Tuesday, January 4, 2011

WINDING DOWN TO A TRIP TO THE SEASIDE...

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...

Hello there to all my friends across the world!
Thank you for taking the time to post such interesting and thoughtful comments on yesterday's post regarding
THE POWER OF THE PAW.
 It's always so reassuring to know that there are likeminded folk scattered across our globe and that with only a click of a button, we are all in contact.  It's the beauty of bloging.
Thank you!

---xXx---

As the world winds UP into the New Year, we are doing exactly the opposite!

We are winding DOWN...and it is such a good feeling.  Soon we will be away from the rat-race and spending time together on holiday as a family. 

 Astute readers will have noticed that we didn't go on holiday over the recent festive season.  But now the count-down towards our own annual holiday is in full swing.  We leave early on Sunday morning!
(Picture off internet)

This year we are hiring an appartment on the beach at Ramsgate on the Kwazulu-Natal coast of South Africa and we will be staying there for six wonderfully refreshing days.
(Picture off Internet: Rosscarbery apartments)

I am so looking forward to our break and took a moment to reflect on what it is I am actually looking forward to:

I'm looking forward to the long relaxing, 6-7 hour journey to our destination.  It's an opportunity to chat amongst one another in the car and to observe changes in the countryside from last year.

I'm looking forward to simply being by the seaside:
The sea in my opinion is always rejuvenating.  It is constantly in motion and echoes the rhythm of time.  It has an immediate effect of stilling my being and forces me to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.

I'm looking forward to sticking my toes in the wet sand.
...AND looking out for footprints of others...


I'm looking to simply being with my family and enjoying time together.  Especially early morning walks on the beach and finding interesting rock formations.

I'm looking forward to perhaps seeing people's creative endeavours in the sea sand - like we saw last year...

And playing with shadows...

I'm looking forward to meeting new friends...
...and searching for dolphins...

...and ships (especially at night)...



and we are all looking forward to
WAFFLES!

The 'Waffle House' in Ramsgate has always been one of our favourite holiday eat-outs. 
(Picture off Internet)

It is the prime reason why we have booked to stay IN RAMSGATE this year.  It is simply wonderful to be able to sit on their deck overlooking the lagoon and choose from the simple but scrumptious menu...my mouth is watering just thinking about it! 


While we are away our animals will be well looked after by their babysitter.  They will also be treated by a couple of students who will be coming by to play with them and take them walking. 
I will miss my canine companions, but I am sure they will be
(more than!) okay.

So....
ROLL ON SUNDAY!!!
I can't wait!!!...let's hope for good weather too!!!

Sending lotsaluv,

18 comments:

Maureen said...

My mom is very jealous! She has family down below Amanzimtoti in Illovo Beach! You have just brought her very nice memories of family and friends far away :)

Have a fabulous trip!!

HoneyBuzz (& Maureen)

WFT Nobby said...

Easy to see why you are looking forward to your holiday with such eager anticipation. I too absolutely adore being by the sea. Something about that sense of infinite space releasing a feeling that we can transcend our limitations and that anything is possible. When I bought my house in Aberdeen, I was delighted to discover that, from the window on the top floor of the house, if I craned my neck, I could actually see the sea, about a mile away! Of course our sea here is rarely (some would say never) warm enough to swim, or even paddle, in without a survival suit.... I shall be thinking enviously of you and all that beautiful scenery, weather and food, over the next week!
Have a great time.
Cheers, Gail.

MySpecialDoggies said...

Hi Caryl
I'm still trying to catch up on your blog. Belated Happy New Year and Belated birthday wishes to Miss R!

Your vacation getaway looks beautiful! If you have any space left over in your luggage and car, I'll be happy to come over!!!

Woofs
Nadine & Neeli
Angel doggie Apples (1994-2010)

kks said...

didn't get a chance to comment on your power of the paw post...i really enjoyed it and agree that we all share much more that love of dogs and such!
have a safe and lovely holiday! soak in some sun for me!!
xoxo

Sheila and Bob said...

Sounds like a wonderful relaxing trip, we are sure you will enjoy and have much to talk about upon your return.


Sheila & Bob

♥I am Holly♥ said...

That looks like a very relaxing and fun trip. What wonderful pictures!! Lots of love, Holly and mom

Mrs. JP said...

Oh, that sounds wonderful. It really sounds good to me since it's below freezing here now! I'm sure you'll put your new camera to good use and bring back warm pictures. Enjoy yourself and eat an extra waffle for me,,yummmm!

rottrover said...

Have a wonderful trip! Please soak up some warm sunshine for all your fureinds in the northern hemisphere!! Safe travels!!

houndstooth said...

Enjoy your trip! It looks like a beautiful spot to relax and unwind. I love visiting the ocean myself!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

How I wish we could go with you!
It will be a pawsome time!
It reminds me of our Pacific Ocean,, where my moms and I go romp and play
love
tweedles

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

That looks like a very beautiful place.Enjoy enjoy enjoy.. See you when you get back.. Hugs GJ x

sprinkles said...

I would be looking forward to a vacation like that too!

My family only ever went on one vacation but it wasn't anything like what you're planning.

I hope you have a wonderful time!

Molly the Airedale said...

Have a wonderfully relaxing time and enjoy every bite of those waffles! yummmmmm

The Life of Riley said...

Those waffles are making me hungry! Have a wonderful and relaxing time at the beach with your family.

Woofs,
Riley

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I missed your post yesterday and will just say that you articulated the feelings that I've also been touched and inspired by. I don't know that I could have gotten through the loss of our 3 pups last year and other difficulties if it hadn't been for the concern and support of those like you Caryl.

I hope you have a wonderful, enjoyable and relaxing holiday!!

Gail Wilson said...

Your thoughts of being at the beach trully echo how I feel about it too. It just does something wonderful for my soul. Mistaya and I will be sending good thoughts to you as we stand on the beach smelling the sea and listening to the waves the same time you are relaxing there too.
Enjoy your wonderful time at the sea!
Hugs, Mistaya and her M.O.M. Gail

Pepsi Bum said...

It already seems like fun!
I'm sure the pups are gonna miss the heck outta you!

Woofs,
Pepsi

How Sam Sees It said...

...are you sure you can't take the pups with you? We hope you enjoy your trip!

Sam