I am making the most of the South African Lifestyle and hope with my blog to share some of the adventures my husband and I are having in our retirement. We live at the Southern Tip of Africa in the small coastal town of Struisbaai. Earl and I have a Gecko off-road caravan and we travel around South Africa frequently. We are bird and wildlife enthusiasts so are often in game reserves.
Do you prefer bar food, a restaurant, cafe or tea rooms? I have a soft spot for coffee shops with character. Breakfast is my favorite meal to enjoy when eating out—especially on a road trip. Here in South Africa, our small towns (or ‘dorps’) often surprise us with the most delightfully unique cafés and tearooms. The photos below are from a quaint spot in Britstown, once a working mill, now lovingly transformed into a shabby chic haven filled with memorabilia.
Do you always have the same thing, or try something different from time to time? “I love the feeling of walking into a place where they know my name. In my hometown, we often visit a coffee shop called Shipwreck, where the owner knows us so well that all I need to say is, ‘My usual, please!’ Her coffees are exceptional—and if you’re in the mood for something sweet, there’s simply no better spot.
The best eggs and bacon in townThe omelettes are to die forDelicious cheese cakesBest of all is the chocolate cake
Have you ever had to send something back to the kitchen because it was substandard? It’s only happened a handful of times, but recently—while visiting a town more than an hour from home—I ordered creamed spinach with my breakfast. It arrived looking like a green dream… until I took a bite. Crunch! Gritty as a beach picnic gone wrong. Thankfully, it was served in a separate bowl, sparing the rest of my delicious breakfast from leafy sabotage. The place was bustling, so I only managed to raise the alarm after polishing off my plate. The owner was wonderfully apologetic and handed me a voucher for a free coffee,
(Image AI generated) Creamed spinach: now with extra gravel for that authentic garden experience
If you have a complaint, do you make it in writing after you have left, or before you settle your bill? It’s always best to speak up right away—no one should have to pay for food that misses the mark. In my experience, a polite complaint usually leads to a replacement dish or, as in my spinach saga, some form of compensation
(Image AI generated) One bitter remark earns one sweet reward.
Gratitude
I truly appreciate the privilege of dining out as often as I do. Most of the time, the restaurants are exceptional—offering great service and consistently delicious food.
(Image AI generated) Two seasoned souls, one shared table—proof that good food and great company only get better with age.
Would you like to relive parts of your childhood? There are aspects of my childhood that I have a better understanding of now that I am an adult, but going back to relive it and behave differently would not work – I was a child and acted like a child so why go back and be grown-up about it? Lessons have been learned and that’s as it should be.
Did you believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy? Absolutely. I was a wide-eyed dreamer, completely immersed in a world of magic and make-believe. For the first eight years of my life, those delightful myths were part of my reality—until curiosity got the better of me. I asked my grandmother for the truth, and oh, the heartbreak! Her gentle confession shattered the illusion, and I realized I’d been playfully deceived all along.
Was there a childhood habit you never grew out of? No, I don’t think so. I used to be a notoriously picky eater, and some might say I still am—but that’s not quite true. These days, it’s more about making mindful choices for my health. If I could indulge freely, I absolutely would!
Were you part of a large family or an only child? I’m the second-born in a pack of four siblings: one older brother to blaze the trail, and two younger ones—my sister and brother—to follow in delightful chaos. But for a while there was more! At one point, we had three families living in what I considered perfect harmony in a seven-bedroom penthouse on top of a block of flats. My grandfather had died and the two married sons, my dad and his older brother, returned from afar to sort out the family business. Our grandmother still had two younger sons at home and Dad and his brother brought wives and three kids each! (In the end only one of the sons ended up running the business!) But the point of this story is that there was riotous chaos, which we kids thought was wonderful, while the parents sorted out the finer details.
