A tribute to Back Packers

I have decided that since backpackers are these sweet little nifty places all along the South African coast line and are all over the place, they deserve a little dedication spot in my blog. So people talk about staying in Hostels while traveling around Europe, and while I don't have any basis for comparison (yet), backpackers are amazing. Each one is jam packed with individuality, spirit, adventure, enthusiasm and what I would describe as nearly pure joy. They can hide in the littlest nooks and crannies and you can fly by one in East London without even realizing it, so beware! You have been warned. The staff at each one varies from locals that can't get enough of the tourists and obvious backpackers that come by, to Europeans who have had enough of their lives and want to get away, English folk who came down for a job but seemed to fall through so they thought a job at the backpacker's bar as a bartender might suit for a few months.. or years, and the mid 30-40 year olds who can't get enough of the hoppin' places, so they decide to stick around a night or two or years just for the kicks. Backpackers can have the wildest, craziest paintings along the walls, but most of the ceilings and walls are lined with the stories and names and people and dates of others who have passed through over the course of the years. Most backpackers have the most unique bar you have ever witnessed, that is until you go to the next backpackers and find another one that is completely of their own. Some have the rugged mountainy feel, where you can overlook the ocean from the hammock in front of your cute little cabin. Some you fall asleep to the crashing of the waves outside your dorm with 3 or 4 or 6 strangers sleeping around you. Still others have the tree-house-type feel to them and you feel as if you are an honorary member of the Swiss Family Robinson. Either way, it's an adventure. The lovely workers will do anything, and truly anything, for you to make plans/arrangements with their friends, including calling to cancel surf lessons at 10:00 at night so that you can go with their friend that next morning. Or they will have a "free wine" and volleyball tournament. I even experienced my best Braai since I have been in South Africa, with probably over 100 people there by the time we were done eating! Some even cook you traditional Xhosa food, which is very unique, interesting, but good! At one backpackers 5 hours away you might run into several people you know from PE and even meet a group of 30 dutch, maybe 40, that are also in PE for the semester. You could go with a whole group of friends and rent out the whole top floor, or rent out an entire 12 person dorm room. If you pick your backpackers right you can order a drink and pizza from the bar by the pool and say "charge it to my room." Some backpackers offer township tours that you can take via mountain bike, but caution:: being in shape is almost necessary. Striking up casual conversations with people from London, Germany, Britain, the States, Austria, Australia and others is pretty normal. You can even catch a backpackers that does 3 hour horse back rides along the beach (beware, your bum may be sore!). All the while being greeted by friendly faces, enjoying lots of stories, and can even sit around a bonfire type setting. Some are in the middle of no where, others in small towns, and many right there with the ocean only a beach away. Backpackers truly are one of a kind type of establishment that I cannot wait to experience more of. Just wait, pictures will be coming very soon.
Thank you for your time!