In my series for Exploring South Africa

1. Back Again And Pictures From Our Vacation In South Africa!
2. Pictures Of Garden Route In South Africa!
3. Photos Of Kruger National Park In South Africa
4. Video And Best Of Photos of South Africa

Alrighty, the last time I will write about our trip in South Africa. This time a best of collection, 99 of over 2000 pictures in one gallery. I hope you enjoy them and I made you wanna go there too. Of course you can see more picture on the linked posts above.

I also upload a video of our elephant riding in Knysna, that was fun. Unfortunately the Soundtrack is against copyrights, so YouTube muted the sound and I have to replace it with another one:

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrHPYhshJps

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• Pictures Of Garden Route In South Africa! (2)
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In my series for Exploring South Africa

1. Back Again And Pictures From Our Vacation In South Africa!
2. Pictures Of Garden Route In South Africa!
3. Photos Of Kruger National Park In South Africa
4. Video And Best Of Photos of South Africa

Here you can see the pictures of the last 5 days of our wonderful vacation. From Port Elizabeth we went by plane to Jo’burg and then by car for 4 hours to Hazyview where we received a very warm welcome by Tina and Neil  in their Guest House. The reception was also at the same time a bar, very cool beginning.

After we left our bags in our room we drove the Panoramic Route. Fascinating views, an amazing feast for your eyes. No wonder that some view points have names like “God’s Window.” A truly beautiful area, you can’t see enough of it. You have to see it yourself, a camera cannot capture that. Aaaamazing!

In the evening we relaxed by the pool and went to a nice restaurant.

The next morning at 5:30 am we drove to the park with Neal and his Dad. Neal wanted to show his Dad the animals and offered us to drive right behind him, he was so nice and guided us through the park. In the first 2 hours, we saw the “Big Five”, the leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Some people are days on the road and do not see all 5 of them. We were lucky and we had our great guide Neal.

The impressions of the park are memorable because the giraffes running across the road a meter from you, the Impalas even come to you and the lions are not bothered by you. Experience first hand the wilderness is really remarkable. In the evening we went with Tina and Neal to a burger place, where only the locals go, that was pretty cool and I had a very tasty, huge burger – good lord!

On day 3, we drove early in the morning into the park again. After that, we stayed in the bush and visited the godparents of Gretel, who have also just been on holiday there. We had “Braii” (BBQ), which was super, super delicious! Cool was also, that 10 meters from us you could see the animals that were passing by and smelling the great food. At night, you were able to see their eyes in the dark, reflecting by the fire, it was a real bush night.

On day 4 we completely relaxed, hung by the pool or even went shopping for souvenirs before we drove the next morning towards Johannesburg. Where our wonderful trip also came to an end and we flew back home.

Hazyview was really great, the time passed by so quickly. Tina and Neal made the stay remarkable. We felt at home with friends, even though she is a football fan of Hamburg. If you want to go next year for the World Cup to Nelspruit, you should book a room at Dreamfields Guesthouse, which is only an hour away from the stadium. If you want to see more photos from our guest house, you can go to their website.

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In my series for Exploring South Africa

1. Back Again And Pictures From Our Vacation In South Africa!
2. Pictures Of Garden Route In South Africa!
3. Photos Of Kruger National Park In South Africa
4. Video And Best Of Photos of South Africa

Here we go with the second part of our trip. We left Cape Town to drive on the beautiful Garden Route. First station was Stellenbosch, a really nice area with vineyards. From there we passed Montagu and the hot springs and drove along the coast to Hermanus where you can watch whales.

While heading to Oudtshoorn we stopped in a little but well known restaurant at Route 62, “The Country Pumpkin”. The owner was very nice and he had huge spare ribs. But the best of all, I forgot my credit card there and one of his friends drove after us and brought the  credit card. That was so funny, in the middle of nowhere, desert, long street and mountains at the horizon, a Harley Davidson driver comes in front of our car and pulls out my credit card of his pocket, what a hilarious situation. We were so thankful, that his friend brought the credit card and we were laughing about our stupidity. I will never forget this moment.

In Oudtshoorn we were able to touch white lions and tigers, that was pretty cool. We visit an ostrich farm and Gretel were even riding an ostrich, she was so scared on the back of the ostrich. Shortly after we were in the Cango Caves, huge caves. A natural wonder, fascinating. Later that day we tried out ostrich steak in a game resort. I was surprised, it was delicious and healthy too. No cholesterol and little fat.

