African Queen Blog

Today is the 8th of January 2012 ……….. my sister Barbara’s birthday which is special, ‘because Barbara is special,’ but besides being Barbara’s birthday it’s also the day we are leaving for a three week holiday in South Africa, our first visit in seven years. I am so excited,  mainly because I will be seeing friends & family I haven’t seen for seven years, the reason for our South African visit is to be with our daughter Carine who is due to have a baby, granddaughter Lia & meeting their new family. We took a taxi to Heathrow Airport and before long were sitting on SA flight 0235 on our way to sunny South Africa.

My sister Gay-Lynn

My sister Gay-Lynn picked us up the following morning & took us back to her lovely townhouse in Midrand. I arranged to meet two of my oldest friends from Bryanston Primary School at the ‘Mugg & Bean’ in Fourways Mall  www.safindit.co.za/mugg-bean-fourways-mall

Meriel, Marianne & I at the 'Mugg & Bean'

I am regularly in touch with Meriel & Marianne on facebook & email but it’s not the same as sitting across a table face to face over a cup of coffee & some lunch.

Meriel, best friends for years

We had such a wonderful afternoon ……….laughing & reminiscing about all the things we use to get up too when we were young.

Marianne & Meriel my lovely friends

Gay-lynn & Renate,  had more install for Andy and I that night.

My brother Brian, Sister in-law Arlene, brother David & Andy

They organised for my four brothers, my sisters in-laws, nieces & nephews, not forgetting Christopher & Karen’s granddaughter Peyton & their new grandson

My brother John & Sue

Sister in-law Karen & her Granddaughter Peyton

Ryan's fiance Kate my niece Gina & my niece Taryn

My niece Lauren with her niece Peyton

to a bring and share supper,  it was an amazing evening ending with Gay & I talking until 3:00am in the morning.

My brother John, nephew Ryan & my sister Gay-Lynn

Sister in-law Carol & her daughter Gina

Sister in-laws Karen & Carol with baby Shane

My nephew Ryan & his fiance Kate

My brother Chris

Brothers David, Brian, Chris, John & Gay-Lynn

It was so good seeing my family & friends after all these years.

Tuesday dawned, a beautiful sunny day, Gay & Renate have a cage hanging in their garden with birdseed for the birds. Stunning brightly coloured birds were flying around the cage, pecking at the seeds.

Beautiful coloured birds pecking at the seeds

The birds & their well wooded garden  ………. ‘I have to say,  a sight I won’t forget’

After breakfast we went to see my mother. She lives in a home for the aged. She is 85 this year ……..I was a little taken aback when I first saw her because she looked so old but thinking about it,, 85 is old. Her favourite place for lunch is Woolworths.  They have a ‘Buffet’ with lots of Salads & some Meat Dishes, you  choose what ever you want and then your plate is weighed to estimate the price.

My Mom & I

I enjoyed being with my Mom, she is deaf, but can hear with a hearing aid, you just need to speak slowly & clearly. Once we had dropped my Mom back home we had to rush off to see Keith & Bev.

Keth & Bev with Andy & I

Keith is Andy’s friend from Roosevelt High School. Keith was ‘best man’ at our wedding & three or four months later Andy was ‘best man’ at his wedding. Bev & I became good friends so we regularly saw each other over the years.  Keith is a pharmacist and after a while opened his own Pharmacy,  called Keith’s Pharmacy in Linden.  We hope to see them on the African Queen in the near future.

Back at Gay & Renate that night we had a Braai, Gay cooked the meat in her new ‘Webber.’  ‘It was delicious.’ We planned to go to bed early since we were leaving at 4:00am the following morning. We had a lovely car journey down to Natal.

The Church at Warden just outside of Harrysmith

Gay & Renate with the Dogs

Jobs are created to keep people employed

Renate made some ‘very tasty padkos,’ we also stopped periodically for the dogs to have a walk about.  Gay & Renate dropped us off at ‘the de Goede’s, who live on the Berea in Durban, we arrived there around midday.

An Enterprising African

We said our goodbye’s to Gay & Renate as they still had an hour & half’s drive to the South coast, for a weeks holiday with friends.

Lorraine & Johan

We’ve been friends with the de Goede’s for years. Lorraine & I met when I was nineteen. We shared a flat in Hilbrow with two other girl’s. Lorraine was already going out with Johan at this stage. Andy & I got married in April 1970 & Lorraine & Johan got married in June 1970, we both had two daughters of similar ages. Every day was started with a visit or a telephone call, we shared everything except our husbands. She is my soul mate.

