Awkward Ostrich

While traveling the Garden Route I was persistent that we stop in Oudtshoorn (pretty much the ostrich capital of South Africa.)  Ostrich Farms are everywhere!  I mean come on the only reason I came to Africa was to ride an ostrich.  Kidding, well kind of!  We figured this town would be lame but Ostrich’s kept dancing through my head so we had to stop.  We got there pretty late so we ended up staying ata backpackers for the night; which I may add had the best showers ever!  Early the next morning we set out for our adventure.  We started out at the Cango Caves.  Since this is South Africa, of course we were late for our tour of the cave.  The lady told us to run in and try and catch up with the rest.  Well, we caught up with the group, but the tour was quite boring(too touristy for me).  I had the brilliant idea of having us stay back so we could illegally climb the caves and get our picture!  I mean come on climbing on caves beats a tour any day right?  Throughout the cave we were taking pictures and going inside areas we were not suppose to be in.  We were now in our last section of the cave when we caught the tail end of our tour guide saying, “Just a reminder climbing on the caves is illegal, and there are hidden cameras inside, Those who broke the rules will be fined.”  SHIT!  Let’s just say after that tour we booked it outside and to the Ostrich Farm without a fine!    

  Then the moment I had been waiting for the Ostrich Farm.  I originally thought I was just going to ride one but was I ever wrong.  I definitely got my money’s worth.  First we could put ostrich food in our mouth and have the Ostrich kiss us taking the food out of our mouth.  Sounds different right? Well it was along with being a tad bit scary, Imagine having a bird come at your face with its mouth wide open.  I didn’t only get one kiss; I got three because my friend was trying to take a picture of it.  After three times, I still did not get a picture because when the Ostrich sees food he sure comes at you fast!  After the kisses, we went to a section where we could ride the Ostrich if we wished to.  The process is quite awkward; let me add the most awkward thing I have ever done!  You have to climb up on the Ostrich as they hold its wings up.  Then they set the wings on your lap and you have to hold the sides of the wings.  The wings are extremely boney so you have to hold on tight.  You must then hug your legs around the Ostrich and lean back as far as you can.  The ride goes quick and it’s not long until you are thrown off the bird. Ostrich riding… only in South Africa folks!