Airports Days 19 - 20

Woke up and was sad that I was leaving Namibia, the place is pure magic and even though I did a fair bit there is so much more to do. I had such a wonderful time with Tash and Flanagan. I think I forgot to mention that on my birthday I woke up to beautiful gifts and hugs and kisses followed later in the day by an awesome chocolate cake topped with maltesers.

So I am currently in Joburg airport on my way to Greece, I will arrive sometime late tomorrow. Not sure if I will have an access there so there may not be a post for a week. I am loving my trip, catching up with old friends and starting to feel very relaxed.

Much love. Me x

Swakopmund Day 18

I had a wonderful birthday. I woke up and got a present from Tash and Flanagan then had breakfast before heading out to get my phone fixed. I now have no numbers so if you text just let me know it is you as I lost everything.

Then I did something crazy and went and jumped out of a plane :) fully sick is all I can say. I was so scared that when I free fell I could not breathe properly. The best part was cruising down looking over dunes, water and seeing all the way to horizon.

Anyway, I had paid for a dvd and photo package. The photos didn't work out after I had a beer (I know that I sound like a drink a lot these days but wouldn't you if you had just jumped out of a plane at 10,000ft?) they told me to suit up I was going again for free....I didn't have time to think and I was at it again and still scared. This time the free fall was better but not the parachute part, went a bit too fast. So how lucky am I? I got my phone back, got two jumps for the price of one and now am going out to dinner. All my nervous energy from the last week is starting to subside, jumping out of a perfectly sound plane will do that to you ;)

Swakopmund Day 17

This morning I woke up early and had a lovely cooked breakfast before heading out on my living desert tour, named the "little 5". Our guide is like the Steve Irwin of Namibia and was very entertaining, I was introduced as the Australian Mafia..

We set out into the dunes and he immediately jumped out and gave us an 1 hour introduction, he can talk I tell you. Such interesting information as well. When you walk through the desert here you are walking over spiders, snakes, skinks and the like, so much wildlife. He found us a small spider hole but did not bring this one out as it was an albino and would take several hours to re built it's hole. The first thing we saw was a horned adder, they move sideways and was beautiful in colour and waxy to touch like most of the desert animals. I also saw a chamelion and a little light coloured skink, then lastly a small lizard. Really cool tour. One of the sad things is that when quad bikes etc go through the flats the tyre prints never leave as the wind will not move the gravel, there are tracks from carts of 120 years ago that can still be seen today. Totally devasatating for the environment. This tour stays to only one set of tracks all the time and my guide may no bones about how much it upset him that approx 80% of the desert is covered in 4x4 tracks and quad tracks, apparently there are around 360 new tracks made each year as a round estimate, these will never go away.

I returned home and went out for coffee and cake with Tash who is feeling much better after a day of rest. Tonight Tash and Flanagan are making me Pap a traditional African dish with a Braai (bbq). I am sitting watching the sun retreat through the window with my "sundowner" (beer with lemon and ice) very refreshing...

Swakopmund Day 16

Poor Tash is really sick, has a cold of sorts and not fairing well. Flanagan made me breakfast and then after some pottering around I went into to town and took some photos, walked back via the beach watching kids play and the water coming in on the sand. Very relaxing here and I am not doing too much today other than chilling out.

Tomorrow morning I am headed on a desert tour which should be really interesting. I am sure I will have more to update then.

Swakopmund Day 15

Today I woke up late, had some breakfast and headed into town for a look around. It is only small so did not take long. Got a new USB cable and a couple of other things that I needed. Headed home for some lunch in the garden and then spent the afternoon relaxing.

Headed out to watch the sunset (through a lens of course) down by the pier.

To anyone that does not know, my mobile was stolen...meh, I didn't need the social tool anyway ;) Took me 45 minutes in the police station with the girl almost laughing that I was reporting it, I think she thought I was a bit crazy?

Flanagan has prepared some fresh caught fish for us and I am about to enjoy dinner.

Swakopmund Day 14

I set out early and boarded a boat tour for half the day. We had seals that came onto the boat which we were able to feed and touch if they were not aggressive. Also saw a colony from the distance, some dolphins, pelicans and sea gulls. This was just near Swakop in Walvis Bay, about half an hour away. We had some lunch, oysters and the like with Champas and then got back to Port at around 12 where Tash and Flannigan were waiting for me.

