My Birthday!!!

So I’m turning 25, and I spent the day playing with the kids and acting like a 5 year old. Which is pretty ironic since Braden asked me the other day, “Rara how old are you turning?” “When I said 25” “He said me too! I’m also turning 5” … which he isn’t, he is turning 2, but it was just too cute!

Sweet Boy!

My host family sent me flowers which made my day, since my actual birthday also meant the first day of my Sociology class. Fun times!

Pretty flowers

Changing brackets…

Recently I was filling in a survey for my school and when asked to fill in my age I had the choice between 18 – 24 or 25 – 30. And it hit me…in 2 days…I will be changing brackets!!! I will no longer be on the later side of 18 – 24, but the younger side of a bigger bracket…woe is me. Just Kidding, it means I get to CeLeBraTe!!!

24 year old ME :)

Kids say the sweetest things…

Kids really know how to make you feel special…especially these kids!

Reading Curious George while holding Curious George

I was about go out with Tyler one night and as I was about to walk out the door, Braden asked “Rara where you going?” I told him I was going out with Tyler and he responded, “You coming back?” When I told him I would be back soon he replied, “Oh, like when you went to Aprica?” (No, I didn’t spell Africa wrong, that’s what it sounds like when Braden says it…)

Braden (the baseball player)

Annabel, after finding out one of her friend’s babysitting was leaving said to me, “Rara please don’t leave again.” I said to her I would have to leave one day. She said “well you can leave when I go to college.” I just laughed and she said “well, then I will come visit you on weekends…that’s how college works.”

AJ snow jumping

Finn and Braden were sent $5 for Valentine’s Day, from their grandparents. Braden saw the money and said “I’m going to have fun. Bye.” Finn on the other hand said “A million dollars!!! Here’s mommy you can have it…” How cute is that?

Finn is convinced this is Curious George's dad (it's a monkey that Tyler brought me)

Braden was eating breakfast the other day and as Amanda walked into the room, wearing a dress for work he exclaimed "oh mommy! You look like a princess!" Totally cute!

“Home” again…

It’s a weird feeling to leave home, and return to somewhere that has become your home. I was really glad to arrive at Milwaukee Airport, after a long travel time it’s good to know where you are.

On the way home

Once Dave picked me up from the airport and took me home, I felt excited! I knew sleep was close. I asked if I could pick up the boys since I had really missed them!

I arrived ‘home’ I was ready for some rest before picking up Braden and Finn. I drove with Bucktail (Amanda’s dad) but he waited in the car when I went into their school. I walked in and Braden saw me straight away, he ran up to me and said “Ra-ra!” It was an amazing feeling! Later Finn saw me, but he played it cool and just smiled at me.

The boys at North Star

That night we went out for dinner, and after an early night I was ready to go back to bed!

AJ reading at North Star

Reaching the USA…

The rest of the trip was pretty much just sleep, eat, watch movies and try it all again. There were a few things I noticed on my long voyage…

Namely, an airhostess will arrive the moment you fall asleep. True story! And since the only come around every so often, it’s almost worth waking up each time for.

Another thing, I would highly advise that the airline companies should reconsider putting touch screens on the seat in front of you. It’s all very well when you would like to change the channel occasionally. However, when you have someone sitting behind you that is convinced they need to push so hard on the screen that it feels as though they are pushing buttons in your skull!

I think airline companies should think about serving meals in circular bowls too. The square dishes get really boring after a while. (Just saying)

A big pointer to airlines… I feel like they could at least make the blankets “warmth size”. You know, big enough to actually cover your toes as well as your shoulders…

Lastly, people who clap when the plane lands…is kind of annoying. It’s the pilot’s job. I mean every time I do my job correctly I don’t have people clapping for me, I don’t know…maybe I’m just jealous…

Johannesburg to WHAT?...

