#Cape Town travel guide

[delusionalbubble]

Discover Cape Town in Just Three Days: The Ultimate Itinerary

Looking for the Best Cape Town Three Days Itinerary? Cape Town, South Africa is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and there’s no shortage of things to do and see. With its stunning coastline, majestic mountains, and rich cultural heritage, Cape Town is the perfect destination for a short break. Cape Town is one of the cleanest cities in Africa, as well as being one of the most…

[andre64]

TOP AWARDS FOR BONNIEVALE WINES

Bonnievale Wines has crowned a record, award-winning year with fresh accolades in recent days from two leading championships, namely the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge and Platter’s South African wine guide.

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                    8 December 2022 TOP AWARDS FOR BONNIEVALE WINES UNDERSCORE LEGACY OF QUALITY Bonnievale Wines has crowned a record, award-winning year with fresh accolades in recent days from two leading championships, namely the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge and Platter’s South African wine guide. At the former,…

[southafricatravel]

Exploring the Top Cape Town City Attractions: A Guide for Travelers

Welcome to our guide on exploring the top Cape Town city attractions! If you're planning a trip to this vibrant South African city, you're in for a treat. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture, Cape Town has something for every traveler. From iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Robben Island to bustling markets and world-class restaurants, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the Mother City. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or foodie enthusiast, this guide will help you navigate through the must-visit spots that make Cape Town one of the most exciting destinations in the world. So pack your bags and get ready to explore all that this amazing city has to offer!

Marvel at the Views from Table Mountain

Rising over 1,000 meters above sea level, Table Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and its surroundings. A cable car ride to the summit is a must-do for any visitor to the city.

The views from Table Mountain are truly spectacular.

On a clear day, you can see as far as Robben Island.

Bring your camera for some unforgettable snapshots.

Don't miss this iconic attraction during your visit to Cape Town!

Discover the History of Robben Island

Rich Past: Robben Island is steeped in history, serving as a prison for political prisoners during apartheid.

Nelson Mandela: The most famous inmate on the island was Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years of his 27-year sentence there.

Guided Tours: Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the island's dark past and its transformation into a symbol of hope and reconciliation.

Experience firsthand the significant historical importance of Robben Island as you explore this iconic landmark in Cape Town.

Shop and Dine at the V&A Waterfront

Discover a world of shopping and dining options at the vibrant V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. With over 450 stores, including high-end boutiques and local artisans, you'll find everything from fashion to crafts. Indulge in delicious meals at one of the many waterfront restaurants offering diverse cuisines.

Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque marina or enjoy a boat ride to experience stunning views of Table Mountain. Don't forget to visit the Watershed, a hub for African design showcasing unique pieces from talented creators across the continent.

Highlights:

Explore over 80 restaurants catering to every taste bud.

Shop for souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and more at exclusive boutiques.

Enjoy live music performances while savoring fresh seafood by the waterfront.

Explore the Colorful Bo-Kaap Neighborhood

Discover the Bo-Kaap Neighborhood

Experience the vibrant culture of Cape Town in the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Explore quaint cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted houses that reflect the area's multicultural history. Snap photos of picturesque buildings adorned with intricate designs and vibrant hues.

Taste Local Flavors

Indulge in traditional Cape Malay cuisine at local eateries serving up flavorful dishes like spicy curries, samoosas, and decadent koeksisters. Experience the rich culinary heritage of the Bo-Kaap community by sampling exotic spices and flavors passed down through generations.

Immerse Yourself in History

Visit local museums and heritage sites to learn about the fascinating history of Bo-Kaap, from its origins as a township for former slaves to its vibrant present-day culture. Engage with friendly locals who are eager to share their stories and traditions, providing an enriching cultural experience during your visit to this iconic neighborhood. To learn more, visit our blog.

Stroll Through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Discover the beauty of South Africa's diverse flora with a leisurely walk through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Wander along peaceful pathways surrounded by vibrant blooms and majestic trees.

Take in panoramic views of Table Mountain as you explore the carefully curated gardens.

Stop by the Boomslang canopy walkway for a bird's eye view of the lush landscape below.

Unwind on the lawns with a picnic or enjoy a cup of tea at one of the garden cafes.

Embrace nature's tranquility at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where each step brings you closer to the wonders of Cape Town's botanical treasures.

Visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach

Experience the charm of African penguins up close at Boulders Beach, a fascinating destination just outside Cape Town. Stroll along the wooden walkways and watch these delightful creatures waddle and swim in their natural habitat.

Why Visit:

Witness adorable penguins in their native environment.

Enjoy scenic views of majestic boulders framing pristine white sands.

Learn about conservation efforts to protect these endangered animals.

Make sure to bring your camera for some unforgettable photo opportunities with these quirky birds!

Immerse Yourself in Culture at District Six Museum

Step into the rich history of Cape Town at the District Six Museum. Discover stories of resilience and community amidst a backdrop of oppression and displacement.

Explore exhibits showcasing the vibrant culture that once thrived in this diverse neighborhood.

Hear firsthand stories from former residents who faced forced removal during apartheid.

Engage with interactive displays that bring to life the struggles and triumphs of those affected by these dark chapters in South African history.

Experience a profound sense of connection as you delve into the heart-wrenching realities faced by the people of District Six. This museum serves as a poignant reminder of both past injustices and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.

Hire a Private Minibus and Driver for a Day of Cape Town Sightseeing

Experience the best of Cape Town with a private minibus and driver at your service. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights as you explore top attractions in the city.

Skip the hassle of driving and parking, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Cape Town.

Customize your itinerary to visit iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Let your knowledgeable driver guide you through the city's history and culture, making your sightseeing adventure both educational and enjoyable.

[travelernight]

South Africa’s Winelands: Experiencing the Best Vines and Views

[africulturechronicles]

Cape Town 2023 Guide: Must-See Attractions and Wildlife Adventures #afri...

[kyri45]

ISAT Sky Cotl AU Headcanons Masterlist

Here's the masterpost of the AU with all the comic! Feel free to suggest more if you want!! The list will be updated as the story goes to avoid major spoilers

About the Light /Wishcraft

Everything that is triggered originally in SKy in the AU is triggered by wish craft, which is a power that comes directly from the stars.

The island is filled with mechanism that recognize wish craft users and are modelled based on constellations

Most emotes are the equivalent of different forms of advanced craft hand signs, and each can be used like in Sky to activate certain doors (or to be able to call for creatures, or do other stuff like floating etc...)

There's a high concentration of star (wish) magic at the highest point of the Kingdom (where the eye of eden is currently) and if the habitant get's too far away from the island they wont be able to use some of their original abilities derivated from them (like for example they can't regenerate their wing levels)

About the habitant of the Island

Everyone is born naturally, but they all come from a line of people who were moslty made of stardust

The different seasons are periods of time like the chinese years, and are used as a reference for when people were born or even occurred.

People wear pendants with the season symbol they were born in. The season you were born in doesn't necessarily reflect your personality but can influence your passion

Every year, on the birthday of each sky kid, they meditate at the temple of the prince to visit Orbit and gain more power from the stars. They then come back with new "wings" every time. All kids do it with their parents or guardians until the age of 17th, which is the mark of them gaining their 6th wing wedge. From then on, they are officially considered an adult and can fly to orbit by themself. (I'm dividing the sky levels in half, since no one could live up to 200 years, so 4 wings is 5 y/o, 5 wings is 10 y/o, 6 wings is 17/18 y/o, 7 wings is 27 y/o, etc…)

People can decide to follow one of the Elders based on what they want to do in life/ which elder they are closer to (Dawn elder teaches navigation throught the stars, Forest elder teaches creativity and architecture, Valley twins trains your phisical ability and the Vault elder teaches you about the more advanced crafts). After they succeded in all the quests and finished their studies, they are blessed by the elders (which is the equivalent of finish one of the constellations, so you get the same gifts. Yes, the Valley Twin gift is literally them just allowing you to copy their haircut)

Moths are the equivalent of very young kids who still haven’t figured out which kind of person they want to be, which Elder they prefer to follow.

Elders are as big as they are for the same reason of the King in ISAT, the abnormal amount of craft they use is reflected in a collateral effect in their body

About their colture

Paper boats are rituals they used to send messages and wish anonimously, and are crafted so they can't get wet in the water

All capes are crafted so that you are always not too cold or too hot regardless of the climate

Creatures such butterflies, manta, fish and bird all are made of stardust as well, and recognize sky people as one of them and are able to charge them like in Sky

Their language is written with an alphabeth based on constellation shapes

SInce constellations are seasonal you would end up having different events based on the constellation they are under at the moment (days of nature, days of color, days of love, days of fortune)

About Siffrin

lived on the more outside part of the island, in the towns over the black sand beach (isle of dawn) which is the only part of the Kingdom open to visitors, travellers, traders, merchants.

Siffrin was born during the season of Performance and the Performance Guide was one of their first childhood presence during his first years. He continued to be passionated by acting even though he didn't live in Valley, but he and their parent still visited the Village Theather occasionaly to see some of their spectacle.

Had their cape made by his mother as custom, and before coming back to the island could never understand why it was so important that he should always wear it.

Siffrin before the events in the game always felt weird when it rained, was like slowed down and tired and sleepy. (by @forwonderfulpeople)

His call is the bird one (by @lone-owl-s-nest )

About The Wish (AKA The Eye of Eden)

The wish created a cataclysm so big people, not even Elders, can rememeber which was the original wish that caused it.

it made dissapear all people who were on the island, leaving only a spark of their memory

The Wish make you both forget and lose your wish craft power.

