You are welcome…..

I sleep around! On this trip alone we have stayed in 12 hotels and B&Bs - all of them 4* plus. Some modern, some traditional, all unique and most have been great! We have met some lovely people our experience has been warm and welcoming and I always give feedback when I leave. I love to give positive feedback and give it freely but I also like to give suggestions for improvements.  We are currently in a lovely place on the coast with panaromic views of the Indian Ocean. Our room is fairly spacious, beds comfortable, good quality bedding and towels, a modern en suite ….BUT ……the room is spacious but cluttered.

 There are five chairs in this room for two people FIVE! Two dining chairs, two wing backed easy chairs and a dressing table chair.  There are two bedside tables plus a coffee table, plus a small dining table , plus a dressing table plus two wicker side tables …… that is toooo many tables! I think they would benefit from a visit from an interior designer as no one needs this much furniture and the common area is the same - guests are tripping over furniture and ornaments.

Here are some things that just drive me mad about some of  places we have stayed.

1. Coat hangers that are attached to the rail that you have to wrestle with to hang your stuff up! I know people can take them but for Gods sake coat hangers are cheap!

2. Toiletries that are nailed to the bathroom wall - yes I know some people like to nick the soap but I am not one of them so stop treating us all like criminals.

3. Small cups that hold two sips of tea - please provide a mug or a decent size cup!

4. These days everyone is charging something, so fitted USB ports are a necessity not a nice to have.

5. Lighting is a hit and miss affair but I think hospitality should remember that guests are staying in unfamiliar rooms and to make them as bright, light and accessible as possible especially areas with steps and stairs. Reading lights are must!

6. I think it was in the local newspaper that a restaurant critic used to not only rate the food and service but also the loos! Well I totally support that - some loo paper in where we have stayed is almost see through! I want 5 star loo rolls!

7. Guest information should be friendly and welcoming - not written with Do’s and Don'ts like the riot act with penalties for smoking and stains in CAPITAL letters. It’s also good to have emergency numbers listed somewhere prominent for guests.

8. Those folding racks are great for unpacking and they fold up after use so aren’t taking up valuable space and guests do need somewhere to put their cases while unpacking and to store their empty suitcases (especially when there are five chairs and six tables in the room)

9. Cleanliness is non negotiable!

10. If you want your guests to return it’s a good idea to remember that we are here to relax and enjoy a break and not to act as if everything is a huge inconvenience to you. Hello if we are not here then neither are you!

We have stayed in some wonderful places so I’m not moaning at all but I think it’s a good idea that the hotel or b&b owner perhaps spends a night in the rooms that guests are paying for so they can feel the experience they are providing. In the same way that we should spend a night in the guest bedroom at home to make sure it’s comfy for our guests. What do you think?

A Tale of Two Cities

 

We have journeyed on to Port Elizabeth from Cape Town and Knysna and I have had numerous frustrations during the week we have been here.port Elizabeth is where I lived very happily for 35+ years. It doesn’t have THE mountain but it does have amazing beaches, good doctors and most importantly my remaining family here. However as Capetown has boomed in tourism  and business, it has capitalised on the success and is a thriving, growing exciting city with a real throbbing heartbeat. In contract at the other end of the scales Port Elizabeth has declined and is on life support! It has been badly managed by successive ANC governments (CT is governed by the DA) and each year I shake my head at the failure of undelivered promises and corruption that has robbed this once wonderful place of its success!

The frustrations are many and I have labelled these WTF moments for obvious reasons 😉

The roads - oh my word what happened! There are pot holes galore in-between the numerous speed humps and what happened to road markings! The speed humps are often invisible as they are not marked and the tarmac so bleached and the road lines so faded that they are the same colour. This together with street lamps that don’t work make for a hazardous driving experience! WTF!

The standard of driving - aggressive to say the least to the point of lawless! I shook my head in disbelief at the behaviour of motorists and felt so disappointed! You can blame the government for the state of the roads but you can’t blame anyone for the bad behaviour of motorists but the citizens of PE. WTF!

The service in shops was frustrating! When you get to a till and there is no barcode or prices on goods what are you supposed to do? This only happened to me in PE and not only once or twice. I walked out of more than one shop without what I wanted and shopped for because it wasn’t labelled when I got to the till. Clicks being the worst offender! It was I there as well that I was chastised for sampling a perfume spray on my hand - how are you supposed to buy anything if you can’t try it? WTF!  In most restaurants the food was mediocre and the service abysmal so we found ourselves going to the same places - Blue Vibes in Seaview because both the food and service was great,  Merak (new place in Walmer) was excellent and Mug and Bean in Walmer Park because you know what you are going to get.

