Moving overseas with Guinea Pigs

Who would have thought moving tiny little animals would be so complicated?

When I agreed to let our children have guinea pigs as pets, nowhere did it cross my mind that relocating with them would be virtually impossible!

In October 2021, we made a huge family decision to relocate to the UK. It was all hush, as we had a million things to do before it could be a reality. We had to apply for UK Spouse and dependant visas. Navigate complicated and costly visa applications. We were worried if we met all the UK’s strict criteria. On top of it all, I had to find a way to relocate Lil Rascal’s beloved #furbabies.

I phoned, messaged and emailed numerous cargo companies, vets and airlines throughout Vietnam, and everyone had the same reply. Impossible – they can’t get the documents signed off by the governing body. The airlines refused to fly them, not as cargo, neither cargo hold and certainly not on board with me, the passenger. I was physically drained hearing no! Ready to give up, finally, #Sigon Pet Veterinary Hospital assured me as soon as our visas were approved, I could contact them, and they would ensure our #cavies would be departing Vietnam with us. Relief, I finally had a good night’s sleep and focused on the Visa applications, document sourcing and collecting, and arranging a shipping company for our personal belongings.

On the 16th of February 2022, we celebrated. We had a YES! We had the visas stamped in the passports, and everything steamrolled into the next gear. I contacted #SigonPetVeterinaryHospital to start planning the #guineapigsmove, but to my surprise and disbelief, they refused to reply. I called, emailed and sent a ton of messages on Facebook messenger. I messaged them on WhatsApp and Zalo and sent text messages to any contact number I could find. Deathly silence befell me, not one reply, weeks and days until I finally had to come to terms with their unwillingness to help.

I refused to give up and continued my search to contact every vet in Hanoi until I finally had a YES. It’s possible. IVet Tay-Ho, Hanoi, was willing to try. Dr Nghia Nguyen left no stone unturned. She contacted every airline, she pleaded on my behalf, and she fought tooth and nail to find a solution. The paperwork everyone said would never be signed was simple, with no issues, but the flight out of Vietnam proved impossible.

Leaping off the rooftops, we had another YES! #Vietnamairlines were willing to let them fly on board with me. I was so excited I raced down to Vietnam airline’s sales office only to be rudely informed NO! not possible. Unwilling to listen to Dr Nguyen, I had to leave in tears, an utter wreck. How would I explain to the Lil Rascals that I hadn’t booked the tickets?

Two weeks later, Vietnam airlines agreed to fly the guinea pigs as Cargo. Dr Nguyen kindly went to the office to book our tickets. Again, they changed their minds about no Cargo flight for them, but they were willing to fly them as my excess baggage in the Cargo hold. Tickets booked, excess baggage booked and paid for, along with a few more extra wrinkles and grey hair, I could finally focus on our move arranging a rental in the UK, travel insurance, and confirming a moving date with the shipping company. I booked the cleaners to ensure we handed our apartment back in tip-top condition. The list was endless. While I was crossing off the list, Dr Nguyen completed the guinea pigs’ health checks and paperwork. Five days to go before our flight, and #Vietnamairlines did the most despicable thing and cancelled the flights. They retracted and point-blank refused to fly the animals. The move had now become my worse nightmare. How was I going to leave without our #furbabies?

I turned my attention to Thailand, being a more animal-friendly country. They seemed to be our only solution. I found #Dynamicaircargo #thailandpetmovers experts in animal export and import in Thailand. They were our saving grace. Dr Nguyen offered to get our animals to Thailand as we had run out of time and had to be in the UK and couldn’t figure out the next move. With heavy hearts, we dropped our beloved pets off at the IVet Hanoi and trusted we would be reunited. Dr Nguyen did a sterling job. She cared for them like her own until we had all our ducks in a row to move them by road in air-conditioned transport to Bangkok, ready for Dynamic Pet movers to get them on board a Lufthansa Cargo flight. Dr Nyguen stayed with them in Thailand till all the paperwork was ready and correct and verified that it was 100% good to travel to Germany.

Good-byes are never easy. We hoped and prayed it wasn’t forever

The flight was a success. The guinea pigs had an unfortunate delay and an unexpected layover in Munich. Despite these hiccups, our #furbabies arrived in Frankfurt in excellent healthy condition. No complications. Due to their late arrival, they stayed one night in Frankfurt’s luxury pet lounge, Ready for our friends to collect them the following morning after the import agents #petair.de successfully cleared them.

