Snow in the South

Photo courtesy: www.news24.com

Allow me a moment to whinge...I am freezing and absolutely hating the weather right now! There. Now that's out of the way...for now. Thought I'd keep doing what I do in keeping the pounds at bay, but somehow managed to make it to the gym only twice, just twice in two weeks. Oh Ghana how I miss thee...
Nothing more disheartening than the cool crisp of a winter morning, with just the right amount of bite to remind that you that you ain't in the tropics no more.
It snowed in the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal and yes, we have not seen any snow in Gauteng, but I am sure there's a cold front that's crept in...IT IS FREEZING. My friends are at a point where they're turning a deaf ear to my complaints, my kids think I'm over-reacting, and pretty much everyone seems to think the weather is par for the course at this time of the year...is it? Global warming has not lent a hand?

Snakes and crocodiles!

The Green Mamba at close range, yes with reinforced double glass in between me and the snake but still at close range, is a terrifying creature. Just the knowledge of the slow and painful death its bite can induce is chilling enough on its own. Behind the glass they appeared harmless though.  Croc City in Fourways, a stone's throw away from the Lion Park was all reptiles and birds. I found it very odd that in the middle of this place that is all about reptiles, there are rabbits hopping here and there, and peacocks strutting about.

Places in SA: The Lion Park, Johannesburg

Lions in the city

We have just over three weeks in SA, and have a carefully drawn up schedule for things to do with the kids; some we have done before, when they were much younger, some are definitely deserving of second visits now that they are older, a bit more engaging and can ask interesting questions. Nothing worse than enthusing about something of interest to a disinterested three year who would much rather find himself at the nearest jungle gym.  The Lion Park in Fourways was first on the list.

What will you do with your 67 minutes?



Photo Courtesy of: http://www.wikipedia.com/

It is Nelson Mandela International Day today and we are not only celebrating the former President's 93rd birthday but  also becoming a nation (or world, it is an International Day) of do-gooders. The day is now not only  going to be a commemoration of Madiba's birthday but also a day to get involved in communities, or whatever works for you in the 'giving-back' department; effectively "be the change...Madiba style" - all that is required is that you give just 67 minutes of your time today to a good cause. Great concept definitely, especially for its association to man lauded worldwide and known for 'giving back' to an entire nation. Happy Birthday Madiba!

Bidding Farewell to Ghana

In the midst of the flurry of activity around packing away our three years here; as well as the farewell teas, lunches and dinners, I almost forgot to write my very last post from Ghana. I am already thinking of how much I will miss the taste of shito with fried yam and kelewele on my tongue. A farewell gift from friends is a recipe book of Ghanaian dishes - which I now have to learn to perfect because according to my kids I can no longer pass off my attempts as Ghanaian with a South African twist, as I have been doing.

Thank you for hosting us. I take with me memories of the sights and sounds: Makola; Agbogboloshie; Cape Coast; Kokrobite; and that Jamestown Castle. I will always remember: crowded La Beach; the Volta River; the castles steeped in history; incessant hooting; aggressive tro-tro drivers; and the fruit - yes definitely the sweet taste of Cape Coast pineapple. Not forgetting: the hawkers selling everything from groundnuts to puppies; the hot sticky weather incredibly I will miss that too; the vibrant colours of kente at a durbar; pride in a culture rich in history; grilled tilapia with banku; the motorcycles of Tamale; and that very Ghanaian greeting Akwaaba.


I bid you adieu ~ Yεbεhyia.

Wandering eye: La Défense art

These sculptures show that here is clearly more to La Défense than its concrete jungle persona.

Jazz in Accra

Last weekend was the Miles Davies Tribute Concert at the Golden Tulip and this weekend +233 - I love that they've taken a very unique country code and created a very cool Jazz spot in Accra - is hosting its very first Jazz Festival, to run over three days.
Last night was the debut night and it drew a sizeable mixed crowd; hope it draws an even bigger crowd in the next two days. If anything go for their kebabs and the music. If you're a Jazz Aficionado go for Gyedu Blay Ambolley, The Sound Factory, Kwame Yeboah & The Ohea BeYeYa Band and others as they play under the cool evening sky. Last night Marion Meadows, the saxophonist, gave the crowds a teaser of what he has in stall for the next two days- and it promises to be great. Cover charge is GHc40.00