Krills are very big sadness

[sssammich]

For supercorp 💗 🥹🥹

💗 slow kiss / gentle kiss / inevitable / soft

thanks for your patience, anon! alas, i have gone overboard once more because i cannot help myself.

ask meme

---

she's been given a mandatory month off from supergirl duties. she's not sick, she hasn't solar flared, and she's not hurting for any freelance work that requires her attention. she had simply been told that she needed to take the time off and to avoid any caped hero work unless absolutely necessary.

so that's why she's here now, without superhero work for the next thirty days. free to do whatever she wants.

after the initial shock washes over her, she places her hands on her hips and nods towards alex and j'onn. she knows exactly what she wants to do with her freedom.

"okay."

"look, before you fight th--okay?" alex stares at her, wide eyes mirroring kara's. "really?"

she shrugs, already heading towards the elevator. no need to fight the inevitable. "really."

as the elevator doors close in front of her, she can't help smirking in amusement at the identical confused expressions on both of their faces.

she has one destination in mind.

-

she knocks on the massive wooden door, though she knows she doesn't need to. it's a formality at this point considering the unrestricted access that she's been granted to enter the top floor of this condominium highrise.

still, she waits, because the anticipation is half the fun.

her face splits into an easy smile when lena opens the door to her with her own toothy grin.

"heya," she greets, stepping foot into what she calls home: within lena's arms.

"hello to you, too," lena says, swift yet careful in wrapping kara in her arms. her hands are open as they rub circles on kara's back. kara sinks further into lena's embrace, pulling lena further into her. "how are you?"

"i'm great."

lena stares into her eyes. "yeah?"

"oh yeah. i'm on vacation." she emphatically nods.

lena beams at that. "funny you say that. me too."

she quirks a brow at that, though she shouldn't be surprised. a month vacation doesn't just fall into people's laps without explanation. "yeah?"

"oh yeah," lena mimics her.

kara, still holding lena in her arms, pulls the other woman back in, the two of them swinging in place. "what a coincidence, right?"

lena throws her head back in laughter.

-

they arrive in a private villa off the coast of naples.

it's a modest hillside two bedroom house that overlooks the gulf below. when the local guide roll their suitcases for them, he unknowingly wheels lena's to one room and hers to the other. she smirks and lena tips him handsomely--enough that his olive skin tinges in embarrassment at just how much is in his hands. when their eyes meet after he leaves, they break into a giggle.

because they know the truth, despite not uttering a word of it: why bother taking up more room when right by each other's side is all the space they'll want to take.

despite the destination of her luggage, her body follows after lena to the other room, the one with the better view of the water. just as well, lena's body follows after her when they busy themselves in the kitchen to make themselves a quick dinner. when they finish, they share the hammock sitting out on the back deck, lena's head on her chest and her arms around her waist, while kara's arms wind their way in holding lena against her, their limbs tangled.

when lena yawns a few too many times, they call it a night. lena leads, their hands entwined, and they end up on lena's bed, drawing back the thin covers enough to stave off the inevitable cool night air.

-

they walk everywhere, always touching. a hand on the arm the elbow the bicep the small of her back. an arm slung over a shoulder or hooked together.

it's when they reach a destination that kara's courage grows, that lena's bravery broadens.

when they travel to the town square market as they shop for groceries that lips find their way on one another's skin; the temple the cheek the forehead.

when they treat themselves to a picnic right by a vineyard and lena is leaning back on her between her legs, lips chance on a bare and pale shoulder.

when they lounge in the hammock and lena is resting on her chest, lips chance on collarbones and behind the ears.

when they tire themselves out from full days, fuller stomachs, and fullest hearts that they are in bed and lena is facing her and their legs are tangled with one another, lips chance on entwined hands and fingers.

each one given freely, each one received gracefully.

soon, kara thinks, this will all change. especially when they cross the final threshold between them. though that's a formality at this point, all things considered.

still, she will wait until that happens, more than happy to be exactly where she is.

-

thirty days is long and short and is plenty and is not enough.

on their last day while they wait for their local guide to collect them, they stand on the corner edge of the back deck, lena in her arms as they overlook the gulf for the last time.

"i don't want to go back to work," she murmurs into lena's ear. lena twists in kara's arms until they're facing one another.

"you don't have to, if you really don't want to."

"we can move into this villa. i'll learn to fish. you can sell them at the market."

lena laughs in her arms and kara holds her tighter, like trying to capture lightning in a bottle.

"you're no good as a fisherman, sweetheart."

kara pouts because it's probably true. but she'll learn for lena.

"well, next time we're on vacation, we ought to come back."

"anything you want," lena says, her eyes dipping down to where kara's lips are.

"anything?"

lena nods, assuring, her eyes darkening. kara's smile widens and she leans forward just enough, their noses brushing.

kara is ready for what's to come. she's ready for lena.

still, she waits, because the anticipation is half the fun.

[skeletinmoss]

The curse of the dark Phoenix

Chapter 9: The moonflower

First chapter | Previous | Next

Roman was woken up by Logan.

It was time to eat and continue their journey. Virgil was readjusting his cape and offered Roman a small smile.

Roman cocked his head and tried to feel the exact mood behind it. He hadn’t really sought out their bond before now. He’d just experienced it as it happened.

Reaching out now he could feel that Virgil was a little curious, hopeful, but still filled with worry and guilt.

Roman tried to respond with reassurance and Virgil seemed to accept that and relax somewhat.

Roman felt a little pleased with himself at managing to comfort Virgil. Which made the high mage chuckle causing him to blush at being caught.

“If you both are quite finished with… Whatever that was. We should head out,” Logan insisted.

Virgil nodded and broke the circle. Roman felt a weird shift. As if the ground under him suddenly started moving.

He looked at Virgil who smiled at him in reassurance. This was normal.

He relaxed and gathered his things to follow his friends and their guide down the stairs.

“I trust you had a good rest,” their host greeted as he laid out a delicious smelling lunch.

Virgil was hit with a wave of nostalgia and Roman carefully bumped his shoulder

They sat down, thanked their host and started eating.

"I presume we will cut into our travel time now that we have been granted use of the inn then?" Logan reasoned.

"Not really. There is a village I need to visit to stock up on moonflowers. Their healing properties are too potent to go without and I’m not holding out hope my garden held out all these years. Not to mention prepping them for use would cost more time than we'd save with the short cut," Virgil explained.

Logan and Patton flinched, but Roman... he wasn’t as affected as he was yesterday. Maybe using dark magic had mellowed him out. He’d held a Moonflower in his hand and used it’s magic to help those people and he had felt no negative effects. Maybe walking a mile in Virgil's shoes had more influence on him than he'd thought.

He had other concerns though.

"Moonflowers aren't exactly legal anymore. So you might not find what you are looking for there," he pointed out.

"Maybe. But it is worth a try at the very least.”

The group nodded and Virgil took out his message stone.

"Re, I know you only just received my last message, but I wanted to let you know we are maybe 3 days away from saving you. I'll see you soon okay?" He offered. Looking at the stone for a long moment, hopeful and worried, before putting it away with a disappointed sigh.

No one commented on it. They finished their breakfast, bid the innkeepers a good day and promised to return soon.

They mounted the horses, Virgil offering to ride this time and went on their way to make as much headway as possible before the sun rose.

Roman was pretty sure he caught Virgil casting an enchantment on the horses before lighting another magic torch. Likely reinvigorating them to compensate for their lack of proper rest.

Virgil would want them to cover as much ground during nighttime as possible of course.

Roman settled a little more comfortably behind Virgil than he would have yesterday. Trusting that he'd know if V got uncomfortable with their closeness.

Logan took the reins of his and Patton's horse. He couldn't read in the dark anyway and this way Patton got a break.

"So... how did you three end up stuck together?" Virgil wondered casually. Trying to make small talk.

Luckily for him they were all more than happy to tell the story.

"Well. We don't remember not knowing each other honestly," Patton allowed.

"Indeed my earliest memory to date is waking up in a cart full of hay in the midday sun with the both of you," Logan recalled, making his friends aw all over him.

"Patton's family owns a farm near the town where Logan and I lived. On one fateful market day Patton was brought along with his mother while Logan was out with his parents selling their crafts and I was out with mine browsing the wares.," Roman recalled.

"Roman's parents are merchants," Patton offered helpfully. Roman nodded.

"Apparently I became fast friends with Patton and the two of us basically bullied Logan to play with us too. I spent quite some time at their houses whenever my parents were out for business," he explained.

"We were quite attached to each other and all fascinated by stories of the world before the magic plague and the heroics of the arch mage," Logan added.

"And then it turned out we all had magic and we went to school together and dreamed of one day finding out what happened to the arch mage. And now we are here," Patton finished.

"Quite a story," Virgil said amused.

"I met mine at school. We had different backgrounds but we clicked right away anyway. It was a relief honestly," Virgil recalled fondly.

Roman was about to offer some comfort but then a bird flying over spooked him.

"We should get back to a main road soon..." Logan mused nervously, his mind back to the situation at hand.

"How so...?" Virgil wondered.

"The roads are less safe at night. Especially narrow and dark ones," Roman offered. Though he couldn’t feel too scared pressed against Virgil's back.

Virgil was about to press the issue but a beastly growl interrupted him... they'd been spotted.

Their horses halted, stepping in place nervously. They weren't trained for dangerous roads...

"Hush," Virgil whispered. Tracing a pattern in the air, the release of magic calming the group as a whole.

He got of their horse and slowly walked out in front of them, holding the magic torch he'd made out in front of him.

