Anticipating a New Adventure

Anticipating a New Adventure

I have returned to a blog post that I meant to write BEFORE going back to South Africa in January 2012. Now I am writing about my observations in retrospect while I enjoy a few days of r&r in downtown Indianapolis courtesy of Sean and Jen.

How do I describe my feelings about a experience re-lived after a hiatus of 23 years? Yes, the changes were massive: mainly positive - South Africa is truly the rainbow nation that it claims to be. On the other hand, there are also negative aspects to the daily life of so many people in this astoundingly beautiful country. Social changes are taking place and a black middle class is evolving--an evolution that can only be good for the country's future. But, there are still millions of unskilled and uneducated members of society who have minimal prospects of gainful employment, therefore relying on the government to provide free housing, water, and electricity. The big question is: can the social infrastructure of the country maintain the situation where the ratio of unemployed citizens far outweighs the rules of economics? How long can the few provide for the many? With an unemployment rate of 23.9% reported in the last quarter of 2011, the government faces an incredible challenge.

Noordhoek

As a visitor to South Africa, it is easy to notice these social challenges but the natural beauty of the country soon saps away any social conscience the observer may have and focuses a person's attention on the physical advantages that bless this tip of the African continent. Where else can tourists enjoy unspoiled beaches where the sound of crashing waves fills the senses, interrupted only by the touch of the wind on one's skin, the taste of salt in one's mouth, and the vision of white sand ahead for as far as the eye can see? If this image is attractive to you, just visit Noordhoek and you will be physically and metaphorically blown away.

Sultry sunset in River Club

Nick and I were incredibly spoiled by our friends in South Africa. We began our stay with the Fane Hervey's in River Club, Gauteng with whom we enjoyed a typical braai under sultry, humid, South African skies. They also supplied my birthday treat which was 18-holes at Bryanston Country Club followed by a wonderful dinner with the additional of yet another member of the family--Debbie.

We also enjoyed a memorable tour of Soweto the area where all black South Africans were forced to live when we were there during the 70s and 80s. Post 1994 and the election of Nelson Mandela as President, apartheid is now a thing of the past. It was good to see the situation through different eyes and both Nick and I came away much enriched by the experience.
From there we flew to Cape Town, spending the night at the Ambassador hotel in Bantry Bay where I got to know the local pharmacist fairly well! It was definitely a case of better living through chemistry as he managed to solve my issues of spending the whole night in the bathroom--thank goodness for the South African medical system!

The daily view from the Smith's balcony

The Smith's gave us a wonderful weekend at their home in Hout Bay where yet again the sound of the sea was a constant, and the 180 degree view from their balcony was an unbeatable mix of mountains and sea. How do you ever move on from a daily view of such magnificence?


Rooi Els was the next port of call: a small beach hamlet with one general store, a pub, and a restaurant. The peace and tranquillity of the area was magical. Early morning walks past the rocky outcrops near the house began the day. The rocky terrain soon morphed into a small, intimate, sandy beach where it was a shock to meet more than a couple of other walkers. Bliss!

Rooi Els - the rocky outcrop

The more upscale Pringle Bay provided both rekindling of great friendships and unbeatable hospitality courtesy of the Venning/West contingent. Their company was a wonderful complement to our experience at the neighboring hamlet of Rooi Els.
There was a definite continuation of the theme of peace and tranquillity in our next destination: Onrus. The Teares opened up their holiday home and generously shared their personal love of the area with us. A trip to Hermanus and a wonderful lunch at the water's edge courtesy of Bientang's Cave Restaurant made the day.

For whale-watching enthusiasts, a trip to Hermanus is a must. Check their webpage for the best times of the year and you will not be disappointed.Nick got his golfing fix at Hermanus and Arabella with our good friends Colin Rosslee and the Wests. Both rounds were played under perfect conditions: good weather and excellent company!

Sadly, the time had come for Nick and I to head back to Johannesburg and for Nick the shock of returning to work in the States. I, however, had a different agenda: four days with my great friend Judy in Bedfordview. She and I share a wonderful history of being work colleagues at ICL, traveling buddies on Greyhound busses in the States, and jolling partners in England. We reconnected instantly after all the years that have passed. My time with her felt just like yesterday--and now I can't wait for the next meeting, hopefully stateside. Old friendships never die, no matter how much water has flowed under the bridge of Time. 

    

Unbeatable Mother's Day!

Best Mother's Day Ever!

What does every mother want for Mother's Day? The obvious answer is to be with her children and her husband. This year my day was ultra-special because it was Ross's graduation day. Not only was I surrounded by my children and their partners, but I also had the satisfying experience of watching my youngest child receive his degree from Miami University. Yeah, another milestone reached! Hopefully after today's interview he will be crossing the threshold into the the world of the great employed - fingers crossed.

One Ga Tech grad + Two Miami grads - yeah!

What will Nick and I do with all that extra mula?