South African Trappist Missions and Steam Trains

When a train has been fitted out by Rovos Rail, it will be luxurious. The 'Sisonke Stimela' steam train is just so, and I had a wonderful overnight stay on it in Underberg, KZN, South Africa while doing a tour of the Trappist mission stations in the southern Drakensberg area. Launched in the first week of September, 2010, this tourism initiative melds a deluxe steam train journey with mission and avi-tourism in a region which celebrated author Alan Paton described thus: "There is a lovely road that runs from Ixopo to the hills. These hills are grass-covered and rolling and they are lovely beyond any singing of it."
The quaint, restored station at Creighton was our boarding point and we sighed with pleasure when we saw our compartment - complete with duvet-covered double bed, seating area and a bathroom with shower. There was champagne in our fridge. Before our gourmet dinner we joined other travellers in the comfortable lounge for cocktails and conversation. the train stopped overnight for the most peaceful sleep imaginable which put me in the mood for a sumptuous breakfast of Eggs Benedict, done to perfection. In addition to this luxurious steam train, there is a narrow-gauge steam train run from Ixopo by owners Julian and Jos Pereira.
In the Ixopo area there is a network of over twenty Catholic Mission Stations which were built by the Trappists in the latter part of the 1800s and early part of the twentieth century. Visiting Reichenau, Centocow, Lourdes, Emaus, Mariathal and St. Isidore Missions, our guides, architectural historian Robert Brusse and Dudley Smith gave us a depth of perspective, insights into the cultures of the region and an appreciation of the beautiful architecture of these missions. We spent a night at St. Isidore, now King's Grant guest house, which was splendidly comfortable with outstanding cuisine.
This entire region has so much to enthrall the traveller. Smithfield Guest House facilitates birding tours as this region features more than 300 species and is identified by Birdlife International as having nine 'Important Bird Areas'. Malcolm Gemmell leads these tours.
For visitors wanting an interesting an different experience, I heartily recommend this area. The Southern Midlands Tourism Association has more information.

Vacation

We have just returned from a great holiday in the USA. Ned's high school/grammar school reunion in Carmel, California was a long weekend of fun! His former classmates are really interesting people. The mayor of Carmel gave us a guided tour of the Sunset Centre (which was the grammar school). Their theatre is state-of-the-art and Carmel has a community facility to be very proud of. After many social events we ended our trip spending a few days in Washington, D.C. More socialising with old friends - dinner in Bethesda, dinner at their home in Wheaton; we seem to eat a lot! Our favourite restaurants (new the Convention Centre, where we stayed) are Tony Chang's and Ella's. Favourite museum is the brand new Newseum. As a journalist and photographer I found much inspiration from those who bring us the news. The fun part was being able to report the news 'live'. I choked in the middle and finished by giggling so I know where my talent does not lie. All things come to an end. Our trip home on South African Airways was really good even though we fly cattle class: what a great airline. Now it's time to catch up on all the news with friends and family!

My World

I live in Umhlanga Rocks, on the east coast of South Africa. I am passionate about my village, its trees, even the vervet monkeys that swing through our lives. This special place has beautiful beaches, a seaside promenade, outdoor restaurants and a carefree attitude. The weather is warm all year. The people are friendly.



My world includes the community and its goings-on. I want (and need to) know as much as possibly can about it, because I am a freelance journalist, and write for community newspapers and magazines. The people of Umhlanga are active in every thinkable committee and organisation to make life better for all: the environment, beautifying Umhlanga, urban improvement, animal welfare and rehabilitation of street kids; you name it, and you will find the same committed individuals working on it. It's nice to know that there are people around me who care. And I care about these people, and try to lighten their lives with my articles; or expose issues that impact detrimentally on our lifestyle so that we can all stand up for what we believe in.