Mike and I have been coming here for years. We first came in in about 1998 or 1999 – we took a weekend break and visited Caledon hot springs on our own without the children. In those days there was no casino. The hotel was family friendly with a beautiful swimming pool, a games area and a large outdoor chess board. The only hot springs was the Victorian bath and we revelled in its comforting waters. After a relaxing weekend, we mutually agreed that this was a place to bring the children. We just had to. So a few months later, we concocted the first great family surprise. We booked a weekend for the four of us. We did not tell the children. I wrote notes to their teachers that we would be picking them up from school on a particular Friday at 11am – right after break, when they were back in the classroom whiling the day away and looking forward to the weekend.
The children did not have a clue! On the prearranged morning, we arrived….first at Stacey’s classroom. What an unusual occurence – to have your parents – both of them – arrive in the middle of school – there was no crisis – “come along” they said, “we’re going away for the weekend!” Stacey was surprised. She didn’t argue. Quickly packing up, she followed us out the classroom and onto David’s. We repeated the procedure. David’s class looked on in envy as he packed his bags and bid a cheery farewell!
We went from the school to the car – into the car and off – with all their clothes packed, we headed for Caledon. They were strangely silent, hardly saying a word until we got through Somerset West. Then they started saying things like, “I can’t believe you’ve done this!”
It was a surprise of enormous proportions – never to be forgotten – always to be looked back upon with a degree of delight and pleasure. We had a wonderful weekend. And, it began more than half a dozen years of holidays to surprise destinations at various places across South Africa. We soon would tell them to reserve a weekend and not tell them where we were going. On the odd year, we would plan the destination together – we went to Betty’s Bay, Montague Hot springs, river rafting on the Breede, a couple of other hot springs, Tranksei and a memorable holiday in 2007 to Durban.
But probably the most memorable was coming here before it became a Casino.
Mike & I have returned many times. We skip the casino, overlook the glitzy lights and buzzing slot machines and head for the hot springs.
And we love it.
Every time we come here though, we have a bite at the restaurant outside the casino and watch the people who go in and come out. Over the years, we have yet to see someone coming out dancing and smiling and excited. How come no one ever wins in there? If the faces of those who exit was put on an advert, gambling would take on a less attractive hue. Sometimes they look baffled and ashen – other times they look philosophical. I haven’t seen happy.
Money dominates our lives. It takes hard work to control it and not let it control me.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”
It’s definitely a learning process.
Anyway, we are here for two nights and will enjoy it. We have met up with Adrian and Stacey which is making it even better.
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