Lanza and Xriss

June 20, 21, 22 For the past two days it has been cold and both Chris and I were walking around with closed up noses and feeling a bit off, so we have spent our days tucked under the blankets with boozing medicine. On 21 June we decided to try out the Pizzaria that we heard about and took a drive to the Tower of Pizza. We had the most fantastic pizza that I tasted in a long time. All the pizza names have been named after the different peaks found in the mountain range. Very original. They had shovels made into chairs and though it wasn’t as comfortable as a normal chair it was unique and gave the place a great atmosphere. The restaurant was built in an old colonial style, surrounded by big trees. ... read more

June 19, 2009 We woke up to unpleasant weather, it was freezing outside and we had no intention to get out of bed in weather like that. So we watched Pirates of the Caribbean. When the movie finished we came outside to see that the day has turned out to be perfect, and packed some lunch to go do some hiking. We went on the Gudu Falls trail, and I think both our lungs was about to pop out, the steep incline we had to pass was ready to kill us. We frequently stopped to catch our breath which sounded like steam trains letting off steam. It was a horrible feeling and I thought I was going to faint. My walking stick became a tool to keep me up. When we reached lookout rock I didn’t ... read more

June 17, 2009 We woke up this morning after a peaceful sleep with rain softly on the tent roof. It is even more chilly today, Chris gave one of the workers the dishes from last night, and figure the R15 we pay is much better than washing it ourselves. He gets right back into bed and we finish Die Hard, which we didn’t manage to finish last night. We then decide it would be a good idea to drive to the closest town to pickup some supplies and to get the Landie checked out. But as we are on our way to get into the car we both realise that our cell phones are flat and if we pick up problems with the car we wouldn’t be able to phone any one, so instead we drive ... read more

June 15, 2009 What a beautiful morning, we were warm and we were still here. Chris is eager to see the mountains, and pops out the tent as soon as his eyes open. There are plenty campers in the campsite, and we get dressed in our warmest clothes. We start putting the rest of our camping gear up and make it home. When all is done we make a nice breakfast with some mutton sausages and semi toasted bread with cheese. It is so good and we finish off everything. We drive to the info centre to get some necessities and to get a map of all the walks in the area. We plan our routes of walks we want to do. We both take out our laptops and look like total yuppies sourcing the Internet ... read more

June 14, 2009 Before sunrise we are awake, watching as the sun peeks its yellow round head, and colouring the sky in yellows, pinks and a variety of orange. It is so magnificent. Again we gear up to start the final drive to our destination. We are excited and can’t wait to see the glory of the big mountains. We get to a town called Dundee, and do all our food shopping. O’ my, but the cost of food is so extremely high. We pack everything into crates in the Landie and then fuel up. Okey so the journey begins once again. The road is beautiful as we drive and we sing along to some Sunday tunes. Then just before getting to a small town called Ladysmith the Landie makes some funny noises. We stop and ... read more

June 13, 2009 Waking up to the smell of a cooked breakfast we start packing our goods and say goodbye to the lovely people in Empangeni. We stop at the Debonairs, for some yummy pizza and then hit the road. Our next stop will be one of our sister lodges; Isibindi Zulu Lodge; situated in the battlefields. Driving on a road we have never driven on, I have to be navigator, and I suck at it, to Chris’ frustration. We frequently stop in small towns and ask for directions. The drive is absolutely stunning, we drive on a small road between some high trees, then hit the flats, where local Zulu communities are clearly visible in the distance. We pass the turn off to Dundee and drive on a rather dodgy road with lots of potholes ... read more

June 12, 2009 So we are off to our journey to the heart of the Drakensberg, but this will not go without the usual hiccups. We recently got a baby kitten, and during all the madness of packing this little thing decides to run away. In the bush. Chris is behind her but fails to get her. So at about 7h30 we decide that it is no use looking for the cat, so we have to go on holiday without knowing if she will return. We drive the bumpy road next to lake Sibaya until we get to Sodwana bay. We fuel up, check all the oils, pump the tires and away we go. We are due to sleep at Ric, who we bought the Landrover from, but we have to make a stop at the ... read more

So this whole week Chris has been very secretive about a surprise getaway for me to some fancy resort. I love surprises and is so eager to know, but don't want to spoil the surprise, then after secretly telling some guests at the lodge where he is taking me to as a surprise, upon check-out the guests very eagerly says "see you at Mountain lodge". I stood there is awe not knowing what to do, should I say something or just keep quiet, so I just kept quiet, smiled and waved, while boiling inside for spoiling my surprise. So Friday comes and we are off to Phinda Mountain lodge. We are warmly welcomed by Richard the manager followed by a superb lunch. The decor and setting is absolutely stunning. Our room was so gorgeous. We had ... read more