Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
They say all good things come to an end...though they didn't say one should be happy about it. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to take this trip, experience incredible things and meet über awesome people.
When I touched down at Lanseria airport I was greeted by the friendly faces of my Mum, Sister and her two kids. We went to the Spur for my first Spur experience since back in SA which obviously has to be done. We met my brother-in-law there. Had a lovely Saturday evening.
Went to church with my fam on Sunday morning, which I enjoyed. Had Indian for lunch, first time since Malaysia I think. Had a very chilled Sunday afternoon. The preparation for Janae's birthday party started in their enclosed entertainment area, it's going to look amazing.
Late start, but went shopping, lunch and then picked Jarek and Janae (nephew and niece) up from school. Went down memory lane when unpacking all my boxes still stored at my mum's and I now had to "deal" with. Went for dinner with the fam as it was my niece (Steph's) birthday. It's the first time in 9 years that I've been in SA over winter time and thus over my 2 nieces and my brother-in-law's birthday's which is really awesome. Once we got home I helped Marlene with the last prep for Janae's Frozen themed pamper party of the following day.
It was Janae's (my youngest niece) birthday! Because of a golf day at school, the kids who were not involved got the day off from 10am. Six of Janae's friends came over.
The kids got a pamper package where 2 ladies came to give the kids mani's, pedi's, hair chalk streaks and a massage. They loved it. They entertained themselves with watching frozen and running around in the yard playing in the tree house, jungle gym and on the trampoline. It still amazes me, what a lovely sunny day we had where the kids could freely run around outside and we could bake in the sun, bearing in mind it's winter.
We went out for dinner to celebrate Janae's birthday at Mike's kitchen (another legendary place for kids in SA). I improved my non existing Looming skills (kids craze elastic band bracelets) with the kids too. Was a rather relaxed day, but felt exhausted by the end of it, go figure.
I got dropped off at the beauticians where I got my amazing Ultra Calming Dermatologica facial. Was about time with all these travelling and limited treatments...haha :)
We managed to squeeze in another girls night in with my besties (Bea and Liz). We had a fantastic time. I forget how much I miss them.
My beloved sister, Marlene made arrangements for My mum, her mum-in-law, her and I to go to a Night Spa at Mangwanane African Spa close to Hartebeespoort Dam. We arrived at 6:30pm and were greeted with Glühwein or hot chocolate for the walk down to the sound of the beating drums at the entrance a huge African style dining hall.
We were seated at a table with Drinks and Snacks. After we were shown to the changing room to change into our robes. Further we got escorted to the hut where the African head and shoulder massages were going to take place. With the sound of a river in my ears and the feeling of healing hands, my senses were overjoyed with the best massage I've had in a very long time.
It was back to the beating drums for dinner and dessert. I had a group of African ladies singing an African birthday song to me. How cool, Marlene had arranged it for my birthday and I didn't even know, this year I'm celebrating for weeks ;).
Full body massage was now awaiting. Yes, once done again we went back to the sound of the drums for drinks.
Not too long after we got summonsed to the Foot massage hut, where the four of us took up the four corners of it with the ladies sat in the middle.
Back to the drums again for Amarula and chocolate for the last treat before changing.
All relaxed we took the road back home by midnight and arrived safely with Marlene (my sister) acting as the designated driver. This was an incredible experience!
In the morning the four of us went to a really quaint coffee shop. It was Zane's (my brother-in-law) birthday so we had cake on his behalf ;) Did some last minute shopping. We went to the Porterhouse for lovely dinner and drinks.
Can't believe this is my last night of my trip and in South Africa...how surreal!!
Up early for our four-ball T-off. Zane, Juan, Jarek and Me. Juan and I were golf cart buddies and it was rather good fun to say the least...oh the game...yeah well at least no one told me I needed to go back for lessons so reckon it was okay ;)
We got back just before the family were due to arrive for Janae's Snowman party and later a Braai (BBQ) for me. I did the final packing, giving of last gifts and then we had, as always, an amazing braai. It was my treat before going back to not as much red meat country.
By 5:30pm the fam left and Zane, Marlene, their kids, my mum and I all jumped into the car for the airport. Had our last coffees together before saying our good-byes. Passport control was due and boarding was imminent. On the flight I was sat between 2 Scottish lasses and an 80 yr old lovely lady who was full of wisdom.
And so we took off leaving the African Skies behind for the Island I've been calling home for almost a decade now.
It reality now and totally unbelievable...an über amazing year is over!
Unlike my previous landings in Heathrow it was not raining...in fact it was blue skies and warm. I took it as a good sign :) I was greeted by Kris' friendly face who was there to take me "home".
I'm looking forward to my time here, not exactly sure where I'll end up and what I'll be doing, but my new chapter has begun!
- comments