It Happened in Italy – A visit to Pompeii

2016-11-07 | puppy1952

One reads about it, one sees it on TV and in movies. One knows bits and pieces of its history and one’s heard everyone else’s stories about what it is like. But only when one is there and experiences it for oneself does it sink in that this all happened in 79 AD. And it’s all so amazingly well preserved that one is transported back to that age and sanding at the foot of Vesuvius one almost understands the enormity of what happened that fateful day.
Lady Helen was about 10 years old when she first heard about Pompeii. Her school reading book – Wide Range Reader – had many stories of historic interest and each of them had left a lasting impression on her and the one about Pompeii was particularly fascinating. And now here she was more than fifty years later seeing it all for herself.

The admiral and the captain had done Pompeii on a previous visit so The Earl and Lady Helen took the 30 minute train ride and met their host, Roberto who is an archeologist and a tour guide. One probably needs two days to see all of Pompeii but in the heat of an Italian Summer that would be suicide. Roberto showed them the most interesting parts in their two-hours spent there.

Roberto waxes lyrical about the secrets of Pompeii

Cement was invented way back then in Italy

The image of the Goddess who protected the actors

The amphitheatre

A row of shops

The streets doubled as a sewage and draining system so the stepping blocks were there for safe crossing. The spaces between the blocks allowed the chariots to pass through.

An original Pizza Oven!

A Roman Bath

Pictures advertising the wares of the prostitutes

A bed in a whorehouse

Mount Vesuvius in the background

The ruins of Pompeii

During early excavations of the site, occasional voids in the ash layer had been found that contained human remains. These were spaces left by the decomposed bodies and so plaster was injected into them to recreate the forms of Vesuvius’s victims.

Remains of one of the victims

He covered his nose but was overcome by the fumes

Remains of a dog

It was a very informative and interesting visit and when they were done, Roberto kindly drove them home.

It Happened in Italy -Life in Salerno

2016-11-06 | puppy1952

The First Earl and Lady Helen along with The Captain and his Admiral were to reside in Italy for two months – a month in Salerno from where they would take day trips to surrounding places of interest and then a month in Diamante where they would relax and enjoy the seaside and simple lifestyle and get to know the local folk. So there was plenty of time to settle in and explore Salerno. Their accommodation, Via Centola Giovanni 33, on the fourth floor was comfortable providing them with a double room for each couple, a shared bathroom and a reasonably equipped kitchen.

Neat kitchen

The Noble Suite

View from Kitchen Balcony

It was a narrow street and one felt that one could lean out of the window and the touch the neighbours across the way. In fact many conversation could be had from one balcony to another. Although the four foreigners were used to private gardens and wide open spaces they found this type of living rather fun and giggled when they hung their washing on a line attached to the balcony rail!

One’s laundry hung for all to see!

For the next week the four walked the city flat, shopped where the locals shopped and found wonderful restaurants and bars to snack and dine at.

Lady Helen had tried to get The Earl fit for walking before leaving the Fiefdom of Struisbaai and the failure of this venture was evident when he needed to rest frequently on the uphill route back to the apartment. The Captain and The Admiral were very patient and didn’t mind going at a slower pace. Lady Helen, however, tended to walk on ahead at what she thought was a slower pace but was not slow enough for His Lordship. And he didn’t like her not to be right by his side where he could be sure she was safe and sound. So at a very slow pace she had to learn to walk!

All Italians wear hats and sensible shoes. The Earl therefore had to get himself a hat to make him blend in with the rest.

The Earl trying to look Italian

Nothing like cooling off with an Italian Gelato after a morning of exploring

Saturday Farmers’Markets were amazing

Aqueducts still standing after many centuries

The Castle dates back to the sixth century

Often seen – groups of men meeting for a chat, a game of checkers or cards and a coffee

A typical street scene in Salerno

A delightful place, hidden in a narrow street – excellent for pizza

His Lordship was reluctant to part with too many Euros, fearing that they would not have enough for their extended holiday. But Lady Helen was determined to buy at least one dress Made in Italy. And all the shops were having amazing sales – up to 75% off. What serious shopper could resist such a bargain! So one day while they were out on their own Her Ladyship could no longer resist temptation and dragged her reluctant husband into an exclusive little boutique. Of course when he saw the love of his life in the pretty little dress he forked out the cash with not a murmur of complaint.

