A first, but not last

This weekend was planned 3 months ago. After the surgery I had, my intention was to start ticking of my bucketlist. Something had to be done, since life might become a habit rather than living. So, one of my best friends inspired me to run my first half-marathons. My bucketlist plans for 6, but we have to start somewhere...

On the first of August I started training. It was tough! In the beginning only 2 kilometres a day, at a pace not worth mentioning, but at least it was a start. It improved over time and soon my wife and I entered our first 10km race. Then a second etc. Live was good.

Fast forward to 9 November 2012 and I am on my way to Cape Town. Unfortunately the airline I was supposed to use was liquidated a week earlier, so I had to book a new ticket for more than double the airfare. Eish! Landing in the Mother City we had lunch and went right into another bucketlist conquering item (not originally mine, unfortunately) called lighthouse viewing. There are 52 in South Africa of which a few are around the cape area. Here we go!

In the 3 or so hours available we saw 5: Milnerton, 2 at Green point, Slangkop and Roman Rock in Simons Town. A good days work, I thought. We each have a stance that has to be captured in a photo for it to count and did we have fun with that! We even saw some penguins at Boulders Beach where they stroll freely. Off to his place for the first time for a relaxing evening.

The next morning we went up the west coast of the RSA as far as Dwarskersbos (about 150km from Cape Town). The aim was to see the 5 possible towers on that side of the coast, but first we wanted to see what the westcoast looks like. The towns are small and smells a bit of fish, so it's not entirely for me. The only place I would visit for a breakaway or holiday is Tietiesbaai near Paternoster, as well as Paternoster itself. The five towers were unfortunately not possible as we spent a bit more time doing this and that, but they were worth it! We saw one St Helenabay, Cape St Martins and Cape Columbine, within the Tietiesbaai reserve. A very impressive tower.

We had to rush back to Capetown for a birthday party and could not even stop at his place. Past it to Houtbay for a relaxing evening with some funny stories told, as well a character building, the hard way: By friends! Got home a bit late and had to get up by 04:30 to make it to the race in time, so only 05:30 hours to sleep. Not ideal, but we can live with that.

It's raceday and the reason we actually came. Left home at 5 and got to the parking area at around 06:15. The 800m hill to walk back up to the starting line was no fun. The race started at 07:20 and my first half-marathon arrived. The furthest I've ever ran before is 10km, so I knew it would be a challenge. Also, if you have ever been to Cape Point, its not the flattest road ever. The first 3 or so kilometres were not that bad, until you reach a very steep downhill. The problem with that is, firstly that you run to fast and secondly that I knew we were returning on the same route...

Coming back on the same route was between 8 and 10 kilometres. It was all uphill and I could see that my time was still to fast. Did not want to run myself to the drain and then struggle to finish. I walked the steepest 800m of the uphill and started jogging again. My fasted 10km ever, not a good thing, I thought. I thought the worst was over and that it would be a mental battle only. The target was just to finish, no matter what time. It soon changed as I realised that a time below 02:30 was possible. I just continued at a pace of 7 minutes per kilometre. That was actually the pace I wanted to run the first 10km at, but I could not resist...

If only I knew the future. The next 5km was a battle! All uphill and every time you think it ends, it just continued! It almost broke the camels back (and mine). Then came a bit of gravel which I decided to walk. Only walked 500m before deciding that the road is fine for running and I should kick on. After 18km, and with 24 minutes left to beat my goal time, it was all downhill. My body was in pain, my mind kept me going. The last 1.1km was a fast downhill which I could not run fast as my knees did have enough in the tank. I made it! My personal best (obviously) in a time of 2 hours, 26 minutes and 8 seconds. Not bad for a first race, I thought. 

We spent some time in the park, my second favourite of all the SANparks I have visited (another bucketlist item). We also had photos taken at the most South-Westerly point of Africa, based in the park. A good, fun day, but the pain was setting in and we were tired, so we went home to sleep.

