South Africa 2009/10
The South Africa Tour saw Paragon return to familiar ground - and in our opinion one of the best locations for sports tourism anywhere in the world.Coming off an Ashes-winning summer, England had people excited. Straussy's calm leadership had produced a united dressing room where players could take resonsibility for their cricket and enjoy the freedom to play their game and express themselves. South Africa - fighting it out for the Number 1 Test Side in the World - would test them to the maximum.
After the sides drew in Centurion with Graham Onions hanging on, South Africa were well on top. So our group flew to Durban not daring to expect what happened next: a dramatic 2nd Test Victory. The group had been delayed on the outbound flight so Christmas Day in Ballito was a little rushed! But soon the group was settled and tremendously excited to see an incredible England performance. They even dined next to Sir Ian Botham at uShaka Marine World!
Our second group headed into Port Elizabeth for a safari and Garden Route tour, winding their way down to Cape Town in time for New Year's Eve. Along the way, we saw some stunning wildlife at Schotia Private Reserve and the National Park at Addo, stopped at the highest bungee in the world, cruised the lagoon at Knysna, enjoyed "township toilets" at Olde's and rode Ostrich in Outdshoorn. I say rode, but the groups timidity meant we actually watched some German children ride them! We did eat them though!!
And so to Cape Town, and New Year's Eve in the Waterfront. Alastair Cook came along to our hotel to spend an excellent hour meeting our guests. And despite one or two people unable to rise from their beds, the majority of the group got up early for a superb breakfast with Sir Ian Botham and Robin Jackman before the second day's play. The Test match itself was incredible - the last day undoubtedly the most nerve-wracking day of international sport I've ever seen! Colly and Belly hung in superbly - the latter proving he had the mettle that's been questioned so often. When Graham Onions once again saw off the last over, the English joy was unbridled!
Now we've entered the second decade of the new century, Paragon are finally getting up to date, so we've started a facebook page, where you can see and share photo's from the trip - just go to facebook and search Paragon Sports Management.
Here's what our South Africa guests had to say:
Just a brief note to thank you for all the excellent arrangements during the trip - everything was relaxed but very well organised. As you know, this was my first venture with Paragon and I would certainly like to do it again. Thanks again.
Philip Astbury
Just a line of thanks for a great tour. Everything was pretty near perfect. I'm currently downloading my pictures and will send a selection when I've sorted through them. One last thing, I forgot to get the details of the Township Toilet from you before we parted. I've described it to everyone but it would be good if I had the correct ingredients!
Mick Fisher
Having just returned from the Cape Town Test Tour with Paragon, I just wanted to send a short message to thank you for arranging such an excellent trip. The seats at the cricket were perfectly located, the New Year's Eve dinner was fab, the winelands half-day tour was most enjoyable and Richard was exceptionally helpful in ensuring that everything was fine and everyone was happy. Although this was only my first Paragon trip, I hope it is just the first of many!
Ruth Seymour
What a wonderful trip that was! It had everything from safari, Garden Route and wine tasting in Stellenbosch to cricket in Cape Town. Who said that 'draws' were boring! Many thanks for a super trip - I'll be on your Australia Tour at the end of this year.
William Marsh
What a simply marvellous trip. Great locations, seamless transfers, interesting add-on events and a really friendly and engaging group. Up there with the best of trips: I loved it all. I'm sure Paragon enjoys its repeat custom because of your personal style in leading a group. You have got it down to a fine art - perfectly organised with a relaxed approach. Many thanks for your considerable efforts.
Jan Hadoke
