The Drakensberg aka "Dragon's Back"

My cozy view from the lodge
waiting for the clouds to clear.
Not too shabby, eh?

What an amazing weekend spent with the Coetzee family at our new home away from home! Not only was I able to see South African life outside of Bloemfontein, but I also received some much-needed family time that I had not even realized I was missing. Our weekend adventure began Friday afternoon after a morning case review session back at National District Hospital with the medical students. After a pit stop for lunch in the infamous village of Clarens (a small, touristy, artist town), we made it to Lisa’s house in time for a delicious dinner with her family. They live in Nottingham Road, KwaZulu-Natal, which we were told is South Africa’s “Hamptons”. Needless to say, we had a spectacular weekend, enjoyed delicious food and warm hospitality, and we finally got to see the Drakensberg! Saturday was spent sightseeing and taking a trip to the museum at Nelson Mandela’s capture site. That evening, the Coetzee’s provided us with the one thing I have heard mentioned countless times and have been dying to try… a braai. Everyone has told us that American cookouts and barbeques have nothing on a South African braai, and I’ll be the first to say that I was not let down. Between that and the endless supply of coffee, tea, rusks, and Mrs. Coetzee’s crunchies (yes, I got the recipe), I do believe I ate my weight’s worth in home-cooking and have absolutely no regrets. Sunday was spent making the

Champagne Castle peak once the clouds cleared,
far away but still amazing

hour drive to Champagne Castle Peak, which is part of the Drakensberg mountain range that extends from the Eastern Cape to Limpopo and borders the country of Lesotho. It is the highest range in South Africa, and known in Zulu as the uKhahlamba or “Barrier of Spears”. After driving along part of the range, we stopped for tea and biscuits at a lodge and waited out for the clouds to clear so we could see the actual peak. The resulting view was worth the wait, and pictures do not even begin to do it justice! The scenery we saw on the drive to KwaZulu-Natal was great, but seeing the Drakensberg was icing on the cake.

Statue of Mandela's profile
near his capture site

Monday was spent driving back to Bloemfontein and getting settled back on campus. Today marked the beginning of our last week in SA! We spent it at a local facility that combines physiotherapy, rehabilitation, biokinetics, hydrotherapy, and workout classes. Eric and I were definitely not expecting to arrive and jump right into an intermediate pilates class at 8AM this morning. Although I instantly regretted my decision to wear jeans today (I do not recommend doing pilates in jeans for those of you that ever considered it), we got a great workout and enjoyed experiencing a class the biokineticists prescribe some patients. It was interesting to see the complete progression one patient can make from injury through rehabilitation all in one place. The facilities were very nice and Dr. Vlok let us observe his initial analyses of a few patients in his biomechanics lab. Watching him use EMG, gait analysis, and other techniques to determine each issue made me want to pursue PT all the more. I am thankful that the countless physio observations I have made the past four weeks have reaffirmed my decision to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Sunset during the weekend's roadtrip

I cannot believe there are only three days left of our sports medicine program here at UFS! It has been an incredible experience so far, full of amazing people and opportunities. I’m definitely not ready to leave South Africa quite yet. I may or may not already be planning a visit back next year…

With Lisa and her mom, Linda.
I have deemed myself an honorary Coetzee!