The Wall - Kariba Dam
It was time to wave goodbye to Mana Pools. A month was just long enough, and I was excited to resume our road trip and head to our next destination, Kariba. All the stories I’d heard about Kariba conjured images of holidays, fun, and houseboats. Romantic. We, of course, would not be staying in...
Going To The Dogs - Nyamepi Campsite Review
Close your eyes. In the distance, hear the cry of the African Fish Eagle calling its mate. The soft rustle you hear could be a Vervet monkey suckling her young; the soft blow is an Impala warning the herd of danger; and the loud swishing and snorting in the water is a hippopotamus...
The Company We Keep
It's true that birds of a feather flock together, just like Lilian's Lovebirds. Although we travel very well together and can do so comfortably without company, we were delighted to know we wouldn't be alone for the entire time we were in Mana. We are social animals, after all, and I need...
Mangwanani! Mana Pools
Morning! The early bird catches the worm. We’d be there when the gates opened. That’s what we thought. But of course, in Africa, that seldom happens. We couldn't have known that the fuel shortages were about to begin. Eventually, we made it to the Mana Gate, and then we had to negotiate...
Roadtripping From Our Southern Shores to The Mighty Zambezi
On a fine Friday afternoon, we were all packed and excited to set off on our 5-day road trip from the southern tip of South Africa to the northernmost border of Zimbabwe, where our journey would end on the banks of the mighty Zambezi. Our first stop was Matjiesfontein, where we...
The Honey Badger Does Its Maiden Long Haul To Zimbabwe
I am not a procrastinator by nature; I can’t multitask. This blog has been in the works for a while now; unfortunately, Murphy had a hand in the delay. I must confess that the past couple of months since my last blog have been hectic, with unexpected delays and last-minute preparations. I hope...
The Honeybadger Goes Wild - Without Reservations
Christmas was spent at home with family, but to escape the crowds flocking to our very popular beach, we decided to go on a spontaneous road trip in the Honey Badger. I am still in training, so this was the perfect opportunity to take my driving skills up a notch or two as I negotiated...
Merry Christmas Special
Our Christmas was a peaceful day spent with family, filled with warmth and closeness. Time to relax, reflect, and enjoy each other's company at a beautifully laid table, enjoying good food. We laughed a lot and shed a tear too. We were blessed abundantly and are deeply grateful for the gift...
Butch With An Eye - A progress report
Shortly after we returned to Worcester, I sent Butch off to the stand-in ophthalmologist for an update and check-up, with me in tow. This was duly done, but the results were unsatisfactory. The doctor had nothing to add to the initial investigation; he shrugged his shoulders and, wringing...
A Spoke In The Wheel
What we see on social media is not the whole of who we are. I have a cloud hanging over my head right now. I can’t see the so-called silver lining, though I believe it's there; it’s just shining somewhere else. Maybe someone else needs it more than I do right now. Probably. I feel I owe it to...
Comfort Food Prince Albert Style
Whenever I think of the Karoo and food, only one thing comes to mind. It has to be lamb. Karoo lamb with lots of rosemary. Of course, at this time of year you might imagine a roast leg of Springbok; that’ll do too. Treat it like lamb, and the results are spectacular. Like the French, I...
Feeling Like A Royal In Prince Albert
Before I lose my mind completely, I must tell you about my very special visit to Prince Albert a few weekends ago. This is a Karoo town to look up to, where authentic architecture and a strong community spirit create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home. If you’re impulsive, always...
Oh Mercy! Mercy! Get My Jersey!
If I could, I would chisel into stone: “Never a dull moment.” And “The winds of misfortune will prevail without fail”! The weather report said rain. I said, “No way!” The annual rainfall in the Tankwa is 10 mm, so why get our knickers in a knot? I kept my eyes on the skies, and I was right,...
Romancing the Mill Stone - Sandra's Easy Stone Ground Whole Wheat Bread
Here is a divine vegan whole-wheat loaf. Please ensure you use stone-ground wheat that contains no additives, unhealthy preservatives, or sugar, and isn't so refined that it resembles something you can make lines with and sniff. If you’re wheat- or gluten-intolerant, give this recipe a try; I...