We are now in Jeffrey’s Bay when the state of the roads is worse year upon year! The  beaches in both PE and JBay are world class, the weather is amazing and the people mostly wonderful humans so why oh why oh why is the Eastern Cape not capitalising on this to make a tourist destination that people will flock to and bring their money to spend and inject into the economy and create jobs. Yes you have cruise ships docking here - we saw a few but those visitors are off the boat and straight up the N2 to Addo because there is zero reason for them to head into PE.  I just shake my head in disbelief. WTF indeed…….

I know that I will heave a sigh of relief when I pass through the Tsitsikamma toll into the Western Cape and back to civilisation. I feel so sad writing this - I was proudly Port Elizabethan but no longer!

NB. Kitchen Window in JBay is one of the best restaurants I have been to. The standard is consistently high, the food fresh and well prepared and the service excellent! Go there…unsurprisingly you need to book!

Local is Lekker

I fell in love with this notebook at Anthonji Rupert Wine Estate - We have been in the Western Cape a week now and is it my imagination that I am surrounded by beautiful things? Is it the sunshine? Is it the magic of a vineyard or the mystery of the mountain? I don’t know but at every turn there are lovely creative objects to enjoy……

Ceramics …… whether you are a fan of wonky ware, proudly rustic pottery made on the Garden Route or Ardmore, the highly decorative uniquely African ceramics- there is a myriad of creative pottery to tempt you. I have both and would fill a container if I bought every piece that I have oohed and aahead over! 

Fabrics galore….. I always buy my tableware linen here. Partly because I know it will be useful but also because the quality is second to none.there is great choice too from delicate botanical prints of local fynbos to the colourful geometrical swirls of Thswe Thswe. I have added to my collection of napkins and bought some fabric too for me to get creative with,

Jewellery …. My Nom Nom charm necklace is much admired everywhere I go. Gold charms are attached with beads that you have personally chosen to mark significant aspects of your life or journey so no two necklaces are the same. I popped into the store in CT and they promptly offered to clean and restring a couple of my charms free of charge while I enjoyed coffee! I’d love more ..hint hint! It’s lucky that my birthday falls when I am here each year and I have so much choice ….this year it’s Mabe pearl earrings - a classic choice - but in the quest to find them I was so so tempted to the lovely pieces on display at the many jewellery stores. 

I have bought dresses! As if I did t have a suitcase or two of things I brought to wear. My favourite brands ‘Iconic’, Desray, Holiday and Earth Addict, all brands with colourful designs on natural fabrics in mouth watering colours - colours that I may be too shy to wear in WSussex but prints that are joyful! Perhaps I should accessorise with colours and prints that I’m a little hesitant to wear or maybe I should just sod it and go big and bold in Bognor!

I can’t take all of the things I see and spark joy in me home, but his little note book will remind me of my time in the vines.

I must remember to surround myself with beautiful objects that trigger my imagination and speak to my soul.

NB. Remember to value creativity in my environment to be honest I haven’t really embraced local textiles and ceramics in the UK. 

Reflections

January still finds me in reflective mode…..we saw 2025 arrive and promptly started packing for our annual migration to the southern hemisphere. This time we flew from Gatwick to Capetown a new route by Norse Airlines. We were a bit nervous but I was pleasantly surprised and although we flew Premium Economy and had a delay on take off due to de icing the plane, it was pretty good. We are travelling back in March on a day flight which is a blessing as you board after a good nights sleep and spend the day flying and climb into your own bed that night!

So far we have had a five nights at the bustling waterfront, enjoying the blue skies, boats, views of Table Mountain and the evening reflections from the myriad of restaurants and eateries surrounding the water.  We enjoyed a sunset cruise and bobbed back into the harbour with views from the water showing the coloured lights of the shops and Christmas decor reflected and we ubered up to Bo Kaap where the Cape Malay community lived as freed slaves  in the 18th century painting their houses in bright colours as the continue to do today. I enjoy their style of cuisine a fruity, fragrant, spice fusion and we enjoyed art galleries, coffee and an able through the area. We also took a ride up to Groot Constanta Vineyard - one of the oldest in the region producing wine enjoyed by Napoleon and mentioned in Jane Austen’s novels. We went through the old homestead and then then enjoyed lunch at Simons restaurant in the vineyard gardens. The quality and presentation of food here is excellent and I’m going to have to up my activity if I’m to fit into anything to travel home in!

From Capetown we picked up our hire car and travelled to Franschoek - settled by the exiled French Huguenots in the 17 century - such a pretty town surrounded by mountains brimming with vines! Again heat,  blue skies, food, wine and lovely little boutique shops - not at all difficult to spend three days exploring them all. Our hotel was itself a historic building with thick walls, sash windows, high ceilings and beautiful furnished - we made friends here with some Scottish farmers on a golfing holiday and unbelievably a couple from the next town who have promised to keep in touch.

