21 years ago my mother and father bought me into the world and here I am, slightly taller and hopefully a little wiser, and with turning 21 comes a range of celebrations and for me they have lasted more than a month.
Celebration #1
So my actual birthday is on 2 June, which happened to be the Sunday before the beginning of exams. But my awesome friends decided to forget about exams for the day and off we went to Port Alfred, a small beach town about 45 minutes from Grahamstown. My friend Julia has an holiday cottage there and was kind enough to allow us to crash there for the day. We made ourselves an amazing brunch of bacon, eggs, mushrooms, cheese, ciabatta bread and to top it off champagne and orange juice. It was delicious.
After recovering from brunch and opening some pressies we took a drive to the beach and went for a short stroll and some running through the freezing water. It was the first time I had ever been to the beach on my birthday and it was great. The pictures will prove it.
When the weather started to turn we headed back to the house and had some tea and yummy chocolate cake which Mona baked especially for me. Aren't I lucky.
After an amazing day we started our journey back to Gtown.
Celebration #2
After returning to Grahamstown, I was rushed off to dinner with those that couldn't make it to the beach. We had to have an early dinner, because of church and exams, so the restaurant was deserted except for us. And typically we made our presence felt. After pizza and some good laughs, we were about to leave when the manager walks up with a plate of something and asks for the birthday girl. I shyly lifted my hand and already I could feel my face going red. Then came something completely unexpected. Presented to me was a banana dipped in strawberry sauce with two perfectly round scoops of ice-cream on the other end. Use your imagination. While the rest of the party was rolling around on the floor laughing I was told that without using my hands I had to bite the end off the banana. Embarrassing to say the least, but its certainly has become a great story.
Celebration #3
It is always great to get out of the dining hall and eat some yummy food. I was lucky enough to be taken out for brunch at Haricots in Grahamstown by Rev. Claire Hunter, who I work with in the Cathedral Student Ministry. We shared some old family stories and I indulged in a giant piece of carrot cake and a mocha latte (mmmhmm).
Celebration #4
After my sister Tamryn came to visit me for the first time in Grahamstown, we traveled back to Newcastle together and on arrival my parents greeted us with champagne and delicious roast chicken. Home cooked food for the win. After dinner, I was serenaded with yet another happy birthday, my favourite lemon meringue pie and some gifts. Which included a beautiful cross necklace and some pearl earrings (pearls are apparently my birth stone. Who knew). It was just awesome to spend some time with my family.
THE BIG CELEBRATION
After thinking about my 21st for a while (I like planning events) the day finally arrived. The theme was winter wonderland. It was incredibly special to see all my friends and family again. Some traveled from Durban, Johannesburg and my friend Angela even came from Zimbabwe. I was lucky to only be slightly embarrassed by the speech and very spoilt with gifts. By the end of night we were all so full of delicious food and I was so happy to be surrounded by the people I love so much. It was very special.
I can't say the being 21 feels different to 20, but having an excuse to celebrate is always a good thing. Thanks to everyone who made it so special.
