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A peaceful morning along the coast.

Today, we visited Betty’s Bay, a picturesque coastal town recognised for its peaceful beaches, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. It had been highly recommended by our previous hotel, particularly because access to the beach was free, which made it an appealing and practical option for travellers.

I had originally hoped to visit Boulders Beach, which is well known for its colony of African penguins. However, our hosts suggested Betty’s Bay as an excellent alternative. Their recommendation proved to be well founded, as the area offered a similarly memorable experience, with penguins, fresh sea air, and a calm coastal setting, but with noticeably fewer crowds.

Seeing the penguins at close range was a remarkable experience. Watching them move across the sand and rest among the rocks felt both peaceful and memorable, and it was especially meaningful to experience something I had long hoped to see in person.

Lunch by the lake

After spending time observing the penguins and enjoying the fresh sea air, we made our way to a beautiful lakeside café that Mum and Dad had discovered during their morning walk. The setting was exceptionally picturesque, with still water, mountain views, and the gentle sound of conversation creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.

As I was not feeling entirely well, I chose a small tapas plate and a refreshing smoothie, opting for something light and manageable.

Although I did not eat very much, it was still enjoyable to sit with everyone and appreciate the peaceful surroundings.

After lunch, I decided to return to the hotel and rest for the afternoon, hoping that some sleep would help me recover and feel better after a lie down.

A difficult evening

Unfortunately, by evening my condition took a turn for the worse, and it became clear I needed urgent medical help. At first, we planned for Dad to drive me to the hospital, but I was too unwell to make the journey safely.

An ambulance was called, and soon I found myself bundled in a blanket, travelling in the back compartment. Mum sat anxiously in the front, watching the lights flash as we sped through the streets toward the hospital.

When we arrived, I urgently needed the bathroom, but because of my physical difficulties, a nurse brought over a bedpan. It was uncomfortable and awkward, and eventually, I couldn’t hold it any longer — I had to use the toilet instead.

That moment is the last clear memory I have of the day. The rest of the night passed in a blur of hospital sounds and restless moments. The nurses checked on us every few minutes, leaving both Mum and me utterly exhausted by morning.