On to Hermanus and about 5C cooler on the coast - we were welcomed here like old friends as we have stayed at Ocean Views before - it’s perched on the cliff on the edge of the ocean and that sea breeze was welcome. Our favourite vineyard is here - called Creation Wines aptly so as it’s in the Hemel and Aarde Valley - which means Heaven and Earth. It’s a beautiful place, a tranquil haven full of art, simple fresh food, amazing wine - their Elation Cap Classique is delicious. We were a bit early for booking so we popped into another Vineyard La Vierge - the highest wine farm in the valley with sweeping views and lovely Pinot Noir! Although we just popped in, I ended up doing a sexy macaroon and wine pairing! The wines are named Original Sin, Seduction, Jezebel, The Affair and  Nymphonia and interestingly they play classical music in their barrel cellar 24 hours a a day to change the molecules in a harmonic way! So after tasting three wines and scoffing three macaroons I waddled into Creation to eat and drink more! There was a glass art exhibition on view here by Red Hot Glass among the vines by the restaurant glinting in the sun - it’s like a whole sensory experience beauty, taste, ambience, soft music and walking into the ladies is like a spa experience! Through the valley and back into out hotel - it was nil by mouth for me till breakfast and packing. We are heading to Gondwana and the big five! 

Reflecting on the vast diversity of this beautiful country ….. so disappointed that the promises made by the ruling party - The ANC - have seen tourism decline, created worse poverty, poorer education and minimal employment opportunities! It makes me so angry for the people who voted for democracy expecting prosperity and a better future for their children. I have to breathe deeply and let it go and the serenity prayer comes to mind 🇿🇦

Good bye 2024…23..22..21..Hello 2025

My annual tribute to New Years Eve......

I repost this each New Year to remind me of how time passes so quickly! We are about to say goodbye to 2024 and hello 2025 which hardly seems possible! This year again has been full of surprises - the biggest one being that I have remarried! I’m still in shock but adamant that nothing will change. Travel highlights for this year have come from a northerly direction with Scotland and Balmoral and Donegal in Ireland. My trip to the US fell later and I was there for a most spectacular fall and Halloween and because we are seldom here for Christmas, I went all out and had a very busy and enjoyable festive season which is about to come to a close as we prepare to leave for sunny shores. I hope it’s warmer and brighter when we return. Till the Happy New Year ….. time to remember!

It’s that day of the year when you either celebrate and look forward to what the New Year has in store or you sit and recollect what happened in the year that you are leaving behind. Whether you are looking into a crystal ball or in the rear view mirror – it’s all about reflection. Just like Bridgette Jones it’s about taking stock, tallying up the numbers in your life, doing a few calculations and deciding whether you are winning or not.

That probably explains why some years you will find me sitting at home in my slippers watching The Royal Variety Show and other years I will be putting my left leg in, my left leg out, doing the Hokey Cokey with a bunch of jolly strangers.

Traditionally New Year was a time for first footing, dark haired strangers bearing coal and a lot of Scottish people on the TV swinging their kilts and their whisky bottles. My father, Harry, used to celebrate New Year in a big way down at his local while we children waited for him to come home intoxicated so that we could laugh at him. One year he did the Highland fling with a party can - a huge can of beer that held seven pints – then opened it! We welcomed 1962 in a shower of beer and the house still reeked of Ansell’s’ bitter in June! 

Another year – 1976 I think - the family accompanied dad to his local, the Seven Stars, and at midnight we three sisters marched into the bar because that was the year that women were declared equal and couldn’t be refused entry anywhere based on their gender. We wanted the moon, equal pay and the opportunity to buy a pint in the snug! My sister took our newly legislated freedom a step further by marching into the Gents toilets while my father cried into his beer and declared that the world had gone mad.

Perhaps that’s why my father chose the 31st December to cast off his mortal coil and join the spirit in the sky. That year I lay in bed listening to neighbours singing Auld Lang Syne, distant fireworks and the world celebrating and I wandered how people could be so happy while I was so sad. I suppose that sums up New Years Eve – some have had a year to celebrate and others are sadly counting their losses.

Since being in South Africa we have the additional burden of celebrating twice – at midnight and at 2am as we wait for and send good luck messages to the UK. A few of years ago I opted to babysit for New Year and when friends asked had I seen the New Year in – I replied, “Yes! At 23h30, 00h15, 01h45, 02h30 and 04h10!” I had forgotten that is what New Year’s Eve is like with a 3 year old.

