In the heart of the best land-based whale watching village in the world, Bientang's Cave is situated below street level in an ancient cavern. Bientang was one of the last few Koi Strandlopers who lived in the cave at the turn of the 19th century. She lived off the sea and supplemented her diet with dassie, a small rodent that roams the cliffs. Bientang disappeared mysteriously, and to this day no-one knows what became of her ... Today operating as a restaurant, Bientang's makes for an extremely pleasant experience (albeit the steps to street level are especially steep and seems to last forever). Bientang's Cave is known the world over for their unusualness and splendid atmosphere.
A friendly stall in the flea market sells exquisite African art. The colourful display instantly attracts shoppers to have a closer look. The paintings are all original, by very talented local artists who make a living from the stall. This stall supports at least 5 families, who all contribute in one way or another - either painting, selling, setting up the stall etc. What a pleasure!
The Arum Lilies, which grow wild in our area, are in bloom! All over the village you spot clusters of white lilies. This one grabbed hold of a ledge right on the cliff and started blooming. Proudly, the villagers are more inclined towards preservation than to vanity, and no one seems to pick them (even though they make a stunning display in a vase and lasts for weeks), contrary to what is happening in other areas: in Cape Town, when the lilies started blooming peddlers sold them at robots, until it was brought to the public's attention that it is in fact a crime to trade in wild flowers without a permit. Yes, we actually do have a law against picking wild flowers. In Afrikaans these lilies are called "varkore" (pigs' ears) because of their shape.
The old parking in front of FNB next to the flea market was upgraded this year. It will now be used as an extension to the existing flea market (which has also been upgraded). Here you can see the neat new lay-out with street lamps and all. It will be put into use at the start of this year's Whale Festival, and afterwards (rumours would have it) permanent stalls or little shops will be built on the site, while the flea market will move back from its temporary space at Gearings Point to its original place. By the way, the site of the flea market and this new site belongs to the council.
Hermanus seems to inspire the artist in us. Some start their art here, others bring their art here. Art in every form abounds, and Hermanus is probably one of the villages with the most studio's and galleries in the world. A particular concept I find very alluring is the open studio, where you can not only buy art but watch the artist commit his art. This beautiful ballustrade end belongs to one such a studio, where pottery is sold & made.
Look closely, and what do you find? A partridge in the rough at the golf course. Lots of guinea fowl and partridges have made the outskirts of the gold course their home, and have been welcomed by all. When the fence was put up, special openings were made especially for them to easily exit the course in order to cross the road to the open field across to "graze". Very often cars crossing the road have to give right of way to a new mom and her young crossing.
Yes, it's official: a troop of tropical giraffes have stampeded down Main Road towards the crafts market, looking for loving new owners who would buy them and give them a loving home. These giraffes are hand-made by local craftsmen. Look at the exquisite details and the happy colours. Don't buy one, buy them all! Have a happy, colourful Monday!
The main street of Hermanus, circa 1850. Hermanus was named after Hermanus Pieters, a schoolmaster from Caledon who wandered over the mountain looking for pasture for his sheep. He found a clear freshwater spring, and spread the word. Many farmers followed him, and later on came for holidays. The town that sprang up around the spring was named for the discoverer of the spring: Hermanuspietersfontein. Many years later the postmaster submitted a request that the name be shortened, as the long name of Hermanuspietersfontein proved to be a burden to him. His request was granted, and since then our beautiful village was known as Hermanus.
For avid readers, The Book Cottage is a definite must. Not only is it the home of fine books, it is also a village bookshop with a city selection, according to their logo and I can confirm this: I have always been able to find the newest bestsellers, the rarest books and those books you thought you would have to order from abroad right in the village. Set in one of the few remaining original fishermen's cottages, the Book Cottage is not simply a shop, it's an experience and an artform all in one.
If you have a husband like mine who hates shopping, you will certainly heave a sigh of relief at the sight of this inviting bench outside a shop, just waiting for bored husbands to sit down and forget their sorrows (and their calculations!). Simply lighting up the scene, this little bench made of sticks is truly alluring and I'm sure a great relief to many a wife out shopping.
It's theme day, and our topic is big. What better way to participate than to post a picture of one of our biggest villagers, the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena Australis). Hermanus is the official Whale Capital of the world, with these gentle giants taking up residence in our waters every year from July to January. There are strict policies in place for boat based whale watching, and over the years they have become accustomed to the protection they enjoy here. Whales, like dolphins, communicate through sound. They make clicking, grunting & whistling sounds. When a calf is born after 12 months gestation, tail first, it measures approximately 6 meters. By the time they reach adulthood at the age of 10, the males measure 15 meters and the females 16 meters on average. Their lifespan is estimated at between 90 - 100 years. They present us with a summer performance of fluking, breaching, lobtailing, spyhopping, logging and spouting or blowing. As and when I am fortunate enough to catch their performances on film, I will post photo's.
It's also the official start of SPRING in the Southern Hemisphere, so on that note have a BIG SPRING day!
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