This was our choice of destination for this year’s holiday.  We were fortunate enough to have friends to stay with and my in laws invited us to spend a week with them at Sudwala Lodge, just 1km from Sudwala Caves.

There is a whole host of activities, places of interest and game viewing is a must, since Mpumalanga boasts the oldest game reserve established in 1898, the Kruger National Park is world renowned.

My holiday started on my own with just Kyra & Kayden.  We made the long haul from KZN to Mpumalanga to a friend’s house, where we spent our last night without Pete.  The following day, with much excitement, we set off for Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga, where the Kruger airport is, to fetch Pete.  …And then the fun started!

We spent another 2 days at my friends house, all the while I was feeling terrible for lying to Jane, my mother-in-law, about Pete not making it home for our yearly holiday, as we’d decided to surprise her with Pete rocking up unexpectedly, since his home coming wasn’t scheduled for another week.

But the guilt was well worth it, when I saw Jane’s face light up with joy at the sight of Pete!  The next week was a very busy one, with us taking in all we possibly could as far as places to go and things to do were concerned.

In the days that followed we went to Mac Mac Falls, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Blyde River Canyon, Sudwala Caves, the Dinosaur Park, returned to Kruger National Park, Pilgrims Rest and played a few games of putt putt & croquet with the family & enjoyed some time in the jacuzzi at Sudwala Lodge.

Unfortunately our week together drew to an end and teary good byes were said.  Pete, the kids & I set off again to my friend in Lydenburg.  We took this time just to relax and spend some time at my friend’s gallery 1896, that she recently opened.  We also took a road trip back to Pilgrims Rest, where we spent the day and ended it off with a fine meal at a delightful place called Smokey, but also referred to as the Train in Sabie.

The travel bug was growing weary and eventually we decided that it was time to come home.

We would like to thank Jane and Rob for the wonderful stay at Sudwala Lodge.  It was absolutely wonderful spending time with them and the kids loved it!  Of course we’d also like to thank Nadine and Hugo for having us at their house.  It was fantastic catching up and spending the time together.

In the weeks that follow, I will do more detailed post about the areas we visited on this awesome holiday.

We’ve just returned from the most incredible holiday ever! 

Our journey started on Friday, 22 August 2008.  The first night was spent in Virginia in the Free State, which allowed me a few hours with Tristan.  I’d like to say thank you to Marco and Annemarie for letting us spend the night at their house.

The following day we went through a couple of towns such as Theunissen, a little mecca in the middle of nowhere.  This was followed by a village called Brandfort and it surprised us that people still live in such isolation from the rest of the world.  Dealesville, which boasted a quaint NG church, came after Brandfort and then we drove past a gathering of houses known as Soutpan.  At this point I got nostalgic as we entered the farming community of Boshoff.  As a child, I spent many a Sunday morning on the front verandah of my Ouma’s (Afrikaans for Granny) home.  We stopped off in Boshoff to visit family of mine, whom I haven’t seen in 15 years.  The visit lasted an hour and then we set off for the next town called Kimberley.  Kimberley boasts the largest man made hole in the world, where they found one of the largest diamonds in the world.

 Our destination was Upington, which was still 300kms from Kimberley.  We finally got to a our campsite, Katakoeroe in Upington just before sunset.  After a long day in the car we were soon all in bed and fast asleep.  We set off the next morning for our next destination which was Keetmanshoop.  We reached the border at approximately lunch time and managed to get through without any hitches.  The first town we reached was Karasburg.  It being a Sunday, the town seemed desserted, but we managed to find a little shop to get some coldrinks.  The countryside started changing rapidly.  Although it was stark, the landscape held an incredible beauty of its own – needless to say that I was clicking away at the camera with great enthusiasm.  Finally we pulled into the quaint town, called Keetmanshoop.  I was beaming from ear to ear when we pulled up to our camp site at the Quiver Tree Forest Rest Camp.  We were nestled right next to the Quiver Tree Forest and my favourite part of this campsite, was the natural tables provided – slabs of stone from the area were balanced on each other to form tables.  We spent that night huddled around a warm fire singing with Kyra as she looked up into the sky singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

The following morning was freezing cold and we set off as soon as we could.  It was a long, yet interesting day as we made our way north towards Windhoek, bypassing the town of Mariental which marked the halfway point (250kms) between Keetmanshoop and Windhoek.  Once again the landscape had me blown away and the camera was being put to full use.  That night we finally pulled into the thriving metropolis of Windhoek, nestled between the mountains and with the help of Jane’s directions we were at their front door in no time.  That night we enjoyed a hearty meal prepared by Jane.  The next couple of days were spent in Windhoek taking in the city, shopping malls, flea markets, sights and scenery.

