I think the best way to cover the past few months is to upload a few (well, a bunch) of my very favorite photos from Cape Town and Mozambique. Of course these photos will never be able to encapsulate my entire experiences in these unbelievable places, but I'm hoping they'll do a somewhat decent job of giving you a little glimpse into what was an absolutely amazing, unique, emotional, challenging, eye-opening and life-changing experience. I met so many people that I will never forget, I learned an incredible amount about the ocean, the species I love, and the threats facing South African wildlife, I was able to dive amongst some of the worlds most beautiful creatures, and I experienced cultures in both Cape Town and Tofo that were beyond what I could have ever imagined and that taught me so much about the world and myself. I can't begin to describe how grateful I was for these experiences and how much they will lend to my future. I fully plan to head back someday, whether it be for graduate school, another internship, or simply an extended vacation. Both Cape Town and Tofo are such incredible places... I am one lucky lady. With that said, here are some of my favorite photos from the last four months or so:
Myself and a few friends before a freeeezing cold wreck dive in Hout Bay
Cool shot of a distorted-looking White from the boat
My Canadian roomie and great friend, Gen
My favorite sea creature :) Junvenile White shark with a rusty hook and line in its jaw.
Me and Gen in Mozambique, first time around. Amazing, warm, crystal-clear water.
The 'rents and I on a game drive at Inyati Game Reserve. Unbelievable experience.
The hippo that emerged from the river right next to us. This guy was hilarious.
Sundowner drinks at a watering hole during our evening game drive
One of many rhinos we were lucky enough to see up close and personal
Male leopard tracking a female to find her cubs in order to kill them so he could mate with her. This guy was on a serious mission.
Male lion eating a young female buffalo, killed by his pride the night prior
Out on Animal Ocean with my favorite Stevo and the fam. So glad they got to meet!
GoPro image of Boulders, where the penguins are. Love this little camera.
Lunch at a beautiful winery, Mont Rochelle, in Franschoek along the Garden Route
Shot of the water and beautiful sandstone at De Hoop Nature Reserve
There were tons of these guys washed up along the shore at Buffelsbaai.. lucky to find this one still alive and moving around in a little inlet off the beach
Cool rock formation at a small secluded beach in Plettenberg Bay
One of many gorgeous sunsets at Llundadno Beach... miss this so much.
Llundadno.. easily one of my favorite places in the world to watch a sunset
Andreas and I at Signal Hill after a windy day hike
Sunset from Signal Hill.. can't be beat.
My little Canadian roomie Jaime and myself before heading out in Cape Town for NYE
My Swedish roommate Karin and me taking a dip at the gorgeous waterfall that was the end to an unbelievable hike in Tsitsikamma National Park
Karin and I about to watch the sunset in Plett
Gorgeous view from a hike near Plett
Yet another unreal sunset at Llundadno Beach. Ahhhh, Cape Town.
View from our hostel in Tofo (second time around)
Casey and me diving in Tofo's crystal waters
My favorite Tom Pound showing off his cool new outdoor shower. At least the water worked in one shower of the house!
Sunset over the swamp area behind Tom, Zoe, Casey, Cassie, and Wade's place
My American buddy Jason and I before a night out in Tofo
Love these people to the moon and back.. so much fun
Happy as can be in my seal suit
Myself and some of my favorite buddies at Fatima's in Tofo.
Jason and I perfecting our beach bum skills
The end of the beach in Tofo near Casa Barry
Local fishermans' boats that they take out every morning at the crack of dawn
English Casey and I at their new Divemaster digs in Tofo
One of my favorite people ever: English Rich. Hilarity.
Myself and another wonderful Englishman. If interested in anything marine/conservation related, check out Aaron's underwater videography/photography/filmmaking/magazine writing at his website: www.aarongekoski.com (won't let me load a link here for some reason) He has some really incredible stuff.
Some crazy kids at our unbelievably delicious braai
Cassie, Wade, and Nick, the lovable Tofo Scuba DM's
Sunset in Moz.. can't get much better than that.
Well, I guess that's about it for now. Like I said, these pictures don't come close to doing this experience justice, but they give a little snapshot of the last half of my time in Africa. Hope you enjoyed them! Seattle updates soon to come :) Love to all!
