It’s Spring in Struisbaai and the wild flowers are in popping up all over. My favourites are vygies so I’m sharing them here on Cee’s Flower of the day challenge
Vygies (mesembryanthemums)
Flower of the day
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Fun Photo Challenge – 5 September 2017
Cee asks us to use a four-letter word beginning with C for this week’s Fun Photo Challenge.
I have chosen the word Cape.
Cape Bunting
Cape Francolin
Cape Longclaw
Cape Sugarbird
Share Your World – 4 September 2017
Here are my answers to this week’s Share Your World from Cee
What color do you feel most comfortable wearing?
This question does not ask what my favourite colour is but rather which colour I feel most comfortable in – The answer to that is – Denim Blue! I own a pair of denim jeans and a denim skirt and I wear them both often with many different colours. I love colour! I have a mix and match wardrobe of basic greys, whites, blacks and stone so that I can add splashes of colour to them. If I had a large walk in wardrobe and an unlimited clothing budget I would buy a variety of very colourful clothes.
I loved Thailand because it is a colourful country. Everything is prettied up with colour from Temples to simple abodes and everyone dresses colourfully too. I bought one or two colourful items of clothing at very low prices!
Red and gold harem pants
Colourful summer dress
What is your favourite type of dog? (can be anything from a specific breed, a stuffed animal or character in a movie)
I love dogs. My favourite is no longer with us. She was a black mixed breed about the size of a spaniel with the personality of labrador. The Earl called her “Black Dog” but her name was Tammy. What a faithful, affectionate and well-behaved dog she was. I used to jog every evening and she would tag along to protect me. I just had to say the word ‘takkies’ (sneakers) and she’d yip in excitement and the tail wouldn’t stop wagging until we were on the road. I still miss her.
A rather poor copy of a picture taken in 1992 – but you get the idea that we loved this dog!
List at least five favorite flowers or plants.
I am starting a brand new garden so flowers and plants are very much on my mind. My favourite flower is our national flower – The Protea – but I have not planted any in my new garden. They’re expensive and I don’t want to kill them – when I’m more experienced I might try to grow my own.
My next favourite is the vygie – I am trying to grow those in my garden.
Then there are clivias which I’ve just planted and I think they will do well.
I love succulents – they’re easy to grow and very rewarding.
And who doesn’t love roses and carnations? I’m not growing those as they’re not waterwise which is essential in our climate.
Vygie indigenous to the Western Cape – Aizoaceae – The fig-marigold family or ice plant family.
What inspired you this past week? Feel free to use a quote, a photo, a story, or even a combination.
My grandchildren, Shannon and Simon inspired me this week.
Shannon has just completed an arduous three week hike in the Drakensberg mountains with her St John’s College Grade 9 classmates – all girls. They endured cold, heat, snow, rain, steep and dangerous terrain, had only one change of clothing, carried their own back packs, cooked on camp fires and slept in tents except for when it snowed and they were allowed to stay in a cabin that had beds and bare floors and that was it! And she loved it. Her attitude is amazing and in spite of having torn ligaments in her calf she refused to give up and endured it to the end.
Simon is currently on a three week tour with is Grade 6 classmates from Kokstad Junior School. He’s never been away from his parents for so long and is coping amazingly well – he passed through our neck of the woods yesterday so I was able to see first hand how he was coping.
It’s great to see the youngsters coping with challenges and rising to the occasion. I am super proud of them.
Asian Adventure – Bangkok
Because we the Emirates flight from Bangkok to Dubai to Cape Town leaves at the rude hour of 2:40 am we decided to spend a night in the city so that we could enjoy a full day exploring instead of spending hours in an airport. Of course we did not anticipate that The Earl would be unable to walk!
We checked into the Cha-Da Hotel in the late afternoon and had dinner at their restaurant. It was not easy deciding exactly what to do with an entire day with Hop-Along-Harry. We thought we might just spend the day at the hotel pool but it was on the roof and not easy for the Earl to get to.
