As we arrived at Suidpunt Diepsee Hengelklub this evening, it was delightful to see the sponsor banners fluttering in the wind. These vibrant banners, adorned with the names and logos of our generous sponsors, line the pathway, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these sponsors for their invaluable support, making this tournament possible.
Small welcome drinks were served as the anglers arrived and once again we thank the lovely ladies behind the bar for their cheerful service and friendliness.
Patricia, Corne, Karen, Deidre, Lisa
The atmosphere at the clubhouse was filled with laughter and camaraderie as the anglers gathered for the evening’s function. The room buzzed with animated conversations and cheerful banter. Smiles and playful teasing were creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
Welcome DrinksPeté, Craig and Gawie (Indigo)August Joe Adrian (Soo-Ja)Christian, Sampie, Gert, Jo, Stefan (Vistrok)New shoes!He swept me off my feet!
Female Anglers
“The Two Oceans Marlin Tournament typically draws a large number of male anglers, but this year, we are thrilled to welcome five female competitors.
Angie Lotter from A-LureLoslappie had three female anglers participating. Ada de Witt, Ide de Witt (Mother and daughter), Monica Botha. Nettie the dog also gets to go along. Hopefully, she brings them luck!Leonie Penninkhof as introduced yesterday. She is on The Gambler
Best of luck to these incredible lady anglers. Your passion and skill inspire us all. May you reel in the biggest catches and create unforgettable memories on the water. Tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣
Tournament Founder It was a privilege to have Trail Witthuhn, one of the founders of TOMT, speak to the anglers. He recounted the story of his first encounter with marlin in the Agulhas area and how an Australian friend taught him the proper technique to catch them. Drawing from his extensive experience, Trail shared that at this time of year, anglers are more likely to catch black marlin, as the stipeys have migrated from the area. Thank you, Trail, for your valuable tips, which we are certain will be immensely helpful to the anglers.
What a legend – Trail Whitthuhn
The Auction This evening, Andrew Perrins, renowned for his sharp wit and humor, stepped into the role of auctioneer at our lively wine auction. Dahlene presented the exquisite wines, ready to go under the hammer, while the anglers had to be cautious with their gestures, as even the smallest wave could lead to a substantial bid.
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The amazing winesSafety Officer or Auctioneer?The bidding beginsChris bidsHow much did I bid?!Dahlene shows what’s on offerDarius makes a generous bidI up it to 7 – thousand or hundred?Piet parted with a few randsI’ll bid on that!This is fun!
Following the auction, we were treated to a delectable dinner. Marinda and her team truly outdid themselves as we savored Cordon Bleu Pork, chips, and salad. For dessert, we indulged in irresistible tiny chocolate balls that were simply to die for.
Suidpunt Diepsee Hengelklub, is once again proud to host the annual Two Oceans Marlin Tournament.
This evening, all the teams gathered at the clubhouse to register, collect their goodie bags, and enjoy a wonderful tapas meal catered by the Club Manageress, Marinda, and her amazing team.
A-Lure Skipper, Pieter Steyn at the registration desk.Are they twins? No but they sure look alike – one of them is Skipper of Bad Co – Mike Broderick – Which one?I’m still confused!
I’m not sure yet how many lady anglers we have in the tournament this year but it was good to see at least one at the registration desk.
Leonie Penninkhof, lady angler fishing the marlin for the first time with hubby, Ron, skipper of GamblerDory’s Skipper Dudley Rosslee signing in.Delicious food for the hungry anglersThe ever-cheerful kitchen staff – Hanelie, Beverley, Genéve, Joseline (Kitchen Manager)Sponsored by Robertson Toyota!
Assisting the anglers in enjoying the evening fully were the lovely bar ladies, who are always patient, friendly, and helpful.
Three of the bar ladies – Patricia, Lisa, and Deidré
Tonight’s event commenced with a series of welcome speeches. Grant van der Westhuyzen, the Tournament Manager, reminded the anglers of the competition’s format, explained the rules, and encouraged everyone to participate with the right spirit. Below, you’ll find a brief history of how the tournament began and an overview of its operation.
