Tuesday, May 31, 2011

JUNE 2011

JERUSALEM AND ISRAEL




VIA DEL ROSA



ANNABELLE, GRANDAD & EMILY

ANNABELLE, ALLY, JACQUI.EMILY & BARBARA



OLD CIY JERUSALEM

ALLY ACTION HOCKEY



CATHY'S FRIEND MICHELLE



SJANI; SUZANNE AND COLIN AFTER A BEACH RUN AND SWIM


BARBARA IN CAPE TOWN
MICHAEL OPERATION
ALLY U14 EP HOCKEY TRIALS
ALLY PLAYS AT NMMU ASTRO OLD GREY ACADEMY
ISABEL GIDDY 21ST BIRTHDAY
BEACH RUNNING
FATHERS DAY
BUCHU
TRIP TO ISRAEL; FULL STORY IN SEPARATE BLOG


Adrienne Wilson has left a legacy in Port Elizabeth. Adrienne has set up and made sure that we best use the Beach Front of PE; Every Saturday morning we meet at the Beach (Red Windmill -- Hobie Beach) for a 10 or 15kay run and swim. Now it is June, the temperature is dropping but we are there on Saturday mornings having our run and swim.

June 2011. This month is our Israel trip. We cannot wait and are counting down the days.

Wednesday 1st I am in East London; Christo collects me and we work in Butterworth this morning. He drops me back at Chimneys B & B and I drive home.

Thursday 2nd. Ally is up very early for Water Polo practise. I am able to go for a run this morning. There are none of the Slow group there so I go on ahead, let the fast group overtake me and then meet them as they are down at Erica School. We finish together.
I collect Barbara at midday and drop her off at the airport. She flys to CT to be with Michael in Hospital as his operation will be on Friday.

Friday 3rd: I drop Ally off at school. She is writing exams and seems to be reasonably confident when I collect her in the afternoon. I take her and Meghan Derry to U14 EP hockey trials. I have to go back to work but hear later that Ally plays three games.


ALLY ACTION HOCKEY


Mark tells me that the second game was a good one. I see the last of the three and am happy with her play. The trials are at NMMU. We rush home and return an hour later for the Old Grey Academy game against PEG's. The last time we played them the light failed and with 10 minutes of play to go and the score at 3;1 up the game was abandoned. The academy team played well against a strong PEG's team and won the match 3;1. Terry brought some wine and another couple brought sherry. It was a good social evening on the benches for the parent support group.

We receive a message that Michael's operation took 4 hours and that he was in pain afterwards. The surgeon removed the malignant Nodes and had to remove part of his Kidney. There is nothing that the family can do so they leave for the night.

It is Isabel's 21st Birthday. Julia flys to CT for the party. Patrick is there.



MOM'S DUCKS



Saturday 4th. I start off the morning with a Beach Run. It is an easy run this morning. We start at 6am from Hobie beach: Susan Burri; John and Anne Du Randt; Lawrence; Mike Dean;Adrienne Wilson; and a friend of Adrienne, Debbie from Michigan; Adrian Smith and Colin McCall make up the Group. Pat and Gerald are in the UK for John's Wedding.

Ronel tells us that they had a really rough flight but this morning they are doing a run with John in an area called Bushy Park. For us it is another beautiful morning in PE. As we run down 2nd avenue we see the red sky of the morning sunrise. It is chilly but Adrienne and I still have our swim. Ron and Lyn are also on the beach. The water is brisk but certainly not too cold for a refreshing dip. As we are swimming the sun finally rises over the ocean. We spot a pod of dolphins just to add to the beauty of the day. As we drive home we see Suzanne, Maryna and Allan finishing off their longer run.

Ally is home alone but still fast asleep. I wake her up and go off to work for a while. She is in the middle of exams and has to do some study.


SPEKBOOM PLANT THAT WE RECEVIED AT BAVIAANSKLOOF RUN IN SEPTEMBER 2010. THIS PLANT HAS NOT GROWN ONE CENTIMETER


This afternoon I continue reading the John Grisham Novel that I have been reading. But sit in the sun in the lounge and promptly fall asleep. Ally wakes me in time to take her to Hockey. She has another Old Grey Acadamey game. They play a Pirates team (Mauraders) this after noon. I sit with Robin & .. Fourie; Terry, Carmel and Lauren Bilson; Claire (Michaela's Mother); Shereen (Kaitlin's mother); Catherine (Alex's mother). As always it is a good social afternoon and to top it all it is an exciting match which we win 2;1.

Micheal woke up in reasonably good spirits this morning. Barbara spent the morning watching the boys play Soccer before visiting Michael. It seems that he is too tired to talk.

Sunday 5th morning. Ally and I have a relaxed morning at home.

Monday 6th to Friday; This week Barbara is in Cape Town. I do an East London Trip on
Tuesday but otherwise we stay at home for most of the time. Michael is recovering from his operation. He returns home on Monday and spends the week at home trying to build up some strength.





ALLY AND DAD HAVE SUPPER AT ST ELMO'S WHEN BARBARA IS IN CAPE TOWN


Saturday 11th; I am able to run at the beach with our little group. We end up with a swim. Last week our fridge of 25 odd years finally packed in completely. Chris Bury the fridge tech said that it was rubbish. So on Friday afternoon I had done a little shopping around and finally decided to buy the fridge from Rafi's. Their price and service was better than our own. This morning the fridge was delivered before we left for hockey.


NEW FRIDGE


Ally has Hockey at Pearson (NMMU Astro turf). It is a long anticipated game. Our team start off with a lifted goal in the first few minutes and then fight to defend all attacks until finally they score a second goal to make the final score 2;0 to Collegiate. This evening Ally had planned to watch movies with her friends but that did not work out and we had an evening together at home.



ALLY COLLEGIATE U14A HOCKEY TEAM




We see Cathy's friend Michelle at the Hockey. Michelle is Billy Scheepers' sister in law. Billy has a daughter who plays hockey. We sometimes see him at the hockey.



CATHY'S FRIEND MICHELLE AT HOCKEY

Sunday 12th; Ally and I laze at home until it is time to collect Barbara from the airport. I am able to attend church this evening.

Monday 13th I start with a run. I am not feeling strong and cut short. This evening I am leading our cell group in the book we are currently working through: "What is so amazing about Grace?"

Tuesday 14th I am up early and drive though to King Williams Town where I do a branch visit. Later I drive to Stutterheim where we are opening a new shop.




ROWENA AND NICKY AT THE HEAD OFFICE CONFERENCE

Wednesday 15th; We fly to Jhb early this morning where we have a meeting presented by David Sussman; Tilly (an office lady retiring who gives a talk about her life in JDG and the way her children have graduated as nurses and an electrician while she has a Grandson who is studying in Senegal and says he wants to work in JDG. Sean Summers speaks about the days he had in Pick & Pay. We are not able to find a flight home so we stay over at the Airport Grand Hotel. It is not so grand as the Buffet supper is not available, The menu is poor and in the morning there is no hot water.

Thursday 16th. It is a public holiday in RSA. My running group is at the beach for a run / swim. GRRR! I am in Jhb. I am up early for a shower but the hotel has no hot water. So I end up not showering nor shaving. We fly at 06.30am to PE. I then spend the morning at work and the afternoon trying to recover. Barbara and I go to CUM Books where I have a voucher. We buy some books and cards to take to Israel. This afternoon I have a short Nippers Meeting at Liesl DeLange's home with Tracey and Dianne. We make some plans for the new season. I finally agree to accept a Chairman's Nomination if elected.

Friday 17th; It has rained and blown the whole night. Adrienne was due to run with me as she leaves for Canada later this morning. But I ended up doing a short run on me own into the wind. I really needed the excersize after a tough week. We have a short meeting in Grahamstown to pass on some of the information that we learned in JHB.
This evening we have family fellowship at Claudine and Cronje van Zyl. It is an evening of Pizza and we watch a DVD of a speech given by Penny Heynes. Inspirational and interesting to listen to this swimming hero who won a double gold medal at Atlanta Olympics. Ally is at a friends party.


