Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Tunisia - Part 3
Our one outing was to a carpet maker and leather shop.
Tapis is the local name for the carpets. Carpet-making is traditional and highly valued craft in the whole of Tunisia. It takes hours and hours of hard work to make a final product which is of exceptional beauty and value.
We were shown into the shop and asked to sit next to the women who were busy making carpets. They then showed us the art of tying knots and we were allowed to give it a bash. Oh my word, what would take her 5 seconds took me 5 minutes!!!
She then tied a piece of wool around our wrists as a good luck symbol.
Whether you prefer natural wool or camel hair alloucha of Kairouan, brightly colored klim , margoums, or elegant silk, award Tunisia's carpets the prize for quality and price. The selections in every category are infinite and rare is the visitor who can resist such marvels at such reasonable rates. Most carpets are classified by the number of knots per square meter with silk at the top of the list with 250,000 and over! Shopowners will unroll one splendor after another until you find YOUR carpet. The Offices of the artisanat in most cities sell only quality stamped and inspected carpets and while there is no bargaining, prices are reasonable and they can package and send your carpet by plane.
We were then taken downstairs and shown an array of carpets. These carpets are all hand made and some take months to make, so one wonders just how many people are employed in this trade.
We were shown stacks of carpets and then asked to tell them which ones we liked best. These they put to one side.
We were then ushered through to another bigger room where they laid these carpets out for us and we could decide which one we wanted. Nothing like being forced into buying!!!
We would ask the price and they would say “don’t worry about the price, just think of what a nice carpet you are getting!!”
After much deliberating, we were “forced” into buying a really lovely carpet. This will be packaged and forwarded to us in a few months time, as it has to go through customs etc.
We were then led upstairs to the leather section. They had beautiful soft leather jackets for sale but when hubby was asked to don a jacket, he just told the guy plainly that we were not interested in purchasing any leather whatsoever. The guy dropped us like a hot potatoe and just turned tail and left us sitting there. Talk about a bad “sport” salesman!!
We made yet another purchase before leaving. Hubby bought me a lovely necklace and earrings to match!!
Before being taken back to the hotel, we were taken to The Habib Bourguiba Mosque. The mausoleum in Monastir is the burial place of the town’s most famous son – Habib Bourguiba. Bourguiba was born in Monastir in 1903 and served as the first President of Tunisia from 1953 until 1987. He was never elected by the people in free elections, but he is generally considered as the father of modern Tunisia. Bourguiba died in 2000 and was buried here. The mausoleum has a very impressive appearance with white towers and gold domes, decorated arches, 86 gleaming columns and tiled floors. It is possible to go into the mausoleum which is equally as ornate as the exterior and entrance is free. After a good look around and lots of photo taking, we joined our guide at the bus and were driven back to the hotel.
Tapis is the local name for the carpets. Carpet-making is traditional and highly valued craft in the whole of Tunisia. It takes hours and hours of hard work to make a final product which is of exceptional beauty and value.
We were shown into the shop and asked to sit next to the women who were busy making carpets. They then showed us the art of tying knots and we were allowed to give it a bash. Oh my word, what would take her 5 seconds took me 5 minutes!!!
She then tied a piece of wool around our wrists as a good luck symbol.
Whether you prefer natural wool or camel hair alloucha of Kairouan, brightly colored klim , margoums, or elegant silk, award Tunisia's carpets the prize for quality and price. The selections in every category are infinite and rare is the visitor who can resist such marvels at such reasonable rates. Most carpets are classified by the number of knots per square meter with silk at the top of the list with 250,000 and over! Shopowners will unroll one splendor after another until you find YOUR carpet. The Offices of the artisanat in most cities sell only quality stamped and inspected carpets and while there is no bargaining, prices are reasonable and they can package and send your carpet by plane.
We were then taken downstairs and shown an array of carpets. These carpets are all hand made and some take months to make, so one wonders just how many people are employed in this trade.
We were shown stacks of carpets and then asked to tell them which ones we liked best. These they put to one side.
