“You are always more welcome if you have something to bring to the table”

R Pauch

Good statement and very true, but is it applicable…How?

This New Year could be yours!

Your chance to grow, to evolve, to get closer to that “Purpose” you were born for ….

What are those things you are bringing to the table?

Those things, character traits or skills you possess but never use.

It’s time to take stock, analyze and evaluate, set goals and start taking action.

Use those long forgotten dreams as inspiration and make this year extraordinary!

Make this the year

you bring

something amazing,

something WOW

and unexpected

into your life,

into your workplace

or

into your relationships.

Make Memories

Grow

Prosper

Be Happy

UNDERCOVER

Welcome Everyone

It must be the Spring feeling, warmer weather and the very prominent sounds of many birds, early morning that give us a “spring in the step’ nowadays.

Everything is just easier, better and less problematic if it is lighter and warmer!

This month, I had to do some introspection, when I was asked: How do you feel doing this, and being here?” At that specific point, I had to admit; I feel nothing or I feel very neutral. Two days later, I got a ride in a brand new car.

The question put to the driver was “How does this new car feel?” Whilst he elaborated, very enthusiastically about all the features, technology and specifications and other wonderful attributes, I had to admit: I FEEL nothing, I’m neutral. Of course I’m thankful and glad for them, but I don’t get “THAT” feeling! And then it happened!!

We drove through the gate of the Anton Smit sculpture garden…and I got that Feeling! I felt excitement, expectation, creative Kick and I knew - this is it!!

I DO FEEL SOMETHING!!

That feeling can drive us on. It pushes me every year to create yet another POP UP ART EXHIBITION, called WILD @ ART. That feeling gives you something to live for, to get up in the morning, to feel alive, to feel purpose, to have a goal!!

My plea to you is – Find that FEELING!

Take time out, search your memory!

Rekindle that flame!

Be inspired, live motivated and after everything is said and done MARVEL in THAT FEELING!!

UNDERCOVER

Welcome back to each and everyone

It is that time of the year…

Half Time,

In this month we have the longest night and shortest day therefore we at least get good value for money out of our warm and cozy winter sheeting!

It also brings MID YEAR CRISIS if we are allowed to give it a name. Suddenly the New Year’s resolutions seem old and very rusty. That is, if one can still remember them.

Time to get a head start on the good plans and promises to your self is running out Comrades style.

On the other hand, people are starting to prompt and plan and ask about our December holiday arrangements!

How on earth, it’s too soon!!

I cannot push myself that far into the future, or can I?

So this month get started with the New Year’s resolutions or pat yourself on the back with some or other reward if you did make headway with the resolutions.

Secondly, get started with the planning of the remaining 6 months

Make it Count

Make it Interesting

Make memories

Make the Future

Create Future

Live the Journey

Good planning ensures no regrets and a smooth transfer from one activity to the rest.

With all that said, book here again and make us a part of your future plans.

As you know …we are the best!!

UNDERCOVER

Welcome back everyone!!

I truly hope you have had some leave during the past school holidays and Public Holidays and that you have had time to rest and reflect.

This week I had the opportunity to reflect and get major perspective on our early existence with the passing of a close family member…

Why do we enjoy or hate the rat race so much? From any perspective, we do not have a choice in most circumstances to decide not to join in!

We spend our lives working, fretting, stressing and spending time on “worthwhile” issues, goals and tasks.

Looking back in hindsight, most of these things are necessary for survival as well as helping us cope with the demands of work, family and friends…All of the above very dear to our hearts or important to us. We use the business to build 

and collect memories, for ourselves and our loved ones. Have you ever sat back to take stock and decide to deliberately add or cut some goals, tasks or things you do.

Let’s question ourselves and do the uncomfortable introspection…let’s ask for forgiveness for those unfortunate, bad decisions we have made, those unkind words spoken or those positive responses or recognition held back!