SJANI; SUZANNE AND COLIN AT THE BEACH RUN AFTER A SWIM

Saturday 18th June 2011
The day starts with a run at the beach. This morning I do not collect Adrienne as she is in Vancouver with her brother Gavin and sister. I meet up with Adrian Smith, Colin Mcall; Suzanne Gendall; Susan Burri; Ben Carver; Sjani Human; Michael Dean; Anne duRand; Lawrence. We run along the beach front to Walmer Boulevard and at the top we turn left towards the Graveyard. We run to the Caltex filling station in Forest Hill we have some water and head along Strandfontein road to second ave; Here some of the runners turn down to Hobie while a group of us carry on to Admiralty Way. Down Admiralty Ben and I are loving the morning with the Ocean and sunrise ahead of us. It has been a cool crisp morning with an onshore breeze. We reach the promenade and run along to to Summerstrand lifesaving where Suzanne and I run next to the beach front.


THE BAGPIPES GREET US AS WE EMERGE FROM THE SWIM

We have run hard but I feel great this morning. As we reach Hobie Beach we are greeted by Adrienne's friends; Debbie (from Chicago) and her friend. Ron is in the waves. Ben, Sjani and I join him in the water. The sea is cold but not biting cold. The wind is making the waves choppy and there is a good swell which allows me to take a good few body surfing. As we emerge from the surf we hear the distinctive sound of Bagpipes. On the promenade is a lone Bagpiper in full kit playing this most amazing music. Andre Erasmus is also there taking pictures of some Bikers in the background and this piper. Simply making a stunning morning even more stunning.



It takes me quite a while this morning to thaw out. My hands remain cold for a few hours after we finished the run. I collect the TomTom windscreen holder that I ordered on-line. Then I spend the rest of the morning at work. Barbara and I have some shopping to do; I buy a running back pack for Michael. Barbara buys some singing dolls for the children. Later we drive to the beach where I check on the keys that I have for the Nippers Cage and hand these over to Liesl DeLange. I also buy some Amarula and Brandy to take to Israel.


OH THE PIPES ARE PIPING

Sunday 19th; It is Fathers Day. Ally comes through to the bedroom and gives me a sleepy hug. Barbara is asleep after a night long reading session. I become restless and take my bicycle out for a ride; I cycle up Cape Road to William Moffet; to Builders Warehouse and down Buffelsfontein road to 6th Ave. Down 6th ave to RIver road and then end riding up Target Kloof. This takes me around an hour and I am nice and tired afterwards. I dont cycle nearly enough.



OWL OUTSIDE OUR HOUSE IN MILL PARK MAKES NEIGHBOURING BIRDS UPSET


Mom and Ally take me out to Breakfast at Valley Harvest; A really delicious meal and very filling. Then Barbara and I visit Woolworths to buy Jacqui a pepper and salt grinder. I take the rubbish to the Tip. This is an essential weekly exercise as the rubbish seems to bulid up very quickly. There is an owl in the tree just outside our driveway. It is a stunning bird that tends to upset the smaller birds in the trees around. A little later we go to Bloomingdales Nursery where we buy a Buchu plant.

http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-buchu.htm

A strong antiseptic, diuretic and cleansing herb that increases perspiration. Used for urinary tract infections and prostate problems.
Used for bloating while menstruating, reducing high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Used specifically to treat bladder infection.


saw a program on TV one morning; Agricultural show. They spoke about Buchu
as an additive to brandy and as a healing herb.
It is good for renal problems and all kinds of other tummy aliments.
See; http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-buchu.htm


This morning I spoke to Nicci and then Cathy who said that we should try PE
nurseries. I had thought that this would be a Western Cape Specific plant.
But it is sold in a nursery close to our home. So today we purchased a
plant.

Fathers Day present to me.
19.06.2011



BUCHU

Had a good little run with Ben and Susan Burri this morning. I am sure that I must be sounding like a stuck record talking about our trip to Israel. We cut short but still the run was enough to get the blood flowing. Had a busy day at work. Did the blood donation thing. Cell group was cancelled so had a monday off.

Tuesday 21st.\Still running everyday. `i want to be as fit as possible for our trip to Israel. Did a few last minute things; bought some biltong at Woolies. And found some Marshmellow easter eggs for Jacqui. THen added some local chocolates for good measure. I was fortunate enough to earn a small bonus this month and used all of this cash to buy some US$. The Exchange does not keep sheckels. Completed the packing of three of the four suitcases and wrapped them in bubble wrap with some tape that I had bought. I really did not feel like arriving in Tel Aviv to find that the presents that we had painstakingly sought out had been stolen. So now it is only the final small bag in which cosmetics will be packed in the morning to seal. \\

Wednesday 22nd; D-Day. We leave today. I was up at 04.30, washed and shaved and packed the wrapped suitcases into the boot of the car. I was completely ready and so decided that I could have a run this morning; even it was to be a shortie. As I left I met up with Elmaire and we did a round Grey before joining the rest of the group. I just went around the park before heading home. As I ran up to the house I met Edelene who was shocked to hear that I would be leaving in an hour. \

I had miscommunicated with Jaco and he arrived an hour early to pick us up. I had a quick shower, wrapped the last bag and did a quick check to make sure that we had everything that we had planned to take. Jaco dropped us off at the airport where we were nice and early for the 8am flight to JHB. Barbara, Ally and I had a Coffee, met with Terry Billson who was on her way to watch JC Superstar this evening. And Andrew Binning who was on a business trip. We checked the four wrapped bags all the way through to Israel so when we arrived in JHB we had plenty of time to check in. We sat on the balcony looking out for our Ethiopian Airline Jet. We mistakenly thought that we would be in this huge Arabic Airplane but eventually boarded a much smaller plane.

We were saving a good amount of money flying Ethiopian and this was apparent when we boarded. But we had a reasonable flight which left Jhb at 14.30 and arrived in Addis Ababa at around 9.30pm. We were immediately called to Gate One and so missed out on having something to drink in the restaurants. Not that we would have missed much. There are no smoking restrictions at this airport. This is so strange to us. We looked for some Lipice for Ally and then checked in; only to wait for a further 90 minutes. Finally we boarded our last flight for the day. We were first onto the plane. This was to ensure that we had place for our carry bags as we had trouble on the previous flight. I was really thirsty as you are not allowed to take any beverages through the XRAY machines. And pleased that I had a couple of minature brandies with me. So as soon as the drinks trolley came around I asked for a couple of cokes and was able to enjoy my evening drink. \\

While we did not sit in luxury we were quite okay on this flight. We left Addis Ababa at 23.00 and arrived in Tel Aviv at 03.40am.
We has slept on and off but you are never able to really have a good sleep on an international flight such as this one. The plane was parked a very long was from the terminal building. We drove through and then felt the difference between Addis Ababa and Tel Aviv. Clean smart airport with escalators that worked and no smoking anywhere. I had opted to wear shorts today and was pleased about this decision. We were hot and sweaty. All of these hot bodies in a cramped airplane -- I am sure that there must have been a strong body odour.

We had a reasonably long wait for the luggage but were happy to see all four bags on the roundabout; still securely wrapped in bubble wrap. We walked though the "Nothing to Declare" section hoping that we would not be asked to open our bags. And then emerged in Tel Aviv to see Jacqui, Michael, Emily and Annabelle waiting for us. The two little ones were a little apprehensive but we were soon on good terms. Michael had to go to work so they had brought two cars; We loaded all the luggage into Jacqui's Ford Focus; A really big boot which could take more luggage than my Merc at home. And Jacqui drove us to their home in Binyamina. It was just dawn and the traffic was light. I dozed off in the back seat with the two little ones.

