Drakensberg Trip part 2

On Sunday, we decided to do a Geocache at the Mermaid Pools.It was such an interesting and remarkable place. It made one think about how powerful and breathtaking nature can be.  If it had been warmer I would've swum in the pools!

Mlambonja River

Mermaid Pools

View of the river and Rhino Peak (Top Right of the picture)

At the Mermaid Pools layers of fossilised trees in amongst the sandstone have been exposed due to the Mlambonja River carving into the layers of rock. The fossilised trees stick out due to their charcoal colour in contrast to the whiteish sandstone.

Fossilised trees (circled)
Source: http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC39MER_fossils-at-mermaids?guid=4863d38b-d833-4f01-97c4-304c451ae358

On Monday we spent the day in Himeville. We stopped at Kenmo Lake, which is on a piece of land that a family has opened to the public. We found a Geocache there and took plenty of photos of the picturesque scenery. I could only imagine how stunning it would've been a few weeks earlier when the trees flourished in the autumn colours. 

The rest of the week we mostly spent time relaxing, playing board games, and of course roasting marshmallows next to the fireplace! That is what I love most about vacationing in the Drakensberg- there is no pressure to rush or bustle about. The peaceful, quiet and tranquil atmosphere allows for complete relaxation (absolute bliss!).

Mommy and I

I love the Berg, it is my "happy place". I can't wait to go back!

Drakensberg trip 2015

Just before 1st semester exams ended, my parents and I went for a trip up to the Drakensberg. The Drakensberg is about a 3 hour drive away from where I live. We went up on the Saturday and came back home on the Thursday.

On the trip up, we stopped and did a Geocache at Afriston Train Station (for those of you who do not know what Geocaching is, please read about it here.).

Railway line at Alfriston 

Alfriston Station

We had planned to have lunch when we reached our timeshare, however our stomachs started growling so we unanimously decided to stop at Underberg for lunch! We had a lovely lunch at Lemon Tree Bistro. The Bistro had such a quaint and relaxing atmosphere- though, the delish sangria may have caused that! I had the Harissa pasta, it was splendid.

Lemon Tree Bistro

Inside the Lemon Tree Bistro

Pasta Harissa

Pasta Gamberi

We stayed at Riverbend (which are self-catering chalets) within the Drakensberg Gardens Resort. It was so nice just to relax (even though I did study two of the days that we were there) and spend time with my parents. It's weird, many people my age would find it boring and weird to go on holiday alone with their parents, I however thoroughly enjoyed it! My parents and I get on so well, I am very grateful for that! They are a huge support in my life.

View from Riverbend Chalets

Drakensberg Moutains with sprinkles snow

I will post a few other bits and pieces from out little trip tomorrow! Sorry that I have been away for awhile- thankfully exams are over so I will have more time to blog :D

The big 2 - 0

On Thursday 4 June I turned 20. It is rather surreal to believe that I am finally out of my teens. I can't say that I am too upset about that!

I feel like I'm starting on a clean slate, a new chapter! I hope to make my twenties better than any other decade that I have experienced thus far. 

In my twenties I hope to:

• Be content with myself as I am and show a little more self-love.
• Be more grateful for  everything I have.
• Be proud of what I have accomplished.
• Show appreciation to the people I love more often.
• Find a partner who will appreciate me, love me, understand me and motivate me.
• Travel while I have few commitments (The Rockies is a must!).
• Get married if I find someone I want to marry (lol).
• Buy a house/flat.
• Do more volunteer work.
• See more of South Africa (Cape Town especially).

My birthday was rather low-key because I'm writing exams, and I hate throwing parties! So in the morning we went to my sister's house for breakfast, and then we had bunny chows for dinner. We went out for dinner to Lupa Osteria in Hillcrest for my "official birthday dinner".

Birthday dinner at Lupa Osteria

Sipping on Bellinis

Just a note - I am writing exams at the moment, but I will try post as often as I can.