Looking for number 2 of the 6. Who knows, might be even more...

Victoria falls - 6 October 2012 - Rudolf

We booked ourselves an elephant back safari for the Saturday. In order to go we were up early again and ready. Another couple from our group were going. It just had to be worth it at $130 per person. They said it lasts 3hours and includes a breakfast. Keenly looking forward!

The adventure zone came to fetch us and 2 more couple were already on the bus. One couple from Australia, the other from France (although they currently stay on the Reunion Islands. Our trip with the bus (about 30 minutes) was an adventure on its own! The road was depleted to such an extend that it was more gravel than tar. Then, when I thougt we made it, we had to venture out on the actual gravel road. The windows opened themselves and the bus shaked so much that you cannot hear each other talking. What an experience.

The elephant rides were fantastic! Our elephant, Lindi, does not allow you to climb on her from a step. She goes to the ground and we have to climb on. I think the picture says it better.

It lasted for probably an hour, then we had our breakfast. After an experience like that you need the breakfast! It was lovely, but so was the company, getting to know other cultures and people. We bought the dvd of the elephant ride and had the luxury of another adventure back to the lodge. Jip, you guessed it: Transported via bus!

Once there Rolandi and I went to the falls again. We are here for the first time and did not want to miss out on the oppertunit of viewing one of the 7 wonders ofmthe world. Also, I order one of my collectores items, a Zebra, the best wild animal in the wolrd. I actually bougt 3 that day, since we had to walk there and I could not resist.

We had toasted sandwitches in the park, met up with John and Rose again, and strolled trough the best part of the park. A magnificent place. On our way out John and Rose were still there. All 4 ofmus wanted to see the 'big tree', a 1500 year old boabab. I organised us a lift with the vendor that we bought the zebra from (at 80000 kwatcha, probably not the cheapest, but better than walking in the heat of the african sun) and we spent about 20 minutes there. He dropped us of in town, we walked back to the lodge. 

After a splash in the pool it was time to get ready for out steamtrain adventure. We had a trip in a 1905 steam train as part of our package. Being a bit late, we had to scramble to find a seat. Rolandi and I had to share with another couple, but we didnt really speak. That was, untill management called us to the back of the train. We were seated in first class while we had to be in the party section. Again, just the guys staying at the adventure lodge. Actually it was a blessing in disguise. We were all standing, chatting and having fun, while the others had to sit and be formal.

The train stops on the bridge and gives you chance for photos etc. They serve eceryone with champagne and I could go into the locomotive. Now I am no technical expert, but I can tell you that it is hard work getting a steam train going. Those guys were sweating, and pitch black from the coal. During the ride back with the train I took this photo of John and Rose. Lovely!

Rolandi and I decid to eat at the lodge today as we've been out yeasterday. It was fair food, actually quite nice. Steak! Its our last evening, and tomorrow is only a few hours before our time here is up...

Reunion days

Today is the start of Dads 38 year matric reunion. Its the first one they have since school, so to them it was VERY special. Imalso looked forward to seeing some faces that we know the names of. Thus, after breakfast we were off to the lodge to see the first arrivals of the big games. Exciting times!

When we got there we met Oom Japie. He is Dads best friend from school. Also, he scored the higest marks and now lives in the USA. He works for NASA and is n lecturer at a university there as well. A true ledgend! 

We also met Charne, a nice girl that you'll hear about later. Before that, though, we are off to town with dad. He is showing us around town to some ofmthe historical sights. We saw their parliament, an old church which the Germans used during the war, and I got to take a photo with some of the famous traditional ladies. They cover themselves with mud and animal fat, and thats about all. No clothes... Weird (to me, at least)

I had an orange juice with Ruan (from day 2) close to his work, then we all went to eat at (wait for it) WIMPY! Its moms favourite and we know it. After to much town for my liking it was back to the lodge for the reunion. Fun and games to start...

