Shipol Airport in Amsterdam to Train Station, Central Station in Amsterdam. ALSTUBLIEFT

Completing our Africa Journey and for lack of better words a giant U-turn through Southern Africa we made it back to JoBurg to catch our flight to Amsterdam,  Holland will be the last destination on our trip. Amsterdam is a special place for most for their liberal views on sex, drugs, and rock & roll! …and Heineken consumption!

(I spent my 21st Birthday at the original Heineken Brewery)..I could pass on the American Hein-e, but the real deal is a whole other story! …and you wonder why the canals are green…

It was even more of a special place for me- I have not been back there in 12 years since doing my apprenticeship in the highly acclaimed Restaurant Vermeer (Michelin Star rated restaurant). Of course first stop had to be the restaurant-Knowing the “ins and outs of Amsterdam” sure did make the 2 day intensely packed trip much easier. Not many people know about the “other areas” that are off the main tourist streets, where the real Dutch culture thrives.

One thing I have always appreciated about the Dutch culture is that there is no problem if they want to indulge in a libation during their lunch break. It is completely accepted among their business society.Amsterdam’s streets are full of history, mystery, myth, legend, and all the in between. Unfortunately, the city gets a bad wrap for being full of pot smoking, herbal drugs, legalized prostitution, gambling, and liberal attitude, but look beyond that and you will see a city enriched in culture, art, amazing food, and great history.

(I will touch on the above in another post!)

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Car Ride to Johannesburg Airport

We were on track and heading back from Sun City to JoBurg to catch our flight.  Aside from a few street peddlers and general misfits we made it back safe and sound.  We drove straight into the JoBurg airport and returned the car, which only created one small problem.. we had to wait around since we made such good timing.  Unreal how the KFC had the longest line in the airports food court.    Off to Amsterdam for the final leg of the trip!

check out some random shots from our drive in to JoBurg-

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KFC. Finger Lickin Good. Sun City, South Africa

October 2009After an exciting night at the casino and staying in less than acceptable accommodations (in my book anyway) we needed to wrap up one very important thing before heading back to JoBurg…The Flying Toaster needs a bath… or more like a major overhaul!  I kept saying we can’t return the car in this state!  Well, lucky us we found a “car wash” or should I say 3 guys operating a car bathing service next to a local gas station not far from the hotel!

When we pulled up and got out of the car I think their price changed from what they charge the locals! Hmmm…shocker! Oh well, it cost us a wopping 7 dollars to have the entire car detailed. These guys were laughing when they put the high pressure hose under the wheel bases and about 5 lbs. of sand came flying out. They asked “WHERE HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN”!

We just nodded and smiled- (of course looking like two big idiots, but better than trying to explain everything) . While they were waxing the car we started talking and they were telling us how much they loved KFC- of course an American classic! KFC to these guys was a real treat because of the price, so like nice guys we went and got them all combo meals as a parting thank you!

Ben of course still dropped them some rand as an extra thank you, but I figured spending more on the food then the car was more than generous…

So, we told them what we had been doing the past few weeks in Africa and they just loved it! We found that people love having their photos taken, and especially by people that were filming for something public! Needless to say, they were so proud of having the KFC and being on TV it only took about 45 minutes to shoot this clip…(really, for a shout out!…)

It was worth it, they were great people, and hope to only run into more people  like this in life!

The Lost City. Sun City, South Africa

We somehow made it through two border crossings in one day, across the Kalahari, and into South Africa safe and sound!  I am not exactly sure how this happened, since we had the “Flying Toaster” on a consistent speed of 155km/ph!).  As mentioned in previous post Sun City is home to South Africa’s premier casino and resort.  Growing up with many South African family friends, I have been hearing about Sun City since I was a kid… so how could we not go!  I will not say it was the ultimate BTK experience, but for some good recreational fun, it was a nice change of pace!

A touch misleading to me was that Sun City is also the name of the actual “town”-

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Border Crossing and Customs in Namibia, Africa to Botswana, Africa

We entered into Botswana full steam ahead!

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