Good times with old friends

So Neil and Mandy have gone back to the UK now, but this weekend, we'll be going away with Francois, Joanna and Patrick (another one of our good mates living in the UK, who is out on holiday). We met up with Pat briefly on the 24th Dec, before leaving for Madagascar, and again 2 nights ago. Its always great catching up with old friends that you haven't seen for a while, and going through all the stories and memories that have been shared over the years.

This weekend, we'll be going down to Clarens, which is a little 'arty' town near Golden Gate in the Free State. I'm told thats its quite picturesque and quaint - will report back on that one after the trip. We leave this afternoon, and are staying in a thatch cottage tonight, and Saturday night - and then come back on Sunday sometime. Will definitely be packing the mountain bikes, and a couple of good bottles of red wine...

Holiday in Madagascar

Well, the holiday is over now, and back to work again for K and I. Madagascar was fantastic though - we stayed at an island off the north west coast of Madagascar, called Iranja for 4 nights, and then at another (bigger) island called Nosy Be for 2 nights. We also spent a night in Antananarivo when we first landed, and although it was interesting to see, its not the kind of place you want to spend too many days in.

The islands on the other hand, were incredibly remote, and incredibly beautiful. 38 degree C temperatures during the day, and 60-70% humidity, ensured that we spent a great deal of time in the warm waters, and lazing about on the beach. I did a bit of snorkelling, and even got to see a turtle during one of the sessions. Besides the heat at night, and the lack of an aircon in the rooms on Iranja, the only major issue was trying to fight off all the mozzies. We lathered up in Tabard lotion and stick on, but that did not deter them at all. Having said that, we would gladly put up with the heat and mozzies, for the scenery and the food.

Our stay at Amarina lodge on Nosy Be was also very good - although the hotel was a bit more established than the palm thatched bungalows on Iranja (we enjoyed the rustic, natural experience). Mind you, by that stage, we welcomed the aircon in the room and felt we chose well in terms of accomodation, and the fact that we got a nice mix.

All in all, a great trip, and a great way to end off a tough year at work. 2005 was definitely the year of travel for us, having spent 2 weeks in Austria skiing, a week with K's folks in Australia, and a week in Madagascar. It'll be tough trying to beat that in 2006, but its the kind of challenge that I'll take pleasure in trying to beat. Here's to 2006.