South Africa slide show

SA 2007 - Cape Town & surrounds

South Africa slide show

SA 2007 - Cape Town & surrounds

Our latest Pilansberg/Sun City/Lost City holiday

There is SO much to see and do here, for nature lovers, speed freaks, water babies, some gambling fun, family orientated activities, bird watchers, swimming, golfing.. you name it, you can find it here!

I have been here a few times and have a mix of old (scanned) photos, as well as new, digital ones. The newer ones are far nicer quality but the old are still special, so I have left them on here.



For a day trip, a weekend away or a proper holiday, this is a lovely place to come to (except for the fact that there are thousands of other tourists and travellers there too haha) Mid week visits are less crowded and personally, more enjoyable due to this. We have gone on weekends before and this last time (Jan 2007), we made sure it was for a few days mid-week.

There is so much to do here! We did a variety of water sports and had a wonderful time. We came here with family - my brother, his wife and their little girl - and so it was an extra special time for us all.

We stayed at Baghatla Camp on the border of Pilansberg this time, and thoroughly enjoyed it!



And across the way?

The stunning Pilansberg Game and Nature Reserve. We went to Pilansberg in January 2007 and had a fabulous time! I actually had my birthday here and a better present I could not have asked for!

My little 2 year old niece calls us 'Uncle LanceJenny, and she was happily singing away to me as we drove along 'Happy birthday Uncle Jenny...' it was so adorable :)

We saw a lot more this time than we have before (have a fantastic camera now too, which makes all the difference!), we also got locked in the park the one night too, which I will tell you all about in the tips! Whether big/small game, bird or insect life, here one touches African soil.

The family unit

I was brought up in a Christian home, and, even though my biological father chose only to sire his 4 children and then leave, my mum did a marvellous job in raising us single-handedly, with God's help.

The family is under constant threat as there is little respect for elders and everything is 'PC' and all about self... priorities are upside down.

Having lived in South Africa and England, I see marked differences in the behaviour of youngsters for example btwn the two countries... and have to conclude that where there is more discipline (as in South African schools and homes generally), there is more love and respect. A stronger family unit, which makes for a better/more caring society.

Our trip to Joburg to buy an investment property

Gleneagles, Johannesburg

5 years on!

He holds my hand and he holds my heart... Our eyes met across the room one evening late 2000...

Within a month of getting together we were talking about getting married, were engaged 4 months later and got married 5 months later in a quaint stone chapel in Tokai Forest, Cape Town, South Africa. Thus began my role as a wife and friend, daily companion and partner. I love him more every day. He is my all and makes me feel like a queen. He is the first I wish to see when I wake up and the last I hope to touch when my head finds my pillow. He has made my life complete, and for that I will be eternally grateful for, and never take for granted.

Our day

The day was bright and sunny, with a sudden shower during the ceremony... when we exited the sun was shining brightly again and the clouds had moved on. The colours of the leaves and the trees and the stonework had been brightened by the light touch of the rain, and all was fresh and new.

Delightful! :)

THE mousepad

Cool mousepad hey????

So how strong is the call home?

A good question! It comes down to opportunity and what's right for us at this point in our lives. The opportunities have been good in London - we have worked hard, have settled, and are grateful to have good jobs and a lovely home. We spent the last 2 years renovating a dump in Wimbledon and recently sold it. Wow, what a project!

We enjoy travelling and London is a great base to do just that. My hubby has been all over the world already!

On that note... when Africa is in your blood it's tough not to yearn for her soil (especially as there are so many people in need)... and, whilst we are living on this little island, we will continue to be vocal advocates of the majesty that is South Africa. Dramatic scenery and turbulent history. Very few countries have been through what South Africa has been through and have come through sans a war or a coup. A new government, a new constitution, a new flag and a new national anthem. A fresh start.

A quote that is so true:

"Fear holds us and binds us and keeps us from growing. It kills a small piece of us each day. It holds us to what we know and keeps us from what's possible, and it is our worst enemy. Fear doesn't announce itself; it's disguised, and it's subtle. It's choosing the safe course; most of us feel we have rational reasons to avoid taking risks. The brave man is not the one without fear but the one who does what he must despite being afraid."

Credit: The King's Buccaneer, R. E Feist.

January 2006 London VT meeting

Here's the page I set up for the January 2006 London meeting which people felt was very helpful.

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/ab6f2/

There were some private meetings held too that were not advertised on this homepage.