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Touching Lives
Top 10 SA
Run Africa
Travel Africa Today - blog
Calling all time travelers - ISANDLWANA LODGE
Silence. Nothing stirs under the oppressive blanket of the harsh African sun. A ripple in the tall grass as a gentle breeze rolls across the valley floor. I pull at the collar of my uniform as I try and loosen its throttling grip. A trickle of sweat runs down my back, causing me to shiver, despite the heat, as though prescience of something coming. At first I think it's my eyes playing tricks on me, as the green grass seems to shimmer and suddenly turn black. I rub the sweat out of my eyes with the back of my hand, shifting my rifle to my other shoulder. It's not a cruel trick of the heat. The hill beyond out camp has instantly transformed. Thousands of Zulu warriors have materialised out of nowhere. I stare in horror - the depths of which I would never have imagined - as suddenly the chilling sound of the beating of thousands of shields mixed with an eerie ululation sweeps across our camp in warning of what is coming - a battle unparalleled in our nation's proud history.
We have been invited to visit Isandlwana Lodge, located on the edge of the famous Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift battlefields - battles of loss and victory never before witnessed. "Wow," I say as we drive along the gravel road winding between a sprinkling of local huts and the ominous hill of Isandlwana jutting out to our left, "Is that the lodge?" To our right, set majestically on the side of Nyoni rock, is the magnificent Isandlwana lodge.
After a royal welcome from Shane, the manager and his team, we are shown to our room. I'm distracted from the comfortable, elegantly decorated room by the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that provide unfettered views of the story before us. It's like a time travel portal as I stand for a moment on our balcony clearly seeing the hundreds of dotted white stone cairns marking the graves of the thousands of British soldiers who lost their lives here.
"The Zulus attacked the British at Isandlwana on 22 January 1879," Shane says as we stand atop the hill behind the lodge, looking out at the battlefield below. "A Zulu force of 20,000 warriors attacked the British camp of 1,800 soldiers." A cool breeze sweeps across the remote outcrop we're standing on, sending a shiver down my spine - or is it the tangible feeling of loss and victory forever etched on this landscape that I'm feeling? History, loss, death and senseless suffering mingle with stories of incredible bravery, hope and human compassion.
In the evening we are seated around a warm log fire, the mercury has plummeted to 8c. Sipping gluhwein and chatting about lives and history is the perfect segue into dinner - a delicious affair, and a fitting conclusion to the opening act for what lies tomorrow - our visits to the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift.
"Day waned and the night hung over the hill as we reached the last ridge beyond which had been our camp…in silence we marched down into the gloom below, where lay shrouded by a mericful pall the horrors of the past day…when we saw what had happened every man could not help crying to see so many of our poor comrades lying dead on the ground, which only a few hours before that we left them all well and hearty" (Col Crealock's account)
It's stunning waking up at Isandlwana lodge. A belt of mist has been draped across the valley floor as though it were a shroud in memory of the fallen. Only the stark landmark of Isandlwana peak appears above the shroud.
"I am Dalton," Lindizwe says giving us his English name. "I am a descendant of Chief Sihayo." As the descendant of one of the chiefs of the epic battle that played out on this stage of history, Lindizwe is the master conjurer. We are transported from the verandah where we stand overlooking the battlefields straight into the heart of the battle. Around us the smell of sweat permeates the air as thousands of Zulu warriors squatting on their haunches pause to take some snuff before the battle begins. Down below the red uniforms of the British soldiers look like tiny red ants as they scuttle between the white tents below the hill.
After painting a vivid picture of the background, we all eagerly pile into a vehicle and head to the Isandlwana battlefield, where we come face to face with the bravery and horror of this most epic battle. Climbing up the Isandlawana peak past countless white cairns is a somber reminder of the sad cost of war. Political decisions made thousands of miles away in gilded rooms that forever stamp red blood blotches all across the African planes.
"In memory of James Adrian Blakie…Killed here in battle, 22nd January 1879. Aged 19 years," says one of the countless graves. It's the British army's worst defeat ever against an indigenous foe.
From Isandlwana we head, after a delicious lunch at the lodge, to Rorkes Drift, where once more we are drawn into the most epic battle. A battle where more Victoria crosses are handed out than at any other time. A story of incredible bravery, but one written in the sad waste of lives of both British and Zulu alike.
"As the Zulu army retreats from Rorkes Drift," Lindizwe says as we stand next to the small stone strucutres where the battle took place, "they pass the returning reinforcements of Lord Chelmsford. Silently both armies walk right past each other. Not a word is said. Not a weapon is raised. The death - the loss - the horror, has been too much for both sides. Wars futility is etched on every face. Wars painful cost exacted in sons never to return, in wives left widowed, in wounded never to be whole again."
Back at the lodge as the sun sets over our time here, we enjoy an amazing braai outside on the deck, while warming ourselves around a roaring log fire. What a contrast as we sip our wine and look down on the lights of the huts dotting the plane below. The battle may be a distant memory, but the scars are all too visible under the silvery light of the rising full moon, in the endless white cairns dotting the valley like discarded bones.
We have travelled across a century and returned convinced both of the futility of war and of the need to celebrate and share our beautiful country and its epic history. Why just visit a place for your next getaway, when you can visit a place and a time - and have not just a holiday, but an unforgettable experience.
Isandlwana Lodge has 12 stylishly furnished en-suite bedrooms, each with a private balcony overlooking the panorama of the battlefield and plain. It's an ideal retreat for writers, photographers, hikers, adventurers, and anyone else wanting more than just a holiday. Besides the attraction of the history of this area, there is the beautiful scenery, quiet solitude, great food, and even exciting activities like hot air ballooning. To find out more visit the lodge's website.
The Best Event Of My Whole Year
For millennia man has wanted to fly, but has been held back by his innate fear of death by forceful impact. So I'm not sure why we didn't think of kite surfing years ago. Standing on the beach at Langebaan, one of the best places to kite surf in South Africa, I'm in awe of the serious air time the kite surfers - or are they flyers - get. It's a blend of sport and art, hip-hop and ballet.
"Hi, I'm Shaun," the friendly guy behind the counter at The Kite Lab greets us with a smile. "Josh is going to really enjoy this," he says. Josh has long wanted to learn to kitesurf, and has spent endless hours mastering his power kite, enjoying being dragged through the sand and water in the quest for the thrill. The Kite Lab, in Langebaan says it is "South Africa's number one kitesurfing lessons and gear centre" so they seem the obvious choice for the next step in Joshua's flying adventure.
Soon Josh has his kit, and is headed down to the beach along with his instructor. "I'm George (pronounced in some indecipherable Greek way - which really makes this Greek-styled village feel authentic), I will be teaching Joshua," he says. "When the conditions are right," George continues, "we train at Shark Bay."
"Hmm," I think to myself, "I'm glad the conditions are not right - the name sounds ominous." Later I find out it's a name given for harmless sand sharks that come their during certain times to mate. "But today, because the wind is a little bit light," he says gesticulating towards the wind which seems to be blowing pretty hard as far as a Durbanite is concerned, "today…we will learn here at the main beach."
While Nicky and I relax on the beach, Josh and George begin the first of his two 3-hour lessons, flying a kite. He's taught how to control it, what the power-zone is, reading the wind, and loads more. He seems to be mastering this, so we wander off to grab a beer at Pearlys overlooking the beach. This is the life! When we return Josh has upgraded. He is now attached to a real kitesurfing kite and is learning to control it on the beach.
"Josh will now let the kite pull him in the water, without the board," George explains. "But he is very safe. I will talk to him with the radio," he says pointing to a radio that is attached to the head gear Josh is wearing. I'm really impressed by Kite Lab's training system. Not only does this radio provide a safety system whereby the instructor is always in contact with the student, and there is a rescue boat also on patrol that can be radioed at any time to pick up a wayward student, but it also puts the instructor in the student's head. What better way to learn, than have your instructor giving you instructions all the time while you're mastering your manoeuvres .
Soon Josh is having serious fun as he's dragged like some hyperactive seal through the sea. Every now and then he manages to manipulate the kite and he leaps right out of the water, while all the time George runs along the beach issuing instructions.
"Tomorrow," George says, "Josh will use the board."
I can see he's really excited about that…Josh, that is - and George too!
The weather does not play nicely and so "tomorrow" turns out to be the "day after tomorrow", but soon Josh is back in the water, and this time he has a board strapped to his feet too.
"It's important for him to understand the kite first," George explains, "and then he can focus on the board."
We watch as Josh begins to master standing. It reminds me a bit of when I learned to ski - it takes time, but as Alan who is the founder of the Kite Lab said earlier when we spoke to him, "once you've learned you never forget!"
By the end of his second lesson Josh is getting up and beginning to experience the thrill of the ride.
Houston, we have a problem. The bug has bitten. It's like giving cake to a sweet'oholic. Josh has tasted the thrill, the power, the adrenaline of kitesurfing…he hasn't flown…yet, but he knows he surely can. For now he'll have to wait, because our time here is up, but he's already plotting his return.
"Josh," a friend asks him a few days later, "what has been the best thing you've done on your year-long holiday adventure?"
Without hesitation he answers - "Kitesurfing!"
To book your adrenaline adventure - find out more about The Kite Lab here
Postcard town
"It's a postcard town," the captain of the catamaran says as we glide silently over the turqouise sea looking at the whitewashed buildings clustered along the seaside. This is the second time I've heard this description today about Langebaan, and it could not be more apt.
There must be something special about Club Mykonos in Langebaan, because this is our third time back here in the past year, and every time we have just loved it. "It's a relatively undiscovered gem," the manager of the Bouzouko restaurant, adjoining Club Mykonos, furtively whispers to us as we enjoy the most amazing setting for a dinner.
The sun sets over the yacht mooring creating a postcard scene as the yacht sails are silhouetted against an indescribale riot of colors competing for attention across the sky, and I sip my beer, and tuck into succulent chicken souvlaki. "This is one of my favourite dinners," my kids chime. I can see why. It's the combination of good food and incredible setting.
