A wave of melancholy hits me as I start paging through my travel folders; the longing to go to some of my favourite places is so intense right now; will I ever get back and will it ever be the same again?
Where is that box of tissues right now 
You've chosen a heck of a theme in Places I would go after lockdown as I’m stuck here at home with no prospect of a Sunday drive to the beach which would include a slow stroll along the promenade with an ice cream in one hand and the sound of kids' laughter and the waves crashing as it breaks on the shoreline.
Or I’d take a drive to the rolling green hills a little inland and perhaps drive further to see the majestic Drakensberg in the distance!
Thank heavens for memories, but I really cannot decide just exactly where I would like to go once this horrid pandemic subsides so I will share the three that I REALLY want to go to, cannot wait to make the final decision once that day comes along!
GLENMORE BEACH
Glenmore Beach down the South Coast of Kwazulu Natal is one of our favourite hideouts as it's only about a two hour drive from home and has a bit of everything for the entire family.
I could go for a swim in any of the little bays or lovely swimming beaches nearby, take long walks on wide stretches of sandy beaches, stop by the shipwreck along the way; and clamber on the rocks or pathways to see if hubby or friends caught anything yet on the enormous rocks which is a fishermen’s paradise. How I'd love to be there so I can watch the whales, see the sunrise over the ocean plus hopefully have a couple of shad for the pan!
CARIBBEAN ESTATES - PORT EDWARD
Secluded sandy beach with nothing to see but the sea...and seagulls...long stretches of sand...the sound of the waves...the ocean breeze…and good friends to share it with.
This sprawling eco-estate borders on the Umtamvuna River on the south and the Indian Ocean on the east, is the perfect spot to share with friends; magnificent plantation style villas with a massive balcony giving views of the ocean and the river is the perfect getaway with friends or family. This is the place I could stay at forever , would love to have been in lockdown there and take a scenic walk through the conservation area down to the river or the beach, the perfect spot for bird lovers!
CHAMPAGNE VALLEY, CENTRAL DRAKENSBERG
My heart is also tugging towards the awe-inspiring Drakensberg mountain, especially the Champagne Valley in the central Berg and only two and a half hours drive from us.
Our favourite home away from home here is Champagne Sports Resort where we stay in large thatched cottages that can accommodate the whole family and some friends.
I will go on one of the scenic walks and breathe in the fresh mountain air, take a drive to the nearby farm bakery and buy freshly baked sourdough artisan bread, visit Falcon Ridge where they rehabilitate injured raptors and then watch these hunters of the sky swoop in to catch their prey. Of course I would not miss going to see the Drakensberg Boys Choir perform at their school right here in the mountains.
Sitting on our patio talking nonsense, playing board games with much laughter or just gazing at the wonderful views of the beautiful mountains is how we start and end our days here.
I still can't make up my mind, but this I know; I have enough memories to see me through the period ahead and I pray for a miracle that this will all come to an end sooner than expected as far too many lives have been lost already in this horrid pandemic.
Thank you for stopping by
