France - Bitche and Strasbourg

 

Off the beaten track today towards Strasbourg - we kept seeing signs for Bitche! So we took the  exit and entered the town. And there we found the Citadel of Bitche. Going under ground into the dark, cold fortress we watched the story of the siege of 1870. Creepy stuff and it certainly brought to life the battles of long ago. The tour is exceptional well done while walking underground and is not to be missed when visiting the Citadel of Bitche.

"The town is known for its large citadel originating from a castle built at the beginning of the 13th century. The fortress is noted for its resistance during the Franco-Prussian War. Louis-Casimir Teyssier, its commander and chief, held the place for about eight months with 3,000 men against about 20,000 Prussian and Bavarian soldiers until the French government ordered him to surrender after the ceasefire in 1871. The town became part of Germany after that date until the end of the First World War, when it was given back to France. During the Second World War it was annexed by the Third German Reich (1940–1944)" 

Although Bitche was hotly contested by the Germans after the Battle of Wörth during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, it held out until the war's end. A large part of the fortification is built into the red sandstone rock, and was rendered bomb-proof; a supply of water was secured to the garrison by a deep well in the interior.^[2] Commander of the fortress of Bitche was Louis-Casimir Teyssier.^{[citation needed]} After the war, it was given to the German Empire as part of Alsace-Lorraine. It was given back to France in 1918"

On March 19, 2021, the official page of Bitche on Facebook was removed without explanation.^[6] After the incident was reported by media, Facebook restored the page and apologized to the town.^[7]

Source - Wikipedia..

There are lovely views of the town of Bitche from high above. How this huge citadel was built so very long ago is incredible. Thick walls, a church, the underground caverns where 800 loaves of bread had to be baked daily, where 2 men had to move the huge wheel to get buckets of water and all in the cold and dark! Scary stuff!  And the outside toilets!!

Don't forget to visit the Peace Gardens situated at the bottom of the Citadel.

 Great for both kids and adults with lots to see and do! Play games, get wet, play some music - all in the day's fun.

All in all a great "off the beaten track" experience with incredible history of a bygone era.

Strasbourg:

A fun Sunday in Strasbourg France and an unexpected visit back to Germany! 

We started off trying to buy a Tram ticket - simple when you know how but at least 3 trams went past before we managed to get tickets! 

Our first walk was from the main centre to Petit   France through rather deserted city streets. We found the area easily. Very beautiful half-timbered houses all along the canal. 

We walked for ages along the canal and then decided to do some Tram hopping. We stopped  at a tented avenue of around 80 artists, All displaying their art. They sit in the middle of the lane keeping a beady eye out for customers! We didn't fancy being shouted at so we're rather reluctant to take photos. Managed a few grab shots. An incredible display of art work. 

We then rode the tram again and were just about to head back when the last tram stop was in Kehl. Unbeknown to us this town is in Germany and there was a festival happening! 

"The pedestrian or foot bridge over the Rhine River connects the towns of Kehl, Germany and Strasbourg, France. The architecturally beautiful bridge is a lasting symbol of friendship between the two towns that were at war for centuries"

So off we hopped, wandered around, enjoyed some lunch and listened to a German orchestra. They were excellent and made for a fun Sunday. 

So feeling tired and weary, we rode the tram back to our hotel! 

All in all, a great Sunday in Strasbourg.

Day 2:

Strasbourg is a great city! We enjoyed another fun day First a boat ride - thru the lock - yeah! and further afield. The history of Strasbourg is fascinating - German, French, German and eventually French again. 

Boat Trip Strasbourg France

Then another wander around Petite France and lunch in a cool spot for people watching. 

After lunch we endeavoured to find the correct tram to LOrangerie. We got there eventually after getting off the tram 2 stops too early! A long walk eventually got us there. 

This Parc le Orangerie was established as a promenade in the late 17th Century as a place for strolling in the open air. Pavilion Josephine was built in 1807 to store the orange trees confiscated from their aristocratic owner! Today this park remains a favourite with locals, an oasis in the city. 

Boating L'Orangerie Strasbourg France

L'Orangerie Strasbourg France

Stork L'Orangerie Strasbourg France

So many storks - good to see that they have returned to this area to breed again.

"It was here that the stork, (once threatened with extinction), was successfully reintroduced. More than 800 young storks have been born since 1971. This beautiful bird which is also the symbol of Alsace can today be admired whatever the time of year. The lake with its romantic waterfall provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some excellent boating".