I arrived in Johannesburg with like an hour to get to my next boarding gate so it didn’t feel like I had time to even take a breath. Once I was standing outside A5 I felt like I had time to relax a little bit. I went through the check points, got to the plane and was asked to check my luggage in. This went pretty quickly, and as I was about to board the flight the flight attendant took my ticket. I feel the need to tell you it was a man (I’m not sure if this makes a difference.) He then told me that I was on the wrong flight, and the one I was about to board was going to London. “No way! This is gate A5.” I proclaimed. This went back and forth for a while till he said they changed the boarding gate and you are about to miss your flight so you better run. At this point the taps were turned on and the waterworks began! I think I was so emotional from the rollercoaster past two days, that this was the last straw. Judging by the look on the flight attendants face, I realized he was joking and now felt horrible about his joke. His female counterpart gave him dagger eyes and immediately run to me threw her arms around me, and asked if I was okay. I explained that I had just let my family in pursuit of studying; she apologized and gave me time to compose myself. Once I was ready I made my way to my seat, the other flight attendant apologizing profusely. Not sure how he had expected that joke to turn out…but probably not that way…

Leaving home…again…

After saying goodbye to Rayson, Jean and I drove home, where we both went back to bed. For a few hours at least. Then we went on a last day shopping spree, making sure I would be fully equip with SA gifts and treats before I left.

Then we headed home where I showered in preparation of my long day ahead…

Once at the airport I saw down and had lunch with my fantastic family, but I couldn’t help thinking how it felt like the “last Supper.” It weird how different the feeling is now than it was the first time I went. The first time was filled with anticipation of the unknown, excitement for the future and a few nerves for the long flight. This time I was filled with dread at the prospect of sitting for so long, enthusiasm for the next school semester and my future plans and lastly I felt like I needed to absorb each moment as I know I will re-run these in my heads for days to come.

Once through the boarding gates and after many hugs and kisses, I was off…

The Durban to Johannesburg was relatively short and uneventful. And I didn’t even cry!

Rayson time…

My brother had spent 3 weeks travelling around Malaysia and Thailand so I hadn’t seen him since I left in June 2009. I was sooooo excited to finally see him again, even if it was just for a day. After much anticipation he finally walked through the terminal and I run (déjà vu of the moment Tamara arrived) and gave him big hugs!!!

Siblings together again at last!

We went back to my dad’s house where we swam, and he washed off the long hours of travelling. Then we had a family dinner, family Christmas (I’m think I’m going on my 6^th celebration by this point) and lastly family photos…lots of fun!

Great Book! Great Gift!

Rayson stayed over for the night, but had to be at work early the next morning. I’m such a dedicated sister that I woke up (at 5am, even without tea) so I could go with Jean to drive him to work. I’m not a morning person, as we all know, however the chance to spend a few more hours with my brother…definitely worth giving up a few hours of sleep for.

Just one of the many reasons I love my family...

My day with Lee…

In all this time I had yet to see Lee (the girl I went to India with) and I was dead set on seeing her before I left. Thank goodness she was just as committed, and made the trip from Pietermaritzburg to Durban to see me. We decided to go to the Moses Mabhida Stadium with Riley, Roic and Lee’s boyfriend (Travis) and his best friend Lance.

Amazing view

At the stadium we went up the sky car, it has an amazing view of Durban, as you are on the arch that extends over the arch. We ended with lunch at Subway (really? Even though I am leaving for America soon?!)

Lee and I

Then I invited them over to dip in the pool. It was so good to see Lee again, and I’m glad I had the chance to meet her boyfriend too. When I see Lee it brings back so many fun memories of wonderful times.

Riley and I...and Roic, refusing to look at the camera

Back to Durban…

This is my last day in Margate, so I had to say my goodbyes all over again. Which is never fun to do, but it was after a fun filled holiday so it wasn’t so bad. Then I went past the Center to see Chris and say hi to him after all this time. It’s great to see friends again!

