Nome Away From Home

AmazinK - Bafana Bafana

2010-07-18T22:47:00.004+02:00

I wish I'd taken my camera (rather than my phone) to AmaZinK for the South Africa-Uruguay game which we watched there. The atmosphere was amazing and the little hairs were standing up on my neck as I recognised the unity which football/soccer brings and the amazing congregation of people who were there watching ... young, old, all races and socioeconomic status, Mamas with blankets, old white guys with vuvuzelas, everyone behind South Africa and willing them to do well. For me it was one of those occasions that I'll remember for the rest of my life. And I'll smile while doing so!! The score didn't reflect the atmosphere that night!

England v USA at the Fan Park ...

2010-07-18T22:32:00.004+02:00

Day number 2 and we headed off to watch England v USA at the fan park in Cape Town. Katie dressed everyone up for the USA gig (thanks to the funky additions from Katie's Mom, and taken on a trip around the USA by me!).

The fan park was in Grand Parade, right next to the place where Nelson Mandela gave his first speech after his release.

The American needed some help to spell U-S-A ...

There we go!! (Nice head wear from the South African ... Dale!)

I made Craig (and the USA flag) inch towards the English guy for the picture ... priceless!

Proof that I was there ... and not too dressed up! We did find lots of other Americans!! And English too!

Craig loving his new headband ;-)

Opening Day

2010-07-18T22:28:00.006+02:00

We had looked forward to opening day for months! The opening game was at Soccer City and Katie and I had plans to go to the fan park to watch the game ... but hours and hours before the game the signs on the motorway said the fan park was full and to avoid the town! We headed down to the faithful Dubliner but that too had a queue reaching down the street! Another bar had a R100 cover charge and we ended up in an artsy bar with a great view of a tv! We ate there and then wandered down to Green Point Stadium for the first game in Cape Town. The fan walk was amazing (pictures on future posts) and this opening game was the only one that I went to where there were stewards incharge (they soon went on strike over low pay and the police took over!). Good times. The atmosphere was amazing, the game was pretty average. The most exciting part was where the announcer pronounced "There will be a substitution for Paraguay ... I ... err... mean Uruguay!". Diego Forlan hadn't mastered the art of finding the net and France hadn't exercised their abilities on or off the field at this point.

Green Point Stadium

The photo is pretty foggy but there's always a Scottish flag somewhere or other. Even if they never qualify for a World Cup tournament ;-)

Kick-off!

The South African flag was shown at all the games! And everyone's favourite ... the vuvuzela ...

Little Bafana Bafana ...

2010-07-18T22:25:00.006+02:00

With the amazing lead up to the World Cup I thought I'd had a great idea to organise sponsorship so all the kids at the children's home got "Bafana Bafana" (SA's national soccer team) shirts ... only to find that their latest newsletter had requested them (the newsletter arrived that day!). So we bought shirts for the kids and they *loved* them! We have been drawing South African flags for months now at the house!

World Cup 2010

2010-07-18T22:24:00.006+02:00

With the World Cup approaching I travelled back to South Africa on a plane with World Cup visitors including a bunch of Mexicans with large sombreros, peacock feathers and other fancy dress!!

South Africa hosted an amazing event and it was surely a dream come true for a footy/soccer fan as myself to live through it. Apart from supporting South Africa (who didn’t?) I had no other serious ties (apart from Algeria) and it was thoroughly enjoyed. A couple of weeks into the tournament I voiced that I wanted the World Cup to last forever. Not long after I realised I may never get *anything* done if the World Cup continued!

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing 4 games at the Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town, to watch at the fan park and walk the fan walk on a number of different occasions. But, I also got to watch games in some really random and fun places … my house (!), others houses, Italy in an Italian restaurant (with all the Italians taking the day off!), AmazinK in the Kayamandi township, various wine bars, restaurants and pubs but I think one of the most fun places to watch was England v Germany in the knockout stages where we watched at Cape Town Airport! The atmosphere was brilliant and we had a fun mix of English, German and alsorts of other fans.

Certainly 4 weeks of memories and a wonderful experience for me. I highly recommend being part of the World Cup and the first in Africa was certainly sensational!

Maddie Mac ...

2010-07-18T22:12:00.006+02:00

Inamongst the quickness of my visit to Scotland, it just happened to be Maddie's graduation ball ... *very* cool to appear on their doorstep and enjoy the pre-ball festivities and getting ready. Thanks Maddie - you are absolutely brilliant!

LOVE this picture of the Macaulay ladies!

Stirling, Scotland!