Hotel Pool
View from the roof top
My friend Peggy had once lived in Bangkok so I rang her and asked for some advice. She suggested a cruise on the river – Perfect for a non-walking hubby.
The hotel tourist desk were superbly helpful. They offered us a private transfer for 1000 baht. Now this may sound a lot but it saved us having to get busses and trains to get to the starting point of said cruise. Our driver was outstanding. He was fluent in English and during the hour long drive chatted about the city and gave us lots of interesting information. He was also very keen to know all about South Africa and was fascinated to hear about our lifestyle. He was happy to wait for us at the River port and drove us back to the hotel. The Earl was still hobbling but could put weight on his foot and managed fairly well with one crutch.
The boat trip was lovely. It was in a long tail boat and we were the only tourists on board with a guide and a sailor. The guide could barely speak English but she pointed things out and was very friendly. The water was choppy but we had a lovely trip nevertheless.
River dwellers try hard to beautify their humble abodes
A floating vendor selling her wares – I bought a bag.
Our boat looked like this one
Our guide kindly took this shot
It was a fun trip
This took up most of our morning and we still needed to fill up our afternoon. But the time we returned The Earl’s foot was much better and he felt he could manage a short walk. We found a mall that had a Starbucks and had a snack and a coffee there before finding another mall that had a movie theatre that offered on English move which we sat through although it wasn’t very good!
I’m not keen on Starbucks Coffee but it was better than nothing
The problem I have with Starbucks coffee is that the mugs are too big and the coffee too bitter. Their duck wrap was pretty good though.
After the movie we strolled around the mall. Every inch was used up on markets and it was fascinating. We had an early supper at a Japanese restaurant that did not allow photography. Their sushi was excellent and inexpensive. Our entire meal was less than 700 baht and included a 8 pieces of sushi each, a salad, a soup and a drink. It was more than adequate.
Interesting extra large citrus fruit
The Market
An interesting sculpure on a street fountain
Bangkok Traffic at night
Although we checked out of our room at midday the hotel kindly allowed us to leave our luggage with the concierge. We had a coffee at the restaurant and sat there using the remainder of our free wifi until our transfer collected us at 10 pm. We couldn’t have asked for better service.
The long flight home turned out not to be too bad as on the second leg of the journey the plane was half full and all the passengers were able to spread out, sleep across three or four seats and have plenty of leg room. The perfect way to travel!
And so ended our very enjoyable Asian Adventure.
Cape Agulhas Presents Its Best Face For Kokstad Junior School
Today it was our privilege to meet up with our grandson Simon when his school tour stopped to visit the Southern Tip of Africa. The teacher in charge alerted our daughter to the time they would be coming through Bredasdorp, she alerted us and then we timed it just right to meet them coming through Struisbaai.
Here they come – a very excited granny takes the photo!
A close up and then they all pulled over so we could say hi to Simon
After an initial big hello to Simon our grandson, Aiden our great nephew and Robyn, daughter of our kids’ best friends, we followed them to Cape Agulhas
The Kokstad Junior Grade Six classes were two weeks into a three week tour takes them from Kokstad to Cape Town and back. En route they stop at interesting places and it forms part of their Life Skills programme. It’s epic and hats off to the teachers and helpers who take these sixty-eight lively pre-teens on such an amazing, educational tour.
The kids are exceptionally well-behaved. On this trip they’re divided into groups and have chores and responsibilities that are character building. Many have never been away from their protective parents before and so this is a huge learning curve for them.
There are developments afoot at the Southern Tip and road works meant a little wait before entering the car park.
The controlled but excited group getting ready to do the touristy thing at the southern tip
Our gorgeous Robyn Baker
Si-Si pretending not to be embarrassed by his grandparents attention
There were some other tourists at the view point but being a Monday the kids had the place virtually to themselves.
Aiden
Robyn with her group
The kids were given relative freedom to explore after the compulsory photographs had been taken.