Final boarding at Thailand Dynamic Pet Movers

An important note to be aware of when importing a rabbit or guinea pig is that the UK has a strict policy on animal imports from outside an EU country. If the #guineapigs flew to the UK, direct from Vietnam/ Thailand, our #furbabies would have been quarantined for 4-months. The cost would have been astronomical for three guinea pigs, not to mention the stress of being held in their facility and hearing all the other animals around them.

We planned to avoid costly quarantine and more unnecessary stress. Our generous friends offered to care for the piggies at their home for four months. Their house is a loving and quiet home, a perfect place for them to settle, relax and enjoy stress-free life for a 4-month duration. Then we will road-travel them for their final journey into the UK and satisfy UK animal import authorities. I’m happy to report our #furbabies are safe, loved and cared for by our dear friend. They are so spoilt and enjoying life. We miss them terribly and can’t wait to be reunited again.

I’m sure you are questioning if this was necessary. May you ask me? Should we have rehomed the guinea pigs? All the questions I kept asking myself. My family can say confidently YES, it was. The guinea pigs’ health and well-being have always been a top priority. The gaps between each move gave them time to settle into their new environment. They had excellent care in each stage, ensuring they were always healthy. This move was not for the faint-hearted. It added to unnecessary extra stress and sleeps deprivation. But I could not justify giving them away. They have been part of our family for over two years. This will be their last ordeal moving from Germany to the UK. We are counting the days till we see them again

It is possible to move small pets. It takes perseverance and persistence, and trust that it will all work itself out. They made the flight and will be the 1st guinea pigs to travel to Vietnam, Thailand, Germany and the UK by road, air and ferry. More than most people.

#Vietnam – Serena Resort, Hoa Binh

The resort is deceiving. It offers holidaymakers a beautiful setting and beautiful craftmanship with their restaurant and bungalows structures etc., but unfortunately, that’s where it ends. We had horrible service, terrible food, and 100% unwelcoming to foreigners. I have never hated a vacation as much as I did this one, and I couldn’t wait to leave. One month on, and I am still unable to find something good about it.

#Vietnam – Đồng Đò lake

The 4th Lockdown in Vietnam seemed never-ending. They started social distancing and restrictions on a few activities from the end of April. Unfortunately, it didn’t stop there. The government placed more restrictions on the people as the numbers increased rapidly. By Mid July, they had no other choice but to restrict everyone’s movement, no travel across municipal or provincial lines unless authorised to do so.

Finally, the government lifted restrictions on the 15th of October and granted free travel between green zones. Relief at the idea we could escape, and I immediately took to google to find a getaway on the outskirts of Hanoi. We had to Escape our bubble. We were becoming stir crazy looking at the same scenery day in day out.

I found a quirky little retreat situated on the banks of Đồng Đò lake, a mere 1-hour drive from the city. The well-appointed container home featured all the self-catering facilities with a bonus of a sandwich shop and bar situated on the roof terrace. Offering us all the amenities we would need to enjoy a peaceful getaway.

The weather was perfect, sunny, NO HUMIDITY with a cool breeze. It felt like the ideal South African weather I love and certainly miss, giving it the extra home-away-away-home feeling. A bit nostalgic, lazing next to the dam, enjoying the peace, tranquillity in a beautiful setting, chilling with the family.

Wherever we go, we always miss our country and people, so whenever we get the opportunity to light a braai, we pounce on it, rain or shine, we will braai! This holiday was no exception. Good meat, Salad and toasty garlic bread hit the spot! It was fantastic to hear the Little Rascals reminiscing and laughing about all our funny moments and adventures we have had, bonding around the fire, memorable moments we will always cherish together.

As much as the scenery and bonding were fabulous, our fishing was not. The giant finned slippery creatures still elude us in Vietnam. I believe the scale suckers know we are not Vietnamese and laugh at our lines, taunting us all the way. Regardless of the fishless fishing, everything was perfect, exactly what we needed.

If you are looking for a quirky, peaceful and relaxing getaway, you will love Gisy Lake House. The hosts are friendly and accommodating and offer a unique eco-friendly experience in a beautiful setting. Look them up when you need some fresh air and tranquillity.

