Drakensberg a road trip for all seasons

Drakensberg 

South Africa has some of the most scenic roads, making road trips the ideal way to experience the landscape on offer. It has  never taken much to convince me to hit the tarmac  be it winter or summer I am always ready for the road; my particular favourite stretch is from Johannesburg to Durban. Regardless of the time of the year that route always leaves me in awe of nature and its rugged beauty. This was my motivation in taking up a post as a co-pilot for a 3-day weekend road trip to the Drakensberg.

Action shot - see what I mean, how can you sleep through that journey

Always seeking clarity I asked what were the conditions of being a co-pilot for a 3 day weekend trip? “To be supportive and show the way” was the response.   Perfect! I could do that, after all what one really needs in a co-pilot is a person who can make the journey as fun as the destination.   

In saying YES, I unknowingly opened myself up to learning more about the spirit of generosity that exists within the world.   When you decide you want to be spontaneous and travel the day before a public holiday, you enroll in defying the school of thought that proclaims failing to plan is planning to fail.

After calling every place I could find in the Berg seeking a cottage with 2 bedrooms and braai area, I realised that I was in for a challenge; all the places were fully booked.  In a final attempt out of sheer desperation I asked the person I had on the line, if there was any place they could suggest? “Central Reservations” he suggested “they know everything.” 

These rather human-like, smiley gnomes can be found at the central reservations office

I called, still hopeful because you cannot give up without knocking on every door.  A delightful woman answered the phone; she exuded happiness that permeated through our conversation.  She explained that she had only been working there for a week and didn't know if she could find this rather complicated request at such a late hour.  She asked me if I was travelling with kids that I needed a 2 bed-roomed cottage.  I explained that we were friends; I was met with odd silence that was followed by short giggle, “well, I hope I can find you two little friends a suitable place, I’ll be in touch within the next hour.”  An hour later like clock-work Magda emailed me 2 places that she had found, a miracle worker indeed. She had found a quaint little cottage that could accommodate us.  I didn't expect Magda to go above and beyond for a stranger who was asking for an arm and a leg in accommodation but she amazed me in her willingness.

#1 Trust in the power of asking for help.

Now that the accommodation was done, my mind was on the road.  I enjoy being behind the wheel, but since my job was to show the way I had the luxury of taking in every bit of scenery.  There where huge fields with sunflowers that extended beyond what the eye could see, cows grazing in huge open fields and the panoramic mountain views.

 I even decided to indulge my curiosity about a Honey-comb looking building on the side of the highway, that I had passed several times but had never stopped to see what was inside. Whilst my friend worked on building a relationship with what looked like an ostrich, I discovered that they created interesting preserves and mouth-watering baked goods.  It took a whole lot of discipline for me to walk out of there without something for tea.

#2 Drop what you know and Indulge your curiosity

When we arrived the first thing I saw was the parking area, it dawned on me that the rental of the cottage was something our host had fallen into and not a business venture that they wanted to grow. It was a cottage with all the amenities we needed but none of the charm you would expect from a professional establishment.  It still contained family pictures and Christmas cards dating back to the 90’s. The host though was soft spoken, pleasant woman who brought us farm fresh milk for our tea.

#3 Let go of what you must to open yourself up to possibility

Whilst I finished unpacking, my friend started a fire to prepare our supper.  Besides the salad he cooked a scrumptious feast that left us satisfied in happy silence.  Not only could he make a "fire-lighter free" fire and cook he also washed-up afterwards.  It was a pleasant surprise, a real all-rounder.

#4 You discover things about people when you travel with them, things that you would not necessarily know in the convenience world of city life.

Retreating into nature can only be therapeutic for the soul, to get the most out of this trip we decided to go hiking the next day.  It was a perfect day, warm enough with clear blue skies.  Even though I have been to the berg several times I was blown away by its enormity and magnificence.  So blown away that mid-hike I felt like losing myself in its glory, plonking myself on the side of the path, I soaked in the silence, slight breeze and the feel of it against my skin.  A memory that I could never capture with my camera, beauty that can only be appreciated through the connection of being there with no distraction.  

#5 Generosity of spirit allows you to make room for each other’s quirky ways.

Along the way I felt myself heating up at the next stream I decided to dip my wrists into the mountain fresh, cool water.  What a welcome relief, I could feel my body temperature drop down to a more agreeable degree. 