Glamping In Style - Have Keys and Wheels Will Travel
(Drum Roll, Drum Roll, choir of angels) Right off the bat, please accept my apologies; I will be boasting in this blog. I think I have every reason to. I know! I know it’s very rude. But then, so be it. Please indulge me. Every time I alight from our carriage, I feel I have arrived. We were...
Scones, Simply Whey Too Easy
My Mother-in-law was the Julia Child of Karoo Kwezeen (Cuisine). We were an excellent combination on the food front: she cooked it, and I ate it, until I became quite poorly from overindulgence. Although very kind and patient, I doubt she thought I had any mentionable talents, and not in...
Churning A-Whey Homemade Butter
I am so excited. I made my butter! It was simple to make, and I can’t imagine why everyone doesn’t do it too. Since most people are Banting or following Tim Noakes's full dairy revolution, cream and butter have become quite expensive. A liter of cream still costs much less than 500g of...
Keep Korma And Curry On - Curry Recipes
My new favourite quote, especially when my tiara slips a fraction. Yes! Sometimes it takes a change of heart, a change of attitude, and the courage to control our minds and emotions. It’s unlikely we all wake up each morning feeling on top of the world. Years ago, someone said, “The woman of...
The End Is Nigh And Other Arbitrary Observations
There was a time when I thought I’d never say those words. I am delighted to report that the end is nigh. This might be my birthday month, with The Honey Badger as the ultimate prize to celebrate the New Year and the end of a long, hard, traumatic and often disappointing 2½ years spent building...
Dumpling Delicious
We don’t have central heating, so our homes are sometimes colder inside than outside. This has advantages: we warm our homes with huge log fires, burn candles, have heaps of blankets and throws, wear pyjamas and bed socks, fill our hot water bottles and switch on heated blankets. Meals...
Don't Mind The Gap
Age gaps and generation gaps are getting narrower as I get older. I have a beautiful friend who turns 18 today and shares the day with another who turns 80. Yet another BFF turned 70 last week; I’ll be celebrating my 40th for the 21st time in a few days. Later, I’m going to enjoy High Tea at...
Breaking News: We Can't Contain Ourselves!
I have butterflies in my tummy. We are grinning from ear to ear. At last! We have just returned from AC Motorhomes, and everything is looking fabulous! Our Honey badger is gorgeous. It’s been a fortnight since our last visit, and we were bowled over. Overwhelmed is an understatement. Firstly,...
I Can Conclude I'm No (Food) Prude – Moroccan Lamb Shanks, Françoise’s Famous Brown Onion Soup, Orange Flavoured Oxtail, Malva Pudding
My beloved, who eats anything and everything, never complains and always says, “Thank you, that was a delicious meal” (even when, on the rare occasion, we have deli pies (or garage pies, as they’re colloquially known) with a good dose of salt for lunch), decided he had a weekend menu: comfort...
Mooching In My Flannel Pyjamas On Sundays
On Sundays, as the good book commands, I take a day off. Late out of bed, I enjoy my coffee and a rusk made by Butch; it’s too cold for my tootsies to shuffle downstairs to make coffee. I read, catch up with friends on Social Media, read messages from my children and watch the short videos...
Rome Was Not Built In A Day You Say?
All very well to say that when it’s not your time, energy or money being spent. At last! After more than six months, I am happy to report that we have made a little progress on our overland truck, the Honey Badger! We’ve been working on this project for more than two years now, and at last I...
Giving Chicken A Spicy Pineapple Kick
Sweet and spicy are always a winner and go so well with chicken. We decided to spice up our Sunday roast with a curried pineapple stuffing. Chickens tend to be rather thick-skinned, and flavours don’t penetrate the skin, so we loosened the membrane beneath the skin and popped our stuffing...
The Tofo Tango To Mozambeats
The weight of being South African slides off my shoulders, smooth as velvet, as I cross the border into Swaziland, and a lightness washes over me like an overdue sigh. Summer has taken its toll on us. The innocence of Africa welcomes us as we greet friendly border officials and navigate...
