Stormy Weather

Last night during the rugby match we had the most spectacular storm and lost the TV signal, just as the match was getting very exciting. It eventually came back on for us to see my home town team win the tournament. It was all very exciting as they were not expected to win, as their opponents had not lost a match this season. When we went out to dinner after the match there was much jubilation and celebration in the pubs and restaurants.

The weather is foul today – high winds, rain and just unpleasant to be outdoors. This is not untypical of this time of year, and it actually is the worst time of the year to visit South Africa but we did not have much flexibility with our travel dates due to other circumstances. This trip has been lovely to see both grannies and the rest of the family again. The best part for me is seeing the country I grew up in through my boys’ eyes – their comments and observations are interesting and at times very funny. South Africans must be the most friendly and open people one can meet, and at times my sons’ British restraint kicks in and they find it all too much! However, they have loved the food – such excellent quality and so reasonable. A huge seafood platter for about £15, a whole plate of sushi for about £6…my boys who eat like horses have been in gastro heaven. We are staying in a guest lodge where they provide breakfast and most evenings we eat out and have a large and varied choice of restaurants that are so reasonable.

We spent most of today indoors due to the awful weather. I wanted to get some photos at the beach but it was so blustery and wet it was not possible. This is a photo of a beach in Durban that is deserted - usually on a weekend it would be teeming with life. You can see the wind blowing the trees and the whipping up sand in the distance. Did I mention this is not a good time of the year to visit SA?

Tonight we went to my niece’s future in-laws for a ‘potjie’. A slow cooked stew that is cooked outdoors in a 3 legged cast iron pot over a BBQ fire. It cooks for many hours until the meat is very tender. It was delicious - lamb with several vegetables, followed by some traditional South African puddings like melktert and malva pudding. A treat for the guests from the UK!