Penguins!

Penguins cautiously reside
  on our planet's underside,
where they're careful not to cough,
  lest they trip and tumble off.

~Jack Prelutsky 

The penguins are my favorite thing about South Africa, so far (aside from some awesome people I have met here).

These pictures were all taken at Boulders Beach, near Simon's Town.  These penguins apparently set up shop there in 1982.  It started with just one pair of breeding penguins, and now there are over 3000 penguins!  They are so cute-- they waddle around, climbing stairs, wandering about, and don't seem to pay much attention to the people.  If you want to brave the cold water, you're welcome to take a dip with them; I don't think they'd mind!

I asked my friend Kho if I could take one home with me, but he didn't seem to think that a very good idea.  I guess I'll just have to go back for another visit sometime soon!

XOXO,

Once Upon a Time

The Flora and Fauna of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Table Mountain

Once upon a time, there was a girl whom fortune smiled upon.  One day she boarded a boat (that sailed through the air), and after many hours (and years and weeks and days), she ended up in a land that was far from home.

This land was unlike any she had ever seen…

The sun met the sand, and the ocean and mountains kissed.

She set out immediately to explore it.

She met old friends:

And new friends:

And rather unusual friends:

And these were just the beginning of her adventures...

Stick around for more to come!

XOXO,