Frolicking like a five year old

Having tried to write a few failed sentences and half put together words about snow falling, and how beautiful it was ( can somone say cheesy!), Nobody really cares about my words, and with reason since the images are just so much more! I should however highlight that the title of this post does actually reference me back to Saturday night where I had experienced snow falling for the first time and may also have  had  a few glasses of wine in me too. This entire experience that night however did not make the taste of Fabrizio's 1 euro noodle box taste anything remotely like noodles (mostly just noodles doused in soy sauce)

Unplanned Italy

As I run all the photographic memories of this beautiful and history rich country through my head, I am tempted to leave you with nothing more than these images. Of course, I was lucky enough in that I had the best guide, and seeing the city by scooter. Apart from all the ice cream and espressos that we consumed, another one of our guilty pleasures was going around on the scooter and letting the fresh breeze from the ride cool us off. Every single street of the city has a story to tell, and I struggled to put my camera down (even taking a few sneaky shots whilst on the back of the scooter)

From Rome we took a bus to Siena  where we stayed for three days and ate like kings. It was here that I got the first few glimpses of all the rolling hills of the Tuscan region and the ever so beautiful Piazza del Campo. We road tripped to the coastal town of Santo Stefano, and swam in clear blue sea's on Giglio Island. Not a single part of our trip was planned, and  in true adventurous style much of our accommodation along the coast entailed last minute camping with all of a tent and mattress.

As we literally ate away our 'budget' and the camping got the better of us, we headed to the mountain regions of Mount Amiata and his hometown of Abbadia San Salvatore. We were treated to true Italian home cooked meals, and exploring more of what Tuscany had to offer. Most of the time I had my head stuck out of the window and my mouth wide open in awe. The entire region, and I mean absolutely all of it, is like a beautiful painting.

An eager beaver and beach burn

 After all the rain we had been experiencing the past couple of days (seriously, three days non stop), I leapt at the opportunity to visit the beach on seeing the weather report read anything other than rain.

 

The train from Bergen op Zoom to Vlissingen is about a hour away, and a leisurely stroll to the beach town's boulevard from the station. There was a nice cool breeze blowing,  cooling the day of. This however concealed the fact that it was actually sweltering hot, and as I lay on the beach ( thinking I'm getting a sweet tan), I was in fact being scorched.

 

However,my body's reddened (or lobster like)  appearance didn't last very long. Overnight I managed to become tanned once again after a whole year of missing out on summer and it's safe to say I am no longer a pasty European.

 

Berlin, you son of a bitch

I mean this term in the absolute best possible way, that Berlin, you may just be the best place I have been to. There is something about this place that just does something to you. Of course the people I met and the things I did may influence this considerably, but the entirety of my time in this city consisted of a no bullshit Berlin.

No more words can really describe this place, so I will keep the rest for myself, sorry folks...

kreuzberg canal // wohnzimmer café // bauhaus archive museum // mauer park beauty in the spring// glory whole  kaffeehäuschen // lovers at a protest in front of brandenburg gate  // mauer park childishness in the spring // deep chill at adalbertbrücke // jewish museum // lichtpark // selfie time at the bauhaus archive museum // kaffee pause // portraits at  my good friends café journale

FAREWELL NOTES FROM FRIENDS...

I don't know what possessed me to host and organise a farewell. It's not for sissys let me tell you that. Half the day was actually spent running around like a headless chicken opening and sending off my guests. But you know what the craziest thing is, I wouldn't have changed it for the world. Seeing all my friends over wine and a braai was the perfect way to be sent off.

I invited a mixed array of my friends, some that I have known for almost 20 years dating back to pre school, primary school and high school days whilst others that I have known from my varsity days and through mutual friends. Although Most of my day was spent on my feet, the grapevine told me that everyone had a jovial time with one another..whew!

I also got gifts. I didn't expect gifts but I like gifts. In our family we don't "do" gifts, so that moment of surprise when someone hands you one is just the best feeling in the world.

 

Chim, thank you for my farewell bracelet. I hope it keeps me safe on my travels and every time on look down at my wrist to check the time (the dutch are very punctual) I will think of you. Although we have only been friends for less than a year, I feel like I have known you for a very long time. I so wish we had approached each other while we were still studying, we would have made such a great team!

