A visit from Nana

At the end of August and beginning of September my mom came to visit us in South Africa.  Since it was her first visit we had to pack in as many adventures as possible.  Luckily she came a few days before Adalyn’s birthday and was able to join in on the party fun.  Like a helpful Nana she held Grant during the party so Mark and I could have both hands free, but I am guessing she did not mind. 

Serval

The first weekend here, we took her to the Rhino and Lion park so she could experience a mini game drive and get up close and personal with all their small animals.  My mom was able to pet 2 serval cubs, a couple months’ old white and brown lions and an 11 year old cheetah.  It was nice to have one stop to knock all those animals off her list.  

Lions

Lion

Cheetah

After we wondered around the park for a while we went to the restaurant nearby to have waffles topped with ice cream, a local treat.  We were able to watch some giraffes eating their lunch, and although I was bummed they were too full to eat from our hands, it was still pretty awesome. 

During the week we took Nana grocery shopping with us, and to watch Adalyn at swim practice.  I think she liked to see what our normal life here is like.  One day we ventures to a local craft market so she could pick up some souvineers.  The vendors heard her accent and offered her the “tourist price”, but luckily I was there and helped her get some good buys.  She did pretty well negotiating with them and I don’t think she really needed my help, though it was fun to shop together.  

One afternoon we went to Hartbeesport Dam area to ride a tram to the top of a mountain and see the breathtaking view.

We enjoyed a nice walk around the top taking in the sights, all while being lead by our trusty guide (Adalyn).  She sure is good at bossing you around, but luckily we did not mind and followed her along the paths.  After stopping for some scenic photos, we headed back down.  

One of my favorite things about South Africa is all the tea gardens you can enjoy lunch at.  A few times I took her to my favorite places to try the Roobois tea and scrumptious sandwiches and salads while we sat outside in what felt like the countryside.  

School was not in session for Adalyn but I did drive my mom by the school so she could see what we have been talking about all year.  Adalyn enjoyed the nonstop playmate she had in my mom, and I don’t think Nana has played so much Barbies, Minnies and colored this much in years.

 Grant got his fair share of hugs and kisses from Nana, showing off his smiling grin and adorable squeals.  

Adalyn, Nana and I spent one morning getting manicures and pedicures and ventured out to the local clubhouse park for the afternoon. 

We enjoyed several walks around the neighborhood and even a drive through our neighborhood reserve to see the zebras, kudu and impalas.

 

The weekend before Nana headed home, we drove up to Ukutula to experience their lion program.  We stayed the night and split the activities up between the days.  On the first day we all were able to pet lion cubs that were about 3-5 weeks old.  Cuddly and cute just like little kittens they were so sweet to interact with. 

Next Mark and Nana went in with the “Little Devils” as the lodge calls them, the lions were about 3-6 months old and so much bigger that Adalyn and Grant has to stay outside their enclosure. 

Though that did not stop the lions from figuring out that small children were on the other side of the wall and they came to greet us anyways.  I was impressed the lions could tell Grant was there since I was wearing him, I guess a cat has some pretty amazing senses.  After the petting sessions were done, my mom and I followed the guide to view the other animals such as cheetahs, tigers, adult lions, servals and caracals.

That night we sat down for dinner and enjoyed the quiet of the countryside intermixed with the lions roaring to each other.  The next morning my mom and I went on the lion walk with 2 lions that were 1 year and 10 months old.  It was awesome to have just the two of us on the walk with no other visitors. 

For 45 minutes we walked behind and sometimes right beside the lions as they enjoyed a stroll through the bush, pausing to catch dead chickens the guide would toss into the air. 

It never gets old being able to get so close to such majestic creatures, hearing their sounds and watching them interact with each other.  After our walk we headed back home for one more relaxing day of playing with nana.

We all enjoyed having my mom come, and I could not have asked for a better visit.  You never know when houseguests come and stay with you for a few weeks with no ability to venture off on their own how it will go, so I am glad we all enjoyed the time together.  I was sad to see her leave for the airport and it made me remember all the friends and family back home that we miss so much.  I wish everyone could come visit this amazing country and get a glimpse into our lives here.  Luckily, Nana is planning a return trip and we have more visitors with my Dad and Steph coming next month.