The next 3 days we stayed in Knysna, where we visited “Birds of Eden”. Warning! I took loads of picture! It was damn cool to see so many beautiful birds. We also loved to ride on the elephants, that was a great experience. Of course we saw the Knysna Heads and on our way to Port Elizabeth we passed Nature’s Valley and the highest bungee jumping place on earth. In Port Elizabeth we took a flight to Jo’burg to get to the Kruger National Park. But the pictures of our last 5 days will be online not before next week. So stay tuned.

BTW, some people asked me, what camera I used. It’s a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ, a great camera! Not a SLR camera but imho the best compact camera on the market with 12x zoom.

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• Video And Best Of Photos of South Africa (7)
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In my series for Exploring South Africa

1. Back Again And Pictures From Our Vacation In South Africa!
2. Pictures Of Garden Route In South Africa!
3. Photos Of Kruger National Park In South Africa
4. Video And Best Of Photos of South Africa

The summer break is over and I’m back to write on my blog again. I hope you are still here and keep following this blog in the future.

We were in South Africa for 3 weeks , touring through the country, met relatives and friends of my girl friend and got to know the culture and the Multi-faceted landscape and wildlife.

There were 3 absolutely wonderful weeks that I do not want to miss. The first week we were in Cape Town, a stunning city, no wonder that many people rave about Cape Town. Beaches on one side and surrounded by mountains and forests on the other side. I must say the people were very nice and friendly. I have only positive impressions of the country and its people. Even with the crime we didn’t have any experience, fortunately. We saw a lot of security staff, whether in parking lots, shops or roads. I think South Africa wants to convey a sense of security so that the general impression that South Africa would be too dangerous for a vacation, no longer corresponds to the truth. Of course there are still very dangerous places, especially at night and you should always be a little cautious, but if you’re not too stupid and careless, then nothing should happen, and South Africa is not more dangerous than other countries and cities.

As I said, the first week we were in Cape Town, Gretel’s hometown, where we visit her grandmother, godparents and friends. We saw quite a bit of Cape Town, we were on Robben Island, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Waterfront and, no, not on the table mountain. We didn’t have the chance to go on the top, but that is another reason to come back again, and that’s for sure, but next time in the summer. I’m already looking forward to it! Then I can make a comparison of South Africa before and after the World Cup.

I hope you will like the photos of the first week in Cape Town. Soon I will put the photos of the Garden Route and the last great week in Kruger National Park with wild animals online. Enjoy!

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2008 was a very busy year. Most memorable things for 2008 will be the big move back to Europe and the successful start of my freelance career.

But we experienced many other great and excited things in 2008. I think it was a good year and I really hope 2009 will be the same!

Here you can see all pictures I have made since we are in Europe. Sorry that I didn’t publish them before because for lack of time. But now you can see all at once.

Even the New Years Party at a friends place are already online, we had an awesome party! Our party theme was “famous couples” Gretel and I were “Barbie and Ken”, Marcel and Bettina were “Heidi and Peter”, Jörg and Frauke were “Bonny and Clyde”, Klaus and Viola were “Pasta and Bolognese” and Joe was “Farmer looking for a wife!”

FYI it might take a little bit longer before you see the album overview, because there are so many pictures:

• Birthday party of Daniela and Andreas in Frankfurt:

  That was really fun, I saw many friends for the first time since ever again.

• North Sea Island Langeoog:

  A day trip with Ashley from Dallas, a beautiful island and great weather.

• Soccer European Cup with Casey and Dana:

  A drinking game end up in a desaster for Casey – Awesome evening.

• Soccer European Cup 2008:

  Some pictures while we were watching the games in Germany and Amsterdam.

• Blue Night in Damme:

  An event in my hometown, with live bands in every bar and on the street.

• Ossenbecker Schützenfest:

  I had a couple of drinks only with my mates in our backyard before we headed to the traditional festival.

• Helgoland:

  A great day trip to the most northern and beautiful German north sea island.

• Apartment in Amsterdam:

  Our apartment when we moved in.

• Schurr family reunion:

  Family reunion of my aunt with her kids and grand children.

• Gretel’s Birthday:

  A little surprise party in our backyard.

• Frank’s wedding:

  Wedding of Frank and Britta.

• Brewery sight viewing:

  Herforder brewery sight viewing with my friend Rafa from San Francisco and Michael.

