Having reconnected so nicely in Sydney, we flew to Brisbane.
It was wonderful to have Urshla with me. She appreciated that the last leg of her long journey was with me. She clung to my arm for the whole flight.
I'd previously arranged with my daughter Clara to borrow her car. Clara has a snazzy silver VW EOS convertible. I thought it would be an element of fun to drive from the airport to Clara's place with the top down. Urshla thought so too. Her hair swished around her face in the breeze. I had a scarf ready and she wrapped around her head to hold her hair in place. It was dark by now, and it was a perfect night for enjoying the cool air.
All part of the Australian hospitality and way of life.
It all seemed so surreal. In my own city, I felt like everything was new and fresh. The top was down, the wind swirling around the car, my love next to me. The dream continued.
We arrived at Clara's place and settled Urshla into the room prepared for her. Clara was a wonderful hostess. In the midst of the loss of her Mum, I can't imagine how difficult it was for her to be gracious to the new woman in my life. I'm ever grateful to Clara for the lovely way she accepted the changes in our lives and love her to bits.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
My South African visits Australia
After arriving back home, it was time to reflect on the events of the December 2011 meeting with Urshla.
It seemed obvious to me at least, that we had become firm friends and much more. I knew I wanted her for my wife.
I arrived home on 5th December and posted Facebook pictures of my South African adventure. I wrote to Urshla and we almost immediately began planning for her to visit Australia.
In March 2012, Sandy planned to marry Sam Shand and I thought it would be a good opportunity for Urshla to meet my family. I must've been insane!
I discussed this with Sandy. She didn't want any part of it because she felt it would be hard enough to be married without Mary present. As it turned out, Sandy was right. It would've been too hard for me too.
So on Sandy's intuition, I suggested that Urshla plan to travel to Australia in April. It would mean taking leave or time off without pay. By mid-January 2012, we were making more detailed plans to apply for a tourist visa. Taking a calculated risk, we purchased a ticket on the first day of February. As February closed, the application and payment for Urshla's visa was submitted to Pretoria via VFS Global, an world-wide agent for government immigration departments. The immigration department requires many supporting documents for the visa application.
We expected a visa to be approved in about four to six weeks. To our surprise, VFS responded a week later requesting a letter from me to Urshla inviting her to visit Australia, including an itinerary of her movements.
I had the invitation to her the same day, names and addresses of all the places we planned to stay. The visa was approved the next day. Now we were very excited, especially Urshla, because this would be her first trip out of Africa.
So now, Urshla had her visa and flights booked. The days leading up to her arrival were full of anticipation. As well as the flights to and from Australia, we also included a few days in Sydney and Launceston. I booked my own flights to match Urshla's flights. Because there is a five hour layover in Sydney before catching the Brisbane flight, I booked a return flight to Sydney, to be there when Urshla arrived. I didn't let Urshla know.
Meanwhile in Durban, Urshla was with Michele and Clinton, her nephew, at the airport. It was very sad for Michele because she is usually the one heading back to university. This time, her mother was leaving her in Durban. There were a few tears flowing at the Durban airport. A photo of the trio was posted on Facebook, so I knew what she would be wearing for the flight.
I flew to Sydney on 13th April, arriving an hour or so before Urshla's flight was due. At the international gate, I waited and watched for her appearance. There were many international flights exiting the gate, so I watched from a distance away, wanting to see her emerge from the gate. And I waited. Hundreds of people streamed steadily through. I wondered if I might miss her.
In the distance, I saw a woman that had a familiar frame, but she was with a young man and seemed to know him well. I thought, "If I follow those two, I might have the wrong person and miss her if she came out of the gate."
As I approached from behind, the her hair, top and figure became more familiar, but I was still a little confused by her companion. Coming to her, I squeezed her elbow and she turned to me. It was Urshla!
She said "Hi, what are you doing here?" without any surprise or hesitation.
I was a little disappointed. A squeal, a look of surprise, a collapse on the floor, would've made my efforts worthwhile.
I put my arm around her shoulders and we embraced briefly.
Then she introduced Daniel, who was her flight companion from Johannesburg and they'd become friendly. Daniel is a Melbourne man, who met a South African woman to whom he'd become engaged. He was returning home to prepare for their wedding. In God's providence, he was a Christian. He helped Urshla's nervousness to settle, about flying out of South Africa for the first time. They'd spent much of the trip looking at photos of his fiance on his laptop.
We shook hands and I thanked Daniel for his care of Urshla and he went his way. I took Urshla's trolley and suggested we sit for a moment to catch up. So we sat on nearby chairs. We held each other for a long while. We felt relieved and excited to be with each other again. Urshla was weary from the travel and needed to freshen up. I offered to mind her bags while she went to the rest rooms.
Our flight to Brisbane was due in five hours. We walked from the international terminal to the domestic, found a cafe/bar and settled into a cozy booth. We bought a couple of drinks, sipping them slowly.
We were inseparable and felt very much in love. After praying and thanking God for his travelling mercies, we settled into easy, comfortable conversation about whatever came to mind. Our bodies touched the whole time, sometimes with my arm around her, often with her arm linked through mine.
It was the loveliest few hours spent together as we reconnected.
We must've been something of a spectacle because of the quizzical looks other patrons gave us. We were not good patrons. The drinks were our only purchase but I consoled myself that our cheerful presence was an attraction for other patrons. Besides, I wasn't too concerned with the stares from others. I had my South African love and for the moment, it was enough.
Next: Meeting the scary family!
It seemed obvious to me at least, that we had become firm friends and much more. I knew I wanted her for my wife.
I arrived home on 5th December and posted Facebook pictures of my South African adventure. I wrote to Urshla and we almost immediately began planning for her to visit Australia.
In March 2012, Sandy planned to marry Sam Shand and I thought it would be a good opportunity for Urshla to meet my family. I must've been insane!
I discussed this with Sandy. She didn't want any part of it because she felt it would be hard enough to be married without Mary present. As it turned out, Sandy was right. It would've been too hard for me too.
 |
| Visa application and payment |
We expected a visa to be approved in about four to six weeks. To our surprise, VFS responded a week later requesting a letter from me to Urshla inviting her to visit Australia, including an itinerary of her movements.
I had the invitation to her the same day, names and addresses of all the places we planned to stay. The visa was approved the next day. Now we were very excited, especially Urshla, because this would be her first trip out of Africa.
So now, Urshla had her visa and flights booked. The days leading up to her arrival were full of anticipation. As well as the flights to and from Australia, we also included a few days in Sydney and Launceston. I booked my own flights to match Urshla's flights. Because there is a five hour layover in Sydney before catching the Brisbane flight, I booked a return flight to Sydney, to be there when Urshla arrived. I didn't let Urshla know.
 |
| Leaving SA for the first time |
I flew to Sydney on 13th April, arriving an hour or so before Urshla's flight was due. At the international gate, I waited and watched for her appearance. There were many international flights exiting the gate, so I watched from a distance away, wanting to see her emerge from the gate. And I waited. Hundreds of people streamed steadily through. I wondered if I might miss her.
In the distance, I saw a woman that had a familiar frame, but she was with a young man and seemed to know him well. I thought, "If I follow those two, I might have the wrong person and miss her if she came out of the gate."
As I approached from behind, the her hair, top and figure became more familiar, but I was still a little confused by her companion. Coming to her, I squeezed her elbow and she turned to me. It was Urshla!
She said "Hi, what are you doing here?" without any surprise or hesitation.
I was a little disappointed. A squeal, a look of surprise, a collapse on the floor, would've made my efforts worthwhile.
I put my arm around her shoulders and we embraced briefly.
Then she introduced Daniel, who was her flight companion from Johannesburg and they'd become friendly. Daniel is a Melbourne man, who met a South African woman to whom he'd become engaged. He was returning home to prepare for their wedding. In God's providence, he was a Christian. He helped Urshla's nervousness to settle, about flying out of South Africa for the first time. They'd spent much of the trip looking at photos of his fiance on his laptop.
We shook hands and I thanked Daniel for his care of Urshla and he went his way. I took Urshla's trolley and suggested we sit for a moment to catch up. So we sat on nearby chairs. We held each other for a long while. We felt relieved and excited to be with each other again. Urshla was weary from the travel and needed to freshen up. I offered to mind her bags while she went to the rest rooms.
Our flight to Brisbane was due in five hours. We walked from the international terminal to the domestic, found a cafe/bar and settled into a cozy booth. We bought a couple of drinks, sipping them slowly.
We were inseparable and felt very much in love. After praying and thanking God for his travelling mercies, we settled into easy, comfortable conversation about whatever came to mind. Our bodies touched the whole time, sometimes with my arm around her, often with her arm linked through mine.
It was the loveliest few hours spent together as we reconnected.
We must've been something of a spectacle because of the quizzical looks other patrons gave us. We were not good patrons. The drinks were our only purchase but I consoled myself that our cheerful presence was an attraction for other patrons. Besides, I wasn't too concerned with the stares from others. I had my South African love and for the moment, it was enough.
Next: Meeting the scary family!
Monday, February 6, 2012
The jumbled way home
Friday, 2nd December, 2011
Urshla and I planned to spend more time together, by visiting a wild life reserve or some other place nearby PMB. It was my last day in South Africa and the time left was very precious.
I packed my belongings at Jason's and had breakfast with them. We said our goodbyes. I couldn't express to them enough how grateful I was for their hospitality. We promised to keep in touch because I'd come to know them as a very gracious Christian family. God showed me that He works in His people, where ever His Word lives in their hearts.
Their daughter Lisa had given up her room for me, even though I came in late most nights and was not a big part of the life of the family. The Jason's made me feel very welcome and were interested in me, as I was in them. Both Hugh and Helene are wonderful hosts, knowing how to use their home for the care and comfort of others.
From Jason's, we called into the Hilltop office to meet Mandy Wolfaard and farewell the girls we met earlier in the week. From there, we made a trip to the mall for a cup of coffee.
One of Urshla's items on her Christian Cafe profile was a statement of where she would like to go for a first meeting with a man. It was something we wanted to do, as a fun milestone because it was part of how we met.