That evening was a soup evening with a very chill meet and greet. Everyone had to introduce himself and tell his old classmates what happened since they finished school 38 years ago. Dad made us stand at the front with him. Quite funny to hear from some of the old guard. Some sad stories, some funny, but mostly normal.

We went with Charne to have coffee somewhere since we were only 4 young ones there. Can you believe that on a Thursday evening, at 9pm, there are no coffee shops open in Windhoek, the capital?! So, we went back to Joe's Beerhouse and had some coffee there. The atmosphere there is just great, so we stayed about an hour and a half.

We decided to cur our trip short by 1 day since I was not 100% after the surgery. The next day we left at about midday, drove to Kang again, and slept over there. Saturday we were up early and got home at about 3pm.

A short trip, but worth all the money in the world. I already look forward to my next trip there. Oneday I want to go there and camp.

Dreams...

Driving to Windhoek

Today (11 July 2012) is a moving day. After we had breakfast and met up with some of dad's old school friends at the lodge, we had one final goodbye in Outjo: Oom Piet again. He went to Otjiwarongo in order to service their minibus, then we had coffee together at a small coffee shop in town. We also had something sweet, just for fun, and boy, wasn't it fun!

So, final goodbyes said, and off we went. Firstly to Otjiwarongo where we greeted Oom Piets sister at their woodworking business. Was also nice to see what the make it and how they make it. Afterwards I forced everyone to follow me to Mariana's (my boss) mothers home. She sent me the address. Unfortunately she was not at home, but I did send Mariana a photo of the house. Was a cool for me, but she never received it, so I only told her when I arrived back at work.

From their it was the long road back to Windhoek. Melindri felt sick, while dad had a problem with his driving permit. That caused a bit of stress as there are vehicle inspections before entering Windhoek. We got through them, but went straight in search of the offices of the roads authority. 

Now for accommodation. Dad arranged with Broer that we, the younger ones, are going to sleep at his mother-in-laws house. She was very funny. Originally from Germany, but shes been in Namibia from the age of 18. She could actually yodle, very cool! Then: Food!

That's one thing about our family: We love eating! After all, what is life without food? We went to a local ocean basket as we had so much red meat on the farm, we needed a change. 

Lastly, after this loooooooong day, we prayed for family that I have never heard of and then dropped everyone at their destinations. Grandpa at his, Dad at the reunion lodge and ourselves with Heidi. 

In all a good, exhausting, but fun day

Vic Falls - 5 October 2012 - Rudolf

As Rolandi said, the first day was amazing. Flying out from OR Thambo to Livingstone was something extra since we knew we were going to stay in Zimbabwe's small Victoria Falls Town. When we got there everything ran very smoothly. No worries through the Zambian arrivals, their border posts or the Zimbabwean border. It took quite long at stages, but the people were friendly and assisted us a lot.

Mr Madenda (his surname actually means zebra) dropped us at the adventure Lodge. Very basic accommodation, but sufficient for the two nights we will be here. After we checked in and looked at the accommodation's different activities we went through town to the falls. On our way there we met lots of friendly hawkers approach you. Also, there are markets etc along the way. But the best was still to come: the falls itself!

It is dry season in central africa and the falls was not completely covered. Only the left side of the falls had water while the rest was one solid rock face, a 90m to 107m cliff. We started walking along the 1700 metre falls. Its a true spectacle that has to be seen, including rainbows every day of the year. To enter is $20 per person for residents of SADC countries. Might be expensive, but well worth it! We walked around in the park until 6pm. We had to leave although we did not want to!

On our way out we saw some warthog next to the road. I think over time they became tame as so many people pass by. In actual fact they are quite dangerous. We also met with the baggage lady as described by Rolandi.

Our supper was fabulous at Lola's Tapas. The waiter was also great and entertained us thoroughly. Some artists had a mobile gallery in one corner with pencil sketches and painting of nature and animals. 

By the time we left for the lodge it was dark with no streetlights, but since are home already I can assure you that it is quite safe!