Mark and Wendy Astrups’ convoy approaching Kubu Island, Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, Botswana
Going Home! Come For Tea
Going Home? Well, not quite back to where I was born and brought up in a swimming pool but back to Johannesburg, which I also oncecalledhome, and beyond to Botswana, new territory for me.
Going Home! Come For Tea
As you know my family never went Hunteen’ Shooteen & Fisheen’ when I was growing up. And I was not my mother’s happiest Girl Guide camper at Dutchman’s Pool but this time it’s going to be glamorous I hope!
I’ll be going on safari to Botswana with my best friend from kindergarten Wendy (Allen) Astrup and her husband Mark, who, after having spent a lifetime with the Natal Parks, are now glamping.
Before I complete my next book, The Flamboyant Years, I’ll refresh my sensibilities at Victoria Falls where the annual mayoral and famous national political conferences were held over the decades at the Victoria Falls Hotel.
I’ll also be spending some time in Johannesburg researching, browsing old book shops, seeing old friends and my brother David.
Vanessa Shapiro has offered to host a garden tea party on the morning of Saturday, 24 Sept at her lovely guest house in Abbotsford, Johannesburg. It’s just across the MI from Melrose Arch. It’s accessible and easy to find. So if you have enjoyed the blogs and live in the area do come along and enjoy the spring sunshine, flowers, and conversation.
A few copies of my book, Whitewashed Jacarandas, which you won’t find in a SA bookshop as yet, will be available.
Reply via comment below and I’ll send you directions closer to the time.
Do come!
12 Comments
charles ashman
July 10, 2016sorry we will be glamping in Kauai i HI. at that time. Have a great trip, an adventure to remember in a fond way, I hope…C…8-)
Diana Polisensky
July 11, 2016Charles, We’re counting on seeing you and Terese for tea on our deck here in Salishan this summer. I thought Cuba or Portugal were on your bucket list? But Kauai is gorgeous. When I first went there only a windsock, a bit of a grass runway and I think two hotels. Enjoy today’s luxury.
Ilona Meyer
August 11, 2016Hello Diana
Great news that you are visiting close to home, but I have some friends here who are very sad that you will not be visiting Kwekwe! Heather Theisen, Alice Cameron, Judy Skipwith and Barbara Wray would really love to see you….. and I am sure that there are many others, too.
If your schedule is not too tight, would it be possible, do you think, to make a flying visit to Kwekwe?
Would you perhaps have a few copies of your book available for sale? These ladies who knew you as a child and young girl would love to read it…. and our book club will be the richer for having a copy!
I do hope that you do not consider me too forward in sending you this message – it’s just that these ladies would really, really love to spend some time chatting to you and so I just had to put forward my request in the hopes of bringing them some joy!
Regards
Ilona Meyer
Diana Polisensky
August 13, 2016Ilona,
Thanks! So lovely of you to write and invite me to QQ. Yes, I’d love to see you all but I’m already booked Vic Falls (by road from Kasane) Sept 15-18 with a flight out at 12.40 on the 18th to Jo’burg. How about ya’ll coming up to the Vic Falls together and meeting me there? I’ll be staying at the Ilala Lodge. If you come I will carry books all the way through Botswana for you. Let me know. I am leaving the US on Aug 23. Perhaps Jenny Swift (nee Weymark) would join you too…
Lee-Ann Wilks
August 18, 2016I grew up in Que-Que and have many fond memories, I would love to come on Saturday 24th with my husband.
Please can I book 2 seats for the event.
Regards,
Lee-Ann Wilks
0833801111
Diana Polisensky
August 19, 2016Lee-Ann
Yes, looking forward to meeting you there. I will send you the directions to the house via email
Diana
Rob Bresler
October 3, 2022Hello Diana,are your books available on Kindle.Both my brothers Michael,Roy and Sugar attended QQJS.
Diana Polisensky
October 9, 2022Yes you can get the Kindle edition for instant gratification or the soft cover book from The Book Depository with free shipping world wide. (It’s a branch of Amazon).
It’s guaranteed to arrive 8 days after shipping. Very reliable.
Gordon Richardson
September 18, 2016Hello Diana
We went to Que Que Junior School. Please can I book for Elizabeth Crowley, Michelle Crowley and Gordon Richardson.
Regards
Gordon Richardson
Diana Polisensky
September 29, 2016Gordon, Unfortunately Vanessa, the hostess for the tea, passed away while I was in Botswana. I had minimal access to the internet on my return and apologise for not checking my web site. The tea was moved to the Hyatt Regency in Rosebank and was great fun. I am so sorry you missed it. Andrew Barker was there, the son of Ken Barker the headmaster of QQJS.
The best way to obtain a copy of Whitewashed Jacarandas is on the Kindle from Amazon. It is USD 10.00 with instant delivery.
Glyde Mitchell
January 26, 2021Any historical facts about Que Que is welcome. My stay in Que Que was from 1946 to 1969. I was 3yrs old. Families that I knew were John and Kay Lyon Glentaba Farm.Alan Hall Oliphant Farm. Vic and Bobby Saunders. My parents were Ginger and Joan Mitchell.
Diana Polisensky
February 12, 2021I used to go out to Glentaba Farm for weekends with Gillian Lyon…(John and Kay’s daughter) Kay taught me flower arranging which I’ve enjoyed all my life! I saw Gillian in Johannesburg in 2017 when I visited. SA.
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