We were then ushered through to another bigger room where they laid these carpets out for us and we could decide which one we wanted. Nothing like being forced into buying!!!
We would ask the price and they would say “don’t worry about the price, just think of what a nice carpet you are getting!!”
After much deliberating, we were “forced” into buying a really lovely carpet. This will be packaged and forwarded to us in a few months time, as it has to go through customs etc.
We were then led upstairs to the leather section. They had beautiful soft leather jackets for sale but when hubby was asked to don a jacket, he just told the guy plainly that we were not interested in purchasing any leather whatsoever. The guy dropped us like a hot potatoe and just turned tail and left us sitting there. Talk about a bad “sport” salesman!!
We made yet another purchase before leaving. Hubby bought me a lovely necklace and earrings to match!!
Before being taken back to the hotel, we were taken to The Habib Bourguiba Mosque. The mausoleum in Monastir is the burial place of the town’s most famous son – Habib Bourguiba. Bourguiba was born in Monastir in 1903 and served as the first President of Tunisia from 1953 until 1987. He was never elected by the people in free elections, but he is generally considered as the father of modern Tunisia. Bourguiba died in 2000 and was buried here. The mausoleum has a very impressive appearance with white towers and gold domes, decorated arches, 86 gleaming columns and tiled floors. It is possible to go into the mausoleum which is equally as ornate as the exterior and entrance is free. After a good look around and lots of photo taking, we joined our guide at the bus and were driven back to the hotel.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Kissing Camels in Tunisia
The one definite outting that we wanted to do, was the camel riding!!!
We booked a trip with one of the many stall holders within the hotel corridors, who assured us that it was a trip worthwhile.
We caught a bus at 7.30am and headed slightly inland. We drove for about an hour before our bus driver drove off the main road onto a dirt road and quite a steep incline. He stopped the bus and told us to walk down the road for about 20 metres. We were wondering just quite what we were walking towards, and thought that we wouldn’t be able to do that in S.A. as it was quite a remote area.
As we got to a fork in the road, we saw some camels being led down the road towards us. The guy told us to continue up the road. We got to a clearing and found about 12 camels all tethered together and lying down. There were some horses, donkeys and a cart being pulled by a donkey.
We were all gathered together and told that our little excursion would take about 2 hours in total, so we could swop animals. We were all heaved up onto our camels – 2 people on each. We set off and one can really feel a bit “seasick” as such, when riding on these huge animals. We came to a stop and were all taken down off the camels. Here our “guide” offered us lovely cold drinks – at quite a price I might add!!!
He then explained how the camels ate cactus plants. One camel has been singled out and he/she showed us just how much they enjoy this food, prickles and all. We were then issued with a small strip of cactus which we clasped between our teeth. We could then walk forward to the camel and it would take it from our mouths – forming a kiss!! At this point, a young man was slicking away with his camera.
The boys and I decided we had had enough camel riding and jumped on the cart along with a few other people for a luxurious ride back. This cart had an awning over it so provided some much needed protection from the scorching sun. I might just add that the temp was 40 odd degrees.
Lara just loved her camel and would not budge, so hubby had to journey back with her on their trusted camel.
Altogether our camel ride was about 2 hours long. We got back to a little shade and of course cold drinks were on sale once more.
Our guide then asked us to partake in a small meal which had been prepared for us. A woman in traditional dress had made a fire in a clay based oven. She had made bread which resembled pizza bases which she then wiped water over the one side, dipped her hand into the “clay oven” and stuck the bread to the side. She did this with all the bread rounds she had made and by the time she finished this task, she started taking the cooked breads out. They cut the bread into 4 pieces and then opened them, spooned a bit of olive oil into it and then added a mixture of tomato, onion, peppers and chilli. A very tasty snack. Along with this, they had sliced up a lovely watermelon.
After our meal, we were told to head back to where our bus had left us. The bus was waiting for us and we got back to the hotel in time for lunch.
We booked a trip with one of the many stall holders within the hotel corridors, who assured us that it was a trip worthwhile.
