All posts by Piers du Pré

The Victoria Wing

11 May 2014 Piers du Pré 14 Comments

Owen Cole of The Medical Specialist Group
*click to enlarge*

It’s Saturday and Lin’s on her way to collect me, homeward bound to Play d’eau in Beaucette Marina, Guernsey.

In a nutshell

Guernsey’s Princess Elizabeth Hospital; The Victoria Wing; a successful TURP operation; zero side effects; many friends made, and I think – correction, I know – I’ve put on weight.

The Victoria Wing

After wondering for ages how best to describe my three day stay in The Victoria Wing, I have at last found the right words. A treat. It really was. I was spoiled. A special treat. And my health insurance was paying for it.

Medical matters

If the truth be told, I’m a wimp when it comes to medical matters. I wasn’t looking forward to having the TURP but I knew it had to be done.

I’d met Owen Cole, the Island’s consultant urologist at Guernsey’s ‘The Medical Specialist Group‘. We’d talked for a long time, not only about my prostate and prostates in general, but boating and music.

Google researching had eliminated the last shred of doubt. Without sounding patronising, Owen Cole is right at the top of his profession.

A holiday

So the last three days have been like a holiday. OK, it had it’s time of stress but that’s the same with any holiday, n’est ce pas?

I checked into The Victoria Wing, was shown to my room (complete with en suite); the bed was comfy and had a controller which was more fun than any TV remote; wi-fi, and a room service call button labelled ‘nurse call’.

The staff

And now to The Victoria Wing’s staff. We all know that the greatest asset in any business is its staff. The staff make the business. The same applies to The Victoria Wing where their staff is supreme.

From the moment I arrived everyone made me feel at ease, at home, valued and cared for. It was so reassuring.

The cooking

In a 5 star hotel you’d expect good cooking, wouldn’t you? But in The Victoria Wing it’s even better. Unexpected? Yes.

I’d heard about the Chefs, both called Dave, but thought some of the stories had to be urban myth.

Chef Dave

10:30am. A knock on the door. ‘Come in,’ I called.

‘Good morning, Mr du Pré. I’m your Chef, Chef Dave. What would you like for lunch today?’

‘What’s on the menu?’ I asked. ‘Well, I have a suggested à la Carte menu which I’ve put together for today, but maybe it’s easier if I tell you the ingredients we’ve had delivered this morning from which we can make anything you’d like.’

Ideas of the urban myth were being blown out of the water. ‘Apart from most vegetables including some lovely asparagus, we have just had in some turbot, brill, cod, salmon, smoked salmon and scallops – hand dived, of course. We have beef fillet, pork, rack of lamb and veal. It’s all fresh every day. We keep nothing in the freezer except ice-cream and peas.’

Had I died and gone to heaven? Maybe not the best comment to make given I was in hospital.

Two lunches, three dinners, and I know I’ve put on weight. And I haven’t even mentioned the breakfasts with bacon, fried bread, fried egg…

Guernsey is blessed

There’s no doubt that Guernsey is well and truly blessed by having such a competent team in the Urology department of The Specialist Medical Group and such lovely and dedicated staff to run The Victoria Wing.

Leaving today

On the one hand, I’m sad to be leaving. Everyone’s been so lovely and I’ve really enjoyed myself. On the other hand, I can’t wait to be back home with Lin and Play d’eau.

And I want to tell everyone ‘I can pee!’ It’s such a relief – literally. I can pee as if I was eighteen again. Success all round.

Thank you Owen Cole, The Victoria Wing, its staff, and last but not least by any means, Chef Dave.

I just wonder. Do you think Lin will bring me a menu to discuss tomorrow morning?

Piers
…about to leave…
The Victoria Wing, Princess Elizabeth Hospital
…en route and able to pee, to…
Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Beaucette Marina

Living aboard Play d'eau

Prostate operation

7 May 2014 Piers du Pré 4 Comments

Princess Elizabeth Hospital
*click to enlarge*

Many of you will know that almost a decade ago, I was found to have prostate cancer.