Most of the people from Cape Town don't seem to know about Langebaan. It has been discovered by Gautengers, and a few foreigners, like George from the kite surfing shop, who comes from Greece each year to teach people to kite surf. "It feels just like my home," he says. "The whitewashed buildings, the sea, and the friendly village atmosphere." Of course I have to lean forward to understand him as he enthusiastically explains this in his rich Greek accent.
What strikes us as amazing about Langebaan, and especially Club Mykonos, is that it is not only a destination but a launchpad to explore this area. "If anyone is bored here," the Bouzouko manager says, "then there must be something wrong with them." And he's right. The Club Mykonos resort is built like a Greek village. A maze of winding, cobbled pathways snake between whitewashed homes, arrayed with brightly coloured shutters, set around a Mediterranean-like sea. Just lying under the palms and soaking up the atmosphere would be enough…but there's the siren's call of the refreshing sea, cruises on yachts, spas for those needing pampering - and our personal favourite, a glass of wine watching the sun dip into the sea and transform the world into a wonderland.
However, the opportunities don't end here. The town of Langebaan has everything from the best-value breakfast at Breeze to the best place to learn to Kite Surf in South Africa, to a plethora of quaint shops and eateries. Then within about thirty minutes drive there is the West Coast National Park with it's stunning white beaches and flower displays in Spring, Paternoster for the quant fishing village experience - make sure you have your hake and chips in paper wrapping at the takeawawy by the beach, and Veldrift for a boat cruise and pink flamingo extravaganza!
Maybe it's best that not too many people find Langebaan so it keeps it's small town feel, but I think the word is getting out, and we're sure glad we found this place! Why look at postcards when you can step into one?
To find out more about Club Mykonos visit their website
Ingeli – Misty Forest Walks
What do King Goodwill Zwelithini, President Thabo Mbeki and Oprah Winfrey have in common? They've all stayed at Ingeli Forest Lodge, and we've been invited to check it out.
We make our way along the N2 heading south as we attempt to escape the busy Christmas traffic of Durban. Turning off we follow the road past Oribi Gorge as the bustling towns are replaced with rolling hills dressed in Sappi forests and interspersed with colorful huts dotting the hills. Finally the pine trees also give way to thick indigenous forests, as a sign on the roadside informs us we have reached our destination - Ingeli Forest Lodge.
Set back from the main road, the hotel welcomes the visitor with a commanding thatched entrance and a large deck area that looks out over the green grassed area below replete with tennis court, a serious looking adventure putt-putt course and a kids play area. Tasteful Christmas decorations set a festive scene in the entrance and are made complete by the smile we receive from Rejoice at check-in.
Built way back in 1973, in the era of roadside motels, travelers would stop here regularly and receive a Kingdom of Ingeli passport that was stamped with each visit. Once a year a "prime minister" was elected as friends regularly met up in this fun, family hotel. The hotel has now been refurbished and extended to a 44-room hotel. I can see the obvious signs of attention to detail in the décor as we enter our hotel room which is tastefully decorated and flows out through a large sliding door onto a patio and the central grass area with a pool. "Check out the Victorian bath," I say as I inspect the bathroom, "this is going to be great way to end a day."
The rate includes dinner and breakfast, and so we will most likely end up more circle-shaped than when we arrived. But then apparently there is lots of active things we can do too…but the only activity filling my mind, as we enter the dining room, is what food should I eat?
The dining room is intimate with tables arranged around a central serving area, giving it a cozy feel – something that is often lacking in hotel dining rooms, and especially appreciated on a cool night like tonight. Soon we are warmed in and out, after enjoying a tasty roast with all requisite vegetables. Tomorrow we will explore Ingeli's forest area…and address some of the weight gain from our delicious feast. Eish…I've overeaten…but it was just so delicious!
Dawn brings a misty cool day today, which means it's a perfect opportunity to explore the forests that cluster around the hotel. We are very impressed with all the cycling and walking trails Ingeli offers. Our first exploration is to the forest across the road. This 10km path winds through thick indigenous forest but also comes festooned with spiders. That's the price you pay for indigenous…maybe we just have to up our adventurous spirit… however, after about an hour we decide to turn back as this is a 10km route and we are receiving numerous "status updates" from some of the kids on the trauma of walking so far in such spidery conditions - although it's not them who have to battle the arachnids.
Back at the hotel we grab a couple of beers and sit in the overstuffed couches enjoying some time reading in the lounge - which of course naturally brings on hunger. This is quickly dealt with when we order some pizzas to share. I'm impressed by the thick, juicy pizzas, and we are soon all licking our lips in gastronomic appreciation. While pizzas next to a log fire are blissful, nothing beats exploring and hiking for us, and so it's time to head out again.
A magical silvery mist is now hanging thickly over the treetops which creates a perfect condition for walking. There's a shorter 3km walk to a dam that we try this time. This is obviously a more popular path, as there are no spider webs and the walking/cycle track is well maintained as it winds through thick, indigenous forest alive with the sounds of hundreds of birds.
The path winds down into a valley finally emerging at a tranquil lake. We sit down at one of the tables set beside the lake and are transported to a surreal place as we sip our red wine beneath a silky veil of mist, before a mirror still lake reflecting the green forested wonderland around us. "Shh...," says Nicky as we sit there.
"Be quiet for a moment and just listen."
<silence>
The only sounds filling the air are the sounds of insects and birds dreamily drifting in the air.
We don't do enough of this.
Just being still.
What a perfect spot to do just that...especially with a glass of good red wine.
As I lounge in the warmth of my luxurious Victorian bath, back in our room, my thoughts drift like the mist to Oprah and friends. "It doesn't really matter how rich or famous you are," I muse, "peace and joy are found only by those who create the space, the moments, the opportunity to experience it." And in this moment, I've found that space.
To find out more about Ingeli Forest Lodge visit their website here
Where Fish Eagle's Fly - The Estuary
It's the iconic sound of Africa, the cry of the fish eagle that draws me from my blissful somnolence. Opening my eyes I'm rewarded with a visual feast. The mirror-still estuary reflects the blue sky and the tropical forests that cluster on the surrounding hills. Faintly I can hear the deep baritone thump of the distant waves as they attempt to enter the estuary. This is the Estuary Hotel & Villas, near Port Edward on the KZN South Coast. It's a place we come to about five times a year…and we've been coming here for over 10 years, and this is exactly why!
"Let's go for a canoe," Nicky suggests as I come fully awake after the all important morning coffee. We grab our canoe and paddle up towards the river that enters the estuary. It looks like a knife slicing a mirror as we cut through the water. A flash of colour. It's the stunning Malachite kingfisher skimming above the water in search of breakfast. Every time we canoe up the river I feel like I'm entering a scene from an Indiana Jones movie, as the thick, indigenous coastal forest, complete with vines, and huge legavaans lounging on rocks, closes in around us. And it seems we are not the only ones who think this. Earlier in the year we were surprised when we came upon an entire village that had sprung up in the forest over night. A village with canoes, reed huts, dried fish hanging….we couldn't believe it. It turned out to be a set built by Disney for their new movie Jungle Book. However it had no sooner miraculously appeared in all it's intricate detail than it vanished again leaving only the jungle setting.
"What's that?" says Nicky pointing ahead as we round the corner of the river. "Oh, my hat! I can't believe it." Sure enough there appears to be more buildings in the forest. This time it's an old trading store and pump house. Once more it turns out to be a set for another movie.
After our morning canoe adventure we head down to the beach. It's a short stroll and we are soon seated on velvet soft sand pondering whether we should heed the siren's call of the smooth swells that are rolling up the shore. I love this beach - it's beautiful white sand, framed by the estuary and lush tropical forests on the surrounding hills. It's little wonder that there's a wedding taking place on the beach. What a spot to seal the deal as guests seated on white trimmed chairs, sans their shoes, enjoy the ultimate cathedral under the endless blue sky.
"How about a beer at Bobbys?" I suggest after we've enjoyed our swim and are now drying like content lizards. This is one invitation that never requires repeating. Beach Bobbys is just a short stroll across the beach and soon we are seated on their lovely deck area where we satiate out thirst with an icecold draft beer and the requisite plate of wedges, while looking out for dolphins and whales in the sea.
Time here seems to fold in on itself as morning somehow becomes afternoon, and afternoon melts away into evening. It's as though the tranquility of the estuary is reflected in the tranquility of time. As the sun begins to set and turns the estuary into a canvas of red, orange, and pink we stroll up to the Estuary hotel. This beautiful hotel, originally designed by Sir Herbert Baker, is set atop a hill and commands stunning views of the living canvas below it. What better spot to enjoy our sundowners.
"Hi, I'm Quinton," the assistant manager introduces himself. "Would you like a snack basket with your drinks?" Now that sounds like a great idea. As we sit outside sipping our wine and enjoying a tasty snack basket of samoosas, calamari, chicken and other goodies we soak in the vista.
The soft orange light of the restaurant draws us in as outside the deep purples of early evening create a stunning living painting behind us. It's not just by chance the restaurant is called the Fish Eagle Restaurant. Here you feel like a fish eagle perched up high, and the cry of these magnificent birds often floats in the air.
Tonight we have options of the buffet or the a la carte. Normally I'd go for a la carte, but the buffet looks good, so I opt for that. The delicious looking beef curry is probably what sways me, and I'm not disappointed.
With great resolve I have small portions of the crumbed chicken, pasta and other items reserving myself for the curry. Aah…and how good it is. Succulent and spicy. My love with curry is reaffirmed. The chef TK comes out to see how we are enjoying our meal and I congratulate him on his curry. Here's hoping he keeps it up because I'd go back just for that, not to mention the best views on the South Coast.
As I lean back in my chair, satiated visually and gastronomically, I am left in no doubt why we keep on coming back to this amazing place. A blend of wild and modern, beauty and adventure, forest and sea, action and tranquility…and at the moment it's tranquility that's winning, as we head off to bed accompanied by the distant sound of the sea and the goodnight chorus of nighttime birds and insects.
For more info on the Estuary Hotel, check out their website here!
