Judging in South Africa
by Carolyn Alexander
The Journey
In Bloemfontein
Through the years, we have been incredibly lucky
Ardi de Vos, Dr. Wim Smith and Walter Matthee
to be able to visit some far corners of the world
met us, bringing fresh flowers and wine. Adri is
and judge Bull Terriers. Our travels have included
a Bull Terrier woman. Wim is a Staffy man and
some places that as a little girl, I never even thought
President of the Terrier club. Walter is a Staffy
I’d even be able to see (like China, Taiwan, Russia
man who is also a Piper. They took us to the hotel,
and Africa). One of our long term goals had been
where we had coffee and talked over the schedule
to go to South Africa to see their Bullies and meet
for the week. The hotel was comfortable, close to
some of the BT people. South Africa is a country
two nice shopping malls, which I appreciated. We
that is not easily reached by many Americans or
spent our first full day in-S.A. at a country spa, the
Canadians. A long trip, there are very few direct
Oude Kraal, having lunch, getting a pedicure and
flights from the west coast. We flew United from
massage, some time in the huge hot tub, and a drive
Monterey to San Francisco to Frankfurt; Lufthansa
in a small private game area… all followed by a
to Johannesburg and South African Air to Bloem-
gourmet dinner with excellent wines.
fontein. Each way, the travel time totaled about 40
hours. Since it was our 30th wedding anniversary,
Back at our hotel, we were greeted with news that
we decided to fly first class, which proved to be an
Ardi’s brother-in-law had been killed in a rob-
exceptionally good decision. Our flights on UA
bery. He was in an office, which was invaded by 3
were comfortable. The Lufthansa flight and their
young men. He apparently was too slow in getting
Frankfurt lounge was an experience in luxury, we
his wallet out and they shot him point blank in the
will never forget.
chest. Crime and safety seem to be an every day
fact of life in South Africa. We heard story after
Because we were able to sleep and were well wined
story about muggings, robbery, home invasion,
and dined, we arrived in Johannesburg feeling rela-
slashings, and murder. I was told to always put my
tively rested. Unfortunately, Lufthansa’s baggage
purse on the floor when traveling in the car. We did
handlers in Joberg, didn’t have their act together
not go out at night without escort and never walk-
and our bags were some of the last to arrive. We
ing. One does not feel threatened in nice hotels
raced to the next terminal, where an agent reseated
or at the show grounds or at museums, etc, but we
us because our tickets were both by windows. We
were constantly aware that we had to be alert and
hadn’t been to S.A. before and wanted to see the
very careful.
scenery from the plane window, but the agent told
us we were married, so we had to sit together. OK
Bloemfontein Shows
fine… With only 20 minutes to departure, we ran
We were judging in Bloemfontein on Thurs, Sat
to the gate, but no agent and only one couple was
and Sun. The first day, we were delighted to see
there. We asked them if we were at the right place
Carol Larkin. She was ring stewarding and help-
and we were. In a few minutes a crowd gathered
ing with organization of the show. When I judged
and an agent showed up. About 10 min before the
Best In Show on Thursday, I wondered if I would
flight was to leave, we were loaded on a bus. 5
see a Bull Terrier in that final line up, but that didn’t
min later, we were en route to the plane. We were
happen. The show ran late. I judged under star and
boarded and the flight took off.
spot lights, choosing a stunning Pomeranian for BIS
No ceremony, no frills, but pretty darn efficient!
and a first-rate Akita for Res BIS. Friday we had
And on this 70 min flight, we were given lunch and
to come back to the grounds for photos and finally
juice. Better than what we get in this country on
managed a little sight seeing. Saturday, David
most 5 hour flights. We arrived on time and our
judged the Terrier Specialty including the Bullies.
bags were brought in promptly.
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