Boston Bound

Before I begin my South Africa blog, I have to respond to Scott’s recent post and Ori’s email. I too would like to thank Ori for that message. We actually have played during the Superbowl. Technically we were in a room watching it and then started playing music by ourselves, but it was the Superbowl and we were playing!

Anyway…here’s my final SA blog…

It’s been 26 days since I’ve set foot in South Africa. 26 glorious days. Some of it was surreal, some of it magical, but most of it felt comfortable, easy-going, and much like home.

I got married and traveled down the Eastern part of South Africa for honeymoon. This time of the year is down time for most of the townships along the sandy coast so it was as though we had the areas to ourselves. Stillbaai, Wilderness, & Knysna were among the destinations while oysters, lamb, and mussels were among the delicacies. I think my favorite journey was a tour through an oyster farm with our host Alex from Zimbabwe. Not only did he open fresh oysters from the sea for us, he introduced us to a liquor known only as “x.” 60% alcohol and a bite of chili pepper that will leave your mouth begging for relief. Some might consider it vile - I bought a bottle.

In case you were wondering, the Indian Ocean looks exactly the same as the Atlantic Ocean. And wouldn’t you know, it’s just as salty.

We added a wine tour to our list of activities. The owner is actually a friend of my…hang on a second…my wife…wow, strange. Anyway, I got a personal tour of the facilities along with my own seat at an empty bar and hundreds of bottles of wines to choose from. Being the wine connoisseur that I am, I’ll give you my best description of the fermented blends of flavors that the crushed grapes had to offer. Here goes: South African wine is GOOD.

Thank you.

This will be my last blog from the Southern Hemisphere. That is until I venture this way again. Thursday night we depart and begin the arduous journey of flying back to Boston, MA. It will no doubt be bitter sweet. The excitement of coming home coupled with the disappointment of leaving. Either way, it will be good to get back into the swing of things. If I remember correctly, there’s this band called Cahill and I believe they are putting the finishing touches on a 5-song EP. Exciting stuff.

Anyway, thanks to all those who kept up to date with my travels and for the emails and messages of congrats. As I said, we’ll need a week or two of getting back into band mode, but soon enough, Scotty and I will be unveiling the plans for 2010 including shows, blogs, and of course the EP.

I’m off to the beach. I have 2 days left and I’m going to soak up every bit of South African sun that I can, eat every inch of lamb that my stomach will allow, drink every drop of SA Castle Lager that my mouth can hold, and speak as much Afrikaans that my limited vocabulary will allow.

Sien julle gou weer! (see you soon)

~ bob