FLAMINGO DISABLED TOURS

2011-11-28T00:11:00.000-08:00

When reading the letter page in the local newspaper, often I get to thinking about certain issues that make most decent people's blood boil. Poaching of Rhino's is one of them. When you have encountered these magnificent animals in the wild, only cowards could kill them.

Then when I find I cannot sleep all these ideas and thoughts come to mind. How to make Rhino horn sustainable and deal with poachers all in one go. Well there are things Judge Dennis Davis and his colleagues should think about about.

Poachers - actually all criminals alike - especially child molesters and rapists - send them all for an "orchidectomy" and have them go to First floor New Somerset Hospital, where they killed my father, the word will get out that you never come out of that ward alive, so the numbers of criminal will decline overnight.

Then Angels tap me on the shoulder and tell me that these dark thoughts make me almost as bad as the criminal itself and they then give me ideas for sustainable rhino horn, but no ideas of dealing with the criminals, so here is the advise for the horns, but await the ideas still for the criminals and poachers. I still feel that what I have said above is still good, in a bad way. Or if you have watched the movie - Hunted - do that to all these criminals, but do not pay them!! The person who, in The Argus last week wrote, that all criminals should go into old age homes and all elderly should go to prison - these thoughts come from that same mind set - we have had enough - someone needs to do something - come on Judge Dennis Davis!!

The horn replacement - overwhelming the market with this, that will make it impossible for "them" to know the difference, will make sure that my great, great grandchildren will still see rhino's when they grow up, - it is also a money making spinner for the poor - everyone save all your finger and toe nail cuttings, keep them until you have 500g, then sell it to a entrepreneur. Every hairdresser, instead of throwing away all that hair you cut daily, put it special bins and sell that to these same entrepreneurs and they process these two items together - well why not - all that the Rhino horn is, is compressed hair - keratin - so the processing of hair and nails and you will have a good sustainable product of equivalent "stuff". Flood the market and save the Rhino!! Who agrees with me??

NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2011 SHORT & SWEET

2011-01-26T00:39:00.000-08:00

Hello from Cape Town the most beautiful city in the world, where we are having lovely summer weather, windy at times, but that is expected when the Cape Doctor blows at this time of the year, with temperatures ranging from high 20's - high 30's and into the interior of the Western Cape into the mid 40's. Yes that is C not F.

We are only winter rainfall area in country, so while the wind blows here in Cape Town at gale force, the rest of the country are feeling like webbed feet are growing, as it is raining and raining and yes raining for 2 months already, with 27 municipalities declared disaster areas, over 7 of our 9 provinces.

So what's new, it is flooding in OZ, Sri Lanka, Philippines and mud slides due to excessive rain in Brazil. + Snow mostly elsewhere ....

This then makes Cape Town and ideal venue to visit at this time of the year. Scenic, diverse, multi-cultural, excellent weather, I could go on and on with these beautiful adjectives, but jokes aside, many places have discounted their accommodation - hugely - and so our prices have fallen as well.

This will not last, so take the opportunity to get these bargains now. These lowered prices are valid until end March 2011. "Negotiation" is the watch word these days.

So while we enjoy the long summer days, with perfect sunsets and long evenings, having that sundowner with Table Mountain as a backdrop, think about it, YOU TOO could be enjoying that long cool Telquila Sunrise and sunset in Cape Town.

We are waiting ... to entertain you!

WORLD RHINO DAY 22ND SEPT

2010-09-22T07:36:00.001-07:00

Today is WORLD RHINO DAY - 22nd SEPT 2010. it is with sadness that I write this, shame as well, as South Africans have been caught killing and poaching Rhino Horns in our National Parks. I am also very angry at these men, as they are professional people who should know better and have done this for greed alone! MONEY the scourge of society. So far 2 vets, a game ranger and others have been involved. I hope the vets are struck from their professional register and that the game ranger is never given an opportunity to work in the industry again. BLACK LIST them. Also NAME & SHAME then.
I believe in COMMUNITY work for all offenders, none of this sitting around watching TV, getting 3 meals a day and a warm bed, while the poor are suffering out there. Get them to work to build houses, make bricks, do woodwork for making the furniture to go into these houses.

Or as my Dad would say send them to the KAROO, to live in open jails. Cold in winter and very hot in summer. Or as the Sheriff in one USA state did have an open jail and make then all wear a colour they hate. They have disgraced our rainbow nation, how about rainbow colours, mostly the pinkish shades.

