A Whale of a Weekend

Hermanus, located on the southern coast of South Africa, is known for the many whales that inhabit their bay during this time of year. The town lived up to its reputation this weekend! The sparkling blue water was disturbed only by the spouts and jumps of whales as well as swimming dolphins.

While this was not the primary reason for our trip south, it certainly was a nice bonus to an already full weekend. Near Hermanus sits Volmoed. A retreat center whose history paralleled the theme of this get-away--RECONCILIATION.

We were there to engage with author and well-known theologian, John De Gruchy, about reconciliation in the context of South Africa during the country's transition, the TRC and now. There was ample time for speaking with him and asking questions that shed light on humanism and life's journey.

Additionally, we had time to explore the property which was absolutely beautiful and full of diverse plants, birds and bugs. I especially liked the gi-normous red and black grasshopper that looked more like a Power Ranger than an insect. And by liked, I mean was equally fascinated and disgusted at the same time.

The trail to the waterfall was probably my favorite mini-adventure. Once we found the hidden treasure, we were sure to jump into the freezing water from the muddy and untamed banks. Once in, and having touched the waterfall, we quickly swam back to shore to realize that there was not an easy way out of the water. Genius, I know. So we struggled to get footing to hoist ourselves out. We managed, but not without a skinned knee. Which seemed to fit the occassion.

I felt like I had traveled back about 15 years to our cabin in Sugartree. We were running around the property like children without much concern for anything other than having fun, hiking and swimming. At night we utilized our wood-burning fire place that filled the room with a familiar scent and we spent time just talking and laughing over casual dinners. The bruised knee, just seemed to fit with vacations from my youth and it added an extra special touch to the weekend.

Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time away and now feel recharged for the week that will be spent finishing all the projects I have started at UWC.