We drove a little while to "Dune 7". This is the largest natural sand dune in the world and I climbed it...only just. Took me 18 minutes which is apparently really good considering I thought I was dying half way up, my heart was going to jump out at one point and walk itself :) When I finally reached the top and regained my breathe it was quite something to look out over the dunes and take some photos which I must admit are probably pretty average...I was half dead. More sand in my shoes and every other part of me than I care to think about and I headed down. We headed to the Moonscape, named after an area on the moon as the landscape is so similar. At one point in time it was a river. Amazing looking landscape, can't describe it. More photos were taken of course!

And how do you finish a day like this? Beer on the waterfront...nuff said

(Namibia) Swakopmund Day 13

Caught the first flight on my trip that was on time today...yeah, every other flight has been delayed by around 2 hours. So it was a tiny yet and the guy behind me loved to give me a constant knee in the back and talk that little bit too loud...but then I saw desert and sea and the smile broadend. Got off the plane and arrived at an airport the size of a small shop, gold. Came out of customs and could not hold back the smiles as I saw Natasja (she is calling herself a little elephant) to me she looks beautiful with a lovely 8 month bump...awe, and as an added bonus got to meet Flannigan for the first time who is just darling.

We headed straight from Walvis Bay to Swakop to settle me into my dreamy room, you really must come here, if it was good enough for Brad and Ange to have a baby in the town clearly it is great for us little people as well ;)

Went out for lunch and had a monstrous (spell?) sandwich. Prepare yourself, it had banana, cheese and bacon...bloody great even though it sounds particularly weird. Also goes well with local beer...

We have looked through about 2 years of photos, chewed the fat and generally just caught up. Feeling pretty tired now so going to have the other half of my sandwich if I can actually fit it in and then head to bed before hitting the ground running tomorrow.

Mum, we can skype on the 29th. Will sort out times etc and let you know. Much love to all. x

Cape Town Day 12

So I got up at 6am and after saying goodbye to the Lloyds which was a bit sad :( Got to the airport and it was fogged in so I waited 2 hours to board my flight and after some great conversation with locals I got on board. Arrived in Cape Town only to find out I could not go up to the top of Table Mountain...closed for maintenance, oh my...got on the hop on hop off bus and did a whirlwind tour of town, clearly 1 day was not enough. Brian had collected me from the Airport and Shell picked me up from the botanical gardens in time to see baby Finlay for a hug and a kiss before we headed out to a lovely dinner. So that was my half day in Cape Town, not enough but most importantly got to see old friends :)

Port Elizabeth Day 11

This morning Rose, Jenna and I headed out to a small game park where I got to see some Tigers, Lions (babies as well) and Peacocks, really sad that there were no Meercats around, they may have been sleeping. After lunch Kenny, Rose, Jenna and I headed to the beach and I took some family shots. I have to say, the light here is more than slightly amazing. I was talking to Rose this morning and looking up at how blue the sky is, not washed out from too much light like Australia.

Tonight we are headed out for dinner to Blue Water Cafe in town which will be a lovely way to spend our last evening together.

I have had a wonderful time with the Lloyds and will be very sad leaving tomorrow. I am however looking forward to seeing Brian and Shell and little Finlay...bring on the babies for hugs :)

Oh, as an aside...BOO HOO as table mountain is closed while I am here....NOT, HAPPY, JAN...I wonder how long it would take to walk up and am I fit enough....stay tuned...

Port Elizabeth Day 10

After some last minute preparations this morning Rose and I went to the University where we met with a group of girls and I led my first bible study. Of course I got interviewed again by Rose which was great to share with the group.

In the study we discussed the concepts of foolishness of the cross (1 Cor 1:18 - 25) It was a good meeting with some great discussion. Of course I whipped out the camera for a happy snap of the group, will post it later. Awesome to be reminded that even though we are weak God will work through our foolishness.

I am off to take Jenna for a walk while Rosie prepares supper and Kenny goes out for a bit. Loving it :)

Things lost so far..

So, I would like to say that when travelling I am usually more organised than most. However on this trip I have lost stuff within the first week...