Now back to the RHINO which is what it is all about. Please educate kids and people that the horns of a RHINO are made from the same substance your nails are made from - SO GO CHEW YOUR OWN NAILS - those of the world that think that RHINO HORN is an aphrodisiac - you really have your head up your .....

But really, what idiot takes what is equivalent to nail shavings, grinds it up and drinks it to get it up - OH PLEASE get real and save these magnificent creatures from extinction.

STOP THE KILLING OF RHINO
STOP THE SELLING OF THE HORNS
DO YOUR PART
BE REAL MEN,
NOT SISSIES
STOP KILLING OUR WILDLIFE

PROUD TO BE SOUTH AFRICAN

2010-07-12T04:28:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 12, 2010

PROUD TO BE SOUTH AFRICAN

Last night the world watched the showcase of the final World Cup Soccer as it came to an end, with much applause and ceremony, fire works blazing and the Spanish in seventh heaven, the Netherlands (my team) devastated, it was still, no matter the emotions, an incredible 31 days.

The "gees", meaning enthusiasm, spirit of the game and everything South African, was a uniting factor. All our "woes" were put aside for these past 31 days. We smiled, laughed and sang, also shouted with glee and upset as the 64 games passed at such lightening speed. The world who thought we could not never pull this off are sitting back is disbelief with a little embarrassment of how could AFRICA do this and do it so well.

Well we did, with encouragement, dignity and pride, we showed the world this is AFRICA, we waved our flags, sang the songs and truly a tremendous time was had by all. This is AFRICA" S time just like the opening song said.

Some fools tried their luck and did stupid things, like set up a guy to go into the English teams locker room. Well Simon, your press pass and all your future media work should be barred from publishing and you should be disbarred from any work as a journalist ever again. Shame on you! I think your Mother would be ashamed of your antics.

Despite these "short-sighted" people pulling stunts, generally South Africa, every citizen did us proud and our President Jacob Zuma even thanked us all for our hospitality, for which this country is famous, now given a new name - swop hospitality for - GEES. Pronounced with a guttural G in the back of the throat!!!

So come see what all these supporters felt and saw in this diverse beautiful rainbow nation - as the song says - WHAKA WHAKA eh eh!!

FLAMINGO GUESTS TO PERSONAL FRIENDS

2010-03-02T00:21:00.000-08:00

This is a memorial tribute to one of our most "returned" guests, since 1999/2000 season, until just 6 weeks ago - John Bellamy - passed over on 24th February 2010.

Since we came to know John and his wife Janet from the UK, over past 10 + years, they became regular visitors to our fine shores, to watch the cricket at Newlands every January, returning about 5 or 6 times, I have lost track of the actual number of visits, but we became friends rather than a client based relationship. I have found that this has happened with many of our repeat guests.

John enjoyed his cricket, we could even keep pace with his enthusiasm for the game. His pleasure in all things small, like driving Chapman's Peak, just as it was closed back in 2005 or 6 and again recently in January 2010, will stay with us forever. Jeff and I took turns in showing John and his family around, this year his daughter, Helen and his son-in-law Paul, and family members joined them here in Cape Town and we were made to feel like part of their family.

Our deepest sympathy to Janet & Helen on their great loss.

You will be remembered in our list of guests who became friends John.

RIP John, whenever I drive Chappies now, I will think of you and your enthusiastic pleasure you had in riding this road.

I will upload the video I took on this last drive to You Tube - fond memories always our dear friend.

From a sad day in Cape Town, remembering all those "friends" who have been on a holiday with us who are now at a better life - healed and whole again and waiting to meet us all one day!

CRIME STATS - DO NOT BECOME ONE!

2010-01-14T00:17:00.000-08:00

When travelling around the world there are certain things you do not do and places you do not visit. So why do some people take their life into their hands and take a chance - human nature, curiosity or just blatant stupidity?? You tell me.

Recently a guest in a large wheelchair, that we only provided airport transfers for, asked us to do a "Township Tour" we told them we do not do that in Cape Town, we offer a more positive experience of "Meet the People" down in the town of Mossel Bay in the Garden Route area. WHY because the locals perceive us to be taking business away from their own people, no matter if we have a "local resident" on board guiding us.