We caught a bus at 7.30am and headed slightly inland. We drove for about an hour before our bus driver drove off the main road onto a dirt road and quite a steep incline. He stopped the bus and told us to walk down the road for about 20 metres. We were wondering just quite what we were walking towards, and thought that we wouldn’t be able to do that in S.A. as it was quite a remote area.
As we got to a fork in the road, we saw some camels being led down the road towards us. The guy told us to continue up the road. We got to a clearing and found about 12 camels all tethered together and lying down. There were some horses, donkeys and a cart being pulled by a donkey.
We were all gathered together and told that our little excursion would take about 2 hours in total, so we could swop animals. We were all heaved up onto our camels – 2 people on each. We set off and one can really feel a bit “seasick” as such, when riding on these huge animals. We came to a stop and were all taken down off the camels. Here our “guide” offered us lovely cold drinks – at quite a price I might add!!!
He then explained how the camels ate cactus plants. One camel has been singled out and he/she showed us just how much they enjoy this food, prickles and all. We were then issued with a small strip of cactus which we clasped between our teeth. We could then walk forward to the camel and it would take it from our mouths – forming a kiss!! At this point, a young man was slicking away with his camera.
The boys and I decided we had had enough camel riding and jumped on the cart along with a few other people for a luxurious ride back. This cart had an awning over it so provided some much needed protection from the scorching sun. I might just add that the temp was 40 odd degrees.
Lara just loved her camel and would not budge, so hubby had to journey back with her on their trusted camel.
Altogether our camel ride was about 2 hours long. We got back to a little shade and of course cold drinks were on sale once more.
Our guide then asked us to partake in a small meal which had been prepared for us. A woman in traditional dress had made a fire in a clay based oven. She had made bread which resembled pizza bases which she then wiped water over the one side, dipped her hand into the “clay oven” and stuck the bread to the side. She did this with all the bread rounds she had made and by the time she finished this task, she started taking the cooked breads out. They cut the bread into 4 pieces and then opened them, spooned a bit of olive oil into it and then added a mixture of tomato, onion, peppers and chilli. A very tasty snack. Along with this, they had sliced up a lovely watermelon.
After our meal, we were told to head back to where our bus had left us. The bus was waiting for us and we got back to the hotel in time for lunch.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Part 1 - Tunisia Holiday
We arrived at the airport in good time, or so we thought, only to find a queue that seemed to go on forever to the Tunisair counter. Eventually, we booked our things through and went to wait in the departure lounge.
We found the flight as comfortable as it could be. The airlines provided us with a meal and drinks but we did find the hostesses to be very surly and generally unhelpful. The flight took almost three hours and when we arrived at 10.20pm in Monastir, it was 29 degrees. The Neckerman ladies were waiting for all the newcomers and we were told to go to bus no. 136. There must have been 50 buses waiting to take people to their various destinations. We were amazed at how many flights were coming and going!!
We arrived at our hotel “Sahara Beach” at about 11.00pm. We had to fill out forms etc. and were then ushered into a little room where we were all photographed. We were each given identity cards which were in fact, our “all inclusive” tickets. We asked about supper and were told that we could possibly find supper in the Pizzeria which was still open. The boys couldn’t believe their luck on hearing the Pizza word. Unfortunately, for them, they were not making pizzas but had some delicious Roast Beef, potatoes and green beans left over from the actual dining room.
After supper we took a look around and found out how our I.D. cards allowed us to order drinks etc. We could go to any bar area, hand in our cards and order whatever we liked. Obviously there was limited hard tack, but beers and cold drinks were readily available.
There were three blocks to our hotel. The one we stayed in was apparently more for German speaking people. Another block was mainly for the British tourists and then the third was a mixture of Italian, Spanish etc. The hotel had a total of 1 046 rooms.
The two blocks were linked with passage ways which were lined with shops, coffee shops, bars etc. The hotel was like a village all on its own and there were people coming and going all the time.