At Mug and Bean, we had our coffee and ticked the item off Urshla's list of accomplishments, even though it wasn't our first meeting. We chatted happily and she showed me a restaurant operated by a nephew and the success it was enjoying.
After coffee, Urshla stopped and had friendly words with people she knew, and there were quite a few. She bought food items, while I went to a hardware for a hand tool and glue.
Urshla wanted to buy Clara and Sandy a gift while at the mall. I helped her to choose African beads for my girls, although Urshla knew instinctively about the tastes of young women.
She looked around for some gift wrapping for the beads and Sue's plate, but she wasn't satisfied with the stock available in the store. She said we would call into another store that had what she was looking for. After that, we returned home.
In the meantime, Kelly rang to say he was dropping his boys off at his mother's, and could Urshla meet them at the mall carpark to pick up Shan? They didn't want to expose Ciorstaidh to mall bacteria at such a young age. Shan didn't want to go her to mother-in-law's and asked if she could spend the morning with Urshla. So we headed back to the mall.
As we drove to the mall, I quietly wept as I felt the pain of knowing I would soon be leaving Urshla. She noticed a tear as it rolled from under my sunglasses and affectionately stroked my arm and spoke love words.
I sensed some frustration in Urshla because our plans were interrupted by Kelly's call. Urshla still hoped to spend some time with me after seeing to Shan's needs. We met Kelly, who was in a tearing hurry to get his boys to his mother's and then onto work. Shan was feeling his tension.
I helped transfer the baby capsule from the Manning's car to Urshla's. Shan was struggling with movement because of the wound from her c-section. I took Ciorstaidh from her and buckled the baby into the capsule. On the return to Urshla's home, we called into a SPAR so Urshla could buy some lunch items.
Shan and I waited in the car, while Urshla shopped. I would've liked to go with Urshla, but felt Shan would be better in the air-conditioned car and safer with her baby, while I sat with her. We chatted and I found in her a quiet, tender disposition, that I felt could easily be taken advantage
of. I was also conscious that I may be the man who could take Urshla away from her.
While waiting, I was again fascinated by the jobs people have. There was a young woman cooking boerworst under an outside stall, while a man attended to people's car parking.
Urshla returned and we went to another store where she knew of a bigger range of gift wrapping. Urshla finished her shopping and we headed home.
Shan settled into the lounge, oblivious that her presence had thrown Urshla's plans into chaos. Urshla expressed her frustration quietly to me. I assured her it was God's doing and it didn't matter. Urshla vented her frustration by bustling around the kitchen, wiping the benches, washing up and beginning to prepare lunch for her family. I tried to put my arms around her for some comfort, but her consciousness of showing affection in front of her family, prevented her. I could see her stress building.
Shan also wanted a lift into PMB to register for family assistance, for maternity leave.
Meanwhile, Michele and Ntsali planned to take advantage of our trip to Durban. They wanted to look around Gateway plaza in Durban, while Urshla drove me to the airport. She became quite annoyed because it was a further imposition. Our plans were completely squeezed out by attending to the needs of others.
I busied myself with fixing the trim on the edge of the internal step. All that was needed, was a hacksaw to cut the trim and glue to fix it in place, both items purchased earlier. The job was quick and relatively simple. Urshla quickly scooped up the broken pieces and off-cut trim and threw them into her bin quite vigorously. No clutter for this woman!
The morning advanced with trivial activity with little purpose or intent, and time slipped away. I uploaded all my camera's photos onto Urshla's computer and download Picasa. Picasa searches a computer's hard drive for all photos. Urshla was embarrassed that it would find pictures of her in a bathing costume. I teased her that I wanted to see them. She sat on my knees and tried to wrest the computer away from me. We played like a couple of teenagers, but eventually I let her take the computer for fear of breaking it.
It was obvious that our planned outing together was not going to happen. The mall trip to buy gifts was as close to an outing as we could hope for.
The women busied themselves with lunch preparation and setting the table. We settled down for a lovely lunch of salad, while the edge-trim glue dried.
Soon after lunch, I packed the final articles into my case. We bundled everything into Urshla's car; my luggage, Shan held Ciorstaidh, while Michele and Ntsali somehow squeezed into the remaining space. I was very unhappy with Shan holding the baby without a restraint. There wasn't much of an option without running us late. It was very tight and it was time to leave.
Our intention was to travel to Durban after transporting Shan into PMB. PMB traffic was very busy and we dodged cars looking for the government office. We swung into a vacant spot like in a movie, right outside the office. I held Ciorstaidh while Shan gingerly hauled herself out of the car. We kissed goodbye and I passed her baby to her. The crowded office swallowed her up.
We plunged back into the PMB traffic and wrestled our way to the motorway. It was now mid afternoon and we were beginning to feel pressured to get to the airport. The motorway traffic was busy too but flowing steadily until we entered the western edge of Durban. Traffic clogged the motorway and we slowed to walking pace. Looking ahead, it was congested as far as we could see. Our hearts sank and we wondered how we would ever make it to the airport. I could see Urshla's stress levels rise again and we still had to drop Michele and Ntsali at Gateway. I tried to stay calm, because any stress I felt would only pressure Urshla more.
We checked the time and figured we still had enough time to reach the airport. Our idea was to spend time at the airport saying a lingering farewell. Nearly 45 minutes passed. We reached the exit to Gateway and slipped into the lane.
While transiting the exit lane, a light truck tore up very close on our left, sounded its horn and caused Urshla such a fright, that she jammed on the brakes. It was just as well or there would certainly have been a crash. My passenger window was level with the driver's window of the truck. I wound my window and said, "Sorry mate!" and smiled as friendly as I could. The driver didn't seem too perturbed, but I stroked Urshla's arm to settle her nerves and told her what a fine job she was doing of negotiating the busyness of Durban. It was true. Under the circumstances, she did very well and I marvelled at God's safe keeping of us.
We found the exit to Gateway and pulled into a space outside the plaza. It wasn't a designated parking spot, so Michele, Ntsali and I leaped out of the car. We said quick goodbyes to each other and I jumped back in the car. Michele and Ntsali melted into the plaza and we sped back toward the motorway.
We followed the GPS to the appropriate airport exit. All the while, I could sense Urshla's tension rising. Mine was too, but I remained calm for her sake and quietly prayed that God would keep us for the final leg.
Somehow, we were in the wrong lane to turn and the lights changed. We had to proceed straight ahead so that we would find an exit and turn back toward the motorway. From an overpass, I could see that the Durban motorway was bumper to bumper. There was about 15km still to travel to the airport.
We drove in what we felt was the wrong direction for many kilometers until we came to a suitable exit. We pulled into a petrol station/garage and asked the best way to the airport. A security guy gave us directions which didn't seem to make sense, so we headed the way he indicated. We didn't travel very far before realizing his directions were taking us the wrong way.
We turned into another petrol garage and were given further directions. This time we came to an intersection that sign-posted the airport to our right. It's hard to describe the sense of relief to know we were back on track.
At the sight of the sign, Urshla broke down from relief and began to cry. I put my arm around her and kissed her tears. I told her what a fantastic job she was doing under pressure. I assured her, that God had a plan for us, even if I missed the flight. We were in his hands and no matter what, it would all work out well.
And it did, the road that led to the airport was almost traffic free. We had an easy run that took us to King Shaka airport. We came at the entrance from a different direction from the one we exited a little over a week ago. There were roadworks too which seemed crazy for a Friday afternoon.
With a great sense of relief, we parked the car and walked quickly into the terminal. We went up a level to confirm my flight times and check-in my luggage. We retraced our steps down a level and sat for a while in the food court where we met for the first time. It only seemed like a couple of days, yet so much had happened.
It hardly seemed like anytime before we had to part. In all the stress and busyness, we hadn't had a chance to say goodbye. There wasn't even time for a quick meal. I ordered from a menu, but service was slow and cancelled the order. I grabbed my pack and Urshla came with me to the security gate. I tried to kiss her goodbye but again her self-consciousness didn't give her liberty, so it was just a quick peck, without an embrace and I stepped into the queue. Passing through security, I turned to see Urshla waving goodbye. I returned the wave and dashed for the departure lounge.
In the rush and lost plans, we'd felt disappointment, stress, pressure and irritation with the way the day unfolded. We felt that our parting was wholly unsatisfactory. But we acknowledged too, that it was God's hand that directed our day. We had no time to contemplate our separation and to a degree, did not experience the pain of parting. It had been a day full of jumbled affairs, much over which we had no control.
I caught the plane on time, even though it was a final call. After arriving in Johannesburg, I called Urshla . We chatted for a few minutes with the credit I had left on my phone. The conversation was cut short, but not before we had a chance to share how we loved each other. We looked forward to the time that we would meet again.
The return flight to Australia was easier than the forward leg because of a stop over in Perth. I slept well on the plane, using the time in Perth to write some entries into my diary, some of which now appear on these pages. A direct flight to Brisbane was a mercy because another connecting flight would've made the trip unnecessarily long.
By the time the flight arrived in Brisbane, my Blackberry battery was exhausted. Sue had arranged to pick me up. I waited for about 20mins before returning to the terminal to plug my phone into a charger. She was waiting for my call, so she collected me late, slightly irritated because I couldn't contact her.
A bit after midnight, we stopped in at MacDonalds Jindalee for a coffee and cake. Sue was very eager to hear the outcome of my trip and time with Urshla. Sometime after 3am, we left MacDonalds, after I'd emptied myself of all that had transpired in the whirlwind days just passed.
What lay ahead I didn't know. But God does and I trust him to show us, if marriage is part of his eternal plan.
I love Urshla very much. The week with her, was evidence that the affection we had for each other online is real. In almost every respect, there was great compatibility in our attitudes, our outlook, our love of the Lord. We resolved differences affectionately with a desire for each other's happiness. We enjoyed each other's company very much. We laughed, cried, prayed and loved together. It would be my great privilege to have Urshla as a godly wife and life companion. I concluded, that by God's leading, our first meeting was an outstanding success.
