Pesca!

This is the story of how I got to name my post Pesca this week......last Sunday morning the sea was calm and seemed to be cleaner than usual - so I took the single surfski out and was paddling fairly close to the shoreline, I was really enjoying my paddle and shouted the odd 'bom dia' (good morning) to various fishermen who were catching shrimps with their nets. Just as I was thinking how incredibly friendly everyone is here I heard someone shouting, I looked around and immediately waved back and greeted, but the shouting became more urgent and louder - he wasn't just being friendly, it looked to me as though he was pointing beyond me, out to sea, and he was shouting 'Pesca! Pesca!' I immediately presumed he was warning me about a shark or something worse (is there anything worse?!). I quickly turned the ski around almost losing my balance and headed back the way I came at a very fast pace!
Well, I looked the word Pesca up in the dictionary when I got home - it meant fishing! Unbeknown to me, I was paddling right over the poor mans fishing nets! Next time I'll make sure that I don't paddle so close to shore...but I learnt a new word!

I went to check on my french friend, Pauline's, dog 'Socrates'. She lives in a house outside the complex and has gone to Paris for ten days - I offered to check in on her dog and cat and give them some love while she's gone. He's a very playful golden labrador, and only understands French. Adorable! I took some photo's to email to her.....








Some of the Gals - what a view!





Monday morning I joined a pilates class. It takes place on an open deck above a restaurant - with an awesome view of the sea. No charge at all - just a fun group of ladies who love their exercise. I thoroughly enjoyed it...and saw a school of dolphins swimming past.

The gym - on the top floor!

I finally finished my dhow painting and love it so much I've decided to paint a series - each one is so different. Here is my finished painting as promised.....

Here is a photo of the drawing group I go to. Beatrice is the artist who runs it from her house - she and her husband are missionaries from Brazil - they are very dedicated to teaching teenagers all kinds of life skills - drawing being one of them. She was quite happy for a few of us older 'teenagers' to join in. She is an awesome artist and has heaps of compassion and patience! There are some very talented artists in the group. What an incredibly generous couple.

I love weekends - everyone is so chilled and the beach comes alive with the local people - who love to spend time at the beach. Amazingly, no one gets drunk and rowdy and there are no taxis pumping out loud music.

We spend quite a lot of time just walking along the beach - yesterday we came across a beach wedding - we sat and watched a while....how beautiful are the colours!

I just couldn't resisit taking a pic of these gorgous bridemaids. How awesome is that orange against the blue sea -  sigh!










And of course the dhows are my absolute favourite! I can't resisit just putting a few pics in my blog...

I am learning to find my way around town quite nicely and was very chuffed to buy 8 tomatoes, 3 brinjals, 2 garlics qnd 4 onions from the local market for MZM50 - which is R11! I was even given an extra tomato for free - how special is that. So no more buying vegies at Shoprite for me! I've also found a local bakery where a french bread is MZM3 - which is 66cents and really yummy!

So - there is still loads of exploring to do. In the meantime, however, we have booked our tickets back to Durban on Wednesday. Johan will be there until Saturday, I will stay until the following week - yay real lettuce and Woolies! Really looking forward to spending time with family, friends and my dogs! I've only been away for a month and yet it feels like a year!

Adeus until next time!