The hotel had an indoor pool, as well as 3 outdoor ones. There was a hairdressing salon, massage parlour and discotheque. There was an entertainment/games room with all the tv games and pool tables available at a price of course. There was also a little animal park or zoo on the premises but there was an entrance fee for this however. The sports centre had tennis courts, soccer fields, archery, basketball courts and minigolf. One could book a game in advance and we were entitled to an hour every day (for free) of whichever game we wanted to play.
They also had an Animation team who supplied all the entertainment. Around the main pool, people were entertained by this young energetic team. There was always some music playing, either water aerobics, waterpolo or some sort of fun happening at the pool. There were also a few table tennis tables out next to the pool. The animation team would also form groups of people and would head off down to the beach. Here they played Boccia, beach soccer and volleyball.
The animation team also put a presentation on every evening. They would involve the kids in the earlier part of the evening and the kids really seemed to enjoy themselves. There was a stage area and seating for close to 1000 people. We watched part of the Michael Jackson show that they put on, on the Saturday evening. It was very well done.
Scattered around the pool area and on the beach were Café/Restaurant/Bars which we could go and help ourselves to whatever was available. The beach one was great because they had a sprinkler system in the beams of the roof which sprayed off a fine mist of water as you sat and ate your meal. What a clever way of cooling you off!!!
We found the flight as comfortable as it could be. The airlines provided us with a meal and drinks but we did find the hostesses to be very surly and generally unhelpful. The flight took almost three hours and when we arrived at 10.20pm in Monastir, it was 29 degrees. The Neckerman ladies were waiting for all the newcomers and we were told to go to bus no. 136. There must have been 50 buses waiting to take people to their various destinations. We were amazed at how many flights were coming and going!!
We arrived at our hotel “Sahara Beach” at about 11.00pm. We had to fill out forms etc. and were then ushered into a little room where we were all photographed. We were each given identity cards which were in fact, our “all inclusive” tickets. We asked about supper and were told that we could possibly find supper in the Pizzeria which was still open. The boys couldn’t believe their luck on hearing the Pizza word. Unfortunately, for them, they were not making pizzas but had some delicious Roast Beef, potatoes and green beans left over from the actual dining room.
After supper we took a look around and found out how our I.D. cards allowed us to order drinks etc. We could go to any bar area, hand in our cards and order whatever we liked. Obviously there was limited hard tack, but beers and cold drinks were readily available.
There were three blocks to our hotel. The one we stayed in was apparently more for German speaking people. Another block was mainly for the British tourists and then the third was a mixture of Italian, Spanish etc. The hotel had a total of 1 046 rooms.
The two blocks were linked with passage ways which were lined with shops, coffee shops, bars etc. The hotel was like a village all on its own and there were people coming and going all the time.
The hotel had an indoor pool, as well as 3 outdoor ones. There was a hairdressing salon, massage parlour and discotheque. There was an entertainment/games room with all the tv games and pool tables available at a price of course. There was also a little animal park or zoo on the premises but there was an entrance fee for this however. The sports centre had tennis courts, soccer fields, archery, basketball courts and minigolf. One could book a game in advance and we were entitled to an hour every day (for free) of whichever game we wanted to play.
They also had an Animation team who supplied all the entertainment. Around the main pool, people were entertained by this young energetic team. There was always some music playing, either water aerobics, waterpolo or some sort of fun happening at the pool. There were also a few table tennis tables out next to the pool. The animation team would also form groups of people and would head off down to the beach. Here they played Boccia, beach soccer and volleyball.
The animation team also put a presentation on every evening. They would involve the kids in the earlier part of the evening and the kids really seemed to enjoy themselves. There was a stage area and seating for close to 1000 people. We watched part of the Michael Jackson show that they put on, on the Saturday evening. It was very well done.
Scattered around the pool area and on the beach were Café/Restaurant/Bars which we could go and help ourselves to whatever was available. The beach one was great because they had a sprinkler system in the beams of the roof which sprayed off a fine mist of water as you sat and ate your meal. What a clever way of cooling you off!!!