The Bushman's Nek of the woods
"Wow, that's a nice entrance," I say as we arrive at Bushman's Nek hotel. It's our first time here although we are regulars in the beautiful Southern Berg. The bubbling sound of the waterfall welcomes us in, but that is nothing compared to the pools inside. Soon we are oo'ing and ah'ing at the hotel's huge rim flow rock pool, complete with waterfalls, a slide and even hidden heated pools and coves. The pool ushers in the view across the green valley below, dotted with horses grazing, to the majestic Drakensberg mountains. It looks like we've found another reason why we love the Southern Drakensberg. We are going to enjoy wiling away our days in these pools.
What we don't take into account is that there is just so much to do here, and so pool soaking time will have to fit in with cycling, running, hiking, putt-putt, paintball, tennis, bowls, archery, squash, coffee-shops, sundowners, horse riding, bingo, games, exploring. It reminds me of Basil Faulty's quip in response to the brash American tourist boasting about all they could do in a day, "Sounds exhausting!" But this is the exhausting we just love!
"The roof is still the original roof, and the buildings are all over 100 years old," says the elderly lady taking her dogs for an early morning walk. Nicky and I have headed out for an early cycle along the beautiful gravel road that runs from the hotel towards the mountains and the Lesotho border. We've stopped at an old stone building that houses a store and quaint coffee shop. "You must come back later when we're open," she says, "our carrot cake is delicious." Friendly locals, stunning vistas, historic buildings, and fresh air – with the promise of tasty treats – this is a stunning place.
Sunday lunch. It's one meal that holds a special place for millions of people around the world, and today we're going to enjoy it in this beautiful mountain paradise. The smell draws us in, as only the smell of roast beef can. Unlike many hotel restaurants Busman's Nek restaurant is intimate and cozy but with beautiful views through huge glass windows of the majestic mountains outside.
"This is how Yorkshire Pudding should be made," I say as I sink my teeth into the puffy, crisp on the outside but airy-soft in the inside, Sunday roast delicacy. Paired with perfectly done roast beef and the full ensemble of Sunday vegetables I'm reminded why Sunday roasts have an aura of joy about them.
Josh has chosen paintball as his outing of choice for his birthday, much to the horror of some of his siblings. Just below the hotel is a stunning horse farm, which also boasts a lovely coffee shop offering everything from Oreo milkshakes to BarOne waffles. It's here amidst the tall trees of a forest that the action unfolds.
Thud, thud, thwat.
The sound of paintballs striking the trees harmlessly, leaving a trail of blue paint running slowly down them, like the promise of pain. As I run from tree to tree letting off a volley of bullets for cover I get closer to the flag poking enticingly out from an old car discarded amongst the tall forest trees.
Thud, thud….owww!
OK, now I know why there was some reticence about this. It's not paintball, its painball…but fun nonetheless, as we proudly compare bruises and share stories once the paint has dried.
The hotel is putting on an evening braai on the lawn, and so we grab our meat and go and join in. The sun is setting in dramatic beauty behind broken clouds, transforming the valley below into golden green. A spectacle we enjoy sitting on a cushioned swing bench hanging between two huge oak trees. Sipping a glass of wine and watching the stunning display unfold on this grand scale again affirms why this part of the world is one of my favorites.
Hannah and Josh braai our meat and soon we are enjoying it together with pap, sauce, salad and other extras the hotel has provided. What an epic spot to end an epic day…well, it's not quite ended.
"Come on dad," Hannah urges. "It's warm and you'll like it." The children have decided that night swimming is a fitting end to our day. After leaping in the cold pool they are now luxuriating in the blue ethereal glow of the heated pool. Seeing the family all floating happily in the pool I steel my resolve and decide to join them. I'm immediately enveloped in lovely warmth as I float beneath an endless dark sky stretched above. It feels like a dream…but I suppose that is what this stunning place is - a dream destination.
The Oyster Box - South Africa's Pearl
Sometimes the planets align and blessings truly do abound. Nicky and I have been invited to visit the Oyster Box, which recently was awarded second place in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards of the top Hotels in Africa. To say that we're excited is an understatement. We're like kids headed to a chocolate factory.
The weather has turned cold and a wind is gusting like a crazed banshee as we make our way towards Umhlanga. "Check in, there's a check in," the guard who has warmly welcomed us calls ahead on his radio. After entering through the boom we are directed to stop in front of the hotel lobby where a porter takes our bags, a driver takes our car, and a doorman welcomes us with a beaming smile.
"Meow." Even the famed Oyster Box cat Skabenga is there giving us his regal, if not somewhat dismissive, welcome.
I look around to see if Zuma's cavalcade has arrived. But it turns out this welcome is for us. Now I know how those politicians and famous people feel. Maybe I should get into politics or dig up a long lost royal lineage. I'm enjoying this.
Entering through the doors is like stepping into another world. Outside the wind is gusting and dark, foreboding clouds are rolling across the sky. Inside there is quietness, warmth...and the royal welcome continues.
"Good afternoon," Zanele says at the reception, "and welcome to The Oyster Box," she says while beaming a huge smile at us. We have traveled extensively, we've stayed in everything from a sleeping bag on the dusty desert sand to a king-sized bed laid out beneath a canopy of stars. And in all these experiences there is one thing that is more important than anything else, and that is the people who make these special places happen. Sure the setting, facilities, and views are important, but all of these are nothing if the hospitality is not there. We're getting bucket-loads of hospitality…not just service, hospitality…that authentic, meaningful service...and we're still only at the checkin counter sipping a glass of sparkling wine. "The best is yet to come," as they say in the classics!
"Could I show you around the hotel," Zanele asks.
"Sure," we reply. Why not have the royal tour too. And so we find ourselves soaking up the amazing, regal spaces of The Oyster Box. It feels like Back to the Future.
We've stepped back in time…Pith-helmeted footman open doors and usher us into glass elevators. Slowly turning fans from a long-past colonial era lazily stir the air, while live piano music mingles with the clink of glasses and the smell of fresh coffee and baked treats. We've stepped forward in time...Plastic cards grant us access to our room. Inside are luxurious, high-backed chairs, flat-screen TVs and vast ceiling to floor sliding glass doors. The sea is in our room.
"Let's go and get some pre-dinner drinks," Nicky suggests after we've settled into our room. We head up to the famous Lighthouse Bar where Basil brings us two draft beers and a delicious selection of snacks. We're seated on luxury leather chairs and the bright red shiny leather seats interspersed with old style brown leather chairs mingle to create a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere. Outside the wind howls while the lighthouse's light stabs out into the ocean to warn the ships of the rocks…or is it possibly to invite them to this pearl on the rocks. The Lighthouse Bar must be one of the best places in KZN to enjoy sundowner drinks. And judging from how full it is on a Monday night, it seems like the word is out.
After mentally preparing ourselves for what we have heard is a gastronomical feast, we head down to the Ocean Terrace room to taste the famous Oyster Box curry buffet. The world-class hospitality continues as we are welcomed by the hostess, and then treated royally by the waitrons. We are seated beneath slowly turning fans on white cane furniture made luxurious by the addition of comfy aqua blue cushions. The white lattice roof and pillars, and tiled floor, create a fresh and inviting ambiance…but who has time for ambiance when a buffet of KZNs finest curries await.
I need to make a confession now…Being born and bred in KZN, curry is my thing. It's my food of choice. My dying-wish meal. I can't last more than a week without curry. In fact when we travel to other countries we often bring our own Durbs spices with us. And so I am in keen anticipation of this feast. The spread of curries is distressing! Simply because there are so many and I'm cursing I ate those snacks in the Lighthouse Bar. I should of fasted for at least a day in preparation.
Chicken and Prawn Curry, Butternut, Chickpea and Feta Curry, Butter Chicken Curry, Lamb Curry, Dhal & Brinjal Curry, Beef Vindaloo…and on and on the list goes. I can hear the "Hallelujah Chorus" playing. Heaven! A spicy heaven! As I tuck into my groaning plate I am not disappointed. The flavours are spectacular. My favourite is the Beef Vindaloo, with its rich spicy flavour, and soft succulent beef chunks. It's an explosion of vibrant tastes that warms the body and soul.
"The secret is in where you get your spices," Robert the chef tells me as I try and learn some tips. "We only buy ours from places that produce quality spices." I'm distracted as he goes into detail…you can't have a conversation between two people when there is a pot of delicious curry between you. I'm stuffed…but there's always room in the reserve stomach for one more portion.
Satiated, and with a curry-induced glow of contentment around me, we head upstairs to check out the Oyster Box's private cinema. An approximately 20-seater movie theatre set beneath a star-lit ceiling welcomes us. We are the only guests, and snuggled beneath warm, soft blankets and sipping a decadent hot chocolate we enjoy our private cinema experience.
"That feeling of being someone famous, a movie star, a king…I'm starting to believe it!" I think to myself as I slip into the silky soft embrace of our king size bed. Tonight I will no doubt have royal dreams.
Waking to the sound of the ocean is a treat. Waking to the sound of the ocean in the Oyster Box is treatment. I've purposefully left the shutters open causing the soft early morning light to paint the room golden. "They have a coffee machine," I say while dancing a morning jig. What more could we ask for as we sip a fresh espresso appreciating the full, rich, spectacular experience - not of the coffee, well that too - but of the view from our room.
"Welcome I'm Jonathan," the waiter introduces himself as we arrive at the Ocean Terrace for breakfast. "I have a special table for you in my section." Aah, the special treatment continues! "Can I explain the breakfast to you?" he asks. And with our acquiesce he enthusiastically describes our gastronomical options.
"This is the cold section," he says pointing to a colorful array of fruits, cereals, pastries, cheeses, oysters…yes oysters!...and more. It looks like it should be in an art exhibition as the carvings, colors and creative displays tantalizingly draw one in. "And this is where you can choose a main meal," Jonathan continues. Once more we are regaled with a list of choices. I didn't realize eggs could be done in so many ways.
Seated at our table sipping a cappuccino, we do our best to be worthy of the tantalising options before us. The quiet chatter of a few other diners who are here mingles with the music and the sounds of the sea outside. The Oyster Box… "Well," I think to myself, "Now I know how a pearl feels…it feels great!"
Some of the Oyster Box's well-deserved 2015 Awards...
Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards - Voted No. 2 in the Top 25 Hotels in Africa (2015)