Day 1 - Left brand new uggies for Jenna and book in back of cab
Day 7 - USB cord definitely gone now, possibly left in Beijing
Day 7 - Black jumper in front of cab

Will keep you posted on the progress of my luggage lol ;p

Port Elizabeth Day 9

Woke up early and headed off to a community church with Rose and Jenna. This church is in Walmer Township where the population is all black and most are unemployed (Apparently the unemployment rate in SA is around 40% min). The service was great, with a lot of signing, flag waving, hugging, yelling, praising and a bit of dancing. Some young boys got up on stage and busted a move during the signing, awesome stuff. Although there were some iffy bits in the service I loved the story the preacher gave about a girl and a chicken and the forgiveness from the mother, twas great.

After having a lovely lunch that Rosie prepared for us we went for a walk along the waterfront, had a look at some market stalls. I smelled doughnuts....and even though I did not have any they looked good served with chocolate.

This evening I am off to church with Kenny and in usual fashion he is going to hit me up for an interview in front of the congregation. I have pre read the questions and they are not bad :)

Days 7 & 8

Wake up, pack up, eat breakfast arrive;

Beijing Airport 1pm...left jumper in taxi...excellent, flight delayed by 45 mins, marvellous.
Hong Kong arrive 8pm, change some currency, send postcards, order watermelon juice and cruise the internet for a couple of hours. 13 hours in the air, 2 movies - a history of violence and the bank heist (both pretty good) approx 7 hours broken sleep...gold
Johannesburg arrive 6.50am, bathroom, check in, wait until 9 to drop bag off at check in....go through security (only to realise I have no currency and now can't change any) Flight slightly delayed..
Port Elizabeth arrive 1pm, greetings, laughs, joy and talks with Kenny on the way to his Aunty's house. Watch Australia finish of SA in the Rugby and then head home with Rose and Jenna in tow...SHOWER...ah the joy after over 24 hours in transit ;)

Drove to the beach and did a nice walk, took a couple of photos. Came home and had a Braai (bbq) and then went to bed.

Beijing Days 5 & 6

Went to the Great Wall on Wednesday, oh my, I don't think I can describe it, you would have to look at my photos on flickr amazing is all I can say, hard work climbing those stairs but so worth it. We had lunch and then headed to the Ming Tombs. Everything is on such a grand scale.

Thursday I headed out at 8am and set off to the Temple of Heaven, again, massive, approximately a couple of kilometers each way, walked around the temples and through the gardens. Some people were gathered singing, others were exercising and I played a game of racquet ball with an elderly lady.

Jumped in a taxi and went to a Hutong, local communities in little streets. A lot of these have been raised to make way for new high rises which is a shame. Had lunch in a local restaurant, no idea what type of meat I ate, but hey who cares right? Kept walking and went to the confucious temple which was surprisingly quiet and small by comparison to everything else. Watched some men play chequers and then jumped in another taxi to head home for a minute before going to Wunfujing where they have all the crazy food. Ate a piece of Starfish. Salty, could not eat a whole one. Found a remote switch for my camera and got home at around 8pm. It was a long day which is why this post is so short.

Heading off to the airport in about an hour for South Africa. See you soon.

Beijing Day 4

Oh my goodness, I am hopeless with words (when typing obviously, no need for laughs there) This morning I went to Tian amen Square and then into The Forbidden City. I cannot describe how large these areas are. You could spend around 3 days in The Forbidden City I think as a rough estimate. I became a rock star today and everyone wanted a photo with me. Being the happy snapper I am I was more than happy to oblige, meh, on holidays, everyone is so happy who cares right? It was funny with a whole group going shot after shot though...one kid was none too impressed and did not want a bar of it, I like his style :)

Ren and Dave live in a place called Central Park, there are around 4 towers and the Ayi's (Chinese for Aunty aka Nanny) like to hang in the park with their charges and talk. I came across one that had 3 children and she was calling after one saying "Ethan Bear" made me smile and miss my nephew. For those of you that don't know, my nephew's name is Ethan and gets called little bear...so close yet so far.

