On day 7 we were off to Swaziland - a lovely journey through the countryside.
Crossing the border was, well interesting, the whole group getting off the coach, passing South African emigration, getting passport stamped, walk a few metres to the Swaziland immigration facilities, getting passport stamped (what a hassle with the staff there as they like request certain lists sometimes and sometimes not) and eventually board coach again.
In Swaziland we had a few stops even if nothing too exciting.
First was at a popular viewing point where locals were selling souvenirs and I bought a gorgeous handmade soapstone elephant at a bargain price (well for me).
First was at a popular viewing point where locals were selling souvenirs and I bought a gorgeous handmade soapstone elephant at a bargain price (well for me).
The guy making these (as we could watch him making them) and selling them most probably made the best business of the day as not just me but several others bought a soapstone souvenir of him.
We also went to the Ngwenya Glass Factory. As it was Sunday the production was unfortunately stopped but the items sold there were just stunning. I didn't risk though buying something.
After that we were off to the Swazi Candles Centre, a fair trade manufacturing company producing most beautiful candles. As Sunday the production was obviously stopped as well but the shop which also sold soaps and other stuff was open and I got myself some small pretty items.
Accommodation was at the Lugogo Sun, a decent hotel, not the most modern but clean and great food for dinner and breakfast.
What we saw from Swaziland was certainly most beautiful, again wished we had more time, though poverty seems to be an even bigger issue in that country as in South Africa.
We also went to the Ngwenya Glass Factory. As it was Sunday the production was unfortunately stopped but the items sold there were just stunning. I didn't risk though buying something.
After that we were off to the Swazi Candles Centre, a fair trade manufacturing company producing most beautiful candles. As Sunday the production was obviously stopped as well but the shop which also sold soaps and other stuff was open and I got myself some small pretty items.
Accommodation was at the Lugogo Sun, a decent hotel, not the most modern but clean and great food for dinner and breakfast.
What we saw from Swaziland was certainly most beautiful, again wished we had more time, though poverty seems to be an even bigger issue in that country as in South Africa.
