South Africa

I have been back from SA for about a week now. I am trying to get into my usual routine again. I love routines, what can I say? Routines keep me sane, routines are comforting as they are familiar.

Anyhow,

Cape Town is very charming and the Cape Peninsula is stunning. Gorgeous views that will take your breath away. I could sit out all day just looking into the Atlantic ocean, then I will remember how strong the sun is, and decided not to kill myself under the sun too much. I am very cautious that way, you can never underestimate the sun. I happily slather myself with sunblock, not just once, but a few times a day I must add, yet I was tanned. The winds can be so strong, it can be a little chilly even with the sun scorching down, so you don't really feel that hot. It was great. We went up Table mountain, got a little silly up the lighthouse and then to Cape of Good Hope.

I went to a vineyard too. It has a very pretty tree-lined driveway that brings you to the vineyard. Very charming, I can see why people hold their weddings here. I have a thing for tree-lined roads.

As we head inland, my tummy started getting upset. I am guessing I was down with gastric flu for a couple of days. I got sick and start having the runs. Gosh, first I seemed to be having a fever, then it subsided after a good sleep, I puked a few times, and every time I puked, I felt better.I was beginning to feel like a bulimic. I slept in on the first day in Sun City. Thank goodness I slept in and got better, or I would have missed out a lot the next day. Did some sort of flying fox from way up some hill. It was scary when I was suspended midway with the people counting down to our takeoff. We started off with a more gentle activity though, going around the golf course in a Segway. That was fun! Ended the day with an hour long of quad biking.

When in Africa, naturally people associate it with animals. I mean, before the days of trendy adopting of kids popularise by you-know-who. Saw a colony of seals on a boat cruise, penguins on Boulders' Beach. We stayed in a game lodge as well. The lodge though wasn't luxurious, was comfy and cosy. More than enough for me on a tour package. The chalets have thatched roofs, to make you feel like you are really in the "wilderness" I went on 2 safaris! Didn't see plenty, but it was exciting, and beautiful too. I caught both an African sunset and a sunrise. There were monkeys even in Sun City, and those monkeys gotten so used to humans, they aren't afraid of them. They would get into rooms and take whatever they fancy, better take care locking the balcony door. There are animals everywhere, just need to open your eyes, a deer there and some baboons there.

I got a little lost during the history part of the trip. Not that history bores me these days, I was ill on those history days. I listened to bits here and there. It is hard to concentrate when one's feeling not the best. I like the Vortrekker Monument, very imposing building with an interesting bit of history behind it. I didn't visit the Union Building, as I was sick from lunch was feeling nauseous. Heck, I didn't even go to Mandala's house, though I really want to, but my knees were not feeling entirely agreeable.

All in all the trip was great. It was relaxing some days, exciting on some. Fabulous vistas, a great history and nice people. Meals were generally good, except the yucky Chinese food. The guide's knowledgeable. South Africa has a bit of everything for everyone.

Gratitude

This is my first year giving out red packets for the new year. I decided to give my parents each a big one each. At least to me it was big. I decided on the amount and later decided to reduce it for I know that my mum would come to me and said that it was too much. After reducing it, I upped it to the original amount again.

I never gave my mum money. All my 30 years of my life, I never once did.I am not very proud with that fact. She never asked for any too. She will never asked us for money. I thought the amount was respectable, and I wanted to show them how grateful I was. Anyway, as expected, soon after I gave it to them, my mum came to me and told me that I gave too much. My dad called my mum and told her I was mad. If I just mentioned how much I gave my parents, it might sound like quite a big red packet. I still feel that the amount was just right.

This evening, I was talking to my husband about my parents, about how they meet, my mum's struggles to raise us alone. Suddenly, I thought about the red packets I gave them, and the amount felt so insignificant. I teared, not from any shame I felt, but I felt my mum's love for us. Despite the relentless teasing from us about her showing favouritism, I know she loves us all the same. I guess no amount of money will ever be enough to repay her for the love and kindness she showered on us. You can trust me that she had it tough. Sometimes I do wish she would spend some time and money on herself. I do wish she will allow us to pamper her now. The only way to really repay her is to show her the same amount of devotion, love and respect that we have gotten from her.

So many stories on the greatness of motherly love. So many because you can never overestimate it or over exaggerate it.

Love is a powerful thing ain't it?