Packed my bags and ready to go, the reason why I stopped back off in SA had finally arrived...our family holiday to a game lodge around 2 hours away! So 14 of us, all of my direct family ie my 3 siblings with their spouses, 2 kids per couple and my lovely mum. All together for the first time in 5 years since our Mauritius fam holiday.

We left Jo'burg with my mum, brother-in-law (Zane), Sister (Marlene) and their two kids around noon for Dikhalolo game lodge. We stopped off of for lunch at Jasmyn, a great restaurant/organic food and curio shopping centre in the middle of the rural area. We also stopped off in Brits for purchasing of final bits and bobs in Brits (closest town from Dikhololo). Arrived at our Chalet at 5pm. Unpacked, my two brothers and their families arrived by 7pm. We all had dinner together and called it a night.

It was very relaxed, was easy to sleep late, must be the fresh air:) After late breaky, we walked to the look-out tower where one could see over the whole game lodge and into the horizon, very pretty!! Lazed at the pool and then the "Braai" (BBQ) began at my eldest brother's chalet, even though it was probably less than 10 degrees. It was great fun though and a South African institution. Was lovely to chat with my brothers around the fire.

It was Sunday and Zane managed to stream little fall's Christian centre's service, so we listened to a message of a Pastor Stephan. Zane made us a most amazing pooitjie (it's like a slow simmering stew, that is made in a traditional 3 legged black pot, by layering of meat, veggies and a special sauce created by the "pootjie master").

After that amazing meal it was time for a walk in the velt (bush) and doing some animal spotting along the way.

It was the Germany/Argentina football final. As Bianca and Heidi (my sister-in-laws) are both German, the vibe was very tense and of course German biased. The game was fantastic and spirits high when Germany won after the 90mins.

Had a great breaky. The awesome thing about the Northern part of South Africa is warm enough to tan next to the pool in winter, which is exactly what I did. Had lunch at the outdoor restaurant, swam in the hot water pool.

Went for run in the bush, was amazing, saw Kudu, Eland, Impala, Gemsbuck and Waterbuck on my run. It was quite intimidating at points as it seemed like the game were gunning for me at times, but was actually just them running away from me.

Played volleyball, tennis and boardgames with my nephew and nieces. Reinhard, Martin and I played 3 man tennis most days. It's been a few years since I've played, but all of our games seemed to have improved by the end of the week.

Seeing that I am at a bit of a crossroads with which continent to live on and what job I should be doing, Martin (my brother) and I had a bit of a brain storming session to get me thinking in the right direction. Was much appreciated

We did a family game drive and saw more game in the reserve. The kids were in the back of the car boot having the best vantage point.

The kids and I went down the super tube, was pretty weird when I realised I could not stop...not that I have any control issues ;) Was great fun. Also bearing in mind that it's winter, it's so amazing to think one could go into the water without getting frostbite and even bake in the sun.

It's been an amazing time of rest and more importantly time invested with my family, I so enjoyed it!! Was so grateful that I had the opportunity to join them.