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Luxury in Ladybrand-Gutsy Living

April 18, 2016 by Sonia Marsh 8 Comments

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Bedroom Cranberry

After six months in Lesotho, I was finally allowed to leave the country, and spend a luxury day in Ladybrand, South Africa. I took one vacation day to cross the border for a haircut, a massage a pedicure, and some good food.

Thanks to another Peace Corps friend, I booked a room at Cranberry Cottage, a serene, boutique-style hotel, with beautiful gardens, the sound of water trickling from fountains, and a spa.

Cranberry gardens

My room was pure luxury with a shower, TV and a firm mattress. I could not believe how lucky I was to find such a deal for $32 on the website: Agoda.com. My Peace Corps friend, Marybeth, told me about this site.

The first thing I longed for after crossing the border was a good cup of coffee. I headed down the wooden steps to the coffee shop, nestled among the trees, where the fountain and soft music put me in a relaxed mood. I had one hour before heading to the wellness center for my massage and pedicure, and decided to do something quite unusual for me; I ordered cake for lunch. I normally order healthy salads, but the waitress told me their carrot cake, and cheesecake were the best, so I thought, what the heck, I haven’t had cake in ages.

Carrot cake
Best carrot cake ever!

After my massage, pedicure and yes, I added a facial, all for less than $60, I called the artist I wanted to meet who lives in Ladybrand.

Her name is Thandi Sliepen, and I found out about her paintings from the French lady who owns Morija Guest House, where I stayed during Easter. Thandi invited me for dinner, and I had a wonderful time looking at her art gallery, and discussing life topics. We have become good friends, and I am taking some of her prints back to decorate my “future” home, wherever I end up after the Peace Corps. I love African art, and portraits like the one of this man.

Thandi
Thandi, and her painting that I love.

Thandi told me that she met him, took his photo, and this has turned out to be one of her most popular portraits. I just love the expression she captured in his eyes.

It was late when Thandi drove me back to Cranberry Cottage, but that did not stop me from ordering a drink at the bar, and going to my room to watch CNN. I have missed the news on TV for the past six months, however, CNN kept showing the refugees on the island of Lesbos, and I was craving some U.S. political news about the upcoming elections.

The following morning, I had another amazing cup of coffee, with real cream, and fresh yoghurt, fruit and granola.

I could not wait to meet Joan, the English hairdresser recommended by several expats in Lesotho, and to get my first haircut and a weave since I came to Lesotho. I don’t care if you think this is luxury and a waste of money for a Peace Corps volunteer, but I still want to look my best. It makes me happy, so why not do something that makes me feel good about myself. As the ad says, “I’m worth it.”

Before haircut
Weave
Joan Hepburn, my hairdresser
Sonia Marsh, April 2016 in South Africa

I felt as though Joan and I have been friends for a long time. She has her own salon in Ladybrand, called “A Cut A-Buv.” She trained in Liverpool, London, Paris and Berlin, and worked in a salon in a 7-star hotel in Dubai. I didn’t know that 7-star hotels existed.

I wish I could pop over to Ladybrand to spend time with my new friends, but this means taking a vacation day, and Peace Corps only allows us two days a month. Weekends do not count as holidays so I have to save my 2 days a month to visit my dad, three sons, and all my wonderful friends in Paris and California, this July.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Peace Corps, People, Travel & Adventure Tagged With: Ladybrand, South Africa

Comments

  1. dkzody says

    April 18, 2016 at 9:52 am

    Definitely not a waste of money. You have been working so hard, and I can’t imagine going six months without a hair appointment. Good for you to take some time to refresh your spirit.
    dkzody recently posted..If it still works My Profile

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      April 19, 2016 at 9:00 am

      Thank you. I believe when you feel good about yourself, you work better and are happier.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..Luxury in Ladybrand-Gutsy LivingMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Alana Woods says

    April 18, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    Looking good, Sonia! 🙂
    Alana Woods recently posted..Alana Woods’ book reviews: SELF PUBLISH TO A WORLD OF READERS by Jason MatthewsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      April 19, 2016 at 9:01 am

      Thanks Alana, but the lighting was good when the picture was taken.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..Luxury in Ladybrand-Gutsy LivingMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Jennifer Graham says

    April 19, 2016 at 8:05 am

    What a wonderful well deserving treat and pampering after roughing it for so long! Save those days for Cape Town next Feb! It will be well worth it! That’s a promise ???

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      April 19, 2016 at 9:02 am

      I am definitely looking forward to spending a few days with you in Cape Town, Jennifer. I am glad I have a friend to spend time with.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..Luxury in Ladybrand-Gutsy LivingMy Profile

      Reply
  4. marian beaman says

    April 19, 2016 at 9:33 am

    Getting pampered with friends – a refreshing idea. Your story and photos invited me to join you.
    marian beaman recently posted..Any Hats in Your History?My Profile

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      April 19, 2016 at 10:01 am

      Yes, we could have shared the carrot cake which was huge, Marian.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..Luxury in Ladybrand-Gutsy LivingMy Profile

      Reply

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