In Sunny South Africa

When I finally got on board the RMS, the cabin steward took me down to cabin C41 - a 4 berth cabin. What a surprise when I entered this spacious room with only 2 beds made up. Then the steward picks up 2 of the suitcases and says "This lady is moving out. You are on your own". What!? A spacious 4 berth cabin all to myself!? I could almost feel God smiling down on me.

Here is a photo of James bay taken from the RMS as we left the shores of St Helena.

I had a lovely voyage. The seas were a bit choppy all the way, and I thoroughly enjoyed the bobbing motion - especially when snug in bed at night. I spent 4 days doing whatever I felt like - slept, read a novel, participated in a quiz, took morning and afternoon naps, watched a documentary or 2, ate good food, met some interesting people.

It was wonderful watching the South African coastline grow from a smudge on the horizon, to actually putting my feet on its soil again. My daughter was waiting for me, and took me straight to Camps Bay for a few hours of sitting on a wide white beach, digging my toes into the sand and enjoying the lovely view of 'the mountain'.

We then went into a Pick n Pay store just for me to look at shelves of fruit and veg....

Then we went to "Mama Africa" for supper - a lovely restaurant that specialises in African food. I had bobotie, and Brenda had a springbok steak and pap. We ended the evening by driving up to Signal Hill to look at the lights.The following day we had a lazy breakfast then spent the day at the waterfront. It was good to hear different accents and languages, smell the smells of Africa, and just enjoy the feeling of being in familiar surroundings. It was also good to 'catch up' with my daughter.

At 4.00pm we made our way to the air port where I took off for Durban. Brenda will be flying back to London on Friday.

In Durban, I was 'hit in the face' by the 'thick' air. It felt like I was trying to breathe through soup. I had forgotten how muggy the place can be. I was met by my brother-in-law and nephew.

I have spent the last few days going to the optometrist, dentist, pet shop, bank, supermarket, jeweller, pharmacy, etc. Also having good, happy chats with my sister-in-law and family AND PETS. People on St Helena think the Becketts are strange because we have 3 cats and 2 dogs. Well, the Jollivets have 4 cats and 9 dogs.... all of them loved and spoilt.