Finally the day arrived and we went to pick up our car and begin our day trip to the pools. When we arrived in Cape Town to pick up our car, we ran into a problem. The car that we reserved was a manual, and nobody knew who to drive stick. This specific car agency did not have any automatics, but there were a few car rental places in the area that we were going to try to get a car at. We did not find out luck until the sixth car dealership! At this point we were nervous that we would not get into the hiking trail because they only allow 100 people in a day.
We decided to take our chances and hit the road to the pools. During the drive the views were spectacular. The ocean had an aqua green tint and glistened in the sun. When we made it to the hiking trail, our car was the only one there and we easily got in.
The hike to the first pool took around 45 minutes. The most spectacular view (which is now my desktop background picture), was looking on a bridge with the ocean beyond it that turned into a stream that went into the mountains. Greenery and rocks surrounded the bottom border, which concluded the postcard picture.
We made it to the first pool and it was more than I expected! The water was clear and when the sun shined down on the pool, it looked like crystals. At the point of the pool was a small waterfall that we eventually learned connected to the other pools. I was so eager to jump in the water, but was stopped by the rigid temperature. I jumped in and the water was so cold, but extremely refreshing at the same time.
After hanging out at this pool for while, we hiked up to the other ones. The second was much bigger and beautiful. We hung out here for some time, soaking in the sun and jumping of the sides of cliffs into the water. I camped out on a rock at the side of the pool and ate my new lunch of choice; a hummus, tomato and cucumber sandwich on wheat bread…. so good!
By the time we got to the third pool, we had to rush because we had to be back in Cape Town by four to return the car. My friend Benny, Jamie and myself jumped in the water and swam to the other side toward the waterfall. We climbed up the slippery rocks of the fall and reached the top to see the small fourth pool. It was a great climb and hike, and I only ended up with a few scratches on my legs!
When we returned to Cape Town all our stomachs were growling so we went to get some grub at Mexican Kitchen. Here we slurped down delicious strawberry margaritas, and I enjoyed chicken enchiladas, my go to Mexican dish. Before hopping on a mini-bus back to Rondebosch, we made one more stop, and that was to McDonalds. I got an Oreo McFlurry with hot fudge, which brought back memories of being back at home with my friends, enjoying a late nights snack!
This Friday in South Africa has been the best one to date. All of my favorite things were involved in this day; hiking, swimming, enjoying beautiful views, and of course, eating.
Quote of the Day: “It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another- Nelson Mandela
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