Eventually, we graduated to a downstairs flat—still close enough to the cousins upstairs to keep the fun alive. Then, just as my younger brother made his grand entrance into the world, we levelled up again to a house of our own. And by the time he was six and I was thirteen, we were living in a mountainside haven each with a room of our own. The cousins moved on too,but we remained close right into our teens.
Little Sister, Me, Big Brother, with two of the three cousins, Louis (RIP) and Philip (RIP), we shared a home with. The other one, Costa (RIP) was older and wasn’t with us as much but we hero-worshipped him!
Gratitude:
When I was growing up, there were times when I thought I had a tough life compared to my friends. However, in retrospect, I realise I had the most amazing childhood and would not change a thing about it. My parents were kind and loving people who welcomed everybody into their home and always stretched dinner to include an unexpected guest. Perhaps they set me too good an example because I find it hard to say no to extra people in my home or to drop everything to help others. I vowed to have only one child and ended up raising five – only one of which I gave birth to! Regrets? Absolutely none! Life has certainly had its ups and downs but I have survived every hiccup along the way and thrived in the good times. My family have always been supportive and I have enjoyed every stage of my life. For this, I am extremely grateful.
Saturday 12 July 2025 The anglers needed no coaxing to gather at the harbour, eager to hear the verdict from the ever-mysterious weather gods. Of course, they don’t exist—but it’s comforting to have someone to blame when nature throws a curve ball! Luckily, The Good Lord smiled on us, blessing the morning with clear skies and the weather committee gave the all clear for the twelve boats to launch well before 9 a.m. Despite the sunshine and breathless wind,it was still chilly, and the sea, deceptively serene, delivered a few breakers to test the skippers’ skill as they navigated their way out of the harbour.
Unlike the intrepid anglers, I didn’t quite spring out of bed in time to witness their early-morning departure from the harbour. But I made sure to be there when they returned—and as promised, here are the boat photographs. Flyes Eyes, skippered by Warren Muller, pulled off a vanishing act worthy of a magician. One moment he was there, the next—poof—he’d zipped off to the slipway before my camera could even blink. Still, I couldn’t let him completely escape the spotlight, so I’ve snuck the tiny bit I did manage to capture into the photo mix below. Blink and you might miss it!
Note: To view the group of photographs, click on the first one to enlarge it. Use the arrows to navigate the slideshow. Press ‘escape’ to return to the blog post. On your phone, swipe to view each photo and tap the ‘x’ to return to the blog post. You may also need to tap the information icon to view the captions.
Cavalier skippered by Mark TruterCosi Time skippered by Andre de KlerkDad’s Toy Skippered by Werner van ZylHaven skippered by Patrick ChirstodoulouInstigator Skippered by Chris SchornMacushla skippered by Wayne Gerber The elusive Flyes Eyes skppered by Warren MullerPiromero skippered by Iaan ViljoenPredator skippered by Tim TwineSanDiego skippered by Roger MaraisSeaduction skippered by Corrie DercksenDouble D returning from the deep – Note the big waves!Double D skippered by DP Burger
And so, the second and final day of fishing wrapped up in grand style! The anglers had a breather to kick back at their lodgings, recharge, and suit up in their highest colours for the much-anticipated closing ceremony and formal prize-giving. Receiver of a medal or not, each one of those anglers is a winner! They faced cold, wind, rain and rough seas, and came back victorious. Lessons were learned and friendships were forged. This sport can begin in childhood and continue into the senior years, and it’s heartwarming to see how committed and passionate our juniors are already.
While our tournament had its own share of thrills, there was another major sporting spectacle on television. Like true patriots, we were all glued to the screen for the Springboks’ showdown against Italy. Thanks to the Overberg Boat Club for screening the match before kicking off the night’s proceedings. And speaking of timing, our daughter and son-in-law were lucky enough to be in the stands at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, enjoying the game live. (I know this is not strictly tournament-related, but I had to share! We were all delighted at our 45–0 victory!)
After that excitement, all attention was turned to Arri Burger, the tournament convener, as he announced the winners.
