Trip to RSA

In December of 2011 I had the first visit back to see my family and close friends in South Africa. Not seeing family for 4 years is a long time frame and you really do treasure the time to be reunited with the family. Seeing all the kids grown up and how the landscape and neighborhoods have evolved in such a short space of time.

First impressions last and Johannesburg looked cleaner than I remember it to be with new highways and very litter to speak of. But 20km from the airport we ran into a traffic jam at the junction onto the N3. In true SA style motorists expressed no patience and began to make U turns on the off ramp and drive on the emergency shoulder against the traffic flow. Chaos ensued and we finally got to Marks house 2 hrs later.

As we sat out on the back stoep and enjoyed a brandy and coke it brought back good memories under clear African skies and perfect temperatures. What a climate SA has, must still be amongst the best in the world for weather.

We flew down to Durban two days later after many braais and brandies. In durbs we meet the whole family at the airport with banners and all. It was great to see everyone again and good to be back in a summer season.

Thanks to all the family and friends we went onto to have a fantastic Christmas and new year celebrating and laughing over old memories and talking about all the hurdles that people have to encounter each day in SA that others take for granted.

I enjoyed every moment and got to catch up with the whole family and a few good mates. It is always special being able to celebrate Christmas at home with the family.

Bitter sweet because I also got to say goodbye to my auntie Joy before she passed on this December and she will be missed and never forgotten.

I was amazed at the size of new residential developments and the number of compounds that exist between jhb and PTA. I was surprised that having to drive a car on the left hand side of the road was second nature again without thinking twice about direction and which way to go. Booking a hired car from abroad certainly proved beneficial and the rate was far better than any local offers.

Durban is same old same old. Good weather great surf and an untamed coast line. Bronze beach in umhlanga still remains one of the better beach spots to hang out at.

Stewart and Madeline treated us to a five star welcome , drinks at the oyster box on the balcony and an awesome dinner at umdloti.

We also got to catch up with Terri and Silvia, Sam, stu, Estienne and candy. It was great to see all of them and the kids. Miss the good chats and laughs listening to old war stories.

Business Travel and getting to see a little more of the USA

Over the past two weeks I had to take business trips to Memphis TN, Nashville TN and then out to Portland Maine on the East Coast. Needless to say that once work was done for the day I took the opportunity in the evenings to visit some of the legendary areas of the towns I was visiting and had a great time, each town with its own character and vibe.

First stop was Memphis Tennessee, home of Rock N Roll and the legendary Elvis, I got to go to the Graceland Mansion and then to some of the famous land marks down town, like the original Sun Records studio, Beale street and the Peabody hotel. Memphis is known for its BBQ and there is no dispute that they may great BBQ ribs. I had a full rack of ribs down in Beale street and they were fantastic fall off the bone ribs. I got to walk Beale street and listen to live bands playing in each pub with a lot of the bars playing classic blues music which was a treat.

Then it was off to Nashville Tennessee home town of Country music. In the evening I headed down Broadway Nashville and stopped in to several of the bars each with a different artist playing country. I settled in at the bar at a place called Rippy's and got to listen to some chilled country whilst enjoying a local beer. When all the business was said and done at the end of the week we had to wait 8 hours for the next flight home and so we decided to get a round of golf in at the The Hermitage Country Club. With rented Ping clubs and a dozen Pinnacle golf balls I managed to shoot a 76 first time out on the course. Then it was off to the airport and a short flight home.

The following week I was headed out to Portland Maine and flew from Columbus to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and then onto Portland Maine. The east coast has so much character and reminds me of European fishing towns. I went into the famous LL Bean stores out there too and got some gear ahead of the winter settling in for 2011. The flight home was delayed and very bumpy from Portland to Washington DC and then back to columbus OH.

The trips were exciting to venture to new destinations but it is always great to come back home and sleep in your own bed.

Next trip is destined to be Iowa and need to get this one completed before the winter snow sets in as the plant I am going to visit out there is really in the middle of nowhere.

Fall Has Arrived

A Mystery of colors every where you look, this has to be the best time of the year.

 The weather has been fantastic with sunshine blue skies and breath taking scenery, what more can you ask for.

 The collage of colors at every corner you turn, the drive to work each day has been amazing to watch as the leaves change to deeper shades of red, orange and bright yellow.

 Some more pics from around the neighborhood.

We spent a lot of time cleaning up the yard and trimming all the trees and shrubs on Saturday , so the garden is ready now for the winter.

The back yard looks great with the grass in good condition, takes about 1.5 hrs to finish mowing this area, but the end result is worth the effort.

And last but not least we have Lesleigh playing with the garbage bags ,  no we just need to cut some holes for the eyes and mouth and we will be ready for the halloween party.