Thursday 19 March 2009

Kruger National Park - the call of the African wild!


Baby hyena, and a lone bull elephant

This world famous National Park in South Africa was founded in 1898 and is just under 2 million hectares in size in total. It is, to me, so much more than a piece of the planet where flora, fauna and animal are preserved and protected, it speaks of a childhood spent in avid attention of the detail and attention to life that this park offers. I have been here many a time and have never been disappointed. Were I to choose any one dream job in the world, it would be to live in this park, studying it's life - both bush and animal alike, photographing, documenting, drawing and illustrating it. If I never saw a human being it wouldnt phase me (okay, my hubby would be with me), but to spend unprecedented time in this world in the wild, would be an honour.


My husband at our favourite bird hide and waterhole

Natural and wild

The Park is massive and boasts large herds of animals in varying shape and form, an example being when a herd of over 500 buffalo were seen crossing in front of us when we were on our way out of the park at sunset!

For the wild animals who live in the park, each and every day is a struggle to survive, so every sense must remain on high alert, throughout the day, and the night, when most predators actually do their hunting! As the numbers of wild animals dwindle though, due to man encroaching on their terrain, plus due to hunting, so too are the opportunities to see them in their natural state and context dwindling. Parks like this are godsends.


Zeebies making patterns!

Come on in and experience it!

Experience this vast park, choc-a-block with wildlife and outstanding scenery in the comfort of your car (self drive) or with a knowledgeable, registered and friendly guide. It's your choice.

Enjoy accommodation of all types (from basic to luxury), good food and the best wildlife experience ever - an all round must-see if you are travelling in South Africa, Madiba-land :)


Olifants Camp... and our splendid view of the Olifants River

Friday 6 March 2009

Mrs Tsvangirai's death... was it an accident?

Morgan Tsvangirai survives car crash but his wife of 31 years, Susan, is killed

Oh what a tragedy today... what an absolute shame... here is a man and wife who have fought for their country's freedom for many years, and in a split second, she is gone. Forever.

I don't even want to try and think about how Mr Tsvangirai is feeling, how their family and children are feeling... they must be numb with shock. Their mum, wife, sister and fellow comrade in the Zimbabwean struggle... is gone.

My question is: Was this an accident?

The reports say a lorry driver fell aslepp and careered into them, injuring Mr Tsvangirai and killing Mrs Tsvangirai... but I am afraid I am highly suspicious of this so-called accident... Robert Mugabe is a murderer and a snake.. he is so power hungry and Mr Tsvangirai is the biggest threat to his power he has had in many years... this is his doing in some way, I feel sure about that.

Mrs Tsvangirai, rest well, you did a good work in your beloved Zim x

Thursday 5 March 2009

What makes YOU happy?


Hippo in the Olifants River, Kruger National Park, South Africa

The simple things in life make me happy..

- Just being with my hubby - holding his hand, playing with his hair...

- Watching and photographing game in Africa

- Painting (canvas, not walls!)
- Spending time with township kids in SA (at their school/home/church)
- Being with my family (we are spread across USA, UK and SA)
- Lying on my back and looking up at the stars in rural areas - there are so many more up there in the countryside

- Listening to the rain, and the smell after a good electric thunderstorm

What makes YOU happy?

Sunday 1 March 2009

The ides of March...

The ides of March - I always think of my Latin teacher in March. Her nose was green, did you know?

I had a child with slapped cheek syndrome and a child with an inner ear skin infection (gunk oozing out all the time, sore, high temp etc. poor lil chap) already, lets hope I dont have to play nurse again this month.

A trip to the theatre, my brothers birthday, an OFSTED conference at Westminster, applying for indefinate leave to remain. The latter being the most important! A long time coming...

Spring is springing, blossoms are blooming... let's hope we have a good summer!