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I am sure we all have a bizarre and unique story how we ended up being in Hermanus. Mine might be a little more eccentric than the rest. It started when my family planned a trip to the coast. We originally lived in Bloemfontein, and had our annual trip to Cape Town. Like most inlanders we loved the ocean and the mountains, and our yearly trip to the coast was a large occurrence in our household. On one of theses excursion it was our last day at the coast, and we were ready to embark on the long drive back to Bloemfontein. My dads a real explorer and he decided to investigate the out skirts of Cape Town. None of us was enthusiastic about this idea, but no one voiced his or her disapproval. We travelled on a road that held us captive by the ocean on the one side, and a wall of mountain on the other. The views were extraordinary! We rounded a bend, then another, then another. The drive seemed endless. As the mountains rose up to meet us, following a number of roads we entered a small-town called Hermanus. Everything happens for a reason, so was it a coincidence I now ask myself? Maybe not. |
It was as if all the people of the town were interlinked to each other’s lives, and the town itself. This amazing little town captivated us, with its tranquil atmosphere and breath taking scenery. The people were jovial, the mountains were our neighbours, with the sea basically crashed at out doorstep. Plus we had gigantic sea mammals frolicking off shore, the whales was a large attraction for us. Now for those that don’t know my parents they are not very impulsive, but two months after out encounter with Hermanus we moved here. We instantly put our house in the market in Bloemfontein, and got ready to move to the coast. It was as if this small coastal town had a magnetic pull on us. That was more than 12 years ago. Now when I think of Bloemfontein I think of my birth city, but when I think of Hermanus I think of home. Secretly I dislike the foreigners intruding in our little town. They are invading our little paradise and candidly using its resources. I dislike them taking up the parking space, over-crowding streets, our whale watching points and our restaurants. We have to share our town, with a bunch of strangers - Yet I also know that with them visiting our town, we benefit. We benefit with the town growing thus boosting the economy, and multiplying its population, increasing employment and recourses. Therefore every time I see a tourist I remember and smile, knowing they will never own Hermanus like we do. The people that live here day and night, breathing the very air of the town. No foreigner will understand Hermanus the way we do. Like the locals do! |