A low hissing came at them through the foliage and finally the creature stalked into view.

It was easily as large as their horses. Black scales shimmering in the moonlight like black gems. Spikes ran across the spine and tail of the long body and a strong trunk hung between large tusks.

The spines and eyes of the creature glowed with some sort of magic.

"Well you aren't happy to see us," Virgil mused.

Roman eyed the creature worriedly. He'd heard of the Forest Dragon. They were one of many reasons you should not travel the roads at night.

The creature hissed again and moved as if it was about to charge, his spikes humming with power. But V disappeared and reappeared right behind it.

It turned around fast and Virgil grabbed it by the tusks and used its momentum to swing up into its neck holding on tight as it tried to throw him off.

Virgil gritted his teeth. Roman calmed himself with Virgil's calm focus. He wasn’t afraid or worried. It would be fine...

After a few attempts to slam Virgil into a tree that made it very hard for Roman to remain calm and not distract him, Virgil finally caught a break long enough for him to lay his hand on the creature's head. Its eyes and spikes glowing with Virgil's purple magic, though there was some red shining through... huh. The beast settled and Virgil got off. Hummed to himself, made a pattern and then the creature slowly walked away.

"It's territory has been invaded by another... once we got things in order we gotta do some wild keeping... is it like this everywhere?" He asked as he got back on the horse and urged it onward.

"Um... well... if you mean massive magical creatures making the roads unsafe at night... yes..." Patton admitted.

"My parents said it wasn’t this bad when the arch mage was still around," Roman offered.

"Hm... I guess it's not easy doing the job of ten high mages by yourself. And that’s just the wildlife. Don't get why he didn’t teach anyone how to do this though..." Virgil mused.

“Was… Bull riding dragons a regular activity for the high mages back in the day?” Logan asked.

Virgil chuckled. “Not for me. I haven’t done that in a long while. Even if I had been a wild-keeper, magical creatures didn’t tend to be this hostile towards humans, let alone a high mage. They know better. Or they did…

It's not Gustav’s fault really. From the sounds of it he spent twenty years trying to do all of our jobs by himself… I wish he’d reached out to Someone for help. Even if he didn’t find anyone who was willing to ascend, a great mage or even a well practiced common mage would have been able to lighten the load… There’s a lot more to do than I thought,” Virgil mused.

“So… What you are saying is… The dragons used to be nice?” Patton asked curiously.

“Well… I wouldn’t keep one as a pet… But most magical creatures would leave humans alone at the very least, even the carnivorous ones. I was kind of surprised that those wolves attacked us yesterday. I figured they must’ve been extremely hungry. But now…” Virgil mused.

Roman saw Patton light up. “So… I could pet them?” he pressed.

Virgil looked at Patton and Roman felt his curiosity almost push into his mind. Roman could guess the question. He pressed himself into Virgil’s back and let his fond exasperation at his friend’s almost detrimental love for creatures of all kinds respond for him.

Virgil chuckled. “Remus is going to love showing you all his favorite creatures once you can keep up with him,” he concluded.

Patton seemed to have completely forgotten about the worrisome title this particular friend of Virgil’s had gained for himself. He was just beaming at the prospect of one day petting all those creatures.

Virgil shook his head and focused on the road ahead.

“Any other dangers I should be aware off,” he mused after a bit. “Just so I can prepare,” he added.

“Nocturnal great beasts and bandits are our main concern,” Logan stated. “The light will likely attract both,” he added, looking at the magical torch.

Virgil hummed in understanding. “Delays by bad guys and grumpy beasts are likely… Got it,” he nodded pensively.

After a few moments of contemplation, Virgil waved the torch and from the light sprung phantom butterflies that fluttered all around them.

"Oooh!!!" Patton breathed in awe. Giggling as one briefly landed on his nose.

"I don't understand..." Logan admitted.

“Their form depends on if you are a danger to me. Any threat will see them as a danger sign," Virgil assured him. "And if they don't scare them off they'll warn us that something is approaching."

Logan nodded, feeling reassured.

"That is such a cool spell! Can you teach me!?" Patton gushed as he made a butterfly land on his hand.

"Sure. First you'll need a light..."

And for the next hour Virgil taught Patton how to make a magic torch. It wasn’t as bright as Virgil's but he insisted it was a good first try. The next three he spent helping him separate a piece of it and give it purpose... Patton grew a bit disappointed as he struggled to hold onto an orb, never mind giving it form.

"I've had a lot of practice. You just learned to make light on a stick. Which i don’t get. You don't even Need any support for that. None of you made an: we aren't allowed to do that face. So why don't you know how to make a torch?" Virgil wondered.

"We know how to make fire... maybe it just went out of style. Frivolous magics are generally considered a waste of energy," Logan offered.

Virgil huffed.

"Was... were there any rules in your day? Other than don't curse anyone...?" Roman wondered while Patton set his orb free and watched it float away a few feet before flickering out.

"You are getting better at it Patton. You gotta let it go. Don't try to hold on so much. Set it free and trust it will do what it is meant to," Virgil instructed before turning his attention to Roman.

"Oh there was illegal stuff. There were mages with the explicit job of finding dangerous herbs and either destroying them or putting up wards to make sure no one harvested them in secret. Not that that meant they weren't used at all. There have been kings who resorted to Rose Nettles to flip a spy. Zimmer Root has been used in torture... I only know about that because Janus was always up to his neck in the intricacies of court life. He kept unsavory things from me until after the king in question ended his reign. Not because he condoned it. Magical vows of loyalty are no joke," Virgil mused.

"Those are level eights..." Roman mused.

"Thats bad right?" Virgil wondered.

"The worst," Roman nodded.

"Well. Those are. We'll have to compare notes. I wouldn’t want you to pick up something that's actually nasty just because I made you think it’s a free for all," he offered.

Roman hummed into his back. Thinking back to the Rose Nettles he'd seen in the box back at the tower... no. Other subject.

"Your magic... it's a little red," he pointed out.

Virgil chuckled. "It is now. Thats a magic bond for you," he pointed out. Roman felt himself blush. Suddenly Virgil halted and got off, handing Roman the reigns. The sun was rising.

“Patton, keep practicing to let go of your magic. If you don’t believe it can last without you it won’t. So start with a simple command. I know you can do it,” he instructed seriously before turning to them as a group. “That's it for me for now. We should stop for some breakfast anyway." He suggested casually. Roman could feel his frustration though. He didn’t like being trapped like this.

Roman didn’t get a chance to say something. A flash of purple with a soft glow of red later and they all once again were looking at Virgil's Phoenix form.

They all got off their horses. “He has a point. It’s been a while since any of us ate. The horses will appreciate the rest and some fresh grass,” Logan pointed out.

They all nodded and led the horses to a small clearing on the side of the road where they let them graze as they gathered around for some breakfast in the increasing glow of the sunrise.

“So. I suppose we should try to contact the council again? At least see if the message has been passed on,” Roman mused as he held up his hand for Virgil to eat from.

“That would be a good idea. I’m a bit worried that we haven’t heard anything at all from them after being away for two days,” Logan mused.

“… Do you think Terance told the king as well? He did ask to be kept in the know of any findings…”

Paton wondered.

Roman looked at Virgil who was pretending to be too focused on his breakfast to follow the conversation. But he could feel that he was not.

The king had fond memories of this mage… Had he been hoping they’d find a clue as to what truly happened to his old mentor?

Roman didn’t even know their king had magic. Had he turned out less talented than Virgil had thought?

“If he didn’t, the king might end up reaching out to us himself…” Roman said worriedly.

Logan nodded. “Keeping our findings a secret will be… More complicated if that happens,” he mused.

“Would that be treason?” Patton asked worriedly.

“Let’s not worry about that just yet. We’ll discuss it with Virgil when he can talk again what he wants us to do if the king asks for our progress,” Roman suggested.

“We could say that we found strong evidence that the arch mage was looking into the night flame and that Noctora had a secondary residence and we are following up on both leads as fast as we can,” Logan mused.

Roman nodded. “We’ll see…” he allowed starting on his own breakfast after Virgil indicated he was satisfied.

After they were done eating, Roman retrieved the stone and cleared his throat.

“Great Mage Roman for the Council?” he called out a bit nervous now.

“Great Mage!” the reply came at once. “Ah, Terance again. Sorry, the council is still in a meeting… They have been since you three left honestly. We aren’t supposed to interrupt… Did you get to your destination?” Terence wondered.

“No, but we are making headway on deciphering some notes. Nothing concrete yet though. Only hope for answers. To more questions than we left with actually,” Roman offered.

“Oh?” Terence wondered.

“It’s too early to make any promises. But we should be returning with interesting findings,” Roman promised.

“Good! That’s great! I’ll leave you to it then! Good luck!!!” Terance bid. And then the stone went silent.

Roman put it away, frowning. “I know it’s good for us that there are no critical ears around him. But…”

Logan nodded. “Yeah. For the council to isolate themselves at this time… It is quite odd,” he agreed.

Patton gathered their things thoughtfully. “If it was something bad. Then Terence would tell us. He's a good kid,” he insisted.

None of them could argue against that, and it did make them feel a bit better. If Terence thought for even a moment something weird was going on he’d most likely defer to them to know what to do. After the council they were highest in rank in the wizard community…

Except… Roman supposed the king counted as part of the community… But he was highest in rank anyway. Terence would likely inform them and the king both regardless. Or be horrible at trying to hide it if the king ordered him to keep his worries to himself.

They continued on their journey once they ensured their horses were fed and watered sufficiently.