And so our short stay in Strasbourg, France comes to an end. It's a beautiful city, full of stunning architecture, hundreds of students, vibey street cafes for people watching, an efficient tram system and much more. 

Lock in Petit France Strasbourg 

Swan Strasbourg France

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Cape Town - Company Gardens

 

A wander thru the Company Gardens offers many delights in the form of curious squirrels looking for some nuts, Egyptian geese protecting their little ones, masses of pigeons and even the odd rat in the undergrowth. Beautiful views, age old trees and much more.

There is a vegetable garden, a rose garden, wonderful old trees, statues and a koi pond. 

The walks are shady in summer yet still lovely in the winter warmth. 

Spot the Slave Bell, find the ancient pear tree and the hidden tap in the old oak.

With a restaurant onsite for refreshments plus many museums in the vicinity, it's makes for an interesting outing for both kids and adults.

"The Dutch East India Company established the garden in Cape Town for the purpose of providing fresh vegetables to the settlement as well as passing ships. Master gardener and free burgher Hendrik Boom prepared the first ground for sowing of seed on 29 April 1652".

"The Company's Garden was first built as a refreshment station for the trade route that rounded the tip of Africa between Europe and the east. Ships sent by the Dutch East India Company would stop by after months at sea and stock up on fresh produce grown in the garden—hence, “The Company's Garden”.

For all the facts and much more info, follow the link below.

https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures,%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Company%27s%20Garden%20Self%20Guided%20Walk.pdf

https://www.theheritageportal.co.za/article/short-history-companys-garden-cape-town

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Cape Town - Groot Constantia Wine Estate

Groot Constantia

A wine farm with history going back over 330 years 

Groot Constantia Wine Estate has an incredible history going back to 1685. The wines became famous long, long ago and were even mentioned by Jane Austen in her book, Sense and Sensibility. The history is well documented on their website www.grootconstantia.co.za and this is well worth a read for those interested in the history of both the Cape and the local wine industry.

The City Sight-Seeing Bus stops at this wine estate so it is easy to get to if you are not driving yourself.

With 2 onsite restaurants, refreshments are at hand. However, during the busy months bookings are essential. 

Both "Simons" and :Jonkershuis" offer a variety of meals and both have great outdoor seating. 

The "Jonkershuis" building  would have been built originally for the oldest son of the farmer to live in.

With beautiful bell shaped gables this remains a stunning piece of architecture.

Wander around the grounds and enjoy the oak lined path to the Historical Oval Pool 

The buildings can be visited - escape to a different era and then head to the Wine cellars for a wine tasting and some wine to take home!

The Government handed the farm over to an independent trust in 1993 and entrance is free. 

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Cape Town - Sea Point Promenade

 

Sea Point Promenade - always fun whether for exercise or people watching.

A must do when in Cape Town - in any season.

Youth in Training - Bafana Soccer

Sea Point Promenade is a local favourite for both exercise, relaxation, and people watching.

Hire an e-bike and enjoy the sea breeze and stunning views!

Or wander along and spot whether there is a photographic exhibition on the sea wall.

These happen from time to time but are not a permanent feature. 

We were lucky to view the images from Thomas Peschak called "Wild Seas" - incredible photography from around the world. And some very sad stories. We were so excited to be able to see these images on our beloved Sea Point Promenade!

"From gregarious gray whales plying the waters of Baja California to acrobatic manta rays in the Maldives and parading penguins in Antarctica, National Geographic photographer Thomas Peschak has spent a lifetime documenting the beauty and fragility of underwater life and the majesty of wild coastlines.

This awe-inspiring book of photography charts his transformation from marine biologist to full-time conservation advocate, armed with little more than a mask, fins and a camera. In these vivid pages, Peschak photographs sharks in a feeding frenzy, tracks sea turtles the size of bears, and dodges marine poachers, to reveal the splendor of pristine seas as well as the dark side of pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

Filled with magnificent images from Southern Africa, the Galápagos, Seychelles, and more, this illuminating collection offers an impassioned case for revering―and preserving―the world’s oceans"

Another great way to get some exercise is to book a Kayak - on a calm day, this is a soul-restoring venture into the bay - maybe you will even get to see some dolphins.

Exercise equipment is free to use or you could just decide to sit on a bench and read a book.

The entire route offers wonderful views.

Paragliders land on the lawns after taking off from Signal hill. This is another thrilling option for those brave enough to try this activity.

