The Mysterious Leatherback Sea Turtle

Leatherback Turtles are the largest turtles in the world. After driving over miles of sand in the darkness, we were finally able to witness one of nature’s amazing miracles.

I didn’t exactly know what to expect as we loaded into the back of a safari truck to search for turtles along the Cape Vidal shoreline in South Africa.

We were warned not to get our hopes up, as finding one of these massive creatures was by no means guaranteed.

But I couldn’t help it.

My excitement increased as we stopped at the edge of the beach to release air from our tires for the sandy off-road adventure about to commence.

Sea Turtle Tracks

Is That a Tractor?

Our guide from EuroZulu Tours sped across the beach in the darkness, expertly maneuvering the truck over a rocky coastline. If we wanted to spot a turtle tonight, we’d have to act fast.

The whole nesting process only lasts 2 hours, you never know when they’ll be out, and there is a lot of beach to cover.

We used a spotlight to search for turtle tracks in the sand as we went. Because Leatherback turtles are so big, they leave tracks that look like they were made by a tractor!

After an hour of driving over sand we eventually discovered a pair of tracks. Unfortunately because there were two different ones, it meant this turtle had already climbed the beach, laid her eggs, and then returned into the sea.

We were too late…

So we continued our search under the stars.

Nest Full of Eggs

Having Babies Isn’t Easy…

Suddenly we spied a single large track leading up a gently slopping sand dune. Our guide jumped out of the truck and disappeared into the darkness, leaving the rest of us sitting in suspense. Was a sea turtle really up there?

After what seemed like an eternity, he yelled back:
“You’re in luck! We’ve just found the queen of the ocean!”

It was a Leatherback.

We all began marching up the beach towards his voice.

Flashlights were not permitted because sea turtles are very sensitive to bright light most of the time. It can disorient and make them act irrationally, disrupting the egg-laying process.

And frankly they have it hard enough. Only about 10% of the leatherback babies will survive from all the animals that love to eat them. This is one of the reasons why these turtles are critically endangered.

Another factor is humans illegally poaching the eggs for food. Turtle eggs are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.

Giant Monster of the Sea

Quite a Spectacle

We arrived as the massive leatherback turtle finished digging a tidy 2 foot deep hole with her back flippers. This turtle was enormous! At about 6 feet long and around 1500 pounds, she truly looked like a sea monster to me.

Eggs started plopping out and bouncing into the bottom of the hole. They’re not hard like other kinds of eggs, but leathery. So they don’t break when they hit each other. A carefully placed flashlight let us enjoy the show without disturbing her.

We watched in awe as she gave birth to over 100 eggs in about 45 minutes. Next she began burying the nest in sand – in an attempt to hide it from predators.

Then She Had a Seizure!

Scientists don’t exactly know why, but when she’s done with the nest, leatherback turtles flop around in place and make lots of noise. Drooling and spitting up sand, it was pretty intense.

At this point we were allowed to take photos, because the turtles no longer react to light in this altered state.

But it’s only a small window of opportunity, because once she finally snaps out of her post egg-laying coma, she still has 50 yards to flop her 1500 pound body back across the beach and into the sea.

Witnessing a leatherback turtle lay eggs in South Africa was one of the coolest wildlife experiences I’ve ever had.

Watch the Video: Leatherback Sea Turtle

Specific Details

Location: Cape Vidal, South Africa
Company: EuroZulu Tours
Total Cost: $112 Sea Turtle Tour & Night Safari
Notes: Remember to listen to your guide, and don’t take flash photos of the turtles until he says it’s ok. Also keep in mind that you might not see a turtle at all. Nature is unpredictable.

*My trip to South Africa was organized by the South African Tourism Board. However all posts are based upon my own personal experiences and opinions. They are in no way influenced by any person and/or organization.

Kayaking the iSimangaliso Wetlands

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This is the iSimangaliso Wetland National Park located in the KuZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The World Heritage Site has some very diverse wildlife living within the coastal waters, including around 800 Hippos, 1200 Nile Crocodiles, and even sharks! Sounds like the perfect place to go kayaking, yes?

If you look carefully in the photo above, you’ll see a large crocodile on the edge of the grass (in front and to the left of me).

Sangoma Reads Shells to Predict my Future

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This woman is a Sangoma, a traditional Zulu healer and shaman who communicates with her ancestral spirits to give advice and cure ailments. While visiting the Khula township in South Africa, she invited me into her Ndumba sacred healing hut to learn details about my future. It’s an ancient profession that’s been practiced for hundreds of years. The verdict? I’m a very lucky guy. Oh, and my ancestors want me to throw a BBQ for them.