360 degree view of the lake

#Vietnam – Lockdown July 2021

As the world continues battling massive outbreaks and new COVID 19 waves, Vietnam has had its first real struggle on containing the disease. They have put up an enormous fight to keep the numbers low, but it has been challenging, sending most parts of the country into total lockdown.

Sigh, thanks to the new lockdown rules, I was forced to cancel our upcoming social distance holiday. What do I mean by a social distance holiday? I rented a private villa with a private pool situated on the riverfront for hubby to fish away from others. We planned to take our food and drink, ensuring we did not have to go near other people or leave the villa for the duration of our stay. I even booked a private car from our ‘Eco Bubble’ where we haven’t had a Covid case. It seemed like a responsible holiday plan. Anyway, now we can’t travel between provinces and districts, resulting in another holiday cancellation. I am going to call it #covidholidaycancellationisthenewnorm. No point fighting it. All we need to do is buckle down and wait it out patiently.

I can’t say life has been any more interesting when we weren’t in total lockdown. Daily life has remained irritatingly dull and tedious, but at least comfortably safe in our little ‘Eco Bubble’ since the start of the pandemic. We always had the option to venture out if and when we chose. This new wave has been very different in that we are forced to stay indoors. Unfortunately, this time we can’t go anywhere due to stringent rules, blockades, permit paper requirements, and negative covid tests that make it virtually impossible to move between towns, cities and provinces.

Usually, I would rely on online shopping to acquire everything I could not source in my 1km radius. Quick instant online order and prompt delivery from Hanoi was undoubtedly a fast, efficient and painless way to shop. This option certainly made my life easier, having everything at my fingertips. It seems pointless driving around to the different shops and malls. If I can order online within a second, saving time and energy not having to rush between shops. Unfortunately, this time I can’t order anything due to the blockades, making it virtually impossible for the delivery companies to enter Eco Park.

Now, with nothing to do, I have to wait for my vaccine patiently. You can agree or agree to disagree and have your opinion on the jab, and perhaps the pandemic is a hoax or a conspiracy theory. Still, whatever you believe it is, Covid is not going anywhere. I can only hope the majority of the community complies and accepts the injection for the world to finally reach herd immunity and grasp back the lives we seem to have lost, no matter where we are in the world. Everyone is still feeling the effects and frustrations. I have placed my name on the waiting list, but it just doesn’t seem like I’m any closer to getting my injection. I guess I have a fairytale notion of what worldwide vaccination could mean for all of us. I hope it would mean we can finally be free again? Free to travel any which way, free to walk in the fresh air maskless, and freedom to have our lives return to normal. I know it seems like an unattainable dream at the moment, as many people are refusing the vaccine. It is a silly idea believing a vaccine could eventually lead us back to our beloved way of life!

I guess only time will tell how long it will take to reach normality. Perhaps we must accept and ultimately evolve and embrace the new normal with all the restrictions, partial or complete lockdowns that intermittently happen during the new #covid-19era for a few more years.

Stay safe, till next time, take care!

#Vietnam – MBI Sharing Electric Scooter

I finally mustered up the courage and tested out Ecoparks new addition of the MBI Sharing electric scooter. I know it must seem odd why I would need to muster up the courage to ride a scooter. Well, many years ago, hubby purchased a moped for me to navigate easily around Marbella. As good as the idea was, I did not realise how heavy and scary it would be riding alongside cars zooming past me. I felt unsafe and definitely preferred driving on four wheels or riding my feisty four-legged mare. The moped lasted a week before I convinced hubby to return it after a mini accident. I realised it was not for me.

The MBI Sharing scooter is an innovative concept for a convenient mode of public transport. A solo ride to socially distance while still navigating around the large community without having to purchase a bike and reduce unnecessary fumes into the atmosphere. A win-win! Fit’s perfectly into Ecoparks ethos of being a GREEN community.

To start, all I needed to do was download the MBI sharing App from the Google play store, then create an account. Once the account was open, I topped up my credit using my local Vietnamese visa card. Super easy!

Yay, I was ready to hire my bike! I looked at the map on my app to find the nearest station with available bikes. On arriving at the station, I scanned the bike QR code and unlocked my ride. MBI bike was easy to use, lightweight and straightforward. I made a trip around Aquabay and parked at my closest MBI parking space. Once parked, I return the bike on my app. The app then calculated my rental time and charged my account accordingly.