Bronze, Silver and Gold medals were presented to the winners. In addition, Airmar representative Grant Crighton, presented each winning angler with an Airmar jacket. The winning junior was also presented with a fishing rod donated by Riaan and Amanda van Staden.
The winners are posing with DP Burger – SADSAA Representative, Roger Marais – WPDSAA Chairman, and Sonja Marais – WPDSAA Secretary
Juniors: Team Rating Results
Western Province Third Place Eastern Proivince A Second Place Eastern Province B First Place
As mentioned before, Eastern Province Junior B Team was captained by Nathan Barris, an amazing Down’s Syndrome boy. His enthusiasm and excitement when he heard his team had won was heartwarming. We are all so proud of you and your team, Nathan!
Juniors: Angler Ranking Results
Bronze Nathan Barris Silver Jayden PieterseGold Wian van NiekerkThank you Riaan for your generous donation of a fishing rod to our gold medal winner
Junior Skipper Ranking Results
Bronze – Werner van ZylSilver – Andre de KlerkGold – Patrick Chritodoulou
Senior Team Ranking Results
Bronze – Eastern Province LadiesSilver – Western ProvinceGold – Eastern Province Men
Senior Angler Ranking Results
Bronze – Lisa Becker Eastern Province LadiesSilver – Francois Kolesky Eastern Province MenGold – Stephen Flemming – Western Province
Senior Skipper Ranking Results
Bronze Mark TruterSilver Iaan VijoenGold DP Burger
We extend our deepest gratitude to all our incredible sponsors for their generous support throughout the tournament. Each of you played a vital role in making this event a success, and we were proud to present certificates of appreciation in recognition of your contributions.
A special shout-out to Noarbur Engineering and Airmar, whose representatives joined us on site and received their certificates in person—thank you for cheering us on every step of the way!
Your commitment and enthusiasm helped create a truly memorable experience for all involved. We couldn’t have done it without you!
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible kitchen staff and dedicated catering committee for taking care of the feeding of us all throughout the tournament, There was always plenty for the hungry anglers to eat and it certainly helped to keep their spirits high.
Our two hardworking kitchen helpers who also support the Bokke!
A special shout-out to OK Foods for providing the delicious fare that kept us going strong. Whether it was a plateful of comfort or a snack between sessions, your support added a generous helping of hospitality to the event.
And to wrap things up, I’ve included a few snapshots capturing the laughter, straf dops and general socialising that occurred at the evening functions. No captions though—I’d hate to accidentally get a name wrong and upset someone with my poor interpretation of the event.
In every sea fishing competition, meticulous planning lays the foundation—sponsors are confirmed, catering organised, pamphlets printed, accommodation booked, and excitement builds. Yet, there’s one element that remains stubbornly immune to preparation: the weather. No angler wants his precious fishing days lost to stormy weather and rough seas, especially after traveling great distances with rods, boats, and hopes in tow.
This year’s tournament opened under less-than-ideal conditions. Still, the first day offered just enough mercy from the waves and wind for each angler to land a few prized catches. Spirits lifted, camaraderie thrived. Then came the second day, when the weather god let loose—howling winds raged through the night, rain pounded relentlessly, and the sea churned with unpredictable fury.
Safety always comes first, and with that in mind, the day’s fishing was reluctantly postponed. But this unexpected pause became a cherished interlude.
At midday, the anglers were invited to come to the club for a lunch before which Grant Crighton would talk about his Airmar Transducers. He was all smiles when so many showed an interest, and he was able to answer many of their questions.
The Juniors showed a great deal of interest – after all they are the future boat ownersWestern Province Chairman, Roger Marais introduces Grant Crighton
Unlike traditional fixed-frequency transducers, Airmar’s broadband CHIRP models sweep through a wide range of frequencies, delivering sonar returns with razor-sharp detail. Whether you’re chasing elusive gamefish or decoding the terrain near the seabed, these transducers are built to impress. Transom, thru-hull, in-hull, keel, or pocket—whatever your boat’s build, Airmar’s got a match.