At Jacqui's house we unpacked the suitcases and handed out all the presents that we had accumulated including those sent from Cape Town by Nicky. An important gift for Jacqui was a certificate to say that she did not have a criminal record. Many years ago Jacqui had been in a motor accident and was found liable. This meant that she had a criminal record in SA. We had been working for the past two years to try to clear her name. To have a criminal record could mean deportation from Israel adn could mean that she would have to close her school. We had finally received the clearance about a month ago and so this certificate was really important to her.

For us we had already had a long morning and Barbara & Ally opted for a sleep while Jacqui and I took the children to the Nursery that Jacqui runs. Jacqui has staff who run the nursery for her. She supervises and does a certain amount of the work. Jenny is the main assistant. Jenny makes food for the children; Two cooked meals a day. There is plenty of play area for the children with lots of swings and jungle gyms to keep them busy. A huge pepper tree gives the whole play area shade. This is supplemented with some shadecloth that Jacqui has stretched over the playground.

The children and parents started to arrive. The staff consists of Jenny who is the main assistant, Elanore, Jenny's Niece, and a new lady who is Trying Out. Jacqui had to deal with a conflict situation where a Dad became overbearing and demanding. jacqui handled it without upsetting too many people.

Meanwhile I was witnessing a really interesting little act that was being played out;
A boy arrives with a huge carrot for the rabbits. The rabbits are in a tupperware plastic while their cage is being cleaned out. He sticks the carrot in front of the Rabbit's noses and they show no interest at all. This goes on for a while before Annabelle relieves him of his burden. Annabelle then divides the carrot into two and hands half to Emily. The two of them attempt to feed the Rabbits who again turn their twitching noses up at the carrots even though they are now two of them being pointed at the noses of the Rabbits.

Emily and Annabell having lost the fight to feed the rabbits join in the fun and pour sand over the rabbits incase they needed some nature to be added to the Tupperware. They still have the carrots in their hands and naturally begin to chew on the carrot which is now in two halves. Annabelle looks as me and asks in Hewbrew whether I am hungry and would like to join her for a breakfast of stolen carrot which afterall had been repeatedly rejected by the intended recipients. Without waiting for my response Annabelle bites of a small piece and hands it to me. I eat this stolen and rejected morsel. Annabelle continues with play and romping. The Carrot (half) hits the dust, Annabelle picks it up and dusts it off with her dress and tastes it. Clearly the sand does not make too much of a negative impact on the taste this contraband as Annabelle continues with the morning snack.

The two young girls move over to the sand pit. Now the sand in the sand pit is beach sand while the sand into which the carrot has been falling was rich red soil. So when the carrot falls again and Annabelle brushes it off on her dress again this does not work. The sand pit sand must be much grittier because after the next bite Annabelle moves to the edge of the sandpit and proceeds to spit the offending bits out of her mouth. This time she gives the carrot a much more substantial wipe and is able to crunch away at the carrot. Finally with not much left the carrot takes a last fall into the sand pit where a last inspection decides the destiny of the carrot; It is burried in the sand pit for ever.

During this whole activity I must have been laughing and crying so much that I attracted the attention of the minature students
who would approach me and enquire as to what I was going on about. Fortunately I had Emily translate their Hewbrew to English for me.

Jacqui completed her conflict resolution and we headed back to her home.

This afternoon Emily has ballet classes, Michael returned from work, Barbara and Ally had another sleep and I read my Spud 2 book. It was a hot and humid day and when Michael suggested we go to the beach I jumped at the suggestion. We loaded up two cars and drove down to the beach. I realised that my plan to run there would not happen. The roads are either too busy or have no shoulder on which runners can safely run. Today was my first swim in the Medditeranean Sea for about 20 years. Barbara and I had been to Nice (france) many years ago and we had swum in a miserable sea which had absolutely no sea life and no sea sand. This afternoon Michael and I swam out for a short but refreshing swim in warm water. I have been swimming every Saturday after the run but in Freezing cold water. I had been looking forward to this swim for so long and was not at all disappointed.

Emily was stung by a tiny jelly fish. She was attended to and then we ended our beach outing with an ice cream that ended dripping all over their legs and costumes. It was now around 7pm. People were arriving on the beach at that time with deck chairs. Back home we would have had our supper and would be thinking about bed time. Michael had safely driven from Cape Town to PE today. My family uses a communication tool called "Whats up?" It seems quite successful as they communicate between continents all day.

Back at Jacqui's house we had a supper of Cottage Pie and Broccoli pie. I had brought a bottle of KWV and Klipdrift and so had an evening drink. We had a really long day with Travel from home and a full day of activity so I was happy to get into bed just before 10pm.

Friday 23rd June
this is our second day in Israel. Michael and I wake up before the rest of the group and go for an early morning jog. This is also another of the things that I have been looking forward to. RIght next to Jacqui's house is an orchard. It is not fenced in and we run alongside the trees on a dirt track. We emerge on a main road which we cross and run next to an orchard of Avocado trees. We come across some men attending a field of peach trees. They have started early --- probably to avoid the heat of the day. It is only just past 6am and I am already sweating. We double back to see an old building which is a monument to Benjamin Rosthschild who was the founder of Binyamina (Israeli for Benjamin). He purchased huge tracts of land (30 000 acres) which he gave to farmers in the 1920's. These farmers work the fields by day and travel home each evening. From here we ran through the village and the Binyamina winery. We then came to the rail line where we saw another monument to the founders of Binyamina called the gates of Binyamina. From there we ran under the rail bridge and back home. We had taken an hour to run around 7kays. Jacqui had to go to school so after a quick shower I joined her. Jenny had made some cookies for Barbara. I had coffee and a pastry with them and greeted the various parents as they dropped their children. A Friday in Israel is the same as our Saturday. Here the children are taken to Friday (Saturday) School for a half a day. School was run as normal.


Michael, Ally and I did some chores; fix the lights on the car, had the puncture repaired, bought some braai stuff for this evening; meat, bread and special pastries and then some special weed spray for Jacqui's nursery. We also did a short ride around an Adrab area which, although it is old and established is not well cared for. The streets are very narrow, pot holed and the local people do a lot of "street living'. Jacqui had a gardener there this morning taking out the thorny weeds and hopefully the spray will make a more permanent difference.

We spent the afternoon relaxing until Michael's mother and brother arrived from Tel Aviv. We decided to go for a beach swim before starting the braai; Gili, Michael, Annabelle and I drove down to the beach where we first looked at what appears to be a smart beach with smart restaurants but poor bathing area. Then we found another beach where there is an ancient aquaduct that used to supply Ceasarea with water. Here we were able to have a short refreshing swim. Jenny and her son arrived a little later; Michael made a braai on his gas braai while the rest of us sat around chatting and catching up on family news. Really nice relaxed evening. After a couple of beers, Amarula, white wine and Brandy and Cokes I was ready to "check up on the Children". Jacqui had put them into her bed with Shreck playing on the lap top. That was enough to put me to sleep for the night.

Saturday morning; Today is like our Sunday; But of many years ago when nothing opens. We started off with our run through orchards; We found a=orchards of Pommegrana te, Figs, Grape vines, loquats, and best of all we found some ripe peaches which we picked ate and loaded some in Michael's backpack. We ran along an aquaduct and I was surprised to find that we were now behind Jacquis school. We found some blackberries which we also picked and loaded some (in toilet paper) into the backpack. This morning we had run 11kays in around 80minutes. An easy relaxed run / walk in the early morning sun. We had run mainly through the fields and orchards and had passed a number of cyclists.

Back home; shower and shave and ready to leave for Jerusalem for the weekend (Shabat).