Anyway, I digress. So I cruised around the sites with more tourists than I have ever seen at any location in the world (I know I am prone to exaggeration, but this time I am not talking it up) and just took in the sheer magnificance of the place. It blows my mind, not to mention the ornate detail to almost everything, even as you are walking in parts they have made flowers etc out of the stone work on the paths, unreal.

I headed home after getting some serious heat....bad girl, I look like a melon...I blame the weather man! As I sit here drinking a glass of wine I think I am emitting enough heat to power a car ;) Then went to the silk markets. I hate haggling but when I returned with my bounty Ren told me that I had done supremely well (slightly chuffed at this point, minus burn) I bought the nephews some tops and was pretty much yelling at the girl (in a nice way) before walking off and winning....oh yeah, I still got it...lol

Stay tuned, Great Wall tomorrow (with umbrella for shade, stupid whitey..)

P.S. no photo's today as I think Dave may have obsconded with my USB cord by accident...

xx

Beijing Day 3

This morning Ren and I headed to the local markets to get some fresh food for the house. We where the only white people there and when I say fresh food, this place was FRESH...such beautiful produce and of course everything is seasonal. Wonderful textures and colours as well as a tonne of people walking around. Had a great time taking photos while Ren shopped.

After coming home to drop off the shopping we headed to the Summer Palace. I have started to notice a theme with Beijing in that everything is on a massive scale. You cannot do one attraction in a day...perhaps if you were and elite athlete and did not stop for photos..so we walked around through amazing gardens, temples and the like before heading to the lake and jumping in another boat for a spin around the lake. Ren and Miles left me after this and I walked a bit more, went into another temple, took another 60 photos, fell on the steps and suddenly had about 3 people all over me helping me up. I have to say that the Chinese are really polite and generally happy which is a lovely surprise after years of travelling and seeing disgruntled locals here and there.

It has rained all day, but I could care less. It is harder to get some shots but I am on holidays so my care factor is minimal. P.S. rain forecast for tomorrow as well ;)

Mum, I found you the perfect vase...unfortunately I can't bring it home ;)

Beijing Day 2

Woke up early, then promptly went back to bed after breakfast, I normally go gang busters on my trips but feel a little bit more relaxed here. Ren and Dave are showing me the best hospitality ever, my room is better than any hotel I have ever stayed in, complete with all beauty products, hair dryer and...yep a straightener...gold! I feel like I am in a 5 star resort, have even ordered in a massage tonight, they come to your room and you get 1 1/2 hours for under 20 bucks in your own bed.

This afternoon we headed to Chaoyang Park in the centre of town, the park is huge like everything in Beijing. Now when I say huge it has it's own lake, amusement rides etc and is approximately 5km by 3km. We jumped on one of those water rides and I got completely drenched, reminded me of childhood. Miles was on his bike a lot of the time and having just had his cast removed was going crazy all over the place loving the freedom. We also took a boat out on the lake and did a balloon ride that takes you up to an awesome vantage point, the guys were lovely and gave us 2 trips for 1. Miles and Reuben (Ren and Dave's kids) are great to go out with, and they get treated like rock stars, everyone wants a photo with them.

Ren has everything planned and we are going to the markets first thing in the morning, so I am looking forward to getting lots of food shots, then possibly on to Tianamen Square and the Forbidden City. See you soon!

Beijing Day 1

Well I arrived last night after a 2 hour delayed flight, thank goodness I was early to the airport!! hahaha. Had a couple of beers with Ren and Dave, caught up and then realised it was 1.30am and I had to get up at 7 to go out...good times for your first day of holidays.

Woke up to a beautiful blue sky which is a rare sight in Beijing due to the factories and general work that goes on it is constantly covered in a thick dense smog which I noticed when I arrived..you can't see 3 high rises in front of you at points. Jumped into a cab and went to a friend from work's parents house where I was spoiled with attention and fruit and juice. We drove to have a look at their house being built and they dropped off lunch for the workers. Headed to the salon where I thought I was just getting a massage....I emerged 3 or so hours later having had a full body massage and full facial. Was feeling like mush when we headed to lunch, amazing food, whole fish, spicy chicken hot pot, flour rolls with mushroom filling, soups....oh my I was full.

About to head out in an hour or so to dinner with Ren, Dave and a group of their ex pat friends.

Oh and hold your breath, I only took 2 photos today....yep I know, crazy times...