Not too long now and I'll be winging my way to my home country, South Africa. It's been a year since my last visit, and I've gone from mildly excited to Come On Already!! Fortunately a lot of work will keep me busy for the next week, and then it's time to finalise my packing, weigh my luggage and be on my way.
I have a terrible issue with luggage on any travel destination, somehow I have to leave half of the contents at the airport. Many airport staff around the world have had unexpected Christmases at unexpected times of the year. I never learn!
I'll be going from a very hot Thailand to a very cold Cape Town with frightfully few warm things which I will buy in SA - it's easier to get the bigger sizes there than in Thailand where clothes are made for the tiny Asian people.
I have a suitcase fully packed with souveniers for family and friends, and another with my meagre assortment of appropriate attire.
My mom is the first and foremost reason for my annual visits, and this last year has been particularly difficult for her. She is 83 and, although in fair health, cataracts have developed, causing blindness. She is going to have surgery (hoping to get it done during my 3 weeks there), so it's not going to be all holiday.
Nevertheless, it's time for some of the best red wines in the world, visits with my family and friends still living in Cape Town, and my 57th birthday celebration.
Flight from BKK to Singapore to Jhb to Ctn is a bit of a long haul, but worth every boring moment to reach Ctn and marvel at the ever beautiful Table Mountain. I'm picturing wine farms and peninsula drives, foods I love and miss, beautiful sunsets and jolly times around the "braai".
Bon voyage to me :-)