With many restaurants along Beach Road, refreshments are close by. Enjoy a break on the veranda of the majestic Winchester Hotel, a grand old lady and part of the scene along this route.

There is also a Putt Putt Course in Mouille Point - fun for young and old. 

Towards the end of the promenade, is the Olympic Size Swimming pool - open during the summer months.

So, whatever form of exercise you enjoy, you are sure to find it along this Promenade. 

Join the locals - day in and day out - you won't be sorry!

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South Africa - Paternoster - West Coast

Paternoster - West Coast - South Africa

 Paternoster remains one of the cutest and oldest villages along the West Coast of South Africa.

Originally a fishing village, one can still watch the boats come and go from the beach.

Be prepared to bargain with the fisherfolk as they come ashore with their daily catch of either crayfish or fish. Don't drive too hard a bargain - this is their living and its not an easy life.  

The vendors wander the lanes with the daily catch until all is sold or they take it home for dinner!

Just beware of buying under-sized crayfish!

The beach is one of the major attractions here - ideal for long runs or relaxed walking, the sand just goes on and on as far as the eye can see. The water is cold so swimming is for the hardy souls who enjoy the bracing cold water. 

Paternoster, along with many other towns along the West Coast, has expanded rapidly. With many homes as holiday houses, the week-end vibe is busy. You will hear the week-enders greeting their fellow week-enders in the supermarket and planning a braai or two. With hugs and smiles, it's fun to listen to them chatter like long-lost friends. 

Restaurants are plentiful so take a wander and choose what appeals at that moment. 

Just out of town on a gravel road you will find an outdoor restaurant and the entrance to Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and Tieties Bay. The lighthouse was the last manned lighthouse built in South Africa and it had light, fog signal and radio beacon simultaneously in 1936. There is a camping area that is very popular and the name is apparently for the 2 hills that look like breasts when seen from offshore! 

The hiking path wanders along the shoreline and fishermen can often be seen fishing off the rocks.

Horse rides along this beautiful beach are available as are kayaks. The shops are cute and beg to be explored. The Panty Bar at the Paternoster Hotel is legendary! Just outside of town is the Paternoster Brewery - a must for beer lovers.

An ideal week-end getaway!

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14 Reasons to live in South Africa

 

14 Reasons to live in South Africa

Elephants - Addo National Park South Africa

 Ask any proudly South African to give you reasons to live in South Africa, and they’ll rattle off a long list in seconds. The examples will range from the extraordinary to the sublime. Fact is, many of South Africa’s best qualities and attractions can’t be found anywhere else on earth! Take, for starters, close encounters with the Big 5. Also, Table Mountain and 11 official languages add their own unique flavor to South Africa’s cultural melting pot. There is no way we can list everything that makes South Africa great, but we have done our best in our list of top 14 reasons to live in South Africa:

Bo-Kaap Cape Town South Africa

1. More bang for your buck

Mercer’s 2019 Cost of Living Survey compared 209 cities worldwide, looking at factors such as housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods, and entertainment. Cape Town came in at number 180, while Johannesburg sits seven places lower at number 185.

2. English is widely spoken

English is only one of our 11 official languages. Still, it’s arguably the language spoken most often, as it’s the most widely accepted language for communication in businesses, shops, tourist attractions, restaurants, and the like.

3. Exceptional private healthcare

South Africa’s private healthcare is on par with any of the best in Europe and the United States. The hospitals, staff, and care given are first class, with plenty of medical aid schemes to choose from. Here’s something you might not know – people from all across the world opt to come to South Africa for plastic surgery each year, not only due to the outstanding quality of our plastic surgeons but also because of the favorable exchange rate.

4. Awards, awards, and more awards

South Africa, its cities, and its citizens win plenty of international awards each year. In 2017, South Africa was voted the 5th Most Beautiful Country in the World, while Cape Town was named the World’s Best City to Visit. Our beaches come out tops too. No less than 46 South Africa’s beaches were deemed worthy of Blue Flag Status for the 2018/2019 season.

 5. The 3rd Most Inclusive Country in the World

 

Local artist Cape Town South Africa

This is another accolade, but one worthy of special mention. Last year South Africa was named the third most inclusive country globally, behind only Canada and the United States. These results are the outcome of an Ipsos Global Advisor survey, and more than 20 000 people took part in it. The areas on which participants were surveyed covered social acceptance based on religion, immigration, sexual orientation, gender identity, political views, and criminal background.

