Bucket List: Explore a Different Part of South Africa

Talk about making hay while the sun shines. While on our annual trip to Knynsa, we decided to take full advantage of the fact that we were already on the road, and made a special trip to the Klein Karoo.

My kids are pretty "protected" in that they don't see much outside of their day to day environment. It's not something we've done deliberately, and we are attempting to rectify that by exploring our surroundings (and larger country) more; still, they haven't seen much of anywhere other than Cape Town, so taking the short drive over the Outeniqua pass from George to Oudtshoorn seem like a good idea. And we were not disappointed.

We went chasing the sun from a dark and misty Vic Bay, to a bright and warm Safari Ostrich Farm, and had a real treat. We took the tractor tour, and spent a good hour or so learning about Ostriches in general, as well as the farm itself, and the kids (and adults, except perhaps for Garth who is not a big bird fan) were in their element!

When we left, later the afternoon, we were tired in that we-just-had-the-best-time kind of way, and it felt great! Here's to doing more local stuff together - and to checking off more of our bucket list items this holiday!

Airport

I stood at domestic arrivals last night, waiting for my uncle who, due to a mysteriously missed connecting flight in Qatar, landed almost eight hours later than scheduled, and about 36 hours since leaving home in Norfolk.

I knew he would be exhausted, and I expected to see a man on which that showed. I envisioned a wrinkled shirt and equally winkled face, with heavy eyes, and the stiff gait that two days in transit gives you. He took ages to come out, and I just figured that would be why.

And while I waited, I watched. 

I have a love-hate relationship with airports. I love the bustle. I hate the rush. I love the excitement. I hate the stress. I love when I'm off somewhere. I hate when I'm not. I always leave with a fresh wave of wanderlust, and a secret plan for my next adventure. Most of all though, I love how I feel about people.

No matter how tired or annoyed people are while they fly, disembark, and fight each other off for their luggage, the minute that dividing door at arrivals opens, they are 'home'. I saw strangers being welcomed by locals as they, I imagine, discover Cape Town and South Africa for the first time. They are friendly and welcoming to each other, and there is no fear, hate or discrimination. I saw loved ones reunited: lovers embrace after physically or just seemingly long absences; the meeting of families where distance and delicateness dissolves into delight; and the shrieks of sheer joy as parents and children are joined together again. I saw proud pilots and sociable staff, and I felt warm inside.

And then I saw him. Casual after the charge of the crowd, he came: wornout, I'm sure, but looking absolutely wonderful!

Welcome back to Cape Town, uncle Ed. We are so glad to have you here with us! 

Knysna Cycle Tour 2019

We've been making the annual trip to Knysna for seven years now, and I'd be lying if I didn't confess that, for at least three of those years, I've been threatening to not return. It's not that I don't enjoy Knysna - or even a good road trip - it's just that it always revolved 100% around the cycle race, and not much else (despite everyone's best efforts).

This year was not that different except that maybe, courtesy of a mental detox, I was a lot more chilled about the whole thing. And would you know - it was the best trip yet!

We left at the ungodly hour of 01h00 last Saturday morning to take a leisurely drive along the Garden Route. I am grateful for the insanity of this process as it allows my children to sleep in the bus (at least most of the time), and we are able to make regular toilet / coffee / breastfeeding breaks, as are needed, without any rush to get to race registration.

As we have done since the 2017 Knysna fires burnt down our regular accommodation, we checked into Carmel Guest Farm in Victoria Bay. This is a great place to be based for many reasons including: close proximity to the beach as well as to George; really affordable accommodation (and breakfast); plenty of activities for the kids; and an incredible view! Do yourself a favour and check them out if you don't already frequent this place.

The view of Victoria Bay from our chalet

Vic Bay up close and personal...

... a mere 2km from our accommodation

Saturday was a recovery day as Andel and Garth prepared for their race, and Papu recovered from the drive. I'm not even joking when I say we were all in bed at 20h00!

And thank goodness for that early bedtime because we were all up and in the bus driving to Knysna at 07h00 on Sunday. We dropped the guys at the start of the race, and then head up to what has become part of our race routine in Knysna: catching the boys on the first climb, before visiting The Farm.

Waiting on the side of the road

The main cheerleaders

Arguably the best seat in the house

I'm seriously beginning to believe that I make this trip just to visit this place. It's heaven! There are hiking and bike trails for kids and adults (which we hardly ever get to explore because we're always there in the middle of winter - still, you don't see anyone complaining), and this quaint restaurant in the middle of a beautiful playground, that serves amazingly good food, and the. best. carrot. cake. ever!

Breakfast time!

Biking in a break from the rain

Grandparent duty for Papu and Yaya

We head back to the race area with little time to spare before we saw the elites cross the finish line in what must have been a challenging race in cold, wet conditions, and with an extended route. And a little while after that, we saw Andel, then his brother Bernil, and then Garth cross over too. They were tired and triumphant, and we were ready to get warm and fed when we found out that Andel had finished second (overall in the non-elite race) and had to stay for the prize giving. To say we were all floating on Andel's high for a bit after that would be an understatement. It was kind of a big deal (and we were not allowed to forget it!).

Standing in the rain at the finish line

The original supporter

One tired, happy daddy cyclist

As has become customary, we spent the next two days just getting in some down time. The weather played along, sending raining both days, so we ended up just hanging together as family. It's funny that our party gets smaller and smaller each year now that the Dups and Bren are overseas, and with Annie, Tase and Peyton rehearsing for their show back in Cape Town. Still, it's been pretty special to spend some quality time with my nuclear family, checking off bucket list items and whatnot - including going horse riding (in the rain, no less!).

Yaya was in her element

Matthew - super keen and confident

Bravestar went first, obviously

Taking turns to look after Bug

We made it home safely on last evening, following a couple of tourist stops for roosterkoek in Albertinia, meaty pies from Ou Meul in Riviersonderend, and homemade vetkoek from Ouma Klaasen in Grabouw.

The Honeymooners

Die Main Manne (or so they think)

And so it's back to the grind - and who knows, perhaps I have another Knynsa trip in me yet?

Zac: SE7EN

I look back seven years, and they have taken their toll on me. For one, back in 2012, I was young, energetic, a sociable go-getter. Tonight I find myself in bed at 21h00 (not an uncommon occurrence), trying to recover from a pretty ordinary day. Not you though.

For you, these seven years have been wonderful. They have given your life meaning. Earlier you were sitting next to me, chattering your way through your thoughts (out loud) as you finished Horrid Henry's Birthday Activity puzzle book (that you received two hours prior) from cover to cover, and I can't help but think about all you have learnt to do in your seven years of life.

This morning you woke at 06h00 - a bit of a lay in by your standards - to start your day with your family. You made breakfast for yourself and your siblings, and skilfully negotiated improvements on your birthday gift. You helped purchase and prepare snacks for your buddies, and then spent hours with them playing proper cricket. You took some of the money you got today, and voluntarily paid it towards some debt you accidentally incurred recently. And you made a final stop at my bedside to whisper, "I love you mom", before going to sleep yourself.

How did that small baby grow to be this smart, strong, sensitive boy, so fast?

Zac, each step with you is a bit of an enigma (I guess that comes with being the first born), and like a good mystery, you allow us to discover clues about you, one hook at a time, until we can piece together what forms a picture of who you really are. And the more I get to know you, the more my heart swells with love and pride for you.

Happy birthday, my darling boy. You're a dreamer and world changer, and I can't wait to see all I know you're going to achieve in your lifetime. Keep your eyes fixed firmly on Jesus, knowing that He will give you the wisdom and courage you need to equal any task. You are so very special, and we love you immeasurably!