Last year (2016) saw Schoenmakerskop, or as we refer to it, Schoenies, celebrate its centenary year. As part of the celebrations a Centenary Garden has been established in front of the Sacramento Restaurant.The plaque in front of the garden says: "There's not a day when I don't think about how privileged I am to live here1916 - 2016
I was taking a couple of pictures on the Donkin Reserve the other day and noticed this plaque on the stone wall by the Great Flag. I don't know if it is a recent addition or if I've just never noticed it. Weird, but anyways. The plaque marks the 150th anniversary (as on 16 November 2010) of the arrival of the first group of Indians to South Africa as indentured labourers. Although the arrival was in Natal and not Port…
Most people go to Kings, Humewood, Hobie and Pollok Beaches when they go to the beachfront but very rarely go right to the top of Pollok Beach just below the Lollipop Beacon. That is unless you participat in the Hoby Beach Parkrun every week. This picture was taken right at the top of the Pollok Beach at one of the storm water pipes flowing out onto the beach. The tall building in picture is the Radison Hotel.
Amid days with strong winds, lots of fires in Thornhill and Knysna, storms in the Cape, KidZ writing exams, me finally starting to catch up on work and whatever else, we've had a few nice evenings and after working a little late one afternoon I stopped on the beachfront to get some sunset photos. Standing below Brookes-on-the-Bay looking back towards Shark Rock Pier in the distance this was the scene I saw. In the low light it just felt peaceful.…
Youth Day is celebrated in South Africa on 16 June. It commemorates the Soweto uprising of 1976 which took place in response to multiple issues with the Bantu Education Act and the government edict in 1974 that Afrikaans be used as medium of instruction for certain subjects in black schools. Police opened fire on the protesting students and it was then when photographer Sam Nzima took the iconic picture of the dying 12 year old Hector Pieterson being carried away…
A hint of country in the city - tufts of grass on the Donkin Reserve with a windpomp figure forming part of Route 67 in the background
I am often amazed at how many people didn't know that Port Elizabeth has a South African Airforce Museum. Located behind the airport in a restored World War II hanger, the museum has a great collection of planes, choppers, equipment, uniforms, models and other paraphernalia. It's easy to get to, just follow Forrest Hill Drive through Forrest Hill and around to the back of the airport. The museum will interest both young and old and is absolutely free with a…
I took a walk up Happy Valley last week while I was doing a recce for an Amazing Race I organised. Early morning and with no wind walking there was absolute bliss. Not a soul in sight, birds chirping and the cool air on my face. What a spot and so under-utilised. The lawns were cut, gardens mostly well looked after and the pathways cleaned. A little maintenance is needed on two or three of the figures and some of…
The last two months have been an absolute blur. Don't ask me where it went, I just know it's gone and I am exhausted. But things are getting back to normal and hopefully I will get my blogging mojo back as well. The pictures from our Graaff-Reinet weekend is lined up and just waiting for the words to be added. In the meantime here is one I took of the Groot Kerk at the top of the main drag into…