Africa at last

Christchurch airport

South Africa at last….

It seems surreal that we are at last here in South Africa.

We are perched high above the Knysna Lagoon with spectacular views of the town and the hussle of activity there and on the lagoon. Kayaks carve through the blue water and kite surfers are hurtled along on a puff of white foam with their colourful parasols suspended above. The powerboats spread their intricate ripple designs and children on bright bouncing tubes scream their delight. The sun is bright and warm and for the first time in weeks we feel truly relaxed.

Our last few weeks in NZ have been hectic. We tidied up and sold the car; got rid of a whole lot of stuff on TradeMe; cleaned up and repaired the house and garden; found awesome tenants to look after the house, including the chooks and cat; moved all our belongings into the garage; packed our bags and boxes for 2 and half years but making sure we staid within the baggage allowance! Also we wrapped up both our jobs and tidied up last business at work. All of this punctuated by the usual end of year flurry of activity with Christmas preparation and farewell functions. Then, just to make things more difficult, and perhaps to maintain a firmer foothold in NZ, we purchased a scrap of land at Castle Hill Village so needed an attorney and, while we were about it, reviewed our will and legal and financial affairs. Moving onto a new chapter in life provides a perfect impetus and focus to get a lot of stuff done. I can highly recommend it but I can see why most folk prefer to stay put!
So the luxury of leisure now is much appreciated and as I clutch my icy South African beer and lazily watch the “boerewors” sizzling on the “braai” the feeling is truly good. And now that the fun of a family Christmas is over we can start preparing for our first adventure which will be a road trip up the coast of SA from Cape Town to Durban.

A Tortoise at "Chandelier" Breakfast. Spot the Zebra! Our luxury tent!!

On our way back to Cape Town we travelled via the Karoo, a semi-arid wilderness famous for ostrich farms, beautiful mountains and passes and the world famous Cango Caves which we visited and Zara and Margot wriggled through all the tiny gaps. We spent an incredible night in a luxury tented camp and fed on ostrich egg omlette and were woken by the dramatic dawn chorus.

Then an early morning game drive to see Bontebok, zebra and impala to name a few followed by an hearty breakfast.

The Ostrich farm tour was incredible with the highlights being standing on eggs and then each of us getting a ride which was challenging.

Now back in Cape Town and joining friends at a beach side cottage for new year.

Wishing you all a very peaceful and happy one.