A short trip to another country

Yes travel is about posting the picture in the airport. The coffee, the flight tickets, hast tag "traveling" if you haven't done this surely you are not living?


Well perhaps I used to think this, but a lot has changed for me in the last couple of years. These days small trips and excisions have brought me such joy and I believe it can "enlighten" excuse the pun, you will understand later, those who want to do more and see more on a daily basis in South Africa without exorbitant budgets.

I felt like I was in China

I had the opportunity to visit the Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit recently and the experience blew my mind. Firstly it is very easy to find. Head off the N4 highway towards the massive temple you can see in the distance, continue straight until you see a sign prompting you to turn right.
You drive straight to the Temple. On your left on the approach is the visitors centre, I would suggest going there first although we did it the other way around.

The visitors centre has an awesome little coffee shop, Museum, Curio Shop and meditation room. When we were there, there was a group doing a retreat and it was really interesting to see them meditating and doing a lot of writing.

Once you have visited the office and main reception I am sure you will be impressed with the architecture and fine detail on all the buildings, but just wait for the main temples.

Be advised you cannot take any pictures inside their place of worship and always remove your shoes when entering the shrines.

The main temple is absolutely stunning, if you would like to see the Sunday ceremonies you will have to be there at 10am. If not however the Temple is open most days (except Mondays) until about 4pm.

I was impressed with the main shrine which had three gigantic statues of Budha in different forms. On that particular day the monks were celebrating the Birth Month of The Budha so there were beautiful displays everywhere. The kindness, patience and willingness to talk to us, explain the history and show us around is something that I found very cool.

Regardless of race or religion this is a cool little spot to get away to and almost "See another country" and way of living right on your doorstep. I enjoyed the peace especially, the break from technology, noise and a fast life.

I know the temple organize all sorts of retreats and activities, feel free to visit their page to get all the information.  Click Here