Friday, 29 August we took to the road once again, en route to Etosha.  This time we were in two cars – Jane and Rob in their 4 x 4, with Pete, the kids and I in our car behind them.  We stopped off in the town of Okahandja at a thriving little shop called Piet’s Biltong.  We stocked up on biltong (SA for beef jerky) and cooldrinks and set off again.  Our next stop was at Outjo (pronounced OO-Cho) where we took some photos of the local Himba ladies in their traditional make up.  It wasn’t long after Outjo, before we pulled into the Etosha Safari Park where we camped for 3 nights.  The days were spent driving through the Etosha Game Reserve and we managed to see literally hundreds of animals.  Our sights included dozens of bird species, a snake, lions, springbok, wildebeest, gemsbok, kudu, hartebees, rhino, elephant, jackal, giraffe and not to forget a little Squirrel that would give Ron Jeremy a run for his money. 

Pete hit the nail on the head when he said that even though Kyra had not been in school for a couple days, this was still the most educational experience of her life.

Our stay at Etosha Safari Park came to an end and the morning of Monday, 1 September we said our farewells to Rob as he returned to Windhoek in our car and we continued on our journey with Jane in the 4 x 4.  The first place Jane took us to was a farm (Otjihaenamaparero and good luck to anyone who can pronounce that), where 200 million year old dinosaur footprints had been found.  (www.dinosaurstracks.com)  After a walk around the place and many more photos, we were on our way again.  We stopped off for some provisions in a town called Omaruru (O-ma-ROO-ROO) and soon we were driving through the river beds of the Kahn river (notice I say river beds and not actual rivers…), right before we reached the gates of Ameib Ranch, our next camp site.

Ameib Ranch is definitely one of our favourite spots.  (http://www.natron.net/tour/ameib/) The boulders were extraordinary – dwarfing us like we were ants.  The scenery was breathtaking and the whole experience, just out of this world.  I came across a jackall and I don’t know who got the bigger fright.  We went to an old Bushman cave, did some hiking and took some of the most amazing photos – which included a pic of a baby scorpion who took it upon itself to crawl into our clothing bag!

Unfortunately our stay ended too soon and we were on our way to Swakopmund.  At this point of our journey I was speechless to see the endless dunes and the dramtic landscape.  It was also mind boggling to find that one moment we were in the blazing heat and the next moment when we got out the car at Swakopmund, it was freezing cold.  We did not stay at the original campsite, at Longbeach, Jane had had in mind, as the weather was too awful.  However, the alternative campsite, Alte Bruche, Jane booked us into was wonderful and totally different to all our other campsites.  This particular place had a toilet and shower dedicated to each camp site.  The following day we took a drive around Swakopmund, spent some money at the flea market, went to Walvis Bay and drove around there.  We got to see the salt works in Walvis Bay and Dune 7.

We eventually retuned to Windhoek from Swakopmund - Wow Civilisation! 

We allowed ourselves a day to recooperate and then we bid farewell to the Children, Rob and Jane.  Our drive south would now lead us to the Fish River Canyon and back into South Africa.  We arrived at our campsite called the Cañon Roadhouse much later than expected.  This had us racing to the Fish River Canyon Lookout point which caused us to burst a left rear tyre just one hundred metres from the view point.   It was a rush against time as the sun was setting and as such Pete managed to change our tyre in record time.  Attention all formula one pit crews, you have competition out here.  Thanks to Pete’s efforts we managed to enjoy a nice cool sundowner at a spectacular view point overlooking the canyon.  That evening was concluded with a nice hot cup of coffee after Pete managed to create a fire from the six logs that simply would not burn.

 The next morning we left early for our next campsite, Kamkirri, at Augrabies Falls in South Africa.  This day would take us to a town which would be the perfect setting for any number of Stephen King Horror Movies…  Not only had the town’s one horse died but the locals had probably eaten it as well and to elaborate any further on the dreariness of this small village nestled in the middle of the desert where anything can happen (and no-one would know … or hear you scream for that matter) would probably cause you and I to spend more time in therapy than is fiscally viable.  Name of town omitted for safety reasons!    To our relief, the next spot we drove into was the delightful village of Kakamas.  With Sloping wine vineyards as far as the eye could see.  Kamkirri, our next campsite, was roughly 23 kilometres from the town.  This was my favourite campsite of the trip and we had our tent pitched literally on the banks of the Orange River.  As can be seen in the photo album the sunset was a sight to behold and had us clicking away relentlessly at the camera. 

Our final day on holiday started with a breath taking tour of the Augrabies Falls.  Unfortunately the photo’s we took just do not do the area justice and the sites left one speechless at the wonder of such incredible natural landscaping.  Whilst it was not the rainy season the flow of water was immense and the mind boggles when one sees the photographs in the rest area of the river in full flood.  

Our holiday was supposed to conclude in Kimberley where we were to view the big hole and the numerous museums in the town.    As we drove into Kimberley that evening we realised a few hours would not do the town justice and decided to push through to Durban.  A drive of some 800 kilometres.  A fuel stop for some vital supplies (A Red Bull and a Roll of Bio plus tablets) and we hit the road.  Completely knackered and flat bummed, Pete put his mind to the task at hand and drove us safely home, pulling into our drive way the following morning, Tuesday 9 September,  at 4am.

We would like to say a huge Thank You to Jane and Rob for making this holiday possible for us.  God knows we could not have done it ourselves.  We rated this holiday as our best ever and for those of you who are prepared to put the 5600 kilometers of mileage on your cars, we would recommend it to you in a heart beat.  Namibia is a country that enriches the soul and pleases the eye all at the same time.  Stark beauty combined with dramatic scenery - I am only too happy to have left a part of me behind.

