Walking with elephants

Another week gone by, and the countdown to leaving sunny but cold, oh so cold SA, about to get underway. In the meantime, we took in the Elephant Sanctuary at Hartbeespoort Dam. One takes for granted how truly magnificent these creatures are, but as majestic as they are, there's something rather pitiful when we see them in enclosures. The Hartbeespoort sanctuary is one of three Elephant Sanctuaries countrywide, with one in Hazyview (Near the Kruger National Park) and another in Plettenberg Bay (along the Garden Route).

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.

Gastronomy in SA: Bella on 66 Rivonia Rd

Breakfast with one of my friends almost turned into lunch. We ordered their cappuccinos, and slowly ate our way through orders of English muffins with scrambled eggs and salmon and crumpets with bacon, banana and syrup – more like dessert really. Calories galore with all the taste though. Bella on 66 Rivonia is just off Rivonia Road, a stone’s throw away from Sandton City.

Gastronomy in SA: So Yum

Yes, So Yum was ever so good. I could not have thought of a more apt name for a place that serves such delicious food. I met a friend for lunch and was delighted by the tasty duck samosas with a hoisin sauce that she had ordered for starters.

Places in SA: Maropeng - Cradle of Humankind

Maropeng is a Tswana word that means "return to your roots" and it is a museum dedicated to the archaeological finds of the origin of man. The area in and around Magaliesburg is called 'The Cradle of Humankind' as it has produced the largest and oldest number of the fossil finds of hominid man ever found.

Gastronomy in SA: Tsunami Seafood Emporium

The lunch was pre-arranged a month ago...a reunion with former colleagues. We chose Tsunami Seafood Emporium in Morningside; a restaurant that first opened in 2005 after the Indonesian Tsunami of 2004.

Gastronomy in SA: Vida e Caffe - Hyde Park

Internet access at last! Between travel and trying to find a quiet spot with a free wi-fi service, the posts had to wait...
Vida e Caffe (Life and Coffee); just the name brings a smile to my face; is a franchise of coffee shops in South Africa that first opened about 5-6 years ago; with the first opening in Cape Town and several more following in the rest of the country - I remember it being one of my stops every day to the office...ahhh fond memories of caffeine-filled mornings.