A unique and interesting Christmas present does not come much better than a 'one direction – unlimited time Baz Bus ticket' - for one! The recipient - Annie Waterhouse, resident of Eagle Ridge Estate in Howick, aged (it must be said) 65.
The Baz Bus is a hop on, hop off, Door-to-Door Backpacker Bus Service that travels up and down the East Coast of South Africa and beyond, usually seen as the domain of young, foreign travellers. Not many locals use it and especially not local pensioners. However, with an adventurous spirit and a dash of common sense, the Baz Bus is an extremely cost effective way of exploring our beautiful land without costing a fortune. The great attraction of the Baz Bus is that it transports travellers from backpacker hostel to backpacker hostel and it is safe. This is reassuring for all those parents from Europe who only hear bad things about South African crime, and whose offspring know a good deal when they see one. They were young mostly (25-35 year olds) in search of a good time, an adventure and cheap beer. After the initial shock of spotting a pensioner joining in on their fun, they were friendly, interested and interesting.
At all the backpacker hostels there was the option of a single room and privacy. Although Annie is adventurous, there is a limit and to the relief of all concerned she took a single room at all the stops. The beds were comfortable, the meals wholesome and fireside chats entertaining. Having no car means taking life in the slow lane, walking is great exercise and when time is your friend, you can appreciate all the small, slow things around one. Annie took seven weeks to travel from Cape Town back to Howick. The Baz Bus stops at all the Western Cape gems – historical Swellendam and coastal Hermanus and the Wilderness - all the way up the coast. The Eastern Cape beaches are surely the pride of Africa - unpopulated and unspoilt, natural beauty at its finest. What a wonderful way to explore our lovely country.
Baz Bus Babe or Gallivanting Grannie? You decide.
