Here is a picture of me and my brother when we lived in Malawi. I haven’t been back to Africa since then so I don’t think I’m going to have anybody recognising me in the street:-
My kids are flying off tomorrow to Cape Town with their dad. I have a few more days before I go. I am reading “The Africa House” and a book on Zambia, I am getting really excited and am even not minding my kids going before me because I’ll be seeing them a few days later.
But I have NO IDEA what to wear. Apparently South Africa is bloody freezing and they have had snow in parts for the first time in years. So, CT might be cold and wet. Then I have to be appropriately attired for safari followed by G & T’s at sundown. African bloggy mates???? What is the new form:-
Cowboy hat (obviously I don’t have but it’s what the gorgeous Janelle always seems to be wearing, although that is normally when she’s on a horse)
Long socks (to avoid scorpions? See – no idea)
Jeans?
Will my Blundstones do or do I need trainers? Long boots? (knee high, not thigh obviously)
What to wear in the evening?
What about for the kids? Long sleeved tops?
I have NOTHING in bush colours and will not blend in to savannah type scenery at all. Does this matter? Will it mean I will be the one attacked by marauding animals, which was not part of the plan?
HELP. Need to be very sparing as can only take 15kg including all my camera stuff so no room for ANY mistakes.
Janelle
July 27, 2009ok so no white for bush. everything sees white. and red. take greens browns blendy colours. boots good for evenings and WARM things because its apparently freezin in zambia too. layers…so you can peel off when it warms up..and LOTS of anti mozzie spray….long sleeves and jeans at night..and babes, DEF a cowboy hat. der. malaria big in the valley so be careful. cover up after 6. always check shoes for scorpions. …aherm. that's it really….safari njema and SO SO WISH i could be there but alas, not this time….XXX j ps: word veri elerap…ellie wrap? which reminds me pashmina VERY hand out there…!
Mud in the City
July 27, 2009I'm packing cashmere for Cape Town – light and warm. The snow is only in the mountains (in the Berg according to my Granny) and whilst it might well be cold, it shouldn't be arctic. Taking a mac as well – pesky Cape storms!
As for safari attire – I will gracefully step aside for Janelle/Miranda et al – they're the girls for that conversation!
(P.S. landing at 10.20am at CT on the Monday, when's your flight?)
family affairs
July 27, 2009Brilliant – two girls to the rescue within 10 minutes of posting – fab thanks so much.
Am now obviously worried about malaria and scorpions and where to buy a cowboy hat.
Mud – flight details mysteriously keep changing but think am now leaving at 10.50 on Monday for Jburg so guess our paths will cross at the airport!
Lets def arrange to meet on return back to London Lx
Shiny
July 27, 2009CT today is 26 degrees, but that is most unusual. Normal Winter day between 10 and 20 degrees but it can be wet and windy. I've just been up in Joburg where daytimes are beautifully sunny but nights are freezing! Dress like an onion – in layers and bring warm socks and a good raincoat. I shall put a good word in to The Weatherman for sunshine for you x
Expat mum
July 27, 2009I was just about to voice my envy at your upcoming trip (apart from the girlfriend thing) and then read Janelle's comment. Erm, perhaps not for me.
Anne aka mum-e
July 27, 2009Main thing to remember is that Cape Town has the most amazingly gorgeous restaurants and bars so take some lovely evening things to wear! For safari you need layers. Jeans, vest, long-sleeved T shirt, sweatshirt, hat.
And yes, a pashmina or three. But who would ever travel without one?
Working Mum
July 27, 2009When I went on safari in Kenya (I know, totally different country, but may help) it was hot in the day, but cool at night; I wore short sleeved shirts and shorts in the day and threw a fleece on top at night. I managed a week's safari sharing one sports bag with husband (we weren't allowed cases), so don't go overboard with the clothes, not necessary. Camera and zoom lens, however, very necessary!
Anyway, just catching up on your last 18(!) posts since I've been away. So glad your daughter is feeling better, any kind of flu is horrendous never mind the hyped up swine flu.
I've missed most of the Swine Flu furore so I've been reading the facts on the NHS website, have noted the symptoms and the website for the Pandemic Flu Service and am off to the chemists to buy a thermometer. Just hoping that the governement decide to keep the schools closed this autumn, but that's for purely selfish reasons 😉
Enjoy your holiday
WM x
Millennium Housewife
July 27, 2009eau de lion, really had me laughing! Cheers!