In search of the big tree {Tsitsikamma}

"But memories got left behind while you kept walking on; every time you had to retrace your steps further to return to your memories, and sometimes it was better not to turn back at all." 

- Dalene Matthee

Most South African school children are familiar with Dalene Matthee's work. An author, based in Knysna, she published historic novels of the forests around Knysna and Tsitiskamma in the Western Cape. Flip did 'Kringe in die Bos' in matric, while I did 'Fiela se Kind'. In the first book, it handled about a woodcutter and his relationship with an old elephant bull called Ou Poot. That's about as much as I know about the story. I think I should buy the book. Elephants used to roam free in the area and Flip kept saying that they might come out at any second from the undergrowth.

And looking at all the broken trees - more likely from trees than elephants - I couldn't help but thinking the same.

While driving through this picturesque area on our honeymoon, we saw something called the Big Tree. We decided to go and trek the tree. I think I'll let the pictures say the rest. It is so magical. So untouched.

This tree is estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old, 

stands 36,6 m tall and has a trunk circumference of 9 m.

Park Acoustics {my second, but not last, time}

Whoa! This Monday was off to a rough start. This morning, as we left home, Flip told me that it was 2 degrees! All I can think of is my poor dogs, who are so pampered and spoilt - I am big enough to admit that - and now sitting outside in the cold. I didn't even have time this morning to put on their jackets. I just hope that they are smart enough to find a nice sunny spot and move along with it as the day goes on.

And to think, only yesterday we were sitting in a warm winter sun, and it really felt like a summer's day - I have the sunburn to prove it.  Now, I'm sitting in a thick jacket and typing with half frozen stiff fingers. I am seriously longing for summer and its thunder showers today. And missing the wonderful heat from yesterday, when we attended Park Acoustics.

 I have no relation to this man, I just took a pic of him for his likeliness to Koos Kombuis. 

I told him I'm taking it because of his hair. He roared with laughter

my take on those 'from where I stand' pics

For those who aren't in the know, Park Acoustics is "a monthly outdoor live music concert that takes place in the unique venue that is Fort Schanskop, Pretoria," the website states. Fort Schanskop also forms part of the Voortrekker Monument.

The event, which takes place on the last Sunday of each month, "sees hundreds of people gather at the foot of Schanskop hill, ready to embark on the 5 minute bus trip to the top. Once inside the fort the atmosphere changes from inviting to intimate as great acoustics and friendly people greet you on your descent." Flip also met some friendly, ahem, people.

"If you arrive early, grab the best picnic spot which is under a large Umbrella Acacia tree up at the front of the stage." we didn't arrive early enough, so sat on the pavilion under the blue and red squares. It was hot!

"Park Acoustics concerts are cozy and relaxed, allowing the crowd to develop a personal connection with the talented musicians on stage. What makes Park Acoustics unique is the fact that you have a 360 degree view of Pretoria, Centurion and Johannesburg in the distance!

That's Pretoria aka my hometown

"We also boast the best sunsets in Pretoria, so do stay for that magical time of day when we all have sundowners on the hill. Park Acoustics is open for all ages and we encourage you to bring a group of friends and family and spend a day with us.  You are welcome to pack a picnic basket with delightful treats."


I couldn't have described it better myself. It really is such a treat to just chill with your friends, bottles of wine, the sun, good music and a crapload of weird hipsters. The occasional dancing, passing out, falling down stairs and general tipsiness cannot be excluded. 

Professional pics from Park Acoustics website

Mothercity Memories

Earlier this year, we went down to Cape Town for a wedding. The groom borrowed my camera's memory card and I only got it back recently, so today I am sharing some of my favourite shots taken at the wedding.

 My extremely handsome husband-to-be. Oooh, shivers.

Vovo Telo Bedfordview

Over the weekend, we were too lazy to cook food, or go and buy groceries. Also, I was a bit ill and didn't have an appetite, so we headed out to town in search for some grub and dropped in at quaint little bakery/coffeeshop Vovo Telo, only a few kilometres from our house.

I had a macchiato, in which I accidentally poured sweetener - it already had sugar in, while Flip had a humble old Coke. We both had poached eggs on a slice of rye toast. It was delicious. The shop also had freshly baked pastries that I would have eaten in an instant if I had not been ill. To sum it up, it was great! Enjoy a few photos from our visit, and if you ever see one, pop in! You'll be pleasantly surprised.

My favourite part about this Vovo Telo was all the bunnies. The shop manager told me that it wasn't just for Easter, but it was part of the shop's look and feel. I'm obsessed with bunnies! She also told me that the wire ones pictured below was bought from a street vendor close by. She lamented that wire art might disappear after a few years, but I think it's here to stay.