And so it begins!

A very busy lead up to our adventure. Christmas was a huge, fun, family affair. All the family descended on the South Coast with Shaz and Steve playing hosts at their Milton home. How delightful to see everyone together. I love our family and I really appreciate that everyone loves and supports each other. We had Barbara and the boys visit us post Christmas after spending a couple of fabulous days in the blue mountains with Courtney as tour guide. Mike and Kay Chee ( our recent cruisemates) stayed overnight before meeting up with Kay Chee’s American family. We are looking forward to our adventure, a bit of pampering and fun with our new cruisemates Max and Ian who introduced us to the idea of Silversea. The day started early with a 6am pick up by our Blacklane chauffeur ( named Shady). A beautiful black BMW, a hug hello, assistance with our luggage and we are off to the airport. We arrive at 6.30 and are through security and up to the QANTAS lounge ( courtesy of our new cruisemates) by 6.45 am Mimosas in hand. A light brekky and a chat with our travel buddies and it’s off to the plane. Economy with exit row seats and we have plenty of stretching out space. Lunch is a very nice vegan ravioli and an excellent Chardy. Movie 1 Dumb Money which is entertaining. It’s a 14 hour flight to Cape Town and then a shorter domestic flight to Jo’berg. More movies and a few Bluey episodes and lots more food and we touch down in Johannesburg. The transit is tricky and we need to pick up baggage clear customs and queue and find our way around and we are bit concerned that we might not make the connection. All is well and we board the South African Airways flight to Cape Town. The best chickpea curry I’ve ever had is served and it’s about our 4th meal since we started! It’s a bumpy flight, turbulence due to thunderstorms. A smooth pick up from the airport and we safely ensconced at the Capital on 15 Cape Town with a Rose and Gin Fizz in the very beautiful bar. The room is lovely and we think we will be very happy here for the next 2 nights before we embark.Read more