St Lucia: THe bay of light

When my family, Flip and I trekked the nine hours down to St Lucia, in KwaZulu-Natal, I did not know what to expect, as I have never been there. We arrived after dark, so I had even less of a clue. Then I awoke before the crack of dawn on Saturday and rushed to the beach.

This seven street coastal town, serene and lush - with littoral shrubberies, sand & sea, crocodiles and hippos - has captured my heart.

Although the wind had made the better of us in the first few days, chasing us untimely from the shores, as sand stung like caustic bees protecting its picturesque territory, we still dipped our toes in the jagged, dark sea.

I should add that this feat in itself might be the bravest thing I have ever done, as this part of the coast has not been safemade by shark deterring nets.

The playing field was open and even, and I constantly checked the water for movement. Not that I could see much through the turbulent waves.

But I prefer it this way, it keeps the tourists at bay. {excuse the pun}

Road tripping tips!

I thought I would share these little pearls of wisdom I picked up on our recent road trip.

1 – When you are passing through a town, use this opportunity to empty your bladder and stock up on everything you might need.

2 – Always have a roll of toilet paper in the car. See where I’m going here?

3 – If you skipped the first rule, and you have to pee next to the road, choose somewhere scenic.
This is where the second rule also comes in handy. Yes, I did it in a twilight scene.

4 – Always have a good compilation of music, as it makes time appear to fly.

5 – Anticipate the worst and it won’t be that bad.
If you are going on a road trip in South Africa, especially long trips, you will find trucks and road works. It will slow you down. While waiting at roadworks, use this opportunity to get out and stretch your legs.

Also, use this opportunity to stock up on food, if you don’t have anything in the car. There are always opportunistic locals trying to sell nuts and fruits.

6 – Don’t rush. It’s better to get there later than never at all.

7 – Travel with someone you love, or at least like, a lot. If you’re going to travel for hours on end, you’re pretty much stuck with the other person.

Luckily, I kinda like Flip, so the trip was bearable.

{side note: if I had to travel with a sworn enemy, I would probably try and make friends with them}

{extra side note: if it is someone who irritates the living crap out of me, I would probably shout a couple profanities at them and travel in absolute silence all the way.}

8 – Don’t wear shoes. Just. Because

9 – Remember sunglasses. It gets sunny on the roads, although Mpumalanga normally lies in a cloud of mist.

10 – Switch off your phone. {except for emergencies}. It’s relaxing. Believe me, I had to sit for nine hours and listen to Flip’s phone constantly ringing. Instant bitch mode was unleashed.

In conclusion, no matter how you travel, just relax and enjoy yourself and try and be safe.

Dogs are our links to paradise

Coming home to your pups after a hiatus is like hurdling yourself into ecstasy.

That one step closer to heaven.

Flip made a little video of us coming home the other day, but for some reason, I just cannot upload it. Damn you iPhone!

As I alluded to in my last post, the pups had to stay home. I had no idea what a shock this would have been to my system. I am used to them sleeping in bed with me, and here I lay, in this vast, gargantuan single bed.

Flip was right next to me, but I felt so alone.

And then I started sobbing, like I lost a family member. They are my children.

Flip didn’t complain, because he didn’t have to fight with Mila for blankets for once.

Needless to say, I was elated to have them back in my arms again.

My Mila and my Jethro.

{On a sidenote: thank you to all the comments and extra followers I received in absentia,  it made me so happy!}

Beach babies

In the last hours of that Friday I went to Durban for work, we decided to have a few sun downers at the beach, as our flight was still a few hours away. Enter the scene, Balitto and the eccentric bar-on-the-beach Beach Bums.

I wouldn't have wanted to end a busy day any other way.

Also having sundowners with her people was this lovely little lady. I believe her name was Sheila or Sasha. Any which way, she was such a sweet little puppy and she kept me busy for a few minutes. She was so friendly and well behaved. Like Mila. Mila just isn't well behaved.

Quick Poll: 

Below I have two pics, exactly the same, except for the editing. The first one is the original and the second is the edited image. Which one do you thinks looks best?

Let me know in the comments!

******
Guess what? I'll give you some clues.  It involves four wheels; an amazing compilation of music, even if I dare so myself; a few unplanned stops; some early mornings and the beach. Yes, we are roadtripping down to the east coast again. This time I won't be alone and I won't be there for a day.

We are heading down to St Lucia for a week.

I'm getting my everything fake on. Already had the acrylic french manicure nails. Got my fake tan this morning. What? Don't judge. Even though I'm a sunny South African, which should automatically make me tan, I normally just burn.

I am so ready to just kick up my feet and relax. Unfortunately, we had to leave the pups behind. A friend of mine will look after them. I'm going to miss them. Sad face.