You can read more about my experience here: Get Your Fortune Told by a Sangoma

Panama City, Panama

Three months ago my Macbook Pro laptop computer was stolen by hookers in Panama. Join me as I attempt to recover it from over 2000 miles away.

Read about the initial theft here: Robbed in Panama City!

Before my computer was stolen, I installed a special tracking program called Prey.

I first learned about Prey after following Sean Power’s amazing laptop recovery story on Twitter. I downloaded the tracking software that same day. It was free to install.

When my own laptop was taken while traveling through Panama in October 2011, I quickly activated the software from an internet cafe, hoping I could catch the thieves. I also filed a police report. Now it was time to wait for Prey to start working it’s magic.

But it never did. After over a month of no action, I assumed the thieves had disabled or replaced my computer’s harddrive before turning it on. With no tracking information, my computer would be lost forever.

That all changed last night.

Suspect A: 'Handlebar'

Surprise! You’re on Candid Camera

On Friday night Prey suddenly notified me by email that I had a new tracking report. You can imagine my surprise! I’d assumed that recovery was a lost cause at this point, now 3 months after the theft. At the moment I’m no longer in Panama, but in the state of New Hampshire back in the USA.

I logged into the site. The report contained photos from my Macbook Pro’s integrated webcam, screenshots showing what the suspects were doing on my computer, and WiFi location information displayed on a Google Map. Jackpot!

These reports came streaming in every 10 minutes. After upgrading my account to Pro for $5, I’m now able to get reports every 2 minutes, or on demand with the click of a button.

I suddenly felt like a kid in a candy store!

Spying on the people who are using my stolen computer is soooooooooo much fun…

Suspect B: 'Chonga'

We’re All Watching You

I’m actively tracking the incoming reports on a regular basis. Saving photos and data that I’ll be able to use to recover my laptop. It’s incredibly entertaining to watch what these people are doing without their knowledge.

There’s a lot of information coming in. The software only allows me to save 100 reports though, so I’m deleting the ones that don’t contain useful information. Building up a case against them should I decide to go to the police.

I’ll be updating this post with new information as it arrives over the next few days.

This is going to be exciting. I hope you’ll join me on the hunt.

Suspect C: 'Adidas'

What Are They Doing?

Chonga is the one who’s been the most active on my computer so far. She’s logged into Facebook for hours at a time – chatting with friends, bragging about her new “Apple Mac” computer, viewing ridiculous photos, and repeatedly picking her nose.

Through the screenshots I’ve learned her real name, names of her family members & friends, the name of the cafe where she works, and her birthday. I also know the street where she’s living in Panama City. But not an exact address yet.

I’ve censored out all personal information for now.

I believe it’s very important that I secretly record as much evidence as I can before they discover they’re being tracked. I may change my mind about this in the future though, and share all their details with you. I’m still not 100% sure what my recovery plan will be.

I might need your help.

Chonga Picks Her Nose

Chonga Mines for Gold

Chonga Hunts for the Green Monster

Criminal Masterminds??

Now it’s quite possible that these suspects have purchased the stolen computer from someone else. I don’t recognize Chonga as one of the 3 women invovled with the theft, but I’m also not sure I’d be able to remember their faces from that night. It was dark, we were trying to ignore them, and I’d had a few drinks.

But either way, they are now in possession of stolen property. In most countries that in itself is illegal.

If they simply hand over my computer without incident, I have no problem keeping the police out of it and minimizing their humiliation. I just want my property back and be done with it.

But if they decide to be difficult, well, all bets are off…

I’ll hit them with everything my twisted mind can come up with.

Chonga Browses Through Some Photos...

Her Facebook Profile (and scary photos from an ER)

UPDATE: Prey Capabilities

So after digging into the program a bit more, I’ve learned about some fun things I can do with it. One option is to remotely trigger an audio alarm that sounds like a police siren. Could be fun if unleashed at the right moment…

Another option is to send them a custom message through my computer. An alert window will pop up over whatever they’re doing and display a message of my choice.

But the best option yet: I can deliver a custom message via audio. Apple’s Text-to-Speech program will relay any message I want using a robotic sounding voice.

The possibilities are endless!

Shopping for Transexual Escorts!

UPDATE: Shopping for a Tranny!

