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123 entries.
wrote on June 3, 2017
at
8:25 pm
Dear Alan. The time and effort you invest in other people is astonishing and truly inspiring. This little swan you are sending back in to the rest of the world will certainly convey the spirit of Swanage into the society in which we live. Starting from facts on elephants to the defense mechanisms of plants I have learned so much that will change my view on the wildife I see in future, for both animals and humans. Please keep the Swanage open as long as possible so many generations of young doctors and students can benefit from this experience. With my best wishes (Midas -the kurdish Jesus) --Midas is slim tall with dark long hair and a beard and often nicknamed Jesus.
wrote on June 3, 2017
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8:18 pm
Where do I start? Lets start with your garden and castle, since that's where my experience began. Rarely has another's home put me so much at ease. My ability to find refuge and quietude listening to the babble of the koi pond fountain was a treat, to hear the birds chirping and to share meals and conversation was divine and harkens back to memories of my childhood. Suffice it to say that your home felt like my own and in a new country (new continent and new hemisphere!) that kind of reassuring and comforting feeling is absolutely priceless. Then of course there was our safari in Pilanesberg seeing four of the big six (hippo's are dangerous too) and countless wilflife besides was the fulfillment of years of anticipation - layer in the camping and the never -ending menu and it's a trip I'll cherish. But what I am most appreciative of, in awe of and inspired by is the man you are Alan. This amazement and respect does not end with the end of my time at Swanage. You've left a mark on me that will not soon fade. From a generosity that offers lessons on goodwill toward mankind, to a wit and sharp humour that disarms in English, Zulu or otherwise, and a philosophical spirit that allowed for some of the best conversations I've had. In a country as complex and in-transition as much as South Africa, the visitors to Swanage are so fortunate to have a man as perspicacious as you to help navigate. But more so, a country as wounded a South Africa is beyond blessed to have a devoted healer but it's side. The lessons I have learned from you have made me a better physician and a man and I look forward to our paths crossing again. With Love and Respect Reid Haflich (Boston, USA)
wrote on June 3, 2017
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8:08 pm
I know this is a short one, but time is running and we're under pressure to rush to the airport. Thank you for you hospitality and your warmth and understanding and for just being the best foster-dad one could wish for. I really enjoyed my time here at your house and in Joburg in general. All the best and stay as you are! Sabine from Germany
wrote on June 3, 2017
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8:07 pm
Thank you for a fantastic time at Swanage Alan! What a great time I've had here. I super appreciate all the "local knowledge" you've shared, and the welcoming environment you have created here. Thanks so much for being my South African dad while I was here ! You have been amazing. What a fabulous community you have fostered-made me feel right at home! Jamie
wrote on June 3, 2017
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8:04 pm
What a wonderful time I've had in Jo'burg and what a big part of that Swanage has been. Such a welcoming and warm place. Alan you've been a star. Thanks for all your help with everything. I'll never forget my time here. All the best. Jen, Oxford England
wrote on June 3, 2017
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8:01 pm
What can we say? Swanage was like a second home. Although when we landed, jet lagged beyond belief we went straight into go-mode with dinner. Within an hour Alan you saved us six thousand rand with your local knowledge and instead of Kruger for a day, you set up our own Safari in the Pilanesberg. These memories will stick with me forever. Although we only stayed for 10 days, it already feels like family. Much Love Darragh. and Justin (Emergency Medicine Physicians).
wrote on June 3, 2017
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7:56 pm
Dear Alan. the time went away too quickly!! Thanks for your generosity and many Swanage firsts. thanks for the wonderful welcome of the new years lunch with friends, taking us shopping and just making us feel at home. Thanks for the trip to Pilanesberg, it was amazing - but you still owe me some wild dogs and a leopard. Thanks for organizing the trip to Tsephong hospital and your ward rounds. I can honestly stay Ive never learnt so much in a short period so thanks. Your generosity, kindness and professionalism are impressive and inspiring. I look forward to catching up in the future. Cheers Jaime
wrote on June 3, 2017
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7:51 pm
Dearest Father Alan
This is a message that should have been planned because our journey, our home together in Swanage has been so special and a memory I will hold close to my heart for ever. Thank you so much for everything, for the life lessons, the Safari to Pilanesberg. For hosting my brother Paras and for the friendly banter sessions. You truly shared your home with us and for that iam truly grateful and hope you will come visit in New Zealand. Best Wishes, Manshu. (Paras: - Alan you made our stay a home away from home and made me feel so safe even though I was only here for a few days. Thank you so much for everything. I had the best steak ever at your favourite restaurant. You must visit New Zealand
wrote on June 1, 2017
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9:09 pm
Dear Swan Commander. First of all thank you for having me to stay in your beautiful home for the past 6 weeks. It is a truly wonderful retreat, a place to relax and get away from the stresses of hospital life and also a place to make friends and explore South Africa from. I'd like to thank you for providing me with such a warm welcome; it was wonderful surprise to be greeted with a hug rather than the usual awkward handshake. I felt this set a precedent for the rest of our stay and is symbolic of Swanage itself; warm friendly and completely different to any accommodation I've stayed in before. It has been a fantastic place to stay I do hope to return in the future to enjoy it once again. I'd like to also thank you for providing me with some of the most brilliant memories of the natural world I have to date. the trip to the Pilanesberg was my first Safari experience and boy was it one to remember! From the meticulous planning of the meals to Bernie's Pride (4x4 trailer) to the two way radios, I found myself falling in love with the whole experience and am so envious that this forms such a part of your life! The experience we shared with the lions at the fence (at night on foot) was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen or heard not to mention your spine tingling and blood curdling roar when the lion rushed at you! Thank you so much for having the enthusiasm to run to the fence when we heard the lions' roars, then enabling me to witness such beautiful animals up close. I's also like to say thank you for introducing me to your beautiful fried rice recipe which I hope will be a crowd pleaser when I cook it back at home! This will remind me of my brilliant time at Swanage. It is with some sadness that we leave Swanage and this community but we look forward to the next adventure knowing we shall return. I hope nothing changes in that time because it is perfect as it is!! James Noble Johnson (JNJ) UCL - the Actual chess master of Swanage.
wrote on June 1, 2017
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9:00 pm
Dear Alan. Thank you for a truly unforgettable 6 weeks with you at Swanage. I have come to really love the city of Johannesburg and will certainly be returning as soon as I get the chance. I take away with me some memories that will last a lifetime - in particular our trip to the Pilanesberg together (using the radio to call in Disco 4 from Bateleur; sometimes unfortunately on other channels too). and the time we spent playing the piano together - you play Chopin's fantasia impromptu with such amazing passion and elegance that I can only hope one day to emulate, and our brief session playing Taize together (such a pity we never managed to form a Swanage Choir. I hope you and future Swans make good use of the hammock we gave you - we felt it a perfect addition to both the lovely post night shift memories here and for the Pilanesberg base-camp. Much Love Professor Mackrill (Sam)
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