6. You’ll barely miss home

Some urban legends about life in South Africa never seem to go away. For instance, that everyone in South Africa has a pet lion/leopard/just about any other wild animal, you can think of.

It’s simply not true!

Often, people have no idea what to expect. Here’s what we can tell you – South Africa has wifi and fiber, you can shop in malls and buy from H&M, you can pop into Woolworths, you can walk into a Mac shop and replace your old MacBook, you can buy top-of-the-range luxury cars, and you can drink water straight from the tap.

7. People

South Africans are known worldwide as some of the friendliest, most welcoming people in the world. You’ll always be greeted with a smile, and a helping hand will be extended whenever you need it.

Vendor Bo-Kaap Cape Town South Africa

8. Unparalleled beauty

South Africa has some of the most beautiful and wild beaches on the planet, undulating mountain ranges, lush forests, and desert skies that turn brilliant shades of amber at sunset.

Camps Bay South Africa

9. Fantastic weather

South Africans enjoy clear blue skies and abundant sunshine most days of the year. Durban has a tropical climate year-round, while winter days in Cape Town often reach up to 25C. Johannesburg sees summer rains, but showers never last long enough to spoil your time outdoors.

Fishing Kalk Bay Cape Town South Africa

10. Nature like you’ve never experienced it before

We’ve already mentioned the Big 5, but that’s only the start of what’s on offer in South Africa for nature lovers.

Namaqualand in springtime is just as awe-inspiring as game drives through the Kruger. Perhaps even more so, depending on who you speak to. That’s because Namaqualand, a typical dry region, is carpeted with more than 3500 species of wildflowers after winter rains, attracting thousands of tourists each year.

 

Wild Flowers - West Coast South Africa

Visitors also flock to places such as the peaks and valleys of the Drakensberg, the Blyde River Canyon, the wildness of Coffee Bay, the red sandstone of the Cederberg, the wetlands of the Elephant Coast, the vast plains of the Karoo, the Richterveld’s desert landscape, the Tsitsikamma forests, the red dunes of the Kgalagadi, and golden cliffs of the Free State.

Windmills are an iconic sight - South Africa

11. But no natural disasters!

Yes, South Africa has seen some floods in its days, and we have had the odd tornado, but South Africa does not see either of these regularly, nor do we suffer earthquakes or cyclonic storms.

12. Unforgettable experiences

 In South Africa, you can dive with sharks, go whale watching, visit the most southern point of Africa, see the Big 5 in one trip (one day, if you’re lucky), swim with penguins, bungee jump from the highest commercial bridge in the world (that’s 216 meters if you were wondering), go back to your roots at the Cradle of Humankind, see Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain, hike the Drakensberg or the famous Otter trail, traverse Sani Pass in a 4×4, visit Nelson Mandela’s cell on Robben Island, see the tallest waterfall in Africa…and that’s just scratching the surface.

Cyclists Cape Town

13. A lifestyle like no other

Due to South Africa’s superb weather, great outdoors, and hundreds of unique experiences on offer, you can do everything your heart desires in our beautiful country. You can go wine tasting in the morning, run on the mountains in the afternoon and end the day with a sundowner, listening to the soothing sounds of waves crashing on the beach.

 

Lion's Head and Signal Hill Cape Town South Africa

When you’re ready for your first South African holiday, jump on a plane or in the car, and you can be in the bush, by the seaside, or in a quaint little town along with one of South Africa’s highways in a matter of hours.

Tulbach South Africa

14. Our national treasures

We have many differences, but some things bind all South Africans together – a ‘lekker’ braai, tucking into bunny chow, supporting the Boks and the Proteas, sharing biltong and a gatsby, watching the Comrades and the Cape Town Cycle Tour, disagreeing over where you can find the best koeksisters and vetkoek, as well as legends like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Caster Semenya, AB de Villiers, Wayde van Niekerk, Desmond Tutu, Benni McCarthy, Johnny Clegg, and Pieter-Dirk Uys.

Prices from long ago! Cape Town South Africa

Spice Traders Cape Town South Africa

And let’s face it – where else in the world can you buy newspapers, sunglasses, hats, fruit, flowers, and cell phone chargers at a traffic light?

Article Courtesy:

ByEvia Norwood

 JUL 28, 2021  Living in South Africa, South Africa

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Source: www.intergate-immigration.com