The journey home

Well we are safely home.
We got to the train station by 9am, Ma, Pa the Dutchies and Ankie all came to see us off. We waited in this very old world grand room, offered tea, coffee and muffins, while we waited for departure. It was very sad saying goodbye to everyone.
When we boarded we put our luggage in our cabin which had pillows a rug, towels a welcome letter and bottles of water waiting for us. Then we all met in the lounge bar and were welcomed with champange and platters of biltong, nuts and pringles. Watching the countryside go past the window was cool, and just seeing how huge it is. Lunch was a 3 course hot meal, then high tea, and finally a 5 course dinner. When we got back from dinner our beds had been made up. We didn't have a great sleep, but we did on and off through the night and woke to a lovely sunrise over the plains.
We arrived into J'burg at 10am and then it was a bit of a worry, no signs, fairly deserted and we had been told it wasn't safe to leave the station. We managed to find out that we could catch a bullet train to the airport, so found where to get tickets and then the train. Lots of up and down stairs dragging all our luggage but we did it. We had booked a hotel for the day in J'burg so once we got to the airport we rang the hotel and they sent a shuttle to come and get us. The hotel was great and it had a Rosey O'grady pub attached to it so we went and had some lunch while watching NZ play cricket on the TV. After chilling out there for 5 hours and having a shower it was time to head back to the airport. Our flight left at 9.15pm. When we got on board they told us there was a good tail wind and it would only take 8.40 hours to get to Perth. We were fed (blerk, SAA food is not good!), watched a movie and then slept on and off till it was time for breakfast. So we arrived in Perth at midday and hung around in the departure lounge until 5.45pm. This time it was airNZ so better food, another movie another fitful sleep and we arrived in Auckland at 5am. After a call to the motel where our car was, we got to the motel and decided not to have a nap or shower but rather head straight home. We arrived home at 9am to 2 very excited dogs, and one lovely son who wasn't expecting us till the afternoon so on hearing our voices slept walked out to greet us :)
We have spent the last 2 days in a bit of a dream, we had our friends around for a bbq the evening we got home, dont think we were very good company but it was nice to catch up. We have unpacked, done lawns and washing and sorted things out a bit but all in slow mode as the jetlag works off.
We had a really awesome time away, it was neat being with family, they are so easy and welcoming and fun, it was great. Seeing some of the country and doing all that travelling the first 3 weeks and then siteseeing and family time the next 3 were all just right. We wouldn't have changed anything, well I would have rathered not have a bad tummy, and getting scammed was not good either but apart from those 2 minors it was just the bestest.