Urshla and I planned to spend more time together, by visiting a wild life reserve or some other place nearby PMB. It was my last day in South Africa and the time left was very precious.
I packed my belongings at Jason's and had breakfast with them. We said our goodbyes. I couldn't express to them enough how grateful I was for their hospitality. We promised to keep in touch because I'd come to know them as a very gracious Christian family. God showed me that He works in His people, where ever His Word lives in their hearts.
Their daughter Lisa had given up her room for me, even though I came in late most nights and was not a big part of the life of the family. The Jason's made me feel very welcome and were interested in me, as I was in them. Both Hugh and Helene are wonderful hosts, knowing how to use their home for the care and comfort of others.
 |
| Hilltop Office girls |
One of Urshla's items on her Christian Cafe profile was a statement of where she would like to go for a first meeting with a man. It was something we wanted to do, as a fun milestone because it was part of how we met.
At Mug and Bean, we had our coffee and ticked the item off Urshla's list of accomplishments, even though it wasn't our first meeting. We chatted happily and she showed me a restaurant operated by a nephew and the success it was enjoying.
After coffee, Urshla stopped and had friendly words with people she knew, and there were quite a few. She bought food items, while I went to a hardware for a hand tool and glue.
Urshla wanted to buy Clara and Sandy a gift while at the mall. I helped her to choose African beads for my girls, although Urshla knew instinctively about the tastes of young women.
She looked around for some gift wrapping for the beads and Sue's plate, but she wasn't satisfied with the stock available in the store. She said we would call into another store that had what she was looking for. After that, we returned home.
 |
| Ciorstaidh |
As we drove to the mall, I quietly wept as I felt the pain of knowing I would soon be leaving Urshla. She noticed a tear as it rolled from under my sunglasses and affectionately stroked my arm and spoke love words.
I sensed some frustration in Urshla because our plans were interrupted by Kelly's call. Urshla still hoped to spend some time with me after seeing to Shan's needs. We met Kelly, who was in a tearing hurry to get his boys to his mother's and then onto work. Shan was feeling his tension.
I helped transfer the baby capsule from the Manning's car to Urshla's. Shan was struggling with movement because of the wound from her c-section. I took Ciorstaidh from her and buckled the baby into the capsule. On the return to Urshla's home, we called into a SPAR so Urshla could buy some lunch items.
 |
| Barbequing boerworst |
 |
| Parking attendant |
Urshla returned and we went to another store where she knew of a bigger range of gift wrapping. Urshla finished her shopping and we headed home.
Shan settled into the lounge, oblivious that her presence had thrown Urshla's plans into chaos. Urshla expressed her frustration quietly to me. I assured her it was God's doing and it didn't matter. Urshla vented her frustration by bustling around the kitchen, wiping the benches, washing up and beginning to prepare lunch for her family. I tried to put my arms around her for some comfort, but her consciousness of showing affection in front of her family, prevented her. I could see her stress building.
Shan also wanted a lift into PMB to register for family assistance, for maternity leave.
Meanwhile, Michele and Ntsali planned to take advantage of our trip to Durban. They wanted to look around Gateway plaza in Durban, while Urshla drove me to the airport. She became quite annoyed because it was a further imposition. Our plans were completely squeezed out by attending to the needs of others.
I busied myself with fixing the trim on the edge of the internal step. All that was needed, was a hacksaw to cut the trim and glue to fix it in place, both items purchased earlier. The job was quick and relatively simple. Urshla quickly scooped up the broken pieces and off-cut trim and threw them into her bin quite vigorously. No clutter for this woman!
The morning advanced with trivial activity with little purpose or intent, and time slipped away. I uploaded all my camera's photos onto Urshla's computer and download Picasa. Picasa searches a computer's hard drive for all photos. Urshla was embarrassed that it would find pictures of her in a bathing costume. I teased her that I wanted to see them. She sat on my knees and tried to wrest the computer away from me. We played like a couple of teenagers, but eventually I let her take the computer for fear of breaking it.
It was obvious that our planned outing together was not going to happen. The mall trip to buy gifts was as close to an outing as we could hope for.
 |
| Shantel Manning |
Soon after lunch, I packed the final articles into my case. We bundled everything into Urshla's car; my luggage, Shan held Ciorstaidh, while Michele and Ntsali somehow squeezed into the remaining space. I was very unhappy with Shan holding the baby without a restraint. There wasn't much of an option without running us late. It was very tight and it was time to leave.
Our intention was to travel to Durban after transporting Shan into PMB. PMB traffic was very busy and we dodged cars looking for the government office. We swung into a vacant spot like in a movie, right outside the office. I held Ciorstaidh while Shan gingerly hauled herself out of the car. We kissed goodbye and I passed her baby to her. The crowded office swallowed her up.
We plunged back into the PMB traffic and wrestled our way to the motorway. It was now mid afternoon and we were beginning to feel pressured to get to the airport. The motorway traffic was busy too but flowing steadily until we entered the western edge of Durban. Traffic clogged the motorway and we slowed to walking pace. Looking ahead, it was congested as far as we could see. Our hearts sank and we wondered how we would ever make it to the airport. I could see Urshla's stress levels rise again and we still had to drop Michele and Ntsali at Gateway. I tried to stay calm, because any stress I felt would only pressure Urshla more.
We checked the time and figured we still had enough time to reach the airport. Our idea was to spend time at the airport saying a lingering farewell. Nearly 45 minutes passed. We reached the exit to Gateway and slipped into the lane.
While transiting the exit lane, a light truck tore up very close on our left, sounded its horn and caused Urshla such a fright, that she jammed on the brakes. It was just as well or there would certainly have been a crash. My passenger window was level with the driver's window of the truck. I wound my window and said, "Sorry mate!" and smiled as friendly as I could. The driver didn't seem too perturbed, but I stroked Urshla's arm to settle her nerves and told her what a fine job she was doing of negotiating the busyness of Durban. It was true. Under the circumstances, she did very well and I marvelled at God's safe keeping of us.
We found the exit to Gateway and pulled into a space outside the plaza. It wasn't a designated parking spot, so Michele, Ntsali and I leaped out of the car. We said quick goodbyes to each other and I jumped back in the car. Michele and Ntsali melted into the plaza and we sped back toward the motorway.
We followed the GPS to the appropriate airport exit. All the while, I could sense Urshla's tension rising. Mine was too, but I remained calm for her sake and quietly prayed that God would keep us for the final leg.
Somehow, we were in the wrong lane to turn and the lights changed. We had to proceed straight ahead so that we would find an exit and turn back toward the motorway. From an overpass, I could see that the Durban motorway was bumper to bumper. There was about 15km still to travel to the airport.
We drove in what we felt was the wrong direction for many kilometers until we came to a suitable exit. We pulled into a petrol station/garage and asked the best way to the airport. A security guy gave us directions which didn't seem to make sense, so we headed the way he indicated. We didn't travel very far before realizing his directions were taking us the wrong way.
We turned into another petrol garage and were given further directions. This time we came to an intersection that sign-posted the airport to our right. It's hard to describe the sense of relief to know we were back on track.
At the sight of the sign, Urshla broke down from relief and began to cry. I put my arm around her and kissed her tears. I told her what a fantastic job she was doing under pressure. I assured her, that God had a plan for us, even if I missed the flight. We were in his hands and no matter what, it would all work out well.
 |
| King Shaka Airport |
With a great sense of relief, we parked the car and walked quickly into the terminal. We went up a level to confirm my flight times and check-in my luggage. We retraced our steps down a level and sat for a while in the food court where we met for the first time. It only seemed like a couple of days, yet so much had happened.
It hardly seemed like anytime before we had to part. In all the stress and busyness, we hadn't had a chance to say goodbye. There wasn't even time for a quick meal. I ordered from a menu, but service was slow and cancelled the order. I grabbed my pack and Urshla came with me to the security gate. I tried to kiss her goodbye but again her self-consciousness didn't give her liberty, so it was just a quick peck, without an embrace and I stepped into the queue. Passing through security, I turned to see Urshla waving goodbye. I returned the wave and dashed for the departure lounge.
In the rush and lost plans, we'd felt disappointment, stress, pressure and irritation with the way the day unfolded. We felt that our parting was wholly unsatisfactory. But we acknowledged too, that it was God's hand that directed our day. We had no time to contemplate our separation and to a degree, did not experience the pain of parting. It had been a day full of jumbled affairs, much over which we had no control.
I caught the plane on time, even though it was a final call. After arriving in Johannesburg, I called Urshla . We chatted for a few minutes with the credit I had left on my phone. The conversation was cut short, but not before we had a chance to share how we loved each other. We looked forward to the time that we would meet again.
The return flight to Australia was easier than the forward leg because of a stop over in Perth. I slept well on the plane, using the time in Perth to write some entries into my diary, some of which now appear on these pages. A direct flight to Brisbane was a mercy because another connecting flight would've made the trip unnecessarily long.
By the time the flight arrived in Brisbane, my Blackberry battery was exhausted. Sue had arranged to pick me up. I waited for about 20mins before returning to the terminal to plug my phone into a charger. She was waiting for my call, so she collected me late, slightly irritated because I couldn't contact her.
A bit after midnight, we stopped in at MacDonalds Jindalee for a coffee and cake. Sue was very eager to hear the outcome of my trip and time with Urshla. Sometime after 3am, we left MacDonalds, after I'd emptied myself of all that had transpired in the whirlwind days just passed.
What lay ahead I didn't know. But God does and I trust him to show us, if marriage is part of his eternal plan.
I love Urshla very much. The week with her, was evidence that the affection we had for each other online is real. In almost every respect, there was great compatibility in our attitudes, our outlook, our love of the Lord. We resolved differences affectionately with a desire for each other's happiness. We enjoyed each other's company very much. We laughed, cried, prayed and loved together. It would be my great privilege to have Urshla as a godly wife and life companion. I concluded, that by God's leading, our first meeting was an outstanding success.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
A dam good afternoon!
Thursday, 1st December 2011
Today, Urshla indicated that we were to enjoy a picnic together. She was to pick me up from the Jason's at 8:30am.