2010-07-18T22:02:00.002+02:00

A necessary visit to Stirling University and some photographs ... everywhere you look there is the William Wallace monument in the background ... a good reminder of Scottish history! The campus is beautiful and the sun even shone while I was there.

small problem?

Ewan Joseph Brooks

2010-07-18T21:55:00.004+02:00

Ewan Joseph Brooks was born on 16 May, 2010

It was superb to meet the little guy while he was still so little. Very cool to enlighten him about the upcoming World Cup and generally let him know that Auntie Nomi is excited about him! And he’s just gorgeous! I’m excited to see him again, and again, and again and again!

And here with his Daddy and Mummy ...

Hairy Moos ...

2010-07-18T21:45:00.003+02:00

It's become a tradition to stop by the Highland Cows in Pollok Park en route home from the airport. Even though home has moved in the opposite direction. What is it about these highland cows!!

The Stormiest Night to Camp ...

2010-07-18T21:35:00.005+02:00

Our research station ....

... and our sleeping tents at the other side of our research area!!

Not a week after I got back to South Africa we headed to Kleinmond to collect research data at a 3 day trail running race. The race, surrounding area, and our research subjects were amazing ... the crazy storms that came through were quite an adventure!!

We arrived pre-day 1 to set up but due to an impending storm noone was staying in the race village. Day 1 started a few hours late and all went well. Day 2 was a wonderful trail marathon though some beautiful scenery in the Kleinmond area. In the evening there was talk of a storm but the weather was great and we were hopeful ... we went to sleep in our tents. The eye of the storm was meant to come through around 5am and there were thoughts that it'd pass before the start of the race ...

I woke up thinking it must be the middle of the storm as our tents blew around inside the bigger white canopy tent ... and it was not even midnight! Our physio friends soon left to sleep in their cars and finally Annali and I also went that way. We were wakened to evacuate the last of our stuff and then we helped take some tents down (think my years of camping with Christians served me that when a storm comes you help take down the tents!).

We slept in our cars, thanked the faithful study participants who fought through to find us after the big tent was deemed unsafe after some beams fell down, and the final race day called off.

Our participants have been amazing and we learned a lot about being flexible and the joys of field research!

Postal Vote ...

2010-07-18T21:33:00.013+02:00

(this photo won't turn around!)

There was a very important day in the UK calendar just after I returned to South Africa. I am currently registered as an overseas voter ... which would have been great had I got my postal vote *before* the election!

Illegally Parked Notice

2010-07-18T21:31:00.006+02:00

When I lived in Athens (Athens Station) we had the priviledge parking near campus. Anyone not registered got the illegally parked notice .... it was somewhat of a dare-devil feeling to vye the Athens Station Matro-dee who no doubt checked the parking personally!

While visiting this time I got an illegally parked notice!! Of course it was no problem to know that the car make and licence plate were noted, I'll never rent that car again!

Good-bye USA ...

2010-07-18T21:29:00.007+02:00

My USA trip took me to 13 States and over 3,000 miles driving …

MA, CT, NY, PA, WV, OH, IN, NV, AR, UT, CA

Good times!

Favourite gospel song of the driving … (thanks Neena)

Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
I'll fly away;
To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone,
I'll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

Just a few more weary days and then,
I'll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

One last night in Vegas ...

2010-07-18T21:27:00.007+02:00

One last night in Vegas on the way home and it just so happened that John and Hannah were still there ... so here we are living it up in meat-ville and a fabulous fare-well to America ... see you soon traveling gypseys ... tho I suspect you will be in Vegas before me! (I have just noticed those two red things sticking out of my head ...).

Death Valley!!!

2010-07-18T21:24:00.011+02:00

Appropriately named (or not) I drove through Death Valley on my way back to Las Vegas. It was a spectacular drive and through various terrains and altitudes. Apart from a small accident when I attempted to climb up a slippery slope to get a better picture ... all was well!

Windmills in Joshua Tree Valley

2010-07-18T21:20:00.009+02:00

I tried to take pictures of the largest windfarm in the world out of the car window (while driving). They didn't work out too well! Lots of blue sky!!

The following are for my mum, who loves the power-providing windmills ... A valley full!

And a website to see them properly:

http://www.palmsprings.com/services/wind.html

Joshua Tree National Park, California

2010-04-30T08:39:00.009+02:00

After the conference I had a couple of spare days before flying back to South Africa. I decided to check out some of the US National Parks which were en route from LA to Las Vegas ... Joshua Tree was the first.

It's good to know that California knows ...

2010-04-30T08:38:00.003+02:00

(I'm not sure about anyone outside of California, though).