I then drove to Durban for the last time this trip, with the teeny tiny car fully packed with ALL my luggage (yes, it deserves all caps since there was so much.) Once I reached Durban we chilled and relaxed till…

Hello to old friends…and a new *little* one…

Saturday morning was my day to see some people I had not managed to see in the time I had spent in SA. I started at Shelly center visiting my friend Chris, who was off for the day…major planning fail! Then I drove to Southbroom where I visited my dear friend Lucy in her new salon. I worked for her before I came over to the States. Then I headed home where my aunt and uncle (and their 4 boys) were waiting. It was really great to see them after soooo long. Of course the boys have grown so much that I started to feel old. Yes, I even had one or two 

I remember when you were this high…” moments, which I desperately tried to suppress. Later Lucy, her husband Ben and daughter Claire joined the group. I have only seen pictures of Claire but never met her officially…so it was great to see her baba, as well as see her in “mommy mode.” You have to have met Lucy pre-baby to understand how much of a change this is. She refused to ever kids, while Ben was one step away from stealing kids in shopping malls (just kidding!!! But he definitely was ready for kids) But now with her baby she seems so happy and content…kids will do that to you I guess…

Saying goodbye…and again…

A quick breakfast and I’m off to take my boyfriend to the airport. (Maybe he would like to tell you about how the loooong trip home went.)

He <3's SA!

 Then Tamara and I headed to Gateway to satisfy any last minute urges to spurge.  Then it was time to take my dear German friend to the airport…lots of laughs, reminiscing and ultimately sad goodbyes. Then I had to make the Durban – Margate trip once again…

Some more SA <3 (we designed these shirts together, I have one too!)

Oh boy… that trip home was brutal… first of all, leaving a place I wasn't quite ready to leave yet, saying goodbye to all my new friends, and facing a long brutal trip. Luckily I had a 9 hour stop in Johannesburg where our buddy Karabo was kind enough to come pick me up and deal with me for 9 hours (Thanks Bo!). After that short excursion I had the long 11 hour flight back to London, where I enjoyed another 8 hours layover, which led to another 8.5 hour flight, which led to another 3 hour layover in Chicago (which is super annoying because I live less than a two hour drive from Chicago), and then a 30 minute flight to good old freezing cold Milwaukee where I was greeted by my parents. To make the whole trip even more annoying my bags were searched again, where my girlfriend was sure to pack me with enough bra’s and underwear to make it sufficiently awkward again.

Another fun time was that on my way in I had to talk to the immigration people in South Africa who asked two questions and seemed to learn enough and let me in. On the way back however, in Chicago I had to go through American immigration officers, they didn’t seem as impressed with me. I spoke to a couple people around me in line, each coming from different places, they skated right through the line no problems, I get to the desk and the guy feels the need to ask me every question in the book. Apparently my own country didn’t even want me back… after a few irritated answers to a variety of stupid questions he backed off and let me in. Lesson learned though, immigration officers are unlike my girlfriend in the respect that they do NOT appreciate my sarcastic humor.

All of that said, this was the trip of a lifetime, I will remember the places, activities, and mainly the people forever. I hope that this was merely my first of many trips to this fantastic land, and as I told everyone, be careful how well you treat me, if you keep this up I will keep coming back, ask Robyn about that… she met me and was nice once and now she is stuck with me and can’t seem to shake me J On a very serious note I appreciate everything and hope I was able to give you as many smiles and laughs as you provided me. Words cannot express how amazing it was, and how amazing it feels to have experienced what I have, Thank you to everyone who was in anyway involved! 

Memorable Moment…

While teaching Tyler how to play Punch Buggy…

Rebecca: “Punch Buggy” *punches Tyler*

Tyler: “What the heck was that for?”

Rebecca: “Don’t you play that game?”

Tyler: “No! I’m from freaking Wisconsin; we don’t have freaking Beach Buggies!”

I was laughing so hard! But after what was probably the 5^th assault on my boyfriend, I declared “my” car a no punch buggy car! They were acting like children, and someone had to be the parent!

::sigh:: one last memory… so the game punch buggy is a game that is apparently played by the younger generation in South Africa (news to me), but when you see a beach buggy somewhere, you are supposed to punch someone around you after loudly shouting the words “PUNCH BUGGY!” … so you can imagine how this, being as I am from somewhere that I don’t even think has beach buggies, would come as quiet a surprise. Given our climate we don’t delve much into this beach buggy business, which in turn means no punch buggy either… That being said, I think Rebecca learned her lesson after I caught on with how to play.