Dressed and ready to go, I waited, and waited, until 11:30am. After a busy and somewhat hectic schedule, it was actually quite nice to sit by the pool and relax for a time. I wrote a few thoughts in the diary I'd begun and phoned a couple of times to find out if there was hold up, but there was no answer on either the home or cell phone. So I just sat and pondered if I could cope with the delays; if this was to be our future together. The buzzer on the security gate signalled that she had finally arrived.
We called into a supermarket to buy extra food for the picnic. Urshla kindly deferred to me for the type of food I would enjoy eating. We drove to Urshla's home and packed a few picnic things. Her chosen picnic spot was the Albert Falls Dam, the water supply for PMB in the hills above PMB.
As we drove up to the dam, Urshla pointed out a district occupied by the Indian population and commented on their style of living.
Further on, we passed a district of adobe huts, scattered recklessly across a hillside and shallow valley. It was obviously the home to thousands of black South Africans living a third world existence in the midst of first world affluence. What a country of contrasts! We stopped to take photos. I was fascinated that people could live relatively primitively and yet own a TV. There were TV antennas on almost every home.
Nearby was the entrance to the dam reserve. Like other complexes open to the public, a guard house prevented our entrance. The entry fee was R55 for direct debit or R65 for cash. I asked about the difference. The black girl at the ticket counter said cash made them a target for robbers. Already in as many months, the girl had been robbed at gunpoint three times. And she continued to work there!
In Australia, she would've been offered trauma councelling and a transfer to a new location. Or quit the job. Another contrast of expectations in a society with such a vast divide between the haves and have nots.
The day was overcast and threatening showers, but we chose to enjoy the peace of the location anyway. The road passed by a very large fenced enclosure with African animals roaming inside. There were gazelles, zebra and other beasts that I didn't recognize.
We parked near a small, thatched picnic shelter and spread ourselves out to enjoy the meal prepared by Urshla. We ate under the shelter as the rain began to settle in. It was very peaceful looking out across the dam, watching the weather and the few other visitors to the reserve.
I thoroughly enjoyed Urshla's company and we talked about whatever came to mind. We laughed and were playful and full of being alone together.
The rain started to fall heavier so we sheltered in her car. We continued our fun and chatter, listening to music that Urshla had in a CD pack. Sitting in a car while on a picnic isn't much fun, but we didn't notice and were loving the opportunity that I'd come so far to discover.
I'd been struggling with a painful back spasm and Urshla at one stage, rubbed cream into the affected area. It felt good and seemed to ease the pain a little. I knew I loved her and wanted so many more days like this one. We kissed a little but only with affection, without passion.We shared a devotion from Ephesians and prayed about mutual matters, committing ourselves into God's care.
All we seemed to want, was to make each other happy. It was succeeding for me.
The afternoon passed easily and very pleasantly. Later the sun poked its face from behind the clouds and we took a stroll along the road, passing zebras grazing on the dam shore, seeing brightly coloured birds twittering about in rushes near a water hole. We held hands and held each other. We wanted the day to last longer but the sun was sinking into the horizon. We planned to have a special dinner later. The afternoon together was a special event, one that I hope will bring many fond memories for years to come.
Because of the rain, the air was quite sticky and arriving back at Urshla's, we both needed a wash. I had a bath and felt refreshed. My good shirt needed ironing, and Urshla kindly pressed it for me.
Urshla had booked a table at Butcher Brothers in downtown PMB. I promised to take her for a meal, as a token of my appreciation for all she'd organised to make my time in South Africa so successful. We said we'd step it up a bit, and dress up for the occasion we did. After my bath and dressing, I dozed on the couch while Urshla readied herself. After some time, I wondered at the delay, so Michele offered to see where her mother was up to. She called out, "there's a good looking man out here waiting for you".
Shortly after, Urshla appeared looking gorgeous in a long, deep pink, sleeveless evening dress. I gasped again at how lovely Urshla could look with some polish.
I drove to Butcher Brothers and we were shown to our table. It's a pleasant restaurant without being too classy, with a relaxed atmosphere. We were probably the best dressed couple there, but we wanted to be. This was a special night for us both. Tomorrow, I would be returning home, home without Urshla.
Urshla is a tee-totaller but for the occasion, we ordered a bubbly white wine. Urshla was concerned that it would make her feel light-headed, but I assured her that one or two glasses would have no effect.
I ordered a rack of lamb and Urshla had a seafood dish. Both were delicious and beautifully cooked and presented.
We talked about our week and our plans for the future. We agreed that the week's outcome was better than hoped. We both felt we had something to look forward to as our relationship developed. I could hardly believe, that firstly I was in South Africa and that the woman I'd grown to love online, was all I could wish for. We'd prayed about these things together and it seemed that our prayers were being answered beyond our hopes. God is good and faithful in all things. My love for Urshla grew, the more I discovered of her.
I'd purchased a gift of a gold chain and Australian opal pendant as an expression of my affection for Urshla. She allowed me to place it around her neck, in full view of anyone who might be watching. I didn't care; I didn't know anyone there and thought it would give someone something to talk about, if they knew Urshla.
The meal finished, Urshla took me back to the Jason's home. We settled onto their loungeroom couch and held hands and talked some more. Tomorrow, I would be flying home. This was our last night together, maybe forever. We didn't know. I felt quietly confident that we would see each other again. I was determined by God's grace, that it would be so. Having become so attached to Urshla, it would not be easy to leave her.
After such a wonderful day of having her to myself, and thoroughly enjoying each other's company, I was again full of fondness for her. We were soon kissing passionately on the Jason's couch, Urshla so willing to show her love, and me desiring to give her mine. We thrilled at the intensity of our desire for each other. I wanted all of this lovely woman and I sensed she wanted a big piece of me too. I embraced and held her tightly to me, feeling the response of her body to our closeness. The pleasure was delicious and I wanted to eat all of her.
After a while, I felt a nagging pull of conscience, that it was inappropriate to press further in our passion. We paused and began to talk again, about a future plan for Urshla to travel to Australia.
I found in my travel wallet, a few hundred rand for Urshla to buy Helene a gift for her kind hospitality. I left her about AUD100 for visit to Australia. It was also a token of my commitment to see her again some day.
Urshla left for home soon after, with a plan that tomorrow we would spend more time alone together, before making tracks to Durban.
Next: The jumbled way home
Today, Urshla indicated that we were to enjoy a picnic together. She was to pick me up from the Jason's at 8:30am.
Dressed and ready to go, I waited, and waited, until 11:30am. After a busy and somewhat hectic schedule, it was actually quite nice to sit by the pool and relax for a time. I wrote a few thoughts in the diary I'd begun and phoned a couple of times to find out if there was hold up, but there was no answer on either the home or cell phone. So I just sat and pondered if I could cope with the delays; if this was to be our future together. The buzzer on the security gate signalled that she had finally arrived.
We called into a supermarket to buy extra food for the picnic. Urshla kindly deferred to me for the type of food I would enjoy eating. We drove to Urshla's home and packed a few picnic things. Her chosen picnic spot was the Albert Falls Dam, the water supply for PMB in the hills above PMB.
 |
| Shanty town |
Further on, we passed a district of adobe huts, scattered recklessly across a hillside and shallow valley. It was obviously the home to thousands of black South Africans living a third world existence in the midst of first world affluence. What a country of contrasts! We stopped to take photos. I was fascinated that people could live relatively primitively and yet own a TV. There were TV antennas on almost every home.
Nearby was the entrance to the dam reserve. Like other complexes open to the public, a guard house prevented our entrance. The entry fee was R55 for direct debit or R65 for cash. I asked about the difference. The black girl at the ticket counter said cash made them a target for robbers. Already in as many months, the girl had been robbed at gunpoint three times. And she continued to work there!
In Australia, she would've been offered trauma councelling and a transfer to a new location. Or quit the job. Another contrast of expectations in a society with such a vast divide between the haves and have nots.
 |
| Ibuck |
We parked near a small, thatched picnic shelter and spread ourselves out to enjoy the meal prepared by Urshla. We ate under the shelter as the rain began to settle in. It was very peaceful looking out across the dam, watching the weather and the few other visitors to the reserve.
I thoroughly enjoyed Urshla's company and we talked about whatever came to mind. We laughed and were playful and full of being alone together.
The rain started to fall heavier so we sheltered in her car. We continued our fun and chatter, listening to music that Urshla had in a CD pack. Sitting in a car while on a picnic isn't much fun, but we didn't notice and were loving the opportunity that I'd come so far to discover.
I'd been struggling with a painful back spasm and Urshla at one stage, rubbed cream into the affected area. It felt good and seemed to ease the pain a little. I knew I loved her and wanted so many more days like this one. We kissed a little but only with affection, without passion.We shared a devotion from Ephesians and prayed about mutual matters, committing ourselves into God's care.
All we seemed to want, was to make each other happy. It was succeeding for me.
 | |
| Albert Falls Dam |
Because of the rain, the air was quite sticky and arriving back at Urshla's, we both needed a wash. I had a bath and felt refreshed. My good shirt needed ironing, and Urshla kindly pressed it for me.
Urshla had booked a table at Butcher Brothers in downtown PMB. I promised to take her for a meal, as a token of my appreciation for all she'd organised to make my time in South Africa so successful. We said we'd step it up a bit, and dress up for the occasion we did. After my bath and dressing, I dozed on the couch while Urshla readied herself. After some time, I wondered at the delay, so Michele offered to see where her mother was up to. She called out, "there's a good looking man out here waiting for you".
Shortly after, Urshla appeared looking gorgeous in a long, deep pink, sleeveless evening dress. I gasped again at how lovely Urshla could look with some polish.
I drove to Butcher Brothers and we were shown to our table. It's a pleasant restaurant without being too classy, with a relaxed atmosphere. We were probably the best dressed couple there, but we wanted to be. This was a special night for us both. Tomorrow, I would be returning home, home without Urshla.
 |
| Dining, Butcher Brothers |
I ordered a rack of lamb and Urshla had a seafood dish. Both were delicious and beautifully cooked and presented.
