Allons! we must not stop here,
However sweet these laid-up stores, however convenient this dwelling we cannot remain here,
However shelter’d this port and however calm these waters we must not anchor here,
However welcome the hospitality that surrounds us we are permitted to receive it but a little while.
(Walt Whitman, Song of the Open Road)
We knew this time would come. Allons! We are being transferred to Zurich, Switzerland.
It has been a whirlwind for a few months. And it still is.
But we want to record some of the amazing people and experiences that have enriched our lives.
I think whatever I shall meet on the road I shall like.
(WW, Song of the Open Road)
Kresta and I visited one of Joburg's up-and-coming artists, Zwele Machepha, in his studio in New Doornfontein.
We celebrated Michelle's one-year anniversary working with us. We love her!
These are my friends from Kate's school. We get together monthly so our kids can swim and play while the moms eat and chat. (Me, Charlie, Ushara, Kathy, Christine, Fiona, Angelika, Lisa and Monique taking the pic).
Jeff worked in Ethiopia.
We helped Nomatter and Viola move from Diepsloot to a new home in Cosmo City. Yay!! Nomatter worked and saved and bought this home for her family.
Michele's siblings (Lori, Jon, Wendy, Steven) and nephew (Briggs) came to visit!
Wendy, Briggs, John, Michele, Jon, Steven, Lori at Johannesburg LDS Temple
At Gary Stephens's art studio in Ellis Park
Sakhumzi Restaurant in Soweto
Church with Mary
Always time to fit in a board game
Lion Park
Rosebank Craft Market
We all went to the Imbali Lodge in Kruger!
We stopped at a roadside stand on the scenic drive home
John surprised us with a 50th birthday party while the sibs were in town!
Charnell helped :)
Linda and Michael Dunn
Jenny Cook and John
Todd and Kresta Johnson
Steve, Glynne and Rhonda Hamilton
Sara and Jon Mangum
Alan and Leigh Chazen
Mella, Sipethile, Busa, Pumza and Alungile Sixishe
Claire Young created this gift during the party by getting everyone's thumbprint and signature
At the airport. It was so sad to say goodbye!
A few days later, Jeff, John and I flew to Zurich for a looksee trip. In 3 days, we did four extensive international school tours and found a great option for both kids! In our free time, we did quick sightseeing in the beautiful postcard city that will be our new home!
John and I flew back through Amsterdam and met up with Jannelle who was on her way to visit us in SA! (Jeff started his new job in Zurich!)
Friends for 50 years! At Escondido, Ilovo
Volunteering at Diepsloot Combined School
We went on safari at the Nungubane Lodge in the Waterberg. We had great sitings and had so much fun with the other guests at the lodge.
Two of those guests, Anne and Andre (from Hamburg) went to dinner with the kids and me a week later when they were in Joburg after an additional week of touring.
In South Africa, we are having a drought. A friend took this photo of a dust storm at Madikwe. That's an elephant on the right.
Where's Waldo Day at Kate's school.
Meanwhile, in Zurich, Jeff used the train to get to work
(contrast the picture above to his commute in Johannesburg below. Yes, that's a taxi barreling down the median).
got his cellphone charged by a biker,
and test-drove a Tesla.
Here is Kate at a Springboks rally before the Rugby World Cup. She has become a Bokke fan!
Jeff and I are still fans of another team in a land far, far away!
Go Royals!
Allons! the road is before us!
It is safe- I have tried it- my own feet have tried it well-
be not detain’d!
(WW, Song of the Open Road)