Disneyland

2010-04-30T08:36:00.003+02:00

I made a promise when I was little-little that I'd return to DisneyLand when I was big enough to go on the fast rides ... thankfully I previously fulfilled that dream at Disney World! The nearest I got this time was the back entrance here and to see loads and loads of Mikey Mouse memorabilia!

Anaheim and Experimental Biology

2010-04-30T08:33:00.004+02:00

I was at the Anaheim Convention Center for Experimental Biology Conference ... met up with old friends, made some new friends and collaborators and generally enjoyed Anaheim!

California

2010-04-30T08:32:00.004+02:00

I picked up a rental car and drove through Nevada to California. It's a beautiful drive ... but crazy wild traffic!! I had printed my google-directions which worked well until one of the road exits was closed ... I followed a detour that took me far-far away and had to attempt a return to the next highway ... I think I was one of the slow-poke drivers going a mere 30miles above the speed limit! But I held on tight and made it to Anaheim ...

(photography out of the window while driving seems to be better than for the windfarm pictures!)

David Copperfield in Las Vegas ...

2010-04-30T08:30:00.008+02:00

We treated ourselves to a night with David Copperfield ... he's quite a creepy looking guy but managed to seriously impress us with his illusions! Not least the one where he walked into a giant fan and appeared blowing in the wind beside John ... Han and I tried to re-live the illusion ...

... or were we just drinking out of our take-home fancy MGM glasses?!?

The Trump ...

2010-04-30T08:27:00.007+02:00

I'm not sure if Trump should be used as an adjective or a noun - in this case definitely a noun! Our favourite hang out in Vegas and I was exceedingly spoiled after by John and Hannah ... thanks guys ;-)

Another 36 hours in Las Vegas ...

2010-04-30T08:21:00.007+02:00

You never know who you might see when passing through Vegas! Between my presentation in Utah and the conference in California I stayed overnight in Vegas with John and Han. I won $100, John won quite a bit more than that and we all loved Vegas!

I pressed a button and won $100 ...

It's not like the puggies in Largs where the 2p coins come flying out ... this is very civilized! You get a voucher and then redeem it at a machine ...

John, of course, won enough to require the security guy to come and make sure he really is who he says he is ... all good!

Kolob Canyons

2010-04-30T08:17:00.006+02:00

This is a spectacular area really near where Paul lives ... Kolob Canyon. It is part of Zion National Park. The snow looks remarkable against the red rock. This area is the finger canyons (I think!).

Southern Utah University ...

2010-04-30T08:15:00.004+02:00

Paul works at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT. Great to see him and catch up, see the beautiful area and to do a little bit of work in the form of a presentation to their final year students!

It snowed in Utah ...

2010-04-30T08:13:00.003+02:00

Zion in Black and White ...

2010-04-30T08:05:00.005+02:00

Zion National Park, Utah

2010-04-30T07:51:00.009+02:00

Next stop after Boston was Utah (via Las Vegas, and a trip through NV, AZ and UT - and a $60 charge to take my luggage on US Airways!). A beautiful part of the world and we stopped in at Zion National Park. My tour guide was outdoor expert Paul, and we had a lovely hike up through the park. I love the red rock.

My Favourite Boston Building ...

2010-04-30T07:48:00.005+02:00

Boston Marathon

2010-04-30T07:46:00.003+02:00

While I was in Boston it was Marathon-Monday, the extra public holiday that you get in Massachussets for the marathon! No Spider, no running, no dogs, no waiting for hours at the finish line ... there were lots of people in town and I'm sure it was a wonderful event!

Retirement thoughts ...

2010-04-30T07:42:00.004+02:00

I may retire here. If there is chocolate involved ...

The New Littlest ...

2010-04-30T07:41:00.004+02:00

The new Littlest Bar just isn't *quite* the same ... for starters it has mens and womens bathrooms rather than one little toilet squeezed behind a water storage unit ... it was *very* clean and had way too many barmen ;-) There was no cult singing, or Paddy-steal-your-phone, no Paddy Derry protecting the door, or wee Paddy protecting the bar!! No familiar faces, no teeth knocked out with Magners bottles, no sitting out in the gutters sorting the worlds wrongs! And boy has the music changed!! But nonetheless, it was a good night ... especially after Sam realised who he was meeting up with ;-)

Porter Bellys ...

2010-04-30T07:37:00.004+02:00

It's one of those places where you go in in the morning for breakfast or to watch a game ... and you come out 12 hours later ;-) This trip was no exception! Good to have the bhoys back together and to catch up with Sean the owner and the usual suspects in the bar! Thanks Erin for anticipating a 1pm pick-up might mean 5pm ;-) And for joining us!

the photographer at work ...

2010-04-30T07:12:00.009+02:00

And then before I leave, we have a photoshoot ;-)

I heart Kylie Ruth ...

