Guy and I spent a week in the Drakensberg in June with Guy vdp and Sophia. We have timeshare at Chalet Number 52 at the Champagne Sports Resort. The weather was beautiful, warm enough in the day to enjoy the outdoors and chilly at night to enjoy sitting around the roaring fire. The photo above shows our chalet ... little white car is Graeme Wilson's.
South Africa's 26th best course was on our doorstep so we played plenty of golf. Here is a picture of me (Guy) waking up, Guy V and Graeme on the 3rd fairway, the 18th green and fairway and finally the lake in front of the 4th green. A nasty little par 3.
We knew when picking this week for our timeshare that we may have bad weather and fires but in the end the gods played their part. Lovely warm days and chilly clear nights were on offer. Had some snow overnight on the Tuesday I think. The berg looked beautiful dusted in white.
All that remains is to post a few extra pics that were lying around. The second one shows the full extent of the snow on the Wednesday morning.
As anyone who has ever spent a week in the berg know, you always leave wanting more. There is no doubt that we are going to enjoy the coming years in Chalet Number 51.
The Amazing Melody - Only for Party People
On Friday the 4th Hails and I woke up at the crack of dawn to travel down to Durban for a 3 day trip on the Melody. What a sturdy old vessel she was! 200m long and build in 1951. I am certain that the ship builders still had the threat of German U-Boats at the top of the agenda because she was certainly solid. No high ceilings with ornate chandeliers in evidence. I can't be too critical however because the latest refit included bars, clubs, casinos, party decks, more chilled decks etc. The only think that was left out was a refit of the dining room and perhaps even the chef!!!
Although we'd met some of our travel companions a few months before we got to know every one loads better in the coming days. Standing from L to R, Tam & Clint, Jill, Sofia, me hiding behind Niki, Owie, John. Crouching Frankie and Guy. Hails is taking the shot - I think.
The Juncaroo Disco provided a forum for the ladies to strut their stuff. I must say the local seamen also seemed to gather here just in case a lady may fancy a man in uniform. For the record I thought that Johnny may have a dart at one of the crew-ladies himself. None were onhand to experience the full charm of an ex DHS boy.
this stage. I think that Niki was very keen on this shot.
There was plenty of romance once the seasick pills had done their job!
The long wait due to rough seas and a few other factors meant that we only made it to Inaca island around 11H30. Clint gagging for food and drink forced us to sit down at the (now) famous Snack Bar Marujo! Again a good time was had by all. Check out the only photo that I have of the Melody in the shots below. In case you don't see it look real close..!
An easy day on deck. Sun, table tennis etc
Manhattan's 10 January 2008 Very nice thanks! We had an awesome night at Manhattan's on Friday. I have taken some shots to show what the dancefloor looked like (packed as usual) but it definitely doesn't catch the mood and energy. Should have taken some video but this camera isn't great on night video. Next week we are starting with a new manager as Luke is off to NYC for a week! Should be fun.
Casa Fourways: 08 January 2008 Looks like people are coming back to Jozi after a few weeks down on the coast. The club was full and very hot. We have decided to put fans in the bottom area. Was there on my own but luckily a few of the staff were off duty. Still not drinking therefore noticed more than usual..!
This is a quick update containing photos from my brother Anton's stag day. We went watersking first and then onto an understanding club later in the evening. I like the g-string that the boys
made him wear all day and all night. Must have still been wet on that
dancefloor!!!
Must say that it was a bit strange that his future in-laws left earlier. Perhaps they didn't appreciate Anton's excitement at the body shots handed out by the Joe Cools' barladies. They needn't have worried since Anton was in no state to charm the ladies. That, and a few of us were looking out for him.
His little cleaners outfit and slippers were well recieved by all. They one thing that bugged me was that Anton seemed to enjoy being dressed like a dope too much. For the next wedding (not Anton's we hope) I will have to do better.
This was a great night in Umhlanga in KZN. Here you see some of the more responsible members of our working environment!!! Seems like this photo was taken before the wheels came off.
Guy's place was converted into a nightclub for the big night. Started a bit slow but in the end the roof came off. Fireworks to put all the neighbours to shame AND a bonfire on the beach.
Well done to Clint, Owen and Guy! Actually you can see a photo of Guy vdP and Clint on the left, second from top. Clint has the hoola flowers around his neck and Guy is in the middle. This is them looking quite sober.
