Village Square Waterfront Piazza

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.

An Arty End

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.

A Unique Shopping Experience

A lot is done in Hermanus to further sustainable development and to kurb unemployment. Migrant workers from all over Africa end up in Hermanus looking for a better future, often not finding it. Many members of the community have started initiatives to improve the quality of life by skills training, and this shop does just that: it sells products sourced with sustainable development in mind. Support them, in the Hemingways alley I featured a few week ago.

The Home Of Fine Books

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.

For Bored Husbands

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.

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.

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.