And now from sunny South Africa

Where do I start? First, the end of England. To keep it very brief, had a fun week up North with Mike and his girlfriend Selina. Spent Easter weekend in a place called Masham (pronounced Masam) with friends of Mike's and their huge black dog.





(that's us walking in the Dales - on the way to the pub, of course)

Also, got to see Mike at work...feeding the sheep...



and through the various demonstration project (for all you garden people out there, take note of the living willow fence...nice, huh?)...



Then flew to Cape Town.



I have now met most of the family again - all the uncles and aunts, but not yet all the cousins. Spent the first day walking around the neighbourhood - with an uncle as escort, of course, since there are not many places in this country where you can safely walk alone. Then taken on a driving tour of Table Mountain and the coastline, to help me get my bearings. Also went to a play called "Under the Syringa Tree" about two families' experience of the apartheid era. Such a surreal experience watching the story unfold surrounded by an audience who experienced this history so intimately. And went to temple yesterday with Athe (my eldest aunt) and in traditional dress too - but have no pictures of this momentous occasion, I'm afraid. I know it sounds like I'm running around, but the pace of my days is actually quite mellow. Already, I've sat on a few beaches and watched a few turquoise waves lapping at the lovely sand. I can feel the relaxation taking over my body like virus.

And today I have been driven to the centre of town and allowed to wander on my own accord. Such a treat. I'm finding it hard to find a balance between safety and paranoia, but am told that the town centre is relatively safe and there's lots to do, so we'll see.

So, that's it for the moment. The rest of what I wanted to say has fallen victim to a technical difficulty, so it will have to wait.

Love to you all,

s.