Christmas has come and gone. And we gave some family members a very big surprise this year. We decided to go home for Christmas. I think it was the best Christmas present ever for our families.
So we, Sarah and myself, had to get ourselves all ready for our homeward bound trip.
So we, Sarah and myself, had to get ourselves all ready for our homeward bound trip.
And we headed home with bags full of presents and only a few items of clothing. Everyone was so excited.
Bags ready and waiting.
We were meant to leave on the last day of school, 19/12/14, but I received an email from Travelstart, who we booked through, to say our flight had been cancelled. I went from relaxed mode to panic mode. NOW WHAT?? They offered us the 24/12 to land on 25/12, but what was the use going home for such a short period. When we said it was no good, they then offered us the 16/12 to land on the 17/12. That was perfect. And so it was all sorted. But the countdown to the day we left took forever. Eventually it was the day to leave.
15 December 2014
School took so long. I had to try and keep myself
busy just to pass the time. Sarah told me that they were ready by 9 am and then they had
a long wait as well. At last 3:30 came and all the teachers came out with me to give us a big goodbye. (Like we were leaving for good. Ha Ha.)
We hired a private vehicle to take us to our hotel in Qingdao. It really beats taking the bus and is worth the extra money. He dropped us right outside our hotel and it took about 2 hours drive. We should have left earlier as we hit rush hour traffic in Qingdao. It reminded us of JHB rush hour traffic but on narrower streets.
We hired a private vehicle to take us to our hotel in Qingdao. It really beats taking the bus and is worth the extra money. He dropped us right outside our hotel and it took about 2 hours drive. We should have left earlier as we hit rush hour traffic in Qingdao. It reminded us of JHB rush hour traffic but on narrower streets.
We checked into the hotel and settled ourselves.
We then went to visit the mall next door to the hotel called Wanda Mall. We walked around then went and had Mac Donalds for supper, then back to hotel where I was able to enjoy a luxurious bath. Well I thought I would sleep well on a soft bed but I woke about 3 times and my back hurt the next day. Obviously hard beds are good for us.
We then went to visit the mall next door to the hotel called Wanda Mall. We walked around then went and had Mac Donalds for supper, then back to hotel where I was able to enjoy a luxurious bath. Well I thought I would sleep well on a soft bed but I woke about 3 times and my back hurt the next day. Obviously hard beds are good for us.
We woke up Early. Went to Starbucks for breakfast.
Their grilled chicken and cheese is awesome and a Caramel Macchiato.
Then it was time to check out. And they called a taxi for us. At the airport in Qingdao we could check in straight away and go wait air side.
Then the time came for our first leg of our journey home. We travelled with China Air, domestic flight the first part. They could not check our luggage in all the way to Johannesburg. And we were seated at the second to last row on the plan. Before the plane even took off you could feel the plane sway to and fro as the wind pelted it. There was so much turbulence we moved from sided to side until we landed. By the time we were in Beijing Airport Paul and I had to take nausea tablets. Then we had to fetch luggage as they could not check us in all the way through and recheck it back in again. Then a 3 hour wait to check in at Beijing airport. And no seats anywhere to sit on.
But our excitement didn't dwindle. We have been organising with Sanchia and Amanda the whole way how we going to surprise everyone. it was a long and tedious flight. It just felt like it went on forever.
Then it was time to check out. And they called a taxi for us. At the airport in Qingdao we could check in straight away and go wait air side.
Then the time came for our first leg of our journey home. We travelled with China Air, domestic flight the first part. They could not check our luggage in all the way to Johannesburg. And we were seated at the second to last row on the plan. Before the plane even took off you could feel the plane sway to and fro as the wind pelted it. There was so much turbulence we moved from sided to side until we landed. By the time we were in Beijing Airport Paul and I had to take nausea tablets. Then we had to fetch luggage as they could not check us in all the way through and recheck it back in again. Then a 3 hour wait to check in at Beijing airport. And no seats anywhere to sit on.
But our excitement didn't dwindle. We have been organising with Sanchia and Amanda the whole way how we going to surprise everyone. it was a long and tedious flight. It just felt like it went on forever.
Sanchia fetched us from the airport. We were so excited. We tried to exchange money at the airport through Travelex, but they wouldn't do it as my Chinese visa is not a permanent visa. Well, don't the people know in the foreign exchange business that you cannot get a permanent residency visa in China. Only yearly ones that are renewed every year. Anyway, we left it and headed home. Charmaine took off work to meet us so she could also see the expressions on the faces. Well we gave them a surprise alright. We didn't do anything but sit and chat. Amanda made a tasty lamb curry and Charmaine a tasty beef curry. It was also Brendens birthday so he came over to have supper with us. Later we
wrapped some Christmas presents. It was good to be home.
