Hermanus

Wow!!!!!!! ... alright I have now described Hermanus, I guess I dont have to say anymore. But, I will
I just returned from a lovely weekend away in Hermanus (2 hours South East of Cape Town). Let me begin by telling the story in a logical progression (start to finish).

Well Friday morning came and slapped me in the face with the reminder that I was leaving for Hermanus later on in the day and the I had alot of work to finish before that time along with packing. I dont know why but, I have always been a last minute packer...even in the sleep over days of old I would be packing at the last minute.
My job was to make sure that my students handed in their assignments for my class and that they were able to get some studio time before leaving for the weekend... long story short, that went well!
Next up was the visit to the IT centre where I had to fix yet another internet roadblock that I had come across (the internet situation is very ... different here). Alright so those things done it was now time to pack and pack I did; in ten minutes and with style I might add. However, I had planned to do my laundry on that day...big mistake. In a rushed decision I decided that I would buy my socks and boxers for the weekend when we got to the backpackers in Hermanus aptly named...now get this... “Hermanus Backpackers”, Brilliance itself isnt it. Back to the trip.
Edwin, Sander and myself left early because Marius had to finish a project before he was able to depart (he left later with Trish, Sarah and Paul). So we were off...to see the many wonders that lay before us, in the form of sea dwelling mammals (Whale Festival). Along the way we stopped at various view points which overlooked the vast and ridiculously blue ocean.... have you ever noticed that people always use the word vast when describing the ocean. I would hypothesize that it is because of the feeling of , “Man, maybe this world doesn't revolve entirely on me.” It could also be simply that most of us are too lazy to think of another word to describe the ocean.
Around 5 we arrived at Hermanus and put our stuff in the 7 person dorm room. Supper was not for 3 more hours so the 3 of us took a walk down to the water. The waves were beautiful as they smashed violently against the jagged shore line...sounds lame but, you werent there. The 3 of us took a quick walk through the town which was already buzzing with people, all of them there to see the Whales and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Back at the Batcave...Backpackers ..sorry. We had a delightful steak braii and washed it down with some Red wine and coke...not together Though I dont think the stomach would mind, cause it all mixes eventually! :P I unfortunately had a headache from my lack of sleep from the past week, and so I went to bed only to be awoken by a party of 7, now if you have been counting then you would say something like, “Hey Jared, werent there only 7 people in your group.” I would then say “yes but, like me you forgot to account for the torso of a mannequin that the guys had found on the ground and had decided to clothe and use to wake me up.”

SO 3 AM and there is a mannequin in my room, I dont know how but, I fell back asleep.

Saturday morning we woke up early...well I did. There was a make your own free breakfast policy. So I had some lovely bread and jam..I only saw the toaster after the fact. This day was spent just looking around the town, and stopping in at the various shops. (music stores). No mom I didnt buy anything this time. After a long day of walking around and enjoying the weather (20 degrees and sunny) Edwin, Sander and I went to have a full meal at the Spur in which we joined in in all the fun, By the time we left the restaurant we were seen as the foreigners who sing the birthday song with the staff! Unfortunately there is not much career in that so we headed on up to the backpackers and then out to catch some live Rock music (Blues Rock) it was stellar and the band was actually staying next door to us in the backpackers.
Sunday was the adventure day. Another early morning met us. Waking up at 8 has become my favourite pass time or challenge depending on the day :D For we the jolly 3 it was time to drive to a lovely spot 45 minutes outside of Hermanus and through Gaansbai to a place called Kliensbai. We were going SHARK CAGE DIVING! I think I will write a whole entry simply to deepen the reader experience of this Shark diving trip but, here is the sum up in 3 sentences. This shark diving company focusses on shark preservation and is a favourite of Actors; Leo Dicaprio and Brad Pitt. And the experience was totally amazing, they said that I actually attracted more sharks to the boat. Case being Times under the water 3, times puking 4, Sharks before puke 1 sharks after puking 3. They said they may have to hire someone of my skill set! lol but seriously. The trip was amazing just wait till you see the footage (They put together a dvd for us).

That night we had a braii at Grotto Beach and it was the perfect place to reflect back on the weekend what with its never ending beach and sand dunes. It was lovely and made for some excellent photo opportunities! Well we got home safe and sound. I just have to get over feeling gross when I think of “the boat times” :)

Take care,
one luv