There is still time. Regrets are bad to the system, eating away at bodies and in a year, week, hour or a minute, the chance to make a choice to change anything for the better could be gone!

Be kind to yourself and those around you by prioritising and taking action while there still is time.

“Baggage” don’t go to the grave with you, it stays behind for other to live or to deal with.

Enjoy and Cherish life!!

UNDERCOVER

Welcome Everyone

This month we take stock; many big projects we have been a part of have come to an end.

The 100km Sunrise to Sunset Magalies Biosphere Woman’s Walk is done and dusted. Everything went well,

notwithstanding the rain and misty circumstances of Day 1.

Many bystanders wondered if the ladies will start walking!! Later during the day, people wondered if the hikers are quitting…all endured,

gritted their teeth, dug deeper and finished a grueling, wet, challenging 28km, the first installment of a 100km journey.

Looking back, reflecting and pondering over the reviews and feedback sheets submitted by participants, it struck me that so many listed that extreme day,

Day 1, as their favorite / highlight of the whole experience.

WHY??

Is it because of the part it played in the bigger picture…because all knew that if they would quit or bail out of that portion, the ultimate goal would have slipped away!

The 100km medal would become 75km medal…not what they signed up for!

It hammered home the importance of having a goal, A SERIOUS, GREAT, WAY-OUT GOAL!

All parents and participants in the South African Championships of the Performing Arts had the same goal – they are all focussing on the “GOLD”,

almost with the attitude of “at all/at any cost”. They spend time, practise time, money on clothes, traveling, accommodation etc. all for that one GOAL.

Just remember Young or Old – Nothing is impossible.

Alna

UNDERCOVER

Welcome to each and every one!!

This is our month of plenty – Plenty ACTION!!

The Sunrise to Sunset 100km Magalies Biosphere Woman’s Walk is taking place for the second time and we are in the middle of all the activity.

We are getting to know 30 very active women.

They are leaving deep and memorable footsteps in our hearts.

Marketers, Sponsors, Participants, Committee members, Venues, Service Providers, Stakeholders more than we can count are stepping forward.

Blisters, pains and aches to come – we hope these are in the minority!!

Admin, mails, whatsapps, group chats, calls, literally from Sunrise to Sunset…

So much Effort!! Is it worth it??

Maybe not beforehand and maybe not on Day 1. More on Day 2 and a

1000 times YES if you get to the medal ceremony on Day 4!!

That feeling of achievement, of “I can do this:, “I have done it”, is undescribable!

Why Walk?

BECAUSE WE CAN - Because we are BLESSED enough to have the luxury of TIME. 

Time to practice, Time to take leave and Time to take part.

To have time and opportunity to enjoy these views, the company of Godsent people crossing our paths. 

The enjoyment of nature and nature’s diversity … PRICELESS!!

Watch this Space

UNDERCOVER

Normally the newsletter is written by the owner of Ons Dorpshuis Guest House, Alna van der Walt, but this time they asked me to write a letter for

February month as it is the month of love and I am a newlywed!!

First of all, I have big shoes to fill to write anything as good as Alna and secondly, it is hard to write about love.

  Love is an emotion, an utterly deep feeling within each of us that simply can’t be touched or truly described. 

When I think of love, a few of my favorite movies come to mind –

The Lucky One, The Vow, Safe Haven, Dirty Dancing and Valentine’s Day. 

Each with a story I - and maybe you - can relate to, but they are just movies. 

In real life things work a little bit different but I believe we all can have that happy ever after.

Marriage and even any other form of intimate relationship asks for hard work,

communication and commitment as well as application Alna’s famous values: honesty, trust, respect and fairness. 

Live by these values and you’re half way to 50+ years of marriage - respect your partner’s decisions, trust their judgments, communicate honestly and treat them with fairness.

The next thing that comes to my mind when I think about love is the poem of E.E. Cummings:

“I carry your heart with me” which has been my favorite love poem since the poem gained renewed interest in the film, “In Her Shoes”. 