18 December 2014
We went to bank to get statements of our accounts because that is what Travelex wanted. Then went back
home to fetch the others. We went to centurion to take the 3 little girls shopping
and exchange currency. We decided to use the Bidvest Exchange and what a pleasure. They needed nothing other than our passports and our Chinese residential address written down. And there you had it, our currency was exchanged. I will now only use Bidvest bank. After we took the little girls shopping we then went to spur for lunch.
We went home and the girls had to model their new clothes for us.
They have gotten so big in the 18 months we were away. And our new addition, Sy'aan, is too cute.
We then got ready and went back to spur for their bottomless ribs with the whole family.
It was delicious. afterwards we came home and wrapped the rest of the presents.
We went home and the girls had to model their new clothes for us.
They have gotten so big in the 18 months we were away. And our new addition, Sy'aan, is too cute.
We then got ready and went back to spur for their bottomless ribs with the whole family.
It was delicious. afterwards we came home and wrapped the rest of the presents.
It was the 2 big girls turn to do some shopping, and we went through to Mr P and Cotton On. After a lengthy shopping spree we came back home and had the left over ribs from Spur. We were already tired of Spur food. Then we went to visit Aunty Eugene. Leanda was at work so we missed her. We stayed for the afternoon and when we got back home Charmaine and Derek came over for supper.
Today was a relaxed day. In the morning we went to Spar then to Food Lovers Market. It was so good to see the items written in English so we can understand it. Also to see all the food we enjoy so much. Then we came home and I made bacon wraps
for lunch. We were off again to the shops. This time we went to the Party Shop. We walked around and had some fun in the shop. Then it was back home and Paul cooked supper. Mmm.
We went to Church this morning. Although we miss family so much whilst in China, I can't tell you how we have missed Church. The atmosphere was awesome. I could have stayed there all day and soak up the presence of God. But time came to go home and we had a relaxed day and just served cold meat and rolls for lunch. Brandon came over with Marcelle and we ordered pizza for
supper. It was great catching up.
Woke up to a divine aroma wondering inside the bedroom. And Paul had gotten up early and prepared a hearty breakfast for us.
Thank you Paul. Then the ladies went for a full body hot stone massage at Illyria House in Pretoria. It is a very colonial style building. But inside there are different seating sections you can sit at. Each area is a different theme, such as Japanese, Arabian, weather inside or outside. We were given a room to change into gowns then we first sat in as many places as possible to take some photos, then we had scones and lavender tea. We also went and sat in sauna, but it was so very hot that Sanchia and I only could manage for 2 minutes. Ha Ha. The massage was a full body hot stone, deep tissue massage. It was awesome but the next day I was so sore. Paul and Anton came to fetch us and take us home and we all just lazed around as we were all just too relaxed (tired) to do anything else.
Thank you Paul. Then the ladies went for a full body hot stone massage at Illyria House in Pretoria. It is a very colonial style building. But inside there are different seating sections you can sit at. Each area is a different theme, such as Japanese, Arabian, weather inside or outside. We were given a room to change into gowns then we first sat in as many places as possible to take some photos, then we had scones and lavender tea. We also went and sat in sauna, but it was so very hot that Sanchia and I only could manage for 2 minutes. Ha Ha. The massage was a full body hot stone, deep tissue massage. It was awesome but the next day I was so sore. Paul and Anton came to fetch us and take us home and we all just lazed around as we were all just too relaxed (tired) to do anything else.
They were so relaxed they fell asleep on the way home.
While being in China it is very expensive to get expats Life insurance. So we decided to buy a policy during our holiday. So we went to Clearwater shopping centre to the spur to meet
Jacques to take out life policy with Discovery. We got a very good
product. I am impressed with them I must say. We had breakfast and did a little bit of Christmas
shopping. We got back at mid day. I landed up at Diskem where I bought some of the toiletries we needed to
bring back to China. We landed up buying supper later that day from Karinichas.
We woke up early this morning because due to the schedule of load shedding, we were going to have no electricity at midday, we decided to cook all the meat early. Which finished before half past two. And no, the electricity did not go out either, but it was done and then it was time
to relax and enjoy a braai.
We woke up early this morning and went to the early morning church service. It was super duper awesome. Then we came
home and some salads had to still be prepared, and Kerry and Sarah had to get dressed into Santa's little helpers. The children were so patient in a nagging way. Who'd blame them, I would also want to just open presents. Then that time came. There were so many presents it took a while to hand them all out. The children were so excited as were the adults. The children just ripped and ripped. Lunch was delicious. Tongue, gammon, pickle pork, lamb, salt beef with
butternut, beetroot carrot salad and roast potatoes. We all ate too much as usual. Then we just relaxed afterwards, lazing on the couches. Then later that evening we did a photo shoot.
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Thank you so much Kerry for doing the decor.