Lorraine shared Ian with me

Lorraine & Johan had a son …….. a laat lammertjie whose name was Ian.  Since I didn’t have a son Lorraine shared him with me.

Ian as a boy with his Mom

Unfortunately tragedy struck this family. Ian was killed a week after his 21st birthday 10 years ago on the 25th February 2002.

Ian Growing Up

Ian, shortly before he died

I grieved for my friend ………. didn’t know how she would get through this one,  but she did. Ian’s short life will never be forgotten ……… he has left a dent in all our hearts.

We spent Wednesday night with Lorraine & Johan & left the following morning at 9:00am for Morgan Bay.

Lorraine & I in the back seat with all the luggage

Johan’s Mercedes was loaded to the hilt, some of the luggage had to go in the back seat with Lorraine & I. We stopped at a Wimpy in Kokstad for lunch www.southafrica.gemania.co.za/wimpy-kokstad

Lunch at the Wimpy in Kokstad

Wimpy Waitresses

& then continued our journey through the Transkei.  As we entered the Transkei I could clearly see a change in the scenery

Goats walking on the road

Cows lying next to the road

goats & cows wandered into the streets. The country areas looked quite isolated with little houses scattered here & there.

The Transkei Countryside

Little houses scattered here & there

The towns,  an education with traders everywhere, the pavements covered with little stalls spilling onto the roads

Traders Everywhere

lots of people buying and selling.  Johan drove very carefully because there were so many people milling about & they didn’t look out for the cars.

People walk in front of cars

‘I liked the vibe …………. this was Africa and at this moment I was part of it.’

After a long drive we finely arrived at the Morgan Bay Hotel,  around 5:30pm. I was instantly taken with the beauty that surrounded us. www.morgan-bay-hotel.co.za

Beautiful views from Morgan Bay Hotel

The hotel was established in 1946 and has been a family run business for three generations

Morgan Bay Hotel established in 1946

The hotel is spotlessly clean with a colonial atmosphere. The hotel overlooks the sea,  with lush gardens & paths leading down to the beach.

Steps leading to the beach

The four of us sat down in the lounged & enjoyed a welcome glass of wine. Dinner was served from 7:00pm . I thought the menu was excellent with perfect service ……. what more could you ask. It was wonderful going to sleep with the sound of the waves lashing up against the rocks & waking up to see dolphins surfing the waves.  After Breakfast we sat on the terrace for a while having tea, Johan said he would like to take us to Kei Mouth. www.keimouth.co.za which is situated on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast.

Trading Store near Kei Mouth

Kei Mouth also has a very African flavour ………. a feeling of rural isolation. We stopped at this little Trading Store to buy some water.

Children playing outside the store

I took a picture of these children playing outside the shop. I wanted to give them some money for letting me take the picture, my thought was to give the eldest the money to share with the others. Lorraine warned me just in time  ………. I had to give them each a coin otherwise there would have been a big fight.

Horses from a Company called Horseback Adventures

We finely arrived at the Kei Mouth River,  just in time to see  some horses from, ‘ Wild Coast Horseback Adventures’ being taken across the Kei Mouth River on a Ferry.

Getting the Horses ready for the Ferry

www.wildcoasthorsebacksafari.co.za

The Ferry takes the Horses across the Kei Mouth River

It was fascinating watching them load the ferry with the horses.

The Sign Advertising The Wild Coast Horseback Safari's

Soon we were on our way again and drove past these cows relaxing in the fields.

Nguni Cow Indigenous to Southern Africa

Lorraine said they were  ‘Nguni Cows,’ Nguni cattle are known for their fertility & resistance to diseases, being the favourite breed amongst the indigenous  people of Southern Africa.

There were some paintings of Nguni Cows in the Morgan Bay Hotel. Lorraine & Johan loved the paintings, so found out the contact details of the artist. We went to his house to see all his paintings, they were mostly of ‘Nguni Cows,’ I was impressed with his work. Lorraine told me that paintings of Nguni Cows had become very popular in South Africa and were usually very expensive.

Lunch at Morgan Bay Hotel

After our busy morning, we decided to have lunch at the Morgan Bay Hotel. The Bar & Open Air Restaurant is a new addition which has recently been completed.

Johan' choice from the Menu

Johan ordered Fish & Chips which was served in a Frying Pan!

Seafood Salad for me

I ordered a Sea Food Salad which was excellent.

Hmm ..... it Tastes Good !