Virgil flew up. Scanned a bit of the road ahead for trouble and then returned to perch on Roman's shoulder. Roman found himself having an easier time understanding him than he had the days before. Holding semi conversations with him in a way through feelings and body language

Curiosity when Virgil landed on his shoulder. "How is it looking?"

Settling more comfortably and a happy feeling.

"No troubles for a good while"

A look at his position and bemused fondness. "You alright up there?"

Fond nibbling at his ear.

"Hush I'm napping here."

Or something along those lines.

As they progressed Patton kept practicing making a little orb exist separately from him, under the occasional gentle encouraging caw of Virgil.

By the time lunch came around he managed to make it float by his side for a few minutes before it dissolved. He was a bit disappointed Virgil had just been on one of his scouting flights to find a good lunch spot and hadn't seen him do it.

Not as disappointed as Logan was with his lack of progress. He almost skipped lunch, but Virgil was having none of that.

"Ow!" Logan called out when Virgil bit at his ear.

"Why would you do that?" He demanded. Virgil nodded to the lunch that was being set up and then held Logan's gaze for a long moment. Roman didn’t think that needed a translation.

"Fine," the diviner huffed as he put the journal away and joined his friends.

"Having a rough time?" Roman wondered as he once again fed Virgil before starting his own meal.

"It's not letting me past at all. Every time I feel like I have a grasp off the enchantment it snaps back with more force than before. I didn’t have anywhere near this much trouble yesterday," he complained.

Virgil chirped something, feeling unbothered, then he hopped over to Logan and chirped in encouragement. At least it felt the way it did whenever he had tried to hype Patton up.

"What?" Logan asked, exasperated.

"I think he is telling you that this was to be expected but to keep going at it," Roman offered.

Logan looked at him skeptically and then back to Virgil, who nodded.

"How?" He asked baffled.

"I'm getting better at interpreting his feelings and stuff," Roman shrugged. He didn't mention that he suspected that their link got stronger as their actual relationship grew. And since the baseline was: complete strangers, and it was (hopefully) heading towards a romantic connection... he wasn't sure what That would mean for their link if he was right.

"Hm," logan mused and then he went back to eating. Once their horses were ready to go again they got on and resumed their respective activities to pass the time and to not think too much about the implications of the council being unreachable.

Roman tried to see how long he could feel Virgil's presence through their link and if he could feel him returning before he could see him. It seemed there was quite a radius on this connection...

He did keep an eye on the road though... at least he thought he had.

"What's wrong Roman?" Patton wondered as Roman halted them.

"Um... we are supposed to go straight ahead," he said studying the map.

“Roman-”

“I am aware that there is no road Logan. That is why I’m stopping… I’m hoping Virgil will come back and… Hmmm…” Roman could feel Virgil approaching, but before he came into view he got farther away again…

“He’s confused too… And frustrated,” Roman concluded.

Logan dug through his pockets and moments later his eyes glowed blue.

“Hm. There used to be a road here. But it must’ve gotten overgrown over the years,” Logan stated as he got of his and Patton’s horse.

“Oh… No wonder Virgil is frustrated. This means we’ll have to take a longer way to his home right?” Patton mused.

“We’ll have to wait for him to turn back human and talk about it,” Roman shrugged.

“Nonsense. With all that talk about the earth having a memory I’d think the solution is rather obvious,” Logan huffed as he dug through his pouches again, reached for a book for a moment before thinking better of it. He sat himself down on the ground to meditate for a moment.

Roman just felt Virgil approach again when a soft blue glow surrounded Logan and his magic cut through the forest, lining out a path as far as Roman could tell.

And to his amazement the entire stretch of forest on this road, seemed to step aside to make room for the forgotten pathway…

What!?

Logan got up and dusted himself off, looking satisfied with the result.

“Hm. That went surprisingly well,” he mused. Was he being serious right now?

“I’ll say. It looked pretty impressive to watch the forest part from above. What are you going to call that one?” They all looked back and saw Virgil now back in his human form as the sun had gone down while they’d been staring at the newly reformed road.

“Pardon?” Logan asked.

“Well. As far as I know, no one’s ever made a forest split to make a path like that without destroying habitats. So what are you going to call that spell, Great Wizard Mage Logan of the forgotten roads?” he pressed.

“Wait… You mean this is official? I have… I have made a new spell?” Logan gasped.

“Being a High Mage, linked to the academy for that matter… Yes I have that authority,” Virgil confirmed.

Logan was beaming and looked back at his road.

“I think I’ll call it restoration reforestation,” he mused.

Virgil chuckled. “Good one. Thank you, by the way. This saved us a very long detour,” he added before getting on his and Roman’s horse.

Logan nodded weightily at Virgil and joined Patton on their horse.

Roman let out a sigh. He was going to be insufferable about being first, wasn’t he?

“Virgil, about the notes. You seemed to have thoughts on it, but as Roman’s, admittedly impressive, translations aren’t quite fluent yet, perhaps you could elaborate?” Logan asked. His tone strangely formal but also more comfortable talking to Virgil than he had been since meeting him. Well, giving him a special recognition of his talents that hasn’t been awarded to anyone in the past half century would make him warm up to someone.

He was not quite ready to drop decorum around him completely. But that was to be expected.

Virgil was still a high mage. And far more experienced and connected than them even with being gone for fifty years. Logan had actually been rather direct and confrontational with him all things considered.

“Sure. It’s not uncommon for the first protection to be obvious and easy. It’s supposed to stroke the ego of the mage or wizard who’s trying to read the text and make them misjudge their own abilities. So either they won’t notice the second layer, or they get too frustrated with not being able to break through the second one as easy and give up. Considering this encryption was still fairly noticeable, I’d assume there is another one better hidden underneath this one. So just so you are prepared. The type of encryption will also be very different. You’d be surprised how many mages will just get stuck on trying the same thing over and over again even if it’s clear that it doesn’t work like that this time,” Virgil listed.

Logan nodded. “Yes I noticed that the method I used yesterday didn’t do much. I have been trying to get a hold of the magic but it just slips through my fingers,” he admitted.

“Have you tried starting somewhere where you know what should be underneath? From what I read it’s all covered in metaphors and embellishment, so maybe start with something where you are reasonably certain of what you’ll find underneath. The more concrete the better.

So, a name or a place or a date,” Virgil explained.

Logan nodded. “Yes… I think I see what you mean. Thank you. I will make another attempt before we settle for another rest. You will be teaching us a more advanced method of this sleeping ritual?” he asked.

Virgil quirked his brow. “Yes. But I will remind you again that you shouldn’t overdo it. Nap responsibly,” he pointed out.

Logan nodded. “Of course. Overburdening my body is not my intent. But saving seven hours even half of the days… It is quite exciting,” he insisted.

Virgil smirked, a nostalgic fondness filling him and flowing into Roman’s mind. Hm… Logan must remind him of someone.

“We’ll be at the town soon. Sooner if these beauties feel like a quick sprint…?” Virgil suggested.

“Well, we can see if they have it in them,” Logan mused.

“Or we can ask,” Virgil pointed out. Roman felt him shift behind him.

“Excuse me. Do you two feel up for a quick race to the other side of this stretch of forest, there will be food and rest and water there,” he offered. The horses neighed and shook their heads in excitement.

“They’re game,” Virgil smirked.

Patton let out a squeal. He’d always wanted to learn animal speech spells but they’d all struggled a bit with the material. Virgil had proven a good teacher though, so maybe he’d have more luck explaining it.

“Well let’s go then,” Roman smirked. And so they were off, racing down the road. Roman enjoying the way Virgil held onto his waist and pressed into his back as the world flashed them by so fast they might as well be flying…

And then they were out of the forest and moments later the road opened up into a town. This one less of a farmer community, there was a large lake nearby with a river feeding into it so Roman assumed that this town was more of a fish based economy.

Though that didn’t have to mean that there was no food or herb growing going on.

“Whoa, there. Well done. Let’s get you darlings some first class treatment alright?” Virgil smiled as he got off. He felt at home here. It made Roman smile to see him so at ease. But also worried. Time was bound to hit him again…

Virgil led them through the village with the confidence of someone who'd walked this path many times.

He brought them to an inn where he arranged for their horses to be fed and watered and given a place to rest for a few hours. He paid and asked the innkeeper if the "bosh" family still lived here.

The innkeeper seemed surprised but gave directions that amused Virgil. He thanked her and led them on.

"Still the same old house. The son should be in his sixties now. I wonder if he'd recognize me. He was a kid when I was last here..." Virgil smiled, excited.

Roman shared a look with his friends. It seemed the relief of not having to make a detour and the adrenaline of the race had Virgil feeling optimistic...

Roman was glad, but also worried that this visit wouldn't go the way Virgil was hoping for.

They approached the two story house surrounded by a flower garden. Nothing that Ro recognized as a magic honing plant though...

Virgil knocked on the door undeterred.

A young man opened the door.

"Can I help you?" The young man asked.

"Very likely. Can you tell me what the most talented herbiologist family does for a living nowadays?" He asked. The man paled and stepped outside and closed the door.

"Who are you? Did the council send you to make sure we were still "behaving"? He hissed.

"Hm. Seems I’ll have to straighten out a few of those Council members. But no. Genuinely curious. It seems a waste of the gathered knowledge of 12 generations... I suppose you would be the 15th, since Zoë went into the forest to log all she could about wild growing herbs until she could provide perfect growing conditions in her own garden for each. She practically lived in that forest for 15 years before she went from a gatherer of herbs to someone the magical community came to for her homegrown herbs." Virgil recalled. Roman should have guessed that Virgil likely knew this family since their beginning.

