Paul left a week before as he needed to be in South Africa to help his Mum pack up the house. It is very strange staying by yourself when you usually have your husband with you every day.
The housing we live in does not have a lift, so I have 9 flights of stairs to negotiate every day. So with Paul not there on the day I had to leave, I had to try and get my luggage and hand luggage down by myself. And yes, I hurt my back. I was in a lot of pain. And worse than that, it started raining. Thank goodness my DiDi came quickly and off to the airport.
At the airport, I managed to find a pharmacy, and buy some pain tablets. I also met Zoe Fryer, a friend from school, who was also going to Hong Kong airport. So we decided to travel together as we were on the same flights to HK.
When checking in, the lady at the desk could see I was really battling to get my bag off the trolley, because of the pain in my lower back, told me to wait and got someone to help with the lifting of the bag. All checked in and ready to fly to Hong Kong. The flight was rather empty, so I was able to take a seat in the middle rows and had an empty row all to myself. It was more comfortable with my back.
Zoe and I walked around HK airport as we landed around 5.00pm and our flights were only at 12.00pm and 1.00am respectively. We had something to eat and I went to another pharmacy who sold me some ointment to rub on my lower back and hip. Every two hours I had to rub some ointment on which relieved the pain to some degree. Then it was time to board my flight. Zoe and I said our goodbyes and into the line I went.
When I got to the desk at the gate, I handed in my ticket. She scanned the ticket, put it to the side, scanned another and said to me that my seat had changed. She placed it in my passport and my hands were full. I could not pull it out enough to see the seat number. All I could think about is I bought a seat in Premium Economy, please don't put me in a seat in Economy. Well when I got to the plane door, I was whisked away to the LEFT. If you know what I mean when you get shown to turn to your LEFT, you get ushered through to Business Class. Yes I was UPGRADED. Man it was awesome. First time in Business class. And the way I felt, it was the best seat I could have asked for.
I ate,
slept,
woke up China's 6am,
slept again,
woke up,
ate again.
I did enjoy being in business class.
And I got to Johannesburg all refreshed. Still sore but I am sure it would have been worse if I was still sitting in Premium Economy.
The next day it was off shopping for Christmas and for all the things I have missed living in China.
Drooi Wors and Biltong
The Butchery
Of course the chocolates
Christmas was very special this year as Paul's Mum and Dad were celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary as well. So the decor resembled Christmas as well as the colour, gold, for the anniversary.
Family is everything.
As a family we also went to eat at one of our well known restaurants - Spur. It was so nice spending time with family.
Here are some of the tasty food that was ordered. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
We also visited the Lion Park. It was a lovely drive and all the animals were out and about today so we were treated to some great sights.
If you travel to South Africa, Johannesburg, this is definitely a place to go and visit. Please just make sure you follow the park rangers directions as well as the rules of the park.
Love the colours of this cub's eyes.
We also were in time to have breakfast.
And as quick as our holiday began, so it came to an end. I only get 1-week holiday from school, so it was a quick visit. There were lots of friends and family I could not get to see, but next time we will be able to stay longer.
Keep reading and I will keep posting.
