Leaving the Midlands this morning, what struck me was the beauty of autumn; the leaves ranging from golden yellow to deep red and the grass was turning from summer green to winter wheat.
We had to make a stop in bustling Pietermaritzburg. Mall shopping was a pain after the gentle meandering of the previous day. The reason for this was that Graeme had forgotten to pack takkies. So the some total of his footwear was, slippers and slops. To put gender packing in perspective – I started sorting out my holiday wardrobe two days before we left. I have 2 bags, one for the first part of the trip catering to lodges, hotels and a wedding, the second is for more casual wear for the bush. I have clothes suited for the warm days and winter items for the cold mornings and chilly evenings. Each outfit consisting of pants, top and underwear was sealed in a plastic bag. Of course I have footwear to match the outfits. Gray, on the other hand, threw a couple of shirts and pants into a tiny tog bag an hour before we were due to leave. I think he will be going commando most of the trip and I'm sure the takkie shop this morning is not going to be a first.
We arrived at D’Vigne Lodge (pronounced- yes-devine), in the centre of town. We met up with our food friends Gill and Steve Moir (it’s their son, Brad’s wedding). There are 18 of us staying in this classic Victorian B & B, built in 1903.
Shortly after our arrival, the women folk left for Amanzi Farm, where the wedding is taking place. The farm is owned by the brides parents. There were an army of people, local farmers and friends helping with wedding preparations. I loved the community vibe, with all happily pitching in.
On our return, we went shopping for stuff for lunch. OMG, this was Africa at its best - pay day Friday of a long weekend. The queues were insane. The men, meanwhile had done a bottle store shop, where the owner had been shot three times an hour before.
Greytown is larger than I expected. There are no modern houses but it is clean, with very no litter. As there is clearly not much to do in the town. Bowls matches were organized at the local sports club in the afternoon.
From here we moved on ‘Tranquili – Tea’, the local nursery, come coffee shop, for a pre- wedding party for all the guests in town. We had a great dinner catching up with all our old hockey friends. Lots of wine and laughs.
Happy memories.
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