Following the presentation, anglers made their way to the snack table, where an enticing array of treats awaited—hot dogs, succulent meatballs, crispy chicken drumsticks, golden samosas, and a selection of other savoury bites. Just like every meal throughout the tournament, this generous spread was proudly catered by OK Foods, whose exceptional offerings have truly delighted the crowd.
Over lunch, the anglers bonded over past fishing stories and future plans. Laughter echoed, friendships deepened, and in spite of the stormy weather a very good time was had by all.
The afternoon was free for socializing, exploring or napping whatever the anglers felt was their greatest need. Then everyone was back at the clubhouse for another delicious dinner. In the last blog, I mentioned that Southern Cape had put up their banner. Before that Eastern Cape, perhaps the team with the most spirit, had already had theirs up from the beginning. Western Province just avoided a strafdop by putting theirs up today!
The high spirited Eastern Province – note the guy with the fair wings!Super Team Southern CapeWestern Province found their banner in the nick of time!
Some anglers, though, did not escape punishment for perceived crimes and whether it was saying something stupid or almost being left behind when their crew were about to launch, they had to pay the price by downing a strafdop,
Once again there was a draw for an Airmar jacket. With a flourish I drew out a strip of paper, opened it and called Chris Schorn to receive his prize.
Grant handing over an Airmar jacket to Chris.
Tonight’s taste adventure featured flame-cooked hamburgers – juicy, smoky, and downright scrumptious.
A big, bun-sized thank you goes out to the fabulous catering ladies, whose cheerful presence and tireless service make every evening such a pleasure for the hungry anglers.
Marius the braai masterThe fabulous catering ladies
Wise to the ways of the wind and water the anglers started packing up a little earlier than usual after dinner. Tomorrow’s conditions are whispering promises of fishing, but the verdict remains in suspense until 9 a.m., when the weather committee will check the conditions and consider the safety of all concerned before calling lines in!
Fingers crossed, rods poised, and may the weather god be merciful!
The sea was rough and the weather wet and cold. Both craft and crew were tested to the limit. But these anglers have grit and determination and rods in hand and adrenaline pumping, they weathered the elements with enthusiasm.
Though the official “lines up” time was called for 4:00 pm, by mid-afternoon, several boats—with soaked gear and shivering crew—began heading in. The strain of the sea and steady chill had taken its toll. Even so, the spirit of competition endured.
This is a measure-and-release event, celebrating skill and sustainability. While some fish may be brought back for the anglers consumption the majority are returned to the ocean to swim another day. For those who suspect a record-breaker among their catch, they may bring it to be weighed for verification, bragging rights, and perhaps, a place in the books.
Representing the Eastern Province, Francois Kolesky returned with a striking snoek, eyeing a potential record as he awaits official verification.
Due to the weather, photography at the harbour posed a threat to my camera, but I managed to capture a few photos of the boats at the clubhouse. I shall post more on the next fishing day.
When the anglers returned to the Overberg Clubhouse, they met a haven of camaraderie and celebration. The fire in the grate warmed and dried them, and later the delicious lasagna, crusty rolls and crisp salad fortified them.
Southern Cape made sure their colours were flying high, their flag proudly displayed for all to see. Other teams were cheekily warned of impending straf doppe if their own flags didn’t show up the next day. Laughter bounced off the walls, banter flowed freely, and no one was safe from a good-natured jab or two.
The evening’s cheer peaked with a draw for an Airmar jacket. Names were shuffled, and I was asked to pull out a name. When the winner was called, Grant—the brand’s affable agent—handed over the prize with a grin and a round of applause.