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi
Dear Marie, Teachers and Learners, I can think of no other way to express my astonishment at the achievements at Sinethemba Aftercare School. I just had to write! A year ago, I visited the school and was impressed. This afternoon’s visit bowled me over. Thank you for inviting me once again....
Easy Brinjal, Bacon Bake For Autumn Luncheons
Aubergine, brinjal, or eggplant must be the king of versatility. Nothing could be easier than this Brinjal bake, so perfect for long lunches on the veranda when leaves turn and days become shorter and cooler. No one wants to spend hours indoors now. I see beautiful mousebirds are very busy...
New Hats And Old Bats - Hiking The Whale Trail
Hiking the whale trail has been a dream for many years. When the opportunity presented itself, we said yes without missing a beat. One of the most picturesque hikes in the Western Cape (possibly even the world, when the whales are frolicking in the breakers) and probably the most booked-up...
Tantalizing Tomato Teaser
Last week we treated ourselves to a Fine-Dining experience at the Conservatory, a pop-up restaurant, Lekkerlek by Likoke (Lick Okay), inspired by the renowned Belgian Michelin-starred chef Piet Huysentruyt, who is rounding off his world tour in Franschhoek. The taster menu, inspired by...
Find relief in Citta della Pieve
We often ask: “How would you like to live here?” Sometimes it’s very tempting, but then I remember our mountains, the sea, my ordinary, predictable, yet incredibly happy life, my friends and family, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else but in our Sleepy Hollow, surrounded by vineyards,...
BUCEANDO TORTE DE CHOCOLATE MEXICANO
Best chocolate cake in Mexico. Carla and I can attest to that. On a recent visit to Mexico, we enjoyed this magnificent chocolate cake. Moist, packed with chocolate, yet light and not overly rich. It certainly ticked all the boxes after a night out when one needed a Caffè and Torte....
What's Cooking Good Looking? PICANHA STEAK
A few weeks ago, Butch went off to the butcher to see what we could braai (barbecue); we regularly enjoy a steak, especially on Fridays. This time he returned with a Brazilian cut, PICANHA, recommended by the butcher. Tender, packed with flavour, and full of cultural history. It's a cut...
Greeky Portuguesy Chicken Espetadas
On Sundays, if we're at home and want to take things easy, we do chicken. Bring the changes by smothering large Espetadas in a delicious, easy-to-prepare Greek-style yogurt dressing. Of course, you can also use ordinary kebab or souvlaki skewers. Just soak the skewers in cold water beforehand...
Suffusing My Senses In Siena
On most weekends, in fine weather, I enjoy a long walk along the cliff path in Onrus. I’m always touched by the names inscribed on plaques, carefully set into tiles dotted along the way. These tiles of remembrance are mostly dedicated to loved ones or pets. Sometimes it's just a poem or a...
Travels With Tozers Tuscan Tours
Nothing is amusing about two middle-aged couples in a hire car. You have the driver, the co-pilots, and the backseat drivers. All experienced experts who think driving on the “wrong side” of the road is a walk in the park. And then you have the GPS. An unfortunate woman with a posh accent...
27 November, A Day I’ll Always Remember
I adored a beautiful boy once. He was born on 27 November 1955. I met him in July 1972, and if truth be told, he was the first boy who impressed me. I had a crush on him for years. Though he didn’t notice me much, our stars did align, and our paths crossed occasionally. Remembering his tragic...
Sayulita Señorita
Say me, say you, Sayulita! That’s the way it should be. Naturally! Right next door to Punta de Mita lies this vibrant, colourful beach town — I’ve been told it’s very similar to Tulum, but with waves. All roads lead from the steep hills down to the sea — cobblestone streets line the zocalo...
The Destination Wedding Vacation
Elation! I must confess I am always a little in awe when I hear of someone jetting off to an exotic destination, especially for a wedding. The charmed life. Glamorous. Romantic. The first time it was mentioned in my company was when a recent graduate, earning a pittance, announced she was off...