We drove through to Jerusalem in one car; There were 7 of us in the car. In Israel the children have to be in a car seat and the police are very fussy about this. So we had to have the two little children in the back seat with Barbara, Ally and Jacqui and duck them down every time we saw a police car. The drive to Jerusalem was just over an hour. I was surprised to see how hilly the city is. The costal area is reasonably flat. As we drove into Jerusalem, Michael took us past the house of the Prime Minister; Benjamin Netanyahu where there is a protest in support of a soldier that has been captured by the Palestinians five years ago. The family of this man has set up a tent outside of the PM's residence. They hand out yellow ribbons to passing traffic. Netanyahu is not as popular as the President, Simon Peres who is practically his next door neighbour in Jerusalem. Michael's father is Yurom and he lives with his wife, Nava and daughter Shaka. They live on the third (top) floor of an apartment building near to the middle of Jerusalem.

We off loaded our luggage and drove in two cars to the Old City. Here we walked around for a while before we were able to find the room where the Last Supper is to have taken place. It is an upstairs room, off another room. There is no apparent kitchen anywhere but as this happened 2000 years ago all kinds of things could have changed. The room has Stain Glass windows and an inset marble statue. The room is small & I was surprised to see that there was no restricted entrance. In the room were a number of benches, people sitting and praying and when we arrived there was a group of Spanish speaking people praying for each other and as a group.

Below the room of the last supper we went into what is called David's Tomb. The men and ladies go in separate entrances. Here too there is an amount of praying and reverence for the area.

we wandered around the Old City with all the high walls of stone. People have been encouraged to live here. This gives the area authenticity. There are shops in every little "nook and cranny". We found the Wailing Wall. Here too the ladies and gents have separate entrances. Men must wear a head dress; my Nippers Cap was considered suitable. The ladies had to wear a shawl which was provided at the entrance. Michael showed us where the Arab section was on the other side of this high wall. At one time the Arab people would throw stones down onto the people praying below. Now there is a truce. Army presence is apparent. These men and women carry semi automatic weapons with live ammunition. Yurom and I walked down to the wall and into the prayer area. Here there is a huge library of bibles. Men take the plastic chairs provided and sit and pray and read their bibles. Mostly aloud. Many fall asleep during their prayers. I don't feel so bad about falling asleep in church now! There is one area where you are able to stand on some very strong glass and look down into the catacombs below.

There are fountains of water with cups provided. It was a hot afternoon and I enjoyed a drink of water and washed my face and "hair" to cool down a bit. We found a tunnel which led to a narrow road. We wandered down this narrow road pushing the buggy with the children in it. The road was busy with locals and tourists. All kinds of food and tourist stuff is up for sale. Ally bought herself a Jerusalem Hoody. We bought some bread. It is a kind of circular seed loaf almost like a large bagel. the vendor provides you with a small packet of spicy dip almost like salt and pepper mix. We bought some cold drink from a man who carries a huge brass dispenser on his back and pours a cup of this natural juice from it. In South Africa the only equivalent is the Beer Vendors that you may see at Cricket Matches.

We wandered along the Via Del Rosa which is supposed to be the road where Jesus had to carry his cross on the day he was crucified. These roads have a smooth cobbled surface. Almost shiny and slippery. As we walked the local people showed us the various "stations' where Jesus is said to have had to pause. There are also chapels along the route. It is a long road and it was a hot dry afternoon. I had brought a Runners Backpack for Michael. He had filled the bladder and we had a constant supply of water to drink. But still it had been a long tiring day so far so we took a taxi from the bottom of the hill up to the place where we had parked the cars. The taxi would not take the whole family so Yurom and I walked up.

We had a bit of a rest before setting off again this evening. Nava made us some lunch. The table was full of salads, Chicken, Bean concoction and various humus looking mixtures. It was Shabat and the shops would only open about an hour after the first star appeared. So at around 8pm as it became dark we decided to take a walk to a local shopping centre. Barbara needed reading glasses as hers had been sat on and broken. And I needed a beer after all of the day's activity. As we walked along a cobbled pathway I pointed out that I could see a star. Unfortunately it turned out to be the lights of an airplane. But shortly thereafter we saw a real star and I knew that it could not be long before the first pub would be open. We found this open air shopping centre. It is a magnificent place that has been blended into the Old City. Tiny blue lights are strung over the center and the shops are magnificent. Probably very expensive: Nike. H Stern and similar famous brand names are evident. Barbara and I found a pharmacy - Super Pharm - where we bought a pair of reading glasses. The cashier pointed out that they had a One for One promotion so we chose a second pair for free. Still expensive by Clicks standards.

Michael found us a seat in a restaurant that overlooked the city. It was an open air couch type of setting. We were high above the roads and could see across the ruins, graveyards and residential areas below. Yurom ordered us beers and a couple of plates of eats. It took a little while but soon we had two plates with cheeses and fresh raw vegetables served. The beer was a cold draught and did not touch sides. So when the waitress arrived I ordered another two beers. She asked me if I wanted a third and as Michael's glass was still pretty full I answered that we just wanted two. I showed two fingers to illustrate. She could speak English and so when she asked again do we want a third I tried to explain carefully that we just wanted TWO beers please. It turned out that she was asking if we wanted a third of a liter and not a third beer. Yurom complained about the poor service when the chips did not arrive on time. They were most apologetic and offered us a free desert of waffle and Ice cream as compensation. Meanwhile Barbara and I thought that the service was really good for a busy restaurant like this one. Michael explains that Israeli's love to complain. It was late and the second beer was making us all a bit sleepy. We walked down to the main road where Michael hailed a taxi to take us home. It has been a fun filled and active day.

Sunday 26th June. Our fourth day in Israel. Yurom made us a breakfast of Toast and eggs. There is currently a kind of boycott of the Cottage Cheese as it is too expensive at around R25 for a small tub. But this family has it with every meal and it is really good cottage cheese. We decided to visit the Holocaust Museum. The children were not allowed into the museum so Jacqui took them for a walk in the buggy while we went into the museum. It is a long Pyramid shaped building which crosses from left to right as you walk through a series of photographs, artifacts and movies made at the time. You are able to rent headsets to get a full explanation of each room. There are also guides for hire. We opted for a slow walk. Reading the explanations as we went from section to section. It was crowded with tourists and soldiers. The soldiers are taken there as a reminder of what it is that they are protecting. To really do this museum justice you should spend the greater part of a day there. Each room has a movie playing either with interviews or taken during the war.

There is also a room remembering the `Children lost in the Holocaust as well as a synagogue for special occasions. We met up with Jacqui and the children and decided to have a lunch and cold drink. we found a little Italian cafe on a street where we ordered pizza and a boglenaise dish. We ended with an Italian ice cream. Everything was really tasty and Ally declared that she was ready to settle in Italy. A running friend, Edelene Marias had given me a parcel to take to her parents in Jerusalem. He mother (Also Edelene) phoned and seemed quite anxious about this parcel; It contained chocolates which were in Yurom's fridge, a couple of Afrikaans magazines and some Masterton's coffee. We left it in the flat for them to collect in their own time as they were out of town at the moment. I am sorry I never saw them as I had promised Edelene that I would give them a South African hug.

Back in Yurom's flat some of the group were horizontal for a couple of hours. Shaka was back from her girl guides outing and spent the afternoon playing with the children. Jacqui hired a movie on line. It is possible to go onto their equivelant of DSTV and search for the latest movies and then play the movie "on demand". You now have access to this movie for the next 48 hours. I also learned later on that DVD hire is as simple as a street vending machine; You are able to insert your credit card, choose a movie and then return the movie to the same vending machine within 24 hours. If you are late or steal the movie then you are charged accordingly on your card. Sounds like a good business for RSA. Michael's brother, Gili, is a diamond salesman. He travels to America every couple of weeks and often carries up to $500 000 worth of diamonds with him. recently on a return trip he had forgotten to walk through the Red Zone (something to declare) at the airport and had been arrested. He was questioned for a couple of hours and then released. Today he had to be in court where he was again questioned about his activity. It seems that he has to pay a fine. But we are not sure if this is the end of it or if he will have a criminal record.