Nandi Falls

Once we arrived at Nandi falls, I was enamoured with the coolness that I insisted on us eating our lunch under the spray of the falls. Luckily he was not going to allow me to get away with this one and found us the perfect and most probably the most scenic spot. The melody of the stream and tranquility of the area was a welcome reprieve

This was such a beautiful spot, it was not easy to reach but worth the trouble

#6 Great scenery, simple food & good company are the essentials of life 

The beauty of being in nature is it allows you to reflect, with no need to fill the silence with small talk, you get to be present. I was aware of how helpful my partner in crime was, how he always offered a helping hand in places that were precarious.  He was not upset when I rugby tackled him after thinking some wild animal (baboon to be exact) was launching at me.   It was not just me that he looked out for, when I was doing a final look around as we were leaving, I found some new additions to the bathroom and kitchen. It made me think of my Land Service days, that we are here to look after each others interest.  When you leave a place better than you found it, you in turn honour the person and encourage the spirit of generosity & kindness. 

I suppose part of a successful nature inspired road trip is having a person who is pleasant to be around and makes the experience one for the books or blog in this case.

#7 Leave things better than how you found them 

Travel Tuesday: Finding my place of peace

Sometimes you just need to go to a place where you are not disturbed by life’s interruptions.

There 2 such places that I always choose to retreat to, both are hidden on the side of a hill with views that comfort the soul and exhilarate the heart.  Here there is no noise, every sound is clear and it speaks of life; from birds chirping to the gurgle sound of water making its way to the top, this is where I choose to meet myself. It’s a trip I often invite no one too as it’s for me.  It has nothing to do with the next adventure but everything to do with the essence of my being.

It wasn't always like this but life has a way of showing you who you are; the death of my close friend in the early 2000s left me distraught and with an ache so deep that I did not know how to heal myself.  After weeks of weeping at any given time I realized that what I required was something no one else could give me, I needed time alone with myself.  I gathered my little broken heart and made for Ixopo Buddhist retreat in KwaZulu Natal for a silent retreat.

 Now anybody who knows me most probably has their eyebrows furrowed because I’m not one to give up a good conversation let alone do a silent retreat, in fact I really love talking to people, anyone really, yet through my heartbreak my life shifted gears from the external to the internal journey of life. 

I chose to live in the dormitories where my chances of bumping into people were higher but having arrived during the week there very few people to be seen.  Having explained myself to the admin lady, she offered me a chance to do a silent working retreat, I shared how much I loved gardening as I imagined myself potting around in Wellingtons in the beautiful vegetable garden.   Instead I was showed a huge field almost the size of a Rugby field and told that there where baby trees in the metre long grass and I had to find them. Not one to shy away from a challenge I went in full force slaying the grass in search of the bebe trees.

It was only on the 3^rdday that my silence was broken by my own screams when I thought I heard a snake making its way to attack me.   I threw the slasher to the skies and went in the opposite direction screaming,  the fact that is was a sharp tool that could have easily landed on my head was forgotten when I thought I was under attack.   Besides almost killing myself let me take you through a somewhat visual experience of why I have chosen these 2 places as my place of refuge.

Its really as beautiful as it is described in Cry the Beloved Country -  For those who have never read the book here is a little excerpt -  "There is a lovely road that runs from Ixopo into the hills. These hills are grass-covered and rolling, and they are lovely beyond any singing of it. The road climbs seven miles into them, to Carisbrooke; and from there, if there is no mist, you look down on one of the fairest valleys of Africa. About you there is grass and bracken and you may hear the forlorn crying of the titihoya, one of the birds of the veld. Below you is the valley of the Umzimkulu, on its journey from the Drakensberg to the sea; and beyond and behind the river, great hill after great hill; and beyond and behind them, the mountains of Ingeli and East Griqualand."

In the garden this gigantic statue sits, smiling.
 I'm not Buddhist but there is so much that one can learn from such simplicity
 when you have forgotten what it feels like to smile.

It was here that I encountered Rumi for the first time during guided poetry meditation.
 I heard the words, but they went beyond my ears they spoke to my heart,  I was in love.