So… I believe this brings an end to my blogging guest appearance L… this was a lot of fun, hopefully you all enjoyed my perspectives, and who knows… maybe my girlfriend will decide to love me and let me come back and provide more commentary again sometime! Hope everyone is well, and hope to hear from or see you all soon!

Ooooooooooshaka!...

Day 15 for me and Tyler and Tamara’s last full day in South Africa. I had planned to go to Ushaka Marine World. The weather was not sticking to the script as planned, but we decided that since we were going to a water park and were going to get wet anyway…why not?!

Germany, USA and SA...how cool?!

We started our Ushaka experience at the Wet ‘n Wild water slide section. We had a lot of fun and on the big rides we would all go down together…even though we weren’t supposed too. You’re only supposed to go 2 at a time. So, the first person would go and then try stopping themselves mid slide, while the second and third person would try to propel themselves as far down as possible…yup…lots of fun!

Ushaka Marine World

We then headed to the dolphin show, which is always amazing to see.

Pretty dolphins

We then headed to the Shark Cage Diving area, and suited up (which included just a mask) and waited our turn. Finally we were up and we were told that we could all go together in one cage. The “cage” was actually a perplexed container with small holes in the side and bottom and a metal bar to pull you under water. The funny thing is I felt pretty safe in the cage until the moment my one pinkie toe stuck out the small hole…I was totally convinced that the sharks were going to eat my toe. Unrealistic, I know but scary just the same.

The cage we went in

Haha, we look awesomely RIDICULOUS!

We moved onto a restaurant thoroughly ravaged and ready to eat.  Lucky for us we found a buffet…yip, endless food!!! This is where Tyler tried Malva Pudding, and fell in love. We declared it Fat Kid Thursday…and afterwards, I did feel like a fat kid - but a happy fat kid…

Yummy!!!

Ushaka was really neat, it was like Noah’s Ark, America’s largest waterpark, which happens to be located here in Wisconsin… if anyone can come up with the logic for that please let me know, because we can only use that water park for 4 months out of the year… and Sea World. It was a great way to spend our last full day in South Africa.

Tyler and I waiting to Shark dive

As for the Malva Pudding, to say I fell in love is an understatement, I think I had like 6 bowls, and just seeing that word is making my mouth water… We have already attempted to make it here in the states once, Robyn rocked making it, but I failed when it came to the custard portion, I am convinced we will get it down though.

Finding Nemo fish tank

As for my last day in Durban, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the Wiggill family for everything they did, for all the laughs and good times, allowing me to stay in their beautiful home, and being able to take part in their amazing family Christmas, it was great to still get to enjoy a true family Christmas and feeling a part of a family when I was so far from mine. I appreciate everything you guys did, and will never forget the smiles and laughs, hope to see you guys soon whether that be this side or back by you guys!

Mommy’s turning…um…never mind…age it just a number…

Once my mommy returned home from work we had a birthday celebration. Included in this were Tyler and Rebecca’s muffins from their bake-off, although I am still not sure who won. I am fairly convinced that the bake-off was just an excuse to bake yummy treats…I’m not complaining though.

Mommy and her presents

Then we headed out to Margate Beach as a big “extended” family. Tyler and Tamara were fairly interested in the idea that people are “allowed” to sit in the back of an open bakkie. I made sure on their last night in Margate that they got to ride in the back of an open bakkie. “Like real Africans” as Tamara remarked. Tyler sat like King Pin, with his blue sunglasses. Tamara sat like the queen of England, waving at everybody and shouting “Shongololo” as if was a greeting.

'Queen' Tamara

Tyler managed to buy the last of his Christmas gifts while at Mardi Gras. Tamara got all hers too (and a pair of sunglasses. My mom was adorned with a birthday sash (courtesy of Tyler). The rest of us were content with mini dougnuts and flavoured mielies.

