We’ve Arrived in Lesotho
We’ve arrived in Lesotho, and it has already been an adventure.
Chris and I left Dublin yesterday morning and took an eight hour flight to Dubai, followed by another eight hour flight to King Shaka International Airport in Durban, South Africa. From there we picked up our hired 4×4 Jeep and began the journey toward Matatiele, a town on the South African side of the border with Lesotho.
The drive went smoothly, although we did not get to enjoy what I am sure were spectacular coastal views. According to the satnav, we were travelling for hours along the east coast of South Africa, but in the darkness we could see little more than the road ahead.
I did, however, witness my first African sunset. The sky shifted from deep red to orange to gold, with a strangely beautiful green hue mixed in. I think I am going to love Africa.
After about five hours of driving, we arrived at Resthaven Guesthouse in Matatiele just after midnight. Philip, the owner, was waiting up for us and welcomed us warmly. Jill, who runs Pulane Children’s Centre, had recommended Resthaven, and she was right. We had a much needed night’s rest before continuing our journey.
The next morning, after breakfast, we set off for the Qacha’s Nek border crossing into Lesotho. We had been advised to hire a 4×4 vehicle, and we were glad we did. Once we left Matatiele, the road conditions quickly changed. Large rocks and deep potholes required careful navigation, very different from roads back home in Ireland.
Eventually, we reached the Qacha’s Nek border and crossed without difficulty.
And then we were in Lesotho.
The landscape is spectacular. Vast mountain ranges, open skies, and a quiet beauty that is hard to describe. This is where One Day’s residential homes operate. This is where children are being cared for, formed, and prepared for life beyond residential care.
We are looking forward to the days ahead.