After lunch Johan went for a rest ……… Andy, Lorraine & I went to the beach.

Andy & Lorraine in the Sea

Lorraine & I in the Sea

The smell of the ‘Sea Air’ & the soft sand under my feet was a wonderful feeling.  It wasn’t long before Andy also went off to have a rest. Lorraine wanted to find some shells so we found some rocks where there were quite a few shell …….. but suddenly it started pouring with rain. We had to clamour over the rocks with bare feet ‘Ouch,’ it was a little bit painful. In the end I found a stick and managed to get to the grass. I looked back at poor Lorraine struggling up the rocks so I gave her my stick. so glad I was able to get a photograph of her with the stick. ‘ She is such a lot of Fun’

Having fun in the rain

Poor Lorraine ..... she needed a stick to make it !!

Being Friday night ……… there was a ‘Seafood Menu’ which consisted of five courses of different fish. ‘The Dinner was excellent’

It’s been a very busy day,  & since we are leaving fairly early in the morning, the four of us retired to bed quite early. After breakfast on Saturday morning we packed the car & were soon on our way to Port Elizabeth. We arrived at ‘ The Plantation’ at around 2.00pm & went straight to reception & checked in. Reception gave us the keys for the adjoining self contained cottages we were staying in. We unpacked the car & went straight out again to Mikes Kitchen since we hadn’t had any lunch.

Mikes Kitchen in Port Elizabeth

www.mikeskitchen.co.za

We enjoyed our lunch at Mikes Kitchen, the Salads were good & so was the service ……. however being with our friends was the best part of the lunch.

Sarah & Ralph Owners of The Plantation & The Boma

The Plantation nestled in Port Elizabeth’s indigenous coastal milkwood forest,  offers the perfect setting for Weddings, Corporate & Private Functions. www.theplantation.co.za

Award

The Boma is a Safari – style wedding, function venue & restaurant that offers an out door African experience. www.peboma.co.za

Award Winning Venue

Award Winner

The Plantation is ‘Unique,’ as we drove through the electric gate, I knew this was a place to be. The dirt roads & surrounding forest reminded me of the ‘Wild Coast.’ We drove straight up to the main house to meet Pat and Judy, my daughter Carine’s parents in-law. It was good to see them after many years. We had a cup of tea & then made our way through winding brick paved paths, carved into the forest,  to the little self contained cottage we would be staying in.  There are four little cottages,  ‘one of them being SPECIAL for the BRIDE & GROOMS first night.’

Front of Chapel

On our way we passed the ‘Venue Hall,’ so beautifully decorated, with white floor length table cloths draped over the tables & matching white fitted covers on the chairs. ……… ‘A very romantic setting.’ I was especially taken with the design of the Venue Hall since the sides of the building were open,  in the event of bad weather the sides of the building could easily be enclose.  Continuing along the winding path, a short distance away is the ‘Chapel’ which has to be seen to be believed ……….. difficult to put into words!!

 

Vintage Carriage

Can you imagine …….. the bride arriving in this  ‘Vintage Carriage’

Vintage Motorbike

and the groom arriving on the Vintage Motorbike …………. as i said before,  The Plantation is Unique.

Wedding

Sarah & Ralph have won many awards for all their hard work & emphasis on quality & service.

So proud of my son in-law Sean who, with his team, built The Plantation. Sean is so gifted with amazing vision & style.  He took us to the Deli Street Cafe for supper on my birthday. The Deli Street Cafe was another one of his projects which included ‘Decorating, Decore & Specialised Finishes.’  I loved the quirky style of the restaurant & the excellent menu (menu had nothing to do with Sean) …….  Sean has a company called  ‘Armadillo‘ …… Email: armadillo.co@mweb.co.za. TEL: 0814 720724.

Lia & Bindi-Boo

That night we sat around a fire with the Moffett family, Lorraine & Johan, and my lovely Granddaughter Lia with her dog Bindi and Carine who is due to have her baby.

Lia & Carine

The Moffett’s prepared a wonderful ‘BRAAI’ …….. delicious  ‘FILLET STEAK & SALADS’  my favourite, the only problem being …….. I  ate far too much!!

 

The Fire We All Sat Around.

The following day, Johan, Lorraine,  Andy, Carine & I had lunch at the Beach Hotel – www.thebeachhotel.co.za

Beach Hotel

Beach Hotel

i

Carine & I At The Beach Hotel

After lunched we rushed back to The Plantation …………. Judy had organised a ‘Surprise Baby Shower’ for Carine.