How cool would this concept be at most tourist hotspots? This fun, the easy ride could add another exciting element to one’s visit and help tourists navigate quickly to each attraction, reducing time wasted on foot but still keeping pollution levels down. They could even add a group tour ride with a guide, so no one misses a beat! #futureoftourism

#Vietnam – Dining Experience

Last night the owner of Nhà Hàng Hương Quê Restaurant in Hanoi invited us to join him and his family for a Vietnamese dining experience. His driver collected us from our apartment in a luxury minivan with fully reclinable seats and large screen TV, all the bells and whistle one would need on the open road. This car would have come in handy for our last trip to Mai Chau Hideaway.

The beautiful garden restaurant has many private wooden dining houses spaced out along a swan lake which allows for intimate dining with family and friends. They offered us an unlimited selection of food, including some delicacies placed on a rotating table. Each private dining house has its very own waiting staff tending to the dinners every need. There is no waiting to catch the staffs attention because your glass is always topped up before you can finish, and you never have a dirty plate in front of you.

We sampled spicy catfish, prawns, roast chicken, speciality rice, pork belly, selection of vegetables, followed by a rare fish Hot Pot, abalone porridge and finished off with pomelo fruit and tea.

On leaving, we were gifted with two bottles of Italian wine to end a memorable evening, and the chauffer shuttled us safely home.

As many of you know, I am not an adventurous eater, and this experience was way out of my comfort zone, but I did sample everything. I am not converted but happy that I tried and enjoyed the occasion with a very welcoming family.

#Vietnam – Mai Chau

It’s that time of the year again. We were in serious need of another short getaway. The destination of choice was Mai Chau Hideaway, situated on the banks of the Hoa Binh Reservoir.

We had an early start Monday morning waiting for our driver Mr Phong to transport us to Mai Chau, which was only 135km Southwest of Hanoi. As in all road trips in Vietnam, they seem to take much longer due to slower speed limits and not many highways allowing you to travel at high speed. The average travel was 60km/hour or less hence the 3.5 hour-long drive. We snaked along the scenic Thung Khe Pass through villages, rice paddies and sugar cane fields. Mr Phong kindly stopped a few times to look at the spectacular view of the reservoir, which is comparable to a land version of Ha Long Bay.

The Rascals were happy when we finally arrived at Mai Chau Hideaway. What a sight as we left the car, stretched our legs and caught a glimpse of the spectacular view from our balcony—a true hideaway, far away from the busy streets of Hanoi.

Mai Chau is a small town surrounded by by many ethnic villages. Set in a valley between tall mountains, tropical forests and lush green rice paddies. I was hoping to see the beautiful, Plum, and Peach flowers which are suppose to be visible during the months of March, April. I was hoping to find them over the next few days.

The birds singing outside and the gentle chugs from fishing boats as the fishermen tend their traps and set out nets was the perfect wake up call to start our day. But first, a quick stop for breakfast. There was something for everyone and no one went hungry, not the normal buffet spreads we have come to enjoy. The kids tucked into bacon and eggs and hubby enjoyed a hearty chicken Pho whilst taking in the lake view.

I arranged a private guide to take us round the local area and sights. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen due to miscommunication between bookings and reception department. Whatever it was we were not going to let this ruin our holiday. The hotel scrambled and arranged a taxi to shuttle us round and back to the hotel.

First stop Go Lao Waterfall, only a 6km drive from Mai Chau Hideaway – a beautiful hidden gem, not many visitors know about it. The Rascals were relieved to hear they would only had to tackle 40 steep steps to reach the base of the falls. Well, someone couldn’t count. Of course, if I give the kids a number, they have to count it out. By the time they reached 40, they were only at the halfway point. I can now confirm if you want to visit the falls, you will only have to conquer approximately 80 steeps steps down to the base of the falls. The water flows down to Hoa Binh lake and was flowing relatively well considering its not rain season. I would recommend a visit. Pay for parking and head down to the falls. I only wish people would take their litter with them. Then it would be a pristine sight.