"... yes... I... I’m a florist, actually. My mother took the knowledge on herbs and applied it on flowers. I'm trying to add tea and kitchen herbs to our wares, but...I haven't been granted permission yet," the young man admitted.

Virgil nodded a bit saddened.

"What is all that ruckus about...?” An elderly voice came from the other side of the door before it opened.

"Nothing, grandpa, please go back inside," the young man insisted gently.

The old man took in the lot of them, and his eyes widened in shock. "Master Virgil... is that really you?" he gasped. Apparently, he recognized him.

"Hello Lucas. It is a long story and one I'm not ready to share before all the pieces are clear.

But I do find myself in need of something from the old garden. You wouldn't happen to have kept your mischief going, would you?" Virgil smirked knowingly.

The man grinned and turned, beckoning them to follow.

"When that Gustav man became arch mage, whatever that was supposed to mean, he sent guards to every herb seller in the kingdom. That was when we learned why master Janus was late to pick up his tea order. I still have it, by the way. I took good care of it.

Mother was heartbroken, and then they burned the garden down. But I saved some of it while they were telling mother and father their orders. No one was minding me. And I prepared them all the way mother taught me." They had made it to what Roman assumed had to be the old man's bedroom. He knelt down and removed an old floorboard underneath which he had stashed several boxes of likely very illegal herbs.

"Grandpa!" The grandson exclaimed in astonishment as Virgil opened them and grinned from ear to ear.

"Moonflowers! Lucas, you are a hero. All of this will be very helpful. And I will give Janus the tea. Thank you. You've done your family proud," he stated sincerely.

"Grandpa!" The young man repeated more insistently.

"Sam. When a high mage needs something, you provide it. Especially when it is one who is such a dear old friend of the family," Lucas scolded. Sam paled. "High..." he breathed.

Lucas turned to Virgil without a word. "I never believed you were truly gone, master Virgil." He insisted. "And I am not alone. You have quite a few friends you can still count on if you knock at their door," he promised. Virgil smiled and took the elderly man's hand. "I know. Take care, Lucas. If I have it my way, things will be set right soon," he promised.

There were tears in the man's eyes and he nodded. Patting his hand. "Good. Good. Now you go rest up and head home. You still have ways to go. And I didn’t manage to get hold of enough amber roots to hasten your trip. I will get started on teaching my grandson and my daughter of their heritage while you fix things. Next harvest will be a bountiful one," he mused. Virgil nodded, pulled at the old man's ear, making him laugh, put the boxes away with care and rose to look at them. "Rest and then we head straight home," he announced with tangible relief.

[s7ray-cat]

PSA for any LGBTQ2IA+ people traveling abroad

This is a link to the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index

(Disclaimer: These are excerpts from an article I found)

These are some tools to find safe places to travel for LGBTQ2IA+ people:

LGBTQ-specific travel news and safety basics

U.S. State Department ✈ A section of this government-run online resource offers basic pointers for LGBTQ travelers such as travel document checklists, general safety tips, and information about travel insurance and various U.S. embassy locations.

Equaldex ✈ Launched in 2014, this interactive map-anchored website keeps a running tab on LGBTQ rights–related laws around the world via a global network of user contributions.

National Center for Transgender Equality ✈ This Washington, D.C.–based advocacy organization addresses information relevant to gender-nonconforming and transgender travelers. It features a particularly comprehensive guide to airport security that addresses concerns related to potentially intrusive TSA screening procedures.

OutRight Action International ✈ Formerly known as the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, this nonprofit publishes news, studies, and reports on LGBTQ issues around the world that can help travelers stay informed about safety in various destinations.

Erasing 76 Crimes ✈ Journalist and LGBTQ advocate Colin Stewart heads up this news-oriented blog that spotlights global developments related to LGBTQ rights spanning countries across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas.

GoAbroad’s LGBTQ Study Abroad Guide✈ For queer students interested in studying abroad, this PDF provides a wealth of information, including tips for coming out to a host family, LGBTQ-specific scholarships, and a list of queer-friendly study abroad programs.

LGBTQ-friendly accommodations and services

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association ✈ This website acts as a one-stop-shop for all things related to LGBTQ travel planning. It brings together a massive network of queer-approved hotels, transportation providers, tourism boards, travel agencies, tour operators, event promoters, and local media in over 80 countries worldwide; it also maintains recommendation-based travel and business blogs.

Purple Roofs ✈ An LGBTQ mainstay since the late ’90s, this booking website showcases small, family-owned bed-and-breakfasts, hotels, vacation rentals, inns, and tour companies worldwide. It also hosts a variety of related travel resources, including event listings and a dedicated LGBTQ travel blog.

World Rainbow Hotels ✈ This modern travel directory combines a curated list of stylish, queer-friendly hotels in countries where attitudes toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans travelers are for the most part accepting. The website also features an image-driven blog full of travel inspiration, global news, events, and other articles.

Travel Gayand Travel Gay Asia ✈ These twin booking sites serve a predominantly gay male audience, pointing international travelers to city guides with relevant information about bars, clubs, saunas, shops, beaches, and events, as well as queer-friendly hotels across the globe.

GayCities ✈ A similarly gay male–focused online travel guide, this web resource recommends gay-friendly bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, shops, gyms, and more in 238 different cities from Cape Town to Mexico City.

In addition to explicitly LGBTQ outlets, you can now find pages dedicated to LGBTQ consumers on mainstream online travel booking sites like Expedia and Orbitz. Queer-oriented promotions and packages are also often offered by big-name hotels such as Marriott and Kimpton.

LGBTQ-specialized tour operators and agencies

LGBTQ-friendly tour operators for organized trips

For LGBTQ travelers who’d rather leave trip planning to the experts, award-winning tour operators such as Outstanding Travel, Zoom Vacations, Out Adventures, Toto Tours, Detours Travel, and Concierge Travel all offer a diverse array of international group and private trips. International tour operator R Family Vacations also designs and leads LGBTQ family-friendly trips (plus a few new adults-only options) on land and at sea for public groups and individuals. The queer-run wilderness education organization, The Venture Out Project, operates LGBTQ-specific backpacking trips in the United States for teens, adults, and families.

LGBTQ-friendly cruises

Inclusive travel company Vacaya hosts curated LGBTQ getaways on chartered cruise ships, as well as to all-LGBTQ international resorts. The popular lesbian travel brand Olivia Cruises has been running entertainment-filled cruise, resort, adventure, and riverboat group trips exclusively for queer female–identified travelers since 1990. And cruise company Source Events, which caters predominantly to gay men and their families, organizes both all-gay charters and private LGBTQ groups aboard larger cruise ships (as well as personalized cruise journeys and on-land group itineraries).

Related Free Travel Apps to Download Before Your Next Trip

LGBTQ-friendly travel and networking apps

From joining queer-specific networking groups, to checking for upcoming LGBTQ events in different cities, to starting important conversations about shared experiences through hashtags such as #travelingwhiletrans, LGBTQ travelers have long relied on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter when planning for domestic and international trips. More recently, meetup apps have created new opportunities for connection between LGBTQ travelers.

Apps (available on iOS and Android)

Meetup ✈ This stalwart community-building platform is a great tool for connecting with fellow LGBTQ folks and getting to know local queer scenes on the road. The “LGBTQ Meetups” section points app users toward various happy hours, professional networking events, book clubs, and hiking groups, as well as playgroups for LGBTQ parents.

SCRUFF Venture ✈ Gay dating app SCRUFF recently launched a travel-oriented edition aimed at making it easier to connect with LGBTQ people “before and while you travel.” By clicking into one of the app’s 500-plus destinations, users can view members marked as “visiting now” or “visiting soon” in each given location. The app also provides travel tips from city “Ambassadors” (members who volunteer to give advice and recommendations to visitors), plus updates about LGBTQ issue–related travel advisories.

Refuge Restrooms ✈ This important resource for trans, intersex, and gender-nonconforming individuals maps out safe restrooms in various countries around the world, which users can search for based on proximity to a location.

Related Seeing the World Through Rainbow-Colored Glasses

LGBTQ-focused travel magazines and blogs

Magazines

Out Magazine’s online outpost Out Traveler covers everything from luxury LGBTQ-friendly hotels and nightlife hot spots to the latest must-have gadgets for jet-setters. Passport Magazine, available in both digital and print formats, touches upon a wealth of topics related to LGBTQ travel, with sections devoted to food and drink, hotel reviews, product roundups, and events. Also worth checking out is Connextions Magazine, which compiles long-form hotel reviews, human interest stories, destination guides, and other global lifestyle content relevant to LGBTQ travelers. (The print and digital publication also has a Spanish edition.)

Although not their main focus, many widely circulated LGBTQ lifestyle outlets like the Advocate, Curve, Autostraddle, Diva, and Chill also feature travel-related news, commentary, city guides, hotel reviews, profiles, and more.

Blogs

Touted as “a lifestyle blog for men and other stylish travelers,” the popular blog Travels of Adam hosts op-eds and personal essays, LGBTQ travel tips and hacks, and restaurant, bar, and hotel reviews in destinations from Egypt to England. Married couple Auston and David head up another gay male–focused travel blog called Two Bad Tourists, which features navigating international gay-friendly destinations, festivals, and events.

On the queer female travel blog Dopes on the Road, you can expect to find a wide range of content, from travel diaries and safety tips to pop culture commentary. Beautiful photo galleries, travel journals, LGBTQ profiles and interviews, travel tips, and destination guides dominate Once Upon a Journey, a helpful travel blog from lesbian couple Roxanne Weijer and Maartje Hensen.