The other thing that they do very well here is the Food.  Its everything food should be, simple, fresh tasty and heart warming.  from the bread to the cake the love flows through it all.

My second place of peace is much closer to where I reside for sometimes you need to escape without having to request leave.  Sediba Mountain retreat, it was here that I trained for my yoga teaching; it was here that I found my second home in Gauteng.  I love this little place; this is where I come to think, rest, sleep and meditate.  Created as a place where anyone can visit seeking return to the source of who they are through silence, a place to meditate and continue on your journey.  I have met many people on different paths, I have heard, sat and listened to stories of those who have been beaten by life yet chosen to get up and try again. It is a special place for here there is no one to judge let alone offer their opinions.
.

A room with a view

A sunset like no other it's moments like this that I'm grateful for,

 they remind me that there is something greater than myself. 

That I am a speck in the greater scheme of things.

Just saying but you know its true.

Travel Tuesday: Yummy Mummy's who Travel DIY

Who do woman become after they become someone’s mother?

Good enough to eat

 I have spent hours pondering this question, as I am a young woman who would like to have kids in the near future.  Right now I lead a get up and go life, I wait for no one as I seek adventure.  I don’t have to worry about planning after all, if  I decide to hit the road it’s just myself that I have to worry about.   So what happens when I finally decide to shift gears and become a mum?  Will travel become a distant dream as my life is consumed by nappies, baby talk and booties?  Will I all of a sudden become a boring, dowdy woman who laments about her youth and glamazon ways that are now a thing of the past as I chase after Lerato? Walking around with creased clothes and baby food stains a sign of my everyday struggle as a mother.

This idea had me in a flat spin, I found myself hyperventilating as heaviness descended upon my chest. Asthma pump someone!  While some might choose this path and I have seen woman looking like this in isle 4 at the grocery store.  Not hot, if anything scary! I feel no different (mentally of course) from the time I was 21 so what happens when all of a sudden you look like Charlize Theron in Monster except you are on isle 4? 

Yummy Mummy Queen B

I searched the net looking for mommies who were embracing their new life with the same panache that they had for their single years.  I was relieved to find the likes of Jada Pinket, Angela Basset and of course Queen B who seemed to still maintain who they are yet still embrace being a mom.  *Sigh of relief* but what about ordinary people like myself? I turned to my facebook friends and I was pleasantly surprised. I came across gorgeous pictures of happy, young mothers who make motherhood look like a breeze, never losing their sense of self, appreciation of their body and love for adventure.

Introducing the yummy mummies who travel; they are a group of youthful mothers who once a year, head off into the unknown to celebrate and discover new things about themselves through travel.

Who are the yummy mummies?

They are Noncedo Nhlapo (mother of 1), Lebohang Monama( mother of 1)Rose Seelamo(mother of 2) Refilwe Monkoe (mother of soon to be 2), Phophi Mamburu ( not a mommy yet)

Looking gorgeous and Ready for Adventure

What inspired you to travel together?

We started talking about it mid-year as we were all already feeling exhausted as we work full time and we are full time moms. We needed a real break.

Which Destination did you choose?

We picked Pinnacle Golf Resort in Mossel bay, their website looked amazing and it just seemed like the perfect getaway for a group of friends.  I must say it over exceeded our expectations.

Beautiful coast line in the back, what more can a girl ask for?

Who is behind all the planning?

We all worked together, Noncedo booked all the flights, Lebohang the accommodation, Rose hired the car and shuttle service and Phophi &Refilwe did the itinerary

A team effort!  Was everyone happy to share the load?

Yes it worked perfectly as we all have jam-packed schedules so sharing the load made life much easier.

So did Refilwe create an adventurous itinerary?

Yeah she totally outdid herself, we went on a 2 hour Safari game drive we were lucky enough to see the big 5.  We also went shark cage diving, which was a beautiful experience as we got to see the white shark.  We had a day of pampering at the spa!  Spent almost every day at the Pinnacle private beach, which was divine the only downside is we still recovering from the sunburn. To top it off some of the ladies who love height and thrills went bungee jumping.

Looking Posh & Fashionable for the Safari Drive

How did you prepare the little one's for your time away?

We are all lucky enough to have very supportive parents who have a great relationship with our little ones and so they were more than happy to have them for the 7 days that were away.

