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“Home is people. Not a place. If you go back there after the people are gone, then all you can see is what is not there anymore” Robin Hobb, Fool’s Fate

I was going home. Alone. Which wasn’t how I had pictured it, but necessary for the opportunity to be a part of my family’s celebration of my Grandmother’s 90th and necessary to begin to clear a path in the chaos we had left in our wake of leaving. I was blessed out of my socks by quality time with people I love, being spoilt by my family and good friends, and getting to embrace some of South Africa’s finest sights and experiences.

I really felt spoilt at the chance to go home at this time, especially as we hadn’t planned it this way. When we left South Africa, despite having booked a return ticket (at a random date for us to change when we knew our own plans better) we had every intention of only returning after a year. But sometimes things happen that change our plans, and sometimes things seem too well orchestrated to not take advantage of the situation. This was kind of the story as to how I landed back on home soil after only 6 months. Our random return date that I had chosen to comply with the air flight booking happened to fall a day before my dear grandmother’s 90th. However, Guy was in the middle of his final master’s term,and was thus unable to leave due to the pressures and deadlines on him. My new job that I had only begun two months earlier were very understanding and relaxed about my leave, making it much easier to decide to “just do it”.

As it turned out, my entire family on my mother’s side made the effort to be together- the first time I have been apart of a complete reunion in too many years.

The Ferguson Family celebration (photo courtesy of my dad, Ian Wicks)

My wonderful family and Grandmother, Dotty

My cousin surprised us all by flying in from Los Angeles and we had two nights of connecting, laughing, gambling and jesting amongst the Ferguson tribe. Celebrating with my gran was so special, considering that a week after our arrival in the UK, my grandfather had passed away and we had not been able to return for his funeral. Seeing my gran, and my family all together was incredibly heart warming and special. How many more we will have? This was all made the more special and significant by my sister’s engagement that had occurred the weekend prior to my arrival. I was even more grateful to my parents who sacrificed a day of their time with me so that I could have a day with her in her new home, shared by her and her fiancé. The sparkling news of their engagement was celebrated by us on the Thursday night, and I was lucky enough to see pictures of her ring to be, and join in the discussions and plans for the engagement party and wedding.

The newly engaged Trace and Dave, celebrating with French Champagne!

My parents spoilt me in many many ways. One of the things I have always loved to do in South Africa has been to go to the ‘bush’. My gran’s original party plan was to be held at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi game reserve, until the Johannesburg family felt it was too far to come for a weekend. I was devastated with the news that I wouldn’t be going to the bush in my short trip. Mum and Dad came to the rescue and booked us two nights in my favorite camp-Mpila. A hilltop unfenced camp, with views for miles over the Kwazulu Natal countryside. One has to be constantly alert as wild animals from hyenas to bush pig and antelope walk past your front ‘stoep’ at all hours and with little warning. You cannot leave your meat in the braai unattended as the hungry scavenger Hyenas will do their best to get your food before you do. This scenario ended up with us all sitting around the fire and Dotty (my 90 year old granny) having the golf club at her side in case we needed it!

Sunset at Mpila camp, Umfolozi (thanks Dad for the pic)

We were incredibly privileged in our one full day there to see lion, wild dog, rhinos, elephant and all the antelope. Buffalo, hyena and beautiful birds and birds of prey were also amongst the list. There is nothing quite like the silence of the bush and the beauty of the animals to restore one’s soul.

My time was much too short with my family. There is no doubt about that- just when we were all starting to really catch up and help each other with things at their home, I had to leave to go to Cape Town. Sitting on the plane made me realize why people often take two weeks just to be with family, as being together and getting used to one another takes time. People are layered, and we slowly start peeling off layers the more we relax and unwind with those we love.

Cape Town: where a trail of appointments awaited me , along with a list of chores, people to see and places to go. There’s no doubt that I love my family and being with them was fantastic, but I love Cape Town as well. Flying into the city (in the jump seat thanks to my dear Captain friend!) and looking at the beauty of Table Mountain and the peninsula mountains, brought to mind so many happy memories, adventures and experiences shared with my darling partner and great friends.

Two full days is never enough in Cape Town, not least when one has Pilates exams, dental appointments and trying to rummage through umpteen boxes left at three different destinations. Trying to see everyone who is special to me (and us) was impossible. So if I didn’t get to see you this time, I promise I will make sure I do next time. The friends I did get to see, it was so special being able to catch up, laugh together and be a part of your lives again. Thank you. You enrich our lives so much, and being with you for those short moments reminded me of how lucky we are to be able to call you our friends.

Good friends at Massimo’s Pizza restaurant – Guy’s favourite

Good friends at Massimo’s Pizza restaurant – Guy’s favourite

A walk on Table Mountain with Pete and Andrea and
their new baby Daniella

With darling Czerina

Good friends at Massimo’s Pizza restaurant – Guy’s favourite

Simon and Theresa (Guy’s brother and sister-in-law) and sweet Pixel

Amazing Ironman Elize and myself

With dear Lolita and Nico

All too soon I was on the plane again and heading out. This time with tears in my eyes as my plane took off, bound for Heathrow. My four bags (!) were not nearly big enough for all that I wanted to take with me. So many South African delicacies or designs that embody the vibrant culture and nature of the people and land we love. It reminded me why I am proudly South African, irrespective of where I presently live. It made me want to live with more memories of home around us so that people who know us here in the Uk can know our beautiful land and country as well. It made me want to plan my next trip home with my husband so that he too can feel the depth of love, gratitude, pride and appreciation that fills my soul.

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways In which you yourself are altered” Nelson Mandela, The Long Walk to Freedom