History and Rules of The Two Oceans Marlin Tournament
The late Meirion Williams of Huck Finn fame, was instrumental in establishing an annual marlin catch, measure, and release competition.This was after he chatted to local commercial fisherman, TrailWhitthuhn, who twenty years ago, landed a striped marlin. Meirion believed it would be valuable to investigate the population and sizes of marlin in the Agulhas area. It is important to acknowledge that the project was not the work of just one person. Contributors such as Gawie Bruwer, Hannes Schreuder, Gerard De Kock, Johan Jooste, and Johan van der Walt played crucial roles in turning the idea into a reality. Andrew Perrins was approached to take on the role of Safety Officer, and since then, he has been actively involved in setting up aerials and operating the radios. He is supported by his reliable assistants, Trevor Brinch and Earl Fenwick, along with various team members throughout the years—making it a great team effort. For the past several years, Andrew, who now lives and works in the United Kingdom, has returned specifically to participate in this unique competition. He is expertly assisted by Trevor Brinch, also known as Spotter One, a local from Cape Agulhas who manages radio control in the area. The Two Oceans Marlin Tournament belongs to all those who participate and their influence over Tournament matters is proportional to the number of events the Skippers have participated in since 2007. The Tournament is an invitational event and is not associated with organised angling at either Local, Provincial or National levels. In the event of a tie at the end of the tournament, the marlin caught last will be declared the winner. The Tournament is fished as a no-kill, measure and release event with no points being given for a dead fish.
Brief summary of the rules
Upon returning to shore, boats must display a flag indicating what they have caught and released. Additionally, a video must be presented to the judges to verify the catch. In the event of a tie at the end of the tournament, the marlin caught last will be declared the winner.
MARLIN
POINTS
FLAG
Black Marlin
150
White flag with Black Marlin
Striped Marlin
150
White flag with Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
150
Blue Flag with White Marlin
Sailfish
100
Blue Flag with Black Marlin
Other Billfish
100
Two Oceans Flag
The above indicates the basic allocation of points. Bonus points may be given in certain circumstances.
Sponsors The participating anglers acknowledge and appreciate the support of this club, as well as the sponsors, whose generosity makes this tournament possible.
TWO OCEANS MARLIN TOURNAMENT SPONSORS
Please support our Sponsors
AIRMAR BALLYHOO MARINE
BILTONG & JAVA BLENCO
BON COURAGE WINES BUFFELSFONTEIN/HALEWOOD
COFFEE. (FULL STOP) FISH & MORE CEMSTONE
CENTRAL FORKLIFT CHAS EVERITT
CORNELIS HAM FPM SUPPLIERS
GARMIN SA GREENFISH
HEINEKEN HEINRICH TIPS
JACITA TACKLE & OUTDOOR JEBO CONNECT
NICO ALBERTS INTERIORS NINA’S DELI
PAUL DRYER PICK N PAY STRUISBAAI
PULSATOR LURES RAYMARINE AVION
ROBERTSON TOYOTA RUTHERFORD / MERCURY
M-RAD / SIMRAD SKI-BOAT MAGAZINE
SOUTH AFRICAN BREWERIES SPRINGFIELD WINES
STRUISBAAI SPECIALSIT ANGLING SUIDPUNT SECURITY
SUIDPUNT MARINE VILJOENSDRIFT WINES
WALKER BAY FIRE ENGINEERING
Andrew Perrins (Safety Officer and Radio Controller) with Zach Swingburn – Airmar Representative. Thank you Airmar, for your amazing support.
Mercury Representative Gareth Dreyer and his wife Delicia. Thanks to Mercury for their generous sponsorship.
Below is a list of the participating boats and skippers
Skipper
Boat
PIETER STEYN
A-LURE (First-time entrant)
MIKE BRODERICK
BAD CO
PIET WESSELS
BAYSWATER
MIKE RILEY
CATITUDE
DUDLEY ROSSLEE
DORY
IAN BARNARD
ECLIPSE (First-time entrant)
KOOS PRETORIUS
GEE SPOT
ANDREW VAN ZYL
GWAZA
GAWIE BRUWER
INDIGO
JB SNYMAN
JAYLIZ (First time entrant)
CHRIS GOATLEY
JOHN GRAEME
SAREL JANSE VAN RENSBURG
KIRU (First-time entrant)
JACO JACOBS
LE BOSS 2
PEET BOTHA
LOSLAPPIE
RIKUS DE BEER
MARCO POLO
JACQUES VAN NIEKERK
MOJO
ROELOF VISAGIE (VLEIS)
MULTI
MARIUS LODEWYKS
NERINA (First time entrant)
ROBIN VERMAAK
PIROMERO
ALLAN FIRMANI
SHE’S ALL WET (First time entrant)
JOE VERWEY
SOO-JA (First-time entrant)
JACQUES BRITZ
STRIKER (First-time entrant)
RON PENNINKHOF
THE GAMBLER (First time entrant)
GERT VILJOEN
VISTROK
Listening to the rulesTeam Bayswater got into the spirit of the tournament. Just love those supporters’ t-shirts. Left to right – Ockie holding twin Janko, Henda holding twin Malinke, Piet, Hanicke and in front AnikaDarius ‘Trump’ all the way from the USA made friends with our Airmar Sponsor!
