We're now in East London - and for those who are confused and think we're in the world of cockney rhyming slang - we're on the Eastern cape of South Africa visiting Kim's mum. But lets go back to the busy, bustling city of Johannesburg where Kim grew up. For those who watched the Louis Therroux documentary in Johannesburg, although I haven't seen gangs and any shootings - the fear of crime here is very apparent and there are regular news reportings of Robbings, burglary's and hijackings. The divide between white and black people is extremely prominent, and most white people live in gated communities where you need codes to get in to open the iron gates. It feels strange to not be able to freely walk out your own front door to the local park or shops without fear that something bad is going to happen to you.
Ok - I know that is all sounding negative but I am viewing it from fresh eyes and it is the reality of SA today. However, what I have seen that SA does have to offer is the amazing wildlife and sun sets, which we got to experience when visiting Mabula Game Lodge for 3 days with Kim's friends Sean, Kerri and their two girls Tatum and Rylee. We stayed in a beautiful, charismatic lodge with open fires and a swimming pool over looking the reserve. Each day we were taken around in a landrover to see all the animals. My finger was on fire from all the photo's i was taking and we managed to get some shots of Rhino, Hippo, Elephant, giraffe and zebra and more. A memorable moment was stumbling across a large crocodile lazing at the side of the river with its mouth wide open showing its sharp teeth - luckily it looked like it had had a large meal and we stayed firmly in the landrover watching.
After a long weekend of animal watching, eating lots of animals on the bbq (Braai) and watching the brightly coloured sunsets we set off back to J'burg where we said our first good bye's and headed down to a town on the East coast called East London (and zoe, unfortunately Im not close by to pop in for a glass of vino : )! ).
Kim was very pleased to be greeted by his mum, Lynne at the airport - but I have to say he was more excited to see the famous cat Mogsy - which most of you have heard the story about. Mogsy has settled in well to the African life and lazes around out side in the garden.
Lynne and Kims Aunty Dee have a crafts room where they teach mosaics and it is a women's idea of heaven - with lots of sparkly bright colours and shapes everywhere. There are 3 classes per week so we are going to join in and makes some crafts.
We will visit the children for the first time this Sunday at the Sunday School where Kim's mum volunteers and we are having a tea and cake party with them and will play games, sing songs etc and do arts and crafts.
That is it for now - if you have managed to read through this whole blog.
We hope you are all well and send us updates by email.
Lots of Love Kim and Nat xx
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