Handlebar has been on the computer all day. He spent hours on Skype talking with someone who seemed like a possible girlfriend. While I couldn’t hear what was said (Prey needs to work on live video feeds!), they also used Skype’s chat feature so I could read some of the conversation.

While talking with this girl, he’s also on Facebook browsing through lingerie photos of his friends. So now I’ve got his real name too.

But that’s not the best part…

Eventually I catch him shopping for local escorts online! And not just any typical hooker… Upon closer inspection of the woman’s profile, I see that she’s advertising herself as a transexual!!!!!

A short translated excerpt from the profile:
“…to taste this true delicacy of tranny sex.. you will not regret it from Colombia to Panama.”

There’s a local phone number on the profile and everything.

I couldn’t make this shit up.

Suspect D: 'Rico'

Suspect E: 'Dark Eyes'

UPDATE: Two New Suspects

Wow. There are a ton of different people using my stolen computer. This makes 5 total.

But after spying on Rico & Dark Eyes for a while, I’ve decided they are probably not involved.

They are from Chile, and it seems they just arrived in Panama the other day. Handlebar is also from Chile. So these two might be friends or family crashing at his place while on vacation.

I caught them uploading touristy looking photos on iPhoto. I also know they are traveling to Cuba next week.

Facebook sure gives away a lot of personal information!!!

The Money Shot!

UPDATE: Secret Internet Celebrity!

So it’s only been 3 days since I first posted this story, but Handlebar has just learned that we’ve all been watching him. The photo above is his reaction…

Thank you everyone for helping to spread the word via Social Media!

A friend of his recognized him after discovering the story on Facebook. It sounds like he’s desperate to give the computer back quickly to avoid further humiliation.

Smart choice on his part. I was just getting started.

I’ve been contacted by email to get everything worked out – will let you know how it goes.

Operation Gringo Revenge is a Success!

UPDATE: Mission Accomplished!

I’m ecstatic to announce that Operation Gringo Revenge is a smashing success! After scheduling an evening rendezvous at a well-known Parisian cafe in Panama City, my secret agents (code-names “J-Dog” and “V-Man”) met with our suspect to collect the fenced goods last night.

My agents have moved the stolen Macbook Pro to a safe-house within the city. It’s now guarded 24 hours a day by a professional team of beautiful female assassins from Colombia & Brazil.

I plan to compensate my international team (and former Couchsurfing.org hosts) for their heroic actions that day with sushi & bottles of cheap rum.

The Full Story

So it seems Handlebar purchased the the stolen computer from a woman named Maria del Carmen for $750. Maria del Carmen happens to be the name of the user account that’s been active on the computer. Why he never changed the username, I don’t know. I also don’t know why the Prey tracking program never caught Maria on the computer over the past 3 months.

Maybe his story is true, maybe it’s not. I really don’t care. It’s not my job to play judge. If the story is true, I’ll let him take it up with Maria del Carmen.

I gave him 2 options:

A: Hand over the computer.
B: Let the police deal with it while I simultaneously posted the personal details of everyone I found using my computer on the web.

He chose option A.

As a courtesy, I agreed to censor the photos of his face and those of his acquaintances.
I’m sure he’s been humiliated enough.

Because this computer was stolen 3 months ago, I’ve already had it replaced.

So now that my friends have recovered it, I’ll probably ship it back to the US, clean it up, sell it, and use the money to help fund some of my ongoing local charity projects.

I really want to thank everyone who helped share this story via Social Media!

We couldn’t have done it without you. A successful worldwide team effort!

Specific Details

Software: Prey Project
Total Cost: Free to install, $5 to upgrade
Notes: Make sure you have a password-free guest account on your computer. This will act as a “honey-pot”, luring the criminals into using the computer immediately. I think this is part of the reason why it took so long for the software to start working. The thieves couldn’t bypass my password-protection right away.

Sold Out: The Book of Mormon on Broadway

Have you ever wanted to see a famous broadway musical in New York City? Learn how I found last-minute tickets to the hottest show in Manhattan for under $30.

After my recent trip to South Africa, I decided to spend a few days wandering around New York City.

I’d asked a friend and former New Yorker what I shouldn’t miss while I was there. She told me to find tickets to the Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon” at all costs.

Written by Trey Parker & Matt Stone (creators of “South Park”), I knew it was going to be hilarious. These guys have a well-known reputation for offending absolutely everyone on the planet. I couldn’t believe they had their own Broadway show…

Vagabonding through Central America for the past year, I didn’t realize the play had won 9 Tony Awards and was called “The best musical of this century” by the New York Times.