Second Week of Summer Holidays
There were only two more sleeps left before we flew to Tunisia and this was really exciting. On the Monday, I was washing and ironing last minutes things we wanted to take along with us and then I tried to pack as much of our stuff as I could.
On Tuesday morning, Lara and I went into town and met up with Heidi and Marcelle. We went to the ice cream parlour for milkshakes. Just as we sat down outside, it started to rain very lightly. So we moved indoors and all had a milkshake and then later a cappuchino. We went to Heidi's where I picked up snorkels and goggles from her. Wished Heidi well, as she was due to fly to Zimbabwe on Wednesday evening.
Later in the afternoon, Gerard phoned and said that we were taking some Bell guys out for dinner. We went off to the Greek restaurant with Seni, Andre and Peter. It was such a lovely evening that we were able to sit outdoors.
Roxy, Ryan, Marcelle and Heinz were also all there with the Dutton's, who had arrived that morning from S.A. Seems as though all the S.A.'s had the same idea about food that night!!!
Gerard had Wednesday off work which was great. We were able to sort things out leisurely before we left for the airport.
I am attaching a photo of our family which was taken by Cindy on the Saturday morning. Cindy has been with Bell for years and she writes articles for the company magazines and is their photographer.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
First Week of School Holidays
The first week of the school holidays has come and gone. The kids did very little due to the miserable weather. Lara still went to kindergarten as the kindergarten only closes from the 16th July to 30th July.
On Tuesday night, we met Larissa and Cindy at the Greek restaurant for dinner. We had a nice evening together.
On Wednesday I met up with the other S.A. ladies for tea at Heidi’s house. We spent the morning chatting away as we usually do.
On Thursday, I took the boys into town with me. Our first stop was the bank, where Steven wanted to collect his birthday present. The banks are very children friendly and with the kids having their own accounts, they get a birthday card every year and a small gift. Then we parked in the town centre and went to the Vodacom shop to meet Gerard. My cell fone contract had to be renewed and I had been offered a new fone. So we sorted that out and I am now the owner of a Blackberry fone. After that, we went off to our little Doner Kebab shop where we had a lovely Doner each for lunch. These are Shwarma’s in S.A. They are very popular here in Germany and being so tasty, are fast becoming the number one fast food.
On Friday evening, Bell had their Somerfest. The weather had been miserable all day, only to start clearing that evening. The food was excellent, the company was good, so all in all it turned out to be a really lovely evening.
We had arranged for Larissa and Cindy to join us for a breakfast on Saturday morning and then we could all watch the rugby together. Well what can I say!!! The breakfast was good, the rugby …… terrible!!!
On Sunday morning Gerard went off to play golf with Heinz. It was a very hot day and Gerard arrived home absolutely exhausted.
He had a shower and a snooze before getting up and getting the braai ready. We had a lovely braai in the afternoon with our friends and ended off our week well.
On Tuesday night, we met Larissa and Cindy at the Greek restaurant for dinner. We had a nice evening together.
On Wednesday I met up with the other S.A. ladies for tea at Heidi’s house. We spent the morning chatting away as we usually do.
On Thursday, I took the boys into town with me. Our first stop was the bank, where Steven wanted to collect his birthday present. The banks are very children friendly and with the kids having their own accounts, they get a birthday card every year and a small gift. Then we parked in the town centre and went to the Vodacom shop to meet Gerard. My cell fone contract had to be renewed and I had been offered a new fone. So we sorted that out and I am now the owner of a Blackberry fone. After that, we went off to our little Doner Kebab shop where we had a lovely Doner each for lunch. These are Shwarma’s in S.A. They are very popular here in Germany and being so tasty, are fast becoming the number one fast food.
On Friday evening, Bell had their Somerfest. The weather had been miserable all day, only to start clearing that evening. The food was excellent, the company was good, so all in all it turned out to be a really lovely evening.
We had arranged for Larissa and Cindy to join us for a breakfast on Saturday morning and then we could all watch the rugby together. Well what can I say!!! The breakfast was good, the rugby …… terrible!!!
