Bye bye sunshine

When we arrived back home on Wednesday morning, that old devil just

couldn't wait to show us his sharp claws!

While we waited to collect our luggage, the passengers grew less

and so did the luggage.

I waited patiently for my familiar bag to show itself, but waiting for

what seemed an eternity, I had to except the fact that it wasn't

going to appear on the Airport carousel.

That's when the "fun" started, and believe me, I wasn't laughing!!

I clearly remembered the day when we checked in at the South

African Airport, and I remember the young trainee who behaved very

confused and nervous about the luggage story, and I remember Girl-child's

words to me "Mom, I don't like the look of this guy, at the rate he's going

our luggage will go astray!"

And I said to her "Please don't paint the devil on the wall!!"

Anyway, we went straight to the lost and found office to report the

missing bag.

Little did I know there was much more in store before the

day was done with me.

Whilst driving home I checked with Mr. CC if he's got the housekeys

ready because I'm looking forward to a hot soak in the bathtub.

That's when he told me that the keys are tucked away in his carcoat - and

the carcoat is packed into the missing luggage !!!!!!

I do believe at that very moment I turned into the devil himself.

When we arrived home we contacted the Agency - surely they will be able to

help us out of this awful mess by producing a spare key to the Apartment ? ! ? !

Two hours later the Lady from the Agency arrived at our front

door and she tried to open the door with the "spare" key - and

would you believe me - the *%ç#@*`^%/*"#@ key did not fit!!!!!

The dumb and devastated look on the woman's face was enough to make

me sit on the steps in front of my door, and all I wanted to do was cry (but I

didn't, I was too tired and angry)

I threatened to sleep on the cold marble floor if she didn't come up with a

solution for my problem, because I had nowhere else to turn to (except

to spent a night or more in a Hotel) - but what to do if the missing bag does

not appear?!

She then telephoned for a locksmith - who could do his lock picking in about

two hours time.

"Why do we have to wait so long?" I asked

"All the locksmiths are out on duty!" was her answer.

There must have been an awful lot of luggage gone walkies on that day!!

Finally at 5pm that afternoon, I slumped through my front door.

I can only hope and pray that my roaming bit of luggage will find it's

way home - if not, I will be losing a load of precious goods plus souvenirs

from my home town.

Please bear with me, once I've recovered from my shocking homecoming

I will post a few pictures of my most delightful visit to South Africa.