TripAdvisor: Hall of Fame - Certificate of Excellence (2015)
TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards: Voted Number 3 Best Hotel in South Africa (2015)
TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards: Voted Number 6 Best Hotel in Africa (2015)
TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards: Voted Number 13 Luxury Hotel in South Africa (2015)
TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards: Voted Number 14 Best Service in South Africa (2015)
World Luxury Spa Awards: Voted Best Luxury Hotel Spa in South Africa (2015)
To find out more about The Oyster Box, and experience the ultimate in hospitality
click here!
TReeific Fun - Drakensberg Canopy Tours
Our travels are not only about the places we visit but the adventures that can be experienced. And so we've been up-close and personal with elephants, kissed a hippo, battled giant spiders, slept under the stars, paraglided off mountains, rafted rapids, skied snow-clad Africa slopes, canoed with hippos, swum with crocs...so of course we need to party with the monkeys next! And what better place to do it than with Drakensberg Canopy Tours situated next to the Drakensberg Sun hotel in the central berg.
"Hi, I'm Shonta. Welcome to our canopy tour." We're seated outside under a huge tree around which the center has been built. We're watching a video of the adventure that lies ahead. The adventures depart every 30 minutes which must be a logistical feat in itself.
The Drakensberg Canopy Tour has 12 rides that fly high above the trees of the ancient Nkwanke Forest, part of a world heritage site. "The forest has many old Yellowwood trees," Shonta says, "and you will get to stand on top of some of them." I can feel the excitement rising as we see and hear more about what we can expect. I feel like a kid staring at cookie jar. Let's do this!
"You can go through to meet your guides," Shonta says, and we move to another room. Here we're introduced to Moses our lead guide and the "Safety Officer" Sindi. Being led by Moses on an adventure like this seems fitting - who better to lead us through the parting of trees.
Safety is high on the agenda here, which considering we're going to be connected by a few wires high in the air sounds like a great idea to me. Soon we are decked out in our high-tech diapers, and ready to go and find adventure. "Sanitize your hands," Moses says as he gives us our "braking gloves". Now that's attention to detail - important details - why share bugs just because you're sharing fun?
We climb onto the back of a bakkie and are bouncing our way up the mountain. Spectacular views of the central Berg open before us as we climb higher and higher along the gravel track up the mountain. "That's Barry's grave," Moses says pointing to a grave as we disembark.
"Eish! Is Barry someone who didn't make it through the adventure?"
It turns out he was a dude from long ago - not a canopy tour casualty. This all adds to the anticipation of what lies ahead.
As we descend into the thick forest that rises from the valley below I imagine I can almost hear Indiana Jones music playing. Well, that's at least how I feel. Like some intrepid explorer about to walk across swaying bridges and slide along vines through trees. OK, hopefully, cable vines!
"Canopy tours started in Costa Rica to study forest animals," Moses says as we walk into the forest. In fact, I noticed a board as we were getting kitted out, listing all the animals people had seen on their adventures. I can already hear a symphony of bird life in the trees all about us.
We arrive at the first platform. It's just a short ride to get us used to the idea of flying through trees. "It's called the Rabbit Hole," Moses says referring to Alice's experience. This is where our world will change as we enter another world. Sindi clips us on and on and on…OK, this does feel safe.
"You're always clipped on twice," she explains, plus there are various backup ropes and cables. I think you have more chance of dying being attacked by a swarm of angry butterflies…maybe that's what happened to Barry?
"Look mom, I'm flying," I shout as I glide effortlessly along the first ride. Maybe I didn't say that out loud, but I still feel like I'm flying. I'm ready for the real deal now…Bring on the long rides! As you complete the ride you are immediately clipped to a safety cable as you move along the platforms high in the trees. "Now this is what I'm talking about," I say as I look at a long cable stretching out into the distance over the trees far below. The views are amazing. It's a totally different perspective being so high up in the canopy of the trees.
"We call this one the Black Ferrari," Sindi says, "because it's the fastest ride."
Now I'm sure I can hear that Indiana Jones theme song. The adventure is here. I watch as my family one by one leap off the edge of a platform suspended high above the forest floor, and whiz at high speed, with hoots of glee, along the line. After a signal from Moses it's my turn. I lift my feet and I'm off. Boom! It's an adrenalin hit. An epic feeling as you literally feel like you are flying and a blur of green races past beneath you.
"Hey, but what about stopping? Eish, I should of asked about that earlier…too late now…" Actually, this is the best part of these rides. Stopping is easy. You have a glove that you press down lightly on the cable and you come to an easy stop. However, to make this even safer many of the rides have, as Sindi calls it, "ABS…You don't have to do anything. Just hold on and enjoy the ride. I will stop you at the end."
As I come hurtling along at what feels like the speed of sound, the platform on the other side approaches quickly. Here's to testing the ABS system. Amazingly in seconds I come to a sudden halt as I land featherlike on the next platform, a look of exhilaration plastered across my face.
"This is the Morris Minor, short and fast….this is the Red Ferrari, the second fastest…this is a 360 year old Yellowwood…" And so it is not only that we are having an exhilarating experience, but our guides are making sure we learn new things, and have lots of laughs too.
"OK," Sindi says as we stand at the edge of another ride. Lift your feet and don't sway," she says as we look out at the cable vanishing between a rock face on the left and trees on the right. "Otherwise you will do bushmen paintings on the rock and then on the tree and arrive looking like braai meat!" Well, who wouldn't look forward to a ride after that. With pumping heart, I fly across the canyon and through the gap - not doing any painting with my body en route, nor arriving like braai meat.
From the longest ride at 170m in length to the second highest ride in Africa at 65m high, the experience is a green blur of excitement, interspersed with incredible tranquility and stunning views as we move along walkways attached to cliff faces and around ancient trees. It's all over too quickly, well that's how it feels. Actually we've been out here nearly 3 hours, but as the old saying goes, "time flies when you're having fun" which means that time really flies when you're having flying fun!
It's a short hike out of the canyon and like clockwork we're picked up by the bakkie and whisked back down to the mountain. Hey, but it's not over! As we watch a video of our adventure that a dexterous camera man took during our adventure, we are served a most delicious subway-style lunch. What an amazing way to end an amazing adventure. Actually, this is better than Indiana Jones…at the end of his adventures he's the one getting eaten.
To book your Indiana Jones adventure with Drakensberg Canopy Tours - Click here
Scotland in Africa
Pack pack…quick quick - that's the joy of timeshare - too easy. We are headed to a place we have never been before, the Magoebaskloof area…wherever that is? Leaving Hazyview we head back through Hoedspruit and then on towards Tzaneen and then to Magoebaskloof.
As we ascend the Magoebaskloof pass the weather begins to change rapidly. "Wow. Look at that. It's 19 degrees," we say looking at the temperature gauge. Then it's 18…17…16…15…14. A thick mist hangs over everything as we drive through a transformed world. What a contrast to what we are used to.
There is an air of excitement. It feels like we are arriving in Europe. We're staying at my cousin Susan and Don's home, and we've been told to wait for them at pre-determined spot so they can lead us to their home, because "there are no signposts or road names". Sounds interesting. We follow them in their Jeep along a gravel road, past a dam, through forests…
"My hat," I say as we wind along, "how did they find this house?"
The mist is thick as we pass sheep roaming in the road before finally arriving at a beautiful home set above a stunning dam. We have stepped out of Africa and arrived in Scotland, made even more authentic as we sip whiskey next to a roaring log fire, while outside the mist wraps in cold wisps around the house.
Arising in the morn, in this wee bit 'o the Scottish highlands, we ease into the day chatting over a cuppa tea while a log fire crackles warmly away in the hearth. "Let's go and look at the village," Susan suggests, and so we leap into our cars and are soon winding our way along the misty gravel roads. Haenertsberg is a tiny little village set at the top of the Magoebaskloof pass.
The quaint little shops and pub are like a small version of Franschhoek. We wander along the street in the light mist, which creates a surreal feel, looking at the shops. "This is the cannon the Boers blew up when they were retreating from the British," Don says as we stare at the remains of a large Long Tom cannon. There's even a small museum with more about the fascinating local history.
After our stroll we stop at the pub for some lunch before following Don on a different route back, through a lovely forest where the mist hangs like a bridal veil in between massive pine trees that reach heavenwards like silent sentinels in silky garments.
"Ask Don about the bikes." Susan whispers to us conspiratorially. "If you don't get him moving it will be too late." And so we raise the topic of the quad bikes - much to the glee of he children. Soon Don has taken the four bikes out of the garage and kids, Don and dog are off on a quad adventure.
After a while, the kids arrive back with coat hanger grins stuck to their faces. "This is so amazing," they gush, "there are so many cool roads to ride on." It's the parents turn and so Nicky and I head out. We wind our way along gravel roads, dirt tracks, through dark forests, past ponds and grazing sheep.
It's a stunning ride in beautiful surroundings. I can see why the kids enjoyed it so much.
Returning home we're in time to catch sunset over the lake and the somewhat disappointing exit of the Scottish rugby team. However, as the log fire crackles away again, I raise my glass in toast to a grand display of rugby and a beautiful country - Scotland….in South Africa!
Skiing Africa Segway Style
We are leaving the wilds…"farewell wild beasts, its been amazing." But as Arnold always says, "I'll be back." However, we are not leaving the adventures. Leaving Kruger we head to Hazyview where we are staying at a timeshare called Waterberry Hill just outside the town.
After settling in, toasting the sun that dips into the valley below us where a pair of rogue elephants, as we find out later, have escaped for a drink too, I retire for the night. I'm in the shower…and it's attached to our accommodation, that's a treat, and I look down at my feet. They tell a story.
The soles are dirty brown and the heels are cracked and dry. I've tried occasionally to put Ingram's lotion on them - I've tried to scrub them, yet they remain irresolutely the same - dirty, cracked, and dry. They are testimony to our months of adventure - wild outdoors - no shoes - no calendars - no worries! The modern conveniences are great, but I still love the great outdoors more.
🍻 Here's to dirty feet! 🍻
Today we have an adventure of a different kind planned - not wildlife, but wild times!
