" Travel is food for the soul, restores our balance, links us to our global community and allows us to be witness to various cultures,climates,languages and foods. We come to realise our small part in the global nature of our earth,which is part of the greater Universe" Judelle Drake
Dubbed the "Home of Fine Wine and Fast Horses" this is an estate with a twist.
The Stud Farm was established in the late 1980's by Tony Taberer.
Whilst doing the tour around the vineyards, one will come upon a memorial bench to Tony who passed away in 2007. The bench is a fitting reminder of a man who loved golf, cricket, tennis and horses!
Beautiful race horses grace the paddocks whilst the vineyards command stunning views.
Situated in the western slopes of the Helderbeg mountains, the estate producers both fine wines and sires such as Var and Oratorio.
The Manor House is a National Monument and is over 100 years old.
However, this is not open to the public.
The Tasting Room is open is open daily, except for Christmas, New Year and Good Friday.
Cellar tours are available and there is a restaurant onsite.
It's a place that is of interest to both wine lovers and horse lovers.
The Stables are out of bounds though - only those horses in the paddocks are "on show" so to speak.
Do you feel like some sea breezes, ocean views, great photo opportunities, exchanging smiles with the locals and getting exercise at the same time?
Then there is nothing better that a stroll, jog or run along the coastline from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay.
It's best to get to Muizenburg early in order to secure a parking spot! This beach is hugely popular with surfers and families so parking is always at a premium.
Walking right next to the ocean means you can get wet!
If you want to start the day with an early breakfast, there are a few places in Muizenburg that serve delicious fare although usually only from about 08.00 am. If you prefer to do this before breakfast, there are many places in Kalk Bay for either breakfast or lunch.
Muizenburg is not the most glamorous of our seaside villages, in fact it struggles to maintain an air of modern times. Although there are some huge mansions on the slopes of the mountain, the village has struggled to re-invent it's charm of yesteryear, Yet the beaches are always packed as surfers and families take to the warmer waters of False Bay.
Beautiful homes along the mountain slopes
When we did the walk there were some art pieces displayed on the sea wall - these are temporary so it was just luck that we were able to view them.
Art works on the seawall
Locals are friendly and a smile goes a long way to add to a happy experience along this meander.
St James boasts a lovely sea pool which is ever popular and the beach huts provide a burst of colour.
Kalk Bay remains one of our favourite villages in Cape Town,
It's myriad of galleries, antique shops, restaurants and the beautiful harbour, all just beg to be explored. This is one spot that you really need to take time out to visit!
Beach Huts at St James
View forever along the walk to Kalk Bay
A great seaside pool along the walk to Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay Harbour
The following information is supplied courtesy of Cape Town Tourism:
"This laid-back seaside town on the shores of False Bay comes alive in
season, with holiday-makers crowding its streets as they make their way
down to what is perhaps Cape Town’s nicest swimming beach.
Although Muizenberg beach lacks the dazzling turquoise ocean and dramatic boulders of beaches like Clifton and Llandudno,
it is much warmer to swim here than at the beaches on the Atlantic
Seaboard. It is flat, wide, and the water is generally calm – so is very
child-friendly. It’s also a popular surfing spot, although the waves
aren’t enormous. It is ideal for long boarding and novices.
things to do in muizenberg
Muizenberg is the ideal beach to learn to surf
There are a variety of surf and adventure operators, restaurants,
coffee shops and apartments located along the main beach. Contact Cape
Town Tourism’s Muizenberg Visitor Information Centre, conveniently
located at the Pavillion on the main beach, to assist you to book
accommodation, activities and transport. The friendly team will provide
you with all the local knowledge, maps, brochures and what’s on
information for any time of year. They’ll also make bookings for you at
no cost.
