The day has finally arrived. After all the agonising over our Green Cards which luckily arrived in the nick of time, we are more or less packed and ready to leave. The washing machine is merrily singing away, my orchid has gone to a friend’s house for a holiday, and time is on my side.
Over breakfast this morning, I looked at our South African news site, and was dismayed to see a report that Skabenga, the Oyster Box Hotel’s friendly resident cat has gone missing. Some of you may have seen him on my birthday blog a couple of years ago. The report says that he didn’t seem too well over the weekend, and was booked for a vet’s appointment on Monday, but disappeared on Sunday. He has never been known to leave the hotel grounds before, and there is a search party out looking for him and also an appeal on their FB page. I do hope he’s okay.
My usually friendly Mr. GBH seems to be sulking since I told him that I’m going to be away for six weeks, and that there’ll be no more photo shoots for a while.
We have a cute new resident who keeps popping his head up out of the water. Usually by the time I’ve fetched the camera, he’s disappeared again, but today I did manage to shoot him. Being a turtle, his name has to be Terrence
PS: I’ve just seen a report that Skabenga has been found in Phoenix, a township a few miles away from Umhlanga, and has been returned to his posh home just in time for High Tea. So all’s well that ends well, but to have been found so far away, he must have been ‘catnapped’. I’m sure he was less than impressed. There was a generous reward offered, plus a one night stay at the 5 star hotel. It certainly does make one wonder.
Next time you see me, I will be in London for a couple of nights, recovering from jet lag. Have a great rest of the week.
I just went to FB on this & see that someone commented to someone else that the cat is back! π
This is a fabulous shot of Mr. GBH. Just wonderful!
Thanks ,Paula. I think he would be quite pleased with it. π
Love Terrence’s nose π
Hahaha. It’s very pert, isn’t it. π
With that reward, I am not surprised Skabenga was napped π Looking forward to the latest from South Africa.
Me too, Madhu. I’m sure there’s a story behind the story. π
o piovero bellissimo gattone! speriamo che sia stato ritrovato…a volte si allontanano ma poi tornano, sono molto liberi e girottoloni i mici
π
Thanks so much for your comment, Linda. This particular cat never usually strays beyond the hotel grounds. He knows a good thing when he sees it. He is the most pampered cat ever. π
So happy they found the kitty! Safe travels to you.
So am I! Thanks so much for the travel wishes. Just an 11 hour overnight flight away from our destination. π―
Safe travels! And I’m so glad about your MIA cat. They often disappear to die. I thought that was the case and am happy to hear he is back at home! I’ve always wanted to visit London. Say “Cheerio!” to the Queen for me! π
Thanks, Lorna. I waved at Buckingham Palace, but don’t know whether Queenie waved back. π
Hope I’m not too late to wish you a safe and pleasant journey. I just got back from a very much shorter trip myself. It was fun, but I’m tired. (Can’t call it jet lag when I’ve been traveling in a camper van.) π
Thanks Gunta. Just woke up after sleeping for 9 hours. Lovely day here in London.
Enjoy your trip and early b-day wishes to your mum.. π
Thanks so much. π
Beautiful cat.
Thanks, Connie. i hope to see Sakabenga at some time during our visit. π
Very relieved to hear the good news about Skabenga. And I’m sure GBH will be over his sulks by the time you return. Happy, safe travels Sylvia! Nice to know you’ll be only a couple of hours away for a day or two at least π xx
Thanks so much for the wishes, Sherri. We’re having a great time so far. So looking forward to seeing family again. π xx
Mr GBH looks handsome even when sulking! and i must say hello to T! glad that Skabenga is back in his posh residence. Wishing you and Hubby wonderful time! π
Thanks so much, Lola. Just an 11 hour flight away now. π
Good that Skabenga was found again. He looks so cute resting in the chair! May you have a great trip to London. Enjoy it!