Robin and her group at the Southern Tip of Africa
Simon waiting his turn
Simon and Aiden’s Group
Michele’s group
Simon playing a stone kicking game with his friend – BOYS!
A lot of fun was had throwing pebbles into the rock pools
Collecting rocks and exporing the rock pools was also fun
Where’s your rod Simon?
Not today, Gran – I want to see how far I can skim this stone!
That’s a good bowling arm he has there!
Robyn rock hopping with her friends
Smiling for Mom and Dad
Hand away from face please Rob – Nice one of your friend though!
Thank you, that’s better
Aiden and his gang of rock exploring friends
The kids have been to Robben Island, The Science Museum, Cape Point and other wonderful places. I asked Simon what his favourite part has been so far – first he said that he liked the movies at Somerset Mall! Then his friend, Liam, said The Science Museum and his eyes lit up and he said – Yes definitely that! One lad said he liked Robben Island but – Too much history! I think it was all too confusing for him.
The whistle blew – time to go
Liam (I think) and Simon
What a great morning – the weather cooperated, the kids were delightful and we enjoyed our interaction with them all. Bon Voyage for the next week, Kokstad Junior – Grade 6 and Teachers! Thank you for letting us join you for the morning.
The Famous Agulhas Lighthouse
Black and White Challenge – Shadows
This week’s Black and White Challenge from Cee is Shadows.
I’ve never thought of taking pictures of shadows before so today I stepped out to see what I could get.
Shadow in the garden
Shadow Selfie – Number One
Shadow Selfie Number Two
Garden Decor and Plant Shadow
Vygie Shadow in Sepia
Vygie Shadow on Rock
Asian Adventure – Koh Samui – a small hitch
On our second last night on Koh Samui, in the middle of the night, Earl woke up with terrible pain in his left foot. He could not bear to have the sheet on it nor could he stand on it. He hobbled to the loo by holding onto my shoulders as I walked ahead of him. I gave him Disprin and propped a rolled up towel under his foot and he managed to sleep. But in the morning he still couldn’t put any weight on his foot. Goodbye planned National Marine Reserve trip!
I arranged for a wheelchair to get him to breakfast and asked reception to get us a doctor’s appointment. I left Earl in the breakfast room while I went to fetch the passports and papers we needed to cancel our Marine Reserve trip. While I was in our room the phone rang to say the transfer was ready. So I dashed straight down to reception to complete the cancellation business. The driver couldn’t understand English but reception did an excellent job interpreting. In the meantime my beloved was in panic mode wondering what had happened to me. In the time I was away, though, I’d organised the cancellation, the appointment at a private hospital and the transfer to it. The tour company would give me a refund when I presented them with the medical certificate.
The hospital was amazing. A doctor was waiting for us when we arrived. The nurses were gentle and beautiful. A history was taken and a form quickly filled in. After the doctor checked his foot he was whisked away for an X-ray then another doctor came to examine the foot. He manipulated it and apologized for the pain caused.
Nurse applying a soothing gel
Does this hurt – so sorry to cause pain!
There were no bones broken and he was a bit puzzled as to why the foot should be so sore. It was hot so it definitely indicated inflammation – of the the tendon near his ankle. We concluded that walking on soft sand at high tide had caused the inflammation and he prescribed a cold compress, inflammatories and pain killers. The nurse also gave him an injection. We also decided to take a pair of crutches so he could hobble short distances without the wheelchair.
The Earl becomes Hop-Along-Harry
We missed our boat trip to The National Marine Reserve but we couldn’t have chosen a better place to be hotel-bound. It was relatively easy to get to the pool bar/restaurant where Earl could sit for as long as he liked. It had a lovely sea view and he could enjoy the ambience.
A fine place to sit and relax
Amazing View
Not an activity that either The Earl or I could enjoy!
But fun to watch
I was able to go for swims in the sea and not be too far away. We actually had a lovely chilled day and enjoyed our last dinner at the pool restaurant on a perfect last evening.
Luckily we had assisted travel anyway and the next day we flew to Bangkok for the last night and day of our holiday before flying home.