Corrie Derkson accepts his Airmar jacket from Grant Crighton
This week, the Overberg Boat Club in Kleinbaai, Western Cape proudly welcomes the South African Deep Sea Angling Association’s Bottom Fish Inter-Provincial Tournament. This was originally planned as a juniors’ tournament but later Ladies and Seniors were invited to participate. Months of dedication and behind-the-scenes effort have gone into making this event a reality, and the organizing committee has truly outdone themselves.
On Wednesday, 9 July, the club came alive for the opening function of the tournament. The anglers were treated to a mouthwatering spread, and the atmosphere was warm and festive as everyone tucked into an unforgettable feast.
Eastern Province Junior A Pia Berg – Captain Michael Swart Deon van Jaarsveld
Eastern Province Junior B Nathan Barris – Captain Wian van Niekerk Jayden Pieterse
Eastern Province Ladies Lisa Bekker – Captain Sheena Gerber Magdalena Kolesky
Eastern Province Mixed Seniors Deon van Jaarsveld – Captain Jen Nelson Jolene Lerm
Eastern Province Men Brian Gerber – Captain Francois Kolesky Jacques Bekker
Southern Cape Junior -White Luca Kruger- Captain Joshua du Plessis Jaden de Villiers
Southern Cape Junior – Green Jack Magerla – Captain Owen Linekar Ben Groenewald
Southern Cape Seniors Robin Corker – Captain Kabous Oosthuizen Peter Strobos
Western Province Juniors Kodi Goosen – Captain James de Klerk Keaton Lane
Western Province – Blue Ossie Sauermann – Captain Gareth Decker Jacqui Decker
Western Province – White Stephen Flemming – Captain Johan van Zyl Hugo Bester
This tournament celebrates many achievements, but one stands out with heartfelt pride. Among our Eastern Province Junior B Team is a truly special young man whose determination and spirit have inspired us all. As team captain, Nathan Barris has made history by becoming the first competitor with Down’s Syndrome to lead his team at this level. His passion for the sport, leadership qualities, and infectious enthusiasm have not only earned him respect but have also reminded us all of the power of inclusion, courage, and community.
Nathan of the right with his two team mates and his dad, Colin
Note: To view the group of photographs, click on the first one to enlarge it. Use the arrows to navigate the slideshow. Press ‘escape’ to return to the blog post. On your phone, swipe to view each photo and tap the ‘x’ to return to the blog post. You may also need to tap the information icon to view the captions.
Barbarian LadiesEastern Cape Juniors B Eastern Cape Juniors AEastern Cape LadiesEastern Province SeniorsEastern Province MIxed SeniorsSouthern Cape JuniorsSouthern Cape JuniorsSouthern Cape SeniorsWestern Province BlueWestern Province WhiteWestern Province Juniors
In a heartwarming display of pride and camaraderie, the capping ceremony marked a memorable milestone for the anglers who were representing their province for the first time. This special occasion not only celebrated their selection but also underscored the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship they were encouraged to uphold throughout the competition.
A true legend of the deep, Earl Fenwick, was honoured in a touching tribute this evening. Having received his Springbok colours in 1971 and 1972, Earl remains a cherished figure within the fishing fraternity. For most of his life, he has been dedicated to the sport of angling and given back as much as he’s gained from its joys. In recognition of his lifelong contribution, Earl received a special mention and was met with a standing ovation from all present. It was an emotional moment that had him completely overwhelmed. He was also asked to present the blazers to the Western Province Juniors, which he considered a great honour.
Below are a series of photos showing the capping ceremony.
A heartfelt thank you to our remarkable skippers, who selflessly set aside the thrill of reeling in their own catch to host and support the teams aboard their vessels. Their generosity and sportsmanship are the backbone of this tournament. Many have journeyed great distances, towing their boats from across the country—a testament to their dedication to the sport and their fellow anglers. Your commitment has not gone unnoticed, and we salute you for making this event truly unforgettable. The following series of photos shows the skipper receiving their Goodie Bags.
Boat pictures to follow in a later post.