Sunday afternoon Michael had a number of patients to see. He rents "rooms" in Jerusalem. Michael is a Psychologist and works in a hospital in Jerusalem and another one in Tel Aviv. His main source of income is from the private patients that he sees in his office in Binyamina and those that he sees in Jerusalem. When he had finished his day of work we loaded ourselves in the car and headed back to the Old City. Here Michael had discovered a Light Show in the Tower of David building. The building is a restored castle. The show that we saw was an amazing light, movie and sound spectacle from the begining to modern times in Jerusalem. The movie / lights played against the inner walls with an appropriate music backing. It is impossible to describe what we experienced that evening; suffice to say that everyone loved the show.

It had been another full day. Michael drove us home to Binyamina. It is an open toll road that registers on a little gadget on the front windscreen and debits your credit card. The drive took us around 90 minutes but I slept most of the way. In the back seat was myself, Ally, Jacqui and the two little ones on her lap. Jacqui had found a street cat which is blind. This little kitten had traveled from Binyamina to Jerusalem and back. An amazing little creature that seems to be adapting to it's blindness and is able to move around with feel and smell.

Monday 27 June. Our 5th day in Israel. Jacqui goes off to the Nursery (Gun). Michael goes to work in Tel Aviv. The court case with Gili (Michael's brother) was reported in the local newspapers -- Financial sections - accusing him of being a diamond smuggler. What had happened was that Gili sells diamonds on behalf of an Israeli firm and on a return trip from USA he had approached the Nothing to Declare -- Green Zone and had been stopped while having diamonds in his bag. Now the customs, Tax and other legal people are making much more of it than it deserves.

This morning I drove on the right hand side for the first time in many years. It is a bit of an unnerving experience. But I did a bit of driving Jacqui back and forth so became more and more used to this way of driving. At first it had felt uncomforatble having an open space on my right hand side in the car. At the Nursery (Gun) I was given breakfast and coffee while talking to two dad's; More and Amnon. More is a bicycle teacher. His dad runs two bike shops in Binyamina and he teaches from very young to ride bikes. He takes groups of youngsters on trail rides. It seems that it is not unusual to see More being a kind of Pide Piper with up to 15 young boys and girls following him through the fields. More takes care of their 5 month old baby while Cherry his wife works in Tel Aviv. Amnon also has a child in the Nurserey and his wife is Maya who also works. Amnon does contract work and is often away from home for long periods.

Binyamina is a town of about 2000 addresses (8000 people) to the north of Tel Aviv and is surrounded by orchards and fields. Mount Carmel is the local place for hiking and bike activities. Another town adjacent to Binyamina is Zichron Ja acov (Jacob's dream). This and Ceasarea are some of the more wealthy towns of Israel.

This afternoon Jacqui went back to the Nursery while Barbara, Ally and I took care of Emily and Annabelle at a local park. Michael spent the evening with Gili and his dad Yurom in Tel Aviv. We had an early supper and watched some movies.

Tuesday Morning 28th.
This morning I was not feeling that well. It is a case of in the hot sun and perspiring and then into an airconditioner house or car. I am sure that this is what is giving me a kind of hangover feeling. Michael and I had a long walk this morning. we walked across the village to the rail line and then followed the Rail Line back towards the village before heading home. I find that there are a good number of people walking but they do not tend to greet in the same friendly way to which I am accostomed at home. Jacqui likes to be at the Nursery early and to greet the parents. She is then able to leave for most of the day as Jenny and Eli Nor take care of day to day running.



REST OF ISRAEL STORY IN SEPARATE BLOG

Monday, May 2, 2011

MAY 2011




MAY 2011

BEACHFRONT RUNNERS BLURRY PICS
ALLY HOCKEY AT OLD GREY
JULIA HOCKEY AT PIRATES
JOHN KOTZE SURPRISE 60TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
MOTHERS DAY
MICHAEL IN CAPE TOWN
HUGH GLOVER PREACHES ON PSALM 23 AND HOW TO DEAL WITH TOUGH TIMES
REPLACEMENT ID BOOK
ELECTION DAY
ALLY HOCKEY IN GRAHAMSTOWN
SUZANNE PARTY 5TH BIRTHDAY AND ADRIENNE 60TH
RACHEL GIDDY COMES TO STAY FOR TWO WEEKS
MICHAEL HAS A PET SCAN AND BARBARA GOES TO CAPE TOWN
JOSHUA, DANIEL AND AARON PLAY SOCCER
MIA THIRD BIRTHDAY
JACQUI GOES CAMPING WITH FRIENDS


MONDAY 2ND MAY 2011
Having returned from the Prince Albert Half Marathon yesterday I joined up with the Beach Front Runners this morning. Collected Adrienne who had also recently returned from EL; All Girls hockey tournament. Collegiate (Danielle) did well to reach the top four and had some of the most exciting matches in the tournament. On the run I was nice and tired and stayed at the back. I did not run around the Admiralty route but turned short at 2nd Avenue.

On the run this morning: Peter, Adrienne, Sjani, Andrew, Gerald, Pat & Ronel, Susan, Suzanne.







Had a great short swim afterwards and tried to take some pics of the group. I think that the early morning sun blurred the pics. I took the pics with my phone camera and I suppose that it is not the very best of camera's.

This week I went off to Queenstown on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday Morning I was back in PE for the run in the morning. Friday evening 6th May It was John Kotze's Surprise Birthday Party. Cheryl arranged for a marquee at Ralph's house. A whole group of John's friends arrived early; including some Achillean's: Bruce and Paulette; Tom and Jean and Percy, John was totally surprised when he arrived at the party. He had been hoodwinked into thinking that this was a "Cooking Lesson". It was a great evening; Ally had some of her friends there and also looked like she was having fun. This was a Mexican evening. Lots of alcohol including the Margeritta's and Tequila's. Ralph cooked up a storm; Ribs, fish and mexican chicken amoungs other dishes. Well done Cheryl; this was a huge success.

Saturday morning we were back on the beach for our morning run. Adrienne, Sjani, Andre, Mike, Pat & Gerald, Suzanne, Annie and John. A really good little group. Suzanne, Sjani and I did the Admiralty way route and Adrienne came to meet us.

As I ran down the Strandfontien road where there are no pavements, I considered how lucky we are in Port Elizabeth to have pavements to run on. There is just a short section between 2nd avenue and admiralty way where we are vulnerable running on the road or we can run on a slopy sort of grass area. In JHB the runners are faced with this problem all over. And in townships it is even worse as they have no street lighting and no pavements where they are safe to run. This week we ran down Target Kloof where there is no street lighting on the bottom section and it is quite dangerous as we cannot see where we are going and the motorists come fast around the corner. The more I think about this problem the more I realise how blessed we are in PE withour places we can run.

We passed Ron and Elmarie & Ben running the opposite direction. And had our swim at Hobie beach after the run. The water is still easily warm enough to swim in. Lynne Pask was also swimming this morning.

It had started to rain the last two days; the whole of PE is celebrating after months of almost no rain this would be the best rains we have had in many months. Ally had a Hockey Match. They played against Priory and totally dominated the game winning 8;0. But had to play in the rain. Easy to catch colds and flu in this weather. Barbara, Ally and I spent the rest of the day indoors listening to the heavy downpours of rain and enjoying a butternut soup.

Sunday 8th May. It is Mothers day today. Ally has bought her Mom a plant and some chocs. Barbara has a good lie in with some morning eats.




Monday 9th May Rowena and I drove through to Middelburg for the day. This is a tough day's work with 700kays (nearly 8 hours) of driving and 6 hours of work in the shop. As we drove past the Kirkwood area I was reminded that a Grey Boy, Mother and father were involved in an accident here last weekend. A Kudu hit the car. The Boy and the Mother died and the father is Critical. We must be so careful in this area. I did something illegal: I cut a sapling of a Spekboom. I want to see if it is possible to grow this in the garden. Tuesday 10.05.2011 I planted the sapling in the garden. Let's see what happens.

