Its Workaway time

I’m spending lots of time with Cherine who is full time permanent and pretty much the back bone of the hostel. Lucky for me she's relaxed and i enjoy working with her .

One of the hostel old cats Felix, has been unwell with a tumour in his tummy and he’s lost a lot of weight. Sadly today was the day Felix was due to be put down.
I accompanied Cherine to the vets so she wasn’t alone, she was so upset - and we stayed with Felix and said our goodbyes whilst he slipped away.
Felix was 14 and a legend - a sad day
Glad I got to meet him though .
Hayley and Braam - the hostel owners invited me out to a local tapas bar for its closing party, which was so much fun, and i met a lot of local people. We really got on well - its a shame they are off on holiday tomorrow so i wont see them for a month.
Im learning to find my way around here, the house is huge and also consists of a couple of other properties across the road. Max occupation is 70 - it makes me quake to think what it would be like if it was full!
As its winter here we have open fires burning and sunshine outside, the best of both worlds.
The resident animals, Jock and Ellie are great company and the whole vibe is very realxed here. Its more than a hostel, the rooms are beautifully decorated and much though has gone into making it a more of a home, lots of pictures, books, fire pit, braai, and friendly faces.
Tonight im doing my first eveing alone here, im a little nervous but hey, what could really go wrong?
Once im a little more settled theres plenty of activities and walks to do, its such a vibrant area and i cant wait to explore it more.

Touchdown SA

After a very early morning drive to Stansted (thanks Kim and Ian) a short hop over to Frankfurt where I enjoyed a ten hour layover (anything for a cheap flight!) I was almost looking forward to the 11hr 45 min flight to Capetown by the time we boarded! The flight went smoothly and I arrived in Capetown at 8am, grabbed some cash and met my pickup driver. The weather was misty and overcast but warm. The driver was wonderfully informative even stopping to show me viewpoints along the way. Soon the skies were blue and the sun shone. Arriving at Hermanus Backpackers I was welcomed warmly and soon settled in my room. I spent the day wandering around town. I’ve had so many warnings from friends about danger so I was a little wary but heeded advice to stay to the main areas and take good care of my possessions. Hermanus is an incredibly beautiful place with rolling blue seas, majestic mountains and a strong arts vibe - quaint bookshops, sculptures overlooking the sea and fantastic foods. Prices are cheap and people are friendly. I think I’m going to like it here.

reflections and reset time

Today is the first day ive started looking up, away from the melee and brain funk the last few months have got me in.  Im back in 'Sarah' mode a little and starting to plan.
Its time to start thinking about packing and resetting ready for my big trip.  Ive spent so many nights wondering of it will be a month, a year or three years till i start that now ive only a few weeks it all seems a bit surreal.
Ive sorted and tidied and cleaned the apartment - this will massively help the family when they clear it.
Ive had some wonderful memories whilst doing this - and some amazing help from my friends too.
Soooooo Suth Africa, what have you got for me