On Sunday morning Gerard went off to play golf with Heinz. It was a very hot day and Gerard arrived home absolutely exhausted.
He had a shower and a snooze before getting up and getting the braai ready. We had a lovely braai in the afternoon with our friends and ended off our week well.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Some of our latest news.
After Gerard’s mom left us, the house just seemed so empty. To top it off, Gerard left the next day (Sunday) for Spain.
I got together with Roxy and Marcelle on Tuesday for tea at Roxy’s house. Roxy treated us to her delicious scones.
On Thursday, I picked Heidi up and the two of us went off to Fulda for the morning. It was so nice to walk through the shops and look for things without kids moaning and groaning as to how boring it was. We had a nice cup of coffee and some German cake before making our way back to Alsfeld.
The schools were breaking up on Friday 6th, so that whole week was spent winding down with very little homework. Robert took a little gift for his teacher on Friday, as he had spent the last 3 years with her. He said that the whole class was very tearful at the final farewell. He was quite tearful at home just telling me about it all. I just can’t believe that my little boy goes into “high school” in September.
It was also report day of course. Robert and Steven had very average reports and are both going onto the next year - thankfully.
Friday being full of excitement for the kids was even more exciting for Stevie as it was his ninth birthday. I had planned for his birthday to be at Halligalli and I was quite pleased, as the weather had not improved at all. He had a total of 12 children at his party including himself. We had bought him the Bayern Munchen soccer outfit amongst other smaller things, and my S.A. friends clubbed together and bought him some Adidas soccer boots, goalie gloves and socks that all matched his new outfit.
Boy, was he chuffed with all of this!! I will post some photos of his party so that you can see his cake etc.
The last two years, Zelda had been here and helped me out with Steven’s party but this year, I had to go it alone. I was at the point of muttering under my breath “never again” when Heidi walked in. How relieved I was to see her.
Ryan and Roxy arrived a bit later and they were pleasantly surprised to see how many activities Halligalli has to offer. Gerard arrived and both he and Ryan played soccer with the boys. Oh what fun they had.
On Saturday, we had a nice lazy start to our day. I was busy with breakfast, when Gerard walked in and said that Clive (Gerard’s boss from S.A.) and Seni (a colleague from S.A.) would be here soon!!! He had omitted to tell me that the rugby game was starting at 12.00. Well was I caught unawares. Anyway, the two of them decided to go and do shopping in Giesen afterall. Gerard and I watched the rugby and were disappointed that S.A. lost. Clive and Seni returned in the afternoon with all their shopping.
On Sunday, the family had been invited to Gary Bell’s birthday lunch and Cindy’s introduction to Germany. It was great to get out, the weather was quite good and a good time was had by all.
We all left at about 3.30pm as Gary was flying back to S.A. a little later that evening. Well, Gerard received an SMS telling us that the party was continuing at their house in Romrod. Gary had postponed his flight until the following night.
It was a great evening where we met Gary and Larissa’s neighbours.
I got together with Roxy and Marcelle on Tuesday for tea at Roxy’s house. Roxy treated us to her delicious scones.
On Thursday, I picked Heidi up and the two of us went off to Fulda for the morning. It was so nice to walk through the shops and look for things without kids moaning and groaning as to how boring it was. We had a nice cup of coffee and some German cake before making our way back to Alsfeld.
The schools were breaking up on Friday 6th, so that whole week was spent winding down with very little homework. Robert took a little gift for his teacher on Friday, as he had spent the last 3 years with her. He said that the whole class was very tearful at the final farewell. He was quite tearful at home just telling me about it all. I just can’t believe that my little boy goes into “high school” in September.
It was also report day of course. Robert and Steven had very average reports and are both going onto the next year - thankfully.
Friday being full of excitement for the kids was even more exciting for Stevie as it was his ninth birthday. I had planned for his birthday to be at Halligalli and I was quite pleased, as the weather had not improved at all. He had a total of 12 children at his party including himself. We had bought him the Bayern Munchen soccer outfit amongst other smaller things, and my S.A. friends clubbed together and bought him some Adidas soccer boots, goalie gloves and socks that all matched his new outfit.