Surprised faces ;-)

I heart Xavier Patrick ...

I heart Elijah Justus ...

Everyone and Aunt Nomi ...

and we heart mommy ;-)

And some story time!

Indianapolis Zoo ...

2010-04-30T07:06:00.006+02:00

It's fun to visit the Zoo in Indianapolis for our Auntie-Nomi-Day (and then a packed lunch at the park!)

Running to school ...

2010-04-30T07:05:00.006+02:00

We ran to school while the kids cycled ... they soon out-cycled me but it was fun to do! Xavier here is sporting his cool Celtic jacket from Auntie Nomi. I heart Xavier ;-)

Indianapolis ...

2010-04-30T06:58:00.005+02:00

Next stop was the Dubach's in Indianapolis. Always a joy to visit Kip and Viv too ;-)

Meeting Kseniya who had just returned from her first big road trip to Niagra Falls. What a delight (Kseniya).

Kseniya and Kylie

Kip at the BBQ ...

The cool kids ;-) And I think below is funny faces?!?!

Monday evening at the Oches ...

2010-04-30T06:55:00.007+02:00

Always necessary to get more pics with good ol' Asher. He's absolutely gorgeous!

Love, love, love this picture with us and Grandpa ...

Ohio University, Athens

2010-04-30T06:53:00.006+02:00

I heart OU! Good to be back to the Alma Mater ... quick visit to see Charlie at the Post Office who still remembers me after 5 years, and a lovely catch up with Dr Hikida, lunch at Jimmy Johns and some time at Donkey Coffee!

Sunday evening at the Oches ...

2010-04-30T06:44:00.006+02:00

Always a favourite place to spend an evening at Oches-ville with friends and family ...

DG, Mark, Maria & Seth

Kate, Grandma and Grandpa!

Hiking at Strouds Run ...

2010-04-30T06:30:00.007+02:00

It's always fun to hike at Strouds Run and I hadn't been along this route. I hung at the back to take pictures (and catch my breath!). It's always beautiful here.

Maria, Seth, Mark & Lindsay ...

Hi Seth!

Young Asher James Schuenke ...

2010-04-30T06:27:00.004+02:00

It was such a pleasure to meet Asher James Schuenke. I'm sorry that I didn't make it to see him in a dress for his Christening (must have been his Scottish wearing-a-dress side!). Asher was about 3 months when I met him and such a bundle of joy! It was great to see him over a few days and at multiple events. He's a real social little guy and a fun to be around. And I'm excited to continue to see Asher growing and wiggling his way through his first year and beyond ...

Sam & Katie's Reception

2010-04-30T06:16:00.008+02:00

On the way into the reception I was hoping to be way down the list on table 15! But when I looked on the list I was on table 2 with all the important people! It was a great table to be at! Sat between Uncle Hays and Aunt Linda Rockwell who happen to be good friends with Desmond Tutu!! Lots of good chat at our table and a lovely evening overall. It was really special to be able to be there for Sam and Katie's wedding ;-)

Sam & Katie

Katie's brothers gave a speech and then the Oches' sisters took to the mic!

If you look carefully (inamongst the greenery) you can see the star of the dancefloor ... Dr Barry Oches!!

Me with my my Ohio Mom ;-) (and my double chin!)

Kate and Asher .... Asher and Kate ....

Maria, Linds, me & Talinn

Grandpa and Linda

Grandma lookin' good!

Wedding Interim ...

2010-04-30T06:10:00.005+02:00

In between the wedding and reception we had eats and some time outside to catch up ...

Geoff and Sebastian

Mark, Lindsay & Asher

Maria and I.

Sam and Katie's wedding ...

2010-04-30T06:01:00.007+02:00

Young Asher all set for the wedding ... the sleeping part at least!

Mark and Lindsay making sure Asher was all set!

Grandpa prior to the wedding

I had a good seat beside Doug and Dolores Aide ... ;-)

The band were at the back of the ceremony.

Katie making a grand entrance ... and Sam watching!

There was a tremendous amount of greenery at the wedding ... which I thought was hilarious!

Sam and Katie, and Pastor Paul (!).

Presenting Mr & Mrs Oches ...

Fado's ...

2010-04-30T05:59:00.002+02:00

A close second to the wedding preparation was a 7.30am kick-off for Celtic against Ross County ... so I headed off to my old faithful hang out at Fado's. You know when you're welcome when you've been gone for 5 years and the barman recognises you ... priceless! Grand time with the bhoys but unfortunately Ross County got the better of us.

First stop - Columbus Ohio!

