Monthly Archives: February 2025

Share Your World 24 February 2025 Dream Travel Destinations

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Here are my answers to this week’s SYW from DI

 If money was no object, where in the world would you like to visit?
I have traveled to many wonderful places, but my favorite destinations are right here in South Africa. However, if money were no object, I would choose to visit India. Having never been there before, I believe it would be the next best place to my own country. I have always wanted to see a tiger in the wild, and I would hire a personal guide to take me into the jungle to find one. The guide would also know the best spots to observe birds, which I might enjoy even more than seeing the majestic tiger.

Would you like to visit Outer Space?
I would, actually. If I were to go into outer space, I think the best thing would be experiencing the awe-inspiring views of Earth from above. Seeing Earth suspended in the vastness of space, would be a magical experience. I would also love to do a space walk. Imagine how awesome it must be to ‘fly’ in the endless universe.

 Have you ever been on a cruise?
I’ve been on several cruises, each one a delightful experience. The most memorable was in 2019 when my husband and I embarked on a 29-day journey from Port Louis, Mauritius, to Venice, Italy. Along the way, we visited many exotic countries along the coast of Africa, navigated through the Suez Canal, and explored the Greek Islands and other Mediterranean destinations.

The Suez Canal from the Costa Victoria 2019

Would you like to go on an underwater adventure?
I believe the mysteries of the deep sea are more thrilling than outer space. There is still so much to uncover in the depths of our oceans. If it were possible, I would love to board a ‘yellow’ submarine and explore the ocean floor. I’ve had a taste of the ocean’s wonders through some snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, which left me in awe of its beauty and diversity.

Gratitude

“To wander is to wonder, and I am forever grateful for the beauty and wisdom each new place imparts. The world is my classroom, and every journey a lesson in gratitude.”

I am not sure where the above quote comes from but I couldn’t put it better myself.

A Delightful Day in Montague and Robertson

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Each year, when Andrew, the main radio controller for Ski-boat Mobile, takes a break from his job as a carer in the UK, he stays with us to handle radio control for the Marlin Tournament in Struisbaai. His vehicle, sponsored by Robertson Toyota, required its annual service, so Andrew suggested we spend the day in Robertson while the car was in the shop, and we had the use of a courtesy car.

The weather in our area has been mostly sunny and hot, but on this particular day, it started off overcast with some wind and occasional showers. Despite this, the four of us—The Earl, Nanna, Ands, and I—set off at 06h00 and enjoyed some bird watching along the way. Well, to be more accurate, The Earl and I enjoyed the bird watching, while Ands and Nanna feigned excitement at each of our exclamations of spotting a jackal buzzard, blue crane, black-winged kite, common buzzard, and more.

Nanna, being new to the Cape, was delighted by the unfamiliar scenery and found the sight of the mountains, which are a rarity in Gauteng, incredibly impressive.

After dropping off the bakkie at Robertson Toyota and picking up the Toyota Vitz, we headed to Four Cousins Restaurant for breakfast. We discovered that it was a delightful eatery, and we were intrigued to learn that the four Retief cousins, aside from being winemakers, also brew beer and make whiskey.

We recently sold our Gecko caravan, and around this time, we would typically join a Gecko rally at Ebb ‘n Flow. What a surprise to run into Colin and Diane, who were on their way there today. Four Cousins is their favourite stop whenever they pass through this area. We enjoyed a lovely chat with them before bidding them farewell and felt somewhat bereft that we would not join them this year.

For the kids
Outside seating where you can watch the kids
Adult outside seating
Beer on tap
Delicious breakfast
Colin and Diane’s Gecko

The plan was to meet up with friends of Ands for lunch later in the day. In the meantime we took the opportunity to show Nanna a bit of the area so we headed to Montague, a picturesque little town which is part of Route 62.

Die Kloof Padstal is a great place to stock up on nuts and dried fruit
Dutch Reformed Church in the heart of Montague Village
Nana with the beautiful mountains in the background
Picnic Site at Cogman’s Creek
Toyota Vitz parked at Cogman’s Kloof  while I took the photos

Cogman’s Kloof, located between Ashton and Montague along the R62, traverses the Langeberg mountains. Named after a Khoi chiefdom, this pass was engineered by the renowned road engineer Thomas Bain from 1873 to 1877. Unfortunately, twelve lives were lost due to floods during the construction. The pass traces the path of the Kingna River

“The well-known tunnel was created with the aid of a small amount of dynamite. Originally, the road detoured around the area known as Kalkoenkrantz. The completed tunnel measured 16 meters in length and had a height of 5 meters.”

Andrew’s friends suggested we meet at a new restaurant, Rock ‘n Roll on the River Gold farm. For a place in the middle of nowhere this was quite an experience. The restaurant is a diner with a difference. It has a rock ‘n roll theme but the food is quite exquisite.

