African Wedding

Hi all,

We drove from Tzaneen thru Pretoria and on past Jo'burg for the wedding. It was a 5 hour drive through savannah, mountain and arid settlements. Everything in SA is a long drive. It was a gorgeous day and we stopped at Charlene's house near Pretoria. She is Marie's sister and a stunning 6'2'' blond.

The wedding chapel was strewn with white rose petals the length of the pews as the bride and groom exchanged vows, rings and kisses.

As the newlyweds exited, people threw feathers and cheered their nuptials.

Marie and Pepe, the handsome couple!

Marie, her mom and sister Charlene posing for the camera.

The lakes and river where so tranquil that I was transported to another time and place. Oh, right, I am in another time and place!

A covered bridge over the river made for an exquisite site.

The walkways were filled with flowers as well as river stones.

After the wedding, cocktails, fruit and cheeses were served on the patio. Quite lovely! The cheeese was in three tiers to represent a wedding cake, and then dismantled so it could be served. Many waiters walked around serving platters of billtong (a sort of beef jerky), quiches, fruit on skewers and dried fruit.

The wedding was fairly traditional, but the reception was different. The couple entered with smoke billowing as much as the bride's skirt. When the dancing commenced, all the couples were performing ballroom dances. It was interesting to see them twirling around on the floor. Sort of like Dancing with the Stars! When it was time for the speeches, the groom spoke while all his bachelor friends gathered their chairs around him and sprayed him with silly string! They razzed him while he thanked his parents and of course his new wife.

The food was a buffet of lovely simple meals. Salads with prawns, beef, chicken and fish dishes, rice, small, roasted white and sweet potatoes and roasted veggies. They have a veggie garden on the premises. Dessert was tiramisu, brownies and more fruit and cheese. Delicious.

We drove home afterwards and arrived at 1 AM. Exhausted, but happy.

Today we are just chilling but tomorrow possibly another bike ride. A special smile out to HM.

Love,

Kerry