Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Last Blog Post from Nelspruit

I am surrounded by an untidy heap of personal effects waiting to be packed by the packers tomorrow. Goodness knows how we have managed to accumulate so much!

Andrew finishes work here on the 28th of June. We are traveling home via the northern hemisphere, catching up with friends and doing a bit of research on family backgrounds. We will be home in Tauranga September the 3rd.

We have loved our time here, done some amazing things and met great people but the job is all but finished and it is time to go.  It is also a time to reflect and look back on the fantastic 18 months that we have had here. It is hard to choose highlights as there have been so many but here is a snap shot of some of those wonderful times.
Had to make this picture big because this is what it was all about, the Go Cell Project! Each of these 6 digesters is around 20 m tall.
We just couldn't get enough of the animals!

Working with the children from the informal settlements has been a  real treat. 

Relaxing in one of our favourite places, the Gladdespruit stream by our apartment at Safubi.

Family celebrations in Limpopo at Christmas and Sam's 21st. A pity Quint couldn't be with us. 

The pool at Safubi where we spent many happy hours. 




Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Last trip to The Kruger Park

Andrew and I made our last trip into the Kruger Park on Saturday 2/6/2013. What a special place and how privilege we have been to live so close and be able to visit often. We stayed at Biyamiti Camp. A camp I have wanted to go to for along time. It is very small only 16 huts and a long way off the tarred road. It was beautifully quiet and peaceful.
Baby rhinos look so funny with their stubby bumps for horns.

We just love the Kruger bush.

                                    
                                       Buffalo enjoying the morning sunshine.

Sunrise on the 3rd of June

The misty valley just after the sun has risen

Tiny spur fowl chicks. What wonderful camouflage 

Vulture just before take off. 

                     

Wart hogs running down the road in front of us.


Our favourites, impala in the shade.

Croc waiting for his dinner. The birds were wise and flew off. 

Little Pamela

Over the time we have been in South Africa we have built some great friendships with wonderful people. It will be sad to say goodbye.
One of the women my friend Helena and I have become friends with is Judith. Judith was a waitress in one of the local cafes that we frequented. She was pregnant when we met her and before baby was born Helena and I put a baby gift bag together. Judith was thrilled. Our friendship has developed
and when baby was born she was named Pamela. What a little sweetie. Nice to know we have a lasting link here. Who knows she may make it to NZ one day!
Little Pamela

                       
                   Pamela, Pamela and Judith

Helena and Pamela