Celebrating winter, friendships, and birthdays

I have been back in Edmonton about 6 weeks now, and have managed to spend three weekends on out of town excursions with friends. 

I posted an item earlier about my weekend to Jasper with Lisa and Louie.  It seems the lure of the mountains was strong enough to draw me back for another weekend at the Jasper Park Lodge -- this time with Lorraine and Bin, with whom I celebrated Bin's birthday, my birthday, and the Easter long weekend.

I also caught up with Roxanne, Diane, and Andrea on a girls' spa weekend escape to Red Deer, where we stayed at a guest ranch and celebrated Roxy's milestone birthday (I won't say which one !). 

Here is some evidence of our shenanigans !




Birthday girl stoking the fire.

Flannel pjs, a blazing fire, a hot beverage, and the company of giggly friends
-- what a way to spend a wintery weekend!

Karaoke Queens.
I got high score with Karma Chameleon. 
The deer did pretty well, too.

Sparkly evidence of our trip to the spa !



We woke up the next morning to find beautiful horses staring through our kitchen window. 
Our hosts were away at Cowboy Church.  Uh huh - there is actually a church for cowboys !

Saying hello to our new neigh-bours.



 






The artist at work ! - Painting Easter Eggs at Jasper Park Lodge.

Was it weird that we were the only people there without kids, and managed to make the most mess ? Heck, no ! 
Do you like my earth-after-global-warming egg ?

Lorraine's tulip egg.

Exploring the frozen floor of Maligne Canyon.



Other worldly !



Entering an ice cave, beneath a frozen waterfall.  How cool is that ?!

Looking out from inside the ice cave.

Yup - they actually climbed this.

A sign that spring is on the way.



Beautiful Lac Beauvert.



Fancy birthday dinner.

Fine food, wine, and friends -- What more could a girl want on her birthday ?

And I Say Hello...

I left Botswana Feb. 12, arrived home, Feb. 13, and was back at work Feb. 15.  After my first full week of work, my friend Lisa and her dog Louie took me to Jasper for a relaxing weekend getaway. It was a great chance to catch my breath and unwind.  Thank you !




Louie models the latest in mountain wear.

Main Street, Jasper.

Me -- back in my natural habitat !



The view from my 9th floor office on a snowy day.

The view from my 9th floor offfice on a sunny day.

My office cubicle is now clear, but was festooned in feather boas and Hawaiin leis when I arrived.

You Say Good-Bye...

Some of the friendly faces I will remember from my good-bye pool party.

Nothing quite like outdoor living !  Sigh !

Philip demonstrates adaptability.  I had no bbq tongs, so he used wooden spoons.

Scenes from my last days in Gaborone

36 friends and their families came to my house for a

Sala Sentle / Tsamaya Sentle Farewell Party.   

I hosted it at my house, as I couldn't pass up another opportunity to make use of the

awesome entertaining space (and pool and braai / bbq).  

When will I have this kind of space again ?

I was very touched by the kind words and turn-out.

Also, my house-mate prepared a farewell dinner for me,

and my colleagues at BOCAIP hosted a good-bye office party.

I am so fortunate to have worked, stayed, and played with so many wonderful people. 

We will stay in touch, and hopefully meet again !

My house-mate Anaisa prepares a yummy Portuguese cod and potato dish.

I will miss your sweet smile !

Some of the team at BOCAIP.

The ever gracious Mma Kwape.

Julia prepares drinks for the party.

Thank you for the kind words and gifts.

Magical Madikwe

Last weekend, I had a magical time in Madikwe, a game reserve just across the border in South Africa.  It is so close -- less than an hour and a half drive away, including time for the border crossing. I can't believe I had never been before !  

I accompanied Amanda, a WUSC Leave for Change volunteer wanting to have the safari experience, and we were joined by my friends John, Naki, and Tomek on Sunday. 

I found accommodations for Amanda and I at Motswiri Lodge, a 5-star luxury lodge, and we were not disappointed.  It is low season, now that the holiday rush has abated, and we had the whole lodge to ourselves ! We were thoroughly spoiled -- gourmet meals, game drives -- we didn't have to lift a finger.  And it didn't hurt that they charged us less than half the normal rate !

Can you blame me for planning to go back again this weekend ?  Yes, I am heading back tomorrow with Anaisa, my Portuguese house-mate. I have only 3 weekends left here, and I am thrilled to be able to spend another one in the bush.

Here is a taste of what we did and saw:

Amanda and John, in the Motswiri Lodge lounge.

Naki and Tomek.

The gang, at Jaci's Safari Lodge for lunch.

Amanda and I with our guide Andre.

Roughing it in the bush.

Our gorgeous room, with fireplace, spa tub, and outdoor shower over-looking the water hole.

Amanda's first safari experience !



Yup - We got this close !



Flat tire from following lions over the stony terrain.

Can't forget the little guys !

Hyena with remnants of wildebeest.



Rhino.

The kudu is my favourite antelope.  I love the curly horns!

Lunch time!

Wildebeest.

We followed this black maned lion for quite a while.   

He was looking for his pride, and would call out for them every now and then.

Eventually, he gave up and flopped down under a tree.

Have you got my best side ?

Chin rest.

Mom and babe.

This pride of two lionesses and nine cubs was feasting on a zebra.