It was a different world.
We were travelling to Norway on this day 4 years ago. Overnight flights being the vehicle of choice, we arrived tomorrow.
It was an amazing three days. And one day – some way, somehow – we will go back.
It’s unlikely to be today though. And so these photos will have to serve as a gorgeous reminder of those halcyon times.
Please click through and live vicariously through 2016 me.
Finally finished the edit on these and got them up onto Flickr. Yay me.
Matjiesfontein – Sutherland – Rietfontein – Barrydale
Weather was good, family was happy, views were forever, fun was had.
The whole set can be found here. Or why not just slideshow here?
Reviews still to follow, because I know you want to know what I thought, right?
It’s been an educational week up in the far North East of South Africa, but now it’s time to head West. We were on the road by 5:30 and now we’re racing towards the highveld, past the filthy power stations of Mpumalanga.
If all goes well, I should be Chez 6000 before 2:30. SA is a big place.
I’ve worked really hard, met some great people, heard some fascinating stories – some heartbreaking, some incredibly positive – and seen some amazing things. And I have some half decent photos, too – look out for them soon.
With my previous trip, the kids’ school holidays and our Karoo adventure, the last six weeks have been very unsettled, and I’m actually really looking forward to getting back into a bit of a routine.
That’s not too say that I haven’t enjoyed the opportunity to have some different experiences, though. 🙂
Just a quick note for anyone flying at dawn. I’ve discovered something quite special.
You will need: A flight at dawn (I used FA128 CPT-JNB, but any early morning flight will work) and Ólafur Arnalds Island Songs album.
What to do: If, when you see that beautiful peach gradient beginning in the distance; that radiant glow stretching up from the horizon prior to sunrise, you switch on Ólafur Arnalds Island Songs album, you can enjoy a magical moment as the sun gently rises into view like some resplendent Nadorcott, accompanied by the mystical sounds of Ólafur and the Icelandic Chamber Orchestra.
It’s really quite something. I was lost in wonder for a few moments, and then when I glanced up again, sustained immediate and severe retinal damage. The sun comes up much more quickly than you might think, hey?
Maybe try to keep that fact in mind.
For me, flying – whether for business or pleasure – remains a special experience. This serendipitous discovery made this particular experience even better.
I have woken up in Hoedspruit this morning. Literally, in it.
This can only mean one of two things: that it really does exist, or that after yesterday’s early start and then driving 550km – much of it on dirt roads populated by cattle, kudu and potholes – I have crossed over to the other side.
Either option seems plausible.
Sidenote: There are a lot of dogs in Hoedspruit. A lot.
Quite barky.