Carine's Baby Shower

All the men ……..  that is Pat,  Sean, Paul, Andy & Johan went off to a Pub.   The baby shower party was a great success,  with plenty of delicious goodies to eat. Carine got amazing presents.  We spent Sunday night talking in Pat & Judy’s lounge ………  with Pat being a great host!!  It was Lorraine & Johan’s last night in Port Elizabeth, which made me feel a bit sad since I didn’t know when I would see her again.

Deli Street Cafe On My Birthday

The Deli Street Cafe – www.letseat.co.za    ( skybok: Deli Street Cafe (Port Elizabeth, South Africa)-You Tube )

My Two Beautiful Girls

Mother & Daughter

Lia Always Teasing Her Boppa

My Dishy Son In-Law Sean

A Wonderful Evening

Thanks Sean ……… had such a lovely ‘Birthday’

The Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast

The Plantation was completely booked so we had to vacate the little cottage on the 21st & 22nd of January. Carine organised for us to stay at The Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast – www.cityfarmhouse.co.za. The Farmhouse is owned by Bill & Melanie Harrison, it is tucked away in the lovely treed suburb of Walmer in Port Elizabeth. While Carine was in hospital we took care of Lia, who also stayed with us at The Farmhouse.

The Stable Bedroom

We stayed in ‘The Stable’  which consisted of a bedroom,  lounge with sleeper couch, a little kitchen &  bathroom. It is compact and very comfortable.

The Stable Lounge

The Farmhouse is well known for their ‘Wonderful Breakfast’s’

View From Blue Waters Cafe

We so enjoyed spending time with our granddaughter Lia while Carine was in hospital. We had missed her so much since she had moved to South Africa. We took her to the Blue Waters Cafe for lunch. The Restaurant is known to be the best beachfront restaurant in Port Elizabeth. www.bluewaterscafe.com

Taking Care Of Lia

The waitress took a photograph of the three of us.

Lia & Her Boppa

We enjoyed talking to Lia, and listening to what she had to say even though a lot of the time she was texting on her phone.

Lia & I

I suppose …………. a typical teenager.

Myah Only One Day Old

Myah Rose Moffett, born on the 20th January 2012, she is a beautiful baby.

Carine, Lia & Myah

Mother & Daughter with the new addition to the family

Sean & Andy

Our last night in Port Elizabeth was so special. We all sat outside on Pat & Judy’s Patio.  A warm ‘Balmy Evening’ perfect weather.  The aroma of Boerewors &  Sosaties permeated the air. I love the smell of  ‘Sizzling Boerewors,’ it brings back happy memories of when we use to live in South Africa.

Sean's Braai

Sean made a wonderful BBQ with plenty of meat & salads

Carine & Sarah

The evening was spent laughing & joking.

Sarah With Her Dad

Pat loves to tell stories. I was never quite sure whether what he was saying was true or a joke ……… most of the time it was a joke!!

Sarah & Ralph

Ralph & Sarah Sean’s sister & brother in-law.

Carine & Sean

Carine & Sean were married on Christmas Eve 2010 in the Chapel at The Plantation

Pat & Judy

Pat & Judy Sean’s Mom & Dad

Our Last Evening Was Lots Of Fun

The Food Was Good & So Was The Company

The Moffett’s are a wonderful united family who truly care about each other.

Paul, Sean's Brother & His Wife Lou-Ann with Andy & I

Paul & Lou-Anne were also blessed with the birth of Noah, who was born two weeks before Myah.

Paul & Lou-Ann

Our last night in Port Elizabeth will always be remembered as a very ‘Happy Occasion’

Port Elizabeth Airport

We had to be at Port Elizabeth Airport early the following morning & decided to have our last cup of coffee together in the Cafeteria.  ‘Goodbye …… I hope we won’t have to wait too long before we see you all again. ‘

Having Breakfast In Johannesburg

We arrived in Johannesburg at around 10:30am. My faithful sister was there to pick us up again. We went to The Red Chick at the East Rand Mall for a late breakfast, so glad my brother John could join us. www.facebook.com/Red-chick-East-Rand-Mall

John & I

A big THANK YOU to John for making our holiday in South Africa possible

Back Home On The African Queen

At 9:00pm that night we boarded SA flight 234 back to the UK

The Alpacas Huddled Together

Freezing cold weather greeted us ……… even the Alpacas in a field nearby were huddled together.

A View From The African Queen

BRRRRRR,  it’s minus twelve degrees on the African Queen, …….. ‘Sunny South Africa,  a distant memory!!’