A Trip Back in Time

A long awaited trip back home took place this past weekend. It was great to get home, even for a short while, and see the old familiar faces. As excited as I was to get home, I almost did not make it on time...

Firstly, I decided to leave my car at the Airport for the weekend. It was a mission finding parking that was legal! People park all over the place there. Despite Tazzy's recent upgrade of vehical status to 4x4, it was decided ramping the pavement might not be the best idea. Eventually a make-do park space was found. I was now late for my check-in. I had brought back a large, old suitcase filled with winter kit that was no longer needed, however the zips were bust, so the case needed to be vacuum packed. Further delays. When I eventually got in the cue to check in, due to my horribly late timing, I was bumped to the front of the cue, seconds before the check in for my flight closed. Shooo!

It should only have been 20 minutes until boarding. However, because I did pay full price for this ticket and because I did arrive 'on time' and flew the superior airline - we were delayed. 25 minutes. Arg!

Things got interesting once we boarded the flight and still were unable to take off. As the airhostess was doing the pre-takeoff checks (which include emergency exits), it was discovered that a Russian couple were sitting at an emergency exit. They did not speak english and for legal reasons must be moved. No worries, people were willing to swap seats...that is, people other than the Russians. A translator who was travelling with them tried to convey the urgency of the matter from the airhostess to no avail. The plane would not take off until they were moved but, for some unknown reason, they just would not! 15 minutes of negotiations and they finally moved. The plane just about broke into a round of applause.

The airhostess then continued with pre-takeoff checks, only to find another Russian at the other emergency exit. She to did not speak english, apart from the ability to say "No!"She was able to say this a few times. At this point the entire plane erupted into moans and groans, and swearing brutes screaming "Take them off!", "Kick them out!", "Call in the muscle!" and "We'll help you throw them off!"

It just about happened! We were now, in total, 45 minutes late and couldnt move until she did. Airport officials were called, the captain intervened and the negotiator/translator wasn't very good. Evenutally, after a round of applause, we did take off!

I had been laughing through the entire commotion and felt bad when I still had to giglle when the latter of the Russians had an asthma attack on board (an ambulance was waiting on the run way.) It was the most eventful flight I have ever been on. The fun just didnt stop!

Finally we landed in Cape Town and the fun didnt stop that weekend! It was great to be able to catch up with everyone again. Tried to see as many people as possible, which often entailed me arriving late to every single appointment (cause and effect!) but it was great to see everyone.

I had hired a car to get around (Golfie seems to have died) and was able to get down to the beach and down to all the essential regular spots.
The license plate was completely fitting! 93.9fm!


I can't believe that Claremont has not changed. After 10months, the same music is still being played at the same times! The drinks are still good at Mitchell's and still cheap at the Lifesaving club.

It was awesome to see all the Nippers again. I am missing them so much and cant believe how much they have grown (in the water too! I'm sure they are growing tails and fins.)

The, nicely pregnant, coaches are doing well and its so exciting that there will be another little nipper next season. To read more about Lauren and Bryan - click the link on the right hand side of this page.


It was so cool to see all the old faces.

hehe! dodgy selfportrait that she never thought would find its way on line!

Its funny how everything, but not much changes! It was a great weekend, and I hope to enjoy many more. I will be leaving Johannesburg on 22 December to pursue travellling opportunities, so i will definately be looking forward to catching up with everyone, have a few drinks and spend some proper time in the sun!