Write a Review
Add an entry into the new Swanage Family Guestbook Below
130 entries.
wrote on December 22, 2024
at
11:02 am
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.
wrote on December 15, 2024
at
10:54 am
Dear Alan South Africa is an experience I will thoroughly miss and never forget. From being too worried to leave the house on the first day to going for a night out and driving home in pitch darkness, every decision made here inovlved a 30 minute discussion prior.
Alan your hospitality and what you offer here at Swanage is one-of-a-kind and is exactly the kind of warmth you need when coming to a new country. I cwannot wait to come back home again. XX
Lachlan Johns, UNSW Sydney Australia, Port Macquarie.
wrote on December 15, 2024
at
9:02 am
Dear Alan, this was my second time in South Africa, but unfortunately my time here is up. I am so glad you were my host during my second visit! There's not enough space in this book to explain my gratitude, buyt I am especially grateful for not only providing me a second South African home with a huge family, but also for the guidance you gave! I will also remember our philosophical discussion with you and Luyanda! Thank you in every language in know. Sebastian Burgener. Next time I shall bring my wife along.
wrote on December 11, 2024
at
10:43 am
Dear Alan thank you so much for opening up your home to me and making it a home away from home during the last four weeks here in Joburg. I didn't know what to expect from my time here in South Africa but the last four weeks has been nothing short of exceptional!
You have enhanced my time here so much and I cannot thank you enough. Lots of love Caity Del Solar Charles Stuart University Kiama Australia.
wrote on December 11, 2024
at
10:35 am
Dear Alan
Thank you so so much for being you. I was so nervous about coming to South Africa but all that was put to rest the moment we met you and the rest of the Swans. It's hard describing you to people who ask where you are staying as for many it sounds too good to be true. Thank you for all the lessons you taught us, not just in medicine but in life. Also thanks for your trusted food recommendations, not one suggestion did not live up to expectations. Much love Cam Martin (Tamworth Australia)
wrote on December 1, 2024
at
7:11 am
Dear Alan I came to Joburg alone and now am leaving with family and friends in South Africa and all around the world. I am taking more with me than I ever imagined. I arrived two months ago feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. I "knew" the dangerous Joburg from reports and was worried about now to react in case of an attack! I did not know what to expect at Charollote and how to deal with it. You and the3other Swans quickly took away my insecurities and my time here became something very special. Educational hours in the hospital mixed with breathtaking excursions to the Pilanesberg and Drakensberg will never make me forget these two months. Especially because I was able to share many memories with wonderful people. Thank you for everything, for your open and calm way, your hospitality and for creating a home in South Africa. Love Yves Schaulin (Basel Switzerland)
wrote on November 20, 2024
at
7:04 am
Dear Alan I stayed with you in Swanage for a big portion of my life (24th August to 20th November). I remember being so anxious about coming to Johannesburg and was even regretting my decision to come in first two weeks, especially with Dr Jack's "great hospitality". I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Staying with you has made me grow in ways I could not have imagined. I am so grateful for my time at Swanage - from the Pilanesberg safari, to discovering the amazing food in Jo'burg, talking about our religions, our family dinners, movie nights and getting the oportunity to interact and travel with my fellow likeminded Swans to places like Cape Town and the Drakensberg. I had a splendid time and formed memories I will forever cherish. You were a father figure for me, You are knowledgeable, kind welcoming and absolutely hilarious! Swanage truly felt like home and I would love to come back one day maybe for a safari. Thank you for everything. I will stay in touch and pray for you when I am in Makkah and Madinah. Lots of love Jahin ( University of Auckland, New Zealand).
wrote on November 6, 2024
at
1:58 pm
Dear Alan,
Thank you so much for the pat month at Swanage. You have made a house a home and it is a great pivilege to be called a Swan. You have made me feel so welcome, comfortable and at home in Johannesburg. I will look back on my time in Swanage with great fondess.
I will miss the "koi cafe", our car rides to Bara and the family dinners we shared. I know I will always have a home in Johannesburg at Swanage. It is never goodbye, it is just see you soon. I will miss Swanage and you Alan. Deepest Appreciation. Aidan Kerr (Syndey Australia)
wrote on October 25, 2024
at
4:41 pm
Dear Alan, I think coming to Johannesburg, I already knew I would have an amazing time! Talking to Mitch Pratt definitely convicned me this was the ricght decision to make. Despite my expectations, my experience in Johannesburg and Swanage has blown me away even more than anticipated.
Although we only had one week together with you at Swanage before your big trip, it felt so much longer. I was really struck by how close we were able to connect with you in so little time. It was so fun having dinner and meeting your boys who make up your very extended chosen family. I also found an amazing Swanage community while living here nad have made some friends that I will definitely keep in touch with in the future. Swanage really did feel like home away from home and it would warm my heart every timne you referred to Swanage as our home. We had an absolutely fascinating time hearing all your stories. From your priesthood journey to meeting the Pope three times and reading the experiences of the previous Swans in the Swan Book. You have led a very inspiring life and continue to tirelessly take care of other people. I find your outlook and approach to life very humbling and take inspiration from you. We will definitely be back at Swanage in the future. Lots of love Renne Ju (Hong Kong)
wrote on October 18, 2024
at
8:38 am
Dear Alan, we cant thank you enough for everything you've done for us in Joburg. From the moment we arrived, all nervous and apprehensive, you immedaitely took us in and made Swanage feel like home. We've adored getting to know you, and learning more about your truly fascinating life! As I'm sure you recall, we were all incredibily anxious about our upcoming trip to South Afgrica, bothering you with countless emails and questions, stressed that Refilwe would truly never reply or that we'd be shot on arrival! You were such a calming presence for us in thse weeks and we can't thank you enought for all your tips and advice.
This insight continued into our time at Swanage, where you went out of your way to ensure we got the full SAouth Afvrican Experience! Your help in organising trips to Pilanesburg and Drakensburg were invaluable - definately the best park ranger we've ever had, and thank God for the binoculars!
We particularly enjoyed the scintillating conversation around enneagrams and discovering more about your "epicurist" traits, and unpacking each of our personalities in full! We'll make sure to continue pleaasing others, making peace, seeking knowledge, reading the room and taking pleasure through multiple avenues. We'll alss remember to keep putting type 8's on defence! Thank you again for this home away from hoe, you have created such a special place, and it's a priviledge to be called a Swan. A massive thank you as well to Catherine, who has looked after us wonderfully in ytour abscence. Seb Alice Brad Tom and Sasza - Melbourne Medical students.
Guestbook Gallery
Some of the Original Entries from Swanage Guest Book