We talked about our week and our plans for the future. We agreed that the week's outcome was better than hoped. We both felt we had something to look forward to as our relationship developed. I could hardly believe, that firstly I was in South Africa and that the woman I'd grown to love online, was all I could wish for. We'd prayed about these things together and it seemed that our prayers were being answered beyond our hopes. God is good and faithful in all things. My love for Urshla grew, the more I discovered of her.
I'd purchased a gift of a gold chain and Australian opal pendant as an expression of my affection for Urshla. She allowed me to place it around her neck, in full view of anyone who might be watching. I didn't care; I didn't know anyone there and thought it would give someone something to talk about, if they knew Urshla.
The meal finished, Urshla took me back to the Jason's home. We settled onto their loungeroom couch and held hands and talked some more. Tomorrow, I would be flying home. This was our last night together, maybe forever. We didn't know. I felt quietly confident that we would see each other again. I was determined by God's grace, that it would be so. Having become so attached to Urshla, it would not be easy to leave her.
After such a wonderful day of having her to myself, and thoroughly enjoying each other's company, I was again full of fondness for her. We were soon kissing passionately on the Jason's couch, Urshla so willing to show her love, and me desiring to give her mine. We thrilled at the intensity of our desire for each other. I wanted all of this lovely woman and I sensed she wanted a big piece of me too. I embraced and held her tightly to me, feeling the response of her body to our closeness. The pleasure was delicious and I wanted to eat all of her.
After a while, I felt a nagging pull of conscience, that it was inappropriate to press further in our passion. We paused and began to talk again, about a future plan for Urshla to travel to Australia.
I found in my travel wallet, a few hundred rand for Urshla to buy Helene a gift for her kind hospitality. I left her about AUD100 for visit to Australia. It was also a token of my commitment to see her again some day.
Urshla left for home soon after, with a plan that tomorrow we would spend more time alone together, before making tracks to Durban.
Next: The jumbled way home
Mannings after a second half
Wednesday, 31 November 2011
After enjoying afternoon tea on the lawns of the Drakensburg school and demonstrations by the choir buskers, the second half of the performance began.
If the first half was exhilarating, the performance that followed was truly breathtaking. The choir treated the audience to an hour or so of traditional African music, with heavy emphasis on rhythm by drums. They danced the gum-boot dance, a routine full of leaping, stamping, clapping and gum-boot slapping. It was a heart-pumping spectacle.
Another segment, was cleverly choreographed to simulate the approach of night. The lights were lowered into darkness and the boys made sounds of clicking, wooing and cries of the night. They transported the audience into the night with them, as day turned to darkness and the night creatures crept out. The sounds turned to the patter of light rain then to flashes of lightning and the crashing of thunder. In the darkness, the lightning showed the boys jumping heavily on the stage to create the sound of thunder and their voices, the roar of torrential rain. The sound of rain passed, followed by the croaking and singing of many frogs. The experience was wonderful, all in total darkness.
It was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and share with Urshla and the girls. We came away from Drakensburg, full of chatter and reflections on the afternoon's outing. I was on quite a high, with adrenaline still coursing through my veins.
The route of our return to PMB was via a road that passed through black villages. The houses were mostly adobe with corrugated iron roofs, held down on many dwellings with large stones. At that time of day, many people walked beside the road on their way home, from who knows where, probably some from domestic duties and factory workers. A steady line of kombis passed us in the opposite direction. The GPS directed us on this road until we reached the motorway again, just west of the Mooi River toll booths.
We travelled about an hour and turned off the motorway toward Hilton, and after a detour along back tracks and strange turns, arrived at the Mannings' home.
Urshla's sister Shantel, is married to Kelly and they have two boys and baby girl. Kelly and Shan had not long moved into the house, which they apparently bought at a bargain price for the area. It includes a large parcel of ground that they hope to develop into a beautiful garden. The house is adequate for the time being but they hope to develop that too into a home of their liking.
Kelly was away from the home when we arrived, and Michele and Urshla connected with Shan and the boys. Christian and Jesse are the usual boys for their ages, boisterous and bouncy but nice boys as well. Jesse was having a period where he separated himself from his mother because of the new baby. He would not give affection or conversation to her, but Shan wasn't too concerned and knew it was an adjustment he was going through.
Because of the need for extra income, Shan plans to return to work when the baby is older. Kelly bought a motorbike to use as a commuter so Shan could use the car to transport herself and boys to work and school.
Now any sniff of a motorbike, has me interested right away. Urshla mentioned it to me in passing before travelling to South Africa, and I secretly plotted to get me a ride with Urshla on the bike. Almost as soon as Kelly arrived home, he wanted to show me his bike. And I wanted to see it! He also offered me a ride on the bike, which is exactly what I was waiting for. Shan rustled around and found a jacket for Urshla and put on my coat. Kelly had two helmets so we were set.
After some initial coughing and false starts, the bike ran and idled smoothly. And a quick circuit up the street to familiarize myself with the bike, and I was ready to take Urshla for a spin.
She climbed on behind me, having had experience on a bike with a friend from her teenage years; quite a while ago.
We didn't travel far, just a few blocks around the Manning's suburb. It was lovely to have her so close, tucked into my back. We went up a dead end street and performed a few weaves on the road. It unnerved Urshla and she grabbed fistfuls of my gut flesh to let me know she didn't feel secure. She felt I was a dare-devil, when really we were in no danger. I got the message though, and rode in a straight line after that. Another day and another time I could've gone much further and enjoyed more of the closeness of my love.
My only regret is that I neglected to take photos of our brief adventure.
We returned to the Manning's where Kelly had pizza waiting for us. I had a gift ready for the boys. I gave them a DVD of the Wiggles and a CD of Australian songs. I bought an Australian motorbike magazine for Kelly too, which he seemed to appreciate. I've since learned that the boys have really taken to the Wiggles and nearly drive Kelly mad with demands to watch the DVD over and over.
We drove back down the motorway and arrived at the Jason's home around 10:30pm. Because I was driving, I climbed out and passed Urshla at the back of the car. I tried to hold and kiss her, but she was reluctant to show affection in front of Michele, even though we were behind the car.
It had been another remarkable day, full of new and exciting experiences for us all.
Next: A dam good day!
After enjoying afternoon tea on the lawns of the Drakensburg school and demonstrations by the choir buskers, the second half of the performance began.
If the first half was exhilarating, the performance that followed was truly breathtaking. The choir treated the audience to an hour or so of traditional African music, with heavy emphasis on rhythm by drums. They danced the gum-boot dance, a routine full of leaping, stamping, clapping and gum-boot slapping. It was a heart-pumping spectacle.
Another segment, was cleverly choreographed to simulate the approach of night. The lights were lowered into darkness and the boys made sounds of clicking, wooing and cries of the night. They transported the audience into the night with them, as day turned to darkness and the night creatures crept out. The sounds turned to the patter of light rain then to flashes of lightning and the crashing of thunder. In the darkness, the lightning showed the boys jumping heavily on the stage to create the sound of thunder and their voices, the roar of torrential rain. The sound of rain passed, followed by the croaking and singing of many frogs. The experience was wonderful, all in total darkness.
It was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and share with Urshla and the girls. We came away from Drakensburg, full of chatter and reflections on the afternoon's outing. I was on quite a high, with adrenaline still coursing through my veins.
The route of our return to PMB was via a road that passed through black villages. The houses were mostly adobe with corrugated iron roofs, held down on many dwellings with large stones. At that time of day, many people walked beside the road on their way home, from who knows where, probably some from domestic duties and factory workers. A steady line of kombis passed us in the opposite direction. The GPS directed us on this road until we reached the motorway again, just west of the Mooi River toll booths.
We travelled about an hour and turned off the motorway toward Hilton, and after a detour along back tracks and strange turns, arrived at the Mannings' home.
Urshla's sister Shantel, is married to Kelly and they have two boys and baby girl. Kelly and Shan had not long moved into the house, which they apparently bought at a bargain price for the area. It includes a large parcel of ground that they hope to develop into a beautiful garden. The house is adequate for the time being but they hope to develop that too into a home of their liking.
 |
| Christian, Coirstaidh, Jesse |
Because of the need for extra income, Shan plans to return to work when the baby is older. Kelly bought a motorbike to use as a commuter so Shan could use the car to transport herself and boys to work and school.
Now any sniff of a motorbike, has me interested right away. Urshla mentioned it to me in passing before travelling to South Africa, and I secretly plotted to get me a ride with Urshla on the bike. Almost as soon as Kelly arrived home, he wanted to show me his bike. And I wanted to see it! He also offered me a ride on the bike, which is exactly what I was waiting for. Shan rustled around and found a jacket for Urshla and put on my coat. Kelly had two helmets so we were set.
After some initial coughing and false starts, the bike ran and idled smoothly. And a quick circuit up the street to familiarize myself with the bike, and I was ready to take Urshla for a spin.
She climbed on behind me, having had experience on a bike with a friend from her teenage years; quite a while ago.
We didn't travel far, just a few blocks around the Manning's suburb. It was lovely to have her so close, tucked into my back. We went up a dead end street and performed a few weaves on the road. It unnerved Urshla and she grabbed fistfuls of my gut flesh to let me know she didn't feel secure. She felt I was a dare-devil, when really we were in no danger. I got the message though, and rode in a straight line after that. Another day and another time I could've gone much further and enjoyed more of the closeness of my love.
My only regret is that I neglected to take photos of our brief adventure.
We returned to the Manning's where Kelly had pizza waiting for us. I had a gift ready for the boys. I gave them a DVD of the Wiggles and a CD of Australian songs. I bought an Australian motorbike magazine for Kelly too, which he seemed to appreciate. I've since learned that the boys have really taken to the Wiggles and nearly drive Kelly mad with demands to watch the DVD over and over.
We drove back down the motorway and arrived at the Jason's home around 10:30pm. Because I was driving, I climbed out and passed Urshla at the back of the car. I tried to hold and kiss her, but she was reluctant to show affection in front of Michele, even though we were behind the car.