Tuesday morning we had an interesting run: Jacqui, Ronel, Sjani, Margie, Colin and I ran in a Lightening and thunder storm. This does not happen often in PE so it was quite scary but also a bit of an adventure.

Thursday 12th Barbara flew to Cape Town. Michael was to have a scan today. It was Joshua's Birthday as well. And Sauls Birthday later in the week. The scan shows that Michael has developed growths again and will have to undergo a Pet Scan and then surgery to remove the "Nodules".

Friday afternoon I collected Ally and her friend Megan Clarkson who slept over. Julia had two of her friends over for supper - which she made -- and also had a sleep over. Ally and Megan walked to Grey where they spent the evening watching Hockey. I was able to join them a little later and watched as Grey first team scored a 2-1 victory in a real display of team work. These matches are well supported with a crowded supporter section of both students and parents.

Michael has taken his family for an outing on a boat in Table Bay. Here is a stunning pic of Jessica, Lene with Daniel and Michael with Joshua.


Saturday morning 14th May: I was up early for a beach run: Andre; Suzanne; Sjani; Adrienne; Adrian; Lawrence; Susan John & Anne were part of the group. Ron had joined us but when he had bike trouble and Lyn would not be able to cycle along then he had decided to go for a walk. John is struggling with Asthma and turned back early. We ran hard this morning: Up Walmer Boulevard and along Strandfontein Road. All along the road are posters promoting the upcoming elections.

I have unfortunately lost my ID book. The Municipal Elections are taking place on Wednesday 18th. Andre and I were not able to keep up with Sjani and Suzanne as we ran down the Admiralty Way. By the time we ran along the promenade from Summerstrand back to Hobie I was sweating and battling to stay with the group. But the swim afterwards made the effort worthwhile. It is still easily warm enough to have a swim without feeling a biting cold. This run is really Adrienne's as she has been the person holding it together. This evening is the MPRG annual dinner.

Terry Billson collected Ally and Megan from our house and took them to Hockey at Westering. Today was supposed to be hockey at Graaff Reinet. The Collegiate team played well and beat the Westering Team 4-0. Our poor Goal Keeper has had very little ball time over the past two games. Today she had just one touch of the ball and the previous game against the Priory the opposition only managed to enter the 20 meter area once and never came close to scoring.

I dropped Ally and Megan off back at home where Julia was just preparing to leave for her match at Addo. Julia is really into playing hockey for Pirates and has made some good friends here. Today they lost their match but enjoyed a Braai at Pirates.

Ally and Megan walked to Mc Donalds for an ice cream while I went to work for a short while. They then walked across to Grey to watch some Rugby and Hockey. I joined them a little later to watch the Second and Third team beat Queens College. I sat on "my own" but was soon joined by Roger Fraser, Kay van onselen (And Gavin Mc Nish) and chatting to a number of other parents who appear to know my name but who I really cannot place. I had to leave before the first team game: Ally had a League Hockey match at NMMU.

Terry Billson collected us. We sat with a number of supporting parents enjoying a glass of wine which is now the second time that we have done this. It becomes a good social evening. Robin Fourie and Ronwyn were there. Belinda Jordan and Adrienne Wilson daughters play in the Collegiate first team as well as the league events. They have both just returned from a trip to Holland where they had played hockey for the school.

Ally received her Old Grey Uniform this evening. The girls were a little upset as the skirts do not have the built in shorts (Skorts). Our team played well and after the PEG's had scored the first goal replied with a leveler in the first half and a pair of goals in the second half. But the game was abandoned later on when it was found that no one had access to the ligh switch and it was too dark to continue. So this game will have to be rescheduled.

Sunday 15.05.2011: Barbara returns from Cape Town this afternoon. Ally and I have a lazy Sunday morning. It is quite interesting as Beauty is on her annual leave and I have been doing the washing and a lot of the cleaning which I would normall have left for the next day. Ally made a real effort and completely tidied her room.

This evening I attended a service presented by Hugh Glover. This is a short summary:

Last evening Hugh Glover spoke about some of God's Promises and how to deal with tough times.

Psalm 23
Proves beyond doubt that the Lord is a God of
Rest
Guidance
Care and Protection
Provision
Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

This Psalm was written by King David at a time of huge TROUBLE.

You will notice that he does not say: "The Lord is my King and Commander; He gives me orders to follow; He sends me into battle while waiting on the throne."

The Lord does not send, the Lord guides. David is assured that when times are really tough the Lord is with him and provides for him.

The Lord has, through Jesus Christ, humbled himself to be a servant to the people who he loves.

Paul writes to the Phillipians about Joy in the Lord: 4;4 "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say; "Rejoice!"

And Phillipians 4: 11 -14 Paul writes from Prison: "I have learned to be content in all circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry. whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."



Monday morning 16.05.2011:
I started a run but had a sore knee and bailed shortly after the start.

I lost my ID and so could not Vote. Terry Billson remonstrated with me and so I decided to do the honorable thing and go to Home Affairs to obtain my ID. Especially as Bobby Stevenson is in our Cell Group I felt an obligation. So I pack for the morning. I know from previous experience that Home Affairs is worse than a Horror Movie. I take some snacks and a bottle of water plus my book to keep myself occupied during the hours of waiting in queues.

First I have recently heard that ID books now cost the applicant. So I draw some cash to take along. Then as I arrive I move into the caravan taking photo's and pay R50 for four pics. Then off to the dreaded Home Affairs. Here I wait in a short queue for the required forms. I am pleasantly surprised to deal with an intellegent person who is seemingly quite competent. I then have my fingerprints done and back to the counter where I am issued with a "Ticket".

I wait in the Submission of Documents queue. Take out my book for a good read and am shocked when I hear my Ticket Number being called. So Quick? Now I again deal with a competent person who quickly completes some computer work and sends me off to pay the required R280 for an ID plus a Temp ID. Then back to this lady who helps me immediately and I am completely blown away when I realise that the whole Home Affairs visit has taken around 45 Minutes while I had, in my mind, taken the morning off from work. And I had my temp ID so I was now able to Vote.

Today Barbara had to "Put Down" her old cat Sam. He had grown steadily worse and was suffering. He could not eat and could barely drink water. It was his time after a healthy 16+ years.

Rachel arrives in PE for a 10day visit.

Wednesday 18th is local goverment Election Day in RSA. It is a public holiday. ANC win around 70% and DA win around 23% with smaller parties winning between 0.01% to 3.0% of the votes.

Saturday 21st May; Today Ally has Hockey in Grahamstown. We leave at 6.00am with Ally's friend Megan Clarkson. They play DSG and win the game 5;1. It was a reasonably tough game and we were particularly pleased with Ally's game. Barbara and I then went to the Billson's farm which is on the road to Alicedale about 30kays out of Grahamstown. Ally elected to stay with Kerry.

After tea Patrick took us for a ride on the bakkie. Barbara and I sat on the benches on the back. Patrick wanted to feed the Sable Antelope that he has on the farm. It is around 2000 hectares with a variety of game including Springbok, Impala, Zebra, Letchwe, Gemsbok, Kudu, Red Hartebees and plenty of Warthog. We drove around the areas where he thought that he would find the Sable until he had almost exhausted all options.

On the way we found a dead Sprinhbok male. No indication what had caused the death. He gave the carcas to the labourers. Eventually we found the Sable. He has a herd of around 27 adult male and female with one dominant bull. There were also about 12 calves who were being cared for by a large cow in a kind of nursery. When the animals saw the bakkie they came up close as they seem to love the feed (Mielies and Lucerne).

This was a real treat for us as we really did not expect to go driving around the farm like this. Terry had made us a lunch of ham sandwiches. We rushed off to Ally's second match of the day. Ally plays for a Club team: Old Grey Academy with a number of her school friends: Natalie Billson, Caitlin, Britanny, Alexandra etc. We have a little parent support group; Terry and Patrick Billson, Ryno and Shereen, Catherine, Grant & ... Combrink who seem to follow our children around. This afternoon the Old Grey team plays Rhodes who do not have a Goal Keeper. We lose an embaressing 1;2.

