Goodbye to SA!

If anyone were to ask us if we had spent time in South Africa – I would be hard put to know what to say. I think – ‘Yes, on business’ – might be the most accurate answer. We really haven’t seen the country. Yet I think we might have met some of the country’s best commodity: it’s people. South Africans really are a genuine lovely bunch and an asset. Sure there are issues that are very complicated to work through, ‘first world country with third world problems’ – and I’m using broad brush strokes. But I really love the way so many SA are open minded and outward in their attitudes. And that has been the strongest impressions we’ve had from this country. It is obviously a big boys’ playground as well, just up our street! But we’ll have to sample those delights another time.

 

So finally we left. Finally. It took some doing to extract ourselves from the sanctuary of Hermanus, and Guy and Belinda’s lovely house. A big hug and thank you to all the lovely people of Hermanus. Shelli and Frank – you did an efficient quick job with the logo, and a joy to chat to. Leizle – if we lived near by you, and your family we’d be adopting your son for sure. And I’d be adopting you! Thank you for recommending Pat’s Place, guesthouse. It truly was a sanctuary within a sanctuary for our last few days in Hermanus with the goosed filled duvets, crisp white sheets and thatched roofs. Something from a story book. And then we moved over to Gordon’s Bay, Otto Richter Motors. Literally in Ajay’s case as he slept there the final night in an attempt to get everything done – Otto, again you are a star, you and your mechanics. You know your 4x4s for sure. Thanks for – I guess that is the most

Giovani manager of AutoZone – thanks for all your advice, encouragements and contacts … Divald at 4x4Winelands, Yohan at Safari Centre, Leisure World Camping, 4x4 Megaworld – what a great place to start a trip from like this. So much encouragement, advice, practical help and discounted equipment. What a totally geared up place to begin this expedition from!

 

Eeziawn – your rooftop tent is fantastic. I love it. The kids can put it up (and down!) in minutes.

 

And then just more lovely people, Deborah and Graham whose trailer we bought, Mike and Heidi for all your sanguine advice and Paul and Petra; I am genuinely sorry we didn’t make time to catch you again. Yvonne … and at this stage I will begin to leave people out, but just know that this was such a great country to start this trip from. Ajay and I were touched by your warmth and enthusiasm, I think you know that we were very encouraged by your company. I regret that we couldn't/didn't return the inspiration. But as life goes on – I hope we will do, in different circles.

 

SA has been an intense time for us. I'll be glad when we are free to stop focusing on this, that or the next. You can imagine how much the children are complaining about 'the holiday'. We are asking a lot from them at the moment. The camera crew are great people - keen to catch the story as it stands at the moment (not so many Ups) yet looking to give an accurate reflection. I’m still a little weary of how it will unfold as we collect various experiences but you know, what an opportunity to have this year out captured and edited by someone else. They have been a great distraction for the kids and they too are learning to do concise video diary entries which is a good skill to be able to articulate the moment clearly.

 

And so Namibia – here we come – only a week or two late than expected, a month later than hoped for. Next thing is to find internet access to send this out.