Tamara and I (and our flags)

My wonderful family

Then we had to set off for Durban, where Tyler made the mistake of admitting that he thought Tamara was “pretty cool.” Not only did he regret it, but so did I…cos that’s pretty much all I heard for the rest of the Durban bound trip. She later admitted he wasn’t so back…by this stage I was ready to puke *LOL* I was actually just glad that my boyfriend and best friend got along so well. Success!

Big Hugs

My sister and my mommy

Pretty sure I won the muffin bake-off… there was never an official judge, but I officially declare myself winner, because I can.

As for the rest of the night, it was a really fun relaxed night. The Margate Mardi Gras was really cool, I wish we had something like that here in the States; it was a lot of fun to walk around and see all the different things.  It was a lot of fun to take part in the ‘birthday’ festivities, I even got to pick out my own personalized birthday gift (I realized the day before while epically failing to try to fix the weed whacker that Sue’s (Robyn’s Mom) garden hoe was broke)… so while in the store I noticed a section with gardening tools and picked one up… which I am convinced everyone thought my gift was stupid, but I think it turned out alright J

As with this being my last night in Margate before returning home it was really sad to leave, the Nagel family was so great to me, and I had such a great time that I really didn’t want to leave, the area was incredible beautiful, and the people were 10x better than that. I will truly miss those three, from Richard‘s (Robyn’s step dad) amazing cooking and witty humor, my late night chats with Sue on the back porch, to Rebecca my 30 seconds teammate! Thanks guys, I definitely will never forget you guys!

Touring a village…that changes your perspective…

Tamara, Tyler and I are packed in a small car, with our guide called Mandla, heading to the village he grew up in.  We went through little huts, meeting the locals. We drove around the village taking amazing pictures of women happily washing clothing on the side of the road. It was a humbling experience to see those that live with next to nothing, yet they are happy than so many “privileged” people.

In a hut

We had lunch at Lake Eland, where we later took a drive to the big suspension bridge. Another great view, another mini heart attack moment. There is this extra viewing point where you can stand out and you feel like you are standing at the bow of the Titanic. While that’s how I picture it anyway…haha.

I walked away from the Zulu village tour with three different feelings, first was incredibly blessed to have the things and opportunities I have in my life, second was extremely impressed at how happy and positive the people in the village were, it was incredible and really makes you think about how you live your life. Third was really confused how some of these huts had satellite dishes, tile floors and were essentially pimped out… they stand out a little bit when the rest of the village is lucky to even have a cement floor so they don’t have to sleep in the dirt. 

Part of the Village

Donkeys!

Women singing while doing the laundry

Cute kid!

Lost, looking for the Leopard…

After our fun times in the rapids, we spent some time driving around Oribi Gorge. We went to a stunning lookout point, where we could see the whole Gorge below us. Then we visited a suspension bridge, which seemed pretty short and not too intimidating…until you are half way across. That’s when the mini heart attack happens and you suddenly realize all the possibilities. Just when you realize that the possibility that makes the most sense, just happened. You survived and the bridge didn’t break.

Just hanging out

The Bridge

I have never actually been to Leopard Rock Café, but decided that this would be a great time to see it myself, by showing it to my international friends. Unfortunately my moments of directional ninja-ness come and go. At this moment it was firmly gone, so we never found the place, and decided to head to the post office instead.

Once we manged to find it a day later

Tamara’s dad had requested some real South African biltong. I of course, loved this idea! She packaged up so sweets and chips for her mom too, and we headed to the post office. After she had paid for the postage for the package and stamps for her postcards we started to seal the box. A simple task which involved Tamara, me and an insane amount of packing tape.

My Bestie and I

Next we headed to the money exchange office to get what my boyfriend refers to as “Rhino dollars.” I swear I am going to start calling dollars “president faces.”

Lastly we headed to the South Coast Mall to find a birthday present for my mom. Walking past Wimpy made us all so hungry, that I decided it was about time they enjoyed South Africa’s finest burgers.

At Wimpy!