Look out for the brightly coloured Victorian beach houses, a visual
echo of a time when this was Cape Town’s premier swimming beach, and
which always provide a good photo opportunity. Muizenberg is the start
of a vast white sand beach that stretches all the way to Gordon’s Bay
– a distance of about 40km (25mi), curving around False Bay, so named
because sailors in centuries gone by often mistook the large bay for
Table Bay, home to Cape Town’s harbour and V&A Waterfront on the Atlantic seaboard.
shark safety
Although there have been some shark attacks in the area that have
received a lot of coverage, these incidents are statistically tiny – one
or two out of hundreds of thousands of people who swim and surf here
each year. The sharkspotter programme that has been rolled out at a
number of beaches along False Bay had its humble beginnings at
Muizenberg. Shark spotters positioned high up on the side of the
mountain raise the alarm when sharks are spotted, so visitors know when
it’s not safe to go in the water.
historical attractions
Behind the beach, the historic town of Muizenberg boasts the oldest building on the False Bay coast – Het Posthuys
in Main Road, dating to the 1600s. Nearby, the public is invited to
visit the Battle of Muizenberg site, where the British captured the
Dutch colony in 1795 – a significant marker in the history of Cape Town
and South Africa (call +27 21 788 5542 for more details).
Other heritage attractions in the area include Rhodes Cottage,
the house overlooking False Bay where mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes
lived and died in 1902 (246 Main Rd, Muizenberg; +27 21 788 1816), and
which presents displays on this larger-than-life icon.
It is also worth having a look at the Edwardian-era Muizenberg Railway
Station (177 Main Rd, Muizenberg). The train journey, know as “The Southern Line”,
from Cape Town to Simon’s Town is highly recommended. Find out more
information by contacting the Cape Town Tourism Muizenberg Visitor
Information Centre or the Muizenberg Historical Society (+ 27 21 788
5542) for more historical information on the area."
Philadelphia is a tiny town that does not appear to have any claim to fame. Situated a mere 30 minutes drive from Cape Town, one has to wonder what moves people to live here? Fresh country air, peace and quiet, proximity to the city yet the benefit of village life? It certainly is a peaceful place.
Most of the residential area is above the road leading into the village. Modern homes and perhaps not that interesting. However, the fascination lies in a few streets in this tiny gem of a village. Park in the shade opposite the NG Church and take to the streets! Wonderful Victorian houses, interesting arty shops, a corner store, a deli and a number of restaurants.
It's well worth the drive just to take a step back in time! With fascinating shops, displaying their quirky, unique wares, ensure that you have loads of cash in your wallet.
With verandas adorned with colourful plants in pots of various sizes, it's truly a feast for the senses.
There are a number of restaurants in this tiny village but no accommodation, so, if you love food, you will have to return again and again!
Odds Bistro is beautifully furnished inside and has an outside Smoking area plus an interesting small shop. It's housed in a modern building which looks spanking brand new. Intimate and cosy.
De Malle Meul was closed - they are normally open Thursday - Sunday and serve Buffets which are apparently fairly highly rated.
As we only had time to try one breakfast venue, we chose the Pepper Tree Coffee shop.
Set outside under large pepper trees, breakfast was certainly tasty and service was prompt.
Another find was the newly opend Deli Shed. With the owner being from Wales originally, we just had to buy a loaf of their Sour Dough Bread to take back home. All I can say - it was Delicious with a Capital D! We wish them success in their new venture. Pop in for a cup of coffee if you are passing.
Odds Bistro Philadelphia
Pepper Tree Coffee Shop, Philadelphia
De Malle Meul - Buffet Restaurant, Philadelphia
The Deli Shed
Philadelphia Shop
The Philadelphia Shop
Well worth a week-end drive if you enjoy good country cooking, browsing shops with a twist and marvelling at the beautiful Victorian homes.
What do Albert Luthuli, former president of the African National
Congress, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, last president of the ‘old South
Africa’ FW de Klerk and the legendary Nelson Mandela have in common? They all
won the Nobel Peace Prize and their effigies stand together at Cape Town’s
V&A Waterfront.
DID YOU KNOW?
Nearby the 4 Laureates is the Peace and Democracy sculpture,
created by Noria Mabasa.
In your wanderings around the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, you might
come across four larger-than-life bronzed gentlemen standing pensively in a
row.
They are the central characters of Nobel Square, dedicated to South
Africa’s four Nobel Peace Prize laureates: Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, FW de
Klerk and Nelson Mandela.
These great men all played their part in helping South Africa to
democracy after decades of apartheid.
