Welcome to the Baviaanskloof

The rain is hitting hard against the sheet roof of our studio. It makes a lot of noise, it's hard to talk over it. I am told that this might be one of the most extreme rain events of the past year. It is great for the valley: 'this place needs water' said Luyanda, the only real South African of us sharing our place at 'Die Waaienhuis'.

I hope I got the names right. 

So far, so good. I arrived at George three days ago, and after a short stay at the Carmel Guest House, I was picked up by Otto, one of my contact persons at Living Land. After buying 3 weeks worth of groceries, we drove 3 hour straight to the Baviaanskloof. My new home for the next almost 6 months. 

Despite the isolation, I can't complain about the house. It has everything one could possibly need. Although there is no phone signal, we have a well-functioning wi-fi. In our kitchen there is a fridge, a freezer, cooking plates and a small oven and we share 2 bathrooms with shower with the 4 of us. It is really quite luxurious if you think about the location.

Our closest neighbors from Living Lands are Otto and Maya, with their beautiful 1 year old daughter Leya,. They live about 2 km from us in another farms. Not much in between, except some very simple houses of what I suppose to be farm workers. 

Today Otto and Maya brought us to the Baviaanskloof Nature reserve. When I say us I mean Luyanda, me and two Dutch students: Suze and Dirk, that had tended their house during their holidays. This trip was actually to thank them. 

In a few words, such beautiful places. A lot of baboons and quite some kudus. We also saw a mongoose. We had a 1.5 hour drive to get there, up and down the mountains and there we had a braai (barbecue...but then different) and a swim in the Kouga dam. The water was so nice in the warmth.

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Despite the cooling, after the food, the sun and the food i was K.O. 

The ride back was extremely bumpy, as I was lying in the back of the car, but that did not stop me from sleeping most of it.  

I'll conclude now... I could write for hours and still not be done, but I hope this can give a first impression. I will need some time to settle down...but I love the peace of this place.