We the tourism desk at the hotel where he was staying got a "township taxi" - was it a legal taxi, did the driver have a professional driver's permit and insurance?? Something we have to have, but township taxis often do not. So they removed the middle seat/s from this vehicle and did the trip, I am sure the wheelchair was not restrained at all. Guests attitude when we told him he was rather reckless, was "I am still here!" Well, that is not the way to do things. I am not saying that he was in danger, but anything could have happened and then you end up being a crime stat through sheer stupidity or not knowing the pro's and con's of doing this like that. The tourism desk should actually get a slap over the wrist as well.

Read my article on Meet the people - Positive Experience V Gold fish bowl on Poverty - on my other blog - http://www.flamingoadventuretours.co.za/

This is Sheila & John from the UK meeting Patrick and his wife, where we had lunch in Patrick's house in the township, during a "Meet the People" tour in Mossel Bay - Garden Route.

A much more positive experience.

Patrick has changed his life from being a gangster and then having a spinal injury during this violent time of his life, to come full circle to getting back on the straight path to "freedom" from that gangster life he lead. Now his dream is to attend the Paralympics in London in 2012, he needs new equipment to make the grade to be included in the South African team.

BUT - THIS IS THE TYPE of EXPERIENCE that uplifts all who go on this tour, rather than the abject poverty of a standard township tour.

So next time you are offered a tour that one operator says NO to, think again about accepting an alternative, ask all the right questions about restraining the wheelchair, insurance, permits etc!

DO NOT BECOME ANOTHER STAT - Please!!

BE safe and enjoy!

PAM - Flamingo Tours & Disabled Ventures - Cape Town - South Africa.

JUST FOR - YOU - HOW WE RUN OUR TOURS

2009-12-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

JUST FOR - YOU - HOW WE RUN OUR TOURS

All our tours and private and personalised to suit YOUR interests, ability and special needs.

That is why no prices are found on our website - YOU help design your own holiday!!

Have you ever read through a brochure and wanted to do or see something that is not on the list of attractions, but you took the tour and were not 110% happy, because that special "must do" thing on your list was not on their list?? We hate to disappoint, that is why we make you the designer of your own tour with help from your friends at Flamingo tours. I am sure you are thinking that must be very expensive, NO it is not when you consider all the extra features you get when travelling with Flamingo Tours & Disabled Ventures or more readily known as Flamingo Tours.

We include every possible thing, so that you do not have to put your hand in your pocket each time for tips at attractions, porterage at hotels, gratuities to rangers and staff at Private Game Reserve, this we take care of, so that all you have to pay for is some meals.

As all breakfasts are included, some lunches and dinners at certain places, other meals it your choice of restaurant and how much you want to pay, so that you do not feel, you have to eat this because I have paid for it, even if I do not really want to eat it!!

Your trip is also PRIVATE, so that you can travel at YOUR pace and go back to the hotel when you are tired, without upsetting other guests.

WE are at least 40% cheaper than other private tours and that is not my calculation, but that of a recent guest. He gave me that figure - he must have done his homework before deciding to travel with us.

So with YOU in mind we arrange our itineraries to suit YOU- so come travel with the most experienced company in the business - since 1995 - have fun, leave South Africa with your heart filled with memories of a life time! COME join us in 2010 for that special tour with YOUR choice of what you want to do and days you want to travel.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS -

Make South Africa your destination of choice - before the world cup soccer, so that you can tell your friends all about us and this fascinating country!

WE ALSO DO TOURS FOR THE DISCERNING ABLE BODIED

WHO WANT JUST THAT - A TOUR OF THEIR OWN DESIGN!

A FURTHER 2 SAFARIS - FABULOUS!

2009-09-10T03:25:00.000-07:00

Now for some very serious business - we need to promote our differently abled athletes to get to the OLYMPICS in 2012 in London. I met, this past Sunday and man with a mission. He wants to get to London in 3 years time. He participates in about 3 different sports, road racing with the long 3 wheeler chair, shotput and discuss among others. So he needs different chairs for these sports. His are old and handicaps him - excuse the pun - Patrick is in a wheelchair, as he has a spinal injury. Can anyone with contacts and sponsorhsip please contact me, so that we can get our PARALYMPIANS, who make this country so proud, get the best help they can.

