It was my granddaughter’s birthday while we were in our chalet in the Drakensberg. My husband and I wanted to contact her but this was going to be easier said than done! Our son and his family live in the US and there was a six hour time difference. It was also a normal school day so that set the time back another seven hours! It meant that we had to be ready for a 9:00 pm call in the main lobby of the hotel to ensure WiFi access. Fortunately luck was on our side and we were able to see and speak to her! Modern technology is marvellous. WhatsApp and FaceTime are a real boon for families living miles apart
On our penultimate day in our little piece of paradise, we all awoke bright and early. My cousin’s husband was playing golf and my cousin, husband and I were off on another hike through the beautiful blue mountain range shimmering in the distance. There was not a cloud in the sky and it was already beginning to feel very warm. We made our way to the next hotel, registered for our chosen trail, paid our fees and set off.
A herd of horses cantered past followed closely by a rider checking for strays. They were in no hurry and we watched as they wound their way through the trees and up the side of the mountain. We were warned that this was a ‘moderate’ walk because there were some awkward paths leading down into the forest. Some of these gravel stretches can be quite treacherous so I was thankful that I had come prepared with my walking stick! My husband found a branch just the right height for my cousin, proudly produced his pocket knife ( a present from our son and his pride and joy!) smoothed the edges and carved a handle. We were soon on our way, ready for any eventuality!
The hike was a challenge but very enjoyable! We got back to the hotel in record time and the woman who had served us when we arrived was amazed that we were back so soon. We had made a detour around the lake so would have returned even earlier!
My cousin had collected a few brochures from reception on the previous evening. One of them advertised afternoon teas and gluten free cakes! We decided that we would pay the tea room a visit as we were all feeling quite peckish after our hike and game of golf! Unfortunately they had sold out of all the gluten free cakes so I had to watch, sipping a lukewarm soft drink, as three people tucked into their gluten filled cakes and cream! Life can be so unfairđȘ
We went to a small farm shop on our way home and bought four filleted trout for our evening barbecue. A most enjoyable meal was had by all, but especially by me as I was ravenous by the time the trout were cooked! It was our last night in the chalet and we had to make an early start to get to our final destination before heading home.
Once more my cousin’s husband expertly drove us to our hotel just outside Kokstad. The roads were as challenging as usual but driving through the town on a Saturday afternoon brought extra hazards. Navigating our way down the main road trying to avoid pedestrians, stray dogs and cars parked haphazardly was no mean feat!
Our last meal was superb! We sat outside on the verandah and I could imagine the luxurious lifestyle of the colonials in the twenties and thirties, waited on by servants and revelling in the warmth and sunshine, a far cry from the grey skies and cold winters back home!
So, after a fantastic two weeks, meeting family and old school friends, staying in wonderful accommodation and experiencing some of the most beautiful areas of South Africa, we leave a hot East London, sweltering in 30C! Arriving in Manchester to 0C was not ideal but our taxi was on time and we were soon back home, heating on and washing loaded into the machine. All good things must come to an end but I have so many wonderful memories!
It is with sincere thanks to my cousin and her husband who welcomed us into their home and spent two fun-packed weeks with us! A special thank you to my cousin for arranging the holiday and family reunions. I hope that one day I can return the favour but it will be a very hard act to follow! đ
Jenny Burrell 