Vacation Week...

... and let me tell you, it's been wonderful!!  The students are doing a homestay this week, which means that they're living with families in Durban and are learning about the Indian community that lives in South Africa.  Us leaders however, are being treated with a relaxing week at a B&B across town.  It's fabulously relaxing and perfect for reading!

the 'White House'

What you can't see is the pool, but it's there and it's been great sitting next to it during the hot, sunny day's we've been having lately.  It's also the best feeling ever to jump in after a run - especially when you're located in the middle of a hill!  My calfs are just burning!!

We all had to work one day this week, and I was in on Monday checking out the Hare Krishna temple.  That is a very... different... religion.  But the temple itself was quite beautiful.

main altar at the temple

 Also, you may have known that it was my 25th birthday this week!  Woohoo for celebrating in South Africa... during VACATION WEEK!!  I had a wonderful day - went for a run, then sat by the pool reading, enjoyed a beer in the late afternoon sun, and for dinner we went to a lovely restaurant on the pier called Moyo. 

Steve, me, Mimi & Raf by the Indian Ocean

The best part, next to the phone call from home and all the lovely birthday messages I received, was the hot stone massage I treated myself to the next day.  And, due to a re-scheduling, they tossed in a free pedicure.  After a week of walking on the rocks at Mdumbi it was a little piece of heaven. 

It's been a brilliantly relaxing week, and now - believe it or not - there's less than a month to go before I come back to Canada.  I'm imagining it could be a somewhat difficult transition from a 'me' week back into the crazy life of an Outtatown leader, but we're going hiking in the mountains and I'm pumped!

Stay tuned... I've got a few more adventures to share before this semester is done!! 

Lots of love,
Sandy

It was my birthday this week as well - and what better