• Tom’s 40th birthday:

  Great birthday party in Bonn and beer from cologne – The Kölsch.

• Kate’s birthday:

  Surprise visit at Kate’s birthday in Amsterdam, my friend Borat and I came to the Russian Theme Party, it was awesome!

• My birthday:

  Great fun with most of my best mates in the legendary basement.

• Christmas Eve:

  A very nice and relaxed evening with my parents and Gretel.

• Christmas:

  My little nephew Leon gets his gifts.

• 1st Christmas Day:

  A traditional get together in our basement. We had so much fun, this time we played a Polish board game with lots to drink.

• Dad’s 70th birthday:

  My dad turned 70 and we had a great party for him. A really nice evening.

• New Years Eve 2008:

  Great party until late morning. We had such a fun night, as you can see on many pictures!

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It took me a while, but know I’m back working and writing, 3 weeks later than I was planing.

Finally we settled down in Germany, got most of the stuff organized and my computer is running on full speed now with a nice Intel Core2 Quad, 8GB RAM and an additional new 1 Terabyte Hard drive. I think that should get me going.

It’s good to be back home, get to see my family and meet my old friends. Especially if the weather is so great since we are back in Europe.

But first let me review the last weeks in Dallas, which were flying by in lightning speed. It went so fast, unbelievable. Luckily we got a chance to meet most of our friends for the last time and enjoyed their company very much! It was great to see them but also sad as we knew it will be the last time for quite a long while.

We will miss our friends, colleagues, a great job, our apartment, the good weather, Texas steak, cheap gas, Pete’s Piano Bar, Texans friendliness, Stockyards, Mavericks and more… and endless list and we would like to say thank you for great and unforgettable years in Texas!

Before we left, Gretel and I made some really cool pictures as a cowboy (Damn Little Quick Gun Alex) and bar lady (Miss Texas Queen Beauty Gretel)

We took quite a lot pictures with our friends the last couple nights we were out. At the Happy Hour with my co-workers, my last day at work with colleagues and at the German restaurant. The last weekend at Hooters only with the guys and ending up with Casey at Hooters. Gretel with the girls at Melting Pot, at the Cubanita with Mary and Kaivan, with David eating Japanese and Brook and Preston saying goodbye and our last supper at Hook Line & Sinker (great and cool restaurant).

Right before we head to Germany we had a farewell by our really good friends Soili and Sami from Finland and Dirk and Estera at the airport. And a huge THANK YOU to Sascha and Linda, that we were able to stay at their house for a week – sorry for the mess!

We really hope to see everybody soon, either in Europe or USA. Right now it feels like I’m on vacation and I will be back in 10 days again, but this time it looks like, these 10 days will be looong and my boss won’t call me anyways, asking where I am at, since they found a great replacement with Matt!

While we were moving out, we also found a nest on our balcony, unfortunately the parents left it after I hang it down, but what should we do, the apartment complex would throw it out anyways

The last hours in our apartment:

And here are some pictures of our Garage Sales:

Now there is a new chapter ahead of Gretel and myself. She is starting her studies for physical therapy mid August in Amsterdam and I accepted the challenge to work for me, myself and I – freelancing as a web designer, hosting provider, web consultant and blogger.

But first we have to find a small apartment or house in Amsterdam. We will see how that goes, but this is a whole different story …to be continued!

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Saturday was our Goodbye Party, lots of friends came by and had a last shot and beer with us. It was a fun night, as far as I can remember.

I got some great pictures from Efrain, Elston, Jane and Jess. My pictures turned out very, very dark. You barely could see anything except black. I tried to rescue a little bit, so they look know like pictures from the 70s, you will recognize them easily

At around 4am o’clock was the party over. Too fast in my opinion. So many people, I didn’t have a chance to talk to everybody, what a shame. At least I tried to have a shot with all of them.

I hope everybody had fun as we did and a HUGE thank you to everybody who came. It was great to see old buddies but also sad to see some of our friends the last time

Here are some great picture of a fun night:

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Last Saturday I surprised my girlfriend Gretel with a weekend trip to Las Vegas. She has never been there, so before we go back to Europe, I thought I should take the opportunity as long we live in the States. She thought we are going to an event of my company and we would pick up a co-worker’s wife from the airport before we go. Richard, a good friend and great co-worker, was so nice to help with the surprise. He picked us up and told her, that we have to drive to the airport to pick up his wife. She totally believed him and didn’t expect anything else.