Thanks, Otto. That ‘chair ‘is an old Durban rickshaw which stands outside the hotel foyer. π
Safe travels. π
Thanks so much. π
Safe and happy voyaging. Think how pleased Mr GBH will be when you return. π
I do hope he misses me just a little. π
Have a wonderful trip and perhaps tell Terrence to keep a keen eye for Mr. A.
Thanks, Sue. Yes, I think Terrence could end up as quite a tasty morsel if he doesn’t watch out. π
Cute post AD2P – so glad the kitty was found. Have a wonderful time in London!!
Thanks so much, Tina. π
wow – that is crazy to think that he might have been cat-napped – but things like that really do happen (sadly) – anyhow, I like the look of Terrance π and cute to Mr. GBH sulk….
Thanks, Yvette. I’m so happy that the ‘fat cat’ is back where he belongs. π
wel that is some tummy on that cutie – ha! many years of good eating I assume
Too many ‘High Teas’. π
ha! β
Have a fabulous time. Glad they found the kitty. π
Thanks so much, Linda. π
Have a wonderful adventure!
Thanks so much. I’m sure that we will. π
Safe Travels! Looking forward to future photos! π
Thanks, Lisa. I’ll be sure to take a few pics. π
Certainly sounds like a case of catnapping. Pleased all is well that ends well. Safe travels my friend…
I so agree with you, Pauline. Thanks so much for the travel wishes. One more flight tonight. π
Nice pictures of the good frinds of yours. I could help trying imagine how you tell Mr. GBH and his first reaction.
Thanks, YC. I hope MR. GBH got the message that I will be back. π
Hope your travels go smoothly and I’m sure mr GBH will get over it when he sees you back safe and sound.
Thanks so much. Yes I’m sure he’ll be fine whilst I’m gone. π
Safe journey, Sylvia!
Thanks so much, Geralyn. π
have a fabulous and safe trip Sylvia!!
Thanks so much, Mary. π
Glad the cat is back.Wish you a save travel
Thanks so much, Marylou. π
Glad the cat made his way back home. Safe travels, Sylvia. Have a FAB time!
Thanks, Nancy. One more flight to go. Tonight we’ll be flying high for 11 hours. π
Safe travels… And I am again reminded that the cats do indeed have 9 lives.
Indeed they do. Thanks so much, Rebecca. π
Have a safe journey! My GBH will just have to be patient and await your return. π
Thanks, Elaine. Yes, that’s exactly what I told him. π
Have a good journey! Where in London will you be roughly?
Thanks Ute. Staying at the Hilton Gardens Hotel near Hatton Cross . We’re taking the train into London today. Not sure what we’re going to see yet. Where are you ?
Hatton Cross is a bit far away . I am in East London in Leyton! I am working though. Just checking! Enjoy London!
Thanks. We’re having a great day. xx
I wish you a safe and pleasant travel , thanks for the photos and the story…..
Everything’ s ok , it seems!
Thanks so much for your kind travel wishes. One more night flight to go. π
Safe journey and enjoy London!
Thanks, Gilly. We were very pleasantly surprised at the weather here. π
Veilig reis Geniet elke oomblik
Thanks so much. Happy weekend to you. π
Jy het die koue saamgebring !
I happy to hear Skabenga has been found. Now you can take new pictures for us.
That’s a turtle? It’s huge! It looks more like a Manatee. Safe travels!
Thanks, Jill. I hope to see Skabenga during our time in Umhlanga. π
~Looks again~ sori! but uhm who’s or if I may, what’s the new visitor? π
I’m sure he’s a largish turtle, although I only saw his little head and the top part of his shell……..very briefly. π
They are a shy bunch alright π
Safe travels , glad things worked out so well;)!
I’ll be looking forward to your England shots
Thanks, Kathy. I didn’t take many photos, but will post the few that I have. π
I’ll be watching π and look forward to the read π
The cat story had a good ending and it sounds like you are ready for your trip. All your lake side critters will miss you. π
Yes, Thank goodness Skabenga was returned safely. Only he knows what really happened to him, and I guess he’s not telling. π