Saturday & Sunday, Nov 25 & 26—Darling, one more time

It is our next to last weekend in South Africa and time to go to Darling once again. We have to see our very special friends Pat and Bobby before we leave. And once again, we’re delighted that at least some of the Whitings can do so with us.

After a quick visit to Montebello Design Centre, just up the road from us, Dorothy and Robyn arrive to head to Darling. (And I spelled it correctly this time!) We all pile into Dorothy’s bakkie, the yellow wheelchair this time, for the drive along the coastal route. North of Cape Town we stop for lunch at a local farm stall where Robyn plays on the jungle gym and enjoys watching the chickens and listening to the noisy rooster crow. Then north we proceed.

Along the way Marcia calls out as she spots a plant of interest. This is a new experience for Dorothy who is not quite sure how to proceed. We try to explain how this scenario usually works, but I guess this is something that requires some botany craziness for it to make any sense. Nevertheless, we are successful in getting photos of two plants of interest on the way home. Good job Dorothy!

When we arrived in Darling we stopped first at Evita Se Perron to get t-shirts for Diana. I had to wait a few minutes until the afternoon’s performance was finished, but that allowed Dorothy and Marcia to see Pieter-Dirk Uys after his performance. No t-shirts this time as I need to check with Diana about which ones to get in which sizes. We’ll come back on Sunday.

At Pat and Bobby’s we joined Feli (Felicitas) who was also visiting. There has been someone new to meet every time we have visited. And it has been a delight to be able get to know all of them. Thanks to all!

Great to see Pat and Bobby again, and Pat was doing well after her last round of chemotherapy. Her next was the week following our visit. And Robyn was fine seeing Pat with a shaved head after her chemo (Pat explained that she needed something cool for the summer). This was something that had been of concern to Pat and Dorothy.

Dinner was another braai. This time we started with toasted onion and tomato sandwiches done on the braai. That was followed by a main course of kebabs. Pat and Bobby’s neighbor joined us for dinner, and she provided the wonderful chocolate mousse we had for dessert. And then we were surprised with gifts from Pat and Bobby. Marcia received a birthday calendar with West Coast scenes, something we had seen at the Darling Wildflower Show back in September, and literature about Darling and the area. What a great way to remember the places we have visited! And I received a bottle of Amarula Wild Fruit Cream liqueur. We had heard about this fruit and now we had some of its liqueur to enjoy and share. A truly African drink! Many thanks!! It is we who should be giving you gifts to say thanks for all your hospitality and friendship. We are so fortunate to have family on two continents. Thank you so much for letting us be part of yours.

Folks slept in a bit on Sunday and after breakfast we all headed to Yzerfontein to walk on the beach. It was a bright sunny day with a stiff breeze on the beach and very cold water on our feet. Marcia and Feli stayed in the bakkies as the rest of us strolled up the beach. I didn’t find but two snails this time, but I didn’t pursue the hunt too diligently because my feet were painfully cold in the ocean water. I do not see how anybody willingly puts his or her body into this water.Robyn and Pat headed back to the bakkies first, but not after some fun on the beach. After a bit more of a stroll Dorothy, Bobby, and I did the same. A nice relaxing walk on the beach was good for all of us. And Marcia and Feli enjoyed chatting in the comfort of the bakkie while we were away.

On the way back to Darling we stopped along the road to allow photos to be taken of a lime kiln. There were many of these years ago but most are gone. This one was in good shape and was near the road and easy to see. We have seen many such historically significant structures preserved around the country. It has been fun learning about them in the places we have visited.Back at the house activities for lunch begin to happen. Once again Pat and Bobby are serving a traditional dish. This time it is a potjiekos, “little pot food”. This is a stew cooked in a three-legged iron pot over hot coals. Ours will be lamb with veggies. No one goes hungry here!

Here is Bobby tending the potjiekos with Marcia looking on. While Bobby performed his cooking duties Pat, Feli, Marcia, and I return to Evita Se Perron. I know what t-shirts to get and Pat wants to show Feli the place. While Pat, Feli, and I are off wandering Marcia sees Pieter-Dirk on his way to get ready for this day’s performance. Twice in one weekend!! Then we make our way to the vendors outside.Some fun beaded work and a pressed metal item plus a necklace and earrings just had to be purchased. And it was fun talking to the vendors as we made our purchases. Then home to the potjiekos we went. And another wonderful meal it was.

All too quickly the time came for us to climb into the bakkie and head back to Cape Town. That meant we had to say goodbye to our very special friends. We made no promises but we did say we very much hope to come back to see them in the not too distant future. Pat and Bobby, thanks for everything. You have filled our trip with so much. May your future be filled with joy and happiness!

We drove back to Cape Town with Table Mountain leading us home. It will take some time for me to get used to not seeing beautiful mountains while driving around. And now the week that brings this trip to a close is about to begin. I am not ready for this. But Virginia responsibilities summon...Edward & Marcia