Our taxi driver patiently waited for me to take my pictures before heading to our next stop Lac Village and Pom Coong Village. He dropped us off at the entrance and agreed on a time to meet and head back to the hotel. It was a pity we didn’t have an English speaking guide to show the Rascals around, to understand the villages way of life. It would have been insightful to watch the villages weave, make their tools and other handcrafted items, as well as explore the history behind their beautiful wooden houses built on stilts, continuing traditions as they did centuries ago. The villages live upstairs and work below. You can opt to walk, cycle or, better option on a hot day, jump into a golf buggy to ferry you around. You can take in the scenery as you pass all the rice paddies and mountains, watching the farmers hard at work. It’s a tranquil area as you take it all in #simplewayoflife.

After a refreshing drink, the Rascals were ready to head back to the hotel. Their tummies empty, and they couldn’t wait to sit down on the balcony for a light picnic lunch and delicious plums for dessert. The hotel kindly offered a daily plum basket which was a tasty treat.

Tummies filled and rested it was time to dive into the infinity pool to cool off. Late afternoon we headed down to the lake for a spot of fishing. Unfortunately the only thing we caught was flip flops caked in mud. Regardless it was a perfect way to end a day.

Every evening we went out to the Bamboo Restaurant for all our evening meals and breakfast. The view from their terrace is amazing.

Another early morning wake up. We headed down to the lake and boarded a metal tug, which slowly and noisily chugged along the lake. We passed some floating fish farms, loads of lime stone cliffs and islets. Enjoying a magnificent water view.

The rest of the day was as chilled as the morning. We enjoyed another picnic lunch with a view, a long afternoon swim, stone balancing and a spot of fishing on the rocky side of the resort away from the mud.

Mai Chau Hideaway offers every guest a peaceful spot to unwind. It is secluded relatively far from the city and towns, forcing you to slow down and take in the beautiful views, kick back on your balcony, watching the fishermen, boats, and birds pass by.

#Vietnam – Highland Cocao Hanoi

If you are looking for a slightly different experience in Hanoi, then take a tour sampling one of Vietnams most delicate handcrafted bean to bar chocolate sourced from cacao beans grown on the Cacaoken farm in the Da Lat Highlands.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t go directly to the farm, and it has been placed on our bucket list on must do when we visit Da Lat.

Thankfully you dont have to travel to enjoy the fine chocolate. Join a tour to Highlands Cocoa shop in Hanoi with Vũ Hồng Thanh. The staff members and Vũ Hồng Thanh will take you on a journey showing you how the cocoa beans are grown, harvested, then rested in wooden crates for a few days while the enzymes work to create a flavourful cocoa bean. After a few days, the beans are dried and transported to the factory where the finest Chocolate and various flavours are produced, utilising every part of the cocoa bean in multiple products like cocoa tea and wine.

Our outing included making cute chocolate pops, sampled various chocolates, tasting cocoa tea, and enjoyed the class on making the best hot chocolate using quality cocoa powder, and having the opportunity to make one ourselves.

The Highland cacao” brand has produced high-quality chocolate products for years, winning several international awards for their homegrown beans.

The rascals enjoyed the tour, giving it the thumbs up 👍. We hope to see the factory soon and experience the farm first hand.

#Vietnam – Da Nang

On the 27th of October, 2019, we were ready for another adventure. This time we were heading to the tourist capital of Vietnam. Yes, you guessed it we jetted off on Bamboo air to explore the city of Da Nang. It’s a 2-hour flight from Noi Bai airport and the halfway point between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. We hopped in a taxi to Meliá Da Nang Beach Resort. The friendly staff checked us in quickly and kindly upgraded our hotel room to one of the villas with an outdoor garden and a hop, skip and a jump away from the pool and beach. It started raining, and the porter shuttled us quickly to our villa, where we had time to unpack, order room service before heading to see the famous dragon bridge display.

Photo was copied from Meliá Da Nang Beach Resort, on arrival it was raining.

8.30 pm the taxi was waiting to take us to Da Nang Dragon Bridge, its the longest bridge in Vietnam. Still, more importantly, on weekends at 9 pm, it offers a dazzling display of lights and the intense heat as the dragon breaths out the fire, then cools down with water shooting out of its mouth. For the best view, I would suggest booking one of the boat trips and view the display on the river away from huge crowds that gather.

