Weekend Away at Phinda

One of my mom's closest friends gave her a call on Thursday and asked her if she might be keen on a weekend away at Phinda Game Reserve, there was a room available at the Homestead. Two photographers from the College of Digital Photography were coming along for the weekend and she thought that my dad might benefit from what they might have to say about wildlife pic taking. So my mom then suggested that I go instead. I of course was thrilled. I am always keen to brush up on my photography skills, and I am in love with the game reserve. So Saturday morning came and we departed for Kwa Zulu Natal. It was a long, bumpy drive but when we finally got to the luxury Homestead we were greeted by the warm staff. What an awesome vibe. I felt so blessed.

Love this couch ^^

Lunch and then game drive #1. The food, oh the food was incredible. Faith, the resident chef, cooked us meals I only dreamed of. You may be in the middle of the bush, but no costs or corners are cut, it was brillo! 

Fresh bread baked daily

Karen

Faith, the awesome chef

The rooms are gorgeous, well designed and have every amenity (plus!) that you would have in your own home. Forget something, no worries, it will be there. Modern meets nature. Very cool. I did smack my head on a shelf, but hey I am clumsy, you all know this. 

Lounging in the sun on the deck on Sunday afternoon between breakfast and lunch, I was met by a family of warthogs who came to graze a metre away from me. I loved that they were so close to me and that they felt so at ease to be this close to me, yet I also did not want to startle the piglets when I moved. Bliss. It is the only word I can use in summation of my weekend away in Phinda at the Homestead. I adore going on game drives and I went on four (being guided by some of the best in the country). I love eating some great food and was treated to excellent meals of excellent quality. I was really spoiled this weekend and am incredibly privileged. I would just like to thank Karen and of course my dad for the time away. Looking forward to doing it again.  

P.S. The weekend away was basically an opportunity to learn more about wildlife photography. I took lots and lots of pics and they will be posted soon. Much love!

Lyric of the Day

I just got back from a weekend away in Heidelberg. I can't really say that I went away as I really only went to visit Louise and Heidelberg is only 50kms outside of Jozi city. But how outside some places can really be. I love going to small towns like that. Drinking at small pubs and brunching at quaint delis. A town filled with pretty churches and quiet streets. It has a maximum of three places to party. And when I mean party I mean sit around, drink and talk shit with the kids who live in the town. Too awesome. I will definitely be going back next year. Thank you Lou. And in honour of our attempt at broken Afrikaans when we were a bit broken... Here are some special lyrics for you my friend...

"As die son bo hierdie rotse opkom,

gaan almal weet wat ek en jy nog altyd weet,

'n mens het sy limiet,

al wat jy het is wat die wêreld vir jou bied,

ek weet ons is uniek,

ek weet...

ek probeer my bes,

ek sweer ek probeer..."

-Sonrotse by Die Heuwels Fantasties

Vocos - "Disco Disco"

NGK

Back to Jozi

Lyric of the Day

I'm off to Heidelberg this weekend to visit Louise in her new place. It may not be the most exciting of places, but I actually don't care. She's my buddy and she's there. Yay! Toodaloo ya'll. See ya on the other side of the weekend.

"I'm good to go,

And I'm going nowhere fast,

It could be worse,

It could be taking you there with me,

I'm good to go,

But it looks like I'm still on my own..."

- Saturday by Fall Out Boy

Parys, "Paris", Parys

We spent the weekend in Parys, in the North-West Province. It was quaint. That's the only way to describe it. The town is a lovely walk through antique stores meets modern living. Very sweet. The cottage the 7 of us stayed in was also... quaint, and very pretty.

Walking (read unexpected midday hiking), Kings of Leon, No Doubt, bon-fires, wine, sunshine, antique shopping, relaxing, bug avoiding, Jack Russels, horses, cows, a wagon, trucks, laughter, friends and fun times.

"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today"

- James Dean (1931-1955)

Lyric of the Day

Had a crappy day. Just been driving around, running around, chasing people, getting too much shit done for other people. It's been one of those days where you just feel trampled on and taken advantage of. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate my job. I just hate what it entailed today. And the day is over and it is the weekend. Time to drink and dance and get lost in it all. And then do it all again on Monday, the work that is, not so much the drinking and dancing. So, to make myself feel better I found some inspiration in these lovely words. They come from the wonderful aKing.

"I find delight in empty days

I take my counsel with wine

My own devices have robbed me of reckless leisure

My worth will be proven in time"

- You and I by aKing