Lady Helen in the doorway of Only Up

The lovely assistant could speak a little English

Made in Italy – the dress not the lady.

It Happened in Italy – Exploring Salerno

2016-11-05 | puppy1952

Lady Helen is one of those irritating people who rises early in the morning in a chirpy mood and expects everybody else to be equally keen to start the day. Much to her dismay her travelling companions did not jump up with any measure of enthusiasm but continued to snore and catch up on their sleep so they only set off to explore at 10:30 am.

Her ideas of a Banting Breakfast were soon squashed flat when they entered the corner shop and got croissants di cioccolato instead. And horror of horrors these were eaten in the street and on the hoof!

The Admiral fell instantly in love with the fruiterer and gave him kisses every day thereafter – didn’t he love that!

The lovely Italian Assistant handing over the irresistible croissant

As they devoured their decadent pastries they walked the narrow, cobbled streets of the ancient city. There were so many interesting nooks and crannies to explore. Even the doors were interesting. The Admiral and Lady Helen were intrigued by a building that looked like a hospital but they discovered that it was a convent and a primary school. They entered the courtyard and a nun appeared. She invited them in to take a look. Lady Helen had, before leaving her homeland, learned a few Italian words and was able to tell the nun that she had been a First Grade teacher. “Io una insegnante – classe 1.” She couldn’t speak a word of English but they managed to get her to understand that they were from South Africa and she was more than willing to show them around the school. The men, feeling intimidated by the cloth, did not join them on this excursion.

A statue of The Virgin Mary in the garden

Statues of Saints were everywhere and it was all rather beautiful and peaceful

It was, of course, school vacation so no children were about. But Lady Helen was keen to see the classrooms and wondered where the playground was – there didn’t seem to be any sports fields at all.

A Third Grade Classroom – Note the poster on the back wall reminding the children that they have a great Friend.

The Play Area – no sports field!

The good sister could not wait to take them to the chapel and she prattled away in Italian telling them about Saint Theresa, The Virgin and other saints. Of course they only caught a word or two but they nodded and commented in English as if they all understood each other perfectly. She then indicated that they should kneel in a pew and she blessed them uttering words that Lady Helen was sure meant “God is the Father of us all” “You are beautiful women and display the fruits of the spirit.”
The words Bella Signori, tutti and frutti dello spirito came into it somewhere so whether Her Ladyship interpreted it all correctly is debatable.

The Chapel was absolutely beautiful

They left feeling they had experienced something very special in Italy and Lady Helen in particular was overjoyed to have seen an Italian Primary School.

They continued exploring till midday, marveling at the little holes in the wall they called shops and chatting to the locals who were extremely friendly but couldn’t understand a word of Inglese.

A narrow Salerno street

An alley stairway to some apartments

Shrines are everywhere

This enormous door opens into a courtyard – In the olden days the carriages would enter through these doors.

After eating a light lunch the four nobles went home for a siesta – while in Italy they did as the Italians did for doing otherwise would be crazy as everything shuts down for a few hours and then the fun begins again after five. Each evening they either catered at home or found a different restaurant on the Lungomare and enjoyed the fabulous Italian cuisine. Lady Helen was particularly partial to anything with squid, aubergine, artichoke, spinach or feta. If one of those ingredients were in it she’d eat it! And all the Italian wines were wonderful.

The Lungomare

Share your world Week 44

2016-11-04 | puppy1952

Sorry that I haven’t participated for a while – have not read or written blogs for a few months due to travel and other time consuming stuff. I am now trying to get back into it.

What was your favorite subject in school?

I loved English – even Grammar which seemed to be a problem for most kids but I found it quite logical.

If you could have a servant come to your house every day for two hours, what would you have them do?

I am used to help in the home but since retiring I’ve taken to doing my own housework. Cleaning windows is the worst chore so that is what I’d want done at least once a month. Other chores would include cleaning the bathroom and kitchen and and mopping my tiled floors.

