SA Trip - Jhb and Pretoria shenanigans

Wow, returning to SA felt like I’d been transported to the future! I couldn’t believe the difference when I arrived. The smart, renovated Jhb airport is SOoooooooooo futuristic compared to Nairobi’s little brown hole. And the roads! Wow, SA’s road quality is good. Even with all the roadworks. And the driving! People are so courteous in SA. It took me a while to remember there are rules there and that I should let people in ;-)
I stayed with Leanne and Lynton my first night. And the gorgeous little 16month old Holly who doesn’t stop talking....She is a really clever and busy little girl. She even learnt to say my name while I was there! Leanne, who is a long time friend from primary school, high school and uni, and I all chatted nonstop all evening catching up on the last 6 months that we’ve been away. It was really cool to see her again, and I look forward to her visit next year with her mini family.... ahem.
I went for a little ride the next morning scouting the route out for the race the next day, before heading off to the 94.7 expo where I met up with my sis. The expo was good, I saw loadsa cycling buddies there, and scored lotsa free stuff! Then we headed off the Nolly and Don’s house for the afternoon and night. Nolene is my FAVOURITE riding partner ever and just the nicest girl ever. She looked after us so well and again, us 3 girlies chatted nonstop, catching up on every little thing. We even discussed our cooking habits! Don was actually lucky he had to work.
Then the 94.7 arrived. I didn’t feel nervous for some reason. And was very proudly sporting my new SA Champs jersey.
The race started ok... I got into the leading break with 8 other girls which happened while going through the joburg CBD after the highway stretch. Then my saddle started tipping back! Every bump I went over it tipped back slightly more. So by the last 20kms I had to stand the entire time. It killed my legs! I tried to knock it back down but it wouldn’t move. And if I stopped I would lose the group so I kept going. Anyway they dropped me in the last 6kms on those tough little climbs, and I finished a miserable 4th. Grrrr. How annoying! But I’m so over it.
Then I went to Vicky’s for her 34th birthday party that Sunday afternoon. The whole purpose of my trip to SA. Of course. She had a really cool group of people there and I was immediately plied with wine so needless to say I had a ball. I giggled with Jason the basin, gossiped with Aunty Jill and Mrs B, had a laugh with Em and Darren and marvelled at the almost -2-year-old Bryceeeee, Vicky’s and Len’s son. He is just so handsome and cute and lovable. My friends have bred well! I stayed the night and the next morning Vicks and I took Bryceeeeeeee to school and then went shopping. South Africa has AMAZING shops. WAY way way better than here, obviously, but also better than Germany. Benedikt doesn’t agree with that, but then I guess its what you’re used to.
Then I headed off the Pretoria to my sis and her husband, Collin. Its SO weird to call him that! We went to a great spinning class before indulging in more wine and lots of chatting. Then on Tuesday it was Operation Clothes Shopping. I needed to stock up as I wouldn’t be able to shop until our next overseas holiday which is miles away....poor me :-(
It was a VERY successful day I must say. Like I said, shopping in SA is the BOMB.
The 3 of us went for a divine Indian meal that evening after doing a yoga class ala Mandy. She is busy doing her teachers training course so practised on us for a bit. She is going to be Wynberg’s BEST YOGA TEACHER EVER thats for sure :-)
We all also went on two VERY cool trail runs while there. Mandy and Colon have some great nature reserves on their doorstep.
Next up was the airport and picking Benny Boo Boo up. We spent the day doing some errands, visiting some friends and some more shopping. My poor credit card...Benedikt doesn't deal in rands anymore :-(
Then it was dinner with our long lost Bedfordview cycling buddies and sleep over at Seanie Warnies house.

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