TOMTLegend Award Every year one Two Oceans Marlin ‘legend’ is honoured with special award. This year’s Legend of TOMT is Koos Pretorius A special award honouring him was presented by Gawie Bruwer. Koos generously sponsored the purchase of our Delta 82 radio system, which benefits all anglers around Cape Agulhas and Cape Point. Additionally, Koos was part of the Osprey team that released six striped marlin in one day in 2012, a record that still stands unbroken.
Koos Pretorius receiving his award from Gawie Bruwer
Sunday was originally planned as the first day of fishing. However, due to a weather call, fishing will now commence on Monday. The forecast for the week looks promising!
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.
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 kidsOutside seating where you can watch the kidsAdult outside seatingBeer on tapDelicious breakfastColin 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 VillageNana with the beautiful mountains in the backgroundPicnic Site at Cogman’s CreekToyota 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 DamBuying our Life from StoneEgyptian Geese improving the sceneryWine 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.
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.
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.
Do you have a bucket list? I don’t have a written bucket list, but that doesn’t mean I want to stop exploring the world, enjoying wildlife and nature, embracing new experiences, and living life to the fullest. I feel fortunate to have done many interesting things throughout my life, and if I were to run out of time, I wouldn’t have any serious regrets. When I retired, I promised myself that I would say yes to any new opportunity that came my way, and I have kept that promise. However, as I get older, I do feel a bit nervous about running out of money. When my husband suggested an extended and expensive cruise, I hesitated. Can we really afford it? It’s important to be sensible about these matters, too.
Cremation or Burial? I believe cremation is the best option for me. I would like my ashes to be scattered in Kruger National Park. Since one has to get permission for this, I should start getting that sorted out soon!
This might be a good spot!
Recognized Service/Celebration of Life, or Private Gathering? I would prefer a private cremation with close family only. They can then decide how best to scatter my ashes in the park and hold a little celebration of life for me there.
Flowers or Donations? Given that my death will likely occur quietly and without much fuss, I don’t expect anyone to send flowers or make donations. However, they are welcome to do so if they wish. Perhaps a donation to Save the Rhino International would be fitting.
Gratitude: I am grateful to be in good health and to know that my death is probably not imminent. However, anything can happen, and I intend to live life to the fullest until the very last moment—just in case that moment comes sooner than expected!
If you wanted to do something completely against your character, would you dye your hair a shocking colour, shave your head or get a tattoo? I would never ever get a tattoo. What makes a person want to put a permanent mark on his/her body that he/she might not like later on in life? I get tired of wearing the same jewelry so imagine a tattoo that’s there for life!
The most outrageous thing I would do is die my hair turquoise, purple or bright pink! It would cause a stir but ultimately it would eventually grow out! Outrageous hairstyles appeal to me. When I was young, I had a spiky haircut!
What is your dream/perfect job? I had my dream job – a teacher. It might sound dull to most people but I enjoyed every day of it. Nothing in life is perfect and there were plenty of things that irked me about our educational system. But there are ways of teaching creatively while paying lip service to the gods in their ivory towers.
I think it might have been fabulous to be a spy or an undercover cop!
Would you like to learn how to fly an aeroplane? It’s not something that I have on my bucket list but if the opportunity presented itself, I think I would go for it!
Have you been on a hovercraft? I think it was a hovercraft that I travelled on in 1993 when I crossed the channel to France. The memory of it has faded almost completely. However, the week in France is clear in my memory. I went on a mine train roller coaster that was terrifying, but I wanted to go again. Instead, my husband got us into the Space Mountain ride, which felt exactly like being in outer space and was twice as terrifying. But I loved it! Sorry, this isn’t the answer to the question, but it brought back all the memories!