Where did you live when you were in the third grade of school? Is it the same place or town you live now?

I lived in a delightful suburb of Cape Town called Fish Hoek and I lived there or not far from there for most of my life. In those early days it was a sleepy seaside village when children were free to play unsupervised and the beach and the mountain were our playgrounds. It is still a delightful place but more built up and the traffic is a nightmare.

And now I live in another sleepy seaside place at the southern tip of Africa. It is called Struisbaai and I love it.

Fish Hoek Beach in the sixties

The beach is still there! This is the upgraded Jager’s Walk

In your opinion, list some places that are great for shopping?

Paris of course. But seriously when I am in Cape Town I head straight to Woolworths. At home in Struisbaai I love the little shops we have in our tiny mall and our main business area. In spite of it being a small town most of our needs are met and we like to support local business where possible. And then there’s Bredasdorp 30km away. Once again you are assured of friendly and helpful service from the owners of the stores themselves.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am grateful that my husband is returning to good health.

I look forward to finishing packing up the Cape Town home we’ve just sold.

It Happened in Italy – Getting There

2016-11-04 | puppy1952

I have had a long break from blogging due to travel and other things that have claimed my undivided attention. To get back into it, I am pledging to try to write one post a day for the rest of November. In most of these posts I will write about what happened during the holiday my husband and I took in Italy. To make it more fun, I am fictionalising it slightly and changing names to protect both the innocent and the guilty.

How it all began

Back in May 2016, at Milkwood Manor, the First Earl and his wife were chatting to their friend, affectionately known as ‘The Admiral.

“The Captain,”she said, “has in his wisdom booked flights to Italy – leaving 1 August and returning 29 September! We love Italy but 2 months is rather long and yes, he’s used his air-miles for the tickets but we still have to find a place to stay!”

“Sounds fab,”said the Earl. “Why don’t we join you – and share expense.”

“We can’t,” declared her ladyship. “We’re going to The Kruger National Park. And anyway – you don’t like travelling in Europe!”

“Of course I do,” came the indignant reply. “It’s England I dislike! And we’ll be back in time for Kruger!”

Yes they would be; with barely a week to spare. Lady Helen looked at her husband in disbelief but not wanting to miss an opportunity for an adventure she agreed and The Admiral insisted that The Captain, who was completing his time skippering a boat in the Middle East, would be delighted to have them as travelling companions. And so the rush to get the bookings co-ordinated, sort out visas and find accommodation began.

The Earl although an active man and fit for activities like fishing, was not too keen on walking. And walking long distances would be a requirement on this type of holiday. Her ladyship tried to encourage him to get walking fit and he accompanied her on a few excursions but complained that it hurt to walk and his chest didn’t like it. Feeling concerned, they decided to visit the cardiologist in Cape Town a few weeks before departure. After an hour’s consultation he was pronounced fit enough to travel. “Take your blood pressure medication and you will be fine,”said the good doctor.

And so full of confidence and excitement the foursome set off on their adventure on 1 August 2016. Air Emirates were the privileged airline to be transporting the gentry on their journey. A lovely airline indeed but even though of noble birth, first class seats were not within the limits of the budget!

The plane that took them to Dubai

In the middle of the night at Dubai Airport

Her Ladyship was recovering from Diverticulitis and not feeling quite her usual chirpy self. She was worried about the food on the flight but all turned out well with the bland meal she’d ordered. Well done to Emirates. Two flights and 20 hours later they arrived in Rome and made their way to the city of Salerno.

The noble millions had dwindled over the centuries so although the Earl and the Captain fancied themselves as Lords they did not have the funds to carry it off in style. So instead of being transported to their lodgings in a carriage or a taxi they decided to save money, hoist packs on their backs, drag their trolley luggage and walk. The season was summer; it was hot, they were tired and they didn’t know the language or the way! And to add to their dillema the cell phone batteries failed one after the other making Google Maps no help at all. Getting directions to the apartment became a tad nightmarish. After stopping many well-meaning and kind Italians and who helpfully gesticulated and prattled incomprehensibly and drew maps that were impossible to interpret they finally made it to their apartment. “Getting lost is all part of the adventure!” declared her ladyship cheerfully as everybody collapsed in a sweaty heap. Nobody else was in the least bit amused.