Least aggressive

Thankfully, the cancer was ‘micro’ and of the least aggressive type flavour.

The consultant recommended a ‘watch and pounce’ approach with six monthly PSA checks. These checks have stayed constant and have raised no cause for concern.

Benign enlargement

The nuisance was that a few years ago, the prostate began to swell causing difficulty in peeing. Investigation found this to be caused by ‘benign’ swelling (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH) of the prostate which is reasonably common in men as they age.

Initially, I was put on the drug Tamulosin to relax the prostate. This worked for a period of time, but as its effectiveness declined another drug was prescribed called Finasteride.

This was simply horrid. At first there was intense itching. Then man-boobs started appearing. As the itching worsened, HoLep surgery was recommended.

HoLep

On 27 November 2012, I was admitted to the Circle Hospital, Berkshire, where I had a HoLep operation.

But after a year, peeing became difficult again. Having moved to Guernsey I met with the Island’s Urologist, Mr Owen Cole, of the Medical Specialist Group.

An MRI was conducted which was found to be clear. However, it showed that 30% by volume of the prostate was scar tissue caused by the HoLep.

Princess Elizabeth Hospital

So today I’m off to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital to have a TURP. It’s recommended to stay for three days.

Thankfully my private insurance covers this and provides two main benefits: the urologist’s mobile number, and the Chef.

The Chef

Apparently, Chef will come and take orders for what I’d like to eat. And if it’s not on the à la Carte menu, he’ll secure the ingredients and cook it for me.

Result!

Somehow, I feel masses amounts of scallops to be the order of my stay in hospital.

Piers
Sick Bay
Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Beaucette Marina

Holidays

My favourite pics of Lin

1 May 2014 Piers du Pré Leave a comment

I love these two pics of Lin. I sneaked them whilst in South Africa.

Taken at the Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
*click to enlarge*

Taken at Table Mountain, Cape Town
*click to enlarge*

Piers
Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam
…on temporary leave of absence from
Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Beaucette Marina

Holidays

Homeward bound

1 May 2014 Piers du Pré 3 Comments

Well, we’re homeward bound. After a magnificent and glorious three weeks in South Africa, we have travelled from Cape Town to Durban to Amsterdam and will shortly leave for Guernsey.

Cape Town

After taking afternoon tea at Cape Town’s Mount Nelson Hotel (as a chap and chapess do), we flew to Durban and stayed at the Granny Mouse Country Lodge, some 90 minutes west of the city, for one night before catching an Emirates flight to Amsterdam.

Today, we take a Blue Islands flight back to Guernsey (via the ‘other island’) to be reunited with Play d’eau. In a strange way we know it’s time to go home, yet our hearts have been certainly captured by South Africa.

As Amy’s brother, Kevin, had said to us, ‘South Africa gets in your blood’.

How right he was.

Some last pics

Here are some last pics from the many we took.

Our room at the Tala Private Game Reserve
KwaZulu-Natal
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Our 12m long room at the African Pride, Melrose Arch, J'burg — Our 12m long room at the African Pride,
Melrose Arch, J’burg, with its green and red lighting
*click to enlarge*

The Queen Victoria Hotel was close to the waterfront which buzzed with life
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These guys were great with their improvisation and rhythms — These guys were great
with their improvisation and rhythms
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"The wheel on the front goes round and round' — “The wheel on the front goes round and round’
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Traditional skills are still being used
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The port and marina were so busy
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Table Mountain was wearing its table cloth
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The cloud disappeared... — The cloud disappeared…
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...and you could see the window cleaners suspended by ropes — …and window cleaners were suspended by ropes
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Sandwiches, cakes, savouries, scones, creams, jams, breads and 'nibbles'
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We indulged in afternoon tea at The Mount Nelson
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Piers' favourite — Piers’ favourite
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We stayed at the Granny Mouse Country Lodge for our last night in SA — We stayed at the Granny Mouse Country Lodge
for our last night in SA
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Our room had a wood burning stove - great because it dropped to -3C overnight — Our room had a wood burning stove – great because it dropped to -3C overnight
*click to enlarge*

