Can you believe, winter is a distant memory, those thick woolies blankets, and hot choc drinks are the last thing on our minds as we start instead floating on our lilo’s in our cool pools and look for any shade we can find, drive like McClaren to beat your fellow driver to the one and only shaded spot in the parking lot. Although summer is just a small little twig it already is delivering some truly mean – hot as hallies days …temperatures reaching between 42-46 degrees.  With little respite and very little rain which we truly are desperate for, from the hot tarred streets of our city to the dusty roads of Kruger, we really need the rain to fall to clear away the dust and grim and relieve the land with a huge glug of water.

Whilst Spring has sprung into our lives plenty has sprung into our family since our last Newsletter. On 19th August at 5.17pm our beautiful bouncing baby boy, Dylan was welcomed by his very proud mom, dad, sister and big brother into our family and the big wide world. He is already growing in leaps and bounds and is healthy and strong. Not to mention a good looking little fellow, just like his dad. Hmm already like father like son ….what an honour. Needless to say we are constantly in awe of this absolute gift from God. Dylan has most definitely completed our perfect family circle, and keeps all four of us on our toes. From midnight feeds, waking to hearing him with his early morning baby banter.  Sherese and Theo have been absolute stars and really knuckle down and help out in all departments that concern their precious little  baby brother – really great to witness. Bella and myself are so chuffed to know they are our kids! Thanks both of you !

And a Huge thanks to my beautiful wife, Bella, thanks for taking such excellent care of our son whilst you carried him for nine months and thanks for being so wonderful during his birth. You are an absolute diamond in mine and the kids lives, and thanks for always continuing to spark for us. We love you zillions.

NEWS ON OLD VIC.....

Tenteleni have been with us for the last 2 months. 17 girls and 1 guy. What a phenomenal bunch of youngsters. It was a true pleasure having them, you cannot help but really enjoy every minute with them, their smiling faces and friendly dispositions were an absolute pleasure to have at Old Vic. We visited Mozambique one weekend with them and fun was sure had by all…… Friday night they partied all night long at Coconuts Night club and spent a leisurely Saturday lying in the sun or finding a shady spot under the trees as they lazed on the beach, whilst they listened to the sea lapping up the shore.  The highlight of the day was most definitely the seafood feast they ate on the deserted, glistening beach.  From a lazy, hazy sea together with warm sands weekend we headed to Kruger for a 2 day trip. Where they were very very fortunate to experience seeing all of the Big 5! As well as spotting Cheetah twice !!!! Once was a mom and her 4 cubs. One of the most exhilarating sightings had to be the Wild dogs on a kill. This definitely rated high up on the sightings board as one of “The Bestest trips ever” _ Whhhooaaa Haaa !!!! Three Cheers for Kruger and Crazy Dave ………………..

After Kruger we bundled into the Old Vic Travelling Taxi and headed inland to Swaziland for the 40/40 Celebrations. This was in honour of the King’s 40th Birthday and Swaziland’s 40th Anniversary.  We were really pleased to have seen the various African Presidents and this included our “Good ol neighbour” none other than …. Robert Mcgube.

I really would like to make special mention and a huge resounding thank you to my elder son, Theo. If it hadn’t been for your help on the last two tours I think I would have been exhausted by the end. Thanks so much my boy for been a true hands on helper …..not to mention an inspiration for the 17 girls ….not only did they experience some really great sightings of Africa! They were lucky enough to have Theo serving and assisting them everyday !! I reckon there were a couple of starry eyed girls for a day or two after that!

Before we know it we will be walking through the Malls and driving through the streets with Christmas decorations surrounding us! Not to mention the Boney M Christmas Carols waffling thorough the super markets.  This is always a very busy time for us.  Please bear in mind that we will be closing the tour side of Old Vic from 13th December and will reopen 3rd January 2009. Although Kruger is busy throughout the year, Christmas is most definitely rated as the most hectically busy time and as you can all imagine, by this time of the year we really need to take a bit of R and R ourselves and just chill around the pool and relax as a family too.

KRUGER FLEXI TOURS

As of September this year I have completed 60 tours. Each tour we have been fortunate to have seen lions. An interesting fact is most tourists are very keen on seeing lions, giraffes and elephants. I often wonder if this is not because of the influence of the incredible world wide show “The Lion King”. 

The Park is extremely dry at the moment and in dire need of a good solid rain to soak into the parched land and rejuvenate the bush and wild flowers of the park. The best and sure bet at the moment when visiting the park in these extremely dry conditions is to stick to water. Set up a comfy spot by the river and you are sure to see the various animals as they come for a well deserved drink. 

We have been privileged to have a great guests on tour from all parts of the world, to mention a few:  Israel, Europe, Canada and the USA which is so interesting and is really great when we all get together and have some truly interesting talks of our various lives and share experiences.

The Highlight of one trip was seeing five  different sightings of leopard within 24 hours. Not to mention the 4 leopards we saw on one of our nightdrives.

Once the rain falls all the baby impala’s are born, which is usually end of November early December. As I am sure you can imagine a  true miracle to witness. 

As always – the rule of the road and the park,  come Summer……………….up early bells – 4am is perfect as the best sightings guaranteed are early morning and late afternoon, whilst the land is still cool.  So after a perfect day of sighting you sure are ready for an early night, and then early rising in the morning to check out the awesome sightings the next morning.

ON A SERIOUS NOTE: Safety tips while in SA…

December holidays – ALWAYS ensure you plan your trips well ahead of time so as to avoid any disappointments that can occur when booking too late at this very hectic time of the year.

Be CONSTANTLY aware of Drunk drivers as well as pedestrians. If at all possible try to avoid driving at night.

And on that note………………………. Straight after reading the joke below ……go and book your holiday NOW to avoid disappointment …………….

AND NOW FOR THE LAST LAUGH

A Blonde enters a store that sells curtains.

She tells the salesman, "I would like to buy a pair of pink curtains."

The salesman assures her that they have a large selection of pink curtains. He shows her several patterns, but the blond seems to be having a hard time choosing.

Finally she selects a lovely pink floral print.
The salesman then asks what size curtains she needs.
The blond promptly replies, "fifteen inches."
"Fifteen inches???" asked the salesman.
"That sounds very small, what room are they for?"
The blond tells him that they aren't for a room, they are for her computer monitor.
The surprised salesman replies, "but Miss, computers do not need curtains!"
The blond says, "Hellllooooooooo .. I've got Windoooooows!"

And on that note… can you believe it’s already time to sign off, that’s all our news for now. In the meanwhile Take care till next time, go well!!! Dave, Bella, Theo, Sherese and little Dylan.

Thank You
Regards Dave