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BMW WELT, MUNICH

For a vehicle enthusiast, this is a must see when you visit Munich. For us this was no different on our visit to the city as hubby appreciates this German brand. Let me put it this way we spent the whole morning at the centre …………… What did I do the whole time? Well, I had to amuse myself as hubby was in no hurry to get this over and done with quickly. My interest was more in the Olympic Park next door to the complex where Mark Spitz set several world records in the swimming events – that is a topic for another day. So here we go. First up was the motorcycle category with some of the famous models displayed on a glass wall – impressive, I thought! With German precision every item was displayed, itemized and the history given. I even spotted a yellow Daisy (equivalent to… Read more >

OUR OWN LOVE LOCK BRIDGE

There are not a lot of swing bridges left in this modern world of ours, but it always brings some nostalgia for me. One of them are the one that spans the churning waters of the Storms River in the Tsitsikamma National Park. If you start at the restaurant/shop follow the 900 metre wooden walk under the indigenous tree canopy to the mouth. It is a fairly easy walk, but when reaching the end of the walkway you will need to descend some steep steps into the gorge to get to the bridge ……. just remember you have to return the same way …… so if the knees are not in that brilliant state anymore take note! After you crossed the 77 metre long bridge that hangs just seven metres above the river one arrives at a small pebbled cove which is protected from the elements and is a nice… Read more >

THIS IS EAT, PORT ELIZABETH HARBOUR

From the outside this eatery does not look like much, but definitely do not be fooled. They serve excellent seafood! We popped in here for something to bite after our first ever “amazing race” we did as a family as a fundraiser to make a sporty girl’s dreams come true and I can proudly add that we slotted into third place from 15 teams! After the event our stomachs were running on empty so it was time to pop in and fill up before heading home. As it was a windy Saturday afternoon in Port Elizabeth the shutters were drawn against the elements, but did not dampen our spirits as we finished in third place in the “amazing race”. So we had something to celebrate. The eatery was rather quiet as it was still early and there was some major rugby matches on television. Situated in the harbour area it… Read more >

GROOTKERK, GRAAFF REINET

Entering from the South you drive up the long main road of Graaf Reinet. After greeting some friendly locals on your way you will find this historic church at the top end of … well, Church Street! The church is probably the most recognizable and photographed landmark in Graaff Reinet. The church which claims to be the third oldest congregation in the Eastern Cape was designed by James Bisset. He (Bisset) incorporated some features from the Salisbury Cathedral in England into this majestic design. The stone for the church was obtained locally and the church, which can seat 1,250, has a steeple of 45, 72 metres. It also boasts a chimney – rather an unusual feature for a church I would think! On the church list are some famous dominees (preachers). Andrew Murray as well as Dr D F Malan, who later became Prime Minister of South Africa, were some… Read more >

RIVIER DECK, BUFFALO BAY (BUFFELSBAAI)

On a Sunday morning, we went for a bit of exploring in our own region and stumbled upon this little gem right next to the N2 at the Buffels Bay turn-off. I have passed this establishment numerous times in the past, but never made the effort to check it out. Hubby and I were looking for a place to have breakfast where we have never been before. So, River Deck it is! I think we were a bit early as we were the first patrons to pay a visit, but the wooden stove with the kettles already simmering radiated its warmth and welcomed us. Nice, as the sun was not out yet and it was still a bit chilly next to the river. Today was not the type of weather for canoes and peddle boats, however as I have observed during the past summer months this is a favourite spot… Read more >

ATHINA SHIPWRECK, ROBBERG

Shipwrecks are tragic events, but for me a shipwreck is always shrouded with some mystery and stories on what went wrong, what freight did they have on board when tragedy struck, were there any loss of life and what were the weather conditions, etcetera. Around Plettenberg Bay there are 18 hidden shipwrecks, the earliest one dating back to 1630, according to some research that I have done on the internet. I am not giving away my age, but some of you who are old enough will remember the stranding of the Athina at Robberg Beach, Plettenberg Bay. Some members in my family were still little boys and girls when this happened back on the 1st of August 1967. During the summer holiday of December 1967 my father in law swam out to the wreck, as I think a lot of holiday makers did too. At the date of the incident… Read more >

KNYSNA FIRE DISASTER, 7 JUNE 2017

7 June 2017 — I will surely never forget the date. This is the date when the worst fires ever in history struck the Garden Route area. 8 Junie 2017 — Soos wat ek nou hier sit en skryf elf uur die oggend is dit ‘n vriesende 8°C buite. Vir ons wêreld is dit koud, baie koud. Ek sit en my gedagtes dwaal na die mense wat vanoggend moet gaan kyk wat het hulle oor van hulle lewe – heel moontlik niks. So kom die berigte die een na die ander in. Die een gesin soek nog na hulle ma wat Alzheimers het. Hulle weet nie waar sy is nie … Die honde wat ronddwaal en soek na hulle base en huise … Mense wat die nag in hulle karre geslaap het met net die klere aan hulle lyf … Mense wat angsaanvalle kry … Eens bekende huise is onherkenbaar… Read more >