2010-04-30T05:53:00.006+02:00

Without any script this looks like it may have been some event involving sign language! Here we are in Columbus, Ohio for Sam and Katie's rehearsal dinner. I landed in Boston at rush hour, picked up my luggage and a rental car and set off down the highway to Scranton, PA. After a short night in Scranton I was on the road again heading to Ohio. On my favourite highways through Pennsylvania and West Virginia ... good times! After promising that I'd be there in plenty of time, I visited a few wrong hotels (at Columbus airport) before getting to the Marriot. I got there, threw on a dress and appeared at the rehearsal dinner (thanks to Ralph for the lift!). My first sightings of Asher Schuenke also occured ...

2010-04-06T06:55:00.004+02:00

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.
Mother Theresa

Right before I headed to the States last year I wrote this blog post (http://nomeawayfromhome.blogspot.com/2009/05/if-we-have-no-peace-it-is-because-we.html).

I thought it was to be my last adventure before I had to grow up … but upon reflection of another 9 months how wrong I was!! I’ve had many more exciting (and stretching) adventures and encountered some very fun and amazing things too! Perhaps I was a little presumptuous to think that life would settle down just yet!

I leave for the States tonight for a conference, and some holiday/vacation time too … to meet a new little one, to celebrate a wedding, to walk to the school bus with a Kindergartener, to visit the new Littlest, see the Ohio University postman, watch soccer, gamble another $1, catch up with old friends and laugh lots … I can’t wait!

New Year's Resolution 2010: Skydiving

2010-04-06T06:44:00.010+02:00

I have been talking about skydiving since before I moved away from Scotland! Prior to moving to the States, there hadn't been enough clear sky days to jump! So I've been mulling over it since then. After moving to South Africa I soon realised that this would be the most perfect place to jump! Near to Table Mountain gives the most amazing views and I'd have paid the money just for the half hour plane ride to see the coast line, mountains and ocean. On a wonderfully clear day!

A few pics before take off ...

Mark getting ready to go up ...

The landing spot (supposedly where you're meant to land) ... what a view!!

The guys who are meant to aid in a safe landing in the sand ... we made them run a bit!

Note to self!

My final farewell and it's off to jump out the plane ...

I'm not entirely convinced of the coordination of the photographing jumper and ourselves ... hence the pictures where I'm only half on there, or where there's a great picture of the tandem guy. I'm sure he enjoyed them all! Our photographers on the ground were brilliant - thanks Desire'!

I nearly made it into this picture!

As we came into land I had asked my tandem jumper if he'd ever landed in a tree ... I think he misunderstood the question for a request. Here are the "safe landing squad" running to help us as we screech to a halt and land in the bushes!

Full quota of successful physiology jumpers!

Camp

2010-04-06T06:42:00.004+02:00

Mid-way between having visitors and setting off to the USA I went to a youth camp ... good times including jumping off large bolders into the river, fork and spoon fighting and lots of action ...

... commentary on the spoon and fork fighting!

Below is my favourite picture. I was about to take the picture with the ball on the ground. by the time I pressed the button it had all changed ...

Coast Road from Betty's Bay ...

2010-04-06T06:40:00.005+02:00

What an amazing time with the girls! Such a great mix of fabulous depth and rockin' senses of humour! Just what my soul needed ;-)

Pronking and Animals

2010-04-05T08:00:00.009+02:00

Completely enthused by the animals that we'd just seen, three Doctors re-enact the animal kingdom ...

Hippos (above)...

Giraffes

Elephant (from the Heil'ing era), buffalo and we think a leopard/cheetah (hard to tell, Neena!!)

Right about now some people came by so we pretended we were upright citizens of the community ...

Elephant, cheetah and rhino (with the proportions a little off - pygmy elephant?!!!)

Melina got to be the crazy wildebeast while Care and I began the pronking ...

Melina oh-so-elegantly thinks about joining in ...

Can't quite get the timing right but we were getting into the pronking!

Way off ...

And perfect timing but we're all keeping Neena out ...

Jumping Penguin

2010-04-05T07:59:00.002+02:00

I love the way penguins walk and jump. Finally I caught a picture of one in mid air!

Penguins at Betty's Bay ...

2010-04-05T07:57:00.004+02:00

The usual stopping off point at the cool-penguins ...

A new ocean ...

2010-04-05T07:56:00.003+02:00

On the way back we stopped for a paddle in the Indian Ocean ... a first for Neena!

I think it was cold!

Cheetah

2010-04-05T07:53:00.004+02:00

Snakes

2010-04-05T07:48:00.004+02:00

Following the game drive I had my first official tour of the reptile enclosure ... Melina was first up for snake-holding. Truly a miracle and she was a pro!