[phoenixcatch7]

Season of revival has started today! I've avoided spoilers for the most part, but I have kept up to date with the beta, so here's what I think so far:

The scenery and setting is phenomenal. I managed to avoid pretty much every spoiler for the new season area, the aviary, so I got to experience it first hand, and can I just say STUNNING??? The amount of clouds they've put everywhere is so atmospheric, in both senses of the word XD. It feels like a ghost town, with the dim fog in the streets and all the nooks and crannies. The light spilling from the windows of the barber and the mannequin shop look so cozy and inviting ^^.

The depiction of it all, too, is awesome! The steward is so well animated, with no face or fingers (or shoulders, really) they managed to convey a quiet and resigned devastation, seeing his once beautiful aviary now empty and desolate.

The rhythm guide was a delightful surprise! Now it seems they've decided to take up hair dressing??? I mean... Follow your dreams, but it's a bit of a weird choice of profession for a travelling troupe master. Maybe their parents were hair dressers? It'd certainly explain the styles the rhythm troupe has lol, especially the famous owl hair that remains one of the most coveted in the game XD!

I always love good depictions of the mountain, and the aviary frames it perfectly no matter which area you're in.

And the lore implications!! I know nor care nothing for the war, or elder names, or the king, but I love digging up tidbits all the same. It looks like the aviary was the original main gathering place of the kingdom of the sky, and yes, I know it was the pre release Home before we got the current one, but it just feels... Like a home? Like the Shire from lotr ^^. I can't wait to see what that huge tower is for!

In terms of emotes, or cosmetics, though...

They aren't very good. There's staggeringly few this season. Literally all the good items are behind the pay wall this time, which is a shame because usually tgc leave at least one really good item for in game currency! There's about two items per mannequin - and it is mannequins, not even actual spirits!!

The hair bow is so pretty, not quite to my personal liking but it's going to be so very wanted lol. There's one cape I really wanted, the orange one with tassels, but you bet its behind the season pass. And the long boots? Please, I love long boots, why must you do this T-T. The short boots just don't have the same energy. The purple cape, one that feels related to rhythm (?)... It looks flat to the point of feeling unfinished. It doesn't look fully rendered. We know tgc has been capable of much better fur for a long time now, heck the towels from days of sunlight are amazing, and the straight lines on the cape make it look like it's just made of polygons lol. There's no texture on any of it.

There's no new props or instruments to my knowledge. There's been no beta video, no youtuber showcase of either I could find. Could we not at least have some maracas or something?? I'd love a new instrument! A triangle? A rain maker? Cymbals?? A KAZOO???

It's very obvious where tgc spent their effort and time, but seriously, I can't be mad. This season seems to be, either on purpose or not, a response to a lot of players, especially older ones, getting so easily burnt out by the amount of back to back time limited yada yada get it while you can content. Seriously, I think the last season ended just last week, and only because it's a Monday today! And both during the second half of the last season and during the gap between the two, we've had two days events. TWO. there hasn't been a day where there's been a a chance for a breather for over a month. It's back to back to back! Heck, I got burned out a year ago, and it sucked!

This season might be the breather we need.

There's a beautiful and open area to explore, filled with interesting nooks and crannies and places to have pretty photo shoots or make silly or aesthetic videos or maybe even a picnic. There's what look to be secondary realm portals through a tunnel (oh, and there's a defunct map stone too, if you're looking), including an eden gate! That seems to be the only one still active, you can hear it if you get close enough. The implications....

Despite the decent cosmetics being behind the pass, there's nothing I want nearly enough to shell out for, not that I've done it before. But I'm at least usually very tempted! There's really... Very little this season brings to the table outside of the new area it gives us straight up, but I think this is good. I think this is a chance for people to catch their breath, to not have to allot time to candle running and quests, to make sure they maximise every day on sky to get all the cosmetics. I think it's okay if you don't want to get them all this time.

Though we don't know if it's even possible they'll come back as travelling spirits, it's likely the currency will change from seasonal to candles or hearts once it's over. Probable, even.

I can't wait to see the aviary once we've brought it back to life, but I do hope there's a way we can slip back in time to relax in the quiet, misty, still area we have now. It's just beautiful.

[bestghanatours]

Embark on a Journey to Discover Ghana: A Guide for the Diaspora

Ghana, known as the "Gateway to Africa," is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. For many in the diaspora, visiting Ghana is more than just a vacation—it's a pilgrimage to reconnect with their roots and heritage. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Accra, delving into the poignant history of the Cape Coast, or immersing yourself in the vibrant festivals, Ghana offers an unparalleled experience. This guide aims to provide comprehensive insights and tips for those in the diaspora planning to embark on a journey to discover Ghana.

(A) Why Ghana?

1. Historical Significance

Ghana is steeped in history, particularly the history of the transatlantic slave trade. The Cape Coast and Elmina Castles are somber reminders of this dark past, serving as significant historical sites where many African Americans find a deep connection to their ancestry.

2. Cultural Heritage

Ghana's diverse ethnic groups, including the Ashanti, Ewe, Ga, and Fante, each have unique traditions, languages, and cultural practices. Festivals like Homowo, Aboakyir, and Hogbetsotso offer a window into these rich cultural traditions.

3. Welcoming Atmosphere

Ghana is known for its hospitality. The country's slogan, "Akwaaba," meaning "welcome," is not just a word but a way of life. The warmth and friendliness of the Ghanaian people make visitors feel at home instantly.

(B) Planning Your Trip

1. When to Visit

Though you can travel to Ghana all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from November to March and July to August. These periods offer the most favorable weather for travel and outdoor activities and depends on the part of the country you want to explore.

2. Travel Requirements

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Most travelers will need a visa to enter Ghana, which can be obtained from Ghanaian embassies or consulates. Additionally, a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry.

3. Budgeting

Ghana is relatively affordable, but costs can vary. Plan your budget around accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. For a mid-range traveler, a daily budget of $50-$150 is reasonable.

(C) Must-Visit Destinations

1. Accra

Accra, the capital city, is the perfect starting point for your Ghanaian adventure. Visit landmarks like Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, and the bustling Makola Market. The city's vibrant nightlife, with hotspots like Osu and Labadi Beach, offers a mix of modernity and tradition.

2. Cape Coast and Elmina

These coastal towns are home to the infamous Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, key sites in the history of the transatlantic slave trade. Guided tours provide in-depth historical insights and are deeply moving experiences for many in the diaspora.

3. Kumasi

Kumasi, the heart of the Ashanti region, is known for its rich culture and history. Visit the Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Ashanti Kingdom, and the bustling Kejetia Market. The Ashanti people’s traditional crafts, like Kente cloth weaving and wood carving, are also must-see attractions.

4. Volta Region

The Volta Region boasts lush landscapes and scenic beauty. Explore Wli Waterfalls, the highest in West Africa, and Mount Afadja, Ghana's highest peak. The region is also known for its vibrant Ewe culture and traditions.

5. Northern Ghana

The north offers a different cultural experience. Visit Mole National Park, Ghana's largest wildlife reserve, and the ancient mud-and-stick mosque in Larabanga. The cultural festivals and traditional dances in Tamale and Bolgatanga are also highlights.

(D) Cultural Etiquette

Understanding and respecting local customs and etiquette is crucial. Here are some tips:

- Greetings: Greet people with a smile and a handshake. Elders should be greeted first.

- Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and during visits to religious sites.

- Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.

- Language: While English is the official language, learning a few words in local languages like Dagbani, Gonja, Twi, Ewe, or Ga can go a long way in building rapport.

(E) Immersive Experiences

1. Participate in Festivals

Ghanaian festivals are vibrant, colorful, and full of life. Participating in these festivals offers an immersive cultural experience. Key festivals include:

- Homowo: Celebrated by the Ga people, it marks the end of the hunger period with feasting and dancing.

- Aboakyir: A deer-hunting festival by the Effutu people in Winneba.

- Hogbetsotso: Celebrated by the Anlo Ewe in the Volta Region, it commemorates their migration from Notsie in Togo.

(F) Learn Traditional Crafts

Engage in workshops to learn traditional crafts like Kente weaving, bead making, and pottery. These activities provide hands-on experiences and deeper appreciation for Ghanaian culture.

(G) Explore Local Cuisine

Ghanaian cuisine is diverse and flavorful. Must-try dishes include:

- Jollof Rice: A popular West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, and spices.

-Banku and Tilapia: Fermented corn and cassava dough served with grilled tilapia.

- Fufu and Light Soup: A staple dish made from pounded cassava or yams, served with a variety of soups.

(H) Connecting with the Community

1. Volunteering Opportunities

Many organizations in Ghana offer volunteering opportunities, ranging from education and healthcare to community development. Volunteering not only gives back to the community but also provides a unique way to connect with locals.

2. Ancestry and Heritage Tours

Several organizations offer specialized tours that focus on ancestry and heritage. These tours often include visits to historical sites, cultural exchanges, and opportunities to trace family roots.

(I) Practical Tips

1. Health and Safety

- Vaccinations: Ensure you're up-to-date on necessary vaccinations, including yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis.

- Water: Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid waterborne diseases.

- Safety: While Ghana is generally safe, stay vigilant in crowded places and avoid traveling alone at night.

(J) Currency and Payments

The local currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). Credit and debit cards are accepted in major cities, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas.

(K) Transportation

Transportation options in Ghana include taxis, tro-tros (shared minibuses), and buses. For long-distance travel, domestic flights are available. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in Accra and other major cities.