Granny Mouse overlooks the valley and its river
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The fog stayed hovering above the river
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As the sun rose, it was -3C, frosty, and fog steamed off the river — As the sun rose, it was -3C, frosty,
and fog steamed off the river
*click to enlarge*

A great sign by Reception
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Water taps and corrugated iron made a novel water features — Water taps and corrugated iron
made a novel water features
*click to enlarge*

Nearby were the stunning 95m (310') Howick Falls — Nearby were the stunning 95m (310′) Howick Falls
*click to enlarge*

Piers and Lin
Granny Mouse Country Lodge
…on temporary leave of absence from
Play d’eau
Fleming 55

Holidays

A Hippo Story

30 April 2014 Piers du Pré Leave a comment

A wide open mouth is a warning sign
*click to enlarge*

On our safari around the Tala Private Game Reserve, the ranger took us to the Hippos.

Don’t underestimate a Hippo

He pointed out a Hippo Run, a track that a Hippo uses. Woe betide anything that gets in the way of the run – it will suffer.

Continuing, he told us of someone who had left their Toyota Landcruiser across a Hippo Run in the Kruger game reserve. Three tons of Hippo charged and T-boned it at 30 miles an hour.

The Landcruiser buckled and wedged itself around the Hippo’s head.

Pah! Not a problem. Lifting its head complete with the one and a half ton Landcruiser, the Hippo trotted 150 metres to the side of its run and simply tossed the Landcruiser aside.

Respect!

Piers and Lin
Granny Mouse Country House, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,
…on temporary leave of absence from
Play d’eau
Fleming 55

Holidays

Plant life

30 April 2014 Piers du Pré 4 Comments

Although it was Autumn, there were still some magnificent flowers in full display whilst leaves and vegetation were showing their vibrant autumnal colours.

Wherever possible, we made use of sunrise and sunset light.

One big problem – we know the names of some, well two or three, but the majority leave us guessing…

Let us know your favourite

If you have a moment, please let us know your favourite pic – thank you.

Piers and Lin
Granny Mouse Country House, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,
…on temporary leave of absence from
Play d’eau
Fleming 55

Holidays

Animal life

28 April 2014 Piers du Pré 2 Comments

As our visit to South Africa draws to a close, here are some pics of the various animals we saw whilst on our journeys.

Our next South African posts

In our next posts we’ll showcase the vivid colours of the flowering plants we’ve found and finally, a summary of our whole magnificent tour.

Photography

Click on a photograph to enlarge it, and then use the right arrow keys to move on to the next.

Three lenses were used with our Canon 7D: EF 17-40 F4L, 24-70 F2.8L II, and an EF 70-300 F4-5.6L IS.

Background and sky colours vary according to the day and time of day the pic was taken.

Papa Goose becomes 'Mr Angry' to protect his chicks — Papa Goose becomes ‘Mr Angry’ to protect his chicks

The baby waggles his ears to clear them of water

The Lion King's 'Pumbah' - a Warthog — The Lion King’s ‘Pumbah’ – a Warthog

...a gnother Gnu - Wildebeast — …a gnother Gnu – Wildebeast

A Kudu, four years old, taken from 400m away — A camera-shy Kudu, four years old
taken from 400m away

A Vervet monkey jumps around the balcony…

...whilst another lies in ambush — …whilst another lies in ambush

The male, black and sleek... — The male is black and sleek

A male baboon, taken as we passed by in the car

It's child which had a damaged left arm — A baby which had a damaged left arm

And who are you?
The penguin colony in Boulder Bay

Piers and Lin
Tala Private Game Reserve
…on temporary leave of absence from
Play d’eau
Fleming 55

Holidays

Wedding preparations

26 April 2014 Piers du Pré 2 Comments

A picture postcard story of the wedding preparations.

