Part 1 of our holiday in South Africa

We flew on Lufthansa and left late in the evening of 22 Dec. The kids and us were very disappointed at not having our own TV screens etc. and had to just contend with watching the two movies supplied at specified times. The sun rose early over the African continent and someone close by opened their blind to look out. The light was blinding and an airhostess rushed over to close it. They did not want everyone waking up before they got breakfast ready etc. Having left a cold climate in Germany, we found ourselves stripping our layers of clothing off as we neared Southern Africa.

The hustle and bustle in O.R. Tambo International airport was typically African – loud and cheerful. One definitely notices the friendlier, happier faces in Africa.

Mom was waiting for us and eventually we were all packed into her car and on our way to Brakpan. By the time we got there, we were all hot and sweaty and we all got changed into shorts and t-shirts. What a change from all our layers of winter clothes.

That afternoon we went off to visit Dad in hospital. Got to Sunninghill hospital and met up with Roger, Kelly and family. We all sat and had cool drinks, as Dad was having his dressing changed.
It was good to see him sitting in a chair but he has aged quite a lot.

After our visit with him, we had phoned Cherie and Gregg only to find that they were at the Vaal River. So we decided to take a drive to Pretoria. We drove up to the houses of Parliament and took some photos from there.

Christmas Eve was spent at Eddie and Karen’s. He cooked two different meat rolls on the Weber and Karen had put on a wonderful spread.
The kids had a wonderful time swimming and playing soccer with their cousins. Presents were swapped and everyone was happy.

On Christmas Day, we drove through to Van Der Bijl Park to spend the day with Dad and Val. Poor old Val had been busy all night and morning to prepare a wonderful meal of 3 different roasts with the most divine butternut and (Afrikaans) green beans. They spoilt the kids with presents of clothes and I got to spend some time with my Dad who was very emotional.

Our day was free on the 27th as we did not spend the night with Dad and Val as originally intended. So we took Mom and the kids to the Bunny Park in Brakpan. The boys have been many times but this was a first for Lara and she thoroughly enjoyed having all the bunnies running around and feeding them and the goat’s carrots.
In the afternoon we visited Colin Robb and his family (a friend of Gerard's) and they had years of catching up to do over quite a few beers. Reminded Gerard that we were meeting Gregg and Cherie at Carnival City for dinner that night. It was great to see them again and hear of all their business dealings (Gregg was my old boss) and which old colleagues of mine were still working for them.

We packed ourselves up on the 28th and headed to the airport. Our SAA flight was so quick and we had a very nice lady sitting chatting to us the whole way. She has informed me about ginger being so good for motion sickness.

Arriving in Durban, was exciting as the kids had seen the sea and knew what was in store for them. The heat and humidity really hit us and by the time we got ourselves to Warner Beach, we were so hot and bothered, so we changed into our cozzies and hit the beach. It was so nice to feel the sand underfoot and walk in the cool sea water. What a treat!!!!