"Hi I'm Dirk, and this is Richard." We have arrived at a farm near Hazyview in excited anticipation of our first off-road Segway experience. We've seen these self-balancing scooters in shopping centers - in movies - on the beachfront - and always wanted to try them. But what really appeals to us is doing it off-road.
Six alien looking contraptions are lined up awaiting their pilots and soon Richard is explaining how they operate. "They balance themselves," he says standing atop one of the two-wheeled contraptions. He demonstrates how to operate the Segway. "Who's up first?" he asks. I quickly volunteer, keen to get as much time possible in this experience.
"Whoa…that's so weird," I say as I navigate my Segway tentatively for the first time. It just has two wheels - it shouldn't stay upright - but it does. Lean forward and it goes faster. Lean back and it slows down. Tilt the handle and you turn on the spot. Soon we are all turning and twisting and scooting around like some alien dance scene.
"OK, follow me," Richard says, as we wave farewell to Dirk and head down the farm road. It's the most amazing feeling. There's no roar of an engine, there's no effort required, yet you're flying along the road. In fact these machines can get up to 30km/h, but at the moment we're just gliding along slowly.
"These are Macadamia trees," Richard says as we stop next to some small trees. He then goes on to explain the workings of this farm and the fascinating story behind the macadamia plantations. But the strange part is that we're just gliding along as though we're perched on some invisible conveyer belt. We pass through plantations, past lakes, beehives - "Those are for pollinating the nuts," Richard says a safe distance from the busy hive. I never realized you needed bees to pollinate these trees.
We've done a lot of amazing experiences on our travels - paragliding, swimming on the edge of waterfalls, mokoro trips with hippos - and there's one thing I've learned and that is it's always more than the activity itself, it's the experience. The same applies today. It's not just the strange, effortless, flying feeling of being on the Segway, it's the experience - the beauty of this lovely area and learning about the plantation and farming.
"Ok everyone, on this straight portion you can all go as fast as you want," Richard says. Aah..finally we are set free. Josh and I lead the pack as we fly along the road. It truly feels like skiing. You're standing upright and you can sway your legs from side to side to create a weaving motion. The trees rush past me. "Yeehii," I shout as I soak up the thrill of my "African bush ski experience". Epic.
We stop next to a dam for a short break and while sipping bottles of water Richard explains how he's been swimming in this dam for ages and now discovers there's a crocodile living here. Gotta love Africa.
"There's two options here," Richard says, "the easy route or this more technical but interesting route. Which one do you want to do?" Come on…what a question. We want to do the trickier, technical route. Bring it on!
It is amazing what these segways can do as we maneuver them over ruts and rocks and beneath low hanging trees. Soon we are back on the normal track and skiing along around the final block and down towards Dirk and the end. "Wow!"'I say as we arrive, "this is truly amazing Dirk. Skiing in the African bushveld. That's what this is. Epic!"
Dirk's Segway Africa Tours just recently started and I'm convinced it's going to be a huge success, especially as he goes on to explain his future plans - Segway safaris in a game reserve, moonlight tours, sundowner tours. It's amazing as it is - imagine doing this in a game reserve watching wild animals and finishing it off with snacks by a waterhole.
"We definitely will be back!" we all chorus together as we bid Dirk and Richard farewell. "Definitely!" I mean, who wouldn't want to ski effortlessly along the stunning, wild roads of Africa?
Go here to book your Segway adventure.
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In negotiations with Native nations, American officials promised that Indian reservations would always belong to the tribes, and that treaty payments and provisions would be delivered in full and on time. Dakota and Ojibwe people were promised everlasting possession of their reservation lands. However, time would show that these promises were not to be honored.
Angered by a string of broken treaty promises and the loss of their territories, Dakota warriors and members of a sovereign nation chose to defend their lifeways in battle in 1862. Five weeks later, the war was over, and Dakota people faced revenge, punishment, and exile for their actions. In response, the United States nullified all of their treaties, sold their tribal lands, and redirected treaty payments to settlers who clamored for war reparations.
Five years later in 1867, the U.S. negotiated a new treaty that would relocate all Ojibwe people in Minnesota to a new reservation: White Earth. Many Ojibwe resisted the removal effort and, like the Dakota, chose to assert their sovereignty and defend their treaty-guaranteed rights to retain their original reservation lands.
Over the intervening decades, the U.S. exploited tribal resources and attempted to dismantle tribal land ownership by dividing reservations into parcels for allotment to individual tribal members.
Dakota people believed the government would live up to its agreements that treaty payments and provisions would be delivered in full and on time. Instead, broken treaties resulted in hunger, distress, and desperation.
If I were to give you an account of all the money that . . . you sent but which never reached us, it would take all night to tell it.
In 1862, land loss, hunger, and deprivation fueled unrest among the Dakota. Three treaties signed over the previous 11 years reduced their land base, which severely restricted their access to food and other resources.
When treaty payments failed to arrive in 1862, hungry Dakota appealed to traders to sell them food on credit. Andrew Myrick, a representative of the traders, replied, "So far as I am concerned, if they are hungry, let them eat grass or their own dung." The Dakota, betrayed and desperate, reacted to save their loved ones.
Dakota Chief Little Crow faced a tough decision. He knew his people were suffering, yet he also knew the Americans were numerous and powerful and that war could have dire consequences. Should he lead his warriors in a battle for survival? Or should he counsel peace and risk losing the support of his young warriors?
On August 17, 1862, four young Dakota men, returning from a hunting expedition, killed five settlers near Acton. Angered by a string of broken treaty promises and the loss of their territories, Dakota warriors chose to defend their lifeways in battle. Led by Chief Little Crow, who had advocated peace, the Dakota attacked traders and homesteaders, killing some 500 people. U.S. military forces engaged the Dakota in response. Five weeks later, the conflict was over.
New Ulm massacre. From an oil painting by Anton Gag.
The Dakota faced revenge, punishment, and exile after the uprising of 1862. The United States nullified all of their treaties, sold their tribal lands, and redirected treaty payments to settlers who clamored for war reparations. Although most Dakota people were banished from the state, some returned to rebuild their communities in their traditional homelands.
After the war of 1862, a military tribunal convicted 323 Dakota men of crimes committed during the conflict. During swift trials, 303 men were sentenced to death. President Abraham Lincoln stayed the execution of most of the condemned, but upheld the death sentences for 38 men. Those Dakota were hanged in Mankato on December 26, 1862, in the largest mass execution in American history.
In 1863 Congress passed legislation that removed some 1,300 Dakota—nearly all who remained in Minnesota—on barges to Crow Creek in Dakota Territory, and then to the Santee Reservation in northeastern Nebraska.
Kevin Jensvold, chairman of the Upper Sioux Community, discusses the Dakota people's deep connection to their homeland and their desire to return from exile.
In the 1870s, exiled Dakotas such as the Santee Dakota of Prairie Island began to drift back to their traditional homelands in Minnesota. Traveling in small groups, they quietly re-established small communities near Morton, Granite Falls, Prior Lake, and Prairie Island. Today, there are four federally recognized Dakota communities in Minnesota, including the Upper Sioux Community, the Lower Sioux Indian Community, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and the Prairie Island Indian Community.
In 1867, the United States negotiated a new treaty that would relocate all Ojibwe in Minnesota to a new reservation: White Earth. Named for the layer of white clay that lies beneath the land, White Earth became home to many Ojibwe bands from central and northern Minnesota. But many Ojibwe resisted the removal effort, defending their treaty-guaranteed rights to retain their original reservation lands.
The United States exerted special pressure on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to leave their reservation and relocate to White Earth. When gifts of food, visits to the new reservation, and promises to finance relocation failed to induce tribal support for removal, federal authorities threatened to withhold treaty payments unless the band collected them at White Earth. Although some Mille Lacs leaders agreed to relocate most refused, insisting on the band's treaty-guaranteed right to occupy their reservation.
In the 1880s, U.S. policy makers viewed reservation land, used in common by tribal members, as an obstacle to "civilizing" Indians. To hasten assimilation the government divided reservations into parcels for allotment to individual tribal members, with remaining land sold to non-Indians. By imposing the concept of private property on tribal communities, the government's policy broke deep Native connections to the land and laid the foundation for the loss of tribal territories.
Far from transforming Indians into self-sufficient farmers, allotment resulted in extensive tribal land loss and resource exploitation. As Indians lost title to their allotments through fraud and corruption, the ownership of reservation lands passed to non-Natives. By the 1930s, Indians owned less than ten percent of the White Earth Reservation, four percent of the Leech Lake Reservation, and seven percent of the Mille Lacs Reservation.
List of individuals who accepted land allotments on the White Earth Reservation, 1913. | Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Only the Red Lake Band successfully resisted the allotment of their tribally owned lands. U.S. government agents did their best to pressure Red Lake leaders into dividing up the reservation, but the chiefs held firm to a basic principle enshrined in their treaty: that Ojibwe had the right to hold their lands in common forever.
But at what price? Red Lake chiefs ceded 2.9 million acres in 1889 and another 256,152 acres in 1902—on top of the 11 million acres the tribe relinquished in the Old Crossing Treaty of 1863.
Dam-building projects on the headwaters of the Mississippi River threatened tribal lands and lifeways and ignited protests. The dams were intended to provide a consistent flow of water to float logs downstream and to power Minneapolis's growing milling industry. Yet the dams also raised water levels, engulfing fish spawning grounds, wild rice beds, and Ojibwe grave sites.
Even after allotment, vast stands of timber were held by Ojibwe people, beyond the reach of lumber companies. In the early 1900s, Congress removed restrictions that prevented individual Indians from selling their allotments of tribal land, thereby opening the door to the exploitation of Indian timber reserves.
One of six federal dam projects built on Ojibwe lands on the Mississippi headwaters, the Winnibigoshish Reservoir Dam sparked a conflict between the Leech Lake Band and the U.S. government over compensation for damages resulting from the destruction of tribal property. After demanding fair compensation for almost a century, the band was awarded $3.3 million in 1985.


