South Africa was one of the most interesting countries I have visited in the past few years, particularly because I have made so many good South African friends since coming to London. Because of them I had a certain idea of what South Africa would be like, but it still managed to surprise.

One of the first things that struck (shocked?) me were the electric fences everywhere. The vast majority of houses in Cape Town seem to be equipped with electric fences, and many new developments are completely fenced off. I'm not sure how effective these will be in the future because of the current power outages, which the government has recently announced will continue for the next five years at least.

Could you imagine how people would react in Australia if we were told there would be periodic blackouts (called load shedding in South Africa, blackouts are politically incorrect!) for the next five years? I don't think the government would be sticking around long.

One of the other things that I noticed immediately was Table Mountain. It really does dominate Cape Town and it makes for some beautiful landscapes. The views from up top are spectacular.

I spent a few days hanging around Cape Town and its surrounds before heading up to Langebaan, a resort town, for a few days of kitesurfing.

There is quite a negative feeling in South Africa at the moment, at least among the people I met. Crime is still getting worse, the leader of the ANC, Zuma, appears to be a bit of a maniac, and corruption is on the rise. I can see why many people there are looking to leave. Having said that its still a really beautiful country and perhaps things will improve.

So now I'm finally back in London after three very relaxing months enjoying summer in the southern hemisphere. I'm enjoying all the comments on how relaxed and tanned I looked, I must have looked very English last November! Its going to be a bit of an adjustment getting used to life back here, although I've missed a lot about London; the energy, the buzz, my friends.