The rest of the day at Oribi Gorge followed much of what I said previously, amazing sights, good company, and plenty of fun and jokes to go around. To be fair I didn’t call everything ‘Rhino Dollars’, there was also Cheetah dollars, and all sorts of other colors and animals… She can begin to call them president dollars, but only if she can use the actual names of the presidents on the dollars like I used the actual names of the animals ;) That being said, South African currency is much more colorful and visually appealing than its American counterpart. We do everything green or silver for our coins…

Okay wasn’t going to bring this up, but…

We were playing a game which is called “Buffalo” it’s a drinking game. Every time you hold your drink in the right hand and someone in your group says “buffalo” you are supposed to take a shot. Seeing a friend of ours drinking with the right hand Tyler shouted “moose!” I asked “what? Oh wait you mean buffalo, right?” then my very cute boyfriend proceeded to tell me that he thinks it’s stupid that we named a game buffalo since we don’t even have buffalos in South Africa… (Ever heard of the big 5?)

HAHAHAHAHA

A new point in our relationship…

After we reached a slow part of the Umzimkulu river we were instructed that we could jump ship (or raft) if we so desired. Tyler and I were ampt, the other two needed convincing. A few pleas and finally we were all floating down the river happily in the cocktail in position (floating on your back, knees slightly bent and feet facing down the river.) We decided to hold hands so we ensured we faced down the river while we were floating.  I then announced that I needed to pee (another one…sorry) Tyler who was holding my one hand looked unsure, so I looked to Tamara and Rebecca on my other side for confirmation, they smiled as if totally unfazed by my announcement. Then suddenly Tyler looked at me and asked “did you just pee WHILE you were holding my hand?!” Guilty as charged… Apparently that is inappropriate etittique while floating down the river…holding hands, with your boyfriend. (Friends and sisters don’t mind though)

There was a rapid in which we were told to jump inside the raft. After the first false start Tyler and I decided on a method to carefully launch ourselves into the boat while minimizing amount of possible injuries. Of course when it came to crunch time Tyler launched himself into the boat but didn’t put up the oar divider which was meant to help us not crash…so I ended up hitting my head on his knee.

The last rapid was a big one and after being totally convinced that I was the only one getting soaked with every rapid we went through. I decided payback was in order, and once Rebecca announced look at my dry patches, I knew I had to do something (but what…hmmm). Last rapid and I ended up with a large mouthful of water, I turned and wet the last remaining dry patch on her leg, she was a little less impressed than me…but we all laughed! Also while going over the last rapid we had decided to focus and be serious, suddenly Tamara burst into laughter and declared that she was thinking about Rebecca jumping inside the raft without being told too…

I don’t know if the moral of the story is that friends and sisters don’t mind if you pee while holding their hand. I think the moral of the story is that my girlfriend, her best friend, and her sister are weird. Some ::cough:: Robyn ::cough:: would call this ‘a new point in our relationship’ … others, would call this something we should never speak about again… but yet, we sit here blogging about it… awkward. (You don’t like holding my hand baby?)

More of Oribi Gorge

The day of water adventures…

Today we are going whitewater rafting. The fearsome foursome, at it again! We arrived at Oribi Gorge, just in time to get ready to float (haha) down the river. But first we need to get our life jackets and helmets, make a stop at the pay station, and then head down to the river. The trip down seemed to take forever! Stuck in the back of a bakkie where these bugs keep flying in. By the time we arrived there were a few squashed on the roof, and we were ready to get out of there.

Before we boarded the raft Tamara and I decided to take a pee break (*sorry that you have to keep hearing my pee stories…but I promise one is good!) We agreed that in front of the bakkie cover on one side by a mountain and the other side by dense bush would be the best place to go. So, we positioned, squatted and then Tamara started freaking out…imagine a jumping, screaming German with her cozzie around her ankle. That’s what I saw! I was waiting for the guys to come running to see what the matter was, but they made enough sense to stay away, so it was just me there to take in this interesting sight. The reason you was going crazy were the same bugs that we had flying in the bakkie with us. After we finally finished our business we headed to the raft and were briefed and safety procedures.

