Looking for great sushi in Glasgow...

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http://maddimakes.blogspot.com/

March 2008 - back to reality

We've been back from South Africa now about 4 weeks and it's all a distant memory (along with our tans!). The whole trip was just brilliant and I keep looking back at all our pictures, almost in disbelief we were actually there!

The first few days we spent taking a city tour, lying on the beach, Table Mountain, visiting the V&A Waterfront and eating the most amazing food.

We had pre-booked a safari game drive before we left and so around 5am in the morning (after a city blackout thanks to some political issues) we were up and ready to start our expidition. After reading online that Kruger is the only place worth going on safari in South Africa, we were a bit sceptical of Aquilla Game Reserve - only 2 1/2 hours drive from Cape Town. But when we arrived, the place was so beautiful and remote we forgot all about our doubts. After a huge breakfast spread we jumped into our 4x4 and spent the next 3 hours cruising about the reserve trying to spot some animals...

After the safari, we got to relax by the pool for the rest of the afternoon - bliss!

The next day we then hired a car and made a trip down to Chapman's Peak, Simons Town (home of the African Penguins on Boulders Beach), Cape Point and Fish Hoek, with coastal roads all the way.

Chapman's Peak

Cape Point

Dave

Dave at the Cape of Good Hope sign - people were queuing to get their photo taken here, so we thought we would too!

Penguins at Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach

After staying in a gorgeous lodge on Boulders Beach, we drove most of the day to Cape Aghulas (and a little bit further) to stay at Buschu Bush Camp.

Only an hour to go...

The Bush camp!

De Hoop Nature Reserve

The Bush camp at night

From Cape Aghulas, we drove back to Cape Town for a two day breather by the beach.

Table View from Bloubergstrand

Dave snapping the kite surfers!

Then on Friday, we stgarted our journey to Stellenbosch to get settled in for the wedding weekend!

On our terrace at the guesthouse

Stunning wine estate

After finding our bearings, we toured a few of the wine estates and even found the Uiterwyk wine farm - Colin and Sarah's wedding venue for the following day:

The weekend of the wedding was by the far the hottest couple of days of our trip. The sun was so strong, even I wanted to stand in any shade available - any longer than 10minutes in the direct sunlight and you could feel your skin burning! As a result, Dave and I spent the day of the wedding in the pool and left getting ready to the last possible minute. The wedding started at 5pm and we were hoping it would have cooled significantly by then... but we were wrong! I was feeling pretty uncomfortable in my dress, but the poor boys in kilts, waistcoats and jackets were really suffering!

After downing several glasses of water, the wedding was underway and everyone forgot about the heat.

Colin and Sarah - don't they look lovely!

After the ceremony we all gathered in the stunning gardens and sipped champagne, then made our way into the shade for dinner.

Spit Braii - the owner of the wine farm preparing our dinner!

And of course, no wedding is complete without a bit of singing and dancing...

After a great weekend in Stellenbosch, we found ourselves in Greenmarket Square, on our last day and it was raining... very fitting we thought (although I had planned a last blast of sun before the flight home!)

We stocked up on loads of African goodies and had a steak dinner to finish it all off.

A fantastic trip, would definitely go back... anyone thinking of heading that way for the world cup in 2010 will love it too.

January 2008 - We're goin' on Safari!

I'm writing from work today (during my lunch break of course!) with precisely 3 hours left of work before David and I fly out to Cape Town. Apart from checking out the sights and travelling about a bit, we also have the HUGE privilege of attending Colin & Sarah's wedding in Stellenbosch. Absolutely cannot wait - so excited!!!

Christmas and New Year was a bit of a blur but made extra special with visitors from a-far! Bel came all the way over from Japan and Kat crossed the border from Newcastle. David and his parents spent Christmas at day "Overhill" which was just wonderful and of course a lovely contrast from our last Christmas sitting on the floor eating sushi and chicken!!! We all brought in the new year (joined by Ally & Donald) in Glasgow and once we had recovered, we let Bel and Kat experience the first footing tradition with a scrummy dinner at the Clark's.

Here are some pics...

Christmas Day

Bel and me with some Moijitos in the Brasserie.

Bel and me at Glen Turret

Kat, Bel and me - dinner on Hogmanay

Dave telling one of his stories!

Me, Bel and Kat - in Edinburgh

Dave and me in Edinburgh

Me, Kat and Bel at Stirling castle.

I know I haven't updated this for a while but just a very quick update (with photos to follow)...

Belinda is on her way to Scotland for Christmas! Very excited and can't wait to show her the sights - am just praying it doesn't rain for at least one day whilst she is here!

Merry Christmas to everyone, will get back into writing again in the new year.

Our tree - sans decorations!

Dave attaching the star!

Ta-daa!

Head in the clouds - 8th September

Last weekend I finally plucked up the courage to go gliding again with my dad... and this time, I dragged Dave along with me! We had the perfect day for it - blue skies and enough wind to keep us in the air for a comfortable length of time. It was such fun and I think Dave might be hooked...