train to Butterworth. Our journey took us through some sensational scenery, reminiscent of the 'Wild West' from the movies, with cacti (aloe vera - the emblem of the border area of the Eastern Cape) dotted across the landscape. It gave us the opportunity to witness rural life in South Africa for the first time.It was a relaxing journey with several of the Rotarians giving us an in depth history of the railway and the area. The ladies did a fabulous job of feeding and watering us for the entire journey.
We arrived in Butterworth to be greeted by melting tarmac on the platform which means we've all left our mark at Butterworth train station. From there, we headed back to 'Stutt' where we tasted South African rugby fever in the run up to the Currie Cup, Blue Bulls Vs Cheetahs. Our evening's entertainment was delayed until the match had finished - as all of the audience and cast were in the bar glued to the TV.
The local Round Tablers put on their annual 'Melodrama', a culmination of many evenings spent rehearsing in order to raise money for local charities (50,000 rand over 3 nights). The prize for the raffle was a sheep - and we were wondering whether we could get away with this as hand luggage or cargo!!
Whilst the others got a lie-in, Sarah and Natasha were lucky enough to get a tour of Stan Cawthorn's farm - 1100 hectares, 3000 sheep, lots of lambs, verbal cows and chickens!! It was a privilege to experience firsthand farming in South Africa and to hear Stan's passion for his land, ancestry and animals.
We all got together again for lunch - at 1300, it was
sunshine and 28c, by 1330, we were in the midst of a vicious hail storm, with hail stones as big as maltesers raining down on us! They were big enough to be used as ice cubes by the barman and it wasn't long before the golf course resembled a scene from a Christmas card - we can prove it!
We then gave a presentation to Stutt Rotarians and guests after which they put us through our paces with a number of challenging questions - Steff answered the majority of these on our behalf! Thanks Steff! Geoff answered the question on how the Rotary dictionaries were received at a local school like a true politician, somehow managing to make mention of Ricky Gervais, calligraphy, Whitley Wood (Reading), Henley Rowing Club and the Emmy awards into his answer! Quite a feat!
When the storms returned, we all headed home with lightning and thunder crackling above our heads!
We're off to Queenstown tomorrow, so would like to thank Stutterheim Rotarians for their generous hospitality and warm welcome and we look forward to seeing some of you again in a few weeks time.
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