Aubrey
Welsh
Clansthal - Sept 2024
The WELSH Family
One of my nieces, Kelly, made the decision to emigrate to Canada and she and her family, Jacques, Zoe and Colson, had no returned to SA since then. As the family were visiting we decided to hold a family gathering at Gavin and Lisa's house in Clansthal on the south coast of KZN. What a motley (but lovely) bunch!
This is Trunks - one of Gavin and Lisa's three dogs - the other two are Spaniel-type dogs. I love all three of them but Trunks is just a little bit special. On my first ever visit to them, he was the one who decided he was going to sleep with me on my bed.
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In order to surprise everyone - only 3 people knew I was in SA, Penny, Gavin and Lisa - I decided to 'pop out of a car boot'. Penny drove up to the lighthouse where the family were having 'sundowners' and then asked Kelly to get something out of the car boot.
My three nieces, Kelly, Penny and Nicola. Kelly lives in Canada, Penny in Cape Town and Nicola in KwaZulu-Natal. It's not often that they're all in the same place at the same time - but when they are, everyone can hear it! Wishing them and their respective families wonderful futures.
Who says I'm not up to date with all things modern? Yes, that's me with three of my grand-nephews and our skateboards. And no, I did even think about getting on one of them for fear of breaking a leg or something!
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One of the greatest things Gavin ever bought was this firepit. Just about every night it was lit and people would gather around the fire and enjoy the warmth. In addition, it could also be used as a major braai place making enough food for the extended family.
I was a Beatles fan in the 1960s preferring some of the more melodic melodies and ballads. I learned and played many of the songs during my brief performing career. While visiting a friend in Liverpool, I suddenly found myself in Penny Lane. How wonderful.
Since I was child, I love the "As I was going to St Ives" poem and I said to myself: 'one day I'll go to St Ives'. With May, Michael and Samuel Harris in tow, we caught the train from Truro arriving in light drizzle to this view of the bay of St Ives. We had a wonderful visit to Dame Barbara Hepworth Museum.
I love this photo of Tom Cairns and Johnathan Brook at the James Cook monument near their home in Great Ayton. We took a gentle stroll up to the summit and in this photo, they were attempting to find their home somewhere in the distance.
Visit to UK/Greece 2024
In May, 2024 I hopped over the Tasman Sean and visited the east coast of Australia: Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. It was great to spend some time with young and old friends, do some walking in between eating and drinking. Thanks to all who hosted me - I am just so sorry it was such a short visit. I also didn't get to see everyone I wanted to but I tried!
As is customary when I arrive in the UK, Ken and Jude picked me up at Heathrow and before I knew what was happening, we were walking through the Ashridge Estate just outside Berkhamsted. We used to walk for miles and miles, now it's a slightly gentler and much shorter stroll! But this visit was short-lived - soon we all flew off to Greece!
Isn't this just the most gorgeous view? This is part of the island of Ithaca and Ken, Jude and I went to fill up 20 x 5l bottles with beautiful spring water. On our way we spotted this view and just had to stop and take a few pictures. The vegetation, the water and hillsides were all so spectacular - it didn't matter which direction you looked in.
And here is where we stayed in Pilikata, Stavros, Ithaca. Johnny and Elvina have started a tradition of flying the flags of the countries their visitors come from, On this trip: Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, Greece, Cyprus , Zambia and the UK. The house is often mistaken for an Embassy!
What is Greece in summer, if not beaches? This was at Mavronas Beach where we found black sea urchins for the first time. Fortunately for us, the temperature was only in the early 30s - nothing like the 40s which were experienced later in the summer.
Kioni is the final village at the end of the northern road on Ithaca. On the odd occasion we would not prepare dinner at home but head off in the evening for one of the many restaurants on the island. I'm convinced there are more eating venues than anything else. And the food was delicious!
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Every morning, Ken, Jude and I sit and do the crosswords. Coffee and stroopwafels accompany the racking of brains as do the 'mini'. the Atlantic, and Connections (all from the NY Times, I think). These have ben special times which I will always treasure - thanks for your lifetime of friendship
I was determined in my last visit to London, to see a new musical. I had heard some of the music from the show but I was privileged to have the opportunity to see the live show.What an incredible show. Manual-Lin Miranda is a genius. I'm not a fan of hip-hop and rap, etc. but this show is a must-see. Go see it!
I have about a hundred special spots in London I always try and visit when here. Charing Cross Station is together with 64 Charing Cross Road. In the photo you can see the Queen Eleanor Memorial Cross erected in the mid-19th Century. And, of course, the ubiquitous London Bus.
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My next stop was Burntisland in Scotland just opposite Edinburgh on the Firth of Forth. Amanda is a long time colleague from the SABC and I have loved catching up with her over the past several years. Stay well, Amanda, and wishing you health and happiness in the coming years.
Whilst in Burntlisland, I spotted this local business and wondered what the hell was a 'fish tea'? I have to confess that I wasn't brave enough to go in, order it and find out. I've subsequently discovered it means 'fish and chips with a pot of tea' - not so frightening after all.
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These are the fabulous views that one can get from the coastline of Burntisland. Amanda and I have walked in the area for many years and this photo has become my favourite. The many hues of blue fascinated me and were even more subtly visible than the photo shows.
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I made a surprise visit to Durham University as my ex-colleagues were gathering once again for the summer EAP pre-sessional. It turned out beautifully and was able to catch up with a number of wonderful people including Catherine and Drew.
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Serendipitously, my visit co-incided with The Big Meeting - an annual gathering to celebrate the lives and loss of all in the mining community in the north-east. 100s of brass bands descend on Durham City, march through the streets with a Blessing of the Banners service in the Cathedral.
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You should know me by now and you'll know that I just love hopping on public transport as I negotiate my travel across the world. Here I am on a local bus from Durham to Middlesbrough as I attempt to surprise David, a previous partner of mine. Sadly, we were not able to meet up but go well, my friend