Russell and Sue Hodge have recently returned from South Africa. Their African experiences will feature in a series of paintings for Sue’s August Exhibition at Rosnay Organic Wines.
Russell and Sue Hodge have recently returned home from the adventure of a lifetime in South Africa. Their original plans for a pilgrimage to Israel were turned upside down, so instead of giving up on an adventure they decided to visit friends in Africa.
The first week was spent in Cape Town, the hub of tourism on the south coast. They went firstly to Robben Island, the historical prison that housed Nelson Mendala for 18 yesrs. This gave them some real insight and understanding of the history and culture of South Africa. Their guide on the island was a passionate gentleman who had himself been incarcerated as a political prisoner on the island for 12 years.
While in Cape Town they also went up the famous Table Mountain, where the weather was perfect and the views to die for. They enjoyed an evening dinner tasting traditional African dishes while being entertained by traditional drumming demonstration.
The World of Birds highlight was the very cute squirrel monkeys climbing all over a delighted Sue. The beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden, the Two Oceans Aquarium and a yacht cruise around the harbour were reminders of the rich natural beauty that finds a home on land and in sea. Seals basking in the sun, dolphins and penguins were common sights around the harbour.
Back to Johannesburg they travelled three hours South East to Nambiti Private Game Reserve. Not only were they spoilt at the Nambiti Plains 5 Star Lodge with all the luxury delights, but Sue nearly burst at being able to see all the big five. 20 Elephants came to drink from the resorts pool metres from where they stood. Rhinos wandered past their bedroom window. A herd of buffalo stopped the Safari vehicle in its tracks.
Giraffes were everywhere and on the last day they saw cheetah’s stalking a herd of wildebeests. “Coming upon the cheetah’s as they began their chase was a 12 second adrenaline rush I will never forget,” said Russell.
They actually didn’t think their adventure could improve, but from the game reserve they were taken by friends to the Drakensburg Mountains. Again, wining and dining on too much food, activities included an excellent falconry show and hiking in the mountains (not Russell – he slept in). The Drakensburg Highlight was the famous Drakensburg Boys School Choir concert. This was an excellent performance with drums, dance and song, including the night sounds of the mountains. Russell said “I didn’t have high expectations of a school boys’ choir but my mind was blown, my spirts lifted above the cloudy sky, and my heart filled – absolutely amazing!”In the last week they experienced a gripping retelling of a major battle at Rorke’s Drift between the Zulu’s and British which took place in 1879. The guide had their full attention retelling this tragic story. With a couple of days to go shopping and sensory overload recovery from the previous couple of weeks was on the menu.
Sue taught an art lesson and did some painting. These paintings were in preparation for her August Exhibition featuring her African experiences at Rosnay Organic Wines.
Sue and Russ loved South Africa, the sounds, the sights, the animals, the people, the natural beauty and history. “We would go back in a flash” says Sue, “But, first Israel is still on the radar.”