Abby, what can I say. Our friendship dates back to Primary School  days and we have somehow managed to keep in contact and stay friends. I suppose this whole trip all started with you although you may not even know it. If I hadn't gone to One World with you, all the events that followed would never have happened and  I wouldn't be going where I am. Than you for the scarf, which is the most beautiful shade of yellow and grey, and the champers. I think I'll sommer pop it open before I board my flight!

Cecilia, I don't think I don't think I have ever received as big a bottle of wine as I received from you. I think this week will prove to test my alcohol tolerance, Thank you none the less. I will miss the very brief friendship we have had but will always remember all the effort you made and the coffee and drink dates where we poured our hearts out.

Cam, we have come a long way! Our friendship dates back to pre school days and play dates at each others houses. You have been such a good friend to me, and although we lost contact while in high school, it never quite felt as though we did. Thank you for the bracelet and the delish piece of fudge toffee, you sure know my where my weakness lies.

Alex, my dear friend. Your face always brightened up many a day in the testosterone filled hallways of the I.D department. Your effort in our friendship is something I truly value, and something I will never forget about you always say the sweetest things about me, and I wish you luck with everything you do, you are one feisty gal.

Sarah, my gorgeous friend. Our friendship has also been one dating back to primary school days. I always had such a great time with you and am going to miss you pretty face. Remember to "sit like a lady"...

My Cousins, Tarien and Mariska, for being the best cousins a girl could ask for. The world had better watch out for The Deacon and Van Heerden sister duo because we are on a roll!

Michael, I too have only known you for less than a year but your super chilled vibes and willingness to always go out and have a good time will be missed.

Graeme, I am going to miss our strange conversations about the world, design, music and architecture, but..I will see you soon, in Europe nogal.

Cara, my dear friend who I have known for such a long time. I am going to miss our chats and giggles and how you always told me you can't stand stupid people. We have had some good memories together and always think of you when I walk past 'Lucy' our wendy house...

Willem and Jurie, you guys are hilarious and I wish we had become friends sooner but alas, we will see one another at the Commonwealth games in Glasgow next year yes? Thank you for the wine, Its going to build up my tolerance nicely before I head over to The Netherlands..

and last but not least, the one person that too has made such a big impact on my life thus far, W.J Pretorius, but to me you will always be my Will. I don't even know where to start, there is just too much to say. Our friendship has been one that I will forever value. I have never had a friendship that has been so true and genuine and I can only hope I will find that In Holland. Thank you for all the photos, which is the best gift of all...

POSTCARDS ALWAYS MEAN GOOD NEWS...

SO APPARENTLY IT'S...

It feels like just yesterday that this whole process to go overseas began, and I can't quite get my head around the fact that it is so close! Its so strange how things that used to surpass me by everyday, like my dog, my house, my family, will be very far away from me once I am gone. I suppose I am cherishing each moment I have here and trying not to wish time away too much (as excited as I am). None the less, a part of me is also tired of waiting and I just want to start this incredible adventure already (easy there tiger!). Once thing that is keeping me grounded is not having any expectations, just an open mind to an adventure!

HALF AND HALF EXCITEMENT...

 

So apparently its 17 more days until I leave. I somehow only know this because everyone else but me is counting down the days, talk about others living through your dream eh?. Contrary to what you may think based on the previous information, I am actually hauntingly excited. When I have a conversation about something with someone, and it unexpectedly comes up that I am going to The Netherlands, according to them my face lights up as bright as a 100 watt bulb!  I suppose hearing that from someone feels quite good, because along with the excitement of things, there are still one or two things I am anxious about. The one being I am still waiting for my unabridged birth certificate, whilst the other, er no comment,

DAYS ARE DRAWING CLOSER...

From today, it's exactly a month till I fly out to The Netherlands, and excitement is starting to build.I received my flight confirmation a few days ago knowing that I am flying Emirates, via Dubai obviously, and am over the moon that I get to take a 30kg bag! I sound like such a girl when I say that but I honestly don't know what to pack so my entire cupboad will have to tag along with me.

It's also exactly 1 week till my work contract finishes, so today marks alot of count downs. From there, its buyig a couple of necessitys, a huge bag being one of them and getting hold of my unabridged birth certificate ( which has taken 2 months already). You have to love South African home affairs.

Some of my Dutch friends have this saying, ' Hopakeetjies' ho-pah-kay-chis, which basically means 'Lets do this/hell yeah'. But according to them its hards to translate, you have to truelly experience what it means. I only hope I will get the chance to experience a Hopajeetjies moment...maybe even a few...