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Dear Alan It is a sad day to me, because writing in this book means sayting goodbye. It is a farewell to people who have been so wonderful and warm to me, a farewell to a blessed country and a farewell to such an enormously enriching time that I will never forget and can forever draw on the experiences I have had. Although it hurts to leave, I do so with happiness in my heart because I am grateful for everything that you, the SWwanage familyi, this country and the hospital have given me. It is especially the love, warmth and happiness of the people who have surrounded me over the last few months that made this experience so unforgettable. I can still remember my first day here very well. I was so excited to meet you (you want to make a good impression and especially when you will live3 under the same roof for so long ! It was a first hug and the happiness and the love in your heart that purified my soul and took the fear and tension away. I immediately felt at home. Not for a single second did I feel homesick. However I am very sure that I will fell homesick as soon as I am back in Germany. (Its cold in Germany and people here are like the weather). Indeed this house is a true home away from hoem! You have really managted to create so much life and warmth in this house that one could never have imagined. I am grateful that I was able to learn so much during my time in South Africa. It was not only medical aspects, but also ethical and especially the openess and warmth of the people from whom I was able to learn. You don't realize what a wonderful place you have created with Swanage, which enriches its sons and daughters in such a magnified way. Although you can weep at the raw and brutal violence every day at Bara, you find so much warmth in this hell you never expcted. Day by day I fellt more in love with this country and its people. Just as it was a culture shock to arrive here, it will be a culture shock to arrive back in Germany. No more "you are you?" no more greetings from strangers, no more strangers becoming friends...Although I will soon no longer be in South Africa, I will forever carry a little piece of South Africa especially Johannesburg and especially Swanage in my heart You have often said that the Pialnesberg will be the highlight of Swanage, But I have to disagree. The highlight was neither my trip to the Drakesnberg nor to Cape Town. It was you, the Swans, the warmth, the cheerfulness and the community that made the time so unforgettable. Strangers truly became friends, became brothers and sisters. I am incredibly grateful to you for giving this experience. Words cannot express my gratitude. I look forward to hopefully see you again soon!!!! Nicolai Rohmeiss Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Deutschland.