Asian Adventure – Koh Samui Island Tour
I was up very early and as it was so hot I went for a swim in the pool at 6:30 am. Only after I got out did I see the sign that said pool open between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. Oops – Oh well – there were staff about and they said not a word. I think as long as there is no noise they don’t really mind.
Because of our late arrival the day before we were unable to book any tours for that day. However, the agent at the tour desk told me to be there at 7:00 and she would see what she could do. But there was nobody there and she only turned up after 8 and then in spite of trying very hard was unable to book us a half day tour. After breakfast Earl and I went in search of a travel agent and found one two minutes down the road. She suggested a private tour to where we wanted to go – it was at double the price but worth it as we could spend as much or as little time at each stop as we wanted. It was well worth it. It would have cost 800 Baht for 2 on a normal tour. Ours was 1 500 ( R600) for 4 hours which was really not bad at all!
We visited a beautiful Buddhist temple and went to the Big Buddha
The Big Buddah of Koh Samui
It’s a steep walk to this Goddess and you must be respectfully dressed – I took a sarong wherever I went and wrapped it around me to cover shoulders and knees
The size and beauty is awe inspiring
The temples are usually surrounded by water
At a viewpoint there was a kiosk with coconut ice cream for sale. I am not fond of coconut but thought I would try it. It was delicious.
Delicious coconut ice cream for sale – try it even if you don’t like coconut – it is really good
The Earl loves coconut and ice cream
We decided not to descend the steep stairs!
We asked not to be taken shopping or to see elephants in captivity! We did however see them at the waterfall we visited and I found it quite upsetting to see two tethered elephants and a few taking people for rides.
This bull elephant seemed stressed to me
The waterfall was lovely
I don’t like the idea of riding on an elephant’s head
Another interesting stop was to see a temple where there was the mummified monk.
The mummy is encased in glass
Details of this famous monk
Speak no evil, See no evil, Hear no Evil
We left at 10 and were back by 2 so spent some time on the beach – right in front of our hotel. There are a string of hotels along the beach and each has its own section with loungers for their guests.
Our stretch of beach in front of Ibis Hotel
Another section along which we walked at high tide
Most of the guests seemed to prefer the swimming pools all of which were full of noisy kids. Our beach had very few people on it. There was an informal kitchen set up in a canoe on the beach. The cooks were grilling all sorts of delicious things over coals made from burning coconut skins and I finally got the earl to agree to buying us each a chicken kebab for lunch. Later we saw him row his kitchen home!
I couldn’t wait to sample food from an informal vendor
The Earl wanted to know all about how they did it
He enjoyed the results
And now to row the kitchen home
Before lunch I went into the calm sea for a swim. There were two dogs belonging to the beach cooks in the water too. The one came and swam with me. He was so cute.
Earl wanted to swim in the pool so when it became less crowded we spent some time there. Two little German boys aged 5 and 2 took a shine to Earl and wouldn’t leave him alone. They were in tubes and swam up to him and shrieked and played, jumping from the edge of the pool right next to him. He was exhausted afterwards😂
Dinner was at the pool bar that evening. We had green chicken curry which was delicious. At home we would order medium strength – In Thailand – mild – and a good thing too because otherwise our Western palates would not have coped. It was a perfect evening in a perfect setting.
Asian Adventure – Travelling from Phi Phi to Koh Samui
It took most of the day to travel from Phi Phi to Koh Samui. We were up early, packed and ready to roll by 7 am. We handed in our key and were told to have brekkie then check out. This went smoothly and we boarded the long boat at 8. Once again we had to climb on from knee deep water. I cannot emphasise enough how much easier it is to travel if you are unencumbered by too much luggage. You do not need much when travelling in Thailand as the weather is always warm and you spend most of your time in bathing costumes, shorts and t-shirts. I am so glad we packed as lightly as we did specially when we were in and out of boats and aeroplanes.