We were warned that in the event of some rapids the best thing to do is jump in the raft; however this is only the case when the instructor shouts “Inside”. The other commands were “strong left” (or right) and…hmm I can’t remember the others, useful huh? Anyway Tyler and I were each in the front, Rebecca behind me and Tamara behind Tyler. We were having a great time, about to go over this one big rapid when out the corner of my eye I see Rebecca jump into the center of the boat. I realize that as I am in the front of the raft, I may not be able to hear the instructions; at that point Tamara launched herself into the raft. So, I went with it, into the boat! We came out of the rapid and turned to look at Tyler and our instructor, who were still firmly place on their sides of the boat…oops!

Another notable moment is when Tyler trying to steady himself (or so he says) grabbed on to Tamara’s hand. Of course she turned around and asked him why he was holding her hand…I was more focused on the rhyme and timing of my rowing.

Whitewater rafting was an amazing adventure, and going through the Oribi Gorge was so beautiful. The whole day was really neat seeing the whole area, it just added to my theory that South Africa has one of the most beautiful countryside’s. I am not sure that we were the most dependable rafting crew as we failed at following orders on multiple occasions, but our instructor was a nice enough guy to put up with our singing and other shenanigans. As for the notable moment of me trying to steady myself, I am not really sure why Tamara’s hand was in the middle portion of the boat, but I was looking the other direction and just looking for somewhere to drop my hand, unfortunately that was on top of her hand, which led to the fantastically awkward moment J

Oribi Gorge

Strange warnings and lost shoes…

The morning was filled with shopping, not too much to write home about however…

"Shopping"

In the afternoon we planned to meet up with my parents at a rock pool in Margate. We drove to the spot and got ready to cross the rocks. The tide was coming in, but I trust my parents so I started to cross. Tyler goes “what are you doing?” (Note: I am walking into waist deep water and waves are crashing around us.) These two Indian guys fishing, standing close by on the rocks shouted across “no, don’t do that…you’ll never come back” At this point Rebecca and I have both climbed across the water path and are on the other side rocks (helped out by my mother), Tyler looks at me and says “are you sure?” I can see he is assessing the situation and assessing my mental state of mind. I replied “come one already!” With that he decided to go with it. Finally we were all (Tamara included) on the rock pool side of the water path.

Path coming back from the rock pool

Yes… this was a bit of an adventure, the South Africans all headed onto these jagged rocks with huge waves like it was no big deal… after exchanging looks with Tamara and her asking, “are you sure?” I responded, “not at all” and I headed towards the rock pool despite my new found Indian friends warnings. Truth be told of this whole event there wasn’t a chance that I was going to stay back, not because I am a brave, daring, strong man… but because I wouldn’t be able to stand the taunting of my girlfriend calling me a baby for the rest of my life.

Rock pool

It was lovely swimming in our own secluded rock pool. We also found a few cushion stars, as well as some brilliantly coloured anemones.

Starfish...and us :)

On the way across the rocks Tyler dropped one of his flip flops, he was about to throw the remaining one away into the sea. I told him the sea will send it back (another time he looked at me and seems to enquire about my mental state…oh boy) However on our way back to the beach, one of the fisherman told us it had come back and he had it.

Girly girls!

I wasn’t going to say I told you so, but by the look he gave me, I knew he knew. We took some fun pictures on the beach after we made it back.

Fun friends

The rock pool swimming was amazing, a once in a lifetime experience. As for the sandal incident, while she didn’t say, “I told you so” straight forward, she came up and gave me that smile and said, “I’m not going to say it” … which pretty much says it all… that being said, she was right. (Yes I put that in writing, so save this, because you might never see it again) J

I love this picture!

The night ended with a game of 30 seconds which was greatly rigged in a certain teams favour… My mom and her husband of 19 (I think?) years, a foreigner and a teenager and a second language foreigner and her best friend. Try explaining Pep, the Voortrekker monument or Jan Spies to someone from another country…hmmm