Home at last!

I have debated writing a detailed post about my trip to South Africa, but was overwhelmed by how long it would take. So, I am just going to give you a few links to go and look at since there is not much I can tell you that my pictures can't.

I can say that being home for the first time in over two years was an absolute God-sent gift. I was very fortunate in that my boss not only paid for my ticket but also paid me while I was on vacation. I must have the favour of God here, because that is truly unheard of.

Seeing my parents again (after speaking on the phone, through sms'es and e-mails), to embrace them and kiss them, hear their voices and smell the familiar truly brought me home. Being separated from family is truly the worst part about being an ex-pat.

I have missed Cape Town immensely. There is no place like it on earth. But, it's not only the beauty of the flora and fauna. There is an irreplaceable charm in the people, especially the Cape Coloureds. The vibe of the City is infectious and the wine, well.... intoxicating!

Then, there is South African food. We have incredible palates and an incredibly rich and varied heritage. Our stores, such as Woolworths, provide impeccable quality products and gourmet for the average.

I also love how different the beaches are in Cape Town as well as the cold water. On a hot summer day when I have been on the beach for a few hours the cold Atlantic does wonders for refreshment and it is almost a challenge to dare the blue.

What I was extremely saddened by was the ridiculous inflation South Africans have to suffer. Granted, for me with dollars I wasn't complaining at the R7.50 to a $1 exchange, but I was horrified to see how quickly my R100.00 notes were flying. I remember when R100.00 was a lot of money!

The amount of cars on the road that are not roadworthy also worries and disgusts me a little. Alas, we have them here too and I always want to yell "Park it on the scrap heap!!!"

Having petrol attendants wait on you was a real treat again after "pumping gas" for almost four years now. I still remember Larry following me to a gas station four years ago to teach me how to pump gas.

Sitting in a restaurant and enjoying a meal without being harassed by waiters eager to flip your table was another treat.

I must confess, though, that I absolutely hated Johannesburg and Pretoria. I loved being with my friend Caryn for her wedding and riding around with her and being at her house, but the place itself no longer has any charm and the horrendous traffic - enough said. Plus it rained too much. Never nice for a holiday.

The wedding was beautiful and I was thrilled to share it with Caryn as her Matron of Honour (I have some experience in this field!)

And, so, with a sad heart I bid my family and friends adieu one more time and set off for America. I was really excited about seeing Larry again after 3 weeks - even though I was slightly weary of what mess I was coming home to.

However, my absence did well because he didn't spend too much money and actually had the house cleaned before I came!! Now, that is loyalty.

Here are the links, as promised. Many of you already have Facebook profiles and have most likely seen these photos, but here they are anyway:
Out and About with Mom
Cape Town with Lynn
Cheese and Wine
Franschhoek
The Rugged West Coast
Hermanus for the Weekend

If you have any problems accessing these pictures, please let me know via my e-mail address.