The boat left at 9:30 and arrived in Phuket at 10:45. The trip was faster this time but the sea was once again quite rough and there were many sea sick casualties.
It was almost an hour’s drive to the airport but our transfer had free wifi so I didn’t get too bored.
Our flight was scheduled for 4 pm so we had a long wait at the airport but the carer left us at Bangkok Air’s waiting room. It was very comfortable and had free coffee and Thai snacks.
These two cuties introduced Earl to some delicious Thai snacks
A sticky rice, black bean and banana snack all wrapped up in a banana leaf which the children had to explain simply a wrapping and not to be eaten!
The plane was delayed by an hour and The Earl started to fret. He had me checking with the staff and insisted I check that his carer was on his way. He need not have worried. He came and wheeled him to the bus. He sat on a special seat at the front of the bus glassed off from the rest and next to the driver. I stood next to him with two staff members. It was fun as I could face frontwards and watch where we were going.
At the plane we were ushered on first and the staff were very friendly and kind. The Earl is really taking well to being an assisted traveller!
It was a pleasant one hour flight and we were given a light Thai meal – chicken strips with chilly sauce, sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf, raw green beans and carrots. Also some papaya and a pastry. I left the rice and pastry.No tea or coffee but we got mineral water.
Flying over Thailand was beautiful. The seats behind us were empty so I moved to a window seat behind Earl. It is unbelievable how many islands there are.
Our hotel was about a 20 minute drive from the airport and it was 6:15 by the time we could finally relax.
We were not very hungry after all the snacking so only went for supper after 8. We found a little restaurant just 5 minutes walk from the hotel. I had a squid salad and Earl had deep fried chicken. I had my first glass of wine in Thailand as it was only 100 baht. Everywhere else it came at 250 baht or more per glass. It wasn’t Springfield’s Life from Stone, but it was drinkable.
Asian Adventure – Phi Phi Day 2
Earl insisted we get to the pier early on the morning we booked a snorkeling cruise as we were not sure where our boat would be docked. Well we needn’t have worried. It turned out that we needed to meet at the company’s office which the vendor failed to tell us. Luckily the guides at the pier were clued up and directed us to the correct meeting place
There were about 15 of us on this half day trip. We were the only South Africans. Most spoke other languages and Earl and I were the oldest. It was an inexpensive tour and when I saw the boat I realised why. The windows were cracked and there was a big need for maintenance! To make matters worse we hit high seas and the vessel rocked and rolled frighteningly. Fortunately we were only in open sea for a short time. In the bays it was relatively calm. Most of the passengers paid the extra 400 baht to visit “The Beach” of movie fame. We did not and this was a good thing as one had to canoe to shore and then climb up a steep cliff using a rope net ladder thingie.
I swam here while the younger tourists went to The Beach
I think we have outgrown this kind of climbing for fun
Then there was a trek through bush to get to the beach. While they were gone I swam off the boat wearing a life jacket and hanging onto life ring attached to the boat so that the current didn’t take me out to sea. It was fun. Earl won’t swim because of his ears and the other remaining passenger was out of it with sea sickness.
After an hour everyone returned and we went on to the next bay where most of us did some snorkeling. As you can see from the photographs our travelling companions were young enough to be our grandchildren.
The Earl made sure I had my mask on properly and in I went. It was awesome. You can’t compare it to the barrier reef but it was fun nevertheless. The Earl was convinced I was in the wrong spot and yelled to me to get onto the reef. Well nobody else was there but I knew he wouldn’t let up till I humoured him. Nope – nothing there so back I went to where everybody else was enjoying the colorful fishes.
I was so grateful that the weather co-operated on the days we did tours. No disappointments and really lovely times.
When we got back to the pier we went straight to one of the restaurants for a fruit shake.
In the evening – our last on Phi Phi – we walked to a restaurant that braaied chicken on a skewer – Thai style. We were right on the beach and it was a perfect evening, what a delicious meal.