It had been another remarkable day, full of new and exciting experiences for us all.
Next: A dam good day!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Musical interlude
Wednesday, 30th November 2011
The peace and quiet at Hlalanathi was refreshing. The silence was a tonic and helped us to relax.
I woke early in the hope of climbing a nearby hill, that would give panoramic views of the Tugela River. It was a short walk to the resort perimeter, but I was foiled by high, electrified security fences. It was another reminder not to expect things to be as they are in Australia. Already the day was hot at 7.00am. The walk to circumvent the fence was about 2km. Because of the heat and limited time, I abandoned the idea of the climb. Besides, I discovered a pain in my back, probably from the previous night's gymnastics.
Outside the chalet, is a small thatched pagoda with a braai, or barbeque. I brewed a cuppa rooibos and sat outside to have a quiet devotion. Weaver birds and another yellow bird visited me as I sat quietly, overlooking the Tugela River plain. It was very peaceful and lent itself to quiet reflection. As I sat reading, I heard a sound and turned to see Urshla wearing her gown, looking across the scenery with a brew in her hand. I called her over to sit with me. She stood next to me and I put my arm around her hips. I felt her body beneath her gown, arousing desire to hold and embrace her. She seemed unaware of her charm, so I allowed the moment to linger. My thoughts roamed to my desire for her and I held her in my heart and mind, cherishing the moment in the cool, quiet morning.
She sat next to me for a while and we talked about the passage I was reading. It seemed strangely at odds, chatting about spiritual subjects and at the same time, desiring her embrace and feeling her body next to mine. Life is sometimes complicated.
After a time, we went inside and prepared breakfast. We enjoyed fruit, yoghurt and cereal. It was relaxed and happy meal for the four of us. Little did the young women suspect how the mature couple had spent the last 12 hours.
Our plan that day was to enjoy a concert by the world famous Drakensburg Boys Choir. From there we would visit with Kelly and Shan, Urshla's sister and her family.
We set out from Hlalanathi, with directions from reception to the Drakensburg School. The road turned south from Winterton and we stopped for a break at Thokozisa Lifestyle Center. Why a lifestyle center I couldn't determine. It's a cluster of tourist shops. Urshla wandered around and looked in the stores. Michele and Ntsali went their own way. I held Urshla's hand and kept her close. Interestingly, the only people visiting the center were white folk. The stores were mostly staffed by blacks. Urshla was always friendly and deferred nicely to all the staff.
We entered one store full of Africana and she asked what Sue would like as a gift. Sue is impossibly difficult to buy for. Her tastes are simple and she wears no jewellery or make-up. I remembered that many years ago, Mary and I bought her a Grecian vase in Corinth, Greece. She appreciated it at the time, so I gambled that her tastes had not changed in nearly 30 years. I suggested to Urshla that she purchase a plate with an African scene carved into it. The shop attendant wanted to sell me an animal skin and went on about the efforts that the tanner went to, to make it safe to take to Australia. She and her colleague were talking about the truth of UFOs and other weird topics. She looked a hard case and didn't impress me much. The skin stayed on the rack.
The plate was turned from soap stone and I hoped it would survive a ride in my luggage, back to Australia. I was relieved to find it in one piece when I unpacked my bags at home.
Having satisfied our interest at the center, we moved onto Dragon's Peak restaurant, right by the Drakensburg school. Dragon sounds suspiciously like Draken. I'll check it out when I have a chance. Looking at the Drakensburg mountains, there is a range that has the profile and peaks of a scaled dragon, silhouetted against the sky. It would make sense that our view from the restaurant grounds, would be named after the mountain range. I asked a staff member but they could not confirm the origin of the name.
At the restaurant grounds, there a was a group of blacks, with their van parked next to a bri and tables. The van pumped out Zulu music with a very strong beat. Urshla laughed when she saw a couple of ladies of traditional build, moving to the rhythm. She mentioned that it was a typically African thing to do. As we walked past the group, I showed them a few of my own moves and the girls in the group laughed at me. Maybe they recognized that the white guy, didn't have a rhythmic bone in his body. Urshla thought it was a bit of fun.
The restaurant grounds are well kept and surround a peaceful dam. A boardwalk led to thatched rooms in the center of the dam. It was very pretty with the Dragon's Peak backdrop and I snapped a few good photos.
The four of us had lunch at the restaurant. We were the only patrons and it was quite warm inside. Urshla asked if the air conditioning could be turned on, but the staff said it was broken. I wondered whether if it really was, or that the expense of running the aircon for so few patrons would eat up any profit from the meals we bought. So we sat in the heat and soon forgot the discomfort by enjoying the company and the meal. We ordered our meals, which were more than ample. The left-overs were put into doggy containers and later added to the already full boot of luggage.
Soon it was time for the choir concert. We found our way to the auditorium and waited in the sun for the doors to open. There was shade at the side of the building and Urshla and I sat there and chatted while the girls explored the school complex. School boys manned the few entrances to the auditorium. They were neatly dressed in school uniform, smiled and were welcoming; a nice advertisement for the school. The doors opened, our tickets taken and we were ushered to our seats. The auditorium had capacity for three times the number of people that day. It was to be the last performance of the year, before the choir went on national tour.
What followed was an outstanding display of talent. I was anticipating this part of my visit to South Africa very much. We were not disappointed.
The first half of the performance was traditional and contemporary religious music, with great harmony, key changes, rhythm riffs, colour and a range of male voices. There were black and white faces in the choir, all very talented and competently led by Icelandic choirmaster, Bragi Þór Valsson. A very charismatic man, his leadership and connection with the boys was obvious. They responded to him enthusiastically and sang with gusto. The boys were clearly having a great time.
They sang a song titled "Weeping". It was banned in South Africa in the 1980's because it was a song of protest, exposing the fallacy of apartheid. The overhead displayed the words of the song. Included were concepts of a demon, a wall of steel and guns and the sound of weeping. At first, I couldn't grasp the message. I turned to Urshla to ask what it was about. In the moment of asking, the meaning suddenly came to me. I looked at Urshla and she was weeping herself. I put my arm around her and knew something of the poignancy of the words.
The song told a very powerful, allegorical story of suppression by a white government, on a population (the demon) that they feared would rise up against it. The government built a wall of steel and guns (apartheid) to keep the demon in. It told everyone that the demon would drop bombs and shoot bullets and asked other countries to stay away. Whenever anyone went to listen for the anger of the monster, all they could hear was weeping.
At intermission, the school supplied afternoon tea, served by helpers and boys from the school. CDs were on sale and I'm sorry I lost the chance to buy one or two. It would've been an excellent memento of my visit to South Africa as well as good music to enjoy later.
Next: Mannings after a second half
The peace and quiet at Hlalanathi was refreshing. The silence was a tonic and helped us to relax.
I woke early in the hope of climbing a nearby hill, that would give panoramic views of the Tugela River. It was a short walk to the resort perimeter, but I was foiled by high, electrified security fences. It was another reminder not to expect things to be as they are in Australia. Already the day was hot at 7.00am. The walk to circumvent the fence was about 2km. Because of the heat and limited time, I abandoned the idea of the climb. Besides, I discovered a pain in my back, probably from the previous night's gymnastics.
Outside the chalet, is a small thatched pagoda with a braai, or barbeque. I brewed a cuppa rooibos and sat outside to have a quiet devotion. Weaver birds and another yellow bird visited me as I sat quietly, overlooking the Tugela River plain. It was very peaceful and lent itself to quiet reflection. As I sat reading, I heard a sound and turned to see Urshla wearing her gown, looking across the scenery with a brew in her hand. I called her over to sit with me. She stood next to me and I put my arm around her hips. I felt her body beneath her gown, arousing desire to hold and embrace her. She seemed unaware of her charm, so I allowed the moment to linger. My thoughts roamed to my desire for her and I held her in my heart and mind, cherishing the moment in the cool, quiet morning.
She sat next to me for a while and we talked about the passage I was reading. It seemed strangely at odds, chatting about spiritual subjects and at the same time, desiring her embrace and feeling her body next to mine. Life is sometimes complicated.
After a time, we went inside and prepared breakfast. We enjoyed fruit, yoghurt and cereal. It was relaxed and happy meal for the four of us. Little did the young women suspect how the mature couple had spent the last 12 hours.
Our plan that day was to enjoy a concert by the world famous Drakensburg Boys Choir. From there we would visit with Kelly and Shan, Urshla's sister and her family.
 | |
| Thokozisa Lifestyle Center |
We entered one store full of Africana and she asked what Sue would like as a gift. Sue is impossibly difficult to buy for. Her tastes are simple and she wears no jewellery or make-up. I remembered that many years ago, Mary and I bought her a Grecian vase in Corinth, Greece. She appreciated it at the time, so I gambled that her tastes had not changed in nearly 30 years. I suggested to Urshla that she purchase a plate with an African scene carved into it. The shop attendant wanted to sell me an animal skin and went on about the efforts that the tanner went to, to make it safe to take to Australia. She and her colleague were talking about the truth of UFOs and other weird topics. She looked a hard case and didn't impress me much. The skin stayed on the rack.
The plate was turned from soap stone and I hoped it would survive a ride in my luggage, back to Australia. I was relieved to find it in one piece when I unpacked my bags at home.
 | |
| Drakensburg peaks |
At the restaurant grounds, there a was a group of blacks, with their van parked next to a bri and tables. The van pumped out Zulu music with a very strong beat. Urshla laughed when she saw a couple of ladies of traditional build, moving to the rhythm. She mentioned that it was a typically African thing to do. As we walked past the group, I showed them a few of my own moves and the girls in the group laughed at me. Maybe they recognized that the white guy, didn't have a rhythmic bone in his body. Urshla thought it was a bit of fun.
The restaurant grounds are well kept and surround a peaceful dam. A boardwalk led to thatched rooms in the center of the dam. It was very pretty with the Dragon's Peak backdrop and I snapped a few good photos.
