A hoot at the gate, a strange car - nothing unusual if you're running an Airbnb.
All the guests were checked in already, but cars often stop at the gate, looking for last-minute accommodation. I do not entertain that kind of booking, as you never know, especially in a country where housebreaking and violent crime are rampant. I've had late-night callers, as late as 2 am, or as early as 4 am, looking for a bed after a night out. No, thank you, not at this address! I've learnt to ignore unknown numbers after hours!
So, I was ready to give this person the cold shoulder, but it wasn't necessary!
My ragdoll that I rescued from being dumped, yes, literally dumped, was very happy to have some company.
My current cottage guest is an expat who visits SA annually to see family. She was hijacked while still living in SA. That was the last straw. She grabbed the opportunity to emigrate years ago.
Naturally, she's on high alert when in SA, especially when entering and exiting any property.
Criminals are known to hijack delivery vehicles, or follow them and gain access to properties!
As my guest entered our property one night, a car behind her also drove in. She knew it wasn't our other guest and immediately went into panic mode! Her bottle of water flew everywhere, drenching her!
It was a food delivery, not a hijacker!
Back to the hoot at my gate on Monday. The best surprise in a long while! It was my youngest son, here for work; I got my dates all muddled!
It was just the tonic I needed!
Winter arrived overnight, accompanied by heavy rain. Flooding, roads collapsing, and my son had meetings all across the city, inland, and down the coast. News came in of a protest action at the coastal town he was travelling to, but police had dispersed the crowd by the time they got there.
You need to be tough to survive in SA, and not let every news report alarm you; one is always nervous of driving into a bad situation that's still unfolding.
Weird how ordinary people adopt a kind of herd mentality when in a group, and that is what makes it so scary!
My son starts a new job next week. His boss is travelling with him, as he has to do a handover of accounts. She's devastated at losing him, but that's what happens when you do not listen to experienced staff who've had enough of mismanagement.
Fortunately, they flew down, so they don't have to do the six-hour drive back home; otherwise, Mother Hen would have asked for a location update on the way back, as it's still raining!
Life is full of twists and turns; lessons aplenty, but hopefully we learn along the way!
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We are glad that your son arrived safely milady. We drive a VW Polo that's high on the high-jackers list, and a few times now we were followed. But I know the tricks how to shake them off, but it's never a pleasant experience. This country is rife with syndicates and criminals.
!PIZZA and !LUV
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I was very concerned when those reports came through of protestors on the N2, in the pouring rain 'nogal'!
I always worry about my one regular guest; the car hire company always gives her a VW Polo. This time around it was a Toyota, not sure what model - but it's a brand also high on the list.
I drive an old Renault Stepway, reliable and can't be hotwired, so they're not popular. Not to say you won't be highjacked if they just need a car to commit a crime! Awful that it's come to this😒
We just have to be careful, not going to stop us going places though!🤗
Exactly as you say madame, as even if hell breaks loose, it will not stop us from going places. But something good will take place in the near future, as our roads already shows the take-up of electric cars, and very few spares to sell, so the car hi-jackers will earn meagre incomes. We have not heard of one EV being stolen yet.
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Haha, that's one way to stop them, wish I could buy one of those!
We for sure won't let the criminals stop us from going places though, it's like being in the Wild West, except it's not Hollywood 😅
True, as it is expected to stop the stealing, but criminals are clever and let's see how it goes.
I agree with you, as that is just the way we are.
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Not sure if I ever told you the story about my friend from Taiwan who married a SA guy who left the country many years ago because he also found it too dangerous. She went back with him and their kids for the first time a few years ago to visit the in laws, They were out sightseeing one day at some remote but very nice place, and when another called pulled up, her husband hurried everyone back to the car and left because he was worried they might be in danger. It's so sad when you hear these stories
It's awful, we also get nervous when we spot another car or people coming from nowhere when in a remote area, but that's how it is.
I hope my younger son gets the opportunity to emigrate, they worry about me, but I can visit them both then for long periods. Would not leave for good at my age, my roots are too deeply planted here!
SA still is a country worth a visit, there are places you just don't go to. I'm sure it's like that in many other parts of the world.
Thank you for stopping by 🤗It's awfully sad @livinguktaiwan, it's such a beautiful country but with a corrupt government things will not change. The poor are the ones who suffer the most and unfortunately some are easily swayed to turn to crime as an easy way out.
False alarm, and how nice to have your son home.
Nice surprise for you. An incentive to keep going. Our children's visit is a great joy. Also in your garden I see you have many visitors. To you a hug and happy weekend. 🤗🥰
Oh it was very special, he misses me. I'm super blessed with two wonderful sons. My older son is coming to SA next month, really looking forward to that!
I hope you're keeping well @mamani🥰🤗
Rescue stories are always beautiful and that doll is polite is well behaved. 😅.
I'm glad your son has a new job I wish him success and happiness.
It is a pity that we live in sozobra, because of crime and because of corrupt governments that only care about stealing.
@lizelle 🫠🥰
Yes the poor little 'girl' was going to be dumped by my neighbour. I was horrified so brought her home, washed her and the clothes. She's too sweet☺️
It's awful, so true, a corrupt government is a recipe fo rampant crime with job losses etc.
We can only hope and pray for a miracle!
Have a lovely Thursday and take care!🤗 Thank you for the good wishes @soyunasantacruz, I'm sure he's going to be happy there.
Glad your son is there to see you and getting a new job. I can imagine how scary it would be to have people knocking on your door in the wee hours of the morning.
It was a lovely surprise, and I'm very happy that he got this new job, with much better prospects long-term, plus he gets a company vehicle.
Fortunately, we have high gates, and it's a distance from the house. It doesn't happen often, I ignore it, and they go away. Those midnight calls are just startling and very annoying; I just don't answer them.
Enjoy the long weekend @sunscape
Maybe I won't survive if I live there😬. Coz I'm not tough😂. So scary those hijackers😖. You're ragdoll looks happy now that she got a friend😁.
Haha my ragdoll is very happy with her friend😉Yes that is a scary thing, @asiaymalay. I would also be like my guest if that ever happened to me.
I have to look at your ragdoll twice to confirm if she's really smiling😂.
Haha, she's a very happy girl, do you see she also has her own little doll on her lap😅
She also has her baby doll😂
It's a relief to hear that your son arrived safely. It's good that the situation was under control by the time he got there. Oh! so living there teaches you to stay alert but not panic.😊
Yes I was very relieved! Spot on observation- stay alert but for sure don't panic...not always easy though!
Absolutely, it's not easy at all, especially when your heart's pumping aggressively and your mind's racing with a hundred what-ifs. But I know you're handling it well. Stay safe 😍
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Moon is coming - April 19th, 2025