However, after unpacking and cooling off they cheered up and set off to explore and get something to eat.

The only place open during Siesta Time

They shared two Margaritas and drank some refreshing beers.

And yes it was HOT

Later in the cool of the evening they set off to the Lungomare for a delicious Italian Meal.

The Lord and Lady enjoying pre-dinner snacks and sundowners

Love in Italy – The Captain with his Admiral

Delicious Italian Pasta

More of the Italian Adventure tomorrow.

Share Your World #29

2016-07-21 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this week’s share your world

What is the perfect pizza?

My favourite pizza is never on the menu of most pizza places but I’ve seldom had a problem having them make it up for me. I call it a Greek Pizza – the toppings are fetta, olives, spinach and avo – delicious.

What is your favorite time of day?

I am a morning person but now that I’m retired I don’t get up early in winter! Summer is a different story – I love an early morning walk and swim on the beach.

When in the bush mornings are the best time to get those stunning sunrises and to catch the early activity of the birds and game.

Show us two of your favorites photographs? The photos can be from anytime in your life span. Explain why they are your favorite.

The first photograph is precious because it shows all four grandkids really enjoying each other’s company. It was taken in 2014 when we were all together in Struisbaai.

The next one is special for a similar reason but here they are under the milkwood tree with their precious grandfather – and they’re all smiling at the same time!

Complete this sentence: I’m looking forward to….

our trip to Italy!

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

It was wonderful having my grandson, Jay and his friends stay with us for a few days and I’m grateful that he doesn’t think he is too old to show affection to his gran in front of his mates.

The boys dwarfing Granny!

I have come down with diverticulitis this week and look forward to getting over it quickly!

Share your World #28

2016-07-12 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this week’s Share your World questions.

What is your earliest memory?

I am always intrigued by what sticks in my mind and what doesn’t. I forget what I did yesterday but my memories from before I was four are still there! In my earliest memory I am three years old. Big Brother is already at school. He is six. I am holding Mommy’s hand and she is pushing Little Sister in her push chair. She is one. We are meeting Big Brother who is walking home from school. I have no idea why this memory sticks – nothing significant happens but I remember my brother looking very pleased with himself while I feel a tad jealous that I am not big enough to be at this important place called school. Other memories from this time in the southern suburbs of Johannesburg are vivid. Sitting on the pavement with our nanny Siena – she chatted to other nannies while we played with their young charges. The gold mine dump near our house, the
“bumpy” road we took as a shortcut to the main road that took us to wherever we were going, our enormous garden with its very long driveway and extremely tall trees – my first bird call memory is of the turtle doves calling at sunset. We left this house to live in Cape Town when I was five. I returned with my brother when we were in our thirties. He had not been there since he was 8 but he found the house without a hiccup. I couldn’t believe how the garden, trees and driveway had shrunk over the years!

I do remember one significant thing – I am standing in the dark street with my father (and mom and siblings) He is pointing to a moving star in the Sky- “That’s Sputnik,” – he said, “One day they’ll put a man into space!” That would have been in October 1957 and I was not yet five years old.

What was the last photo you took with your phone?

I don’t often take photos with my phone but if I see something interesting on my walk I like to show my hubby a proof shot. The last one was of a pair of rock kestrels but they’re too blurred to show here. Instead I will post one of harbour. I can never resist photographing it.

Struisbaai on a still, winter’s day.

Have you ever danced in the rain?

I can’t believe I haven’t because I have danced in the oddest places at inappropriate times but I don’t remember any dancing in the rain incidents.

What is the longest you have gone without sleep?

More than 24 hours. It was the last day of college. I was in a residence called Lincoln at Grahamstown Training College. We came from all over the country and had been together for three years. Now we were dispersing to different parts of the country and didn’t know when or if we would ever see each other again. We stayed up all night to get the very last of each other. The next day there was a final chapel service and we sang, “God be with you till we meet again” Well, the refrain, “till we meet at Jesus Feet” set me off and I couldn’t stop crying. A fellow student gave me a lift from Grahamstown to Port Elizabeth where I boarded a plane to Cape Town and I cried all the way in the car and on the plane. Of course, it was the lack of sleep the amplified all this emotion. I had just calmed down before deplaning and was ready to meet my father with a smile – but as soon as I saw him – I burst into tears again! However, it didn’t take long for me to get over it and enjoy the next phase of my life!