You are lucky indeed! Having a supportive structure in place always makes life that much easier.  So did you miss the kids?

The first 2 days were easy, but from day 3 the phone calls to them became more frequent and by day 7 we couldn't wait to see their little faces.

Yummy Mummy Getaway

What is special about this time away?

Our time away was special because it was about us and making time for ourselves, 4 of us are mothers and so we related in the evening conversations about the kids, and also exchanged parenting advice. It also allowed us to reflect and regroup so that we can go back home to our families rejuvenated.

What message would you like to share with other yummy mummies out there?

Yummy Mummies should definitely take time out to be with their girlfriends and relax. It's much needed especially when you're also a working mom and wife.  They should not feel guilty about going away as your little ones and partner prefer you happier and relaxed so go ahead and do it!

 

Working on the next trip

Where to for 2014

We are headed to Zambia, we feel ready to explore beyond our borders.

Well just don’t forget your sunblock when you hit Zambia cos Black can crack from the sun.  Nothing like Sunburn - TIA

What’s the Buzz at Busy Corner?

Imbizo where people meet

The first time I heard about Imbizo Shisa Nyama  a.k.a busy corner I was driving home listening to a radio show about Heritage day,   the presenter was waxing lyrical about Imbizo Shisa Nyama.  A place she described as the perfect spot to enjoy a truly South African meal in good company.

My curiosity was piqued,  yet it took me a few months before I made my way to Ivory Park/Tembisa to find out for myself if this place was really all it was made up to be. I took a few of my friends along who had never been to a Shisa Nyama so we could judge for ourselves.  As we approached Imbizo from the distance we saw a multitude of gleaming cars parked on the side of the road, a clear indicator as to why it’s called busy corner.  Much to my surprise finding parking was not a hassle, the car guards were highly efficient and friendly. 

 Walking in we were welcomed by the security staff, the area was already packed with local revellers enjoying a beer to some smooth Sunday jams. My taste buds were tantalized by a breeze saturated with the smell of meat on the braai; all of a sudden I was hungry.

To our delight the manager quickly sorted us out with a table so we could start sampling Imbizo’s offerings.

Service with a smile

Whilst waiting for our food I had the fortune of meeting the lady behind this thriving establishment, Sis Rita Zwane a bubbly, driven businesswoman from Umlazi who started her business in a container with a tiny 2 litre pot that only made 10 units of pap.

Left to right: NomadicMichelle, Sis Rita Zwane & Maps

 Her first income was R97, taken aback by this revelation I asked what encouraged her to carry on when her first income was so small, passion she answered.

The 2L pot a reminder that we all have to start somewhere

Having held down 3 jobs she gave it all up to follow her dream of being a leading restaurateur, having frequented different Shisa Nyama’s I can definitely say that she is leading the pack in this industry.  Imbizo is pure class, coupled with the authentic feeling of being at a African gathering, where laughter is abound with others enjoying conversation and dance whilst indulging in a meal.

a client celebrating her birthday , with Rita cheering her on.

Rita clearly knows the value of making clients feel special
 as she hugs and wishes the Birthday girl well.  

What really blew my socks off though was finding out that the production of chakalaka, shatini (a tomato  salad similar to salsa) and jeqe (traditional steamed bread) has been out sourced to community members  therefore allowing them to make a living from Imbizo as well.

Getting ready to tuck in -  far right corner Jede & Chakalaka and yes the delicious braai'ed meat.

In a world where most people want all profits for themselves Sis Rita is a true game changer creating sustainable growth not only for herself but for members of her community.

Freddy Loved Imbizo, could not stop raving about the food and service

Cindy  keeping us happy and smiling.

I loved how amazing the staff were, it was no different from wining and dining in Sandton, our waitress Cindy was superb and on the ball. The DJ, Baron came through to introduce himself and let us know that if we had any dedications he was the man to chat to.

DJ Baron on the Decks 

They say you can tell a lot about an establishment through their toilets and I’m happy to say that is a professional establishment!  How they manage to keep the toilets clean and well equipped with so many clients moving in and out is a miracle in itself. I think mother nature felt the need to answer this question because not long after it started raining, the first person to run out and clear the tables in the rain was none other than Rita, showing the importance of leading by example.

Rita folding table cloths along with Isaac a member of her team.