Lets Rock!
A lovely view from our outdoor table

After a wonderful couple of hours of good food and conversation, we headed to Springfield to buy our favourite wines and to once again meet up with our new lunch date friends. We sat under the trees next to the beautiful dam and enjoyed the ambiance of a fantastic wine farm as we enjoyed some wine, olives, and crackers.

Springfield Dam
Buying our Life from Stone
Egyptian Geese improving the scenery
Wine tasting at Springfield

We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of South Africa, and exploring hidden gems within easy reach of our home is always a delight. We plan to make similar excursions more frequently.

SYW 10 February 2025 Exploring Collectibles: Personal Items That Tell Our Stories

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Here are my answers to this week’s Share Your World from Di at pensitivity101

Do/did you collect anything (stamps, cards, action figures, etc) now or as a child?
I am not a collector. My younger brother is. His home is like a mini museum and his collectibles bring him great pleasure. And if you were to visit him you would be fascinated by his collections too. Click on the link to see what I mean!

I don’t collect things but I do have a huge collection of diaries and photographs – mostly on my computer but some from the distant past, in hard copy too.

What is the silliest thing you’ve ever bought?
Probably a pair of zebra-striped braces. I liked them but only wore them once when I taught a lesson on patterns in nature.

When it comes to jewellery, do you prefer gold, silver, or gemstones?
I love jewellery – gold, silver, diamonds, pearls – all of it. I even like ‘junk’ jewellery. I own a few good pieces but usually only wear my wedding and engagement rings, pearl earrings and gold bangles regularly. I have two strings of pearls but they both need re-stringing – I will get them done soon!

Do you know what your birthstone is?
I had to look it up. Topaz is my birthstone and I don’t own anything made from it. This is what I found out.

Topaz is a birthstone. Its name comes from the Greek word Topazios, which means “to search.” It says, “In my life, I find what I need.” It’s a charm that can help you get good ideas or information. It’s also a good idea if you want to get your confidence and likeability back.

Topaz can be blue, light blue, yellow, orange, or pink. All of these colors are beautiful. No matter what color you use, you will get Topaz’s power.

This sounds like a very good stone – I think I might invest in one!

Gratitude:
Today I am feeling both bereft and grateful. I am bereft because I sold my Gecko caravan. I am grateful because of all the exciting and happy adventures I have had in this fantastic home on wheels.
Our holidays from now on will be different but I am grateful that we are still in good health and able to have many more adventures even if it means doing it differently.

Share Your World Monday 3 February2025

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Here are my answers to this week’s SYW Challenge from Di
What can you remember about your last day at school/college?
I don’t recall my last day of school, but I vividly remember the final day of college. After three years of community living, were about to scatter across the country and the world, embarking on new careers, getting married, and starting families. On our last night, we pulled an all-nighter, and no one was allowed to sleep! By morning, we were all in high spirits, excited that it was over and eager to head home. Our college had a beautiful chapel where we attended a service every morning before classes. On this final day, there was a farewell service, and it was incredibly emotional. The last hymn was “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” (Jeremiah Eames Ranking). In our sleep-deprived and emotional state, it moved us all to tears. After the chapel service, we wept in each other’s arms before climbing into parents cars or rushing to the train station. Because it was my last term, my dad had bought me an air-ticket home – a rare treat in those days. Someone’s dad gave me a lift from college to the airport and it was all I could do to control my sniffles as we drove the 120 km. He must have breathed a sigh of relief when he dropped my off still red-eyed and teary.

Our Chapel

I had gained a lot of weight during my three years at college but lost it all during the last term. To complete my new look I’d had my hair cut short and wore a cute new mini-dress on the plane home. It had been six months since I’d last seen my family. When I deplaned and walked toward my father who was there to meet me, he did not recognize me until I said, “Hi Dad” His look of amazement set me off in tears again. He thought that I was upset that he hadn’t recognized his own daughter! This got me giggling hysterically. I think it was the lack of sleep, emotional parting from my college friends and surprising my family with my new look that was just too much for me! However, I got over it!

Before and After – AI generated picture

Were you close enough to walk to school or did you need transport?
I walked for most of my school career. My last two years were at a school that required me to go by train but I walked from the station to home.

Did you have a favorite teacher
I did not like my first teacher but I was only with her for a few months. We then moved to another province and my new teacher was amazing. She remained my favourite forever. I completed my primary school career in that school and she taught me other subjects like Art and Needlework in the higher grades.
I was perfectly happy with all my other teachers even the one I punched in the stomach when he got me in a headlock. He never touched me again! In those days we did not complain to our parents about unkind teachers but my mother taught me to fight back if anybody tried to hurt me even if he/she was an adult.

Would you like to go back to school?
No – not that I didn’t like it but it’s a part of life that is over.
When I retired from teaching I missed it and would have gone back to do relief/supply teaching had I remained in my hometown near schools that I’d previously taught at. But now that I’m used to my freedom I have absolutely no desire to put my foot back into the classroom!

My Classroom back in the day!

Gratitude:

I love today’s Gratitude Quote

Yes – that is true. I have many happy memories of years gone by and I am still happy with the way life is treating me now.