NEW COUNTRY, NEW HOME & NEW OPPORTUNITIES!
29th November 2023
Having visited Haenertsburg & the area for 14 yrs plus, I underestimated how much there is to still learn. Like most emigrants, I've had to find my way round, locate specific shops, remember when to put the rubbish & recycling out, adapt to shops closing earlier & literally acclimatise to a South African winter that can mean wearing a T shirt in the daytime & putting an electric blanket on at night!
In spite of many steep learning curves, it could have been a lot harder without my close friends living nearby & the wonderfully friendly & supportive community in the village of Haenertsburg. I have never been so genuinely welcomed or offered as much help as I've received here in just a few months. I think my navigational skills are improving too as I don't spend as much time on "scenic tours" of Tzaneen or other local venues!
Spring has appeared as if opening curtains after a long, dark night & being blinded by strong sunshine highlighting all the colours, shapes & textures that nature freely offers. Warmer temperatures are extremely welcome & clear, blue skies accompanied by birdsong lifts my spirit enormously. It's such a beautiful area, surrounded by mountains, forests, dams (reservoirs for the non South Africans)& stunning flora, fauna & breathtaking views, made magical by the light of South Africa's 'golden hour.'
With this banquet of sensory experiences on my doorstep, I'd hoped to update my website & build a new collection of cards, canvases & other photographic products quicker than has happened. I'm constantly chasing my tail with "admin" which consumes vast amounts of time & does nothing to improve my blood pressure. I'm currently renting my UK property & despite notifying utilities of my departure, they seem not to be able to read &/or remember. However, I've decided to share some of my recent work in a new gallery on the website to celebrate the fact that despite load shedding, the cold & cost of living burdens, nature continues to bloom & delight us all.
In spite of many steep learning curves, it could have been a lot harder without my close friends living nearby & the wonderfully friendly & supportive community in the village of Haenertsburg. I have never been so genuinely welcomed or offered as much help as I've received here in just a few months. I think my navigational skills are improving too as I don't spend as much time on "scenic tours" of Tzaneen or other local venues!
Spring has appeared as if opening curtains after a long, dark night & being blinded by strong sunshine highlighting all the colours, shapes & textures that nature freely offers. Warmer temperatures are extremely welcome & clear, blue skies accompanied by birdsong lifts my spirit enormously. It's such a beautiful area, surrounded by mountains, forests, dams (reservoirs for the non South Africans)& stunning flora, fauna & breathtaking views, made magical by the light of South Africa's 'golden hour.'
With this banquet of sensory experiences on my doorstep, I'd hoped to update my website & build a new collection of cards, canvases & other photographic products quicker than has happened. I'm constantly chasing my tail with "admin" which consumes vast amounts of time & does nothing to improve my blood pressure. I'm currently renting my UK property & despite notifying utilities of my departure, they seem not to be able to read &/or remember. However, I've decided to share some of my recent work in a new gallery on the website to celebrate the fact that despite load shedding, the cold & cost of living burdens, nature continues to bloom & delight us all.