Albert Luthuli, president of the African National Congress (ANC) in
1952, was the first African to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He received his award
in December 1961 after being allowed briefly out of South Africa to attend the
Nobel ceremony in Oslo.
Throughout much of his political life, Luthuli was arrested, charged and
banned from public participation.
'What is important is that we can build a homogeneous South Africa on
the basis not of colour but of human values,' – reads the inscription under
Luthuli's statue.
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
in 1984, is one of the world’s most beloved leaders. His fame stretches far
beyond South Africa’s borders and his words are relevant to the world at large.
Known originally for his opposition to the apartheid regime, he later became a
symbol of national reconciliation. He still speaks for the oppressed and the
poor.
'A person is a person through other people,' reads the Tutu inscription.
FW de Klerk was South Africa’s last president during apartheid. In 1990
he heralded the social and political winds of change in South Africa by
releasing Nelson Mandela from prison, unbanning the ANC and its alliance
partners, and working with Mandela and others to establish the country’s new
Constitution.
'Our new Constitution is a powerful symbol of reconciliation, justice
and of the ending of centuries of conflict,' reads the De Klerk inscription.
After 27 years of imprisonment, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s
first democratically elected president. He, with FW de Klerk, was awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. The following year, following the historic elections
of April 27, he took over the reins of government and led the fledgling
democracy with pride and grace.
'Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will
experience the oppression of one by another,' reads the inscription under the
Mandela statue.
The sculptor finally chosen to create the historic figures was Claudette
Schreuders, a Cape Town artist. She was selected by a panel after a final
grouping of 10 artists was asked to present their concepts for Nobel Square.
BetaBeach–Bakoven
This beach might not be considered “secret” to everyone, but it’s not nearly as popular as the Cliftons. The tiny beach nestled in the quaint streets of Bakoven, Beta beach has a spectacular view of Lion’s Head and is generally pretty empty, especially on weekdays.
Smithswinkel Bay – False Bay
You might have driven past this beach several times, without ever venturing down to explore it. That’s exactly why we still classify it as a “secret” beach. The steep 20-minute walk down prohibits most people from reaping the benefits of its secluded beauty.
Another "Not so secret" - Kommetjie
Platboom Beach - Cape Point Nature Reserve
Wild and unspoilt, Platboom Beach is a magical place. It’s easy to spend the entire day picnicking, walking and exploring the coastline. Pretty dunes separate the parking area from the long sandy beach. Birdlife is prolific and terns, gulls, kiewiete and sandpipers are often seen. A peaty stream flows down to the beach. Swimming here is at your own risk – it's not dangerous but there are no lifeguards.
Sunset Beach – Blouberg
Everyone knows and flocks to Blouberg beach – the iconic white strip overlooking the perfect Table Mountain picture. But a few hundred metres away lies another picture perfect beach relatively few people populate – even in high season.
Another "Not so secret" Blouberg beach
Water’s Edge – Simons Town
This off-the-beaten track beach is one of the local secrets. It involves entering via what looks like a garden gate, which makes it appear to be a private beach, but it isn't! The beach may be regarded as part and parcel of Boulders beach but actually it lies between Seaforth Beach and Boulders, and most people know nothing about it.
Diaz Beach - Cape Point Nature Reserve
Within the Cape Point Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Table Mountain National Park, and only accessible by foot off a pathway that leads from the main parking area, you will find Diaz Beach. This unbelievably beautiful beach, dramatically surrounded by cliffs, is a favourite more with surfers, as swimming can be quite dangerous.
And the famous Camps Bay - definitely, not a secret beach!
Buffels Beach - Cape Point Nature Reserve
Buffels Beach is a small little gem of a strip of sand complete with braai facilities. After paying at the gates to enter Cape Point, head to the Visitor’s Information center and ask for directions to the beach. The beach also has an awesome tidal pool, perfect for small families.
The famous Boulders Beach - not to be missed
Written Content Shared Courtesy of Travel 24/News 24
The very best treks aren’t just about putting one foot in front of
another—they’re about stepping into a destination’s culture and history.
Still, each of the seven treks included here are no walks in the park.
