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Dear Alan I just wanted to say a massive thankyou for everything during my time in South Africa. From the moment Zack and I arrived at wanage, we were treated like we were juwst returning hoem, and I couldn't have felt more welcome. After a long tough day's work at Bara, it was incredible to have such a warm and comfortable plac3e to come back to. It was truly the Duck's Nuts. I really enjoyed all our conversations, whether about medicine, faith or even the mega of compound interest (Which I'll be putting to good use!) I don't think I will be ever be able to taste such tasty steaks (at such affordable prices) ever again. Your tips for Pilanesberg made the trip even better, and knowing exactly where to find the lions (even when you were in Durban)...proved your magic game ranging skills. It was a priviledge to stay in your home, learn from you and be part of Swanage. Thanks agin for your generosity, wisdom and hospitality. Xavier Rickard (Sydney University)

Dear Alan It is a sad day to me, because writing in this book means sayting goodbye. It is a farewell to people who have been so wonderful and warm to me, a farewell to a blessed country and a farewell to such an enormously enriching time that I will never forget and can forever draw on the experiences I have had. Although it hurts to leave, I do so with happiness in my heart because I am grateful for everything that you, the SWwanage familyi, this country and the hospital have given me. It is especially the love, warmth and happiness of the people who have surrounded me over the last few months that made this experience so unforgettable. I can still remember my first day here very well. I was so excited to meet you (you want to make a good impression and especially when you will live3 under the same roof for so long ! It was a first hug and the happiness and the love in your heart that purified my soul and took the fear and tension away. I immediately felt at home. Not for a single second did I feel homesick. However I am very sure that I will fell homesick as soon as I am back in Germany. (Its cold in Germany and people here are like the weather). Indeed this house is a true home away from hoem! You have really managted to create so much life and warmth in this house that one could never have imagined. I am grateful that I was able to learn so much during my time in South Africa. It was not only medical aspects, but also ethical and especially the openess and warmth of the people from whom I was able to learn. You don't realize what a wonderful place you have created with Swanage, which enriches its sons and daughters in such a magnified way. Although you can weep at the raw and brutal violence every day at Bara, you find so much warmth in this hell you never expcted. Day by day I fellt more in love with this country and its people. Just as it was a culture shock to arrive here, it will be a culture shock to arrive back in Germany. No more "you are you?" no more greetings from strangers, no more strangers becoming friends...Although I will soon no longer be in South Africa, I will forever carry a little piece of South Africa especially Johannesburg and especially Swanage in my heart You have often said that the Pialnesberg will be the highlight of Swanage, But I have to disagree. The highlight was neither my trip to the Drakesnberg nor to Cape Town. It was you, the Swans, the warmth, the cheerfulness and the community that made the time so unforgettable. Strangers truly became friends, became brothers and sisters. I am incredibly grateful to you for giving this experience. Words cannot express my gratitude. I look forward to hopefully see you again soon!!!! Nicolai Rohmeiss Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Deutschland.

Dear Alan, this was my second time in South Africa, but unfortunately my time here is up. I am so glad you were my host during my second visit! There's not enough space in this book to explain my gratitude, buyt I am especially grateful for not only providing me a second South African home with a huge family, but also for the guidance you gave! I will also remember our philosophical discussion with you and Luyanda! Thank you in every language in know. Sebastian Burgener. Next time I shall bring my wife along.

Dear Alan Thank you so so much for being you. I was so nervous about coming to South Africa but all that was put to rest the moment we met you and the rest of the Swans. It's hard describing you to people who ask where you are staying as for many it sounds too good to be true. Thank you for all the lessons you taught us, not just in medicine but in life. Also thanks for your trusted food recommendations, not one suggestion did not live up to expectations. Much love Cam Martin (Tamworth Australia)

Dear Alan I stayed with you in Swanage for a big portion of my life (24th August to 20th November). I remember being so anxious about coming to Johannesburg and was even regretting my decision to come in first two weeks, especially with Dr Jack's "great hospitality". I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Staying with you has made me grow in ways I could not have imagined. I am so grateful for my time at Swanage - from the Pilanesberg safari, to discovering the amazing food in Jo'burg, talking about our religions, our family dinners, movie nights and getting the oportunity to interact and travel with my fellow likeminded Swans to places like Cape Town and the Drakensberg. I had a splendid time and formed memories I will forever cherish. You were a father figure for me, You are knowledgeable, kind welcoming and absolutely hilarious! Swanage truly felt like home and I would love to come back one day maybe for a safari. Thank you for everything. I will stay in touch and pray for you when I am in Makkah and Madinah. Lots of love Jahin ( University of Auckland, New Zealand).