Departing the bustling city of Jozi at 21h00, stopping on our way out for a bit of food before hitting the road to Harrismith. People of the South, Steers, The Glen to be specific, your cashier is not the friendliest. Note to sell, don't stop there again. It's super important to start our journey with the right cup of coffee and a good bit of food in our tummies.
Never-the-less, off we went and soon soon we were in Harrismith, hot after a second cup of coffee. The N3 was hair raising so by that time I could have done with something stronger! Crazy people making U-Turns across big busy roads, trucks hitting high speeds resulting in swaying trailers.
The moon however was just breath-taking all the way.
Arriving in the sleeping town of Howick at 02h30 we were greeted by a very happy Granny and Grandpa. Eager to chat and catch up after four years. Joshua up at sunrise and straight down to the kitchen to hang out with Granny and Grandpa.
Off we went to a well known restaurant over-looking the Howick Falls. The view was beautiful but the food and outdoors restaurant area was disappointing. Us being budget travellers, scrambled egg on toast for R58 should have been more than sloppy egg on shop bought bread. I'm all for an experience and we don't mind paying if the food is good.
Breakfast done, it was time to pop in and surprise the hell out of Sid! That's exactly what we did. Plans were made to hang out later. Back home, totally chilling in the garden. Joshua skateboarding with his new made friends. Playing on the green in the very same spot his Dad played as a boy.
Saturday arvie we are off to surprise the hell out of some of Barry's high school friends at the Karkloof Polo Club, who still live in Howick. Too cool. We arrive smack bang in the middle of a 'Hippie Party' for a 40th birthday. Ha ha ha, no need for me to dress up. I naturally wear peace signs and comfy hippie clothing anyway. The total bill came to R200 for both Barry and I and that included two Jaggers.
After a long catch up with each person, we snuck out (before the wild ones go out of hand) and went to our favourite spot in Howick, The Red Tap. Dinner and two beers each, only came to R122!!
WHAT!! what the hell are we doing living smack bang in the middle of Jozi where life is unaffordable!!
Sunday morning, up with the rising sun and back to The Red Tap for a hearty breakfast which I might add only cost R35. A large plunger of coffee and still we had change from the original R600 we drew on arrival in Howick.
Amazing!
Breakfast done, a walk around town, down to the Howick Falls, a good chat with the local artists and musicians and my hunger for time in Howick was satisfied. Late afternoon catch up with Sid and friends and then it was time to get home to pack for departure at 06h30, Monday morning.
As always, we don't enjoy saying goodbye to those we love but we were eager to drive through the central Drakensberg. The views, the drive, the weather...all perfect. Welcomed with arms wide open at the Amphitheatre Backpackers. Breakfast was divine and what a treat! How that beautiful place has grown. The people are just amazing souls, the decor made me want to stay.
But we had to hit the road back home as our city life starts early bells on Tuesday morning. We arrived home at 16h00, welcomed by our family who very kindly held the fort to allow us time out of the city.
Whilst we miss many people dearly, it is always good to be home, in our personal space.
Take time out, spend that bit of money, stick to your travel budget and have a little fun in a beautiful place. It's so important to get away from the usual, to let your hair down, eat good food, drink beer and surround yourself with awesome people along the way.
Wishing you an amazing adventure.
Blu, Baz and Joshua