The place in its entirety reminds me of a Chameleon, for its forever evolving,  its starts off slow with family and friends meeting for lunch and then the party revellers descend to enjoy a few drinks and burn some rubber on the dance floor.

a fully stocked bar & a nolstagic moment for me; a black woman
 owning a thriving business.
Now there is something to drink to - Cheers to 20years of Freedom

 By the time we were leaving there was a Dutch group having the time of their lives dancing the night away.  At the front of Imbizo there were people doing “the step” made famous by R Kelly it was like a family wedding where the celebration is so wonderful that leaving feels like you will be missing out on the best times.  I didn't want to leave I wanted to jump behind and step the night away.

I don’t know why it took me so long to visit Imbizo but it was worth the drive and if you haven’t been, you have to go!  Make it a goal to find this place, otherwise contact me and I will happily take you there any excuse to have a good time.

When convenience becomes an inconvenience

Gautrain Bus

Gaubus for people on the move …or not.

A month ago I found myself in a predicament, as I was entering the Gau-bus from Monte Casino heading to Sandton, the machine let out a buzzing noise… insufficient funds it read.  My heart sank, not because I had insufficient funds but because I knew that this meant I was not going to be allowed in the bus, therefore delaying my arrival to my destination.   Secondly it meant for my sins spending a whole R100 on a new card at Sins!  A supposed convenience store that enjoys the comfort of being the only store that sells Gautrain cards but cannot allow you to recharge your Gautrain card.

I found myself asking why in heavens name we do not have the same easy to use, reloading Gau- Machines that you find at the Gautrain stations at Monte Casino and Brightwater Commons.  Why? Surely if the bus driver cannot take money, then you would make sure that your customer's travel experience is not disrupted by moments such as these where they are left stranded because they are missing R2 for the fare.   Travel anywhere else in the world where they have systems like this and you will find that at there are reloading stations in places where people are most likely to realise that they have not recharged. 

Gau-bus is convenient until you have not recharged, I have had fellow travellers stranded for a while at Brightwater commons because they did not recharge, imagine being a tourist and being stuck with no alternative.  This also places the bus drivers in a predicament,  if he wanted to assist you by law he cannot allow you into the bus without paying your fare because other people will assume that he is offering preferential treatment. You also cannot really ask you fellow commuters for assistance without looking like a social pest.   Gautrain does most things very well, like instilling the law and running the train but they definitely have not thought out the Monte Casino and Brightwater Commons reloading stations.  Its little things like this that can make jo’burg a undesirable destination for those who are used to efficient travel. as a traveler I want to move around with ease, not to be roadblocked by the system.

It’s something that really needs to be addressed, these reloading machines take up as much space as an ATM therefore I cannot understand why they do not already have these reloading machines installed.  If security is the issue then install one that uses no cash just debit/credit cards. Lets think outside the box and solve the problem.   Searching on the web I discovered that Gautrain customer care service is renowned for dropping the phone on their clients ears  I'm hoping this will not be the case as  my only request to Gautrain is to please run this service to suit the convenience of your customers. Give us Gautrain reloading machines at Brightwater Commons and Monte Casino.

This Gentle Brother saved my bacon on that fateful day, he paid my fare. 

1 thing successful travelista’s know how to do

Moonlit Picnic 

These past 2 months have been a blur, I went from having a slow, lazy holiday in Umlalazi; a secluded beach resort in Mtunzini straight into a Jam packed Jo’burg trail-blazer month. With events such as the craft beer festival and raspberry picking on a farm with 90 000 bushes where does one find the time to see their family and friends?

Since February is the month of love, the plan has been to create moments that my family and friends can be part off.  Summer in Jo’burg is the perfect companion to the month of love as the weather is splendid and there are plenty places to explore.

I was totally inspired by this idea from Just Darling and decided to host a Moonlight picnic in my garden for a few friends. 

setting the mood

It turned out to be a magnificent evening of laughter and conversation, a perfect way to catch up with everyone.   It was so Awesome that I have decided that I will host another one of these Full moon picnics before the end of summer.

Looking forward to another Moon Picnic Soon

Other Highlight I'm looking forward to this month:

 - Taking a group of friends from Couchsurfing to Busy Corner to sample South African Shisanyama.
 - Finally going raspberry picking