Living Life

I am currently living about 8 minutes from South Africa. However, to get into South Africa I have get my passport stamped twice—in two different buildings with two different lines. The first stamp says that I am exiting Lesotho; the second stamp says that I am entering South Africa. This process repeats itself in reverse on the return trip back home to Maseru. I find this less than efficient.

But, a few kilometers across the border is a cute town called Ladybrand, with a lovely restaurant that is worth all the border-crossing hassle. It is called Living Life—and it is a delightful way to spend a weekend afternoon when living in Lesotho.

The restaurant has a farm associated with it, and they grow many of their fruits and vegetables on site. They also make their own soaps, preserves, compotes, bread, and amazing desserts (including the most delicious chocolate truffle with this dense fudge cake-like filling that makes my mouth water just writing this thought).

I cannot figure out what type of food they serve at Living Life. Various items on the menu include:

1. Pesto Chicken with Chickpeas and Pineapple Sandwich
2. Calzone filled with mushrooms, eggplant, olives, tomato, and feta
3. Scones with cream, jam, butter, and cheese
4. Pancakes (that are really crepes)
5. Potato rosti
6. Fresh raspberry juice

Basically, it is this wonderful schmorgasbord written on a chalkboard that doesn’t fit it any ethnicity or style. I love it.

The café has this wonderful outdoor eating area with fresh flowers on your table, fresh flowers all around in fact, and a “playground” with a trampoline, a rope swing, and area to play bocce ball, and swings. It just makes you want to relax and wile away the time.

This restaurant isn’t in guidebooks. You find it by knowing someone who knows about it who takes you there, and you thank them profusely for the favor.