I have only good reviews of the hotel, and its amenities including buffet breakfast, pool bar, dinner and room service, the staff were always friendly, kind and helpful going beyond to ensure our stay was memorable. The villa was spacious, with a large spa bath and outdoor shower, even the toilet was high-tech with seat warmer and jets from all angles, think you might need a PhD to operate 😉, the kids were highly amused to find a telephone next to the toilet. They were coming up with a different reason why one would require a phone whilst completing one’s private business🤣🤣.

Our first full day at the resort was a lazy day; the weather was perfect. We started with the most important meal of the day, a buffet breakfast with a wide selection of fresh fruits, pastries, cold meats, bacon, sausages and egg prepared on the spot, there was Asian breakfast and sushi on offer a wide selection for any taste bud. After breakfast, the children were desperate to try out all the pools and play on the beach. Unfortunately, the red flag was up due to rip tides. Hence, we settled for a beach walk and morning swim before heading out to the beautiful UNESCO town of Hoi An,

Hoi An has become my new favourite spot. I loved wandering along the bustling narrow roads of the old town, popping into all their quirky shop’s selling silks, clothes, ornaments, dream catches and more. The streets colourfully decorated with endless lanterns strung across the road and dangling from windows and doors. We walked for hours admiring all the sights and smells Hoi An had to offer. The sun had finally worn us out, hot and bothered armed with pork sausage toes we finally sat down for a sunset dinner, then jumped into a taxi back to the hotel. I wish we stayed till dark to see all the lanterns glowing. Hmmm, 🤔 I have just given myself a great excuse to return for another visit.

We woke up to a very dreary wet day, headed to breakfast in the hope the weather would magically change before the shuttle bus dropped us off at Ba Na Hills. I was ready to tick off one of my bucket list items, The Hands I mean The Golden Bridge. Ba Na Hills is a little French village about 450m above sea level and serviced by numerous cableway systems connecting gardens, bridge, town and pagodas together all found at different elevation levels over the mountain.

My missed bucket list photo opportunity, unfortunately, all I have is the google photo to imagine how spectacular the view could have been.

We knew we would be disappointed, but we could only hope the weather would change and had to give it a chance. Hey ho, looking back on the day of drenched rats we can laugh at the day’s events. I’m sure it would have been a magnificent adventure on a clear dry day—another good reason to return for a do-over.

Another wet day in Da Nang, we had a few hours to kill before our flight home, so we went exploring Marble Mountain. Marble mountain is a group of five hills named after the elements (metal, wood, water, fire and earth). ‘According to ancient folklore, a dragon emerged from the water on Non-Nuoc Beach and laid an egg. A thousand days and a thousand nights followed before the egg hatched, and out stepped a beautiful girl. The fragments of the shell were left on the beach and eventually grew into the five mystical Marble Mountains’. Thankfully we didn’t have to walk up all the steps and chose a one-way elevator ride to the top and explored the mountain as we strolled down. The gardens and carving were magnificent, and I do think it’s worth a visit. By the time we were almost down the rain started to fall, and we hurried to find a taxi to take us to Da Nangs 3D and Upside down museum.

The Museum was a perfect way to kill time and stay dry. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

We had a memorable vacation in Da Nang, and could undoubtedly imagine ourselves living happily in the area. Da Nang is indeed cleaner than Hanoi, and thanks to the sea breeze, the pollution levels are much lower. Another bucket list destination not to miss if you are travelling to Vietnam.

#South Africa – Leaving our beloved Country

How did we land in Vietnam? A place I would have never considered as my temporary home. To be honest, it wasn’t my first choice for even a holiday destination. How wrong and closed-minded I was!

My husband and I were on a mission. We desperately needed to emigrate and leave South Africa for the second time. We kept kicking ourselves at how stupid we were to have returned to South Africa in the first place after we had successfully managed to make a great life for ourselves in the UK and then Spain for nine years between 2000 and 2009.

My husband had his ten-year Spanish residence card. Next would have been a passport. Why did we give it all up? It started when the recession hit Spain, and it became exceedingly difficult with many companies closing down, a record number of redundancies and friends forced to return to the UK. We had just welcomed our beautiful daughter into the world, and we began to convince ourselves to give our beloved country a second chance. The only country we would unconditionally love like a toxic love affair impossible to end. We tried to pretend all was good and tried to forget all the wrong as we were willing it to become a country where we could feel safe, be close to our family and make a comfortable life for ourselves and our children. With heads in the clouds, we hoped ‘Mzansi could stand together as one and fight all evil’. I mean South Africa is a beautiful country, from scenery to culture and cuisine, not to mention our great climate and the big five, the number of talented sportsmen and women to name but a few. Unfortunately, the brutality is just too ghastly to accept. We had to get it out of our system. We had to accept, we would never have the freedom and security to enjoy its full beauty without fear. We could never be free from the bars we had to hide behind each night.