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am grateful that the cupboards are complete, the workshop is painted, the bunk room is tidy, the burglar alarm is installed and all that is left is for the burglar bars to be fitted.

I am looking forward to my grandson and three of his friends arriving tomorrow for a five-day visit. We used to bring the boys and their friends for holidays to Struisbaai when they were kids – now they’re old enough to drive themselves here!

Share your world #26

2016-07-02 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to this week’s share your world questions

What’s your most memorable (good or bad) airplane flight?

I was 7 months pregnant and flying from Durban to Cape Town when suddenly we hit some horrific turbulence. The seat belt lights went on and the aircraft made the most frightening noises as it adjusted the pressure in the cabin. It felt like the plane was dropping thousands of metres then rising up again. I was terrified. Everybody on the plane remained uncanningly calm. My friend, Peggy, was with me and she agreed that she’d never had such a scary flight before. Luckily nothing happened but for many years after that I was terrified of flying. Years later I found myself stuck at the top of the Alps in a ski lift. The view was amazing and I didn’t have the slightest fear – although my legs were dangling thousands of metres above the ground with only a bar across my middle to protect me from falling out. Why then was I afraid of of flying? It put things in perspective and I was less nervous on an aircraft after that.

Recently I was once again on a scary flight. This time it was from Cape Town to Durban when we ran into a storm. It was dark and the sky was split with lightning. The plane shook and I turned to my husband and said, “I’m not scared – if we die now it will be okay – I’ve lived a good life!” The whole plane was restless and children were crying. The pilot had to land in this treacherous weather and it turned out to be the smoothest landing I’ve ever experienced. As we touched down the whole plane broke into spontaneous applause.

The flight attendant came over the speaker with the words, “Give that man a Bells”

(This is a quote from a commercial for Bell’s Whisky. When a heroic deed is done the punch line is – “Give that man a Bells.”)

How many bones, if any, have you broken?

I broke my foot by landing badly doing high jump in Grade 8. Got me out of athletics for the rest of the year.

When I was 19 I worked as a volunteer camp counsellor. There were strict rules about leaving the camp at night but some of the other counsellors and I snuck out for coffee at a nearby restaurant. On our way back some boys bothered us so we ran – I fell down an embankment and broke my leg. My friends helped me back to camp and we snuck back in. I spent the night in pain but had to confess the next morning. The leader was more sympathetic than angry and I was dispatched to the hospital to have it set. It ruined the rest of my summer holiday!

If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be? (guest can be dead, alive, famous or someone you just know)

Helen Keller – She was deaf and blind but could talk – I find her story fascinating.

The late Duchess of Windsor – What was her secret? How did she captivate a king so much that he gave up the throne for her?

Barbara Streisand – my favourite female singer and actress. Just love her music and her movies.

Make a Currently List: What are you reading, watching, listening to, eating, needing, wanting, and missing right now?

Reading: The Cleaner of Chartres by Salley Vickers

Watching: Tennis at Wimbledon

Listening To: Cape Talk – now that I can get it on DSTV

Eating: Soups and stews in this cold wintry weather – Oxtail cooked by Hubby – delicious. Breakfasts at Shipwreck Cafe at least once a week!

Needing: I’m presently living a charmed life -so don’t really need anything.

Wanting: I want a new pair of jeans – actually three pairs – black, blue and white. But I don’t need them! Also a white shirt. I’m planning to shop in London in August.

Missing: I miss my mother. She often turns up in my dreams and I will miss her forever.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

The weather here has been freezing so I am grateful for the gas heater.

I am looking forward to spending this weekend with my kids who turned up to surprise Dad/Grandpa for his birthday today.

Spending Quality Time With Friends

2016-06-27 | puppy1952

We recently had our very good friends, Heather and Peter, spend time with us. It was an enormously happy time and the Weather Man obliged us with some stunning sunny days.

