Andy and I had planned a weekend away in Dullstroom and it just happened to fall over the Valentines weekend.
I spent Friday morning tending to meetings and was advised by my biggest client that they were giving me notice on our project. Fortunately it was not service level related but simply a financial decision given the current economic crisis.
Needless to say I was devastated!
I decided that nothing could be done to fix this right now so I went shopping for our weekend away, arranged the house sitter and decided to adopt an "enjoy now, worry later" attitude.
Andy had also had a beautiful bunch of red roses delivered to our home for me which lifted my spirits too.
We arrived in Dullstroom at 5pm on Friday and the apartment that we had booked was just wonderful.
The apartments are called "Cherry Grove" and are gathered around a central piazza with tinkling water features, Mediterranean architecture and the accommodation is very stylish.
Each apartment has a large bathroom with a hot tub and open plan large shower.
There is also a fireplace which can be seen and accessed from both the bathroom and bedroom which was divine!
A king size bed, DSTV, balcony and modern self catering kitchen are also included in each unit.
We were suitably impressed and ready for a great weekend!
We dined at "Fibs" on the first evening which is run by a mother and daughter so the wholesome family vibe oozed and made you feel very welcome.
I of course had the family cat on my lap within minutes much to my delight.
The menu was so delectable that we really battled to select which meals to choose and I am firmly sticking to vegetarian options.
I opted for steamy tomato soup with a touch of cream and herbs, followed by Tagliatelli and a garden salad and topped off with a granadilla creme brulee.
Andy had prawn and coconut spring rolls, chicken breast wrapped in bacon and a sinful chocolate brownie.
We also each had a bottle of mineral water and a glass of wine and the bill came to a mere R345.
Now that was fine dining accompanied by an excellent ambience and at a really reasonable price. What a winner!
Breakfast was included in our daily rate at the "Green Olive" coffe shop downstairs so we opted for fried eggs and toast and tomato and some bacon for Andy each morning which was a treat.
We spent Saturday afternoon at the local organic health spa "Vrygenhoek" which was an out of this world amazing experience.
The service, treatments, products and facilities were brilliant and the best we have come across thus far.
We each had a swedish full body massage, reflexology and an indian head massage as well as flotation therapy which kept us busy for 3.5 hours and when we left we were both thoroughly happy and relaxed.
Andy took some wonderful photographs as the spa is situated just outside the pine forest.
The late afternoon was spent at a pancake house where we enjoyed a savoury pancake each and then headed back to our apartment to chill and watch the rugby.
We had not made a booking for dinner on the second evening which was probably foolish as it was Valentines evening.
We were turned away from the first restaurant that we tried called "Pickles and Things", as they were fully booked.
We then sat in the car and phoned "Two Chefs" who advised they were able to accommodate us. The restaurant itself was pleasant enough but either we were just not a noticeable couple, or they were under staffed or they are just rude or a bit of all of the above, because we waited for ages just to order water and each course thereafter was a wait and quite honestly the food was not fantastic.
Anyhow, we had fun because we were together but I dont think we shall return to this restaurant.
After breakfast this morning we strolled around the town browsing the curio and book shops and bought some pickled garlic and carrots which I have already gotten stuck into.
Yummy!
We headed home at mid morning feeling utterly relaxed and well rested and all the better for experiencing new places and things together.
Relationships tend to take a back seat when life gets tough and we really needed this time just to connect with each other again and remember how much and why we love each other.
I sometimes feel like pinching myself but I learn a little more each day that Andy is real and his love is true and I am blessed to be in this relationship with him.
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