This poem is a really good intimate promise you can make to your loved one this month. 

Arrange something special this Valentine’s Day, but something specific, something they have been begging for, hinting about or just absolutely desires. 

Read this poem and make this promise!  This ensures a happily ever after happy partner.

Lastly, even though we make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day, this should not be something that one does only once a calendar year. 

This is an important event that should be done more often during the year. 

Never stop flirting with your man and never stop dating your lady.

  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

UNDERCOVER

Welcome back to each and every one!!

It is such a blessing to have reached this point and to be in a position to write “2018” on forms and papers.

With all the mayhem, chaos, anarchy and general uncertainty it is sometimes difficult to find or focus on the positive each day…

I went back to some of my archives and found a piece of advice from Gary Baily (former player for Manchester United and Kaizer Chiefs).

In his talk “Success under pressure” he gave the abbreviation and very practical insight…

GREAT

Have Gratitude, because you cannot be unhappy and grateful at the same time.

Reframing:  face challenges, decide, be tough, focus into a general new direction if circumstances present you with pressure to change.

Empathy:  Observe in detail, listen more than before, and expand your understanding before reacting.  Emotional intelligence is more important than a large IQ.

Adapt:  sooner rather than later.  The world, politics, information and technology will not wait for you!

Teamwork is King.  Use people, skills, and assets all more productively.  You are not alone!!

With that said I can personally vouch for a policy of constantly making gratitude and worship more important than the “ISSUE” of the day…

May you rise, shine and be GREAT this year!!

UNDERCOVER

A warm and hearty welcome to all our new visitors, guests and returning customers.

We are rearing the end of this year 2017!!

I cannot help to think “Where did it go?”  On the other hand, time well spent should be seen as an investment in the future. 

There are many instances where people would stop to ponder on life’s milestone’s…things like children leaving the home, projects started,

finished and long forgotten, relationships or previous marriages, personal achievements and obstacles conquered.

Yes we can say “Oh my, what happened?” or “Time has passed me by!” or “when did I do that?”…

The main thing actually is to realize that all of the above has taken a lifetime!!

The questions you have to ask yourself is

How well did it go?

What kind of work satisfaction did I have?

Do I have regrets about any of my memories?

and

What do I have left on my TO-DO-LIST?

This is where I know we should focus on … the list.

Call it the Bucket List if you wish, but find that list!!

It would be too sad to end a year with nothing to look forward to, to tick off, to do, to achieve, to try, to conquer…

What is your goal to carry over into 2018?

GO FOR IT!!!

Alna

Terms & Conditions and Indemnity

POPI Act

Ons Dorpshuis Guest House adheres to the POPI Act in order to protect our guests from harm and their right to privacy.  We ensure the integrity and safekeeping of personal information in our possession or under our control.  We will take steps to prevent the information being lost or damaged, or unlawfully accessed. 

1. Proof of Identification

It is mandatory for guests to present valid photo identification at the time of check-in. According to government regulations, a valid Photo ID has to be carried by every person above the age of 18 staying at the guest house.  Without original copy of valid ID the guest will not be allowed to check-in.

1. General Indemnity

Whilst every care has been taken by Ons Dorpshuis Guest House to ensure the safety of guests and their possessions whilst enjoying our accommodation, Ons Dorpshuis Guest House and the owners does not accept any liability in the event that any loss or damage to persons or property is experienced by a guest and their visitors. Should any action by a guest be deemed inappropriate by the hotel, or if any inappropriate behaviour is brought to the attention of the hotel, the hotel reserves the right, after the allegations have been investigated, to take action against the guest.

1. Valuables

Ons Dorpshuis Guest House or the owners does not accept any liability for loss of or damage to any valuables or property belonging to guests or their visitors.  It is therefore the sole responsibility of all guests to make arrangements for adequate insurance coverage on all valuable items prior to arrival at Ons Dorpshuis Guest House.  This includes but is not limited to, photographic equipment, laptops or other electronic devices, jewellery, cash and vehicles.