They’ll challenge you physically and engage you mentally, leaving you
with an indelible impression of the richness of our planet.
1. Peru’s Inca Trail | ~43km | 4 days
Explore ruins in the Sacred Valley and learn about traditional ways of life.Follow
the footpaths of the Inca to the roof of the Andes, passing ancient
Tambo ruins, and breathing in Peru’s pure mountain air by the lungful.
Memorable moments are plentiful on the Inca Trail, but none can compare
to the moment you walk through the Sun Gate and catch your first glimpse
of the forgotten city of Machu Picchu. It’s not just an accomplishment;
it’s a transformative moment. Did you know? When on the trail, some porters sleep with a mirror beneath them in hopes it will deflect spirits coming up through the earth. Best time to go. May to September Get inspired. Explore ruins in the Sacred Valley and learn about traditional ways of life as you take on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Ready to go? More about the Inca Trail
Take on the final 1,200 steps to reach the Lost City of Teyuna.Everyone wants to “get there first”. By trekking Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida
at Teyuna, that honour can finally be yours! Along the way, you’ll
sleep in hammocks strung up in local villages, all the while absorbing
the region’s unique culture. Trek through lush jungles and across
streams before arriving at the ruins of Teyuna. Here you’ll have a have
the rare chance to explore the uncrowded ruins at your leisure and
marvel at what once was. Get here first and you’ll have the Lost City
all to yourself. Did you know? Built by the Tairona civilization ~650 years before Machu Picchu, Ciudad Perdida was home to an estimated 10,000 people during its peak. Best time to go. December to March Get inspired. Enjoy spectacular jungle scenery, swim
in the cool Buritaca River, and take on the final 1,200 steps to reach
the Lost City of Teyuna. Get ‘Lost’ here. More about Colombia
Visit Sherpa villages and meet locals during teahouse stays before arriving at Base Camp.Everest
is more than a mountain and the journey to its base camp is more than
just a trek. Along a route dubbed by some as "the steps to heaven,"
every bend in the trail provides another photo opportunity—beautiful
forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines and foothills. This trek will
bring you closer to the people of the Himalayas before opening a window
to the top of the world. After setting eyes on Everest, you won't look
at our planet the same way again. Did you know? Most yaks on the trail are not true yaks, they’re dzo—a
yak-cattle hybrid. Moreover, ‘yak-burgers’ served in guesthouses along
the way are most likely water buffalo. Yaks are just too valuable to the
locals to slaughter for meat. Best time to go. August to November Get inspired. Conquer high passes and glaciers,
visit Sherpa villages and meet locals during teahouse stays before
arriving at Everest Base Camp. Throw open the window to the top of the world. More about Everest Base Camp
Trek through verdant forests and silent glaciers.Ever
stood on the top floor of skyscraper and thought, “Bah, this ain’t so
tall”? Then you might just be Kili material. At 5,895m (19,340 ft), Mt
Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak. Follow in the bootprints of some
of the world’s most famed explorers and mountaineers, hiking through
lush rainforests and alpine deserts, across glaciers by day and sleeping
closer to the stars than you ever dreamed possible by night.
Kilimanjaro is no picnic, but unlike other massive peaks, it gives those
daring enough to climb it multiple routes to the top. Choose
wisely—your chances of making your summit a success depend on it! Did you know? Kilimanjaro contains an example of
virtually every ecosystem on earth—glacier, snowfields, deserts, alpine
moorland, savannah, and tropical jungle, all of which found on the
mountain. Best time to go. September to March Get inspired. Trek through verdant forests and silent glaciers before experiencing the curvature of the horizon from Africa's highest peak. Choose your route to the top. More about Mt Kilimanjaro
6. Patagonia’s Torres del Paine Circuit | 133km | 10 days
Trek through incredibly diverse scenery.You’d
be hard-pressed to identify a part of the world that can top Patagonia
for natural splendour. And once you’ve seen it for yourself, you won’t
even bother to try. The scenery down here at the southern tip of South
America is a photographer’s dream come true: stunning volcanic
landscapes, massive glaciers, sprawling steppe-like plains stretching to
the horizon. Here, your shutter-finger is due for an intensive workout.