Embarking on a journey to discover Ghana is a profound experience for many in the diaspora. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its welcoming people and breathtaking landscapes, Ghana offers a unique and transformative travel experience. By planning ahead, respecting local customs, and immersing yourself in the culture, you can create lasting memories and deepen your connection to this beautiful country. Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, Ghana's doors are always open, ready to welcome you with open arms. Akwaaba!

[zetexa]

Checking in to the Best Vacation Spots Worldwide Planning your next vacation? 

Choosing the perfect destination can be quite a challenge with so many amazing options across the globe. To help you decide we 've compiled a list of the best vacation that offer unique experiences, beautiful landscapes and incredible adventures. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach escape a cultural city break or an adventurous wilderness retreat this guide has something for everyone. 

1. Santorini, Greece Santorini  

It is constantly heralded as one of the best vacations for couples and honeymooners. This picturesque island in the Aegean Sea is famous for its breath-taking sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. The stunning villages of Fire plus Onia offer romantic settings with stunning views of the caldera. Explore ancient ruins dine on delicious Greek cuisine, plus relax on the unique black sand beaches for an unforgettable experience.  

2.   Kyoto, Japan 

For those in search of a harmonious combination of history, culture and natural beauty Kyoto is a top contender among the best vacation spots. This former imperial capital of Japan is home to stunning temples, traditional wooden houses as well as beautifully designed gardens. Travel during the cherry blossom season in spring or the brilliant autumn foliage in fall for the most beautiful scenery. Don't miss the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red tori gates plus the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. 

3. Maui, Hawaii 

Maui is one of the perfect vacation destinations in the world. This paradise has fabulous beaches, lush rainforests, and huge Haleakalā towering above. Some must-dos include snorkelling at Molokini Crater, driving on the scenic Road to Hana, and seeing the sunrise atop Haleakalā. Whether you just feel like lying on the beach or exploring the natural treasures of the island, Maui has it all. 

 4. Paris, France 

Paris, the City of Light, is no doubt tastefully done and is a sight to behold. World-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral testify to the significance of Paris in the world. Have a leisurely walk along the Seine River, explore bohemian neighbourhoods like Montmartre, and indulge in a buttery croissant at a sidewalk cafe. All in all, the city is an epitome of a rich history, arts, and love. 

 5. Queenstown, New Zealand 

Queenstown completes the trip for you if you are a person who is always looking for adventure and loves to explore nature. It's a lively town on New Zealand's South Island west coast, surrounded by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. It's famously known as the birthplace of bungee jumping, but you will also find jet boating, skydiving, paragliding, and skiing. In short, it's breath-taking and endlessly exhilarating, with activities that one cannot find elsewhere. 

 6. Cape Town, South Africa 

Cape Town, in its contrasts, is the place where urban sophistication meets natural beauty, making this one of the best vacation spots not only in Africa but in the world. Dominated by the national icon, New Seven Wonders of Nature—Table Mountain—this city is the place to get breathtaking views of the city and the cable car to the top. From the top, offer panoramic views of the city or experience the vibrant V&A Waterfront down below, historic Robben Island, a ferry away, Camps Bay beaches, and the nearby Cape Winelands for a diverse enriching experience. 

 7. Amalfi Coast, Italy 

The Amalfi Coast is one of those luxurious best vacation spots and best scenic getaways in all of Europe. All of southern Italy is home to the rugged coastline, coloured villages, and clear azure waters along the shoreline. Drive through its winding coastal stretches, great history towns like Positano and Ravello, and savour in flavourful bites of its local cuisines. The beauty and charm of the Amalfi Coast have put most people to regard it as their favourite destination for relaxation and romance. 

 8. Bali, Indonesia 

Bali, Island of the Gods, is the perfect blend of culture, nature, and chilling atop Ubud's beautiful rice terraces. The island features the ancient rocks of Tanah Lot and Uluwatu temples and the sandy beaches of Seminyak and Nusa Dua. The vibrant culture, friendly locals, and beautiful landscapes turn Bali into the best experience for both adventure and serenity. 

 9. New York City, USA 

The city that never sleeps—New York City—is among the best urban explorers' vacation spots. The iconic skyline, first-class museums, and ultra-diverse neighbourhoods make the options for discovery seemingly endless. From Lady Liberty to Broadway to Times Square, Harlem, and Brooklyn; hustle, bustle, and all manner of the coolest stuff. If you want to explore a city, New York City has the energy and diversity to help you do it. 

 10. Australia, Great Barrier Reef 

The Great Barrier Reef makes the best vacation spot for those who love marine life; in general, scuba divers will love it. This is the largest coral reefs system in the world, off the coast of Queensland. The chances of snorkelling and diving in the transparent-blue waters immerse one in vision after vision of various coral formations and tropical fish and other species of the underwater marine world. Spot the spectacle of the Whitsunday Islands and the flying, thrilling view of the big plane over the reef together with the tropical beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Why These Are the Best Vacation Spots 

The destinations provided above include some of the best vacation spots in the world because of their special, unique factors and great experiences all visitors can experience. Each spot has so much special to offer, be it amazing natural beauty, intense cultural vibes, or thrilling adventures. Each spot offers an option for traveling with easy styles and preferences, making sure every traveller finds the best place according to needs. 

 Tips to Finding the Best Vacation Spots 

Here are some tips to help you choose the best vacation spot for you: 

 1. Identify Your Passions 

Think of an activity or an experience that you enjoy. Would you like to lay back on a beach, soak in a cultural experience, or explore destinations? Knowing what your passion is will help narrow down the choice of locations perfect for you. 

 2. Consider the Season 

For whatever time of the year, the best vacation spots could change. Research your perfect destinations about the best periods to visit for perfect weather and experiences. 

 3. Expenses 

Your pockets will have to spend on choosing the best spots for vacations. Some spots will be costlier than others, so consider your spending limits on the tip of your visiting spots. 

 4. Travel Companions 

Who will accompany you on your vacation? Some vacation spots are perfect for family vacations, others for single travellers, and yet others for couples. Make sure the chosen spot counts in the needs and preferences of the ones you will be traveling with. 

 5. Accessibility 

Consider how accessible your desired spot it. Most preferably, some of the best vacation spots will be hard to access, often signifying long flights and constant connections. Give some slack about travel time and convenience. 

An eSIM will keep you in touch, especially during holiday season, if traveling around the globe happens to be on your agenda. It is quite easy to have access to data from almost any country without switching physical SIM cards. The Zetexa eSIM options provide QR-code activation and are proposing trip plans one can adjust easily to one's needs. Be it the breathtaking landscapes of Santorini in Greece or the vibrant culture of Bali, Indonesia—eSIM will keep you connected and sharing your journey as it happens. 

People can just travel to the finest spots for a vacation with a number of days that can be connected. From romantic setting suns in Santorini to busy streets in New York City, an eSIM has got you covered straight out of the box. From places as good as Kyoto, Japan, to the best eSIM options themselves, excellent coverage and convenience within New Zealand's adrenaline terrains in and around Queenstown are the only places this journey would get exciting. Focus on just one set of fantastic places to holiday at, and yet make some unforgettable memories at each one of them—all through an international eSIM that keeps one connected. 

When taking your next trip, consider your interests, budget, and who you are going to travel with in order to make a choice regarding the best vacation spot. They offer a variety of experiences ranging from romantic trips in Santorini, Greece, to adrenaline experiences in Queenstown, New Zealand. Be it roaming the lively streets of New York City or the quite temples of Kyoto, the best vacation spots will surely be the places of unforgettable memories and the best experience. So pack your bags and get going to explore the most amazing places in the world. 

[bisluthq]

Hi! I hope this isn't a rude question but from what I remember you live in South Africa, and I was super curious. Yesterday I read a post on reddit from a female solo traveler who was planning to travel for months, first landed in Johannesburg, spent two days there, felt super unsafe, cancelled her whole trip and went home. A lot of comments were saying it IS super dangerous there and she just did poor research. Is it really dangerous there? If yes, is it just Johannesburg or all over?

not a rude question! My take is, honestly, it’s as dangerous as you let it be. Johannesburg has some pretty dodgy areas which I wouldn’t recommend to tourists and it’s a VERY big city - just geographically/spatially not even talking about population - so I wouldn’t recommend for any tourists (solo or not) to go without a guide/group. I’d book in with a guide. It’s a REALLY cool place though - I know many Brits and Americans who actually preferred it to Cape Town and rated it on par with their safari experiences. There’s a lot to see and do, it’s vibey, the people are lovely. But if you try diy your itinerary/accommodation and rely totally on Ubers like yeah you can put yourself in some pickles. You do need a guide or to like be relatively local (I’ve spent a fair amount of time there for work and for my brother’s competitions and to go to my embassy and because I was very briefly seeing this girl who lived there when my ex and I were breaking up but sorta not broken up idk anyway I flew up there to see this girl a few times and I can honestly say I’ve never had any funny or bad experiences there. I liked it and felt safe but I’ve also lived in South Africa since 2001 and I have friends there so it’s really not the same as a foreigner going by herself). A weird thing multiple people have told me now is the train system there is nicer than Europe’s and I guess it is lol. It’s very on time and very clean and not like whatever is going on in France or Germany or the UK (side note I personally thought the Italian trains are great but they were def dirtier than the Gautrain system). So there are yk a lot of… really state of the art things about Joburg.

Cape Town is a lot safer and more “European” so easier to go with no plan/guide. I know sooo many women who’ve traveled here solo and had a rad time. Again, obviously be smart lol like don’t do dumb shit but that’s a good rule of thumb traveling anywhere.

