After some R& R, eager to be back!

Monday July 26, 2010- Created by Ismay

Saturday, we hungrily consumed a delicious breakfast as usual prepared by chef Chops and afterwards placed our orders for some exquisite beaded jewelry from Olga. All for a good and worthy cause.

The group with bags packed excitedly boarded the van at 8:30 am for our weekend excursion to Coffee Bay. But of course, we had to stop for pictures. Richard had suggested the Malungeni welcome sign, written in Xhosa, Engnlish, and German. So, we all posed for about half an hour. Finally, we are on our journey. Along the way, we oohed and aahed and commented on the spectacular view of the South African landscape; mountains, hills, valleys, trees, no trees, colors, sand, and dirt. What a breath taking sight!

We stopped at the Masizame arts and crafts centre supported by the women in the community. At first, it seemed deserted, but as we were about to leave quite disappointedly, apparently word spread quickly through the community and one of the women mysteriously stepped out of a minibus, opened up the center and we eagerly purchased beaded jewelry and souvenirs. All for a good cause!

After about 2 hours, we arrived at the Ocean View Hotel in Coffee Bay. We immediately settled in our comfortable rooms. Some of us strolled along the beach bare food, others collected sea shells and rocks, some admired the waves, sights, and smells of the Indian Ocean. Others also did a mini tour of the area close to the hotel. Dinner was delicious and the waiters were gracious and accommodating.

Sunday, with Claus our knowledgeable and experienced driver as tour guide, we explored the area. Tanya, Richard, Ismay, Valerie, Michelle, and Deborah were in the first group. Later, Andrew, Cameron, Holly, Susan, Kate, ad Anya were in the second group. For about 2 ½ hours, Claus took us up, down, through, and around the mountains to visit the hole in the wall and raptor’s view with lots of cultural facts along the way. It was worth every rand!

We tiredly boarded the van on our return trip to Malungeni after a delightful weekend. We hope that Katie and Anya are in good health for the coming week. We promise that “what happens in Coffee Bay, stays in Coffee Bay.”

Thought (Anya)- “Youth people are capable, when aroused of bringing down the towers of oppression and raising the banners of freedom” –Nelson Mandela