The four of us had lunch at the restaurant. We were the only patrons and it was quite warm inside. Urshla asked if the air conditioning could be turned on, but the staff said it was broken. I wondered whether if it really was, or that the expense of running the aircon for so few patrons would eat up any profit from the meals we bought. So we sat in the heat and soon forgot the discomfort by enjoying the company and the meal. We ordered our meals, which were more than ample. The left-overs were put into doggy containers and later added to the already full boot of luggage.
Soon it was time for the choir concert. We found our way to the auditorium and waited in the sun for the doors to open. There was shade at the side of the building and Urshla and I sat there and chatted while the girls explored the school complex. School boys manned the few entrances to the auditorium. They were neatly dressed in school uniform, smiled and were welcoming; a nice advertisement for the school. The doors opened, our tickets taken and we were ushered to our seats. The auditorium had capacity for three times the number of people that day. It was to be the last performance of the year, before the choir went on national tour.
 |
| Drakensburg Boys Choir |
The first half of the performance was traditional and contemporary religious music, with great harmony, key changes, rhythm riffs, colour and a range of male voices. There were black and white faces in the choir, all very talented and competently led by Icelandic choirmaster, Bragi Þór Valsson. A very charismatic man, his leadership and connection with the boys was obvious. They responded to him enthusiastically and sang with gusto. The boys were clearly having a great time.
They sang a song titled "Weeping". It was banned in South Africa in the 1980's because it was a song of protest, exposing the fallacy of apartheid. The overhead displayed the words of the song. Included were concepts of a demon, a wall of steel and guns and the sound of weeping. At first, I couldn't grasp the message. I turned to Urshla to ask what it was about. In the moment of asking, the meaning suddenly came to me. I looked at Urshla and she was weeping herself. I put my arm around her and knew something of the poignancy of the words.
The song told a very powerful, allegorical story of suppression by a white government, on a population (the demon) that they feared would rise up against it. The government built a wall of steel and guns (apartheid) to keep the demon in. It told everyone that the demon would drop bombs and shoot bullets and asked other countries to stay away. Whenever anyone went to listen for the anger of the monster, all they could hear was weeping.
At intermission, the school supplied afternoon tea, served by helpers and boys from the school. CDs were on sale and I'm sorry I lost the chance to buy one or two. It would've been an excellent memento of my visit to South Africa as well as good music to enjoy later.
Next: Mannings after a second half
Friday, December 9, 2011
Mountain treats
Tuesday, 29th November 2011
Our destination today was the Drakensburg mountains, a region about 200km inland from PMB.
Urshla picked me up from the Jason's about 8am. We had breakfast at her home. Urshla's taste in breakfast was remarkably similar to my own. Michele and Ntsali were sleeping in Michele's bed and having a fine time of being with each other.
It worked out so well in God's provision for us, that Michele was not left spare while she accompanied her mother and me on our several road trips. She had the fun company of Ntsali and they are good friends. I hardly know what they talked about, because so much of my conversation and attention was for Urshla.
While washing the breakfast dishes, Urshla mentioned that the doors of her overhead cupboard irritated her because they didn't quite close together. I inspected the doors and found the hinges were out of adjustment and offered to fix them if Urshla could find me a screw driver. She insisted that I not think about it because I was on holidays and wasn't there to repair her house. I argued that it was easy to fix and no hardship. She wasn't having any of it, but I found a toolbox with the screwdriver I needed. The cupboard hinge was adjusted in a few seconds. When I checked the rest of the kitchen, all the doors were in need of adjustment. It took about 20 minutes to go around the whole kitchen and adjust all the hinges.
I also noticed the edge trim on the steps to the second level were cracked and broken. Urshla had already bought the necessary replacement trim. It just needed a saw and contact glue to finish the job. I knew it wasn't a big job either and would find a chance to buy the necessary items. Urshla said she had a man who did those jobs for her. Perhaps this time, I was the man.
I went with Urshla to the mall because she wanted to stock a few items. It was very satisfying just doing everyday ordinary things together. Urshla was lovely the way she asked me what I liked and what I would eat. As the guest, I would've eaten anything put in front of me, although it was nice to be given a choice. I can't quite remember what we purchased but we bundled it back into the car and went back to her place.
From there, we packed the car and set off for the Drakensburg mountain region. Our destination that night was the Hlalanathi Resort, overlooking the Tugela River. The road from PMB rises quite sharply onto the high plains towards Howick, Estcourt and Ladysmith. The road passes through a cleft in the hills, clothed with stands of eucalyptus and English trees. It's quite a pretty drive up, before leveling out onto the open plains of Mooi River.
We called in at Howick to visit Urshla's cousin for lunch. Even with the GPS, it took some finding. They live on an estate with a golf course. Entry was via a guard house and boom gate. Every car entering the estate is signed in and the driver issued a visitor's pass. Many places needed guard entry where ever we went in South Africa.
Nella Bukus and her daughters Chantal, her husband Dustin and Stacey greeted us warmly in their magnificent home, surrounded by open and green rolling countryside. We feasted on a delicious spread of salad and cold meats laid out ready.
We dined around their extensive dining table and Nella caught up with Urshla about many things. Again, I was occasionally lost with the conversation. They laughed at things that I couldn't catch onto because I didn't have the background details. That's to be expected and they made me feel very welcome nonetheless. Nella was very interested in how we met and to meet the man that Urshla had spoken so much about. They seemed like a lovely, hospitable Christian family, who are no strangers to hard work. After lunch, we snapped photos as reminders of our visit. We pointed again for the mountains.
We swept passed Mooi River and by Estcourt. We paid tolls at Mooi River, because this was the main, double-laned motorway to Johannesburg; very busy with trucks. At the R74 intersection, we swung west toward Winterton, stopping for photos here and there. The flat country with its many thorn trees, are iconic of the Africa seen in books and on TV. With different vegetation, they could've been scenes lifted from Australia.
One point of interest not seen at home are mud huts, home to the black workers of the landowners. We stopped at a cluster of huts to ask if we could capture a photo. Because there was no one home, we took photos. I thought if some stranger rocked up to my place, walked into my yard and wandered into my house, I'd probably call the police.
The huts are circular, with a painted earthen floor, adobe walls and thatched roof. They appeared very well built and inside, warm and embracing. There was a cooking pot in the centre of the hut, with sitting or sleeping mats around the perimeter. I saw no water or power connections. The tongue and groove door swung loosely on a frame. Air could easily pass around the edges and under the door. There was a strong wind streaking across the open countryside. I wondered how the occupants kept warm during the winter months. There are no dividing walls or curtains, no cupboards, no furniture, just a large open space. Windows on opposite sides provided the only light and ventilation openings. All the fittings looked as if they'd been gathered from used building material lots.
There was an animal enclosure outside, made of corrugated iron and wire. It was a small enclosure so could only assume it was for chickens. There were no animals around though. The wind may have transported them away like Dorothy to the Land of Oz.
We passed through Winterton, a very small town with homes and shops lined either side of the road. There is a cluster of shops, petrol station and not much else. Again there is black skin going about its business. A couple of Kombis were stopped at the edge of the town with a few blacks waiting around. It struck me as strange for a small town to be here in the middle of nowhere. A number of large non-indigenous trees indicated that the town is well established and had existed for a long time. I wondered who lived there and who owned the shops.
A short drive further on, we passed a roadside shop advertising vetkoek. Urshla wanted me to sample some because it was a South African delicacy. We u-turned, but there was no vetkoek in supply. Urshla instead bought some golden syrup honey-comb and nut-crackle. Vetkoek is like ollibollen that I knew from the Dutch immigrants in Tasmania. It's a ball of dough that's been deep-fried. Olliebollen includes diced orange peel and raisins. The honey-comb and nut-crackle did almost as well.
We continued on towards Hlalanathi Resort. As we neared our destination, black hawkers appeared at intersections and culverts, brandishing wooden carvings of African animals. We waved and drove straight past. Urshla would not come into this remote region by herself and Michele. She felt the risk of women on their own would be too great.
We eventually turned into Hlalanathi, again only allowed entry via a guard house and boom gate. We collected our chalet key from reception. The desk was staffed by a very friendly, smiling dark woman of traditional build. We unpacked the Polo and settled into the chalet.
The chalet felt very rustic, with exposed pine beams, floor boards that creaked and a thatched roof. With the Tugela River basin and plains as a backdrop, the chalets looked very much a part of the scenery and had a quaint appeal.
When ever you settle into a new surrounding, it helps to enjoy a cuppa tea or beverage. It seemed like a long drive and it was good to stop and let road noise subside. The weather was overcast and cool. What struck us almost immediately, was the quiet. There was no sound of traffic or city noises. Even the birds and other creatures were silent. It was a contrast to the bustle of Durban and we began to relax.
Urshla and I soon after began to prepare for supper. I helped to chop meat and vegetables and Urshla put the meal together. All I wanted to do was take her by the waist and waltz her around the kitchen. We were chaperoned by Michele and I know Urshla was conscious of behaving appropriately in front of her daughter.
She made me laugh trying to light the gas cooktop. To light the burners required pressing the gas button and ignition button at the same time. When pressed together, the gas lit with a poof and Urshla jumped back in fright. It took a few presses and backward jumps before the gas ignited in the burners.
We ate supper and chatted over the meal table. Michele and Ntsali retired upstairs to continue the fun they were enjoying in each others' company. I washed the dishes and pots and pans. Urshla made us a drink and we sat on the couch and chatted to each other for a long time. We could hear the happy sounds from upstairs subside later in the evening. We heard the noises of getting ready for bed. It was pleasant to have the lounge to ourselves. Being with Urshla and enjoying being with each other, stirred up my love and fondness for her.
I don't know how it began, but we were again kissing each other longingly. Tonight, there was a willingness after our tentativeness last night. Urshla held me close and I relished her closeness and love she showed me. I kissed her neck, her ears, eyes and below her neck. I caressed her neck and back of her head. I swept her hair away from her face. I felt her tongue searching my lips and opened myself to her. It was so, so long since I'd enjoyed such pleasures and I lost myself in her lips and hunger for affection. I tenderly drew her tongue into my mouth and explored her wetness and warmth with mine, again and again. Waves of pleasure ran through me as I gently caught her tongue between my teeth and lips. I never imagined we would be enjoying intimacy like this.