text:
Кристиан де Шалонж (; род. 21 января 1937, Дуэ, Нор, Франция) — французский кинорежиссёр и сценарист. Лауреат премии «Сезар» 1979 года по лучшую режиссёрскую работу и фильм за кинокартину «Чужие деньги».

Биография
Кристиан де Шалонж родился 21 января 1937 в городе Дуэ (департамент Нор во Франции). Получив образование в Высшей школе кинематографических исследований (IDHEC, сейчас La Fémis), работал ассистентом у таких режиссёров, как Анри-Жорж Клюзо, Ален Жессюа, Жорж Франжю и Тони Ричардсон.

Как режиссёр Кристиан де Шалонж дебютировал в 1967 году фильмом «O Salto», поставленным по собственному сценарию. Эта работа получила приз Международной Католической организации в области кино (OCIC) на Венецианском кинофестивале, а в 1968 году — приз Жана Виго.

Успешной постановкой стал фильм 1978 года «Чужие деньги» с Жаном-Луи Трентиньяном и Катрин Денёв в главных ролях. Лента была выдвинута в пяти категориях на вручении премии «Сезар», завоевав две из них: за лучший фильм и лучшую режиссёрскую работу. Этот же фильм в 1978 году получил приз Луи Деллюка.

В 1981 году Кристиан де Шалонж поставил фильм «Мальвиль» по одноимённому роману французского писателя Робера Мерля. Проект, в котором приняли участие Мишель Серро, Жак Дютронк, Жак Вильре и Жан-Луи Трентиньян был номинирован на «Сезара» в четырёх категориях, в одной из которых (за лучшие декорации) был удостоен награды.

С начала 2000-х годов де Шалонж предпочитает работать на телевидении, поставив, в частности, несколько эпизодов сериала о комиссаре Мегрэ и экранизировав произведения Мольера «Скупой», «Мнимый больной» и «Мещанин во дворянстве».

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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Today's trainees are tomorrow's managers. With its company-wide traineeships, Visser & Smit Hanab provides promising talent insight into the engineering and financial aspects of small and large projects alike.
A traineeship is a great way to kick-start your career. For 24 months, you will work on challenging, eye-opening projects under the supervision of our coaches on the job and a mentor (director). If you possess the right qualities, you could eventually grow into a project management or general management role. Is your future headed in the right direction?


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Yay! You're pregnant! While pregnancy can be such an exciting, blissful, and memorable time overall, it can also bring along many changes and some not-so-fun, but common symptoms. These can occur throughout the entire pregnancy or in specific trimesters due to fluctuating hormones and other reactions happening in the body as you grow a tiny human. In this post, I've broken down some of the symptoms I experienced during this pregnancy along with the natural remedies I used to help manage and alleviate them.
I definitely experienced quite a bit of nausea this pregnancy especially during the 1st trimester. Two essential oils that helped a lot with this were Peppermint and Lemon. I would diffuse these often or just inhale them directly from the bottle when a wave of nausea would hit. I found it was also key to graze throughout the day instead of try to stomach three normal sized meals. I'm not a big ginger fan so ginger tea/candies were a no-go for me but sipping on Traditional Medicinals Pregnancy Tea was helpful.
When headaches hit, Peppermint and Copaiba were my best friends. The cooling menthol in Peppermint oil is so soothing and can actually help muscles relax and ease the pain. Copaiba actually enhances the properties of other oils when combined with them and has anti-inflammatory properties. I would mix these two with coconut oil and apply all over – to my temples, forehead, neck and shoulders. Panaway is another great go-to for headaches however I chose to avoid applying Panaway topically for the most part during this pregnancy due to Wintergreen (a main oil in the blend) being on most "Caution During Pregnancy" lists.
Apple Cider Vinegar helps with neutralizing acid levels in the body. I noticed I got heartburn anytime I had high acid foods like Italian foods and pizza because of the tomato sauce. After eating these things, I would drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water and it was a game changer. Apple cider vinegar is amazing for sooo many things. Google "Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits" if you haven't already.
Water! I think staying hydrated is so key in general during pregnancy, but especially to keep digestion on track. I love having a big glass of water in the mornings with a drop of Lemon essential oil to help jumpstart my metabolism and naturally cleanse and detox the body.
I made a "Digestion" roller bottle that I kept in my purse with fractionated coconut oil, Digize oil blend and Peppermint essential oil. As soon as I felt any indigestion or heartburn after eating, I rolled this on my stomach and chest. Seriously, this blend of oils works so fast. I'll be honest, not the best smell, but serious relief fast! So thankful for the Digize blend and the Peppermint helps mask the strong scent.
This was the biggest and still is the biggest challenge for me this pregnancy so I have quite a bit to add in this section. While I didn't do all of these together every single night, I alternated and tried these different remedies throughout my pregnancy for support.
Natural Calm Plus Calcium is a Magnesium-Calcium powder supplement that you add to water. I took this about 30 minutes prior to bedtime. Because magnesium is a vital, multi-purposed mineral involved in an estimated 700+ enzymatic reactions in the body, Natural Calm is used for a variety of reasons including stress relief, bone health support, heart health support and support of energy storage and transportation systems. Magnesium is also well known to help with sleep related issues like insomnia, anxiety and even restless leg syndrome/muscle spasms which lucky me, I started to experience in the 3rd trimester.
Young Living's Immupro tablets. These tablets were an awesome addition to my supplement routine starting in the 2nd trimester because not only do they support the immune system, but they contain a small dose of melatonin that I felt comfortable taking during my pregnancy to support sleep.
Epsom Salt baths before bed to wind down have been so helpful when I make them a priority. If you're unfamiliar with what Epsom Salt is, it's Magnesium! So, in addition to actually consuming it in supplement form, Epsom Salt baths help with relaxing my body and especially my restless muscles.
I diffuse calming/comforting oils at bedtime. My go-to's are Peace & Calming blend or Lavender & Cedarwood together. Some other ones I like for relaxing are Gentle Baby and White Angelica blends. I also used my Tranquil Roller nightly that is a pre-mixed roller with Coconut Oil, Roman Chamomile, Cedarwood and Lavender. I am so addicted to this roller…I roll it everywhere! On my wrists, neck, under the nose and even on the bottoms of the feet.
I didn't realize that congestion was a common pregnancy symptom especially in the 3rd trimester due to increased circulation and mucus production. As soon as my husband mentioned I had started snoring at night, I tried adding Eucalyptus in the diffuser overnight and he said there was no more snoring! Raven and RC are also great blends that contain Eucalyptus as well and help open up the airways. I also used Ocean Saline Nasal Spray to open up the nasal passages and get things flowing.
Oh ya, this is a fun one to talk about. I just say no to Preparation H with all its unneeded chemicals, no thanks. Even those Tuck's pads have a lot of unnecessary synthetic and potentially irritating ingredients added to them. I just applied a drop of Cypress essential oil to a cotton pad diluted with witch hazel and applied to the area. Cypress as well as witch hazel have astringent properties and Cypress is also a vasoconstrictor. I also applied Young Living's Rose Ointment to soothe. This is such a great "catch all" ointment/balm to have on hand for literally all the things.
While I have been blessed in both pregnancies not to acquire many stretch marks, I had the itchiest skin during both! What helped most was exfoliating and keeping the skin as hydrated as possible. I make up my own sugar scrub to keep in the shower that contains coconut oil, sugar and essential oils (I like to mix up the essential oils I use, but my favorites are citrus oils for a scrub like this). That's it! It's so easy. And then when I get out of the shower, I apply either a homemade body oil with coconut oil, Frankincense, Lavender and Gentle Baby essential oils or my new favorite all natural body butters from Rustic Maka.
Goodness, this was a challenging one throughout all trimesters with this pregnancy. Between having trouble sleeping and running around after a busy toddler, I felt like I could never escape my constant state of exhaustion. However, I do feel like I few things I did gave me a little energy assistance. I drank Ningxia Red antioxidant drink daily and also took 2 Super B tablets in the afternoon when I would feel most tired.
Super B contains Orgen-FA, a naturally derived source of folate from lemon peels, Nutmeg essential oils for adrenal and energy support, plus all seven other essential B vitamins. Young Living's NingXia Red benefits include support for energy levels, normal cellular function, and whole-body and normal eye health. A daily shot of 2–4 ounces helps support overall wellness with powerful antioxidants.
Going on afternoon walks and getting some natural Vitamin D from the sun outside would also give me a boost when my energy was low.
Stress Away essential oil blend has always been a big one for me in helping with anxiety, stress and emotional balance. I also love the Valor, Release and Harmony blends both diffused and applied topically. I believe the magnesium supplementing also helped calm and quiet my mind. Rescue Remedy, either the drops or the pastilles, are also another go-to when it comes to natural stress relief.
Welp, that's about it, I think… One last thing I was diligent with this pregnancy that I definitely think helped overall with promoting a healthy pregnancy and alleviating unwanted symptoms was visiting the chiropractor consistently! This is something I didn't start until the 3rd trimester with my first and I felt like it was too late.
I believe chiropractic care in pregnancy is vital to the normal physiological function of both the mother and baby throughout pregnancy and birth. The chiropractors I see are certified in The Webster Technique, a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In doing so, optimal function in the pelvis is facilitated. The Webster Technique has become a familiar term in the pregnancy and birth conversation. More and more families are seeking out chiropractors who are proficient in this technique as a way to support a more comfortable, safer, and easier birth.
I hope these tips and ideas were helpful for you! If you have any of your own natural remedies to share that worked really well for you, please feel free to comment below to help out other mamas. As always thanks for reading and for your support!
Note: These are remedies that I decided to try based off my own extensive research and clearing it with my midwife/obgyn team. Your own research should not end here. Every person is different and has a unique medical history and situation.
A book I have found so so helpful when it comes to using essential oils during pregnancy is called Gentle Babies by Debra Raybern.
If you have any questions regarding any of the Young Living products or essential oils mentioned in this post, please reach out to me directly so I can help you personally and give you one-on-one support and recommendations.
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Q: Rails migration stopped, even though table does not exist Rails 6
environment: local development on Mac OS
DB server: MySQL

