Temenos, McGregor. Some travel writing

I knew it was going to be a few days of complete silence as I climbed out the car on arrival at Temenos, and all I could hear was the gentle clinking sound of wind chimes in the breeze. Our cottage, called Beulah, is hidden behind a canopy of pink oleander trees. Inside it’s cozy with its warm colours of red brick and terracotta. It walks out into the wonderful gardens which Temenos has to offer. 

In front of our cottage, is the labyrinth with its rocks representing all the different religions from Islamic to Jewish to Christianity to Taoism. Further along you can find the Zen garden where you can rake the pebbles with the rake provided. Next to it is the Buddhist statue. You can find a number of stone statues in the garden, many being angels such as the angel for the lost children.

The well can be found inside a small white building with a thatch roof. Upon entering you remove your shoes before you enter through the curtain. Once inside you find the room to be dark, warm and completely silent, all except for a trickling sound of the spring coming out of the well, which centers the room. Next to the well are mats and cushions and candles with incense to give it more ambience.

Another space of silence and peace in the garden is the little chapel of the heart. It resembles a tiny chapel. It won’t fit more than three people inside. The colour scheme inside is blue and you are able to light three candles in the center of it. Once inside there you won’t be disturbed.

A little further on from this is the Temenos library. It is an adorable white walled thatch roof cottage. Inside you find comfy couches surrounded by tall book shelves. They have categorized the books into different sections, some being Classic literature, philosophy, Spiritual, health and healing etc. The library works on a trust system where visitors can take out any book, write it down in the record file, and then bring it back before leaving Temenos.

One of the best features which Temenos’ garden offers is the duck and khoi fish pond. It is surrounded by willow trees in which hang many weaver bird nests. There is an assortment of different ducks, including two beautiful mandarin ducks. The pond is home to an abundance of large khoi fish that come up to the surface to greet you.

In the summer months, you can enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool at Temenos, and lounge next to it on the loungers provided. 
Temenos’ restaurant is elegant and sophisticated with a bit of country charm. They serve delicious chef prepared dishes. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner there. There is also a fully licensed, well-stocked bar.

The quaint little artist-friendly town of McGregor is unique from any other town, with all of the houses and buildings being uniformly built in the style of white walled cottages with thatch roofs. There is only one tarred street with road sign markings and that is the main road.

On the main road you find a number of little shops, restaurants, art galleries, a college and a Waldorf school, as well as a little petrol station with a space for one car. The most beautiful thing to see along the main road is the old fashioned church with its tall steeple which boasts a large clock that sounds every hour.

Artists who live in McGregor use their homes as studios where you can venture in by appointment and have a look at their art.

The town is situated so far into the countryside. It’s restful, tranquil and relatively crime free. I feel the people who move there do it to retire or perhaps to just get away from the city and the masses. However, living in a town so small, you will need to find something that will keep you busy.

There’s a very quaint little restaurant/deli, Deli Girls, run by an English lady who makes all the meals herself. In her shop she sells food products, including ingredients, condiments, sweets and biscuits which are not only from South Africa, but also are imported from England and Germany. You will recognize some of the famous overseas brands like Ribena. The locals buy all their groceries from her, or the little supermarket shop.  Also every week the Saturday morning market is very popular and the produce is all sold out soon after the market starts.