1. Loss or Damage to Ons Dorpshuis Guest House

Should Ons Dorpshuis Guest House suffer any loss or damage as a result of an act or omission by a guest or visitor of a guest, the guest will remain liable for full reimbursement of such loss or damage incurred and will be billed accordingly.

1. Right of Admission Reserved

Ons Dorpshuis Guest House at all times reserves the full right of admission and accepts no liability for any loss or damage that may result from the legal and reasonable exercising of such rights.

1. Swimming Pool

Any guest or their visitors using the swimming pool and surrounding area are utilising such facilities entirely at their own risk and that they are fully aware that there are no lifesaving facilities of any nature provided and therefore indemnify Ons Dorpshuis Guest House and the owners of this facility in full and shall have no claim of whatsoever nature against the Ons Dorpshuis Guest House and the owners including any claim from any injury/ bodily harm/death and or/loss of property which could arise from the use of this facility.

1. Parking Lot

Parking is available free of charge for all guests.  Do not park in front or in the way of the electrical gate or cause any parking obstructions.  Do not leave any valuables inside your car while it is parked.  We cannot accept responsibility for the loss or theft of any such articles while your car is parked on our premises.  Parking is at own risk.

1. Minors

Minors are the sole responsibility of the parents, guardian(s) or the person or persons in whose care they are whilst at Ons Dorpshuis Guest House or whilst using its facilities.  Youngsters must be under adult supervision at all times (apartments & entertainment areas).

1. Non-Smoking

Ons Dorpshuis Guest House, in recognition of Health, Safety and Environment concerns, is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all its employees, visitors and contractors.  Ons Dorpshuis Guest House is a NON-SMOKING establishment and your co-operation in this regard will be appreciated.  At some dedicated Self Catering units smoking is permitted and designated outside areas.  Smokers are invited not to smoke immediately outside the entrances or open windows.  Please use provided ashtrays and keep area cigarette free.

1. Check In / Check Out

Check-in time starts at 14h00, but every effort will be made to accommodate earlier.  All outstanding balances are due on arrival and payable before check-in.  Keys will be handed over to the guest after payment and administration at all times. The office closes at about 20:00 for late arrival, please arrange it prior to check-in. The after hour number is 082 927 5097. 

Check-out is at 10:00am, later check-out is possible by arrangement only.  Please leave the room keys at Reception or at specific key box at different houses.  The cost for replacement of lost room keys or damaged locks is applicable and to be paid immediately in cash.

1. Noise Levels

As Ons Dorpshuis Guest House is situated in a residential area, guests and their visitors are expected to show consideration to our neighbours and fellow guests by keeping noise levels to a minimum.  It is not allowed to play music out of any vehicle, units or stereo systems.  Bad behaviour and excessive noise are not tolerated; if it continues, the police will be called and the offenders evicted.  If you have a complaint, please speak to Duty Manager immediately.   Noise timeout is 21:30 during the week and 23:00 on weekends.  The braai area must be vacated by 23:00. No singing or gatherings may be allowed in the apartments, parking areas or leisure areas. Such events/gatherings must be held in the conference venues at additional costs and arrangements.

1. Extra Guests / Visitors

All extra guests or visitors must kindly report to the office, complete a visitor sign-in sheet and pay any additional costs.  Overnight guest must pay R 200.00 per person per night, excluding all meals.  No meals will be allowed to be shared with extra guests or visitors.

Terms and Conditions

By signing this indemnity form I state that I have read and understood the terms and conditions and that I am aware that the Terms and Conditions are to be read in conjunction with the Indemnity form. The person receiving this set of rules undertakes to bring the rules to the attention of all the members of his or her group.  This person also accepts responsibility for compliance with the rules by all members of his or her group.