Ronwyn's Travel Blog

Two months. Just TWO months! It's such a strange feeling. My Canadian adventure is still far enough away to feel completely surreal, yet suddenly close enough to be downright terrifying! After years of dreaming, planning and wondering whether this adventure would ever become a reality, things are actually falling into place. Packing lists are taking shape, winter clothes and travel essentials are being set aside, and little by little, things are finding their way into the suitcase. And somewhere between all this excitement comes the slightly alarming thought: Oh my goodness, I'm actually doing this! Travelling such an enormous distance on my own, navigating connecting flights for the first time, and facing the sheer scale of the journey is rather daunting. I've flown internationally before, but this feels like an entirely different adventure! Meanwhile, life continues at its usual frantic pace. Work is buried in year-end audits, and there are still a thousa...

It was with great excitement that I received the news a short while ago that my Canadian visa had been approved. That excitement very quickly turned to shock and horror when I discovered that I had only six months in which to use it! And so, a decision was made… “I’ll be dreaming of a white Christmas” is going to become very, very real this year. ❄️ Today officially marks three months to go! The air tickets are booked, accommodation is booked, the trip is taking shape and the excitement is most definitely building. There are mountains to see, snow to play in, adventures to be had and a whole new corner of the world waiting to be explored. Canada… the countdown has officially begun! 🇨🇦❄️✈️

At very short notice, my neighbour and I decided to do a girls weekend away and go to Parys!  The place holds very fond memories for me as my first trip there birthed the development of my garden with vigor.  As I sit on my back stairs today, I enjoy the beauty that began through that inspiration and it it beautiful!  Parys to me is the art deco capital of our country and the beautiful Bree street holds a treasure trove of antique, vintage, clothes boutiques, leather, semi-precious jewel and crafty stores that stimulate my creative brain to no end.  Even more so, a short drive outside of town in almost any direction you can see the majestic hand of God's creative universe as you behold the crater ridge of the Vredefort dome astroid impact site.  The town has enjoyed beautiful development since my last visit and it was wonderful to see how much it has grown.  Bree street itself has many more stores further down than before.  This amazing lit...

25 & 26 May These last two days have been hectic.  We got up at 4am yesterday to proceed for our 05:55 flight from Glasgow to London. Glasgow airport was absolutely packed so early in the morning that it was a bit of a shock.  Once in London we decided to check into a day hotel for some snoozing and then we showered before our long haul flight back to SA.   Once back at Heathrow the return trip proved to be as much of an education as our original landing.  A lot of walking and up and down stairs for the various processes.  The suitcase self check in was cute.  Mom and I both took aisle seets and we checked in our suitcases which gave us more leg room thus slightly better experience, but I'm still not impressed with the A380 in terms of toilet facilities.  Landing back at OR Thambo was good and a new experience for me to go through international arrivals but all went smoothly.  We are home now but mom has still got one more leg to go to ge...

24 May For our last day in Glasgow, Mom booked the red bus. We crossed fingers with the weather and fortunately it was cold but no heavy rain.  We only managed 2 stops with 3 buildings and it was still worth it. The architecture in Glasgow is amazing and I really enjoyed this very old city.  And it amazed me that though this was a Saturday, the city was pumping with people and activity.   The first building was an old church that was being used to house a religious tolerance museum and quite frankly left me scratching my head more about what had become of humanity.  We then went over to Glasgow cathedral and that was truly awe inspiring. It's a massive multi-level building with fascinating architecture.   We then headed off to Kelvingrove art gallery and museum and I'd wished we had gone there earlier. The building alone from the outside is spectacular and we arrived to hear the most beautiful organ recital on the 2nd most beautiful organ pipes I've ev...

23 May Today we started back on our journey home with the first leg taking us from Oban back to Glasgow to check in the car.  But before leaving Oban we stopped at Mc Craig's Tower. A bizarre incompleted round structure with high arches. It's an abandoned building project with little info as to what it's intended purpose was but makes for beautiful photos. We then took the drive back and bypassed Loch Lomand where we stopped for tea and scones.  The final leg took us back to the car hire for which we have been so grateful.  Thank you Budget!  We have driven 1433 miles and have been delighted with the beauty and splendour of Scotland!  We have checked in now to the Holiday Inn at the Glasgow airport for 2 nights.