Later this evening it was Suzanne's birthday Party. Rachel came with me as Barbara was not feeling up to it.



We walked to King George guesthouse. It was a really well presented evening with Jessica and .... putting on a collage of photo's of Suzanne from baby to present age.




I was able to introduce Rachel to Colin and Marlene McCall, Debbie Derry, Sue and Lex Mitchell, Graham & Cheryl Botha, Dave and wife Ruben who is Suzanne's employer at the pharmacy, Adrienne and Peter Wilson. It was Adrienne's 60th Birthday and they had had a run on the beach this morning with Muffins and Champagne at the end of the run.




Sunday 22nd morning Ally played drums in the music group at church this morning. Rachel came to church with us. It was the first time in a long time that I went to the morning service. I have tended to go to the evening services since Ally no longer attends Sunday School.

The week starting Sunday 22nd I left for Transkei. I left in the mid afternoon on Sunday and arrived in Komga at around 7PM. Horrible driving in the dark along these roads. I should not do this.
Monday morning I leave early for Mthatha where I meet up with Julia Brecht and we drive to Tsolo where the company will be opening a new shop soon. Then to Mount Frere. A really funny thing happened on this trip: I had packed all my stuff except my trousers. I was wearing shorts when I left and completely forgot to pack trousers. So here I am at work on Monday morning in my shorts: I found a small shop in Mount Frere where I bought a pair of pants which I wore for the rest of the trip. From Mount Frere we drive to Bizana where we are able to do a couple of hours work before driving to Port Edward. We stay at the Aloe Inn B & B. Tuesday morning it is back to Bizana then Flagstaff. We leave Flagstaff at 5pm and have a slow drive to Port St Johns. It is only 80kays but takes us around 90 minutes. We stay at the Outspan B & B where Johan Classen, Justin Strydom and I used to stay many years ago.
Wednesday morning we drive to Lusikisiki and then to Mthatha. I leave Mthatha at around 4.00pm and have over two hour drive to Komga where I stay at the Red Valley B & B. Thursday morning I work in East London and then drive back to PE in time for Ally's U14 EP hockey trials. She plays in one game and does not have a good showing: She is very nervous.
Friday -- Office
Saturday morning: Back to sanity as I run the Beach Run with this really good running group: Adrienne, Suzanne, Colin, Gerald & Pat, Andre, Graham, Ben, Susan, Elmarie and perhaps some others. Suzanne takes a tumble as she catches her leg on a Guard Rail bolt. We all cut short as it seems no one is keen for the Admiralty loop.
Today was the first day that I wear long sleeves. The temperature has dropped quite dramatically and there is a Chilly West wind. But still Ben, Adrienne and I have a swim. Awesome!
This afternoon Ally has an Old Grey Hockey match at Woodridge. They have a shocker of a first half and an excellent second half. End up losing 1;3.
Sunday 29th: This morning it is Comrades in Durban. We watch the start and some of the race. Then we do some shopping at Walmer Park where we also have a breakfast. I have marking to do and Ally has some study for upcoming exams. Barbara moves her horse to a new farm.
It is Mia's Third Birthday.





Daniel and Joshua play soccer with Aaron and have a great time. Michael is really up beat about this outing: "This is better than Newlands"


Monday 30th -- Office
Tuesday 31st -- Another Transkei trip to Dutywa and Butterworth. I am trying to do all or as much of my traveling as possible now before Barbara goes to Cape Town and before we take our three week holiday.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON APRIL 2011





TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON 2011
CATHY SILBERSTEIN
NICCI STEENKAMP
STEFAN STEENKAMP
All complete the Two Oceans Half Marathon 2011 within the cut off time.

I had to travel to JHB this week so dropped my car off for service on Monday afternoon and collected it on Wednesday. Tuesday Dawn arrived from her walk in the Hymalayans. Thursday morning Ally had to be at school so we left for Cape Town at around 11.00am. This was to be an eventful trip. We had borrowed Gerald's trailer and loaded it with a pile of Michael's stuff.

We also loaded Barbara's Bakkie. And put two mattresses on the back seat of my car: So we had the trailer behind my car with Ally in front seat and Jessica, Joshua and Daniel on the back seat perched on top of the mattresses. I did not bother to check the trailer lights as the Nippers Trailer had been fine a few weeks earlier. Just over an hour after leaving Barbara phoned to say that she had a flat tyre. I did a U-turn and by the time we arrived at the Bakkie a car had stopped and three men were changing the wheel. This was the first time that I had changed this tyre and learned that you had to undo a bolt inside the back of the bakkie to release the wheel that is under the bakkie. That went smoothly as the Tyre was a good one, the spanner and jack were behind the seat.

We passed three police road blocks on the road and the police at one of them showed me that the trailer lights were not working. Also Barbara and I had swapped vehicles at Storms River and my Drivers Licence was in my car and hers was in the bakkie; So we had a long lecture telling us that this was not allowed. Finally we arrived in Plett. I went in the bakkie to have the tyre fixed. The tyre had been run flat and was not in a condition to be repaired.

So I had the expense of a new tyre @ R540. Then went to the Auto Electrician in Plett where I had the electrics of the car sorted out @R170. There was a loose connnection which the electrician repaired. Now we are able to leave for CT again. After a while I ask (on the phone) barbara to turn on her lights. And I see the the one light is not working. So we pull over in Riversdale and I am able to fix a loose connection and dont have to replace the globe.

Off we go again. It is now dark and there is construction on the roads meaning that there are no lines which makes night driving very risky. The volume of cars coming from the CT side is huge. We right turn at Swellendam and get into Ashton where Ally rejects the garage food shop as being "Miff". Next town is Robertson where we find a Brazzillian Coffee shop and Steers. Here we buy burgers and coffee before heading off on our last leg of the trip.

On the N1; Under DuToits Kloof Hugenot tunnel and past Paarl to Nicci's house. It is now around 22.15. We drop off children, trailer and bakkie and head off to Cathy's house. It has been a 12 hour epic journey. Crash! that is what we all do within minutes of arriving at Cathy.

Good Friday 23rd: after breakfast and much organising we go off to register for the run. Stefan and the two boys came to collect Cathy, Ally Saul and myself. We had an easy registration and a relaxed afternoon with Nicci and then with Cathy. Stefan buys Nicci a new running outfit. A neat light blue top with tight running shorts. Cathy also buys a new top.

They leave me to take care of the two boys. Ally and I sit down to Ice Cream & Cold Drinks in the Food Area. Cathy has the new Aisics that I bought her at Brina Bands on 24th December when they have their annual sale. Paulette called me to ask about a lift to Cape Town but of course we were already here. It seems that they had some bad luck: on their way to Cape Town this morning the drivers side window was struck by a stone and shattered the window. They were not able to have it repaired and so retired from the race. Geoff Roberts, who was with them caught a flight to Cape Town.

Julia Giddy was at a festival in the Underberg south eastern Drakensberg. She had left with some friends on Thursday morning and after a burst tyre had stayed over in Kokstad before going on to the festival. She SMS's: "Hey! We made it past Queenstown. Got a late start but doing well" We were able to talk a few times on the phone and it appears that the trip and the camping at the festival went well. They would continue on to Patrick and Marianne in Durban before heading home at the end of the following week. Julia Sms's me: "We had a little bump along the road (Well a big one that blew out a tyre) but were in Kokstad now spending the night at a hotel. Will check in tomorrow.

Saturday morning. Easter Saturday. It has been nearly 25 times that I have done this. Wake up early and make my way to the start of Two Oceans. We have stayed at so many different places. Holiday Inns; Near to the start at self catering and B&B's; Fish Hoek where I have hitch hiked to the start and now in more recent years with Stefan and Nicky in Stellenberg. We have stayed with Patrick and Patti when they lived in Woodstock. We stayed with Cathy and Saul when they lived in Woodstock. In that year Saul ran the 21kay with a friend of his. Last year Stefan's friend Antoinette ran the 21kay. Stefan tells me that since then she is now running the 56kay as well as Comrades.




