With just a week to go, deciding what to take with me isn’t a big deal, as I haven’t added much over the last 18 months! So packing is simple and I’m looking at taking just one bag and a backpack. So, easy peasy!

My covid rapid test is scheduled for next Tuesday and that is one test I don’t want an F on! I have to go into Durban to a particular pharmacy that does the test and will have results in 15 minutes. Not too much time to stress whether I’m good to go or not. I check the airline every day to make sure they haven’t stopped flying here (as has happened a lot the last year) but so far, so good. Booked my seats, checked out the menus and wine list and they look good!

Now it’s just fine tuning…and waiting.

Last week, we had a fun “school” lunch with 12 of us. A couple I hadn’t seen before, but I did recognize! We met at “the usual” place, and pretty outdoor cafe at the park. Social distancing and being outside was great. It wasn’t a goodbye lunch, it was a “see you in a few months” lunch.

The following day, I met up with June and Jeanne at Umhlanga and we did a wonderful walk along the boardwalk. I’ve walked some of it before but never been to the end, into the sand forest. Instead of a solid boardwalk, the community is building raised walkways through the bush and in the dunes. It’s alleviating a lot of the erosion that was occurring from people “bundu bashing” off the trail and causing problems. A spectacular walk, with glimpses of the beach and sea through the trees and bush. As we started out around 7, by the time we headed back, it was time to stop for coffee at one of little cafes along the boardwalk.

Umhlanga is a very touristy area but because we were so early we missed any crowds and also the heat!

Yesterday was an unexpected side trip. I was planning to head to Pietermaritzburg to pick up my new glasses and stop to Gael on my way home. But she WhatsApped me about an art show in Howick and would I like to go. What a treat that was.

It was in The Old Mushroom Farm where the old, brick growing tunnels are being converted into shop and gallery space. To get there, access is off a country road with a sign that if you blink, you’ll miss. Then head off down a very bumpy dirt road to the farm.

This is something that is so intriguing to me. People are so creative and make use of places, buildings and things that in most countries would either be demolished or dumped. Of course, there aren’t as many rules and regulations here which makes a renovation/reimagining much more doable. The architect/designed has managed to maintain the feel and look of the old building, but bringing in lots of light with industrial-type windows.

The art show itself was lovely and as Gael is friends with Kobie, the artist, it was definitely more personal. And I like her work.

It’s not just galleries, but also small Made in South Africa-style stores with everything local. The smell of roasting coffee permeated the air as Bluebird Coffee Roastery had fired up their roasting machines. The facility also has a couple of cafes, a bakery, a place for wine tastings and also one of the tunnels is set up as a studio and presentation area for hire.

The old workers cottages have been converted into self-catering cottages and I can see going there for a couple of days, for a change of scenery and to do the walks around the area.

Now I’m getting impatient to go. Excited to see everyone (after quarantine) and get on the road again.