city centre

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Then and Now – Donkin Reserve – the lighthouse and pyramid

About two and a half years ago (can it really be so long already?) I did a Then and Now for the Donkin Reserve featuring photos taken from the sea side of the lighthouse and pyramid.  Last week I passed by the Donkin on my way to a meeting and snapped one from the other side with the two "Then" pictures in this post in mind.  I notice I should have squared it up a bit more, but it will…

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12/06/2016
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Railway Station damage – how long down the line

A few years ago (quite a few if I'm correct), the historic Port Elizabeth Railway Station was damaged in an underground gas explosion.  The spot was cordoned off and the building "braced" with wooden poles.  So sad that all this time later and Spoornet (Transnet) still haven't done anything to restore and fix the building.  An absolute crying shame.

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11/05/2016
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Strand Street vendor

Not a lot of people from the 'burbs ever walk around much in downtown Port Elizabeth.  I think I need to do it a bit more as there are a lot interesting things to see and photograph.  Waiting around the Campanile for the bells to be lowered a week ago, I noticed a vendor selling fruit, snacks and cold drinks nearby.  I didn't have time to go and have a closer look, but I did snap a pic from a…

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10/05/2016
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Driving down Strand Street

Last week when I popped down to the Campanile to take some photos of the bells, I also took a photo of Strand Street where it runs under the freeways.  Don't think it's anybody's favorite part of town what with being covered by the freeways, having a bad reputation dating back some time for crime and having taxi's race up and down the whole time.  What does get me though is the 2010 FIFA World Cup branding that is still…

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08/05/2016
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Skateboarders and Instagrammers unite

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m50OA9kRAZc&w=500&h=400]The King's Beach Skateboarding Crew jointed the Port Elizabeth Instagram community for a fun couple of hours out in the city center a Sunday or two ago.  Other than a whole bunch of Instagram pictures being taken, the skateboarders also filmed their own video which I'm sharing with you today.

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06/05/2016
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Inside the Port Elizabeth Opera House

When last have you attended a performance at the Opera House?  Do you even know what it looks like in the main theatre?  I am ashamed to say that I haven't been there for many many years, but I got to see it while on a tour of the facility last week.  The curtain isn't the main stage curtain but the fire curtain, which they demonstrated to us.

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06/04/2016
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The new Opera House extension and renovations

Yesterday's post was a Then and Now post featuring the Port Elizabeth Opera House.  As the photo was taken from the street corner, the latest addition to the building wasn't really that visible so I decided to post a second photo.  The wine coloured section is is the part that was built on to the original building in 1985 and was part of the extensive renovations that took place over the last year and was painted this was as part…

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05/04/2016
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Then and Now – The Port Elizabeth Opera House

The first meeting to discuss a new theatre for Port Elizabeth took place in 1890 after which a company was formed, shares sold and a site was agreed upon with the Town Council.  The building was designed by G.W. Smith and opened on 1 December 1892.  The first lessees of the building was B and F Wheeler who also presented the opening performance of JM Barrie's "Walker, London".  By 1916 the theatre was taken over by African Consolidated Theatres and…

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04/04/2016
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Taxis in Whites Road

One of the Route 67 art pieces that gets the most comment from visitors is the taxis on the wall in front of the PE Opera House in Whites Road.  The taxis represent the mode of public transport used by most South Africans. "History is often shaped by momentus events, while cities with their alleys, streets and avenues are formed by the layers rhythms of the daily necessity.  This rhythim of place, shaped by the everyday, becomes the song of…

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02/04/2016
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City coastline aerial

Last week the Damselfly and I got to fly to Johannesburg for the annual Lilizela Awards of which I was one of the judges. Even though I get to road trip quite often working for ECTOUR, I don't fly nearly as much as I did in my previous job.  When I do and I fly alone, I like an aisle seat but the Damselfly wanted to sit by the window and it gave me the opportunity to snap a few pics…

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01/11/2015