I deleted all the tables from the DB, and the only tables left in the DB are:
schema_migrations
ar_internal_metadata

I made sure that schema_migrations has no data in it and looked into ar_internal_metadata, and that table has a single row in it, with the following values:
key: environment, value: development

I have several migrations, the most recent one, is devise_create_users.rb.
I am trying to run:
rake db:migrate

But I am getting the error message:
=> rake db:migrate
== 20200317184535 DeviseCreateUsers: migrating ================================
-- create_table(:users)
rake aborted!
StandardError: An error has occurred, all later migrations canceled:

Mysql2::Error: Table 'users' already exists
/Users/dev/rails/myapp/db/migrate/20200317184535_devise_create_users.rb:5:in `change'

Caused by:
ActiveRecord::StatementInvalid: Mysql2::Error: Table 'users' already exists
/Users/dev/rails/myapp/db/migrate/20200317184535_devise_create_users.rb:5:in `change'

Caused by:
Mysql2::Error: Table 'users' already exists
/Users/dev/rails/myapp/db/migrate/20200317184535_devise_create_users.rb:5:in `change'
Tasks: TOP => db:migrate
(See full trace by running task with --trace)

Process finished with exit code 1

class DeviseCreateUsers < ActiveRecord::Migration[6.0]
  def change
    create_table :users do |t|
      t.string :email,              null: false, default: ""
      t.string :encrypted_password, null: false, default: ""

      t.string   :reset_password_token
      t.datetime :reset_password_sent_at

      t.datetime :remember_created_at

      t.integer  :sign_in_count, default: 0, null: false
      t.datetime :current_sign_in_at
      t.datetime :last_sign_in_at
      t.string   :current_sign_in_ip
      t.string   :last_sign_in_ip

      t.timestamps null: false
    end

    add_index :users, :email,                unique: true
    add_index :users, :reset_password_token, unique: true
    # add_index :users, :confirmation_token,   unique: true
    # add_index :users, :unlock_token,         unique: true
  end
end

When I check the DB after this, I still don't see a users table, and the schema_migrations table is still empty. In addition, the DeviseCreateUsers migration is the most recent on, so why is it running first.
Any ideas?
Edit:
Based on a comment to the question, I looked at my database.yml file:
default: &default
  host: localhost
  database: <%= ENV['RAILS_DB_NAME'] %>
  username: <%= ENV['RAILS_DB_USER'] %>
  password: <%= ENV['RAILS_DB_PWD'] %>
  adapter: mysql2
  encoding: utf8mb4
  pool: <%= ENV.fetch("RAILS_MAX_THREADS") { 5 } %>
  socket: /tmp/mysql.sock

development:
  <<: *default

I made that change last night, and I forgot that my local ENV settings, were for a different project, so Rails was picking up the settings for that project, and was indeed correct, in that the users table is already there. The fix was for me to create project specific ENV settings, for my local development environment

A: When things like this happen it is needed to check the database.yml. As in most cases it happens because of some faulty configuration.
Good thing that just mentioning the database.yml in the comment section of the question helped to find the problem.

A: Using rails console to make sure there is not any users table, try create a new instance of User User.new. If the object was instanciated, your User table is hidden in somewhere. It is not a problem, see all atributtes previously generated and just migrate new ones. I can see in your devise_create_user migration that you can just replace it with something like addColumnstoUser.rb. This will just add the apropriated columns necessary to let Devise runing well.
Choosing this way, inside your migration:
add_column :table_name, :fieldname, :type, in your case, using just one column as an example, it must be:
def change
add_column :users, :reset_password_token, :string
end.
If you are using version controll, such as git, the migration might not know where you can rollback or go ahead. All the migration and rollbacks must stay on the same branch.
For example:
1) Adding a new branch to handle user migration: git checkout -b generate-user-model, generating user model rails generate model User name:string email:string
and running the migration rails db:migrate will create the users table and will update scheema.rb (check scheema file). Adding it to version controll git add . and `git commit -m "Migrating user model"
2) Moving to a new branch git checkout -b comments-controller, generating a new controller rails generate model Comment. And then migrating it rails db:migrate.
This second migration only teachs scheema.rb how to go ahead and how to rollback on this specifc migration. This last git branch doesn't know nothing about how to rollback the User model, unless you merge a branch inside another git merge generate-user-model.
After many migrations has been used, it's usefull keep using migrations to add or delete tables.
Hence, If I had a table called users and I wanted to set it to handle Devise, I just need to generate a new migration with the columns I'd needed.
Use https://sqlitebrowser.org/ to help you cheking your database tables and columns.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Starting to manage or lead a team from scratch can be very daunting. This course provides delegates with the vital practical tools and techniques in managing and developing themselves and their teams to ensure that their professional and business goals are achieved. This will enable delegates to be effective from day one.
What is the role of leader, manager and supervisor, and the difference between them?


