When we first arrived at Jacaranda Lodge it all looked a bit daunting with a very high security fence surrounding the Lodge which was closed at night. However the owners were a charming South African English decent couple with amazingly clipped English accents. The rooms were adequate and clean but the big surprise was a bar decked out like an English pub, obviously a good excuse to enjoy a beer or two. After we booked in we went and checked out what the locals w...

We crossed from Ficksburg, South Africa over the border into Lesotho. We then drove down to the capital Maseru and had a look around. Lesotho is a very interesting country as it is completely land locked by South Africa, it is also one of the smallest and poorest countries in the world. Lesotho managed to keep its independence due to its mountainous nature. When other tribes such as the Zulu we being conquered and driven from their lands, Lesotho offered them ref...

From Cape Town we flew back to Johannesburg and straight onto the bus to take us to Sun City. We were to stay at The Palace the most opulent place we have ever stayed in. Sun City was rumored to have been set up by rich white South African men as a place well away where they could gamble and entertain doubtful women without fear of creating a scandal. The place oozes 'over the top' in every way. Massive hotels, casino, golf course with crocodiles, water ...

We first landed in Johannesburg but only to transfer to a flight to Cape Town, 5 nights at the swanky Cape Grace Hotel right on the revamped waterfront. We arrived 2 days prior to the conference, unfortunately the weather was so inclement that while Table Mountain rose immediately outside our rooms window it was not visible. We still managed to make good use of the time, getting over jet lag (a massage in our room by a masseuse who's last appointment was some...

The kids are excited, we are taking them OS, to Bali Indonesia. The downside is they have to raise their own spending money by saving Xmas and birthday money and what they can from pocket money and jobs. A years lead in time was given and charts drawn up and progress charted to keep them enthused. Originally all five were to come but unfortunately Tim started work and had to miss out. So it was Dustyn, Daniel, Ebony and Shashana.Finally the time arrives and the k...