Urshla gave herself willingly to my attention and held me tight. She laid back into the couch and I knelt on the floor next to her. I kissed her shoulders and upper chest. The effect was intoxicating. She pulled me into herself and squeezed her breasts against me as if craving for more. Coming up for air, I said "Our chaperon should be sacked for allowing such behaviour." Urshla smiled and pulled me to her again. She was flushed with pleasure and desire. Her face glowed and her lips blushed with colour. I asked what she wanted me to do? She smiled and drew me to her and held me tightly again.
I didn't know where this outflow of desire was going. I said that we should probably call it a night and go to bed. There was no answer for a long while. I took Urshla's hand and led her up the stairs and pointed into her room. She took me around the neck at the top of the stairs and gave me a long, loving kiss, said goodnight and retired to bed.
As delightful as it was to enjoy her love and attention, the thought that maybe she was not for me, sobered me. I could not let myself pollute this loving and tender woman for the man who may become her husband.
I'd come 11,000km to find out if there was a connection between Urshla and me. If last night wasn't enough, tonight I had my answer .
Next: Musical interlude
Our destination today was the Drakensburg mountains, a region about 200km inland from PMB.
Urshla picked me up from the Jason's about 8am. We had breakfast at her home. Urshla's taste in breakfast was remarkably similar to my own. Michele and Ntsali were sleeping in Michele's bed and having a fine time of being with each other.
It worked out so well in God's provision for us, that Michele was not left spare while she accompanied her mother and me on our several road trips. She had the fun company of Ntsali and they are good friends. I hardly know what they talked about, because so much of my conversation and attention was for Urshla.
While washing the breakfast dishes, Urshla mentioned that the doors of her overhead cupboard irritated her because they didn't quite close together. I inspected the doors and found the hinges were out of adjustment and offered to fix them if Urshla could find me a screw driver. She insisted that I not think about it because I was on holidays and wasn't there to repair her house. I argued that it was easy to fix and no hardship. She wasn't having any of it, but I found a toolbox with the screwdriver I needed. The cupboard hinge was adjusted in a few seconds. When I checked the rest of the kitchen, all the doors were in need of adjustment. It took about 20 minutes to go around the whole kitchen and adjust all the hinges.
I also noticed the edge trim on the steps to the second level were cracked and broken. Urshla had already bought the necessary replacement trim. It just needed a saw and contact glue to finish the job. I knew it wasn't a big job either and would find a chance to buy the necessary items. Urshla said she had a man who did those jobs for her. Perhaps this time, I was the man.
I went with Urshla to the mall because she wanted to stock a few items. It was very satisfying just doing everyday ordinary things together. Urshla was lovely the way she asked me what I liked and what I would eat. As the guest, I would've eaten anything put in front of me, although it was nice to be given a choice. I can't quite remember what we purchased but we bundled it back into the car and went back to her place.
From there, we packed the car and set off for the Drakensburg mountain region. Our destination that night was the Hlalanathi Resort, overlooking the Tugela River. The road from PMB rises quite sharply onto the high plains towards Howick, Estcourt and Ladysmith. The road passes through a cleft in the hills, clothed with stands of eucalyptus and English trees. It's quite a pretty drive up, before leveling out onto the open plains of Mooi River.
We called in at Howick to visit Urshla's cousin for lunch. Even with the GPS, it took some finding. They live on an estate with a golf course. Entry was via a guard house and boom gate. Every car entering the estate is signed in and the driver issued a visitor's pass. Many places needed guard entry where ever we went in South Africa.
 |
| Some of the Bukus family |
We dined around their extensive dining table and Nella caught up with Urshla about many things. Again, I was occasionally lost with the conversation. They laughed at things that I couldn't catch onto because I didn't have the background details. That's to be expected and they made me feel very welcome nonetheless. Nella was very interested in how we met and to meet the man that Urshla had spoken so much about. They seemed like a lovely, hospitable Christian family, who are no strangers to hard work. After lunch, we snapped photos as reminders of our visit. We pointed again for the mountains.
 |
| Typical S African rural scene |
We swept passed Mooi River and by Estcourt. We paid tolls at Mooi River, because this was the main, double-laned motorway to Johannesburg; very busy with trucks. At the R74 intersection, we swung west toward Winterton, stopping for photos here and there. The flat country with its many thorn trees, are iconic of the Africa seen in books and on TV. With different vegetation, they could've been scenes lifted from Australia.
One point of interest not seen at home are mud huts, home to the black workers of the landowners. We stopped at a cluster of huts to ask if we could capture a photo. Because there was no one home, we took photos. I thought if some stranger rocked up to my place, walked into my yard and wandered into my house, I'd probably call the police.
The huts are circular, with a painted earthen floor, adobe walls and thatched roof. They appeared very well built and inside, warm and embracing. There was a cooking pot in the centre of the hut, with sitting or sleeping mats around the perimeter. I saw no water or power connections. The tongue and groove door swung loosely on a frame. Air could easily pass around the edges and under the door. There was a strong wind streaking across the open countryside. I wondered how the occupants kept warm during the winter months. There are no dividing walls or curtains, no cupboards, no furniture, just a large open space. Windows on opposite sides provided the only light and ventilation openings. All the fittings looked as if they'd been gathered from used building material lots.
There was an animal enclosure outside, made of corrugated iron and wire. It was a small enclosure so could only assume it was for chickens. There were no animals around though. The wind may have transported them away like Dorothy to the Land of Oz.
We passed through Winterton, a very small town with homes and shops lined either side of the road. There is a cluster of shops, petrol station and not much else. Again there is black skin going about its business. A couple of Kombis were stopped at the edge of the town with a few blacks waiting around. It struck me as strange for a small town to be here in the middle of nowhere. A number of large non-indigenous trees indicated that the town is well established and had existed for a long time. I wondered who lived there and who owned the shops.
A short drive further on, we passed a roadside shop advertising vetkoek. Urshla wanted me to sample some because it was a South African delicacy. We u-turned, but there was no vetkoek in supply. Urshla instead bought some golden syrup honey-comb and nut-crackle. Vetkoek is like ollibollen that I knew from the Dutch immigrants in Tasmania. It's a ball of dough that's been deep-fried. Olliebollen includes diced orange peel and raisins. The honey-comb and nut-crackle did almost as well.
We continued on towards Hlalanathi Resort. As we neared our destination, black hawkers appeared at intersections and culverts, brandishing wooden carvings of African animals. We waved and drove straight past. Urshla would not come into this remote region by herself and Michele. She felt the risk of women on their own would be too great.
We eventually turned into Hlalanathi, again only allowed entry via a guard house and boom gate. We collected our chalet key from reception. The desk was staffed by a very friendly, smiling dark woman of traditional build. We unpacked the Polo and settled into the chalet.
The chalet felt very rustic, with exposed pine beams, floor boards that creaked and a thatched roof. With the Tugela River basin and plains as a backdrop, the chalets looked very much a part of the scenery and had a quaint appeal.
When ever you settle into a new surrounding, it helps to enjoy a cuppa tea or beverage. It seemed like a long drive and it was good to stop and let road noise subside. The weather was overcast and cool. What struck us almost immediately, was the quiet. There was no sound of traffic or city noises. Even the birds and other creatures were silent. It was a contrast to the bustle of Durban and we began to relax. Urshla and I soon after began to prepare for supper. I helped to chop meat and vegetables and Urshla put the meal together. All I wanted to do was take her by the waist and waltz her around the kitchen. We were chaperoned by Michele and I know Urshla was conscious of behaving appropriately in front of her daughter.
She made me laugh trying to light the gas cooktop. To light the burners required pressing the gas button and ignition button at the same time. When pressed together, the gas lit with a poof and Urshla jumped back in fright. It took a few presses and backward jumps before the gas ignited in the burners.
We ate supper and chatted over the meal table. Michele and Ntsali retired upstairs to continue the fun they were enjoying in each others' company. I washed the dishes and pots and pans. Urshla made us a drink and we sat on the couch and chatted to each other for a long time. We could hear the happy sounds from upstairs subside later in the evening. We heard the noises of getting ready for bed. It was pleasant to have the lounge to ourselves. Being with Urshla and enjoying being with each other, stirred up my love and fondness for her.
I don't know how it began, but we were again kissing each other longingly. Tonight, there was a willingness after our tentativeness last night. Urshla held me close and I relished her closeness and love she showed me. I kissed her neck, her ears, eyes and below her neck. I caressed her neck and back of her head. I swept her hair away from her face. I felt her tongue searching my lips and opened myself to her. It was so, so long since I'd enjoyed such pleasures and I lost myself in her lips and hunger for affection. I tenderly drew her tongue into my mouth and explored her wetness and warmth with mine, again and again. Waves of pleasure ran through me as I gently caught her tongue between my teeth and lips. I never imagined we would be enjoying intimacy like this.
Urshla gave herself willingly to my attention and held me tight. She laid back into the couch and I knelt on the floor next to her. I kissed her shoulders and upper chest. The effect was intoxicating. She pulled me into herself and squeezed her breasts against me as if craving for more. Coming up for air, I said "Our chaperon should be sacked for allowing such behaviour." Urshla smiled and pulled me to her again. She was flushed with pleasure and desire. Her face glowed and her lips blushed with colour. I asked what she wanted me to do? She smiled and drew me to her and held me tightly again.
I didn't know where this outflow of desire was going. I said that we should probably call it a night and go to bed. There was no answer for a long while. I took Urshla's hand and led her up the stairs and pointed into her room. She took me around the neck at the top of the stairs and gave me a long, loving kiss, said goodnight and retired to bed.
As delightful as it was to enjoy her love and attention, the thought that maybe she was not for me, sobered me. I could not let myself pollute this loving and tender woman for the man who may become her husband.
I'd come 11,000km to find out if there was a connection between Urshla and me. If last night wasn't enough, tonight I had my answer .
Next: Musical interlude
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