Graham (and Frances) keep Woolly Mammoth in ‘the other island’ click to enlargeI’m back on Play d’eau and all is well with life. Very well.
Woolly Mammoth
Having followed my time in hospital for a rebuild of my prostate last week, our dear friends, Graham and Frances of Woolly Mammoth have penned an ‘Ode to Pee’.
It’s brilliant!
Ode to Pee
We thought we’d write this little verse, now you’ve seen the Doc and Nurse;
And they’ve unclogged your blocked up drain, enabling you to Pee again.
We also thought it would be nice, to give a bit of our advice
‘Cause you’re not used to good full flow, whenever you may want to go.
When you’re next having a great time, stand up and shout, I WANT MORE WINE;
Your tank will fill so just take care, that you don’t Pee it everywhere.
When you are full we recommend, that you yourself can just pretend
On your next visit to the Loo, stand back, take aim like firemen do.
Please don’t mind our little tease, we just want you to be at ease;
It’s wonderful now you can Wee, all we can do is shout YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEE……..
Woolly Mammoth
Piers
from the Pilot house of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Beaucette Marina
Owen Cole of The Medical Specialist Group click to enlargeIt’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
Princess Elizabeth Hospital click to enlargeMany 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.
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
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 click to enlarge
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 click to enlarge
These guys were great with their improvisation and rhythms click to enlarge
“The wheel on the front goes round and round’ click to enlarge
Traditional skills are still being used click to enlarge
The port and marina were so busy click to enlarge
Table Mountain was wearing its table cloth click to enlarge
The cloud disappeared… click to enlarge
…and window cleaners were suspended by ropes click to enlarge
Sandwiches, cakes, savouries, scones, creams, jams, breads and 'nibbles' click to enlarge
We indulged in afternoon tea at The Mount Nelson click to enlarge
Piers’ favourite click to enlarge
We stayed at the Granny Mouse Country Lodge for our last night in SA click to enlarge
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 click to enlarge
The fog stayed hovering above the river click to enlarge
As the sun rose, it was -3C, frosty, and fog steamed off the river click to enlarge
A great sign by Reception click to enlarge
Water taps and corrugated iron made a novel water features click to enlarge
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
A wide open mouth is a warning sign click to enlargeOn 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
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
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 grassed reception area. Wine and beer was kept cool in wheelbarrows click to enlarge
Welcome to the wedding venue click to enlarge
The ‘bridal aisle’ entrance to Acacia click to enlarge
The ceremony was held on the decking click to enlarge
Chairs were facing the waterhole and rhinos click to enlarge
The minister’s view click to enlarge
Nadine and Colleen prepare the tables click to enlarge
The staff helped as well click to enlarge
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 click to enlarge
Nadine, Amy’s cousin, adding touches to decorations click to enlarge
Top table flowers and decorations click to enlarge
Orange was the theme click to enlarge
Brigitte, Amy’s aunt click to enlarge
Linda, Amy’s step-grandmother click to enlarge
The flowers were so gorgeous click to enlarge
Irene, Mark’s partner click to enlarge
Colleen, Amy’s aunt click to enlarge
Shelly, bridesmaid click to enlarge
Chairs were decorated with bows click to enlarge
Mr and Mrs Hippo click to enlarge
Toby, Brigitte’s partner click to enlarge
Rhinos were mud bathing click to enlarge
The Bridal Lodge… click to enlarge
…with a Vervet monkey scampering across the top click to enlarge
The evening sunset click to enlarge
The barman who looked after us all so well click to enlarge
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
Toby and Amy exchange their vows click to enlargeThe 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 Pré with Mr and Mrs Tobias du Pré click to enlargeWhilst 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
The stage was set click to enlargeToby 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 were identified by dates and explanations click to enlargeSitting 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
These were the voyages of Piers and Lin du Pré aboard their Fleming 55
