Enjoying Our Time in South Africa

St Anne’s Diocesan College, South Africa - Grandparent’s Morning

We were so happy that our visit to South Africa coincided with Grandparent’s Morning at our granddaughter, Jessica’s, school. Our itinerant lifestyle doesn’t often coincide with events like this, although we do try to fit them in.

Our programme for the morning

The day began with all the visiting grandparents gathered together in the school chapel for a talk by the  Deputy Head, George Niven, followed by a music concert by the girls.

The choir sang, and the orchestra played such lovely music.

Our granddaughter, Jessica, played the flute. Here she is in the white jersey.

After the concert we were entertained with tea and cake

After morning tea, the grandparents were then taken on a tour of the school. We had already done this in the past, so we collected Jess, and took her off for the weekend to stay in Umhlanga, where she can relax and enjoy her own space away from boarding school.

 Another event we were able to attend, was the ‘Bring-Your-Own Supper Concert'.

 All the tables were beautifully laid out and decorated,

all we had to provide was the food and drink

As you can see, our meal was sushi, and red wine. Most delicious. While we were dining, the girls performed all sorts of music – both singing (in both Zulu and English) and all sorts of different instrumental groups. I was really impressed by the music department at the school. All the music was of a very high standard. Most enjoyable.

It was a very popular event…

…which finished with a medley of songs by the choir.

When we are in South Africa, we try to take Jess out as much as possible, to make up for her being so far from home. And also because we love spending time with her. She especially enjoys dining out, and her absolutely favourite place is Catch in Umhlanga Rocks.

Sushi is always top

Now we are back in Abu Dhabi, but we definitely aim to go back next year to spend more time with our eldest granddaughter. Thank you for making us happy, Jessica.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Umhlanga Rocks, KZN, South Africa.

Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa, in the early morning.

We spent the last 3 months in Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to stay in David’s brother’s house, so we can enjoy this seaside town, and also spend time with our granddaughter, Jessica, during exeat weekends from her school.

This is a popular vacation destination for South Africans, and whether on the beach, or enjoying some of the top-class restaurants, there is always something to do.

Umhlanga Rock's iconic whalebone pier

As we visited in winter, we didn’t spend much time on the beach, but did enjoy the town itself. One of the most popular streets is Chartwell Drive, for shopping, and it's many restaurants.

Chartwell Drive has a wonderful choice of restaurants.

For breakfast we like “vovo telo’s”, as do many other vacationers.

Their specialty is baking, and children are given hands-on bread-making sessions.

Another popular place is The George

The George is a bar, where many locals and visitors gather to meet up and drink a few beers. They also have non-stop sport on large screens, making it especially popular when major matches are being televised live.

Our stay in Umhlanga was only marred by the pesky monkeys. Their habitat has been destroyed by the huge urban developments in the area, so they have formed gangs to  source food wherever they can. One group forms a distraction on one side of the house, while others creep in and grab whatever food they can find. Although it was winter, it was still fairly warm, so it was difficult to keep the house closed up all the time.

This is what was left of our bananas. They carried the rest away. This happened

more than once. Final score, 11-0 to the monkeys…

…and this was all that was left of a brand new box of Ferrero Rocher.

We thought the house was secure, but the bathroom window was open a fraction, and they prised it open, and snatched the chocolates from the bedroom.

Who? Me?

Despite the monkeys, we had a wonderful time in Umhlanga. Thanks Mart and Barbs.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Makaranga Botanical Gardens, Kloof, KZN, South Africa

Shannon and Jordan at the beginning of our walk.

Fortunately, it had stopped raining.

Strolling through the lush, green Makaranga Botanical Gardens, provides a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is hard to believe that this peaceful paradise in Kloof, KZN, can be found just a stone's throw from a major highway, near to the city of Durban.

The picturesque waterfall

The lily pond in the Japanese garden

We saw an impressive collection of both indigenous and exotic trees, as well as many species of Orchid, Camellia and Rhododendron. There are stretches of perfectly manicured lawns, 18 different ponds, a pretty waterfall that runs into a small stream, and magnificent Japanese gardens complete with bridges, lanterns, and walkways among the tall trees and exotic plants.

Hand-carved stone statues are scattered throughout the gardens, 

many of them by Zimbabwean artists. 

Not surprisingly, as Makaranga is the name of a tribe in Zimbabwe.

Shannon and Jordan had fun following the paths of the maze

Shannon by another lily pond. This one was full of Koi

Exotic foliage reflected in a pond

Janie on a bridge in the Japanese garden

We rounded off our trip with a delicious lunch in the restaurant of the very popular Makaranga Garden Lodge. Despite the gloomy weather, we had a glorious day.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Amber Ridge, KZN, South Africa

Amber Ridge, nestled in the mountains, near Howick, KZN

Although I will still be visiting other family in South Africa in the future, this was my last visit there to my daughter Jane and family; as they are relocating to Australia. Even though Jane was busy winding up her affairs, we still had time to have fun.

Our first visit was to our long-time friends the Clulows. They have moved from their farm in Boston to a retirement village called Amber Ridge, near Howick in KZN.