I mean okay here’s a story - when my bf was in college (he’s American - or rather Californian which is its own thing but he was in college on the East Coast) he started dating this French foreign exchange student and that summer he took a summer school course in London in part to be able to see her more. Two of the girls on his course were friends of his from school so they were staying together and anyway these girls wanted to go to Paris for the weekend and see Paris and all and that worked well for everyone ergo they basically arranged a swapsie situation - his gf would come to him in London and they’d have the flat to themselves and these girls would get to use her apartment for free. All good. The girls were told very explicitly like what trains to use and when the last one leaves but they were partying and the guys they were with told them that actually there’s a later train and they believed them because cute French boys idk I guess and obviously it turned out there wasn’t a later train - obviously V knew when the trains to her apartment stopped running lol - so these boys and their girl friend offered to drive them back to the apartment, which they accepted, and then like the Americans invited them up like for a thank you nightcap and these people proceeded to badly SA the American girlies and rob my bf’s gf’s apartment. The girls obviously left to go home to the US immediately the next day and my bf’s gf broke up with him because all her shit was stolen lol because of his moron friends so she wasn’t happy with him. That’s a real story that happened - doesn’t mean I’ve ever felt unsafe in Paris though. I’ve felt like I’m overpaying for shit but I’ve always been… safe. I’ve actually taken the last train in Paris myself and it was totally fine even though I was not sober lol and the American girl *I* was with there (not romantically like we were just vibing together) also had nothing bad happen to her at all lol so it’s not even a dumb American thing. It’s like… bad shit sometimes happens.

Basically, my take is touristy South Africa isn’t unsafe tbh any more than any other touristy part of the world (if you go into really bad areas that’s different) but keep your wits about you dudes if you do decide to go and obviously feel free to hmu.

[charlesandmartine]

Tuesday 30th April 2024

We were allowed to sleep in today, well until 6.45 at least. We had to have had breakfast, a wash behind the ears and present ourselves out on the platform for an 8am departure. For some unexplained reason we had spent the night parked in Bulawayo Station which was fine because there was no motion from travelling along the tracks, but there was a fair bit of noise from the engines that needed to be running to provide power to all our Aircon devices. So the train disgorged all of us and repackaged us into a plush coach. Bulawayo is an intensively poor city and full of the signs of what it once was. The station was a lovely redbrick reminder of UK stations as they used to be. Buildings built without budget to house all the admin features required of a terminus of this importance but sadly falling on desperate times and having allowed it's grandeur to diminish along with it's status. Passing through its portals we found ourselves on its forecourt and viewing Bulawayo critically for the first time. To our left was a colonial building of once great importance but now gutted and roofless. As our coach pulled out onto the main thoroughfare immediately to our left was a huge coal powered power station. Things hardly improved as we drew closer to downtown. Huddles of men stood on street corners awaiting work, shops with little provenance or purpose were opening for the day, rubbish stood piled on the streets, pavements were churned up in disorder, little traffic flowed and third world rather than modern city was its flavour. We drove on and fairly soon the streets became more manicured and bungalows more suited to a comfortable Surrey town became more prevalent. Mormon, JW, Catholic, CofE churches filled one street. Strangely, martial music of military bands filled the coach sound system. 40km passed quickly and we reached our destination, the Matobo National Park. Here we swapped vehicles for Land Rover Defenders ready for a tour of the Game Reserve. Just to be different, I chose the seat that sat forward on the nearside front wing offering a great view, feeling a direct attachment to the surroundings, albeit out on a limb and at the mercy of any oncoming potholes or branches. Pulling over into a clearing were invited to get out of the vehicle, joining two guides armed with what appeared to be kallashnicoff rifles and move silently into the undergrowth. There in front of us was a young male, and female white rhino grazing. The accompanying information from our guide was that the pair could charge unexpectedly. Frankly we were half expecting it so we kind of kept to one side. However, the encounter was in many ways primeval and surreal to be that close and on foot and on the same level to such large and dangerous beasts. Their tusks had been cut back to make them less attractive to poachers but they were now growing again.

We were then shown some ancient rock paintings left by bushmen of old. We were told throughout the region there were similar examples which have been dated to 50,000 years ago indicating this area of Africa to possibly being the birthplace of humanity.

And then back to the Land Rovers for perhaps the main event; the visit to the grave and final resting place of Cecil John Rhodes. We parked up and started to climb the rock scree up to a ridge with stunning far reaching views across the plains of bush and trees. There surrounded by huge boulders and in a prominent imposing position was the simple tomb of the man, still highly regarded here as a benefactor and founder of the country of Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia. In his time; founder of De Beers diamond company, Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, peace maker with the Matabele people, established the Rhodes Scholarships which still exist today and many other achievements. Dying in March 1902 in the Cape and buried at his request here in the Matobo Hills. We have been so impressed with the richness and beauty of the countryside here in rural Zimbabwe, but the extremes of wealth set alongside the more prevalent state of poverty; the despair instilled by a political system that seems overwhelming to the individual in the street and the impossibility of rectifying it, excruciatingly high inflation at 104%, high unemployment, the cheerful long-suffering and peaceful nature of the people, have all continued to surprise us on this trip.

We were returned to our coach and hence to the train in time for lunch.

What a fantastic day!

[lonely-lighthouse-keeper]

JOURNAL OF THE LIGHTHOUSE STATION AT CACHALOT COVE

[[ log 30]]

~Partly Cloudy Conditions All Day~

~Wind Speeds Up to 12 km/h~

Time of writing this log is 2123

Duties done at the station:

𓇼 Inventory Check

𓇼 Give an Offering to Mother Ocean

with the upcoming full moon, i want to make sure everyone has a safe passage while travelling the seas, as well as a thank you for allowing me to stay on land for about 30 days

𓇼 Mail Check

Dearest logbook, today, I learned one of the cutest habits that humans have! Apparently, theres a thing called nail polish, and when you apply a layer onto either your fingernails, or toes(??), ITS LIKE A DECORATION!! Mrs. Osslik was kind enough to do my hands for me to watch, and I did my own toes.

I was also back in Cape Pearl today, but for clothes shopping instead of a beach cleanup. For those that haven't visited Cachalot Cove, we are a smaller town than Cape Pearl, meaning that many shops are handmade things, and some clothes just cannot be found. This does not mean I don't love where I am working at, no, however I do have to make some longer trips to get what I want.

Here's to 30 logs .+*

May the Seas Guide You~~

[bestentours11]

Discover the Rainbow Nation: Top South Africa Tour Packages

South Africa, affectionately known as the Rainbow Nation, is a country that boasts an incredible diversity of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. It's a destination that appeals to all types of travelers, from those seeking adventure in the wild African bush to those who prefer the sophisticated charm of its cities. With such a vast array of attractions, choosing the right South Africa tour packages can be the key to unlocking the very best this country has to offer. In this article, we explore the top South Africa tour packages that promise to deliver an unforgettable journey through this vibrant nation.

1. The Safari Experience

No visit to South Africa is complete without experiencing its world-famous safaris. South Africa tour packages that include visits to the Kruger National Park offer an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience. Here, you can come face-to-face with the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) in their natural habitat. These packages often include stays in luxury lodges, guided game drives at dawn and dusk, and even walking safaris for the more adventurous.

2. The Garden Route

For those who love scenic drives and outdoor activities, the Garden Route is a must-include in your South Africa tour packages. Stretching from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape, this route offers stunning coastal views, dense forests, and serene beaches. Tour packages focusing on the Garden Route can include stops at key attractions like the Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay, with opportunities for hiking, bungee jumping, and whale watching.

3. Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula

Cape Town, with its iconic Table Mountain, vibrant waterfront, and rich history, is often the starting point of many South Africa tour packages. Exploring the Cape Peninsula, with visits to the Cape of Good Hope and the penguin colonies at Boulders Beach, provides a mix of natural beauty and wildlife. These packages might also include wine tasting tours in the Cape Winelands, exploring the historical Robben Island, and enjoying the city's renowned culinary scene.

4. The Cultural Heritage Tour

South Africa's history is both complex and fascinating, marked by stories of struggle and triumph. South Africa tour packages that focus on the country’s cultural heritage offer insights into its past, with visits to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, the Soweto Township, and Mandela’s House. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the country's journey to democracy and are essential for anyone looking to grasp the essence of the Rainbow Nation.

5. The Adventure Seeker’s Delight

For the thrill-seekers, South Africa tour packages can be tailored to include some of the most exhilarating activities available. From shark cage diving in Gansbaai to zip-lining in Tsitsikamma, South Africa is a playground for adventure. Other activities can include sandboarding in the Atlantis Dunes, hot air ballooning over the Magaliesberg, or even taking a leap off the world’s highest bridge bungee at Bloukrans.

6. The Luxury Escape

South Africa also caters to those seeking a more luxurious experience. High-end South Africa tour packages might include stays at exclusive lodges in private game reserves, gourmet dining experiences, and private tours of historical sites or vineyards. These packages offer a perfect blend of relaxation, indulgence, and adventure, set against the backdrop of some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.

In Conclusion

South Africa's diverse offerings make it a unique travel destination, and the right tour package can ensure that travelers enjoy a comprehensive and enriching experience. Whether it's wildlife, scenic beauty, cultural heritage, adventure, or luxury you seek, South Africa tour packages deliver it all, wrapped in the warm hospitality for which this country is renowned. As you plan your journey to the Rainbow Nation, consider these varied tour options to truly discover the best of South Africa.