Patagonia’s Torres del Paine Circuit brings you to remote,
lesser-visited sections of the National Park and the truly unimaginable
scenery to be found there. Did you know? Before its creation in 1959, the park
was part of a large sheep estancia, and it's still recovering from
nearly a century of overexploitation of its pastures, forests and
wildlife.. Best time to go. December to March Get inspired. Watch the ice floes of the Grey Glacier and trek through incredibly diverse scenery. Ready for the full circuit? More about the Torres del Paine circuit
7. Trekking Venezuela's Mt Roirama | ~34km | 6 days
Conquer the summit of Roraima.Journey
into a land that time forgot and conquer the pre-Cambrian tabletop
summit of Roraima. The stunning mountain is sacred to the region's
indigenous people and is said to have inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s "The
Lost World." Take time to explore the unique flora and fauna—some of
which is completely unique to the mountain. The trek itself takes six
days start to finish but this two-week adventure also includes canoe
trips in Canaima National Park and a thrilling trek to Angel Falls. If
you're fit and want to get off the beaten track, this adventure will
take you to new heights. Did you know? Despite the sheer cliffs that frame
the plateau, it was the first major tabletop mountain to be climbed.
Author, explorer and botanist Sir Everard im Thurn walked up a forested
ramp in December 1884 to the top of the plateau. This is the same route
hikers take today...
Best time to go. Roraima can be hiked year round;
however, some argue that the best time to go is from November to April
when it’s drier and warmer. Get inspired. Conquer the summit of Roraima, explore
Canaima National Park, witness the power of Angel Falls, discover a
'lost world' amid tabletop mountains.
For those looking for the glamorous shops, look no further than Galerias Pacifico in Retiro. It's a modern shopping centre with a huge food hall and all the normal glamour brands sold worldwide!
Another street that is great for pedestrians is Florida. This pedestrian street has a " cambio" dealer every 5 steps! Just be careful of these money changers as the high exchange rate offered may bounce back in the form of false notes given!!
Av de Mayo is another good street to walk down and we took a tea break at the famous Cafe Tortoni. This world renowned coffee shop is beautiful inside with interesting decor and decent tables. Supposedly the oldest cafe in Argentina, it was established in 1858. Tea is served with tea leaves which makes quite a change in this era of teabags! Some of the waiters look pretty ancient as well!
Some observations:
Many smokers in the streets - horrible to inhale! Even worse than the vehicle fumes
McDonald's, Burger King, Tupperware, Subway, Avon, Starbucks (everywhere!) and all the usual brand stores plus many Magazine/Flower Kiosks on the pavements
Kiosks selling chips, soft drinks and sweets are so tiny and there are often 2 or 3 right next to each other.
People are everywhere, dashing somewhere.
Traffic is relentless, fast but well behaved.
Buses go every which way and there are very many all day long.
Drivers are courteous to pedestrians and only seem to hoot occasionally
Architecture is a mixture of old, new or very decrepit!
Most pedestrians wait for the "white" man and when it starts flashing red, there is a second countdown so you know how fast to walk!
Motor bikes have parking permits in the Centre - pieces of paper flapping in the breeze.
Graffiti is everywhere - on every single garage type door (closed kiosks ) and just on anything that can be scrawled upon.
Parking garages are everywhere - mostly just open plots where the cars are often double parked.
Loads of hawkers in Puerto Madera selling selfie sticks!
Buenos Aires is a concrete jungle unless you get well out of the city. Apartments are the accommodation of all in the neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires so it is pleasing that there are a number of green lungs in the city. Today, we chose to explore those in Palermo, an upmarket area with numerous hotels.
Traffic in BA during the week is continuous no matter where you venture. However, everybody appears to drive well, albeit very fast. There is seldom any hooting - this makes a change from Manhattan, New York or anywhere in India!
Our Radio Taxi dropped us off at the Japanese Gardens for our 1st stop.
We really enjoyed the Japanese gardens - well laid out and very pretty.
The Japanese Gardens in Buenos Aires
Such wonderful gardens despite the traffic noise from one side and the barking dogs on the other side!
