We went for long walks in the magnificent dunes. Saw duiker and osprey and fish eagle. Swam and bathed in the warm Indian Ocean. Ate potjiekos and sandwiches toasted over an open fire. Gazed up at a night sky that was more like a roof of stars. I felt like I was in the Beach of Eden.

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Two weeks after moving to the cold, lip-cracking dryness of a Joburg winter, I was lucky enough to go on a road trip to Mozambique, taking in Maputo for one night and Milibangala for three.

Chris, Hannah, Aaron and I set out at 5:30am and made it to Maputo quite easily, except for the confusing border post. We were assisted by a “guide” with where to go, what to sign, etc. It introduced us to something we’d encounter frequently in Mozambique – lots of friendly locals asking you for money.

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After a trip to the hospital that was less Grey’s Anatomy and more Nurse Jackie, I spent the past week in bed not doing anything interesting except annoying my husband with a nagging cough. Apparently there are degrees of bronchitis and it doesn’t “just go away”.

I believe bed is for fun and sleeping, not convalescing, which is why in my sneezing, sniffing, stomach-crunching coughing misery I still felt vaguely amorous. Maybe it’s that whole affirmation of life thing. I certainly felt like dying.

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* Sharing a bottle of wine with a friend while watching the sun set over the Atlantic.

* My mom’s crush on Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz.

* Dad complaining that my mother now watches more soccer than he does.

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