Number 104: Distant clouds billow in a breeze. The early drizzle has dissipated. The grass glistens as the sun shines over the hillside. Birdsong and humming of bees in lavender bushes is interrupted by bleating of goats. A herd of cows languidly strolls through the fields.

From my seat on the porch, I watch the Keiskamma river’s meandering route through undulating hills, with the distinctive Hogsback mountains in the distance.

In the city, I spent coffee breaks on my phone. Here, it’s different – with new sights, sounds and smells of the countryside, I can’t help but appreciate the surroundings. Despite only being here a few days, the shift in mindset has been significant.
Deb and I, Yair, Driving 13 hours with our two young kids Limkhitha and Mihle, and two dogs is no walk in the park, but things went smoothly – notwithstanding Hamburg’s bumpy dirt roads.

We are fortunate to be renting a house in an idyllic location. Situated at the top of a hill, we have unobstructed views and lots of privacy. Our huskies roam the enormous garden as they grow accustomed to living alongside cows, goats, sheep and donkeys. Nature is at our doorstep. In addition to frogs, lizards, bats and birds, we share our garden with wasps, spiders, beetles, butterflies, ants and an army of mosquitoes.

In our first few days we unpacked, set up home and started exploring our surroundings. It’s wonderful having the river and beach less than a kilometer away, and daily walks are already part of our routine. It truly is a beautiful village.

Close friends bought a house down the road and the children spend most days together – special for our girls to have their best friends nearby to share in this journey.

This will undoubtedly be a year of learning – from language and culture, to living sustainably. There will be challenges. But it’s early days, and we’re giving ourselves time. We’re excited to have embarked on this adventure and are enjoying the fresh air, fiery sunsets and quality family time.

That’s the first taste of our transition to Hamburgers.