Gratitude: A quote from Roy T Bennett, my photo of Maggie’s rose.
I love the above quote and hope that I can live those words. I certainly try.
1. Of all the household chores (laundry, dusting, hoovering, washing up, cooking etc) which is your least favourite? I can’t say that I am particularly fond of any household chore but I don’t mind doing the general tidying and cleaning up. I have a dishwasher and other labour-saving devices as well as a weekly helper to do the major cleaning so I can’t complain. Perhaps the least favourite chore is dusting which is a thankless task when the wind blows constantly.
2. With food prices going up all the time, do you buy less, find substitutes, or don’t buy at all? I often face challenges regarding my food choices. I have a health problem which requires that I avoid certain foods. Maintaining a healthy diet is important to me, so I prioritize purchasing foods that I believe are best for my well-being. I don’t include pasta, rice, breakfast cereals or other processed foods on my shopping list. Additionally, I avoid junk food entirely—I don’t buy biscuits, baked goods, chips, or fizzy drinks.
When responding to my critics, who tell me they cannot afford to eat my way, I ask them to consider how much they spend on rusks, biscuits, Coke, and flour for baking and desserts. What I save by not buying junk food I choose to spend on more expensive fruits and vegetables.
3. Do you enjoy meals with leftovers? We often have leftovers, and I ‘recycle’ them. Recently, I cooked a leg of lamb for six people. There was enough left over to heat up in a pan and serve again the next evening. I served it with stir-fried cabbage, roast potatoes, and salad. Our guests brought 3 mini Eisbeins which we divided up to add to the dinner. There was still too much for six of us to finish so the following day I minced it all together and made a moussaka which served three of us. Thus a 1.7 kg leg of lamb which cost about R 320 (14 pounds) went quite a long way.
4. Do you prefer bagels, crusty bread, or toast? Bread and baked goods are rare in my home. However, I find it hard to resist croissants and will have one occasionally. (I am not such a goody two-shoes!)
Gratitude: I am grateful for the abundance in my life—delicious food, wonderful friends and family, and the good health to enjoy it all. Since returning from a holiday with my family, our home at the tip of Africa has been filled with visitors. How lucky I am!
1. What is the weather like today where you are? Today is Tuesday 7 January 2025 – I am answering a day after the challenge was posted. I live at the southern tip of Africa. If we’re lucky our mornings will be windless. However, it will blow in the afternoons! So today started slightly overcast with no wind, but now it is hot and windy. Yesterday was also hot and windy. Tomorrow will be hot an windy!
No complaints from the kite surfers!
2. Have you booked your annual vacation yet? We take multiple vacations each year and have just returned from our summer stay in Plettenberg Bay, where we spent time with our daughter. All three of our daughters and two of our grandchildren were also there. After that, we spent a week in Cape Town with another of our daughters. We haven’t booked our next vacation yet. We tend to do things spur of the moment. However, traveling internationally with a South African passport requires careful planning, as most countries require SA tourists to obtain visas. The process of applying for these visas can be both costly and time-consuming. Since we plan to cruise later this year, it’s time to start our preparations.
3. Do you have a passport, and when does it expire? I do. It expires next month which means I need to go to Home Affairs to renew it next week! In the city this would mean queues hours long. But where I live, it won’t take long.
Taken from the internet – no queues but that’s unusual in most places!
4. When was the last (or first) time you went abroad? The first time I embarked on an international journey was back in 1988. At thirty-six, I had my adventurous 9-year-old daughter by my side. Our destination? London, to visit my younger brother who resided there. We spent an entire month soaking in the city’s charm. We explored every nook and cranny of London, and the excitement of navigating the tube trains and London buses was an experience my daughter cherished deeply. She fell head over heels for London, later working there for two years in her twenties. To this day, she seizes any opportunity to return.
Christmas in London 1988 – Paddington Bear was a gift from her uncle.
The last time I traveled abroad was in June 2024. My husband, our London-loving daughter, and I spent two weeks exploring London. Afterwards, we joined another daughter for a 10-day Adriatic cruise.
Gratitude: I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to travel both within my own country and abroad. Some of my best travel adventures have been right here in South Africa, where I have explored every province and visited nearly every national park our country has to offer.
Sponsored by Robertson Toyota!
Adventuring into Retirement 