Carolyn seemed to lure the snake ...

And everyone watched closely ...

I was happy to have it wiggle on up and away ...

Then Abri got out the snake with attitude and thankfully didn't get bitten this time!

This is the large, fat non-tooth-pick-like snake ...

Animals ...

2010-04-04T09:17:00.011+02:00

We had two game drives and saw a host of animals. And learned a lot thanks to our guide - Abri. Abri and I go way back where he was our "bar man" when I visited with Kiera and Mindy. His guiding skills are definitely as good, if not better, than his bar skills - though both were enjoyed! He also had to deal with 3 outgoing, loud and hysterically laughing girls in his vehicle ... not to mention some never-before-asked questions! Thanks Abri!

Melina making good use of her binoculars ...

Carolyn

It was a beautiful day, and a stunning setting!

The Male Rhino ... (I think they call him Tank)

Mama and baby Rhino (the 45kg bundle of joy - at birth!)

There has been a long standing animosity between the rhinos and elephants at the game lodge (hence the fence) and just as our game drive began the rhino was runnning into the electic fence trying to get to the elephants. Thankfully the elephant handlers sent out a lion to split up the rammy ... or was it a golden retriever? Hard to tell with binoculars!

The lions at dusk looked amazing in the light ...

In the morning the lionness shortly before she chased us! The male lion didn't seem too bothered!

The previous twice that I'd been they couldn't find the buffalo ... but here they are standing in height order for photos!

The morning drive the rhino were out together and got very close to the buffalo ... we tried to work out which way the territory is marked ...

The elephants were up to some hanky-panky (or attempted hanky panky) during our visit ... (those photos are censored)

We stopped for morning coffee with our new friends from the drive!!

Melina kept look out ... except when she asked about the crea-tor ... (is that a rhino approaching? Sorry!!)

How to work out the height of the animals at the game lodge ... (from the tree)

I LOVE this giraffe picture! The giraffe lady had been pregnanty during 3 of my visits and finally had her baby during the World Cup - they called the baby Vuvuzela.

A very important part of the rest of the trip was our introduction to the concept of "pronking" where in times of danger the springbok start to jump up and down on the spot. The idea is that by jumping high and gloriously they are telling the danger that there is a worse-off, smaller, less able candidate to be attacked first. Goes against the whole theme of looking after one another but it seems to work for the Springbok. The ones that can jump highest, at least!

Binoculars

2010-04-04T09:16:00.007+02:00

We stayed overnight at the Garden Route Game Lodge located near Albertinia on the N2. If you wish to visit there, don't tell anyone that you know us. For posterity sake some of our trip must be shared and put to memory, other parts must remain unreported!!

Melina had been given these binoculars for her birthday for her trip to South Africa. We loved the binoculars.

Carolyn here demonstrating correct body position for seeing things with the binoculars. Pay special attention to the people behind Carolyn who are enthusiastically getting involved. Ashley, minus hippo-suite, and we’re not even sure of the other enthusiastic person! Someone thankful not to be on the same animal viewing vehicle as us! Worth a mention here that Ashley introduced us to the lodge and shared the wit and wisdom with us over our 24 hours at the Game Lodge! Thanks Ashley. The binoculars were quickly used to see some stripey horses which we deduced by the naked eye to be zebra, and standing beside the zebra was a rhino – perhaps undetectable with binoculars.

Wellington and beyond ...

2010-04-04T09:14:00.007+02:00

It was a very scenic drive towards and past Wellington and the cross-country route to the N2 ("if in doubt take the road that isn't a dirt road" seemed to work well for navigational purposes).

The Warwick Lady!

2010-04-04T09:13:00.004+02:00

Dr Kunar from Warwick ;-)

Berry Farm

2010-04-04T09:10:00.004+02:00

First stop with Carolyn and Melina was the Berry Farm (after hours of trying to work out which way the toilet flushed in the Southern Hemisphere - is it different?). The Berry Farm was recommended in Pretoria and so a must as we set off out of Stellenbosch ...

Melina felt like she was in a Timotei advert ... (I think!?)

Helshoogte Pass

2010-04-04T09:09:00.003+02:00

Stellenbosch

2010-04-04T09:08:00.002+02:00

We picked up Melina the day after and furthered our adventure! This is the world famous (supposedly) Victoria Street in Stellenbosch.

Stunning coastline ... and Europeans in speedos (they must be!)

2010-04-04T09:07:00.004+02:00

Baboons

2010-04-04T09:02:00.004+02:00

Trying to persuade Melina that actually Africa isn't full of animals roaming at the side of the road was quite difficult after our first interaction with the baboons playing in the road ...