The Restaurant was right on the beach
Our Chef cooking our dinner
View from our table
Yes – It’s good
Quite delicious, actually
The restaurant beautifully lit up
Afterwards we stopped at a stall where the vendor encouraged us with ‘yum yum very nice ice cream. You want some yes?” He had a yogurt version so we gave in. He took plain yogurt, poured it onto a frozen slab, chopped berries into it and then using a palate flattened it out till it was frozen enough to cut into strips and roll up. These frozen yogurt rolls he put into an ice cream cup and topped it with more berries and berry sauce. He made chocolate ice cream in the same way for Earl. Delicious 😋
Ice cream made while you wait
Roll it up with skill
Rolls ready to be packed into the ice cream cup
End product was delicious
Asian Adventure – Phi Phi Island Day 1
It was an early start today on the day we were to take the ferry to Phi Phi Island. My alarm woke us at 5:30 and we were somewhat worried when we heard the pouring rain. Our transfer was at 7:00 and still it continued to come down accompanied by a troubling wind. As I am not a boat kind of girl I was hoping the trip would be cancelled and that we’d be put up in Phuket for another two nights. But no such luck. We boarded the ferry at 8:30, found our seats and settled down for a rough ride. It was two hours of rocking and rolling on the high seas but it was not as scary as I anticipated. I am becoming braver in my old age! Half the people on board were sick but thank heavens that is not a malady from which I suffer.
It was interesting to watch some brave people stand on the bow of the ship and allow themselves to be splashed by the waves breaking over the boat! Of course they shrieked with laughter.
Our first sight of Phi Phi was stunning. We got off at the pier and then transferred to a longboat. That was fun! Our hotel – Bayview Resort is right on a beautiful beach. We alighted from the longboat in knee deep water and waded to shore. Helpers took our luggage off for us.
View through my porthole
The harbour at Phi Phi Island
The Pier
The boat that brought us to the hotel
Rather a nice touch to shape the bush into an elephant
After a nap we went to the hotel restaurant and shared a plate of spring rolls. Then we took a walk along the waterfront where there were a variety of lovely shops and restaurants. It was so much prettier and more relaxed than Phuket.
We also had a massage at one of the local salons. It was half of what we paid at our Phuket hotel. I did not like the massage bed – it was just a mattress on a platform so no hole for your face. There were several massages going on at the same time and there was just a curtain for privacy. The masseuse was okay but I would rather go to a hotel salon and pay the extra as you really do get what you pay for.
After our massages we explored a bit more. On this island we noticed a number of stray cats.
Earl felt sorry for them so bought some small fish to feed them. He also bought a small knife to cut up the fish. When we got back to our hotel he tried to feed them but they turned up their noses to raw fish! So he asked the chef to cook the fish for them!
They are used to being fed cooked food by the guests!
Turning up their noses to raw fish
We had dinner at the restaurant and then it was time for bed!
Asian Adventure – Walk to Patong Beach
The James Bond Island Trip was stunning but a whole day out in the sun for two old toppies took it’s toll and we were quite exhausted that night. The next day we slept in late and after breakfast just chilled for the rest of the morning. At 12 we both had a Swedish massage Thai style which was fantastic.
It rained quite a bit in the morning but at about 2:30 Earl felt peckish and wanted to find a place to get a snack. We ended up walking all the way to Patong Beach, not the most pleasant walk because of lack of pavements and hectic on-coming traffic. We found a cafe with a view of the beach and enjoyed a gin and tonic (me) and beer 🍻 (Earl). Our snack was a plate of spring rolls which we shared.
Fun on Bangla Beach – No The Earl wouldn’t let me do it!
Then we walked to Bangla Road – a fair distance – to catch the shuttle back to the hotel. I was very proud of Earl making the distance without too much of a fuss.
The Original Shipwreck Cafe in Bangla Road – NOT the one in Struisbaai!
It was 5:30 by the time we got home. We went down for supper at 8. I had sweet and sour pork and The Earl had prawns. I couldn’t finish – far too much food.
Diary of an Adventurous Retiree 