A tournament of this nature simply wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our incredible sponsors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to EFG Engineers, Airmar Chirp Transducers, Otto’s Fish Shop, T-Line, NOΛRЗUR Engineering and Cape Agulhas Print It. Your generosity and belief in the power of this community have brought this event to life. Thanks to you, memories are made, friendships are forged, and the spirit of the sport continues to thrive.
Here are my answers to this week’s questions from pensitivity101
Are you prepared for a power cut? Yes absolutely. In South Africa we regularly have periods of Loadshedding. Loadshedding is a planned and controlled way of turning off electricity in certain areas for a few hours at a time. It’s done to prevent the entire power grid from collapsing when there’s not enough electricity to meet demand. This is because many of South Africa’s power stations are old and prone to breakdowns and Eskom often can’t produce enough electricity to meet the demand. The demand for more electricity has increased but the supply has not kept up with this demand. South Africans are known for their resilience and ingenuity. When public services fall short, we find creative ways to fill the gap ourselves. Those who are able to, invest in solutions like solar panels, inverters, or generators to keep the lights on during outages. I’m fortunate to have both solar and an inverter system installed-so—so when load-shedding strikes, the inverter seamlessly takes over, and life carries on with minimal disruption. We also use gas for hot water and cooking. More and more people in South Africa and going ‘off grid’ and creating eco-friendly homes and gardens which can only be a good thing for the planet as a whole.
Do you prefer candles or torches when there is no electricity? While up and about I would use candles to light a room (if there is no inverter or generator) but when going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I would use a torch – or to be more accurate the torch on my cell phone if it hasn’t run out of power!
Do you use scented candles or wax melts? I have lots of scented candles – mostly gifts over the years – and these are what I use if I need to.
Do you find a meal by candlelight romantic? I do find dinner by candlelight in a restaurant is very romantic, but it’s not something I have done very often at home.
Gratitude:-
This was the meme for today’s gratitude and it really resonates with me. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to leave footprints and take pictures in the most beautiful places in South Africa.
Half the year is now over. Have you had any memorable highlights in the past six months? Time certainly doesn’t dawdle, but I feel incredibly fortunate that each month delivered its own spark of joy. Here’s a peek at the highlights that made the first half of the year feel beautifully full: January brought a flurry of familiar faces to our doorstep. Hosting dear friends and family at the southern tip of Africa is always a great start to the year. February welcomed Andrew, whose stay stretched into May—He is an old friend of Hubby and was great company for him. March swept us off to Cape Town for an “Old Salts” reunion at the Cape Boat and Ski-boat Club—reminiscing with long-lost companions over sea breezes and shared tales. We also stole away to the tranquil Warmwaterberg hot springs with Andrew and his brother, who had brought a group of teenagers from his school in America. April wrapped us in family bliss with an Easter gathering in Plettenberg Bay—laughter, love, and togetherness. We also waved goodbye to our beloved Gecko caravan, turning a nostalgic page toward new adventures. May offered another midweek pause at Warmwaterberg—this time with Andrew and his lovely girlfriend—where quiet dips and easy chatter did wonders. June glowed with the sweet visit of our youngest daughter, filling the house with her sparkle. And to add a touch of flair, we dressed all the bedrooms in beautiful new
Catching up with friends at The Old Salts Reunion
What are you looking forward to in the coming six months? More of the same! We started July with a visit to our kids in Plett and on Wednesday we celebrated Hubby’s 81st birthday,
Breakfast at Beacon Island with two daughters and a grandson
How do you keep cool on a hot day? Wear light clothing, stay in the shade, splash in the sea.
Have you ever danced in the rain? I’m sure I must have but nothing specific comes to mind. I have certainly jumped in puddles and dashed through downpours to get to my car or front door!
Gratitude: Through all the ups and downs of life I have always been buoyed up by the love and laughter of my family. I am particularly grateful for the shared adventures, quite moments and shared experiences I have had with my amazing husband, who has held my hand through every phase. Life has been good and I don’t regret a single moment of it.