When we arrived at the airport i asked Gretel to leave the car while we are waiting for her. When I told her that we better should check in, she was quite confused. After a first shock and realization we are going to Las Vegas, she was very excited and happy. But when we went to the check-in, we found out we are too late!

I looked at the arrival time instead of the departure time. Instead 4:05 pm I thought we are flying at 5:15pm. That was my surprise then. At 4:10pm they told us we cannot checkin and the plane is ready to start. Shit!

But we got lucky, for some reason the plane didn’t start and had 1 hour delay. So we were able to check in. Afterward I made it right

Arrived at our hotel Treasure Island, they told us there is no king size bed available anymore. They asked if we are ok with the penthouse on the top floor. Heck yeah! And we also got a bottle of champagne. Again lucky.

Check out their las vegas wedding packages on your trip to the city of vegas.

After settle down for a minute in our hotel room we walked a little bit on the Strip and went to the Wynn , where we ate quite a bit and viewed the hotel. To be honest I wasn’t so impressed with the Wynn . I expected more.

But Gretel still couldn’t believe that we were in Las Vegas, she was overwhelmed.

After an exciting and exhausting day we slept until noon, before we got out to see the rest of the famous Strip. The Venetian was beautiful, Cesars Palace was interesting and Bellagio is great anyways.

In New York New York, we went on the rollercoaster. A horrifying venture for Gretel, she hates rollercoaster. But somehow I was able to convince her to go on the ride.

When we were on the ride, I thought she is going to die right away. She was breathing like a pregnant woman, when she wasn’t screaming. I think her pulse was 380 and she didn’t enjoy the beautiful view at all. She was just happy when it was over. On my side, I had a lot fun, not because of the ride, but the show Gretel was presenting next to me.

In the evening we went to the Bellagio for dinner and watched “O” of Cirque du Soleil. Another little surprise for Gretel. The show was fantastic, the stage is unbelievable, with water. You cannot find something similar. I saw several times a show of Cirque du Soleil, but that was outstanding.

Afterwards we walked along the Strip and watched the beautiful fountain in front of the Bellagio. A must see when you are in Las Vegas!

Later on we played a little bit in the casinos, I lost a lot money, had to sell my car, my whole retirement savings gone and Gretel left me for a rich guy. Ok, it wasn’t so bad, only $50.

After a long beautiful day and some cocktails at the end, we went back to our hotel room, oh wait, I mean Penthouse.

We spend our last day at the pool and went to Circus Circus, where we took some great pictures, but I will show some in a couple of weeks. They are really great.

We also went to Downtown Las Vegas, where are the real old casinos. That was interesting too. I wish we would have seen them by night, but we didn’t have any time for that.

A fun weekend trip was over quickly. We didn’t won any money though, but for sure some beautiful memories!

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On Saturday we went to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Greenville. It was great, fun and hot as you can see on the pictures I got sun burned. Except one time when the police blocked the whole road for no reason. Oh no, they had a reason. Too many people are having fun. What the…?

However, we had fun until late night. Met some new cool people and got shit faced, at least I was!

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My Ma and my brother with his little family visited our home the last 2 weeks. Before we move to Europe, end of April, my brother took the last chance to visit me here in the States. My Mom liked it so much, when she was here 4 year ago, that she traveled with them. Unfortunately my Dad couldn’t make it.

Our visitors did quite a bit in 2 weeks. They saw the Mavericks with Dirk Nowitzki of course and Icehockey of the Dallas Stars.

We visited Fort Worth Stockyards, Downtown, Botanical Garden, Water Garden and last but not least Pete’s Piano Bar.

My brother was very interesting about the assasination of J. F. Kennedy. So we went to Elm Street to the place where it all happened, after we cruised around in Downtown Dallas. I’m pretty sure he watched JFK by Kevin Costner again, since he is back in Germany. It’s one of his favorite movies.

They also did a day trip to San Antonio. They liked the city and the Riverwalk a lot.

Shopping was also very important, since everything is so cheap here and the Euro so strong. I think they bought whole Dallas. I don’t know how they were able to get everything on the plane.

Not to forget the Tex Mex cuisine, I think they tried it out extensively.

My family really liked their 2 weeks stay in Dallas. We had a blast to show them a little piece of Texas!

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