Respite in South Africa.

Three blissful weeks have passed, spelling an end to our sojourn in South Africa. As always, our homeland grabs our hearts and squeezes tight.

The scenery is breathtaking, and we are once again spellbound by:

spectacular sunsets,

the wildest of animals on a dry, winter bushveld plain in Limpopo province,

shadows flickering from firelight cast from an open fire pit on a warm winter evening,

pounding surf rolling onto a perfectly soft, white beach,

starlight in a clear nightsky and moonlight to walk by,

clouds draped over Table Mountain,

rich carpets of wild flowers blooming in the dunes of the Western Cape coastline,

whale watching at Cape Point, the southern most tip of Africa, a hot latte in hand at a restaurant perched over a turquoise blue ocean .

Our moments were measured by magical encounters with:

Family members gathered to welcome us reminding us of the ties that bind,

comfortable conversations that bridge the time apart instantly,

and those special shoulders to lean on.

Reuniting with friends, and family who are friends,

taking up conversations again as if continents do not separate us,

laughter and catch-up stories shared over wine from neighbouring farms.

'Sisters' who provide sumptuous feasts,

and open their homes like wide open arms wrapped around us.

Mothers who want every minute to count.

Niece and nephews who seem to have grown up in no time at all.

Watching brothers watching rugby,

beer and biltong inevitably in abundance.

And Africa moments to live by:

Warthogs trying to climb on your porch

looking for delicacies you may be so kind as to throw their way.

An elephant having a blissful time in his own mud spa, and another one who flapped his ears and moved menacingly towards us - we were on his territory after all.

Monkeys finding their way into the cottage at Mabula through a bathroom window (jammer hoor) and reeking havoc inside - no fruit or cookies left in their wake.

Eating! prawns at every opportunity - baked, grilled and bbq'd,

steaks that melted in your mouth, garden fresh salads,

and mounds of avocados, mint crisps, and mangos.

Standing on the edge of the ocean watching a sunset on the horizon.

Perfection and heaven sent as a fleeting gift wrapped up in a holiday back home.