopefully she repeats the fantastic service for this years travels which we anticipate to be over 13 000 miles.  :).

Improvements for 2015 will include, outdoor shower, skylight for air ( stuffy sometimes). 12 volt inside fan, 2nd hand bicycles (hopefully to be purchased at Garage sales.

Bicycles loaned from House Sitting job ( permission granted of course!!

Rear before carpentry

Rear after carpentry.

Wood and tool usage / supply from our kind house sitting Host who had some spare after building his Houseboat. Hinges , string, paint etc from thrift stores. Three draw cupboard and black throw-over from Garage sale.

Porta potty from Thrift store. A perfect fit, the smallest I've seen yet absolutely perfect for No 1. ( ONLY !!!!). Those night time emergencies when not wishing to wander outside ....  :)  :)

This rear section. I would like to create an outside shower arrangement by surrounding the lift up door with a shower curtain for privacy. Water to be supplied from tank above the roof which hopefully will bake warm in the sun (painted black !!)

Outdoor Coffee time

Camping. Flyscreen  for the mozzies....  Screen from Thrift store

Picnic along the way ( breakfast actually)

Access  to cooler from inside. Bryony is sitting on our bed which consists of 2x single thin blow up mattresses having an inner foam center. A most comfortable bed allowing for a fully stretched out sleep. Our sleeping bags simply placed on top of the black throw-over.

Dismantle video. I have more but didn't feel the need to bore...