Road Trip: Down Memory Lane

Yesterday we left the Willows.
Port Elizabeth is known for two things. It is the Friendly City and it is the windiest city in South Africa. Yesterday we had the wind. Interestingly, once we got back into the relative shelter of my brother' s garden, it seemed at least 10 degrees hotter than we had experienced on the sea shore. So there are some benefits to the wind.

On the way back we had a picnic lunch at Summerstrand, facing the sea. We stayed in the cab because of the wind but were able to watch the waves breaking and some hardy souls sitting on the rocks (probably fishing).

We could also see the giant flag at the Donkin which was flying despite the wind.

although not as well as we could see it from the freeway.

As our time in PE is drawing to a close, we decided to go to movies last night, taking advantage of the pensioners' discount. ("Wonder" - a feel good movie with Julia Roberts. I would recommend it)

Today is Sunday and we had a choice of going to church at St John's Methodist church in Havelock Street where Brian's grandfather had been a minister or Humewood Methodist Church where Brian's father had been the minister 54 years ago. We opted for Humewood which turned out to be a good choice. A very good sermon and a very friendly congregation (albeit elderly). We met a couple, Joe and Yvonne Kapp, who joined the church when Brian's Dad was there. They remembered him well because they had come as visitors and his Dad had welcomed them and invited them to tea at the manse. They decided to make it there home church and have been there ever since.

Since those days the new church has been built (it used to meet in the hall where we had tea.)
Brian had a lovely time reminiscing, chatting and reliving memories of the four years spent there. The steps leading into the manse can be seen to the left of the hall. The other people were also very friendly. They ensured that we got a visitors welcome pack (including a small Bar One) and made us feel very welcome.

So we  got to experience Port Elizabeth as the Friendly City as well as the Windy City..