The wedding venue, Acacia, in the Tala Private Game Reserve.

A beautiful thatched, wooden barn with a large decking area overlooking a waterhole, 150m away. The sun was bright and strong.

The reception area — The grassed reception area.
Wine and beer was kept cool in wheelbarrows
*click to enlarge*

Welcome to the wedding venue
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The 'bridal aisle' to Acacia — The ‘bridal aisle’ entrance to Acacia
*click to enlarge*

The ceremony was held on the decking
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Chairs were facing the waterhole and rhinos
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The minister's view — The minister’s view
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Nadine and Colleen prepare the tables
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The staff helped as well
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Amy's sister, Dayna placed decorations in glass vases — Amy’s sister, Dayna placed decorations in glass vases
*click to enlarge*

The Manager in charge of the event checked everything so carefully
*click to enlarge*

Rosie, Amy's Godmother, with Amy — Rosie, Amy’s Godmother, with Amy
*click to enlarge*

Nadine, Amy's cousin, adding touches to decorations — Nadine, Amy’s cousin, adding touches to decorations
*click to enlarge*

Top table flowers and decorations
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Brigitte, Amy's aunt — Brigitte, Amy’s aunt
*click to enlarge*

Linda, Amy's step-grandmother — Linda, Amy’s step-grandmother
*click to enlarge*

The flowers were so gorgeous
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Irene, Mark's partner — Irene, Mark’s partner
*click to enlarge*

Colleen, Amy's aunt — Colleen, Amy’s aunt
*click to enlarge*

Chairs were decorated with bows
*click to enlarge*

Toby, Brigitte's partner — Toby, Brigitte’s partner
*click to enlarge*

Rhinos were mud bathing
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...with a Vervet monkey scampering across the top — …with a Vervet monkey scampering across the top
*click to enlarge*

The barman who looked after us all so well
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Mr and Mrs Tobias du Pre; leave for their honeymoon — The next day
Mr and Mrs Tobias du Pré leave for their honeymoon
*click to enlarge*

We took no photographs during the wedding, leaving that task to Simon Jones, the professional photographer and video team from Heartistic productions. When we receive our copies we’ll post some more.

Piers and Lin
Tala Private Game Reserve
…on temporary leave of absence from
Play d’eau
Fleming 55

Holidays

The wedding – 19 April 2014

25 April 2014 Piers du Pré 8 Comments

Toby and Amy exchange their vows
*click to enlarge*

The day had arrived. The day Toby and Amy were to wed.

The Venue

The Tala Private Game Reserve was the chosen venue with its 3,000 hectares in KwaZulu-Natal, between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

Its various single story accommodation lodges are scattered around the reserve with a central main reception and restaurant complex. There’s no tarmac here, just rough dirt tracks.

Animals include rhino, hippo, kudu, zebra, giraffe, impala, eland, monkeys and ostrich. Bird life is everywhere, some singing beautiful love songs whilst others make ghastly sounds that put crows to shame.

Preparations

The previous afternoon saw many of Amy’s extended family and Tala staff descend on Acacia, a large thatched timber barn standing on the side of a slight incline in front of a waterhole.

Mr and Mrs du Pre with Mr and Mrs Tobias du Pre — Mr and Mrs du Pré with Mr and Mrs Tobias du Pré
*click to enlarge*

Whilst tables, chairs, linen, cutlery, flowers, sashes and labels were being lovingly placed inside the barn, seven rhinos were mud bathing (outside) in the waterhole 150m away whilst zebras strutted their stripes, impala jumped, and bored wildebeest just grunted.

Rather than tables being numbered, Amy had created cards with specific dates or comments, such as ’35 Flights’ – ‘the number of individual flights taken to see each other’.

