solo week 3

Every year that I go to South Africa, I think how I would love to stay longer and spend some time alone. I never end up making it happen. This year, I wasn't sure what would happen in the future with me regarding teams so I knew I had to make it happen this year--no excuses. After a little back and forth with staying, not staying, staying, not staying, I paid the price to extend my trip by one week and return the following Saturday from the time the team left.

This was the best decision I've made for many reasons--some to share and some to keep to myself for now.

What did I do?

• spent a lot of time in quiet and reflection alone or at the MCM coffee shop
• spent more 1:1 time with friends there
• rode the train from Paarl to Cape Town for the day (no, this is not a train like Amtrak...)
• celebrated Blom's birthday
• served at Butterfly House
• visited the men's prison with Mqokeleli & Portia

Where did I stay?
I stayed in the home of Andre & Ameaka Visser. I stayed in their flat below their house. They were the most gracious hospitable hosts. I felt like part of the Visser family by the time I left. Ameaka works for MCM and manages the coffee shop. She is also part of the group that goes out and serves the street women (http://backtosa2010.blogspot.com/2010/09/bringing-hope-to-streets.html). I can't say enough wonderful things about this family!



Pictures from the week:


breakfast at Proviant with Blom on my last morning in Paarl


Proviant

A Dream, respect for a language and culture, an Englishman who met, fell in love and married a local girl, and the crossing of pathways with a very special Mason family, is the story behind the story of Proviant.

Signature dishes are Bobotie Springrolls, Curried Tripe and trotters, Venison pie, Beef oxtail served with samp and beans, Masala crusted beef fillet, Deep fried Ice Cream and Cape Malay Milk tart.

On the menu you will find old friends like the farm breakfast, mixed grill, vetkoek, malva pudding and of course rusks and boeretroos.

calilillies that grew along the roads and ironically were a sign of renewal and beauty among some places of despair


Blom -- one of my favorite lady peeps


Luba -- one of my favorite man peeps


cappuccino


my blogging and emailing station with my favorite breakfast at the MCM coffee shop


Danielle and Luba
At Under Oaks pizzeria for Blom's birthday


Devona + Margeurite (Ameaka & Andre's daughter and my little sister for the week)


Marnelle (MCM host) and Margeurite


Ameaka & Andre Visser


Blom + Gary (MCM CEO/host)


Rayleen and Danielle