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123 entries.
wrote on June 1, 2017
at
8:52 pm
Dear Alan
Since arriving in South Africa 6 weeks ago and first meeting you with your trademark embrace, I have struggled to convey who Alan Peter is and what makes him such a special person. Sometimes it's the conversations over dinner, most memorable for your story-telling and hilarious and sometimes just weird turn of phrase or other times it has been days out in the bush in Pilanesberg, followed by braai's in the evenings punctuated by the sounds of a lion roaring around the campground. For some reason one snippet of my time here in Swanage seems to me to highlight one of the many things I'll take away from you. The night before heading to Pilanesberg I popped down to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. You were sitting in your office and excitedly invited me in to take a look at the excel spread sheet you'd been busily preparing for our time in the bush. you had noted down 3 courses and 3 meals for each day including every fine detail and your excitement for the trip (despite having done it countless times before) was infectious. This enthusiasm for life, friendships and the natural world is something I have never seen anyone possess in such quantities. I have loved my time here at Swanage and in J'oburg. I'm pleased to be a Swan for life and I look forward to my next visit! Best Wishes James Steckelmacher (London UK) Swanage chess champion 2017
wrote on February 12, 2017
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7:56 pm
Alan, big man. Wow what an experience. Thank you so much for welcoming me into the Swanage family. The very thought of being a trauma registrar at Bara gave me nightmares, but I made it, 3 months, no doubt in part to your wise words and positive attitude. From our trip to Pilanesberg and your advice about all the spots to stop on my trip of your beautiful country I cannot thank you enough. You're enthusiasm for life is infectious and I admire it greatly. Keep offering this wonderful service of yours to come. I am sure many more students and doctors will love what your home has to offer. Cheers Ryan
wrote on February 12, 2017
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7:48 pm
Dear Alan. I will never be able to thank you enough for saving me in Johannesburg from Mondeor, your endless hospitality enthusiasm, wisdom, advice, giving us an extraordinarily enjoyable and memorable Christmas of of course who could forget Pilanesburg! What an incredible experience from start to finish! I will deinitely be back for more of bara and when I am this Swan will be returning to it's nest here at Swanage. You've got an extraordinary ability to create a family environment here across cultural barriers and I'll definitely be sending all my friends coming your way for an extra special SA experience. This is a see you soon, not a goodbye my friend. If you're ever in Melbourne you have accommodation as long as you like. Nicholas Goulding
wrote on February 12, 2017
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7:39 pm
Dear Alan, I cannot express my gratitude for you or the home that you have provided for me. From the very minute of arriving a Swanage I knew that I was in the right place. I started off quite tentative about the Bara experience and the city, but now I can truly call Johannesburg a city that I love and adore. I even grew the balls to go out drinking on my last night. Even though it was in one of the safest areas....I just want to say that you are one extraordinary man and that you have taught ma a whole lot in a short 5 weeks. Thank you so much for setting up Swanage and giving me the chance to make life-long friends from all around the world. For any future Swans reading this, you are in for a real treat and your time will fly by. I will definitely be back my friend, and I will definitely be staying at Swanage with 100 of my family members for their three free nights accommodation::)) Thanks for everything Alan. James (Editor: Once you have stayed at Swanage you get three free nights whenever you return).
wrote on February 12, 2017
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7:33 pm
Dear Alan, Thanks for providing a home that I felt like part of a family. I have made some great friends and had wonderful experiences. your incredibly knowledgeable guide through the Pilanesberg game reserve is an experience I shall never forget.. Thanks also for the great group of guys that I met while here at Swanage. Most of all, thank you for making me feel welcome. i can only imagine how hard it may be to make people from different nationalities and backgrounds feel at home, yet somehow it seems easy here. My stay at Swanage has made me a better person, which is all I could have hoped for. Cheers Sam.
wrote on February 12, 2017
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3:21 pm
Dear Alan, when I was planning my trip to Jhb one year a ago and I asked around for good accommodation I got to hear tons of stories about this strange multi-talented doctor-priest and his student home (thanks to Eva Roels who came to Swanage earleir) I was so unsure what to expect. After 3 months I can say that Swanage has been a big and unforgettable part of my South African experience. To start the day with a cup of coffe in your lovely garden listening to your waterfalls into the koi pond watching the koi fish jump made the days at bara much easier and enjoyable. Thanks for showing me around Joburg, the Pilanesberg and providing me with such helpful advice to plan our weekend trip and to survive in general. You have such an amazing ability to welcome people of different nationalities, ages and interests at you house and make them feel comfortable. I'm glad and a bit proud that I have been one of them. Cheers Oliver.
wrote on November 10, 2016
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3:15 pm
Dear Alan I came to Swanage as a Cygnet in 2007 (before the web site and guestbook). In these nine years I have been to many other lakes since then, but more than that when I came into Swanage, I felt so instantly at home. Best wishes to Swanage and all who continue to sail in her. (Editor: Tim returned for a short visit, now as a consultant in internal medicine on holiday in South Africa).
wrote on October 10, 2016
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2:57 pm
Dear Abuna Alan, a month ago when I arrived to The Swanage you realized that I am a Palastinian Catholic with Israeli Passport. I got the warmest hug from you and I realized this month will be better than I expected. Thank you for your local knowledge, your help and for being so positive. You made our stay so comfortable. Hopefully I will come back to Swanage in some years and you're welcomed to visit me in Israel or Hungary. Thank you very much my Albi
wrote on October 1, 2016
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3:08 pm
Dear Alan before we got here we heard all the rumours about the Swanage Experience, and it did fill all expectations. You are probably one of the most welcoming and fascinating person we have ever met. Few people would open their home to seven Norwegian strangers and let them drink liters of Amarula and eat kilo's of pizza without as much as one complaint. Thank you so much for your hospitality and not to mention our amazing safari gastronomic adventure in Pilanesberg. We hope you will continue to open your house to strangers and make them feel like they are at home. Never stop air frying food and good luck with the piano playing on the grand piano. We hope to see you on you tube next year. Love and Kisses
wrote on September 10, 2016
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3:00 pm
Dear Fr Dr Alan I can't believe that the time is over already, it was seriously a pleasure to stay here and to have interesting conversations with you. You are such a happy, joyful and positive person, what makes it so comfortable to stay here and to spend time with you. I am not a man of big words. looking forward to see you again you are welcome in Germany
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