This year we were staying with Cathy & Saul in Milnerton. Ally was with us but stayed over at Nicci's house in Bloemandal Road. Dawn was on a mattress in Cathy's Study. Barbara had not been feeling well the previous day and we had all been asleep early. This morning I awoke at 03.30 and was soon ready. Cathy heard me washing and also woke up so we were ready when Stefan and Saul collected us at around 04.30. We drove to UCT and I fell asleep in the car.

Stefan took the Rhodes Memorial Exit, turned right under the main road and back towards UCT parking where we again found a really good parking spot. We walked down to the start area; Nicci and Cathy were in E seeding; Saul was in D as he had used his Sub 2hour time of Meiringspoort as a qualifier. I was in C seeding due to being Blue Number. Nicci and Cathy walked in from the back not too worried about seeding but were not too far from the front as we were relatively early. Stefan and I walked in at C and then ducked under the tape to D. We were now reasonably close to the start of the race. Michelle Stewart has said that she would look out for us there but we never saw her.




The commentator carried on and on about the most beautiful race and statistics etc before finally handing over to the Mayor of Cape Town who also made some unimporant speech and welcomed athletes for the umpteenth time. Then came the National Anthem which few white South Africans can sing but had some of the athletes putting their right hand on their heart and mouthing the words. I was surprised to hear that about half of the field were female. Running used, many years ago, to me a male dominated sport to the extent that Achilles was a strictly male only running club when I first joined.

Off went the gun and the athletes. It took us just a few seconds to cross the start line, no bunching and we had a more or less clear path ahead where we could run at our own pace. Stefan set the pace. We ran at around 6 minutes a kay after the first kay which was probably about 7 minutes. We ran together down Main Road and then turned right up into some suburb. I have no idea where we are as it is still very dark and a number of street lights are not working. The first three or so kays are slight uphill. We descend to the first switchback.

Stefan makes a pit stop and catches up with me soon afterwards. We have now run to around 6kays and Stefan goes ahead. We run under a main Road and then up the first of the hills to the second switchback. This is a fairly long hill and I determine to not walk at all today. We run for a long way along this switchback people running with determination in both directions. I am not used to running without knowing any of the athletes around me.




I did not see or greet any fellow PE runners on the route at all. At the end of this switch back we start the climb up Southern Cross Drive. It starts off fairly gently but becomes progressively steeper. I plod on. My real problem is that I have been working very hard the last number of weeks and combined with Ally's sport I have hardly been running at all. Probably around four sessions of training in the past four weeks. So I have no confidence and no stamina. But I do not walk.

Southern Cross drive hill is around 3 kays long and people continually yell at us: "Not far to the top now". At 13 kays we reach the top of the hill and work our way along the Real Two Oceans route which I have run on 21 previous occasions. 19 on the marathon route and two on the half marathon route. Stefan reminded me that I had once bailed this run. I now remember that I was in Hout Bay when coming down Chapmans Peak. I was so sore and exhausted that I bailed, climbed onto a bus and arrived back to the field on Wheels and not my feet.

Now doing the 21kay I feel that I am part of the whole hype without the pain and without needing the training that is required for running a really tough 56 kay event. And I am with my family. Talking to Geoff later that day I was proud to say that I had family running with me. The section that takes the runners to the highest point on the 21kay is not easy. BUT we have only a few kays to go from here.

Down we run. I am not a good downhill runner and maybe a little over cautious as I dont want to injure myself. I am counting down the Kays. We pass the 18kay marker. And then start the sharp climb from the Traffic Light. Last year there were announcers on this hill. This year it is relatively quiet. We reach the two kay to go marker. I have not walked once today. I run as hard as I can which is not very fast at all. I ask a fellow veteran runner about the time. He says that it is 1hour 59. I realise that a sub 2 hour is out of the question. But if we work hard we will finish within 2.10.

So when we reach the final sharp climb up to the finish area I do the very best that I can to jog at a slightly faster pace. Finally we reach the field. I run as hard as I am able around the field. I am not fooled by the false finish banner and look ahead to the real finish banner. I see a fellow 60 year old runner ahead of me. I have seen him a number of times on the road and now decide that is must finish ahead of him as this will give me just one place ahead of the 60+ age category. I finish in 2.09.




I look around for Stefan. Last year we did not see each other until long after the race had ended. This year Stefan saw me come in and was waiting for me at the exit. He had done 1.53 which is his best for Two Oceans 21 as well as a personal best for a half marathon. This particular route is not easy and to do a PB today was excellent for him. He was delighted. We made our way to barrier where the runners enter the field from the road. Last year Nicci and Cathy had arrived long after the cut off and I was expecting the same today.




Both of them had done no training. Both of them seemed ambivilant about starting until only the day before the race. So when there was just a few minutes to go we were shocked to see Cathy coming in looking amazingly fresh. She laughed and waved to us. We later heard that Saul also saw come in and was able to greet her as well. Then we waited for Nicci. Cathy had kind of indicated that Nicci was behind but we had no idea how far behind. But with just a minute or two to spare; Nicci came running onto the field. She too looked exceptionally chirpy after the experience of last year when she had so much pain. We see Selwyn Solomon from PE finishing well.

We hurried over the to where the runners exit and found Nicci as she came out. Cathy had walked over to where she had seen us and we found her and Saul a few minutes later. I had taken my phone on this run. I had wrapped it in some toilet paper and then in a plastic bag. This allowed me to take a few pics and to let people know that Cathy and Nicci had completed the run within the cut off. It was a really emotional and happy time for us. With no training but with a huge amount of heart and determination these two sisters had done what none of us really expected them to do.




Nicci had dosed herself with anti inflamatory and was feeling very ill afterwards. I think that it was part exhaustion, part emotion and part the pills on an empty tummy. She did not have a good ride home but after a sleep looked a lot better. Never again would these two Girls have to run as Novices. They were part of around 7000 novices this year. Although this was their second attempt it is not acknowleged unless you complete within the time cut off of three hours.




I received an SMS from Michelle Stewart: She was in the C Seeding. We had not seen her but she was there. Michelle did a 1.48. Geoff had done his 13th 56kay in 5.23. Graham Channon did his 31st in just under 6 hours and when I speak to him on the phone he tells me that he had an awesome run with little trouble on the road. Kenny Barwood managed just under 7 hours. Andy Bolton and Benita Barton ran together doing around 5.15. This is Andy's 29th consecutive run.

We dropped Cathy off at her home and Stefan and I had a relaxed afternoon at his house. Michael made a fire: Barbara and Dawn had been to visit friends. Later that evening Aunty Mary, Joan, Roy and daughter Tracey came over for a Braai. Stoney and Magdalena plus Bapsie all were there to celebrate Easter. Magdalena and Bapsie had made beautiful gifts for each of the children. Each gift came with a message which the chilren read out and answered a biblical question. There were around 17 adults and 7 children all having a great time over supper. We watched some unsatisfying Super 14 Rugby. I should not watch as I really dont have too much interest in this competition and cannot follow the league table.

Geoff collected Barbara's Bakkie and we left to stay over at Cathy's house. It had been a long and tiring day. Nicci was still not feeling her best. Cathy looked well but a little stiff.

Sunday 24th morning we left at around 08.00 for home and took the N2 route. We were fortunate to have left today as we heard that there were heavy rains in Cape Town on Sunday and it would have not been a day for the outdoors. Our stops were: Riviersonderend for coffee and sandwich, Heidelberg for petrol; Albertinia for Biltong and Ginger beer; Storms River for Toilet break and then home. The drive took us a little over 8 hours. We were four in the car and an empty trailer. What a difference! This evening Dawn showed us her Nepal Pics. It looks like a really stunning holiday and an experience that we would love to do one day.