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A further 2 "Safari's" done, both were really great with animal sightings becoming more fantastic and the herds grow. On the last tour, while driving the 350km from Knysna to SHAMWARI, we played with collective nouns for animals. Some you might not have heard of at all, so here are some fun one's to remeber and show your prowess at the English language!! I have to of course, start off with the collective for FLAMINGOES - a PAT, then ZEBRA - DAZZLE, there are 2 for GIRAFFE, depending on what they are doing! Standing still is a TOWER moving a JOURNEY. We all know from school about a Price of Lions and a Herd of Elephant, antelope etc;, For interesting ones - a CLASH of BUFFALO or RHINO and last but by no means least - an EXAULTATION of LARKS. Nice!!! Now to more serious business. We really saw so much animal activity on these last 3, back to back tours, as I said below even the rangers were amazed. One guests who has been coming to Africa for 28 years, said "It was the best animal safari ever in 28 years of visiting Africa" - thank you SHAMWARI and the rangers we had - Simon & Cleo. The whole team there are now working to make it better for those with different needs to have a "Best Ever" experience. Thanks to all from me. I am going to load some photos and video. The video is of the rarest animal to find - the LEOPARD! We were blessed with this encounter! Enjoy! Any comments can be sent directly to my e-mail address - info@flamingotours.co.za
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THINK INCLUSIVE - THINK OUT OF THE BOX - THINK OF OTHERS ALL THE TIME IN EVERYTHING YOU DO!

LOVE AND HUGS

PAM

FLAMINGO TOURS & DISABLED VENTURES

CAPE TOWN - SOUTH AFRICA

EXCITING SAFARI IN MALARIA-FREE AREA

2009-08-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

The Rangers said that was a "first" sighting of this kind ever, about three times on this particular game "safari" I just returned from last week. Even they had their cameras out taking photos of these very special events. We were obviously at the right place at the right time in this 5 star Private Game Reserve - in the Malaria-Free Eastern Cape of South Africa. We spent 4 days there with 4 guests, of whom 1 was a wheelchair user. We saw the BIG 5 over 8 game drives in open Landcruisers.

One day the Lioness sent off the arduous male, with roars and grunts and chasing him away, while the cubs looked on and the other female went for a short walk while this "domestic" quarrel went on.

Elephants in a large herd had young bulls play fighting, with trunks and tusks crashing against each other and trumpeting, all in the mix with a White rhino and calf looking on and also doing a charge, as the young playing bulls got too close to her and her calf.

Another pair of Lions chasing a male Cheetah, who had wondered into "their" killing fields and wanted to show was the boss around there - King of the Jungle!

And so it went on, with sightings of White And Black Rhino all in one photo opportunity, a once in a lifetime shot of the camera. I hope to do it all again next week with new guests, who I hope will also say it was the best ever !

Keep reading this blogspot for more of these animal encoutners, come visit and you too can experience this scene. Enjoy. Pam - Flamingo Tours - Cape Town - South Africa.

2009-07-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the pleasure of taking some guests who are rugby fans around Cape Town for the Emerging Springboks against the British & Irish Lions tour. Besides freezing our buts at the evening game, we also visited the winelands and the Cape of Good Hope Reserve. At this point - the most South Western point of the African continent it gives the latitude and longitude, it is also surrounded by rock and the path is narrow. My guests - on their honeymoon - Tim & Hannah, decided they had to be the first to be behind the sign in a wheelchair. So Tim "flew" over the rocks with Hannah haning on for dear life in order to achieve this FIRST EVER photo. Well done TIM!

INCLUSIVE TOURISM FOR ALL

2009-06-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

Inclusive Tourism for ALL guests, not only those who have a disability has been my idea of how I would like to work for some years now, but did not quite have the words - Inclusive - which is now the new watch word. I just had - tourism for all guests - which did not have the same impact. About 6 years ago I went and did a sign language course and then a few months later followed that with an advanced course, but my signing still stinks. I think I can manage a meager conversation. My problem is that I know what I want to say more or less, but cannot follow others conversation easily - practice , practice & more practice is required on my part. I tried to sell this concept of tours for guests with hearing impairments about 6 years ago at our largest Trade show in Africa, but no one was interested at all. A friend who is deaf - Pierre - even went to study to become a tour guide so that we could work together and poor guy waited for tours, from other sources as well as myself - nothing - zilch - neto - so what did he do - start a small company for himself- good for him - but sad loss to the guiding fraternity!! PLEASE anyone reading this - if you have friends, clients, guests who want a wonderful tour of this dynamic land of South Africa - contact me - info@flamingotours.co.za and let us put a wonderful tour together for you. Last year I did a tour for guests that were blind and we had a really fantastic time so much so that one of those guests e-mails me daily to just to say Hi and thanks. What a rewarding job I do, I want to show off my country - so come and let me achieve my goal.
Pam Stephens Taylor. Cape Town South Africa. To see more about what I do, go to www.flamingotours.co.za