Spring at the Monastery.

Tim and I met up with an American friend who is volunteering at the MariyauMama Wethemba monastery hidden in the hills just outside of town. It’s a delicate and serene place. I had last visited during winter 2 years ago so I was blown away by its beauty when engulfed in spring blooms.  We started by taking a walk along the grounds, soaking up the views of the mountains and seeing the new school that has recently been built.  The monks are strong believers in education as a tool to empower local children. We next joined the monks for prayer and meditation, a 20minute session of silence in their chapel that overlooks the valley. The monks usually have their meals in silence too but they overlooked this for lunch in light of our visit – how sweet. It gave us a chance to meet the monks and Brother Robert consequently joined us at our table, a spritely and cheeky man originaly from New York. He made us feel quite at home and was definitely not the stereotype I have in mind when thinking of monks.

We stayed on for a coffee and a good catch up with our friend, all the while embracing the peace of the place. It left us leaving with a feeling of calm and joy at the end of our stay. I would recomend a visit or a retreat to such a place to anyone – whether you believe in God or not.

 

Jameson Dam.

It was a beautiful, dry summers day (one of which we hadn’t had in a very long time having had 3 straight weeks of wet or dreary weather) and both Tim and myself were tired. We needed an option that took full advantage of the warm weather and allowed us some indulgent time for ourselves. The solution? Well, head out along a dirt road and eventually you should find something nice.

And we did.

A secluded dam.

Located only a couple of minutes outside of town, is a tranquil hideaway perfect for a day of recuperation and rest.  There were only 2 other families around and next to nothing in terms of commercialisation (only a small tuft of grass was sheared).

It was idyllic.

Due to all the rain we’ve had recently we decided our car could only make it down a third of the way on the path. Good decision that was! While walking the rest of the way, enjoying the neighbouring farms with their wildflowers in full bloom, we came across a double cab Toyota bakkie that had got stuck in the mud. There was no ways my little Ford Fiesta would have made it. Anyways, Tim jumped in to help and was able to help the frazzled family get their vehicle out in a mere 5 minutes (proud girlfriend over here).

The November edition of House & Leisure magazine for me, a fishing rod for Tim, a small assortment of snacks and we were sorted for the day.

What a treat for the soul.