Monday

Today we traveled to Pretoria, the administrative capitol of S A and a very beautiful historic city, its streets lined with over 5000 Jacaranda trees. Although not in bloom now, with my eyes closed I could envision clouds of blue as far as the eye could see! Oue first stop was the Voortrek museum built to honor the pioneers that left the Cape between 1830-1850. There were beautiful gardens surrounding the museam and I was swept away by the blooming tree aloes, with their red, yellow, or orange, blossoms, some over eight feet tall! Spectacular. Our next stop was the Union Building which housed the president and foreign ministers. WHile there I watched an elderly African woman weaving necklaces from beads. SHe graciously allowed me to take her picture and I purchased one of her beautiful necklaces. CHeck them out in our slideshow. Next we traveled to Sterkfontain Caves known as the Cradle of Humankind. One of the world's most important palaoanthropological sits. We saw "little foot" an almost complete austropithecine skeleton dating back 3 million years ago, possibly pre Lucy. Our guide through the caves was a charming and knowledgeable young lady whose name was Adelaide Metsinani. Trained in the art of tour guiding at FGASA, a government sponsored school, she studied archeological, anthropological, and gological science for two years in order to become certified as a guide. Her knowledge and great sense of humor kept us all enthralled.Thank you Adelin! Pennie C.