In September 2018, my husband accepted a position in Vietnam. It was unexpected as we never imagined a job opportunity in Asia, and we were excited to explore a world we had not encountered before. An excellent way to share it with our children. We finally realised we were living a semi-nomadic lifestyle. We were unable to settle down in one particular country or place, we seemed to be moving every 3 to 4 years. Looking for a new opportunity and new challenges. So why not embrace our lifestyle and explore a new part of the world. The experiences our children have world schooling, learning to respect different cultures, their ways of life and belief systems they come across as they interact with people of all ages

Everything steamrolled quickly. We had to give in our notice at work, sell our home contents, cars and source the countless documents required to be authorised, apostle stamped and then translated. My husband needed to be in Vietnam in October, which didn’t give us enough time. We decided that he should leave ahead of us while we remained behind to finish all tasks, and the children could complete their academic school year.

I need to give myself a big pat on my back. I did it all on my own. Ok, it wasn’t my first rodeo. We had relocated from Johannesburg to the UK, then the UK to Spain, Spain to Johannesburg, Johannesburg to Mosselbay, Mosselbay to Cape Town and now Cape Town to Hanoi. The only difference this time was the added pressure to sell the entire contents of our home, assist my daughter with her first year-end exams, organise a joint pool birthday/farewell party, and plan our final road trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg with our worldly belongings piled high in the car.

The day arrived 1 more day till we left our home in Cape Town. My wonderful mom flew in to join us on our road trip. One last night sleep in an empty home, with two beds and a washing machine waiting for collection on departure day. We enjoyed a final walk on Fish Hoek beach and finished our day off with a fabulous dinner in Kalk Bay.

With the sun shining bright we were ready. Last items dropped off at salvation army, car packed to the brim every inch of space taken up by worldly belongings. We waited for the final buyers to collect beds, washing machine and head out of Cape Town on our 1450km road trip.

Our first stop a hidden gem off the N1 Matjiesfontein! It is only a two and a half hours drive from Cape Town. The perfect pitstop and an excellent excuse to explore the restored little Victorian street. We stopped for a bite and stepped back in time.

Tummies filled and legs stretched we continued onto Beaufort West another 230km drive for a well deserved night sleep. We book the Greys House through AirB&B, the accommodation was spacious, clean and exceedingly comfortable, with indoor pool and garden to keep the children entertained.

After a restful sleep, we were ready for the next leg of the journey, approximately 500km drive to Kimberly, to visit the worlds largest diamond mine and the deepest man-made pit in history. We decided to stay two days as we wanted to explore the town and its history.

We chose to stay at Jungnickel Gastehuis in Kimberly. The guesthouse service and English breakfast were excellent. Thankfully they had a pool and shaded outdoor space for my mom and I to relax and keep an eye on the children as they cool off after a busy morning in the Karoo heat.

Our final leg and feeling very cramped in the car we couldn’t wait to see our family in Johannesburg. I needed a holiday and spend quality time with my mom, dad inlaws before flying to Hanoi.

D-Day, 20th December 2018, we were ready to start our new adventure but oh how I dislike saying goodbye! There were no dry eyes at the airport. Filled with mixed feelings of excitement, sadness and guilt as we left our loved ones behind. We had to look forward and board the Cathay Pacific flight, looking towards the unknown future, but eager to reunite with my husband. It was the longest separation we had ever had to endure, but thankful it was coming to an end.

Tired of waiting in the long queue to check-in

Jhb to Hong Kong, short layover and connection to Hanoi

As challenging and as stressful as our move was, we managed it! We all settle into our new home and the children have adapted well to their new lifestyle.

If you are lucky enough to be given a chance to move to a new country, don’t look back, don’t live in the past, but be prepared, as every country has its pros and cons, and the 1st move is never easy. The reward for trying will be making a new life, exploring a new country and enjoying the adventure along the way. I can admit our 1st move was the hardest and took about two years to settle down, but with each move after that, it has become notably easier.