Poll

I created a "voting booth", I think it would rather interesting to find out what everyone likes about South Africa. 

Please partcipate -  think the results should be interesting.

Please vote on the right-hand side of this posting

Margate Holiday

I travelled to Margate, KwaZulu-Natal to visit family. 

Margate Pier

The one night during Africa Bike Week 2011, we decided to stand on the pier and just appreciate the beautiful ocean. 

Very oblivious to the waves, I stood taking pics with my Blackberry next thing a HUGE tidal wave came right over us. Needless to say, my Blackberry saw her last days and I was soaking wet. 

Although we were getting very cold, it was such a great experience and good laugh. 

Baby Rhino with Mommy

Source: http://photo.getaway.co.za/albums/wildlife/mother-and-child/#

Quote of the Day

“A wise traveler never despises his own country.”

 - William Hazlitt

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_travel.html#h3yFk43vvjzrobTH.99

Storms River Bridge-Bungee Jump, Cape Town, South Africa.

This is one for all the adrenaline junkies out there. The world's highest Bungee Jumping bridge. This is crazy, never in my life

Oribi Gorge Swing, KwaZulu-Natal

I still dont have the courage to try this.... Its scary high. I couldnt even look over the edge

Absoultely beautiful sunset

How adorable is this baby elephant?

Would you rather be sitting here on Table Mountain, Cape Town?

Flower Season, Namaqualand, South Africa

Whale-watching along the coast of South Africa

Recipe

Peppermint Liqueur

Peppermint liqueur has been made at the Cape (South Africa) since before 1800. Very refreshing and perfect for dinner parties.

Peppermint Liquer

Ingredients

• 250 g white sugar
• 295 ml water
• 590 ml brandy
• 3 drops peppermint oil
• 3 drops green food coloring

Directions

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve the sugar, making thick syrup. Stir in the peppermint oil and green food coloring. Allow to cool slightly before stirring in brandy. Pour into a bottle and seal. 

Recipe source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/peppermint-liqueur/detail.aspx

Picture source: http://www.luxuryrecipes.blogspot.com

Recipe

Biltong

This is a South African tradition. Nothing goes better with a braai and rugby than biltong.

Ingredients:

·        12.5 kg of beef or venison (sirloin, rump or fillet)

·        560 g finely grounded salt

·        125 ml brown sugar

·        25 ml bicarbonate of soda

·        12.5 ml freshly ground pepper

·        125 ml ground coriander (optional)

·        250 ml brown vinegar

·        2.5 ml warm water

·        Optional: add chillies to create a spicier taste.

Preparation:

1. Slice the beef or venison along the muscle line and then cut into strips about 5 to 7 cm thick, leaving a bit of fat on the strips.
2. Combine the salt, brown sugar, bicarbonate of soda, pepper and coriander and rub the meat with the mixture.
3. Place the meat in a cool area for 1 or 2 days, taking into consideration the thickness of the meat.
4. Stir the vinegar and water together and then dip the meat into it.
5. Pat the slices dry with paper towel.
6. Hang the meat up in a cool dry room with sufficient space for air to circulate.
7. Dry for 2 to 3 weeks.

Recipe source: http://www.recipesworldwide.org/countries/south-africa/biltong

Picture source: http://braaiandbiltong.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/biltong-sliced.jpg

The smell of a fresh braai with a bunch of friends - absolute bliss.

I will be posting some fun and delicious recipes that I enjoy to eat and thats very typical South African Cuisine. 

Please try a few and let me know what you think.

Typical South African "braai"

 Image source: http://www.south-africa-tours-and-travel.com/images/sosaties-and-lambchops-on-braai-foodinsouthafrica.jpg

I had such a good laugh. Which applies to you?

You know you are proudly South African when…

• Prisoners go on strike.
• You call a trunk a “boot”
• You call an elevator a “lift”
• You call a hood a “bonnet”
• You call a Barbeque a “Braai”
• You call a traffic light a “robot”
• You call a pickup truck a “bakkie”
• We sing “Ole’ Ole’” before we’ve won!
• You travel 100′s of kilometres to see snow.
• You paint your car’s registration on the roof.
• You call a bathing suit a “swimming costume”.
• You know the rules of Rugby better than any referee.
• You can do your monthly shopping on the pavement.
• You have to prove that you don’t need a loan to get one.
• A bullet train is being introduced, but we can’t fix potholes.
• You know what Rooibos Tea is, even if you’ve never had any.
• To get free electricity you have to pay a connection fee of R750.
• More people vote in a local reality TV show than in a local election.
• “Now now” or “just now” can mean anything from a minute to a month.
• You know someone who knows someone who has met Nelson Mandela.
• You get cold easily. Anything below 16 degrees Celsius is Arctic weather.
• You know a taxi can move twice it’s certified number of people in one trip.
• Travelling at 120 km/h you’re the slowest vehicle on the highway/freeway.
• The employees dance in front of the building to show how unhappy they are.
• You have to take your own linen with you if you are admitted to a government hospital.
• The SABC advertises and shows highlights of the programme you just finished watching.
• You produce a R100 note instead of your driver’s licence when stopped by a traffic officer.
• You go to braais regularly, where you eat boerewors and swim, sometimes simultaneously.
• You’re genuinely and pleasantly surprised whenever you find your car parked where you left it.
• You can sing your national anthem in four languages, and you have no idea what it means in any of them.
• The last time you visited the coast you paid more in speeding fines and toll fees than you did for the entire holiday.
• You continue to wait after a traffic light has turned to green to make way for taxis travelling in the opposite direction.

Sci-Bono Discover Centre, Johannesburg

The Workers Library & Museum, Johannesburg

The Workers Library & Museum, Johannesburg

Display board at The Workers Library & Museum, Johannesburg

I have experienced South Africa not only as a local but as a traveller to the different Provinces. 

Our family holidays create such anticipation and excitement as we always exploring and being adventurous with what South Africa has to offer.

My most memorable Holiday would be the one to Hazyview, Mpumalanga. We stayed in a beautiful lodge with wild Springbok (antelope) grazing lazily around us. 

Our adventures started by visiting Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre. Such a life-changing experience. One thing you will learn about me is I am a very passionate animal-lover and activist against ANY form of Animal Abuse.  Our guide showed as all the animals currently being treated, some will be released while others due to their injuries will not. Moholoholo is really a great programme especially if you want to put your hand in helping and volunteering with wildlife. Before I become too soft and sentimental, here is their website: http://www.moholoholo.co.za/home. I will definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the Mpumalanga area. 

The Aerial Cable trails was probably the most scariest as I have a phobia for heights but nonetheless I joined my family and did it. What an Adrenalin rush!!! Such a thrilling and exciting experience. The view from the top is amazing and really beautiful. 


If you uncertain about your relationship with someone, my one advice is to go Canoing. Test all forms of your relationship and communication levels. After much fighting and screaming we reached the end of our trail. Its hard work but really fun. 


Hazyview is splendid and has so much to offer. I will add Part 2 later, not really one for SUPER long posts.


Hope you enjoyed my experience so far and have a look out for my photos from this holiday.


Love A*

I love South Africa!

We have the beauty of Nature right at our finger-tips from the variety of wildlife to the breath-taking scenic views.

There is SO much we don't know about South Africa and this is why I thought it would be a good idea to start my blog and share my experiences with you.

Lets explore together