Boy, was he chuffed with all of this!! I will post some photos of his party so that you can see his cake etc.
The last two years, Zelda had been here and helped me out with Steven’s party but this year, I had to go it alone. I was at the point of muttering under my breath “never again” when Heidi walked in. How relieved I was to see her.
Ryan and Roxy arrived a bit later and they were pleasantly surprised to see how many activities Halligalli has to offer. Gerard arrived and both he and Ryan played soccer with the boys. Oh what fun they had.
On Saturday, we had a nice lazy start to our day. I was busy with breakfast, when Gerard walked in and said that Clive (Gerard’s boss from S.A.) and Seni (a colleague from S.A.) would be here soon!!! He had omitted to tell me that the rugby game was starting at 12.00. Well was I caught unawares. Anyway, the two of them decided to go and do shopping in Giesen afterall. Gerard and I watched the rugby and were disappointed that S.A. lost. Clive and Seni returned in the afternoon with all their shopping.
On Sunday, the family had been invited to Gary Bell’s birthday lunch and Cindy’s introduction to Germany. It was great to get out, the weather was quite good and a good time was had by all.
We all left at about 3.30pm as Gary was flying back to S.A. a little later that evening. Well, Gerard received an SMS telling us that the party was continuing at their house in Romrod. Gary had postponed his flight until the following night.
It was a great evening where we met Gary and Larissa’s neighbours.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
June has come and gone!!!
Hello everyone. The whole month of June has come and gone in a flash. As I said previously, we had Gerard’s mom arrive on the 1 June and she spent a month with us this time. After her trip out here last year, we felt that she can still cope with the flight from S.A. When she comes to Europe, she usually visits us and then goes on to her family in Austria or Switzerland. After a real problematic time with her flight back to S.A. last year, we decided that the Austrian family and anyone else, who wanted to see her, could come to us for a change.
So our first week was spent just relaxing at home. On the 8th of June the Austrian family arrived. Peter and Traute stayed until the Tuesday afternoon and left Tante Hilde here with us. They were attending a business conference in Munich. On Friday 15th I drove Hilde through to Fulda station. She caught the ICE train down to Munich where she met up with Peter and Traute again.
On the 23rd of July, Manfred and Lisabet arrived from Switzerland. They caught the ICE train from Thun through to Fulda and then caught the connecting train through to Alsfeld. They got to spend one night with us and then we took them through to Fulda the next day to go all the way back.
Besides school activities, a few braais with friends and getting together for teas etc. we did not actually take Mom around for much sightseeing at all. She seemed to enjoy her stay here very much, as she said it was a nice relaxing visit for her. She involved herself with the kids and their homework which was great and helped me around the house and garden..
She left on Saturday 30th July and we are all feeling quite lost without her.
I will be writing a few more detailed posts with some photos about her stay here.
Now there will be no excuse for my emailing you all again and getting back on track with correspondence.
So our first week was spent just relaxing at home. On the 8th of June the Austrian family arrived. Peter and Traute stayed until the Tuesday afternoon and left Tante Hilde here with us. They were attending a business conference in Munich. On Friday 15th I drove Hilde through to Fulda station. She caught the ICE train down to Munich where she met up with Peter and Traute again.
On the 23rd of July, Manfred and Lisabet arrived from Switzerland. They caught the ICE train from Thun through to Fulda and then caught the connecting train through to Alsfeld. They got to spend one night with us and then we took them through to Fulda the next day to go all the way back.
Besides school activities, a few braais with friends and getting together for teas etc. we did not actually take Mom around for much sightseeing at all. She seemed to enjoy her stay here very much, as she said it was a nice relaxing visit for her. She involved herself with the kids and their homework which was great and helped me around the house and garden..
She left on Saturday 30th July and we are all feeling quite lost without her.
I will be writing a few more detailed posts with some photos about her stay here.
Now there will be no excuse for my emailing you all again and getting back on track with correspondence.
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