It was great to show them the improvements we’ve made to our home although they’re not quite finished yet. We enjoyed meals together, immersed ourselves in catching up on each other’s lives and it was a treat to take them to our favourite birding spots. We have so many shared interests so it was great to have an extended time together to enjoy each other.

The sunny days made it all the more exciting and although winter birding is not as productive as spring and summer we managed to do pretty well each day. Tuesday found us on the Arniston Road.

Jackal Buzzard

Rock Kestrel

Denham’s bustard

Denham’s in the foreground – steenbok in the background

There were hundreds of our national bird, the blue crane in the farmlands

A malachite sunbird enjoying the aloes

A bee, his only competition

Cloud Cisticola? Not sure about this LBJ’s identity

The Arniston Hotel where we enjoyed a great lunch

Arniston

Arniston fishermen coming in from a day at sea

On Wednesday we chilled at home till later in the afternoon when we set off to Agulhas Light house. On the way we enjoyed some birds and then went to see the light house museum.

There were literally dozens of African Black Oystercatchers on the rocks

A little egret soaking up the sun

Enjoying the lighthouse museum

After the museum we took a drive to Suiderstrand picking up a couple of birds and enjoying the views.

The famous “Pietie se huis” which is now part of the Agulhas National Park Rest Camp.

A Black Shouldered Kite with a hapless mouse for dinner

Bokmakierie

In the evening we introduced our old best friends to our new best friends over a stunning braai of ribs, chops and sausage

The next day we took off down the Elim Road and were thrilled with all the birds we found before having lunch at The Black Oystercatcher Wine Estate

A gaggle of Spur-winged geese

Cape Robin singing happily

A delight to find a fish eagle

Scores of Denham’s Bustards about

Flamingos on the Salt Pans

The Black Oystercatcher

Lunch was excellent – we all had the sticky chicken salad

The sun was setting when we returned and so we popped in at the harbour to see how the boats had done. A few fish were caught but not as much as the fishermen had hoped!

Sunset

One of the ski-boats returning from a day at sea

Friday’s weather matched our mood as we bade farewell to our friends as they made their way back to Cape Town on a cold and wet day.

What a delight to have been able to share those few days with our dearest friends!

Share your world #25

2016-06-26 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to Cee’s Share you world Week 25

How many languages do you you speak?

English is my Home Language. Most English speakers are lazy about learning other languages as no matter where you go in the world you can almost always find somebody who knows English. But I like languages. I speak my second language, Afrikaans, fairly proficiently. Now that I live in a community that is 90% Afrikaans speaking I am becoming even better. I will soon be spending two months in Italy so have begun a Duolingo online course in that language and I’m loving it.

My father was Greek but all I ever learned in that language was a few greetings, to count and to swear!

What are some words that just make you smile?

Stunning, super and fabulous are words I use a lot and I guess they make me smile. A sentence that would make me smile – We’re going to Kruger!

If you were the original architect of one existing building, which building would you select?

When I was in Australia I couldn’t get enough of the Sydney Opera House – so I guess it would be that one!

Would you rather have telepathy or telekinesis? (Telepathy is the communication using your brain waves, telekinesis is channeling the energy onto physical objects to cause substantial, observable physical changes.)

Telepathy – My husband thinks I already have it and can’t understand why I don’t know what he wants before he asks.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am grateful for an amazing week with friends visiting us and the fun we had birdwatching and exploring the area of the Southern Tip of Africa.

Next week I am looking forward to a quick visit to Cape Town to collect my British Visa and to collect my repaired car. Also I am anticipating that all alterations here is Struisbaai will be complete!

Share your World #23

2016-06-10 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to Cee’s questions for this week.

What was one of your first moneymaking jobs (other than babysitting or newspaper delivery)?

I had only three student jobs before I graduated with my Teachers’ Diploma. The first was at a bakery on Saturday mornings – it was hectic and I was paid R2.00. I was 16 years old and only did it for a few months. After that I had a vacation job in an office in the city. It was for three weeks and the experience was awesome. The permanent staff in the office were so interesting and I learned a lot about life from them – perhaps more than was age appropriate! Then at age 17 I had a vacation job at the local hospital as a Nurse Aid. Well! That was an even bigger experience – It was very hard work – making perfect hospital beds, emptying bed pans, doing bed baths, dealing with vomiting patients and the highlight – watching the birth of a baby!

