Tea For Three?

Tea? This pretty display caught my eye when strolling through town looking for a place to have a cuppa. The intricate patterns on the teacups are simply awesome, and the way they just seem to fit right into the whole setting of window frame & beads seems meticulously planned, although they have probably just been hung at random.

Sunday Bells

On a clear Sunday morning like this, hearing church bells ring just seem so right. This is St. Peter's Anglican Church, situated in the main road. St. Peter's Mission School was built in 1862, the first school in Hermanus, attached to the original church. No longer a school, St. Peter's remains a landmark. On Saturdays from 09h30 they have delightful coffee morning set in the parish garden, and being right in town this is just the place to start the morning's shopping.

Market With A View

Hermanus has a wonderful informal or flea market, where traders set up stalls that sell anything from art to African masks to jewellery to clothes. Located at Gearing's Point, it is arguably the open air market set in the most beautiful place on earth - right on the cliffs, with stunning uninterrupted views of Walker Bay all round. Some of its most frequent visitors are the Southern Right whales, who come to frolic in the deep waters off the cliffs. Young an old take part in the selling and even manufacturing, transferring age old crafts to new generations.

Bonaparte's Gate

I am a huge admirer of Napoleon Bonaparte. Imagine my surprise when one day I heard a rumour that an item which formed a huge part of Napoleon's life was right here in Hermanus ... the gate to the prison where he was held at St. Helena. Rumour has it that this gate is the exact one, brought from St. Helena to South Africa and then installed at a private residence in Hermanus. Apparently it is made of iron, and have been moulded together. When maintenance had to be done on it in Cape Town, it was so heavy that a special system had to be designed to transport it and also to re-install it in Hermanus. Exquisitely beautiful, whether the rumours are true or not.

Spot The Difference

I saw these two identical ladies strolling down the street, and couldn't resist a picture. They are identical, from their hairstyles to their outfits to their shoes, the only difference being that one has a mobile phone and the ohter a handbag. If we had a Chanel shop, I would have wondered if they maybe worked there what with their monotone outfits.

Close The Door!

Seen on a door to a public WC, this photo really needs no further comment. Our baboons are really very used to humans and will not hesitate to enter homes. I have had several experiences with visiting baboons, especially the one who came into our kitchen to try our left-over salad and another one who came into my study to oversee my work, jumping right onto the edge of my desk. Very intimidating indeed!

View From The Top

One of the most splendid scenic drives in Hermanus is certainly Rotary Way, with its entrance next to Mount Pleasant. It curves right to the top of the mountain, with several lookout posts to stop at and savour the beauty that is all around. Surrounded by thousands of different fynbos species, it is a haven of peace and tranquility sitting on one of the benches. On the sea side Hermanus is laid out, and on the mountain side the Hemel en Aarde ("Heaven and Earth") valley spreads out. On the photo, the Maanskynbaai ("Moonshine Bay") estuary can be seen. At the moment the lagoon is open right onto Grotto Beach.

Let There Be Light

The perimeter wall of the Enlighten Education Trust is a true work of art, with beautiful mosaics right round. Look at the exquisite detail of a light bulb, a feature that is repeated in several of the other mosaics, signalling light. It is situated in Swartdam Road, next to Zwelihle. The trust was esthablished in 2002 and several projects and courses are being offered. Please read more about this wonderful initiave at http://www.enlighteneducationtrust.org.za/

Sunday Washing

Sundays seem to be the day to do washing and other household chores for many workers in Hermanus, as they work during the rest of the week. I drove past and could not resist this colourful washing line, with the women sitting in the sun and changing a meagre chore into a happy outdoor activity. Like all South African cities and towns, Hermanus also has an informal settlement area. "Zwelihle", which means "Beautiful Place" in Zulu, could just as well have been the Zulu word for "Hermanus".

Bicycle Made For Two ... Or Three ... Or More

A fun way to explore the village is to take a trip on the official "Tuk-Tuk Bicycle", pedalled around the village by an inventative entrepeneur. Cycling through all the prime spots, this is a huge hit with young & old, and a cue can often be seen waiting their turn.

A Distant Cousin Of Yours, Maybe?

Hermanus is home to several Baboon troops, the most notorious being the Voëlklip ("Bird Rock") troop. At home on the mountain slopes right off the residential area, they have become accustomed to people and can be seen especially on Mondays and Thursdays (refuge removal days), taking a leasurely stroll through the streets, picking through refuge bins and discarding whatever they don't find up to standard right there. Fascinating to look at (from a distance, through binoculars as they are wild animals and not pets), one is quickly reminded of exactly how close to human they really are ...

I Do, I Do, I Do Believe In Fairies

Spring is in the air ... clearly, when you see all the little fairy gardens springing up on every lawn in the village. These little pink flowers abound in their numbers, and delighted garden owners just wake up one morning to find that spring fairies have been hard at work during the night, transforming their lawns with a bright pink display ringing in the approaching spring.

More species of flowers grow in the Hermanus area than in the entire Europe! Hermanus has its own botanical society - maybe one of the members can identify the flower for us & post some more information?

Although it is still freezing cold & dripping wet, at least these little darlings show that warmer days are on their way. Can't wait for summer!

Remember The Past

The Old Harbour Museum is situated in the centre of the village at the site of the old harbour, formerly known as "Visbaai" ("Fish Bay"). The indoor museum houses exhibitions on natural history with whales being the dominant feature, together with aquariums with fishes and inter-tidal creatures and a display of antique fishing paraphernalia. The surrounding cliffs form an excellent spot from which to do land-based whale-watching and huge crowds can often be seen, indicating whales at play right in the bay. At easter times a play commerating the Passion is presented against the stunning backdrop.

Right Up Your Alley

A great part of Hermanus' charm lies in its many little alleys, where hidden treasures await. From books to shoes, from coffee shops to potters' workshops to exclusive boutiques to interior shops, there's something for everyone. A favourite pastime is a leasurely morning stroll through the labyrinth of little streets, browsing and collecting, desiring and dreaming, ending up at an intimate little venue for a thirst quencher. This alley is in the centre of the village, with its entrance next to Hemingways Bookshop. One of my favourites, with a restaurant serving local faire hidden right at the end. It is said that the restaurant is haunted ...

Blue Monday

A Perfect Blue Monday ... 20 degrees, clear blue skies. Today is one of those days that should have been right slap-bang in the middle of December. Moderate to warm temperatures, clear skies, not a breath in the air. A perfect day (maybe not for surfers). What a way to start the week!