Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Checking in...

We made it to Queensland. I can't believe we have been here a week already. Think I'm almost over the jet lag. I've spent most of my first week sitting under the aircon or driving in airconditioned cars to shopping malls with aircon. I have to say in light of that it really is remarkably cool in Brisbane.

Right now I'm drinking an icy cold Irish Cider (Bulmers to be precise), smelling the start of a charcoal braai outside and it feels a bit like home. Except the cider should be Savannah.

I just thought I'd check in and say howzit. I'll be back with a momentous no 100 post later in the week!

In the words of Truman - Good Morning, Good Afternoon and Goodnight!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

One step at a time!

Our last Saturday in South Africa has arrived. Too quickly. I'm lying in bed contemplating all that needs to be done and being the Mistress of Procrastination I've decided to blog instead. My readers need to be entertained... am I right?

I've been meaning to tell you about our trip to the Drakensberg. I love the mountains. One of my favourites places in the world is the beautiful Berg. We stayed at a place called The Cavern which coincidentally is my Dad's most favourite place in the world. I have to say that those 4 days were the most relaxing of all my time here. We ate, drank, swam, played tennis, ate, drank, had massages, played darts, table tennis, ate, drank and we even played lawn bowls for the first time in our lives (my parents kicked our asses).

So all fun and games until Monday morning. My dear husband-to-be decided that we should do what The Cavern call a Long Walk on our last morning in the Berg. I thought he meant with my Dad and even promoted it. My Dad was still a little tender from the stomach bug he'd picked up the day before so regretfully declined the request. I tried to suggest the short walk instead but he looked so disappointed that I agreed to go with him on the Long Walk.

1 minute up the first hill I realised my mistake but being the stubborn girl I am I wasn't going to admit it. 3 1/2 hours later after walking in brain boiling heat (I kid you not I heard the bubbling), begging water off my fellow walkers when I forced them to stop for a break yet again and weeping behind my sunglasses at the madness of it all - we finally made it to Cannibal Caves and I was prepared to spend the rest of my days in that cool heaven.

Lots of water, a cup of tea and some crunchies later I was able to coax my weary bones back down the mountain. I arrived back at the base to wild applause and congratulations - from my parents sitting under the shade of a large tree sipping on icy Savannah ciders. It took 4 1/2 hours in all. Hey, I made it. Bring on the next one!

Time to dragged myself up and face some shopping, then lunch with the ladies.
Catch up later!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Press the pause button please!

My humblest apologies for neglecting all of my loyal readers over the past few weeks. Time has been flying by and now the day we are due to fly away again is almost upon us. 5 more sleeps.

I think I might cry. In public. I don't do that. I'm more of a cry alone in my room- car-shower-kind-of-girl. Something about this trip though is making me feel more emotional than normal and I feel myself welling up even as I type this. Justin Timberlake's Cry me a river is now playing in my head. I'm done for. I'm not even a fan.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm looking forward to our new adventure to the Land of Oz. I just don't feel like saying goodbye to all my family, friends and the familiarities of home again.

There is only one thing I can do. Get out of this house and cram every last minute of the next few days with all the people and things I love. I'm coming to see you now. Are you ready for me?