We flew from London to Johannesburg on Friday 6th March.
Despite all of the negative publicity surrounding its opening,
we were very impressed by the new Heathrow Terminal 5. |
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The flight on BA was very pleasant and we arrived in
Johannesburg on time on Saturday morning. |
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We were soon in Benoni,
where Mom made us most welcome by giving up her home to
us for our stay. |
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Geoff soon spotted a Loerie
in the garden |
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After unpacking, it was
off to Jackie's, where we were introduced to a smiling,
happy, great-nephew for the first time. Hello Slater! |
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A big thanks to Ros for making a quilt specially
for Slater. He seems to have grown attached
to it already! |
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...not forgetting Ryder,
who has grown amazingly in the year since Bruce saw him
last. |
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On Sunday morning, Jackie
took us the nearby antique market, where, by concidence
the monthly market was being held.
It was very busy and there was some good stuff on offer,
but clearly they knew the price of stuff, so there were
no
bargains to be had this time. |
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In some respects, Benoni
never changes. The street scene below is almost exactly
the way it was forty years ago! |
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Sunday lunch was big family
event, hosted by Jenny, Des, Donna and Justin.
It was lovely to see everyone again, all in one place (almost),
and be treated to an amazing feast! |
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Ryder was a little scared by the family tortoise,
which
was let loose in the garden.
(Justin doesn't look too happy having to clean up
after it!) |
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At Kelly and Christian's place,
with Slater looking very contented,
riding on the back of his nanny. |
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Ryder, playing with his
great-grandmother and (below) in his spiderman outfit, looking
rather angelic...
...mmm, not sure if his mother agrees with the angelic bit... |
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More street scenes, Geoff
is still fascinated by things that many South Africans hardly
notice |
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Below: Benoni's most "famous"
landmark, the old (gold) mine dump, now slowly disappearing
as the spoil is being re-used |
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The house in Railway Avenue,
where the Gamble family lived for 56 years from 1939 onwards.
It is now a "crisis centre", along with three
adjoining houses. |
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Geoff and Clare take their
turns at holding Slater |
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More street scenes, this
time near the East Rand Mall. Pictures taken by Geoff
and made possible because Bruce was doing all the driving!
(Geoff, please note, Bruce can still drive!) |
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Below: We were amused to
be handed purchases,
for which we had not yet paid, in a cage,
to stop us walking out of the shop with them! |
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Ryder playing with his new
planes and play mats, while Slater comes to terms with his
new walker |