Impala roam freely around the property

You might think the words "retirement village" indicate something quiet and boring, but nothing is further from the truth! Although there is a large frail care unit, and assisted living units, it is more of a recreational village. There are two heated swimming pools; a library; a communal dining room; a snooker room; a gymnasium; a pub; an Astroturf bowling green; two tennis courts; bass and trout fishing dams; a substantial wilderness area for walks, including picnic spots, which allow for large game, like zebra, to roam freely among the houses; plus a 350 seater auditorium with a separate bar area, and an 80 seater functions room. So, as you can see, retirement doesn't necessarily mean boring!

We spotted these warthogs heading for someone's garden!

Our friends produced a wonderful lunch

The grandchildren; mine and theirs.

I do so love catching up with old friends, although it becomes difficult when they are spread around the world! I guess I just have to keep travelling onward!

Elizabeth Coughlan

Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa

 

Mart and Barb's house in Umhlanga

I'm back in Istanbul after an all-too-brief visit to South Africa. The days just flew by, even thought the weather was not all I had hoped it would be. While Istanbul was basking in glorious sunshine, Kwa Zulu Natal was enveloped in a chilly, damp cloud. On our last night there was an almighty thunderstorm, and as we left, the sun was shining in a cloudless sky. Oh well, perhaps next time...  Actually, the weather wasn't all bad. We did have three half days of sunshine, and we made the most of those.

Jane and Sean's house in Waterfall

On arrival at Jo'burg airport, we met David's brother, Paddy, for lunch while we waited for my flight to Durban, and David's flight to Harare. David was going fishing in Zimbabwe, while I was going to stay with Martin and Barbara, before visiting Jane and family. Members of our family don't always get to meet up often, as we are so spread around the world, but we always enjoy each others company when we do.

I had such fun staying with Barbara and Martin in Umhlanga. While there, Barbs and I went to a craft market, where she introduced me to photographer, Warwick Locke, and African wildlife artist, Wendy Beresford. You can see examples of their work here and here.

Sean talking to Wendy and Warwick at the Shongweni Farmers' Market

I was delighted to meet Warwick and Wendy again when Jane, Sean, the children and I went to Shongweni Farmers Market. Most of the artists selling their work in the market were Zimbabweans. One of them told me that his talent was a gift from God, because God knew that the Zimbabwe government wasn't going to look after its people, so He gave them their gifts so they could sell their work and look after themselves.

Sean from Zimbabwe. He makes decorations out of wire 

to sell in the market.

Another Zimbabwean artist displays his work

On one of our half-days of sunshine, we went to the Inanda dam. Jane, Sean and the children love fishing and sailing on the dam. This day we didn't have a lot of time, so they just fished, while I took photos. It really is a beautiful setting, with swathes of grass and foliage around the shore.

 

David and Jane watch Sean and the children as they fish.

Sean teaching Jordan to fish

Shannon and Sean fishing in the dam

The beautiful Inanda Dam, Kwa Zulu Natal

Fortunately, we will get to see Jane again in December on our family trip to Oz. I am really looking forward to that!

The Phoenix - The Shipwreck Near Durban

 We climbed down to the windswept beach, where the waves were crashing onto the rocks, to see if we could see the ill-fated Phoenix.

After picking me up at King Shaka International Airport, Jane took a detour to see the ship that had run aground in Salt Rock, near Durban. The 164 meter long bulk freighter, the Phoenix, was on its way to India to be scrapped, but had to drop anchor off the coast, in Christmas Bay, to weather out a storm. A cold front had arrived bringing 30 knot winds, rough seas and a 15 foot deep-sea storm swell.

Unfortunately, the anchor line broke and the Phoenix drifted towards the shore, where it ran aground. The skeleton crew of 15 were airlifted to safety by helicopters, and the ship left to the mercy of the Indian Ocean. At first, it was decided to try to use a tug to drag the ship into deep water, but it now seems as if the ship will be scrapped where it is, as a salvage company has already been brought in to oversee operations.

We could see the ship in the distance, through the sea-mist 

caused by the spray. Unfortunately the path was too rocky and slippery 

to reach the ship this way.

As you can imagine, this ship has been a great attraction and hoards of people are trying to get down to the beach to see what's happening. The police have set up a road block to prevent cars blocking access to emergency vehicles, so we had to leave the car up on the bluff. We walked down the nearest path to the beach, but the sea was very rough and the path to the ship was very rocky and slippery. We then climbed back up again and took another road, which took us nearer to the ship. It was an amazing sight, especially when a helicopter came to deliver supplies for the salvage crew.

 

We managed to get closer to the ship by taking a different route.

 A helicopter appeared, carrying gear for the salvage crew.

It hovered over the ship as it tried to land its cargo.

The load was delivered safely before the helicopter flew away. Later, 

we heard that this was one of ten runs made by the helicopter.

Although I was extremely tired after having flown from Istanbul to Jo'burg, and then straight on from Jo'burg to Durban, it was well worth the effort just to see this extraordinary sight. But, unlike the mythological Phoenix, this one will never rise again.