The Chronicles of LaWheelz

After a fairly short jaunt in our 'sardine cans in the sky', we landed at Hoedspruit Airport. The terminal building consisted of 2 restrooms surrounded by vibrant succulents. Magically, two vehicles appeared (one with a trailer for our 15 duffle bags. 😬) We all piled in, ready for this new adventure as the drivers navigated the traffic in the town. The commercial trucks are huge there, and passing them while driving on the wrong side of the road is an adrenaline boost! Our next stop - Tintswalo. This lodge was highly anticipated due to the wonderful reviews from our dear friends who had previously visited and absolutely loved it. In fact, our hosts and family previously stayed and shared they loved it so much tears were shed when they had to leave.  We drove in on another unassuming dirt road...and when we came upon the lodge, I noticed an elevated platform (for ease of getting into the landcruisers - a little less stress on my knee and John's balance - Yay!). Greeting us...

 One of the last evenings at Phinda, our group was treated to a 'Boma' dinner (outside under the stars). It was gorgeous with all the lamps lit around us, and again, the food was amazing. Our food was locally sourced, and very fresh. Portions weren't ginormous like they are in the states. Our butlers are Happy and Ngcebo. (Butlers are the folks who take care of dining at the lodge.) Both went out of their way to deliver the best experience. One evening, I complemented Happy on such a delicious dinner and wonderful service, and she clasped her hands to her heart and thanked me sincerely. Her response embodied the spirit of the lodge and the people of South Africa.   Zulu extravaganza  As we were waiting for dessert, we heard a commotion near the dining room, drumming and clapping louder and louder until our butlers, and many of the lodge staff appeared while serenading us with their beautiful Zulu songs and dancing under the stars. They brought out a birth...

early coffee time Each day starts with a cheerful 6:00 am Wake-up call. We throw our clothes on, slather our faces with sunscreen and bundle up for the morning ride to meet at 6:15. Coffee, cookies, and crossiants are served to take the sting out of such an early time. Our group gathers while the guides and trackers ready the land cruisers. Speaking of which, Phinda's crew keeps these bad boys polished and shiny. You can feel the pride in the work that is done on every level. Staff has been so welcoming with a commitment to seeing their guests happy.  Getting in these land cruisers seemed easy for the rest of our group, but John and I struggled with it. His movements are stiff and uncoordinated, and I have a messed up leg. They gave us a little step stool to make the first step onto the vehicle easier. There was always a kind person in our group and/or staff that graciously assisted us. One night, l missed a step that kind of left me hanging onto the side with my good leg f...

Some days just don't go as planned. We had a whale watching trip, plus two wineries (one with a paired lunch) to visit, but learned due to rough seas, whale watching was postponed to a later time in the morning (which conflicted with our scheduled wine-pairing lunch at the 4th best winery in the world). So the majority of us made the executive decision to forgo the whales and indulge in the pairings.  Ian modified our plans and we made a couple of stops en route, one was a winery called Benguela cove - a very austere winery/art gallery on a beautiful setting, but to me, the place felt kind of cold. We tasted five different wines.  I took very little sips, and swear I got a buzz. ( can't blame that on an empty stomach!) https://www.benguelacove.co.za/ Next stop was the little coastal town of Hermanus. Ian found a chemist for me that was still open (guess they mostly close at noon). The bus stopped so we could run in to get me a couple pair of readers. We left John on the bus wi...

 Ian and Colin picked us up early the next morning. The schedule - pretty full.  Our big bus headed up to Table Mountain. We were lucky with traffic, got a space right away; hopped off (well, some hopped, I carefully extracted myself.) Before we knew it, we were in a queue for the gondola ride that would take us up the hill. It was very large - people kept pouring into it! The platform rotates so everyone has a panoramic view as we climb steepy but swiftly. My anxious self says a little prayer- "cables don't snap, please?" And just like that we are at the top... Our view was spectacular, and we shared it with people from all over the world. Looking over the railing, one could get a teeny bit dizzy!  What a huge drop back to our base. They also had a conveniently located gift shop (a soothing way to calm vertigo 😁). Very refreshing to find locally made items too.   When it was my turn to buy my gifts, I had to wrestle my wallet from the bottom of my purse, pulling st...

 

  We arrived at Cape Town Airport and went through immigration without a hitch. Our duffel bags were already circling-waiting for us to hoist them on a battered but sturdy luggage cart. Out tour guide Ian was waiting just a few steps away, and we met our driver Colin. It was so exciting to be here! I kept telling myself You are in Africa! The Motherland! I can hardly believe it even now.  Travel-weary, everyone climbed inside the gigantic coach. Then it was my turn. I swear that step was two feet off the ground, and I had to work to climb that mountain! Luckily I got in. On the drive, I saw beautiful green fields, craggy mountains, and neighborhoods of shantys held together with bits of plywood and tin roofs held down by tires.  The houses that were middle and upper class had electrified wires above their fence lines.  The neighborhood is flanked with charming looking restaurants and bars, and we turn into the driveway of the Mt. Nelson hotel, affectionately known as...

  Cape Town Airport,  June 10, 2024 Did I mention we are traveling with a group of wonderful people? We all share two very special people in common (not shown, but they are in our hearts with every step of this journey!) Some are related by blood, others by cherished friendship.  This photo was taken right before we said goodbye to our wonderful guide Ian (far right, back) as he watched us like a proud parent as we went through security. After a short wait, we boarded our Airlink flight for an hour and 15 minute flight to Kruger (Nelspruit) airport.  From Kruger, we identified our bags, then we were walked to the tarmac where we met our itty bitty planes to take us on to Phinda... 🫣😬😵‍💫 Getting into one of these things was a bit of a challenge, especially for some of our taller guys, and was kind of difficult for John and I, but we made it in just fine, though not gracefully... soon we were airborne in one of two planes.   look closely,  are those ...

 As we fly over the ocean off the African coast, I can see the light of the day from random open windows. People are stirring, and the snoring guy a few rows back has ceased his nocturnal serenade. (thank goodness for earplugs!) We are almost there!  We had a layover at Heathrow, and my anglophile heart so wanted to stay. Walking down the jet bridge, I felt like I was home. The place of my ancestors.  We walked for miles, looking for the Sofitel (located conveniently in terminal 5) ha! We asked for directions along the way, and were told "just go down a level, make a right turn by the M&S store and you go outside, then you go back inside and down a tunnel to the hotel" (now please repeat that in your best charming British accent!). It was easier said then done, but we made it, and many of us napped in our respective day rooms.  At check-out time, we trudged through terminal hill and dale to one of the British Airways lounges near our gate. When we arrived, the at...