For our 1st wedding anniversary, Thinus decided to surprise me with a weekend away to the Isle of Wight! For those not in the know, this is a little island off the south coast of England. To get there, we caught the ferry from Portsmouth. You drive your car on to this multi-story car park, go upstairs to the lounge area and off the ferry goes! When you get to the other side, off you drive! 
We stayed in a lovely little guest house called the Koala Inn. Thinus had even arranged roses and a bottle of champagne!! This was in the middle of the island, in a town called Godshill. 
For dinner, we dined at a fabulous restaurant next door, called the Essex Cottage. A bit of trivia about this place - Queen Victoria called for afternoon teas during her trips to the island. Her daughter, Princess Beatrice, entertained the King and Queen of Spain at the cottage on their visit. More recently, Prince Edward visited with his production company, while filming a documentary on the Island. 
Dinner really was good (or perhaps it was also the company!) and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time!
Next day it was off to tour the island and see what it had to offer. We found that it is very similar to the Natal north coast - lush, green and humid! On of our first places to stop off at was the St Catherine's light house. To get to the lighthouse itself, you have to walk down this long path, but it's worth it as you have views over the coastline!
We continued to drive along the coast - they have many white cliff faces (similar to what Dover must be like); and much greenery. Our main stop of the day was at the Needles. Yup, a bit of a strange name - but it is these clumps of white cliff sticking out of the sea, with a light house on the edge!
They also have a theme park, and so Thinus and I spent some time playing put put, having lunch, and just wandering around.
We ended off the day by sitting next to the ocean at Yarmouth, watching many little yachts go past. Sadly, then it was back to the mainland.
Quick wander about Portsmouth and its waterfront, and then the long drive back home.
1 year and counting...
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