Last night’s match between Germany and Uruguay reinforced just how Africans feel about “that” double hand ball. The rain bucketed down and so did the boos on Luis Suarez. Sports journalists have said we are small minded and petty and that we should move on. It’s not even so much about the double hand ball. It’s the way Suarez so obviously relishes his actions and lacks any remorse or sensitivity to us at all that leaves me feeling a bit – no come on? The Irish amongst us will understand.
In the picture is a Hadeda Ibis. Hadedas are prolific in South Africa and Africa. This bird makes expats weep when they hear it. It’s the sound of Africa. It’s the sound of home. They cry out something similar to haa haa ha de dah when they fly overhead. Hence their name. When they are not flying and making a hellava noise they can be found scavenging for worms, snails or insects in the ground.
In the picture are some African beads. I had to include this picture. Our fabrics and beads are so lively and colourful. So is our flag. The sun shines, people smile. South Africa is a happy place.
In the news is the case of British journalist, Simon Wright, who is set to go to trial this weekend. There is alleged conspiracy between him and the soccer fan who walked into the English team’s dressing room. I will be watching the outcome with interest. A lot of what is said in foreign newspapers about us is such rubbish. I often wonder where they get their stories.
Every country has some funny names. In England we came across a Pratt’s Bottom and a Nether Wallop. We have funny names here too. There is Kokstad, the stad part means town in English. How about Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein? Whew! That means – two buffaloes with one shot killed completely dead fountain. Die Hell means The Hell. There is a Tietiesbaai, the baai part means bay. Then Amatikulu means big spit. Gingindlovu is a right tongue twister meaning the place of the elephant. It was a sort of cockney slang for a double gin and you can love her back in the day.
Go to – My Holidays and Trips – at the top of this page to read about other places we have visited. Or just click on – this link.
In the picture is the new improved Cape Town Central Train Station.
Yet another day of limited internet access for some of us here in South Africa. Affected internet service providers are scrambling to jump aboard with other providers who have spare capacity. The good news, so they tell us, is the Seacom cable will be fixed by next week. Make sure your provider doesn’t use Seacom if you’re heading this way.
Now, I am not meaning to be unkind when I say this but some visitors look so obviously strange. It could be that visitors to Africa feel they need to bring everything but the kitchen sink with them. Just in case.
But … we can’t help but notice people walking about in outfits with a million pockets and zips that can carry it all at once. These outfits usually come in khaki or a camouflage colour and these same visitors walk around with GPS, Swiss army knife, spare tissues, food bars, super duper cameras and God knows what all else.
The sheer weight must be exhausting.
I know that parts of Africa and even parts of South Africa can be rustic. But in big cities like Cape Town we do have food and toilet paper. It’s not necessary to bring it all and carry it all here.
So Paul, the psychic octopus was right. Spain won the game. Wonder if Paul has any views on non-German matches? I would go Google his latest, if only I could. South Africa are into day 4 of an Internet wipe out. Local Internet access such as banking , e-mails and websites are all fine. But anything further than our borders produces an error message. For once we can’t blame ESKOM. This time it’s Seacom who are the culprits. In fact ESKOM have been quite well behaved lately. (My fingers are crossed as I type)
In the picture is guava roll. I’ve never seen dried fruit rolls anywhere else, so try one in your favourite fruit flavour while you are here. Do also try one of our chocolate pinotage wines. No idea how they get that rich chocolaty taste into a red wine but it is yummy. And for a local desert, you could try Malva Pudding. It’s a baked treacle type desert, usually served with custard. Maybe ice-cream with Amarula liqueur? Milk tart is a mix of egg, flour and milk, baked in a pastry and sprinkled with cinnamon. And then Peppermint Fridge Cake is a super sweet indulgence. It’s like Tiramisu but minus the coffee and sherry and with grated chocolate mint crisp in between the layers.
You should be able to find all of these in a local supermarket. Happy tasting!
Last night’s game between Holland and Uruguay was scrappy and the play was muddled. I was expecting more from Holland. This is coming from a brand new expert on soccer.
I have an axe to grind with Uruguay so I was rooting for Holland. But then I would say almost all of the locals and most fans were also on Holland’s side.
Casa Little Brazil was cancelled! Looks like, if the Brazilians can’t win, then they go home. All the South Americans are out of the Soccer Cup now. Paul the psychic octopus says Spain will win tonight. Let’s see.
I was watching the RMS St Helena sail into Table Bay this morning. She has been the only link between the isle of St Helena and the outside world for years. They have no harbour and no airport on St Helena. The RMS St Helena is the last boat to still carry the title RMS. It looks like the St Helena is steaming the wrong way. Even though I have lived in Green Point for a while, I still struggle to get my head around the idea that when I look out to sea, I am facing north. Cape Town faces north rather than south. It’s complicated. You need to look at a map to understand.
We can expect another onslaught of orange on the streets tonight. It’s the first of the semi finals. We’re off to do the fan walk again and will watch the game at Casa Little Brazil. Loads of people are knocking on the door wanting accommodation. One must assume their being here is a last minute decision and that is why they have not pre-booked a place to stay.
I’ve been reading other blogs on the soccer and some people have complained about accommodation. Since we are residents of Cape Town and run a B and B, I can only speak from our perspective.
Most of our guest are a pleasure and we enjoy their take on the soccer. But I will say that the two Canadians who had a food fight in the room and left food and gravy all over the walls and doors was not cool. Oh and the same two spilt red nail polish on the bed linen and carpet. They didn’t appear to bath or shower in three days, wore the same grotty underwear and when they checked out we had to seriously air the room to get rid of their smell. I only wish we could tell what guests will be like in advance.
A sort of blacklist one could refer to.
I sometimes think that one day I should write my version of a B & B Babylon and tell some of the things guests get up to. Would people want to know?
