Sodwana

3 May: An early start and we were picked up by Jack and Michelle to head to the coast -the stunning Sodwana Bay located just south of the South African and Mozambique border. After some clever packing to fit all the gear in we were off, stopping off en route for some first class biltong, and a little further into the journey in Jozini (bustling with all the locals, buses and getting parked in amongst open bakkies full of grapefruit and other fruits for sale) for a few beers (quarts of course!) to help the final few miles pass with smiles. A few miles and a way down a dirt track later we realized that the path ended, clearly we had taken a wrong turn somewhere, so back to the main road again! This meant another beer stop was needed, a limited choice in the middle of nowhere, but we found a true shabeen in a little hut which could provide Carling Black Label- amazingly ice cold somehow!. I felt particularly classy drinking from a quart bottle, but when in Africa....! Arriving at the Sodwana Bay Lodge we spent a chilled afternoon watching rugby, reading, braaing and catching up.

4 May: An early start for all but me the following day as Sean, Jack and Michelle went off diving. A cold day turned the planned two dives into one, and the guys arrived back after some food and cheesy films. Later on we headed back down to the beach for a walk, but the onset of rain thwarted our plan. So after a quick wander round we headed back which meant I had time to go to church. I arrived back to yet more food and drink. Between the fab food Michelle packed (good old Woolies in South Africa) and the braai skills of the boys, these few days were turning out to be quite a feast!

5 May: Early start and off to the beach, I went along with the divers to snorkel at sea. Smashing through the waves in our little rubber dingy, such fun! Snorkelling was all swimming and spitting out sea water, so I gave up, and waited …the guys came up raving about seeing reef sharks and loads of life. We went back to the beach on the boat; where I stayed in the glorious sun while they went out again. The tidal pools were perfect for snorkelling with loads of little fishies and some not so little ones..... we saw an electric marble ray swimming around! We drove into town in the afternoon (another crazy little market town) followed by another evening of ...you guessed it - good food and fine drinks.

6 May: Our last morning was spent at the beach, for me enjoying the sun and looking in the rock pools, and for the guys a trip out for two dives. They arrived back having seen big sharks this time, so were thrilled! Sad to be leaving this stunning bay having had a great time with brilliant company. All good things must come to an end and we travelled back to Joburg.

The next couple of days were spent back in Joburg at the Smuts family house. The highlights were a lovely meal out with Joan (Sean's Mom), visiting friends and new babies (new addition Hannah Terbrugge), a roast dinner with Andrew & Bonnie & kiddies and most importantly a big surprise 70th party for Sean's mom which was a lovely day with many friends coming to say a special happy birthday - she was definitely surprised!! Every time I think of her face when she saw everyone I have a big grin - it was so lovely to see!!