3D REFLECTIONS OF LIFE

The setting Here at camp at Bergriver, we fill our nights with games such as dominoes – better known as “Dumminoes or Dummies” on the Cape Flats where this game is well loved. There is something mysterious about the game of dominoes which reminds me of the shipwrecked boys of the novel, “Lord of the flies” by William Golding. While these rectangular blocks of pipped ivory lay in their box, their regal appearance appeals. However, when these dominoes are placed on the game board or table, all hell breaks loose, just like the innocent boys who transform into wild animals in Golding’s novel.   Chilled campers morph into game ragers. You see the pent up aggression in their taut bodies, their alert, darting eyes and the incessant war talk that emerge. Teams huddle and the air is filled with excitement. There is only one agenda: outsmart your opponents by whatever means, strike and clinch the champion title for the night. On your marks... set... The game begins. The dominoes are s...

Back at the Berg... Berg River with rapids in the distance Our brains possess the miraculous ability to re -wire our thoughts in an instant. After spending the greater part of the year like madmen on a highway chase, we are calibrated to go into holiday zone. We are slowed down so that our senses can be drenched in the sounds, smells, tastes and feelings of REAL life; an absolute necessity else we will go crazy “chasing pavements” as Adele sings. Our family is going nowhere slowly here at the Berg river resort in Paarl. Although the sun bakes fiercely here in the Swartland, we are willing to make that sacrifice. Our home from home at the Berg River  Resort   View from our caravan - area where you can go down the rapids There is nothing more therapeutic than surrendering yourself to the rhythms of nature. Simple pleasures abound. A critter that would normally scare the daylights out of our children, become an object of wonder – science in motion. ...

Our Camping den at Goudini Spa Campa-logue at Goudini 23 June Finally, we have arrived at our destination, Goudini Spa, in the heart of the Breede Valley. We are on Camp for the next week. Stunning weather  and perfect for camping. We know we are going to experience all the seasons in this short week, but what the heck??  We set the scene with a solid campfire, sausage and chicken braai with a Chinese dominoes league game. Lekka… Chinese Dominoes Camp League game in progress 24 June Well, today it is raining; that soaking kinda rain. But for now, after 2 hours at the indoor pool and a chicken sarmie to keep the metabolism running, I am ready to soak up Achebe’s Arrow of God – second reading especially brought along to tackle while in the outdoors. Sasha, Christo, Nazeer and Riko weighing up the options for the day June 25 Just love the idea of knowing our week- long camping in the caravan park here at Goudini costs us...

I can’t wait to go camping in June!