Gratitude - Dec. 7

1. Again, all people who help me get through a day
2. Gratitude journal and Peggy Cappy's encouragement
3. Did not get bug going around (at least so far)
4. Conference calls via web
5. Holidays and days out of office

Can you believe the Cleveland Orchestra is doing a Bugs Bunny concert?

Bugs is to take center stage at Severance Hall. Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig are to assist. The show features cartoon programs projected on a screen and live music by Rossini, Tchaikovsky and others.

To add to this cwaziness, a professor from Case, "a renowned expert on the topic of classical music in cartoons" Daniel Goldmark is to give a lecture and sign his books at the bookstore at Severance Hall.

This is also a display to celebrate the 50th anniversary of What's Opera, Doc?

So, the performance lived up to the promos. Chuck Jones' daughter made a special appearance and gifted to the orchestra an very large original painting her father made of the scene in What's Opera, Doc of Elmer's love interest on a horse (love interest is Bugs dressed up in what the narrator/conductor called a Madonna-like outfit which actually was a good explanation).

The end of What's Opera, Doc, which I had not seen before was incredibly good. The Rabbit of Seville which I have heard many times before was very good on the big screen, which Jones said is how is was meant to be seen. Plus, the conductor said it was meant for adults.

The orchestra was its usual self but when they played the Blue Danube, a piece I never really liked before, I actually did like it. They have probably played it so many times and each time they make it transcend like they are known to do. I don't know how else to explain it. It sounded different than any other time I heard it.

New topic - Can you believe this is to be Sacha' last weekend in Africa. I am grateful that she is to return soon and ask God for a good trip back

Leaving Durban early we head west towards old country roads that will take us through many forgotten farming villages and rural Zulu Kraals with traditional homesteads nearby. We recommend guests to have breakfast as we do not do breakfast on the morning of departure but snacks are available on the vehicle. {Snacks provided are muffins, chips and fruit} The drive climbs almost a mile in altitude and as we head towards the Drakensberg peaks we will eventually come to a stop on a working farm in the Little Berg.

A horse ride is available to all and opens up great opportunities for photographs from the top of the mountain. Lunch is served during the ride when we take a break to breathe in the mountain air and marvel at the 3000 meter Drakensberg escarpment. If you don't fancy a horse ride the guide will be more than happy to arrange a walk to explore the surrounding areas. Having arranged our accommodation we will settle down late afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the western peaks of the Drakensberg. A campfire lights up the night as we enjoy the evening of stars and a hearty meal.
The accommodation is done in rondavels {round hut} boasting all the facilities necessary for catering and hot showers. Linen is supplied but we do suggest a sleeping bag for cold nights as the temperatures can drop below zero degrees. * Lunch and Dinner provided

DAY 2:

Breakfast as they say is the most important meal of the day and will definitely boost our energy for the days hiking ahead. The aim of the hike is to reach the escarpment where many sites of San Rock Panels can be found. Once on top of the mountain we will visit some of the best examples of the rock art that was done centuries ago. The San Panels are national monuments and guests are asked to please follow the instructions given to them by their guide. A daypack lunch is provided as we look in wonder at the 300 000 year old setting.

The walk will depend on the ability and motivation of the group. The walk is considered to require a certain degree of fitness but can be done at a reasonable pace for all walkers. Paths are clearly marked and allows for guests to rest or move back down the mountain to just sit by the river, soak in some sun and view the mighty Drakensberg escarpment.

No matter what you choose to do your senses will always be in overdrive as the Drakensberg is recognized not only as a world heritage sight but a botanical hotspot and is alive with colour in all seasons. Eagles are often spotted in the clear skies and the surrounding grasslands are home to Eland, Baboons, Common Reedbuck and more.
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided

DAY 3:

Heading out to Underberg we pick up our 4 by 4 and leave to start our journey up the spectacular Sani Pass into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. The road to Lesotho climbs up 1200 m in a space of 20 km and is only accessible by 4 by 4. PLEASE NOTE PASSPORTS ARE NEEDED FOR BORDER CONTROL PURPOSES AND TO COMPLETE THE DAYTRIP TO BASOTHO VILLAGES Photographic opportunities are endless as the views from every angle
are spectacular. Once at the top we visit a local community village giving us insight into the daily life of the Basotho people. If we are lucky we may even have a chance to sample the bread, which in my opinion compares with some of the top bakeries in the world.

Lunch is served at the highest pub in Africa before we start our descent of the Drakensberg Mountains and head for home arriving in Durban at approximately 7:30 pm.
*Breakfast and picnic lunch is provided Buffet lunch at the Sani Top Chalet is optional at own cost