2016-January-26 England, London: Precious Family Time

Jean manages to get back to South Africa to visit family and friends every two to three years. These trips are usually two weeks spread across Johannesburg, Knysna and Durban which results in only a few days each visit with her dad, Trevor, and her sister, Kim.  That is why this trip was so special:  we were able to spend around two weeks with each of them.

View of Knysna Lagoon From The Heads

In Knysna, a typical day would be to go out using Trevor's car in the morning and explore some of the area.

Kranshoek near Knysna  - Lovely Walking Trails And Views

In the afternoon we would often cool off in the pool at home whilst chatting to Trevor.  

He would then cook us some gastronomic delight in the evening. 

Trevor, Jean and Fo

Jean's university friend, Nikki, lives nearby in a town called 'The Wilderness'  so we got to spend New Year with her family. 

Jean and  Nikki's Family - Nikki, Costa (Hubby), Jeremy (Dad), Jay (Brother), Lisa (Sister-In-Law)

 Trevor's partner, Mariana, was recovering from a knee op.  We went out to local markets with her and on a scenic drive just before we left which was fab. 

Anthony And Mariana at Kranshoek  

We both fell in love with the Knysna area again.  For anyone visiting South Africa, if you have time after the game reserves and Cape Town we would urge you to consider this beautiful coastline called "The Garden Route" as part of your trip planning!

Our last stop in South Africa was to visit Kim and Guy in Durban on the East coast of the country. Kim is a helicopter pilot working for Air Mercy Services and, by working extra over the Christmas period, was able to arrange her shift roster so that she had loads of time off when we were in town. Thanks for that Kimbo! 

Baby Vervet Monkey at Botanical Gardens - also found around Kim's house

We did a few sea swims with her, chilled at home in the pool, watched their favourite TV programs and explored Durban.

Braai (BBQ) By Fo And Guy 

Birthday Present From Kim - New Snorkel Set, Yippee!

Cottage at Camperdown

On the weekends we went to their friend's cottage on a farm.  We swam and went out on the communal boat.  

Kim Ski-ing

Anthony learnt how to water-ski.  Bit more technique required but well done on getting up first time!

On the couple of occasions that Kim had to work, we did some clothes shopping in preparation for re-entering corporate life in Australia and were pleased to leverage the favourable AUD to Rand exchange rate!  Unfortunately, we were restricted to a small number of items with our baggage allowance :-(

A flying colleague of Kim's works for a security company and does a daily flight to hover over various rural pension pay-points to act as a deterrent for theft.  He took us up with him twice which was a fabulous way to see a bit more of the countryside.  How lucky are we?

Much to our excitement, Kim had decided to compete in the Kwa-Zulu Natal cycling time trials in preparation for the South African championships.  (She was a professional triathlete in her former career and a top cyclist too).  Anyway, we got to go along and support and watch her win her age group and do impressively against the elite girls as well as the guys in her age group.  It was Anthony's first time to see her race and experience being part of the fan group first hand :-)

Kim Taking 1st Place In Her Age group 

Sadly, the time came to leave South Africa and say goodbye to the family BUT we know we will be back and we are hoping we can lure Kim and Guy out to Australia for a holiday in the not-too-distant future.

Farewell Dinner - Anthony, Guy, Jean, Kim

We flew to London last week and have started a 3,5 week driving trip around Southern England to visit friends and family here.  Whilst it is the coldest place we have been on our trip, we are lucky as the days have been fairly mild since we arrived.  Having said that, we are very grateful that we purchased a nice chunky jersey each in Durban. 

More on England later... We're off to the pub for a local cider and pub grub.  Tally-ho!