Umhlanga Rocks

Thank you for all your wonderful comments and stars for my parrots. Being on holiday I have tried to stay away from screens as much as possible and have not been able to keep up on your journals but I will catch up when I can.

I try to write a draft of my Blip in small chunks through the day so that at night it is quicker to upload. The only problem with this is that my write-ups are now so long. The plus side is that it is becoming a good record of this special time which otherwise might easily have been forgotten when we get back to the reality of the new year.

Yesterday I stumbled upon this South African story which I wanted to save. It fits with the nostalgia I was feeling and its worth a read.


We went down to the beach early this morning. Sat at an outside restaurant on the promenade for breakfast with the sound of the waves breaking in our ears. It was quite windy and the waves looked rough.

We walked along the beach to the safe swimming area by the life guards. Put our towels down and went into the sea.

This is something we have not done for a few years, so imagine the anticipation. Mr G and I have chosen a calmer path over the years, quiet beaches in Thailand and Mauritius. It is quite a contrast to these strong waves. As children Mr G and I were lucky to spend many holidays at the sea and spent hours in the sea. So we threw caution to the wind and were tumbling in the waves with the two boys.

Oh the joy of that feeling! I actually had a panic attack and felt my heart racing and Iost my breath. Those waves were so strong but it was amazing to be in the middle of it! I calmed myself and swam back out with a wave. Breathlessly sitting back on the beach on my towel I was in awe of the power of the sea and the realisation that I am getting old. But I will go back in again when the sea is calmer and I can bob on the waves and enjoy the feeling of floating along the ocean.

It was such a wonderful experience to watch Mr G relax and enjoy himself with the boys. Taking son S out beyond the breaking waves and the two of them laughing as they got dumped by a wave.
Son K has just turned fifteen and is so tall and strong now. He ventured out the furthest and got dumped the least. Daughter T still has to let go a little bit. She only got her feet wet today!

I have linked two more beach views here
and here.

We didn't stay too long on the beach but rather went up to the resort pool to lie on the yellow loungers under the yellow umbrellas and palm trees. Cooling off every now and then in the pool and ordering some fruit crushers to quench our thirst. The weather was just perfect, clear blue skies with a sea breeze blowing!

Late afternoon the clouds came over and we had a refreshing rainstorm. It was a good opportunity for us to do a bit of mall shopping. Gateway is a huge modern mall with every shop imaginable. The day ended with a delicious Indian meal which is always a good choice when you are in Durban!




Just go out there and do what you've got to do.   - Martina Navratilova



My Joy Today:
~ Abandoning any inhibitions and swimming in the sea.
~ Seeing my family's joy.
~ A new pair of Ray Bans.



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