The Christmas cake - top layer red velvet and bottom layer carrot cake.
And then we took family pictures.....
And we wont forget about Santa's helpers....
We left JHB at 8:30am and travelled down to Pinetown. We
travelled in convoy with Derek and Charmaine who also went to Durban to visit Derek's sister. We went to pick up Nicole and it was
a surprise for her to see Sarah. She had no idea we were coming to SA. All the time we were in JHB, Sarah pretended to be speaking to her from China. Then we picked up Sami and
headed to Jo's for a braai. We had a lovely time seeing family again. Thanks Jo for your hospitality.
The trip was so long for the little ones.
Beautiful scenery
You cannot travel to Durban without stopping at 1 Stop Mooi Butchery - The best cabanosi and biltong ever.
Just wanted you to see the two pictures below - the top one is on the way to Rizhao when we got back and the other is on route to Durban from JHB. South Africa has no pollution issues.
Thank you Jo for a wonderful evening.
And the wonderful braai.
27 December 2014
Paul and I went to buy meat for the braai at Paul's moms place. O my word, I cant believe the prices in South Africa. Then I went to meet my friends
from Pjps, for coffee, at Knowles. It was so good catching up. Thank you to all who could make it. Afterwards we had a braai at Paul's moms
house. Then we relaxed at home. Tired of all the running around. (2 Weeks is a short visit)
28 December 2014
We dropped Sarah and her friends at another friends house for a her welcome back braai, which was also a surprise to most of her school friends. Then went through to Makro. I really can't believe how expensive Makro is now. Then before picking up Sarah, we went to say hi to Berenice and Mark. It was a short visit, but at least we got to see them before we left to go back to JHB. We were invited for supper and went to pick up the girls and headed off to Beth's. Thank you Aunty Beth. You know how to put on a spread. We left quite late so when we went to gateway so the girls can use the vouchers they received from Deon and I could use mine, we were surprised it was still open.
We dropped Sarah and her friends at another friends house for a her welcome back braai, which was also a surprise to most of her school friends. Then went through to Makro. I really can't believe how expensive Makro is now. Then before picking up Sarah, we went to say hi to Berenice and Mark. It was a short visit, but at least we got to see them before we left to go back to JHB. We were invited for supper and went to pick up the girls and headed off to Beth's. Thank you Aunty Beth. You know how to put on a spread. We left quite late so when we went to gateway so the girls can use the vouchers they received from Deon and I could use mine, we were surprised it was still open.
29 December 2014
We decided to sleep in a bit this morning, then had breakfast and afterwards drove to Pietermaritzburg to have lunch with my dad. We decided on cold meats and rolls, as we were tired of eating already. After spending a couple of hours with my Dad, we said our farewell and headed off to Pinetown again. Then later that evening we went to visit Daniel, Marie, Aunty Eugene and Leanda for supper. It was so good catching up.
We decided to sleep in a bit this morning, then had breakfast and afterwards drove to Pietermaritzburg to have lunch with my dad. We decided on cold meats and rolls, as we were tired of eating already. After spending a couple of hours with my Dad, we said our farewell and headed off to Pinetown again. Then later that evening we went to visit Daniel, Marie, Aunty Eugene and Leanda for supper. It was so good catching up.
30 December 2014
We woke early as Paul had to take his mom and dad to the airport as they were flying to JHB to meet us there. Then when he got back we packed the car and we were all heading back up to JHB. It was a long drive up. And when we got back we just relaxed.
We woke early as Paul had to take his mom and dad to the airport as they were flying to JHB to meet us there. Then when he got back we packed the car and we were all heading back up to JHB. It was a long drive up. And when we got back we just relaxed.
31 December 2014
It was another early morning as Paul and I had to go have blood tests done for the life policy we took out. Then I went shopping for some work clothes. Ooooh how I love shopping. Afterwards we came home and started packing bags as we were leaving on the 2nd back to China. But we had so much to take back I did not think it would all fit in. At 10:30pm we went to Acts Christian Church to celebrate the coming in of the new year, 2015. Inherited blessings in 2015.
It was another early morning as Paul and I had to go have blood tests done for the life policy we took out. Then I went shopping for some work clothes. Ooooh how I love shopping. Afterwards we came home and started packing bags as we were leaving on the 2nd back to China. But we had so much to take back I did not think it would all fit in. At 10:30pm we went to Acts Christian Church to celebrate the coming in of the new year, 2015. Inherited blessings in 2015.
1 January 2015
We woke up a little late this morning and we just lazed around. Charmaine brought Briyani for lunch. Awesomeness. Then I made a potato bake while Anton got the meat ready. NOU GAAN ONS BRAAI. And we did have a lekker braai. It had to be bed early for us so we could get up fresh so we can manage the next couple of days travelling back to China.