Wedding Day

Right on cue, the sun rose just after 6am into yet another clear blue sky.

As we opened the veranda doors of our lodge, monkeys scampered across the lawns, jumped into trees and peeped from behind the trunks to see what we might be doing.

After a lazy breakfast, Piers took more photographs whilst Lin relaxed on the veranda.

By 3pm, Piers had donned his locally hired tails whilst Lin wore a beautiful special dress for the day. She looked so gorgeous.

We assembled on the decking in front of the barn and Ron the minister told us what was to happen. The rhino and other animals were still in attendance. It was almost surreal.

The Marriage

Toby was standing at the front when the bridal party appeared. Maid of Honour, bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen.

And then Amy, veiled and on her father’s arm, walked around the corner. So elegant, so poised.

Amy looked utterly beautiful in the most lovely white dress and long embroidered train. There were gasps followed by tears and hushed snuffles.

In front of guests, Ron and the rhinos, Toby and Amy said their vows looking intently into each others’ eyes. Ron’s address was a delight and thoroughly scriptural.

Mr and Mrs Tobias du Pré looked radiant and so, so happy. After years of long distance waiting, their dream had come true.

The Reception

Rose petals showered the couple as they made their way onto a grassed area to cut the cake and be toasted.

Tables are identified by dates — Tables were identified by dates
and explanations
*click to enlarge*

Sitting at our tables, dinner was served. Mark, Amy’s father, spoke. His speech was the finest and most heartfelt we’d ever heard, a comment which was to be made to him many times that evening.

Justin, the best man, was hilarious.

We danced late into the evening. Eventually, at 11pm, Toby and Amy left, and the party slowly dispersed.

A truly stunning event, and one which the animals will describe for generations to come.

It had been a long wait for the couple. It had been worth it. Their prayers had been answered.

Piers and Lin
Tala Private Game Reserve
…on temporary leave of absence from
Play d’eau
Fleming 55

Holidays

Oudtshoorn to Plettenberg Bay

23 April 2014 Piers du Pré 1 Comment

We see the cloud being heaped up over the mountains — Cloud, created by warm, humid air from
the Indian Ocean being lifted over the mountains
*click to enlarge*

Only three more sleeps until we see Toby and Amy again, and two extra until the wedding – excitement is growing!

Yet again, clear blue skies ruled the start of the day and the 37C temperature and low humidity was simply delightful.

Outeniqua Pass

We climbed into our silver Avis hire car at 11am and headed the 150 miles to Plettenberg Bay to cross the mountain range along the unbelievable Outeniqua Pass before joining the ‘Garden Route’.

As we climbed the pass we ascended into the cloud which was blowing in from the warm seas of the Indian Ocean. Descending to the seaward side the cloud stayed with us to the Tsala Tree Top Lodge. It felt cold. It was. Pullovers came to the fore.

For those who like meteorology, the cloud is created by the Foehn effect.

Tsala Tree Top Lodge

The stunning Outeniqua Pass is just ahead — We were about to enter the stunning
Outeniqua Pass
*click to enlarge*

Tsala Tree Top Lodge is exactly as described on the tin being built in the tree tops on one side of a valley. I say valley but it’s more like a gorge.

Individual tree top villas have a lounge, bedroom, bathroom, terrace and small infinity plunge pool, all supported on long stilts from the ground, with wooden walk ways to connect to the main building.

Again, being the end of the summer season there were few guests. We felt spoiled with the staff only there for us.

Toby and Amy’s wedding

We had three nights at Tsala and spent the days exploring the beautiful Plettenberg Bay area. Now it was time to head for Toby and Amy’s wedding to fulfil the reason we had come to South Africa.

A drive to Port Elizabeth, an airplane to Durban and another drive along severely pot-holed country roads through hectare upon hectare of sugar cane brought us to Amy’s father’s house in Wartberg.