I am also remembering a New Year spent in Cape Town visiting a friends who were in isolation there. Our dear friend had been diagnosed with acute T-cell limblastic lymphoma so while the champagne corks were popping, he was in hospital popping pills and battling the horrors of chemo. Friends of friends opened their home to us and we saw the 2010 in with strangers in Monte Vista and drove back as the sun came over Table Mountain unsure of what the year held. He is a survivor and a hero and I know will celebrate many New Years!

2012 Is it really only 6 years ago that Tony and I were singing,“We'll take a cup o' kindness yet, For auld lang syne,"  with sister Julia and Tom in Manchester - dining in style and dancing the night away. Such a joyful evening and the expectation of a great year ahead - Four weeks later, I was numb with shock and arranging Tony's funeral.

2013 - Spent in Natal with where we eventually found somewhere to eat - Jimmy's Prawns - at 10pm to be told they weren't licensed, Never Again!

2015 I spent the night on my own, scrap booking, I think and then climbed into bed early, content, healthy and grateful to have made it through another year and achieving most of what I set out to do. This year I turned my dream of sailing on the Chobe River into reality. I have visited Singapore and Thailand and spent precious time with Sean Nadine and Katherine. I managed a few days in the UK having fun with Julia, Tom, Sandra and Janice and family. I have fished for trout in Dullstroom, set sail in a canoe on the Keurbooms river (albeit briefly) and I have enjoyed some wild adventures with my camera. I have been productive and managed financially to maintain my home, my health and my sanity, I am content with my lot and looking forward to 2016 - excited at the possibilities it has in store and plotting my path to make more of my dreams come true. Tonight there are no plans as yet,  but I shall be remembering the past and definitely looking forward to celebrating a life lived deliberately.

2016 Today V is arriving from Natal - this will be our last New Year together - the decision is made and I just have to take action. I am disappointed but I am truly worth more than a daily phone call at 9pm and a long weekend per month. My sister and hubby is arriving tomorrow so I am excited for that. We will travel a little and enjoy the beach and the bush! I have new projects to look forward to and enjoying time with my family and friends. I have goals to visit Namibia and  Botswana and perhaps I will fit in a trip to the UK too!

2017 Surprise Surprise - Isn't life full of them! This year I am spending New Years Eve in Novi Michigan. Wrapped in a white blanket of snow - snug and warm and watching Little Women on BBC. Yes - I will be having a glass of bubbly but probably at 9pm as that is what parents of small children do lol. I have achieved all that I set out to do this year so I deserve to celebrate my achievements.  My plans for the year are in progress and I do believe that I will have some exciting adventures in 2018. I am blessed with a loving family and privileged to spend time with the little people in it.

2018 Change, Change and Change! Reflecting on last years comment that I plan to have exciting adventures in 2018 is a bit of an understatement. Who would have thought that life would have washed me up here on the very south coast of England watching swans, gulls and river traffic on the Arun in between rushing off to races in Ireland and the UK? I have had some wonderful adventures, traveled on trains and boats and planes to Canada and the USA and through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. I have met some really interesting people, made a couple of new friends, spent time with old friends and met someone who is kind, thoughtful and loving and is great fun to spend time with. I hope I have made a difference to a couple of elderly folk and I have loved my year of living differently! I am already making plans for 2019 but right now I am looking forward to seeing you all again in January and catching up with all your adventures.

2019 / 2020 /2021 What happened??

I was trying to remember today how I celebrated the last couple of New YearsEves ? We were in South Africa - packing for Cape Town I think last year. Beyond that I can’t remember - perhaps a long term effect of Covid! New Year seems to lose its sparkle as you age and today we had lunch with friends and will stay at home and look for something good on TV.  Plans - fingers crossed - to travel south are imminent. This year,  I have managed a visit to the USA and had a great time with the family there. We have holidayed in Ireland and as far north in Scotland as we could, and explored the Jurassic coast as far south as we could get. I have reconnected with my eldest brother and made the most of travel opportunities around various restrictions. I am grateful for my health, my family and that my nearest and dearest is well. I am loved and had the opportunity to spend time with my loved ones - a blessing! 

Once my life was lived from goal to goal. I had to-do lists, bucket lists, f#*&-it lists and short and long term plans. Now I am just living in the now - savouring the special times with people and taking life as it comes …..mostly in boxes from Amazon! I know I will spend my 69th birthday in the wild bush of the Eastern Cape and hopefully awake to the rumble of lion, the call of a Knysna loerie  and that special earthy fragrance of  nature that I love. 

Not sure whether we will be doing the Hokey Cokey this year as sadly , Larry La Prise, the man who wrote "The Hokey Pokey" died peacefully at age 93 last week. The most traumatic part for the family was getting him into the coffin. They put his left leg in..... and then the trouble started. Hee Hee!

Happy New Year to all my family and friends........and special thoughts of my dad Harry – I hope that you are enjoying a wee dram at the ‘eighth star.’