Rest & relaxation in Clarens

Jen's uncle Phil is in South Africa at present, therefore it was a perfect opportunity to escape the busy and vibrant Johannesburg and visit the quaint and scenic town of Clarens. Whilst Clarens is only a 3 hour drive south of Joburg, the contrasts between the two cities could not be greater. Clarens is a small town (population <5,000) nestled amongst the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. The town is centred around a square which is lined with shady trees, cafes, gourmet food shops and art galleries. One notable difference between Clarens & Joburg is the security, or lack of requirement for security. No houses have high imposing perimeter fencing. Strange to get used to, but nice ....

Quasi tour agent Jen found the Troll Cottage and booked it for our stay. It is a lovely little sandstone cottage with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. After the hectic few weeks we have had (including a quick trip to Australia) it was so nice to relax on the verandah, enjoy the views and read the newspaper!

Phil was yet to visit the Drakensberg Ranges, nor Golden Gate Highlands NP, therefore we spent Saturday driving through the scenic countryside. We enjoyed a leisurely picnic and stroll at Royal Natal National Park and Phil got to test the capability of the Audi (for those who care easily got to 190 km/hr before Jen complained!!). We had a braai at Troll Cottage on Saturday night, and then tested the night life at Smokey Joes with don pedro's. One thing we love about life in South Africa is the weather. We eat outdoors nearly every meal- hopefully the warm weather continues for a little longer...

Sunday was spent wandering through the shops and art galleries prior to enjoying a yummy lunch at a quaint barnhouse style restaurant.

The Troll Cottage

Breakfast a la Phil on the verandah

Ahh... what a life!

Even better when a random local arrives at your doorstep and wants to wash your car for R20 (>$3)!

Golden Gate Highlands NP

Picnic lunch at Drakensberg Ranges

Pete at Cascade Falls

Sterkfontein Dam

Phil & Pete taking care of the braai

Breaking News- "Chandler selected to represent EP "

Pete has been selected to compete for the Eastern Cape Team at the upcoming South African triathlon championships- Go Pete!! Whilst Pete performed admirably in the pre-selection a week ago, he by no means participated to gain selection in the team. As it was, it was the first time that he had raced an olympic distance triathlon. One of his fellow Eastern Cape team mates in the 25-29 age group is James Cunnama, a professional triathlete who came 2nd in the Ironman Austria. Pete's not feeling the pressure at all to perform for the team! Tonight he came home from work and went for a long run immediately. He is still undecided whether we will make the trip to Germiston (in Gauteng) for the South African championships however is some what shocked that he has been selected for the team.

First impressions

Thought it time we touch base and let you know that we are still here!!! We have been very busy since Jen's arrival. Mainly involves trying to lease/buy cars & getting the necessary documentation, sorting out my work VISA, sorting out housing.... We are getting an Audi A3 which we should have by Friday. We can't wait to drive it! Second car to be confirmed (but hopefully purchased by early next week). I have been dropping Pete at work each day so that I can use the hire car... looking forward to sleep in's in the near future and really being a lady of leisure- enjoy it while it lasts I say! I have met with Charles Orbach (accounting firm) and am now in the process of obtaining documentation for VISA (copious amount) and then getting it processed ASAP. They are lovely people and I look forward to starting (probably another 1-3 months though due to length of time to get VISA). I seem to fill my days quite easily with daily food shopping, lunches, breakfasts, gym, organisi...

Karoo weekend- Mountain Zebra NP & Nieu Bethesda

Pete took Friday off work so our road trip of the Karoo started on Friday morning. We somehow managed to squeeze 5 people into the Audi, including pram and bassinet for Harrison! We stayed at Mountain Zebra National Park on Friday night, a reserve established as a sanctuary for the endangered mountain zebra. The reserve is positioned in a natural amphitheatre of the Bankberg Mountains. Whilst the land is quite arid and dry, the scenery and views as you drove around the reserve were incredibly picturesque. Highlights of the game viewing were the Mountain Zebra, an adult & baby Rhino, numerous ground squirrels and the black wildebeests. Harrison's first game sighting was an ostrich- he preferred to sleep for the majority of the time! On Saturday after a morning game drive, we proceeded west to the tiny isolated village of Nieu Bethesda. It is accessible only on dirt roads and is nestled in a narrow fertile valley of the Sneeuberg Range. It is a cute little village with traditiona...

Chandler's Overseas

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