REPORT: TIME OUT IS 19 &
TRAVELTIME IS 12

Thursday 25th July 2019

It is difficult to put into words the gratitude we feel, when over the past 19 years we have had 252 trips in TIME OUT and taken 6789 passengers on the coach with us – and with TRAVELTIME we have transported 1470 people over 142 trips in and around South Africa and Namibia.  Words fail us – so instead Brian and I put our hearts into planning a day to remember.

We had the Krystal Beach Hotel with their Ndizi Art Gallery; their ‘faux’ boat; and separate function room called the Captain’s Table as our Venue of Note!  The stage was set, and our coach arrived at the venue with a happy lot of ‘party-goers’ all dressed in their nautical attire.  The bright Blue, White with a touch of Red made for such a colourful group of people all enjoying a sherry (to ward off the cold) or an orange juice and a chat with each other.  Some wandered the Art Gallery and various comments were heard of some of the art displayed – oh well, to each his own!  (Art is such a personal taste and specific to each person’s taste)

At just before 12h00 everyone was seated in the ‘boat’ – an exact replica from the outside of a boat with port holes.  Brian welcomed everyone with his unique humour – telling them he was going to tell them about ‘each-and-every-one-of-the 190 trips’ so lunch might be a bit late!  There was silence after this remark – one can only believe they were all polite!  He then introduced Carol to give her report of the past year.  The chosen theme for the day was hearts and each person was given paper hearts impregnated with basil and rocket seeds plus a seed tray with potting soil to ‘grow them in’; they were also given a personal card with memories of photos taken over the last year on tour.

Marie & Heather came forward to say a few words of thanks and presented Carol and Brian with  a beautiful bouquet of flowers & a gift, which were graciously accepted.

Just before 1.00pm we all went through to The Captain’s Table – a different way for everyone to be seated – two long tables with 3 people at the head and tail of the table.  Lunch was served – a smoked salmon and avo starter; with arancini balls for the vegetarians.  Followed by a buffet which has a build-your-own-salad; delicious fried hake; chicken curry and sirloin with vegetables.  Dessert was individual mini lemon meringue tarts; mini cheesecakes and peppermint tarts.

A few prize draws followed with much merriment especially when I asked people to offer themselves to draw a number if they thought they were very honest!  Ann Laruffa was chosen and guess what – she pulled out her OWN number to much merriment and laughter.  She won Sunday lunch for 2 at the Krystal Beach Hotel and Marja won the other large gift – a voucher for 2 to do a Hylton Ross full day wine tour for 2 passengers, valued at R2,140!  There were 10 other gifts donated by Traveltime.

There was a photo frame available and Hawaiian leis for everyone, which also added fun to the day – everyone had to make sure they had a photo with their friends in our Traveltime/Time Out photo frame.  Much laughter and fun followed, and it was almost sad when just after 3.00pm we had to board the coach to head back to the city and the chaos of afternoon traffic in the rain!

We have had many messages of congratulations and I’ve chosen only 2 (because of space) to go into this report

“Good morning Brian & Carol.  My sincere thanks for such a beautiful day in every respect.  Your hard work is so appreciated & brings such joy into our lives.  May you go from strength to strength’ – Gwyneth.

Dearest Carol – After such a festive and joyful day, I am in bed exhausted.  Amazed at the stamina of both you and your husband, and your organizational skills.  What a day, and what planning.  The way you can stretch each person’s contributions is phenomenal” – Anneka

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