Jeffreys Bay (aka J-Bay)

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The second Tovah and I arrived at our amazing hostel, Ubuntu Backpackers, we decided to make our stay in J-Bay 2 days instead of 1.  The hostel is a beautiful house overlooking the ocean. It is owned and run by Jamie and Elizna (a really cool, young couple who have backpacked before and thus know exactly what backpackers like in a hostel).  They put most, if not all, the work into the hostel (i.e. painting/decorating it) and it is outstanding!  It was the first time since Tovah and I began our travels that we did not sleep in our sleep sacs, but instead slept under the clean sheets and on the pillow...we even got to shower without our sandals on!  In addition to the place itself, they have 2 dogs that Tovah and I could not get enough of.

Anyway, when we arrived there the power was out.  Since the kitchen appliances were therefore not working, Jamie and Elizna told us (and Mark, the other guy from Australia that was staying there- it was just the 3 of us there) they were going to have a braai (a barbecue, but better).  So, Tovah and I went to the grocery store to get food for the braai.  It was quite an experience as the power was out there and it was very dark.  There was a security guard shinning a flashlight on the food so we could see what we were getting.  When we got back Tovah and I seasoned our veggies and Tovah's meat, and they took care of the rest.  It was a feast!  Another bonus point for the already wonderful hostel.  Oh yeah, we also managed to buy wine even though it was Sunday and they usually don't sell alcohol on Sundays (maybe they didn't see what it was since it was dark??).

After lunch Tovah and I took a walk through the very quiet surfer town.  Not many places were open because it was Sunday, as well as because the power was out.  Even though it was extremely windy, we walked along the beach, watched a surfer, and just enjoyed this beautiful town.  The power was still out when we got back and it was beginning to get dark, so they lit a bunch of candles in the house.  We were very relaxed and happy to just talk with the others, and read/write in our journals by candle light!  When the power did come back on, we took advantage of the free internet (another bonus point- also free breakfast :)) and spent the rest of our night updating the blog for all of you to read.

The next day was spent shopping at the factory outlet surf stores (i.e. Billabong, Quicksilver, Roxy..), and relaxing on the decks overlooking the ocean at the hostel.  We were not ready to leave this great place and great people, but we knew there was more we wanted to see and do and so the next morning we headed off to Knysna.