My first real job was as an itinerant Speech Correction Teacher – and from then on a very chequered career in teaching – I don’t regret a second.

What is your favorite month of the year?

I would rather answer this as my favourite season of the year – Autumn/Fall. Here in the Western Cape this is the most beautiful time of year. The weather is changeable but in a good year May/June produces windless, sunny days that are neither too hot nor too cold. It’s the stillness that I love – the clear days when the sea is a calm as a millpond and it is a delight to sit in the sun and drink in the fresh air. I just love it.

What three things in nature do you find most beautiful?

Birds, the bush and the sea. Birds are all around us – they sound wonderful, they look beautiful and they fill me with joy. The Bush in South Africa is amazing – my spirit is renewed every time I enter a wildlife park and experience the isolation and wonder of the wild. The Sea – ever changing and dramatic – who can live without it.

List at least five of your favorite spices? (excluding salt and pepper)

Garlic, origanum, Ina Paarman Rosemary and Olive, Basil, ginger, cinnamon.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am grateful that the process of applying for a UK Visitor’s Visa is over – what an intense and expensive experience – Schengen was so much more pleasant. I have the latter – hopefully the former is as successful. Travel for South Africans is complicated!

I am looking forward to a week of getting our Struisbaai home into shape – the extensions are complete and the new cupboards almost all done. Now for the final decorating!

Share Your World #22

2016-06-02 | puppy1952

Here are my answers to Cee’s Share Your World Questions

Every country in the world has lost men and women in some kind of Armed Forces. When does your country celebrate their deaths?

We remember Poppy Day – 11 November – but it is not a public holiday.

Here in South Africa people lost their lives in their fight for freedom and so perhaps Human Rights Day celebrated on 21 March is when we remember those who lost their lives in that kind of war. Specifically the events of Sharpeville are remembered. On that day in 1960, 69 people died and 180 wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd who protested the Pass Laws.

Similarly 16 June – Youth Day is an important day of remembrance. On this day we reflect upon the young protesters who were ambushed by the apartheid regime police in Soweto on 16 June 1976. Over 500 youths were killed. They were students from a number of Sowetan schools who took to the streets to protest against having Afrikaans at the medium of instruction in their schools. About 20 000 students took part in the protests which took place over a few days. This was in 1976.

What is your favorite holiday or holidays?

Of course this has to be Christmas although I find it stressful to have to think of how best to celebrate. With as large an extended family as we have, it is difficult to please everybody. So over the years, the way we do it has changed several times and is changing still. But in the end whatever we do turns out to be fun.

Easter is also great – who can resist all that chocolate?

How do you celebrate that holiday?

With overindulgence of course! Last year we celebrated in Cape Town – very unusual! We had a tree and opened gifts before breakfast. Then at midday we had a roast turkey and roast lamb with all the trimmings. We did not have the traditional pudding but usually we do. This time we had my sister in law’s amazing trifle.

Even though our grandkids are quite big now, we still have an Easter Egg hunt. Great fun.

I know that some people take holidays very seriously and while we appreciate the significance of each one, we treat the day as we would any other – grateful for what they signify but we don’t attend events that make a big thing of them.

What are you grateful for in the week that’s past?

A great deal! So much change has taken place in our home. The highlight was receiving our recovered recliner. I just love the colour and it makes a huge difference to our lounge. The workshop extension to the garage is almost complete, the desk unit in the lounge is in use and the bedroom cupboards and bookshelf in the braai room will hopefully be completed by the weekend.

This chair had become quite shabby but I had a sentimental attachment to it so I couldn’t part with it – love the result of the reupholstering.

Our new double work station

What are you looking forward to in the week to come?

Our Schengen Visas are ready for collection and I need to apply for the UK Visa. Am I looking forward to that? Well it will be a chore and another trip to Cape Town but at least it’s a step closer to what’s needed to go on an overseas trip – and who can complain about that! It is also great to see the kids and friends back in our old home town!