Getting last-minute tickets to this seemed like an impossible task.

The Standing Room Only Line

A Sold-Out Show

Of course when I jumped online to buy tickets, the only seats that were still available cost over $400. This was a bit too expensive for my normal travel budget…

After talking with some friends in the city, I soon discovered that many people have been waiting months to get tickets for “The Book of Mormon”. Things weren’t looking good.

I wasn’t about to give up so easily though, and I always love a good challenge!

After a bit more research, I learned about a special technique for snagging cheap, last-minute tickets to many popular Broadway musicals. There are actually two different options available, and not many people know about them.

The Lottery

Option #1: The Lottery

The first option is The Lottery. It’s also the more well-known of the two. A few hours before the performance, you can enter a lottery held at the box office for a chance to win 2 front-row tickets to the show.

The number of lottery tickets available varies, but it’s usually around 20 or so. That means there can be many winners.

The Lottery is free to enter, but if you win, you buy the tickets at a discounted price. For “The Book of Mormon”, they were $32 each. That’s a whole lot better than $400!

Option #2: Standing Room Only

When a popular show is completely sold-out, the box office will sometimes offer Standing Room Only tickets as well. This means you don’t get an actual seat, but you stand for the performance.

One hour before the show starts, they begin selling these special last-minute tickets. But just like the lottery option – there are only a handfull available. Usually around 20 or so. You’ll need to get in line well before they start selling them if you want one. These tickets are even cheaper too. For “The Book of Mormon” they were only $27 each.

When should you get in line?

It’s hard to tell. This website can give you tips about each show.

In my case, the performance started at 7pm. That means the Standing Room Only tickets would be sold at 6pm. I got in line at 4pm, and was one of the very last people to snag tickets before they were gone.

The guy at the head of the line had been waiting outside in the cold for 8 hours!

The earlier you go, the better your chances are. It’s a bit of a gamble. Are you willing to wait in line for 2-3 hours with no guarantees that you’ll get tickets?

I was, and it paid off. The show was totally worth it too!

Bar Hopping After the Show

Option #3: Do Them Both!

If you really want to maximize your chances for tickets, you can attempt both The Lottery and the Standing Room Only line. This will usually require help from a friend/date.

Step #1: Show up at the Box Office for the Broadway musical you want to see with a book, your iPod, snacks, and something soft to sit on. Get comfortable in the Standing Room Only line. I recommend at least 4 hours before the performance begins, just to be safe.

Step #2: Around 2 hours before the performance begins, the The Lottery will commence. Have your friend hold your place in line with your stuff, and go pick up two lottery forms. One for you, one for your friend. Because each winning entry can claim up to 2 tickets, you are increasing your chances if you both enter. If one of you wins, you can share your extra ticket with your friend.

Step #3: Hope you win The Lottery!

Step #4: If neither of you win The Lottery, you’ll both still have a solid spot in line for the Standing Room Only tickets. After losing the lottery, many people will try to get in line here. Most will have absolutely no chance of picking up a ticket though, because they’ll be too late.

Step #5: Because you got in line early, you can buy your super-cheap Standing Room Only tickets and enjoy a fantastic sold-out Broadway performance in New York City!

Specific Details

Location: New York, New York
Show: The Book of Mormon on Broadway
Total Cost: $27 Standing Room Only ticket
Notes: Standing in the theater leaning against a railing was actually pretty comfortable, and because it was small, we had a great view of the action. The show was excellent! I was laughing so hard I was crying. The people sitting directly in front of us were jealous when we told them how much our tickets were, they paid quite a bit more…

Brought to You By: Traveling to New York City doesn’t have to be expensive. You just need to know where to look. Get your cheap flight to New York and enjoy your next vacation!

Bunny Chow in South Africa

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This is Bunny Chow. It’s a local South African dish that’s been around since the 1940′s. Bunny Chow is a spicy Indian meat or vegetable curry that is served in a hollowed out bowl made from a loaf of bread. The meat used is often lamb, chicken, or beef (no bunnies).

The origins of the name are disputed, but the food served a particular purpose. During the Apartheid era, Blacks and Indians were not allowed to purchase hot restaurant food in the evenings. By serving hot curry hidden inside a loaf of bread, they could avoid getting in trouble with the law. Today Bunny Chow is a popular South African meal that’s cheap, filling, and delicious!

Step 1: Find a Sexy Ostrich

Have you ever wanted to know how to seduce the largest bird in the world? Today I will teach you the ancient & mysterious secrets of wild ostrich love.