We woke up a little late this morning and we just lazed around. Charmaine brought Briyani for lunch. Awesomeness. Then I made a potato bake while Anton got the meat ready. NOU GAAN ONS BRAAI. And we did have a lekker braai. It had to be bed early for us so we could get up fresh so we can manage the next couple of days travelling back to China.
Yummy Yummy Yummy
2 January 2014
Today we checked weight of the luggage and made sure we had packed everything. Then I went with Sanchia to go and check if Sarah's unabridged birth certificate was there. We need it to get back into South Africa in July. After waiting in a queue for nearly 3 hours, learning that 6 people had booked off sick, standing in the rain first then in the sun, getting sun burnt, we eventually got it. And yes, it was ready in October all ready but they never sent the SMS. Some things don't change. Then we went back home where Charmaine and Derek joined us. Charmaine bought chicken bunnies, mmm, mommy made bean and mielie soup, mmmm for lunch. Then it was shower dress and off to the airport. Time waits for no man. It was great that the lady at check in managed to put our baggage through all the way to Qingdao. No worries. Then we sat at Wimpy for something to drink. Thanks Anton. Then it was time to say goodbye. Yes there was tears. It was so great spending time with family again. We miss that so much. Then we went through. The flight was not so bad as the one we came to SA on. But I could not sleep. Maybe an hour here and there. It was a long trip. When we got to Beijing, we had to go through two checks, and then through immigration. Yes they wanted to take everything out my hand luggage as they thought they saw a battery in it. Only after me telling them time and time again that I don't have one, they rescanned my bag and realised I didn't have one, so unnecessary. Then we got to our boarding gate and who is sitting there, Kathy. So chatting made the wait a little shorter. The flight was very bumpy but short. We went to get our luggage and and low and behold, nothing. When we went to enquire it was still in Beijing. Apparently we were meant to recheck them in again as the domestic flight was different to the international one. I mean really. So they took our details and Paul has to go back the next morning to fetch them as they were putting them on another flight to Qingdao. Then we caught a taxi to the hotel. We were exhausted. We each had a bath and it was off to bed.
4 January 2014
The next morning Paul left to the airport and thankfully our luggage was there and had not been tampered with. When he arrived back, we were off to Subway to have breakfast. It was yummy. We got back to the hotel, packed our final belongings and went and checked out. The driver was already there waiting for us. It was a comfortable drive back to Rizhao.
It has been a very busy holiday, and a very short one at that. Thank you all who made the surprise possible and thank you for spending time with us. We miss you all so much. We are now planning our trip to South Africa in July. At least we have about 6 week.
Keep reading.
Today we checked weight of the luggage and made sure we had packed everything. Then I went with Sanchia to go and check if Sarah's unabridged birth certificate was there. We need it to get back into South Africa in July. After waiting in a queue for nearly 3 hours, learning that 6 people had booked off sick, standing in the rain first then in the sun, getting sun burnt, we eventually got it. And yes, it was ready in October all ready but they never sent the SMS. Some things don't change. Then we went back home where Charmaine and Derek joined us. Charmaine bought chicken bunnies, mmm, mommy made bean and mielie soup, mmmm for lunch. Then it was shower dress and off to the airport. Time waits for no man. It was great that the lady at check in managed to put our baggage through all the way to Qingdao. No worries. Then we sat at Wimpy for something to drink. Thanks Anton. Then it was time to say goodbye. Yes there was tears. It was so great spending time with family again. We miss that so much. Then we went through. The flight was not so bad as the one we came to SA on. But I could not sleep. Maybe an hour here and there. It was a long trip. When we got to Beijing, we had to go through two checks, and then through immigration. Yes they wanted to take everything out my hand luggage as they thought they saw a battery in it. Only after me telling them time and time again that I don't have one, they rescanned my bag and realised I didn't have one, so unnecessary. Then we got to our boarding gate and who is sitting there, Kathy. So chatting made the wait a little shorter. The flight was very bumpy but short. We went to get our luggage and and low and behold, nothing. When we went to enquire it was still in Beijing. Apparently we were meant to recheck them in again as the domestic flight was different to the international one. I mean really. So they took our details and Paul has to go back the next morning to fetch them as they were putting them on another flight to Qingdao. Then we caught a taxi to the hotel. We were exhausted. We each had a bath and it was off to bed.
4 January 2014
The next morning Paul left to the airport and thankfully our luggage was there and had not been tampered with. When he arrived back, we were off to Subway to have breakfast. It was yummy. We got back to the hotel, packed our final belongings and went and checked out. The driver was already there waiting for us. It was a comfortable drive back to Rizhao.
It has been a very busy holiday, and a very short one at that. Thank you all who made the surprise possible and thank you for spending time with us. We miss you all so much. We are now planning our trip to South Africa in July. At least we have about 6 week.
Keep reading.
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