{"id":1860,"date":"2017-05-16T08:19:47","date_gmt":"2017-05-16T06:19:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.e-spectations.com\/swimming\/?p=1860"},"modified":"2017-05-16T08:19:47","modified_gmt":"2017-05-16T06:19:47","slug":"swimming-south-africa-l2-champs-2017-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e-spectations.com\/swimming\/2017\/05\/16\/swimming-south-africa-l2-champs-2017-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Swimming South Africa L2 Champs 2017 Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

SSA L2 Champs finally arrives! \u00a0We leave Pretoria<\/a> on 29 March 2017 and it is sad to say goodbye to my godmother, Aunty Mandie and the rest of our family. \u00a0SSA L2 starts on 31 March – 2 April.<\/p>\n

En route to Swimming South Africa L2 Champs:<\/h2>\n

We have some time on hands and mom always makes time to stop at the Voortrekker Monument<\/a>‘s garden of remembrance to pay respects to her parents and grandparents. \u00a0My great grandparents (grandfather’s side) emigrated in 1935 to South Africa from the Netherlands. \u00a0(Grandfather on my mom’s side is also Dutch – Koster)<\/p>\n

\"Paying

Paying respects at the Voortrekker monument.<\/p><\/div>\n

Grandfather Paul Stuiver\u00a0and his two brothers were born in South Africa. \u00a0I am, therefore, the third generation South African. \u00a0 Willem Bill Koster was a talented musician. \u00a0He played piano concerto’s during their lunch breaks for extra money. It is great to know my family’s history.<\/p>\n

The Garden of Remembrance is situated at the Voortrekker monument and considered to be one of the safest and most peaceful places of rest. \u00a0The niches are built into walls and the garden forms part of the Nature reserve at the Monument.<\/p>\n

I must say, it is really quiet and peaceful out there.<\/p>\n

We are not allowed to visit any other place than the garden as we do not pay at the gate. \u00a0As a result, we just drive past the monument.<\/p>\n

Our next stop is the Airforce memorial at Swartkop. \u00a0This SAAF memorial is a memorial for all air force members that sacrificed their lives since 1915.<\/p>\n

\"SAAF

Grandfather Paul Stuiver built this memorial in 1962<\/p><\/div>\n

Grandfather Paul Stuiver was building foreman when the memorial was built in 1962 (they built in 11 months and the cost of the building was just R 73,000-00 ~ unbelievable.)<\/p>\n

The memorial resembles flight. \u00a0When I look at it, I can see the cockpit, two wings, and tail – so it is quite an impressive design.<\/p>\n

The memorial has a chapel where a memorial service is held every May.<\/p>\n

The South African flag flies half mast as Ahmed Kathrada passed away on 28 March 2017.<\/p>\n

Lunch break and SSA L2 Managers’ meeting:<\/h3>\n

We can only check in at our next accommodation in Germiston at 14:30 pm. \u00a0It is lunch time and mom, who lived in Pretoria for 20 odd years, decide to take us to Irene dairy farm<\/a> for lunch.<\/p>\n

\"Irene

Irene dairy farm<\/p><\/div>\n

It is a great place and I could not believe it is in the middle of the city. \u00a0I watch all the cows as they walk towards the milking stalls – they are very conditioned and well behaved.<\/p>\n

We order a great lunch – mom and dad enjoy local cheese and crackers and I choose to eat a waffle with homemade ice-cream. \u00a0There are some fascinating old tractors, a petrol pump, and a tire swing!<\/p>\n

It is a nice break and takes my mind off swimming. \u00a0Time to go through as mom has to collect our badges and attend the manager’s meeting.<\/p>\n

\"SwimmingWe arrive in Germiston, unpack and head of to Dellville pool.<\/p>\n

Everything is ready\u00a0for tomorrow’s meet. \u00a0I swim a couple of laps in the pool – just a nice warm-up.<\/p>\n

We run into some friends from the Seagulls gala and it is great to see Gabriella again. \u00a0She is from Johannesburg and makes me feel very welcome.<\/p>\n

Eastern Gauteng Aquatics (EGA) is our hosts.<\/p>\n

Mom attends the managers meeting and we return home for an early dinner and early night as we know the next 3 days are going to be tough.<\/p>\n

Day 1: Swimming South Africa L2 Champs Germiston:<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\"SSA

Dellville pool, Germiston our hosts EGA.<\/p><\/div>\n

It is an early morning for us despite the passes we have for easy access. My left arm is a bit sore since Tuesday but mom and Coach dad said it might just need a warm-up.<\/p>\n

We arrive at the pool and it is quite cold. \u00a0Much colder than Durban! \u00a0I do my warm-up and stretch but my left arm is still sore an a bit warm.<\/p>\n

We wait for first-aid to arrive. \u00a0The gentleman is very friendly. \u00a0He says my triceps on my left arm is inflamed! \u00a0I panic as we worked so hard before this swim meet.<\/p>\n