Everyone gets a little lonely sometimes. Instead of looking for love in all the same places, why not visit a farm? There are plenty of farm animals out there who would be happy to receive your affections.

If you happen to be traveling in South Africa, you’re in luck. Everyone knows that the hottest farm animal in the world is the ostrich, and you’ll find many available birds in South Africa.

The following guide will teach you how to seduce and conquer this wild beast on just the first date!

Step 1: Find a Sexy Ostrich

Obviously this won’t be too difficult, as most ostriches are extremely attractive. The best ones will have long, skinny legs and big doe eyes with long lashes.

But everyone has different tastes, so maybe you’ll want a big fat one instead.

Whatever your pleasure, the best place to find them is at an ostrich farm, like the Cango Ostrich Farm located in Oudtshoorn South Africa. They’ll help you find the perfect match depending on your personal requirements.

Step 2: Wine & Dine Her

Step 2: Wine & Dine Her

Now you can’t just make your move right away, she’ll want to play hard-to-get first. So you’ll need to take her out to eat. Fortunately this won’t be expensive, because her favorite foods are alfalfa pellets, rocks, and twigs.

Because ostriches don’t have teeth, they eat all sorts of random things to help break up the food in their stomachs. Rocks and twigs are usually free. This means she’ll be a cheap date.

You should even be able to afford paying for her friends too, and everyone knows you are far more likely to succeed in your quest if you win her friends over first.

And if her friends are attractive and willing, well – you just never know how your night could turn out…

Step 3: The First Kiss

Step 3: The First Kiss

By now you should have built her trust up enough that you can attempt a passionate make-out session. When you go in to make your move, don’t be startled if her eyes suddenly go opaque.

Ostriches have two different eyelids on each eye, and to make the kiss more romantic, she may close the interior ones.

It’s also important to note that she might be an aggressive kisser… A little pinching and biting is very common.

This shouldn’t be a problem though, especially if you’re into that kind of thing.

Step 4: Mount Up & Take Her for a Ride

Step 4: Mount Up & Take Her for a Ride

This is the moment that you’ve been waiting for! Now she’ll be putty in your hands, ready & willing to do anything you want. Don’t let her over-think it too much though, or she may change her mind.

Ostriches can be a little shy sometimes, and they’ll relax more if you blindfold them before climbing on top. Once you’ve mounted her, wrap your legs around tight and grab ahold of her wings.

Ready for some action?

Then take off her blindfold, lean back, and let the fun begin!

If it’s your first time, don’t be embarrassed if you only last a few seconds.

Special thanks to Rachelle from TheTravelBite.com and Earl from WanderingEarl.com for some of the photos!

Watch the Video: Seducing an Ostrich

Specific Details

Location: Oudtshoorn, South Africa
Company: Cango Ostrich Farm
Total Cost: $8 Farm Tour
Notes: Don’t fall in love!

*My trip to South Africa was organized by the South African Tourism Board. However all posts are based upon my own personal experiences and opinions. They are in no way influenced by any person and/or organization.

Brought to You By: Organizing airport parking ahead of time will save you money and stress. If you plan on parking at gatwick airport in London, consider pre-booking online before your next trip!

Arrested for Monkey Smuggling

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Mom, Dad, I’m sorry. I know I told you I was traveling around the world taking photos, but in reality I’m the charismatic leader of an illegal multi-billion dollar international monkey smuggling operation. The authorities have finally captured me red-handed in the jungles of Panama’s notorious Darien Gap.

I was quickly arrested when police discovered me trying to smuggle 25 monkeys across the border. I thought I’d get away with it too, stuffing all those crazy critters down my pants. But unbelievably, the authorities spotted them anyway!

Want to know the real story behind this photo? Find out now on my Facebook Page! Give it a “like” while you’re there.

Soaring Above the South African Coast

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This is the view from the cockpit of a Microlight. It’s an open-air, single engine aircraft with two seats that flys a lot like a hang glider. The 30 minute flight with Ballito Microlights in the Kwazulu-Natal province of South Africa was quite a rush. It feels like you’re riding a flying motorcycle, but these banked turns have you sideways looking 2000 feet down at the rocky coast below with just a small seatbelt holding you in! Fun.

Large Male Lion in South Africa

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Meet one of the large dominant male lions that stalks the Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. He has a brother, and they hunt together to improve their chances for success. When not hunting, they sleep for almost 20 hours each day. This lion is blind in one eye – a battle wound received from fighting other lions. Truly the face of a professional killer. Long live the King.