Listen up world, I am about to drop some knowledge.

When I was a kid I went to a school in East London called Selborne College.  Here we learnt Latin.  It was during one of our lessons that I learnt the origin of the word "Sincere".  It comes from two words.  The First is "Sine" meaning Without and the second is "Cere" meaning Wax.  You see, back in the day there wasn’t too much to decorate a garden or home with so Stone Sculpture was the big thing.  Now those with enough money could buy the really good quality stuff, done by the finest craftsmen around.  However, as with any business you had your chancers out there.  They would cover up shoddy workmanship with Wax.  Naturally when the buyer put these pieces in the sun, to show them off, the wax would melt and the shoddy workmanship would be revealed.  Merchants would then put the words SINE CERE on their pieces to show that they were of the highest quality and Without Wax.

So where am I going with all of this… Today I took a stroll to the town of Wu Chi.  A sort of Suburb of Taichung, and the thing I was looking at today was Temples.  Mostly Buddhist and Tao.  Anyhoo, tying that in with my Wax story up top, I saw some of the most fantastic Stone sculptures imaginable.  Highest quality workmanship and really impressive.  I have placed all the pics of my day in the Work Folder under the Sub folder, Taichung, or just click on the picture. 

Check em out.

Pete 

Here is a look at where we we are.  If you have Google Earth, type in the following coordinates:

 48°24’52.79"N   123°23’21.06"W

When you do you will see a picture like the one below.  The Berth we are on is fairly central so it is not that far to actually go to walk into town.  Of course, the fact that you will get hypothermia before you get there is not the issue.

Today my mom and I went to a small, small village called Nebo.

A European named Ludwig Leichhardt first travelled through the area in 1845.  By 1865  gold had been discovered and within months there was a thriving town with a population of approximately 1500 people.  The town however, was then called Fort Cooper and only changed to Nebo in 1923.

Gold mining is still operational, but the town remains very small.  The Nebo Hotel still stands, but has been maintained over the last century and therefore still open to the public.

We had a pleasant and very informative walk about the place.  Our walk included their museum, a short stretch of the boardwalk (which is actually the longest route of its kind in the world), their cemetry and the town.

As yet, I cannot put any pics on our site, but for more information on the place you can log onto:

www.nebo.qld.gov.au

Next week, I will hopefully be able to tell you about our day trip to the Great Barrier Reef.

Till then,

Lauren

FINALLY!!!  I have located an internet café.  I’m currenly in Airlie Beach in Whitsunday.  We (my mom and I) started out in Sydney and we got some pics of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

From there we made our way to my brother in Mackay.  My brother has been absolutely wonderful!  We’ve seen parts of Mackay and Conrad (my brother) took us to a town called Bowen, which turned out to be a bit of a dac hole in my opinion.  Let it just be known that the town Bowen has no affiliation to us…

We spent a night in Airlie Beach and a wonderful hotel and this morning we took a stroll around Shute Harbour. 

Unfortunately I’m pressed for time and cannot elaborate anymore, or put any pics on for you.  But all good things come to those who wait.  So with a bit of patience, you’ll be seeing a good few pics hopefully from next week, when I get Conrad onto the internet.

Till then…

Love to all who know me

Lauren

I have added a few pictures of Bermuda to the photo Gallery.  You will find the folder in the Work album.

Most of the pictures are taken in the Dockyard area where the ship is berthed.  The Capital of Bermuda is a town called Hamilton.  Not a very big place but it has some pretty old buildings.

more to follow

Pete

As it is the weekend I have had a little time to shoot off some more film.   I have added pictures of the bay area where the ship is berthed.

You will see the area around us is very geared up for the swimming tourist.  There are two beach bars right next to us and a lot of scuba diving and snorkelling takes place in the area.  The Pictures are in the Work, Curacao folder.

More to follow

Pedro

On an entirely different matter, I found a web site called Science Toys you can make with your kids.  The Link is on the right hand in my COOL LINKS section.  Anway, one of the things they mention is making 3d photographs.  I have given it a try and this is the result.  The clouds and mountain give an idea of depth.

What to do.  Get your face close to the screen but far enough away so that you can focus on both pictures clearly.  Squint your eyes until instead of seeing two pictures you can see three.  The middle picture will be in 3D.  After a bit of practice you will be able to scan your eyes around the photo.

Do you now see why they try to keep us busy at sea…

To give you guys a better idea of where I am at the moment I have added some pictures to the photo album.  The pics show the main town of Willemstat.  It is a really pretty place and luckily for us the weather was kind to us as well. 

The pics are in the Work, Curacao Album.  Those of you using Google Earth will be able to see the aerial view of it by looking at these co-ordinates.

12°07.7′N  068°55.9′W 

The island is just off the coast of Venezuela and as such is pretty much out of the way of all the nasty hurricanes that blow through the area this time of year.  It is always hot, the sea water is warm and the very nice tropical blue.

More to follow

Pete