Simon's Town and Kalk Bay

2010-04-04T09:01:00.003+02:00

Driving ...

2010-04-04T09:00:00.008+02:00

Out of the window pictures are becoming quite a popular pass-time with my visitors! Perhaps I should hone my tour-guide skills to include stops for photos. I love these pictures of Khayelitsha as we drove up the R310. Not quite as clear a day as when Erin and I drove. But pictures that catch the essence of life in South Africa.

Scotland win a rugby game ... and Cape Town has a carnival ... coincidence?

2010-04-04T08:36:00.007+02:00

The Six Nations is always my time of the year to get into rugby. This year Scotland drew with England (see a previous post), where no-one really knew whether to congratulate or commiserate each other, and I guess for another year we can say England didn’t beat us! I was back at the Dubliner for Scotland v Ireland where a subdued environment kept the great rejoicing to a minimum! However, we walked out of the Dubliner to the first Cape Town carnival and a huge thousand-people parade up Long Street … neither Care nor myself had our cameras but will remember the night forever more!! It was as if the other end of the world was celebrating Scotland's first win in a long time ...

Wee Billy goes to the Dubliner ...

2010-04-04T08:32:00.004+02:00

After all the exciting adventures that wee Billy got to do last year like hiking Kilimanjaro in my backpack and riding the Argus, I realised there's not been anything of like this year! So he got to go to the Irish pub to watch Scotland play England. Craig wore his tammy, which got passed around!

Birthday 2010

2010-03-13T11:18:00.008+02:00

For my birthday this year and I had some folks over to the house. Marelise and Rico did a nice job making my flat cool and party-worthy! I'm not sure who took all the pictures but here's a selection of the evening!

The cool outside!!

The food ...

Dominoes outside ...

[Mark looks like he's wearing a snorkle!]

And me! Or part of me at least.

Post-party!

Dorp St Flat ...

2010-03-13T11:17:00.003+02:00

I realise that I haven't put any pictures of my newest flat on my blog so here are a couple when the house was tidy before my birthday, with a few extra chairs and things around! The window seat (below) isn't always there! Living room/kitchen and the main bedroom.

The Stormers ...

2010-03-13T11:11:00.006+02:00

The day after my birthday Craig and Katie took me to Newlands Rugby Stadium for the first time. The Stormers had been on good form and the rumours were that it'd be a high scoring game! It wasn't. And the Stormers lost. But they have since gotten over my first trip to their ground and are doing well for the season, thankfully!

This is a bit of a "where's the ball?" picture. The punted guy has it! It's just difficult to see against the crowd.

My favourite - the guy selling hot chocolate (which comes with marshmallows). I think they should try to introduce this to Celtic Park ... or perhaps better for Roy Keane's prawn sandwich brigade at Old Trafford!

Travel in South Africa ...

2010-03-13T11:10:00.003+02:00

Getting from one place to another ... this was taken on the highway on our way to the rugby!

New Year's Resolution 2010: Smoking a Pipe

2010-03-13T11:07:00.002+02:00

One of my to-do things for 2010 was to smoke a pipe. And when better to do it than on my birthday! Thanks to the master pipe smoker for his tobacco and pipe!!

Birthday Picnic ...

2010-03-13T11:01:00.007+02:00

My birthday fell on a Thursday this year. After visiting the kids at the orphanage, Marelise and Rico took me to the magical tree spot for a picnic. It was lovely. Happy Birthday me!!

Rico holding nature!

Marelise and Rico at the magical tree spot

On the way from Port William ...

2010-03-13T10:57:00.003+02:00

We had a lovely (but brief) time with my Auntie Betty in Port William. Full of entertainment and richness of the time-quality kind. On the way back the sun was setting (sometime around 4pm!) and it was also lovely.

New Year 2010 ...

2010-03-13T10:53:00.004+02:00

New Year 2010 began in Swansea, Wales. And Hogmanay 2009 ended with my first murder mystery party. Han had gotten us all ready to dress up (and Jen is the dress up queen!) and much fun and entertainment was had. Unfortunately I was the murderer and for some reason noone guessed it was me!

The girls ... and I'm still not sure about my hippy headband! 1920s slappers (flappers?) meet the 1940s dress up for the game!!

The boys looking very sophisticated!!

Jen & Matt

John & Han

The Wee Hurry ... (almost)

2010-03-13T10:51:00.002+02:00

There's a very recommended little place in the back end of Troon called the wee hurry ... where you can get a fish supper for a pound 40p! On the coldest day of the year (it felt like) we ventured to the wee hurry and ran through the Troon harbour to find that it was closed for renovations (or Christmas holidays?). A couple of pictures from Troon ... lovely ... and Brian and Karen laughing at the cold ...