When you go on vacation, do you like to sample the local cuisine, check out the sights, or laze on the beach?
When travelling I would certainly eat what the locals eat – sixty-one million Italians can’t be wrong. (in Zimbabwe, I even ate a Mopane worm!)
There is also no point going to new places if all you’re going to do is laze on the beach. I can do that at home, so I would definitely explore and experience everything I could about an exotic place.
While on a coach tour with my daughter, we chose to eat Italian in Italy – mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil pesto for me – An Italian salad for her.
Have you ever been away on a vacation with friends rather than family?
We have often been on vacation with friends, especially when visiting game reserves. Many of these trips have been organised by us but all expenses have been shared and they have all worked out extremely well. Because we love the bush and have some knowledge of birds and wildlife we enjoy being the ‘guides’ for first-time visitors to the parks.
Australian friends at a stop-over in Windhoek on our way to Etosha National Park,
Would you prefer a cruise or coach tour holiday?
I have experienced both and at my age, I prefer cruising. It is an awesome way to travel as you blend relaxing with exploring and you can choose how much of each to do. It is amazingly convenient not to have to pack and unpack as you move to each new destination. Your floating hotel effortless takes you there while you enjoy having all your accommodation and catering needs included in your fare. Even the entertainment and most activities are free. You can choose to go on excursions at port stops or to do your own thing. It’s win-win all the way.
Help yourself to breakfast!
Self-catering, or full board where all meals are included/provided?
My other type of vacation is visiting game reserves in South Africa. Although I have enjoyed many different types of travel and vacation, trekking into the bush is my ultimate choice and something my hubby and I have been doing every year since the 1990s. We have explored almost all the parks in South Africa, as well as some in Namibia and Botswana. Our adventures have taken many different forms – rondawels, roof-top tenting, and caravanning. Now that we’ve embraced our golden years and parted ways with the caravan, it’s time to return to the charm of self-catering bungalows.
In most of the South African National Parks, you might find excellent restaurants in the rest camps and picnic sites. So if you are not in the mood to braai, you have the option to eat out!
Self-catering in the bush – Watch out for hyenas and please don’t feed them!
Gratitude: It is mid-winter in South Africa, but I am most grateful that on Saturday the weather was calm and sunny, if a tad chilly in the early morning, as The NSRI’s was holding a Winter Solstice Swim at Struisbaai’s harbour beach. My friend, Michele, braved the icy waters along with a dozen or so others who all declared that it was ‘warm once you’re in’ and all splashed about for half an hour! Well done to all of them. I was wrapped in my boots and jacket as I took the photos!
Today we have rain, but during a break in the weather, I was thankful that the birds were enjoying the winter flora along the Struisbaai coastal road.
Do you prefer iced tea or iced coffee? Here in South Africa, Rooibos tea reigns supreme! I often drink a gut-friendly Rooibos blend packed with probiotics. It’s delicious whether steaming hot or refreshingly iced. At this time of year, though, I’m going with hot!
Now, when it comes to coffee, I want ithot, black, and strong. My trusty Nespresso machine delivers the goods, and my favourite pod is Starbucks Italian Style Roast – Bold, rich, and exactly how coffee (and men) should be.
Do you like your cold drinks with ice, or just chilled? I put ice in all my cold drinks – horror – even in white wine!
Do you prefer an ice cream (cornetto or similar) or ice lolly (popsicle)? I try to avoid ice cream although I love it in every form. My favourite is Mint Magnum on a stick.
What is your favourite cold dessert?
I have a recipe for a no-sugar, no-gluten Tiramisu Mousse and it is delicious, although quite rich with all the cream and cream cheese. But a little goes a long way! A less rich cod dessert is yogurt pudding made with sugar-free jelly and yogurt. For sweetening, I use Xylitol.
Gratitude:
I love all three of the above memes as I have found them all to be true.
Adventuring into Retirement 