text:
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Most people aspire to get to this level without wanting to go full time on tennis. And it seems to be pretty achievable. You can expect a 1-year learning phase and slowly rise to a pretty good intermediate player by your 5th year. That being said, you must be willing to work hard and accept some criticism from peers. You must develop your technique either from paid coaching or from Youtube Lessons and practice them on the court.
Earlier this summer, I got to half-watch him play just a couple of courts away from where I was playing. The club had arranged a set of doubles pitting Kirill and another young tennis instructor against two players from the Pelham High School tennis team who had recently won the state championship in doubles. The two of them, terrific teenage players, had been playing together for years; Kirill had had a hand in their development. So what I was mostly interested in, honestly, as dozens of club members gathered on the veranda of the tennis house to watch, was how Kirill would deal with this, what the etiquette was. Would he be nervous or restrained?
"Gerry," he began, "you yourself have said you want to get better, and you are getting better." There followed a series of rhetorical questions involving whether the Utah coach was getting better, anyone else my age was getting better — whether he himself was getting better. He swept his arm up toward the main courts and noted that some of the players in the midst of matches up there, men in their 40s or early 50s, had been on high school teams and college teams. Wasn't I holding my own in playing doubles with them?
Table tennis uses a table tennis racket made from laminated wood covered with rubber on one or two sides depending on the grip of the player. Unlike a conventional racket, it does not contain strings strung across an open frame. This is called either a paddle, racket, or a bat, with usage differing by region. In the USA the term "paddle" is common, in Europe the term is "bat", and the official ITTF term is "racket."
The new, extremely thin high-tech carbon fibre is a very interesting material for tennis rackets: as used in Prince's TXT Warrior rackets, for example, in the shaft and heart area, it brings the typical advantages of a rigid frame (stability, control, power). Unlike a conventional stiff racquet, the Textreme racquets are comfortable and playable without the slightest compromises!
The industry has changed so much, and manufacturers are finding ways to keep you on the court. Wilson's Countervail technology helps reduce muscle fatigue to keep you on the court. Head's Graphene 360 offers a solid, dampened response at contact for more comfort. Babolat's Cortex Pure Feel features a new material throughout the hoop for better shock absorption. The list goes on.
You and your group of friends just started to play tennis just to have a little fun with it. You do not plan to compete or anything. Your main focus is to have fun and have a good time with your friends. You do not care about whether you have the proper technique or the form, you just want the ball to keep in play and have some long and exciting rallies with your group of friends.
^ Lorde (2013). Lyrical Influences (VEVO LIFT): Brought to You By McDonald's (video). VEVO/YouTube. Event occurs at 1:49. Retrieved 22 November 2013. I think my writing process with "Tennis Court" was quite different to how I normally write. Generally, I will have a lyric forming before I go into the studio. But with this one, we wrote the music and beat before we wrote anything lyrically
Welcome to www.usta.com. This site is owned by United States Tennis Association Incorporated (the "USTA") and is operated by and on behalf of the USTA and its affiliated companies, including USTA National Tennis Center Incorporated, USTA Serves Incorporated, USTA Player Development Incorporated and US Open Series LLC (collectively, the "USTA Family of Companies", "we", "us" or "our").
This level and the pro level share a lot of similarities simple because things have gotten a lot competitive in recent years. NCAA level players sometimes go pro after graduating college like John Isner. So, they accept nothing but close to perfection from young aspirants. There are NIAA colleges that offer some partial scholarships and they do not have the same rigorous requirements as the NCAA but often times they are very small colleges which are always the second choice for most students.
Vibration dampeners (also sometimes known as "gummies") may be interlaced in the proximal part of the string array, to reduce the percussive sound of the ball hitting the strings and/or to reduce perceived vibration. They do not, however, reduce impact shock significantly, so they are of no safety value.[13] Some professionals, such as Andrei Agassi, used rubber bands instead of specialized dampeners. Dampeners come in two main types. The first uses the two central main strings to hold it in place. The second is sometimes called a "worm" and it is woven between many of the main strings. Dampeners are nearly always placed very near the bottom of the racket string bed.
If you have played the game of tennis long enough you know that the highest wear item on your racquet by far is your grip. Not only is subject to constant wear and tear by changing hand positions and by sliding your hands into position on it, but it also rubs on the court surface on occasion and is exposed to sweat and the elements too. It's no wonder these have to be replaced very often on a tennis racquet.
Although this suggestion might sound attractive, the medieval period ran until around the end of the 15th century (i.e. until about 1500), and at that time clocks recorded only the hours (1 to 12). It was not until about 1690, when the pendulum system was invented, that clocks regularly had minute hands. So the concept of tennis scores originating from the clock face could not have come from medieval times.[6]
Muscle strain is one of the most common injuries in tennis.[79] When an isolated large-energy appears during the muscle contraction and at the same time body weight apply huge amount of pressure to the lengthened muscle, muscle strain can occur.[80] Inflammation and bleeding are triggered when muscle strain occurs, which can result in redness, pain and swelling.[80] Overuse is also common in tennis players of all levels. Muscle, cartilage, nerves, bursae, ligaments and tendons may be damaged from overuse. The repetitive use of a particular muscle without time for repair and recovery is the most common cause of injury.[80]
Regardless of the number of games and sets in a match, players must continuously rotate sides when the total number of games in a set is an odd number. For instance, if the total game score in a set is 3-2, simply add 3 + 2 = 5. Since 5 is an odd number, the players rotate sides prior to starting the next game. If the total game score in a set is 5-1, simply add 5 + 1 = 6. Since 6 is an even number, the players do not rotate sides.
"Tennis Court" is written in the key of A minor and has a moderate tempo of 92 beats per minute. Lorde's vocal range on the song spans one octave, from G3 to G4.[22] As with Lorde's early releases, the song features a minimalist production, employing simple and sparse instrumentation.[23][24] It utilises reverbed synthesisers and an electronic pulse.[25] "Tennis Court" combines alternative pop, art pop and downtempo genres over hip hop-influenced beats.[26][27][28] Billboard editor Jason Lipshutz commented that "Tennis Court" conveys a darker aspect of pop music.[29] Nick Messtite from Forbes wrote that the track was reminiscent of The Postal Service's 2003 song "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight",[30] while Siân Rowe from NME compared the song to works by Lana Del Rey.[31] Clash's Joe Zadeh likened the electronic composition of "Tennis Court" to that of The xx's song "Together" from The Great Gatsby soundtrack (2013).[25]
Kolkmann says that asphalt courts can also develop low areas over time due to settling of the soil or base under the asphalt surface. "With a post-tensioned slab, this area can be bridged and no settling will occur. In addition, concrete courts can often be installed on unstable soils where it would be cost-prohibitive to do extensive excavating and base work to support an asphalt court," he says.
A frequent topic of discussion among tennis fans and commentators is who was the greatest male singles player of all time. By a large margin, an Associated Press poll in 1950 named Bill Tilden as the greatest player of the first half of the 20th century.[95] From 1920 to 1930, Tilden won singles titles at Wimbledon three times and the U.S. Championships seven times. In 1938, however, Donald Budge became the first person to win all four major singles titles during the same calendar year, the Grand Slam, and won six consecutive major titles in 1937 and 1938. Tilden called Budge "the finest player 365 days a year that ever lived."[96] In his 1979 autobiography, Jack Kramer said that, based on consistent play, Budge was the greatest player ever.[97] Some observers, however, also felt that Kramer deserved consideration for the title. Kramer was among the few who dominated amateur and professional tennis during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Tony Trabert has said that of the players he saw before the start of the open era, Kramer was the best male champion.[98]
In the US, "Tennis Court" was released as a 7-inch vinyl single on 27 August 2013.[14] Lava and Republic Records initially planned to service "Tennis Court" to US modern rock radio on 11 March 2014 and contemporary hit radio (CHR) on 8 April 2014 as the album's third US airplay single, following "Royals" and "Team".[15] Republic cancelled the scheduled release in favour of "Glory and Gore", which impacted modern rock radio on 11 March.[16][17] The label also planned to service "Glory and Gore" to CHR, but subsequently called of its release and serviced "Tennis Court" to CHR as originally planned.[18] "Tennis Court" ultimately impacted hot adult contemporary radio and CHR on 21 and 22 April 2014, respectively.[19][20] It was released to UK radio on 12 May 2014.[21]
SportMaster tennis court surfaces are technically advanced, 100% acrylic sports surfaces. Many people refer to tennis court surfaces as "tennis court paint", but SportMaster systems are designed to provide consistent speed of play, texture, and vibrant color to any indoor or outdoor facility. SportMaster tennis court surfaces are formulated to resist fading and withstand a variety of weather conditions from ice and snow to intense heat and ultra-violet rays.
Badminton rackets are light, with top quality rackets weighing between about 70 and 95 grams (with guts ). Modern rackets are composed of carbon fiber composite (graphite reinforced plastic), which may be augmented by a variety of materials. Carbon fiber has an excellent strength to weight ratio, is stiff, and gives excellent kinetic energy transfer. Before the adoption of carbon fiber composite, rackets were made of wood to their excessive weight and cost.
Tennis also became popular in France, where the French Championships dates to 1891 although until 1925 it was open only to tennis players who were members of French clubs.[24] Thus, Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open (dating to 1905) became and have remained the most prestigious events in tennis.[25][26] Together these four events are called the Majors or Slams (a term borrowed from bridge rather than baseball).[27]


Released 12/4/64. Songs: No Reply; I'm A Loser; Baby's In Black; Rock and Roll Music; I'll Follow The Sun; Mr. Moonlight; Kansas City/Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey!; Eight Days A Week; Words of Love; Honey Don't; Every Little Thing; I Don't Want to Spoil the Party; What You're Doing; Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby.


text:
Denver Law Graduates Urged to Stand Against Unjust Laws
Media Relations Manager"
Justin Beach
Alumna Brenda J. Hollis delivers Commencement speech to nearly 300 law school graduates
"Each of us has a role to play to promote and protect the positive relationship between justice and law."
That was the message to the 2017 graduates of the Sturm College of Law by Commencement speaker Brenda J. Hollis. On Saturday, May 20, approximately 280 students became alumni of Denver Law, marking the 124th graduating class of the program.
Hollis, a 1977 alumna of Sturm, currently serves as prosecutor of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone. She is also the reserve international co-prosecutor for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Court of Cambodia and works as a consultant in international criminal law and procedure.
Hollis' message to graduates focused on the relationship between justice and law, and the role the alumni will play in making sure it is a positive one.
"The law can and should be used to promote justice — to provide the framework in which justice operates," she said. "The law can ensure that principles that underlie justice are consistently applied and that diverse interests are appropriately balanced."
Hollis, a former U.S. Peace Corps volunteer, retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 20 years with the rank of Colonel. Prior to her current appointment, she was responsible for leading the legal team prosecuting former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence for aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity.
This year's graduating class is the first under new Denver Law dean Bruce Smith. "Graduation from law school is a time to celebrate incredible potential and incredible professional achievement," he said. "This year it is also an occasion to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Denver's only law school."
The Commencement ceremony included the tradition of graduates pinning the University of Denver alumni lapel pin on the person sitting next to them. This year's student speaker was David Coates. After completing his undergraduate from DU in 2004, he spent the next 10 years doing public service work in Russia and post-Katrina New Orleans. His message to his fellow graduates was to celebrate their hard work and achievements with those who helped them along the journey.
"For many of us, this may have been the most difficult thing we have ever done, but we did it. I hope that's a phrase we can say over and over throughout our career: that it was difficult, but we did it," he said. "For the difficult things are often most worth doing."


Anna Deavere Smith is an actor, a teacher, a playwright, and the creator of an acclaimed series of one-woman plays based on her interviews with diverse voices from communities in crisis. She has won two Obie Awards, two Tony nominations for her play Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, and a MacArthur Fellowship.
She was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for her play Fires in the Mirror. She has had roles in the films Philadelphia, An American President, The Human Stain, and Rent, and she has worked in television on The Practice, Presidio Med, and The West Wing. The founder and director of the Institute on the Arts and Civic Dialogue, she teaches at New York University and lives in New York City.
Anna Deavere Smith: Well the goal is to tell a story that has multiple points of view for the very reasons that we've been discussing; and to, by doing so, indicate on an artistic level that the old idea of the single author, if you will, is flawed. Because it takes ultimately many people to tell the story of a community, or the story of a society.
So that sense of the auguste author who can come in and speak for women and speak for men, I don't believe that. Maybe your imagination is sufficient; maybe not, you know? My imagination comes into play. But before doing that, I would like to know how a man feels, or how another woman feels about something. I'm studying that because I understand that I'm one human being with a set of experiences that color my lens. And I've always been – since I was a little girl – very interested in how that person across the town, across the street, how they think. And understanding I could never think like they think, but wanting to try to do something about that gap. Not even in a humanistic way.
It was really something that bothered me. It was really something I worried about. So first of all, I hope that by being present, as 46 people say in Twilight, the play about the  Los Angeles riots, and playing a Korean woman whose store was burned to the ground by African-Americans; or playing one of the African-American kids who beat up the white man; or playing Daryl Gates, the very unpopular Chief of Police, then it suggests to an audience that they don't have to sit in their one position.
And by the way, when I come out at the end and take my curtain call, I'm still me. So did I really lose anything? No. In fact maybe I gained something. Aesthetically and artistically, what I've been trying to contribute is something about details that maybe there's a wider variety of human beings than we thought about. And we can tell compelling stories without having to have those same stereotypes that we've been thinking about over and over again.
Listening is the key to Anna Deavere Smith's creative process.