The festive dinners ...

2010-03-13T10:48:00.004+02:00

An array of people over the Christmas period ... always a dinner waiting!

Christmas Eve with Rod and Smithy.

Boxing Day with Cara and Mark.

28th with Dan and Samantha.

Christmas Day Walk ...

2010-03-13T10:41:00.005+02:00

Christmas morning was just the perfect time to go for a walk in the snow! We followed the Mathew route from Cumnock to beyond and even headed some large blocks of snow (silly person).

More snow for the drive back to Scotland ...

2010-03-12T07:58:00.004+02:00

Family

2010-03-12T07:56:00.002+02:00

I got to see all the family within a couple of days ... the usual Christmas fish-and-chips at Murgetroyds (sp?) and dinner with my cousin and family. Good times.

Ben, just home from scouts, Megan and me.

Victoria and James ...

2010-03-12T07:55:00.003+02:00

This is the church that Victoria and James are getting married in in July (minus the snow) ... looks amazing (from the outside!). It's time to get out my party frock ... (or time to go on a diet so I can still fit into my party frock!!)

I was reminded of a long-time tradition that Victoria and I always have our photo taken beside the Christmas tree ... and it used to always be at my Grandparents house. Since they are no longer around, and since Vikki spent a lot of time and attention on James' tree .. this marks the Christmas tree pictures for 2009!!

Driving south in the snow ...

2010-03-12T07:53:00.005+02:00

We set off south in the snow ... thankfully no delays on our part though people had been stuck for hours doing short distances. Who knew snow could be so problematic!!

Wouldn't this be the perfect place to be - between Giggleswick and Wigglesworth!! They really do exist!!

The show of all shows ...

2010-03-12T07:45:00.008+02:00

As a fundraiser for a trip to India we went to an evening of take-off performances - a tribute to stars in their eyes ...

Some favourite pictures ...

The Spice Girls ...

The Pussycat Dolls ...

U2 ...

Eric Clapton ...

And a late entry for the Proclaimers at the end. They were fantastic!!

And the winners were ... U2!

Erica Grace

2010-03-12T07:43:00.001+02:00

I got to meet my new friend Erica Grace for the first time in December. She's adorable. And has a look that tells you she knows what's going on! I'm so excited to be part of her life, even from afar at this point, and I'm even more excited to see what she'll get up too and who she'll be ;-)

London

2010-03-12T07:37:00.005+02:00

I spent my first weekend home in London ... catching up with people, reminiscing about Kilimanjaro, hitting the first of a few Christmas carol services and seeing many, many folks dressed as Santa Claus out for a night on the town!

Oh, and I won a teddy for scoring 53 at darts. Kindof ripped off for not getting a bigger one!

Military Tattoo at the Castle of Good Hope ...

2009-12-06T16:44:00.006+02:00

We went to the Military Tattoo in Cape Town. What a surprise to hear glorious bagpipes and all the old favourites.

Love this pic!

This guy looks like he got lost from the Boston Freedom Trail - Paul Revere?

A nice addition with some djemba drums.

And finished with the lone piper.

Lunch at Rhebokskloof ...

2009-12-06T16:43:00.002+02:00

Jonkershoek

2009-12-06T16:38:00.004+02:00

My mum and I returned to Jonkershoek but didn't cycle. Instead took a little walk ...

This might be the side of the family I get my facial expressions from ;-) LOVE this picture!

West Coast National Park

2009-12-06T16:34:00.003+02:00

Strandloper ... a fish experience!

2009-12-06T16:26:00.008+02:00

Die Strandloper is a well known experience! Ten courses - mostly fish - all cooked right infront of you! And in a beautiful setting watching the sun set over the ocean ...

The bar ...

Knive and fork!

The West Coast ...

2009-12-06T16:23:00.006+02:00

We drove around the coast to Saldanha, Paternoster and St Helena Bay.

Langebaan

2009-12-06T16:20:00.004+02:00

And just for good measure we thought the West Coast needed a visit aswell! Here we are in Langebaan.

Braai-ing at Stellenbosch 101 ...

2009-12-06T16:18:00.009+02:00

Another braai while my folks were visiting. Thanks fellow braai-ers! I do look a bit like I'm half in the fire ...

The braai-man ...

Double Rainbow

2009-12-06T16:17:00.003+02:00

Braai-ing with Craig and Katie ...

2009-12-06T16:14:00.006+02:00

If there was a theme to my parents visit it was many braais ... with the tiniest braai known to man ... but still very good!

Us at Bettys Bay

2009-12-06T16:11:00.002+02:00