IN TRANSIT

Off I went, heading to the country of a thousand facets. Home to a huge variety of species, pittoresque landscapes and it's rainbow nation, South Africa is and always will be my home. I therefore undertook my yearly trip with great excitement and eagerness. It all began with a 3 hour TGV (high speed train) ride from Avignon to Paris, followed by my 7 hour PARIS-DUBAI flight. Then came the long wait, 8 hours filled with reading, photographing, walking, more reading, a lot of window shopping and no actual shopping at Dubai's grand duty free. That taken care off, I was able to board and after a smooth enjoyable flight landed at Oliver Tambo International Airport. Quite an epic journey but it was so worth it. I am finally home!!!

JUST CHILLING

What a night! Got back from the barbecue in the early morning hours, managed to get an hour sleep before heading out to the station to catch my train for Avignon where I'll be spending a week before commencing my long journey home to South Africa. I am quite excited at the thought of seeing my family and spending quality time with my friends. In the meanwhile though I plan on relaxing and enjoying my time in beautiful Provence.

A SUNSHINY DAY AT THE BEACH

(Palavas les flots)

Summer is here people! But let me start by stating that the heat in south of France is unbearable. Going outdoors almost seems like an heroic act. Therefore I happily welcomed a trip to the beach! What a cool refreshing day it was, away from the city's (Montpellier) actrocious heatwave. Hardly a 20mn drive and i found myself in breeze haven. After spending a few hours on the beach and walking around the marina and town I headed to a friend's place for a tentalising barbecue...not what the doctor ordered for my weight issue but well, we only live once so I might as well make the most of it! (Palaves les flots, June 25)

Aaaah relief!

Well well it sure has been a while since I've posted anything. I have been so busy and engrossed with my final exams that I haven't photographed anything and kind of negleted the site. So in order to redeem myself, here is a little account of my hectic day.





It all started at 6am, I got up early so as to read through my notes, got ready and headed out for my four hour exam. Painful is not powerful enough to describe that paper, but well I did my best. Then i had to rush over to my doctors for a
very important appointment (I was an hour late but the secretary and I are friendly so she squeezed me in). He greeted me with a very friendly "Oh my, you have gained weight", just the thing every girl wants to hear. Once that was taken care of, i had to rush back to campus for the afternoon exam paper. Another excrutiating one but I somehow managed to survive it! Headed back home and savoured the feelings of elation and lightheadedness, realising my exams were over and I was free!
My roomate (also a great friend) and I decided to go out and finally watch Sex and the city (we had been putting it off for the last 3 weeks. It was sheer laughter, I truly enjoyed it even though I am not a hard core fan of the series (let's say I'm a moderate fan..lol). After the movie, we took out some sushi (maki) and headed on back home to savour our japanese delicacies. The perfect end, to a not so perfect day!!! (Montpellier, June 24th)

TRIP TO THE ZOO/ TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE!

Except for the lack of sunshine, today was a beautiful day. A friend and I decided to spend the day at the zoological garden. Watching the different species of animals as well as the inquisitive and smiling faces of the toddlers at the zoo was like a trip down memory lane thereby setting me straight back in my childhood. Here are a few photos of the different animals we encountered.


Some picture might be a bit fuzzy (indeed to my greatest despair, I am not the best of photographers ...but well you know what they say, practice makes perfect so I'll keep perservering). In the meantime, enjoy!!!


Baby Sham and mom



Lioness (lionne)




Zebras during lunchtime





What is she staring at?







Stunning red Ibises perched on a tree (des ibis)









Macaws (des Aras)





(June 15 2008, Montpellier)

HERITAGE

One of my favourite places: a French medieval village that goes by the name of St Laurent des Arbres. A charming little village surrounded by vineyards, a true testimony of France's cultural and historical heritage. (June 9th 2008, France)

A NEW DAWN!

5h30 AM, all is still, aside for the singing of the birds. What a peaceful time just moments before the city comes to life!

Rooftops of Montpellier (June 13th 2008, France)