Dog walkers are very common in BA die to all the apartment living. So the owners pay somebody to take the dogs out. These are pegged on the grassed area so they have a few metres to move. However, because they cannot sniff each other as dogs do, they bark continuously! The leads to take them home again all hang on the nearest tree! Watch for the poop as this is not cleaned up!
Dog Walkers are all over Buenos Aires!
Our next stop was the Rose Garden.
This garden is beautifully designed and it must be simply incredible when all the roses are in bloom. The few that are currently blooming have the most amazing scents. It must truly be rose heaven during the blooming season.
There was a photographer on the Greek Bridge doing some sort of fashion shoot. The young girl had to change outfits just below the bridge where they had suitcases of clothing!
One thing that has amazed us in this city are the number of smooching couples. They really go to town and one has to wonder why they are not at home in bed!!
And all in full view of the public! Population explosion?
Botanical Gardens Buenos Aires
Our next stop was the Botanical Garden which is another green oasis. There was not much flowering but the trees are stunning and everything has s green carpet of foliage.
Now that we had enjoyed our "nature" fix we decided to walk back to our hotel in San Telmo. Rather crazy? Yes!!
But by pounding the uneven pavements in tune with the hundreds of locals we could experience a tiny, noisy slice of local daily life in BA. The traffic noise is horrendous - how anybody can talk on a cell phone is beyond my imagination.
We passed a few beggars - mother, father and child plus an old woman alone. Some blind people as well but thankfully they all had carers.
Crossing these wide roads is another story - we nearly got squashed earlier when the " white" man came on and so did the 6 lanes of traffic! There was very obviously something wrong at that intersection. So we decided to wait for the locals to get going first but that brings on its own risks as some of them cross on the "red" man. Caution is advised as traffic is fast and roads are wide! To be fair, drivers do wait for pedestrians on the smaller crossings - very patient and polite!
There are many bra and panty shops - do they sell so many as they are taken off so fast? One wonders!
With so many pedestrians to dodge, uneven pavements and traffic we were pleased to make it home safely after also having to cross the widest street in Buenos Aires, Av 9 de Julio which has approx 15 lanes. One cannot cross in one go, it takes about 3 attempts! And wait for the "white" man!!!
And after 2 hours of pounding the pavements we are now resting our wearing bones - tomorrow is another day!
Recoleta Cemetery is touted as the must visit in Buenos Aires. It is huge; make no mistake but whether it is really of that much interest to a Non-Argentinian I don't really know. We have visited many interesting graveyards all over the world that have shown us a slice of history of the people. Recoleta is only for the very wealthy to bury their dead as the mausoleums sell for the same price as an apartment! Can you imagine that? Seems crazy.
You truly require a map to get around this place otherwise you could be lost forever in Recoleta! Maps are sold at the entrance. This cemetery was created in 1822 and covers 4 city blocks.
The streets are narrow and many - just be thankful that us mere mortals will never end up here as we don't have the famous surnames or their wealth.
Recoleta Cemetery Buenos Aires Argentina
Ostentatious does not even begin to describe some of these mausoleums. However, some are very neglected and these are being re - sold if no further members of the family can be traced.
All rather gory!
We did spot a very contented cat sleeping in the sun on some very expensive "real estate"!
La Boca - El Caminito
This is one area that tourists go to for the colourful houses. It is only safe in the main tourist area - anywhere else in La Boca and you are asking for trouble as it is not a very savoury neighbourhood. We also saw our first shack time dwellings in this area.
Colourful Houses in La Boca
The tourist area is well worth a visit though with a number of shops, restaurants and those crazy looking buildings. There are a number of artists displaying their works. The sidewalks in La Boca are all very high as the area used to suffer from many floods. This problem has long gone but the high sidewalks remain. It's a pity this place is so dangerous for tourists to venture on their own and one hopes that it can become safer.
However, in all of Buenos Aires it is not advisable to walk with a camera - this has really annoyed me as I have travelled to many countries without a problem. It means that I have not been able to get a good photographic record of my time here.
Tigre Delta - what an amazing place!
With no running water and only boats for transport, this is a slice of paradise! You can pick up a bargain at around USD 60,000 perhaps but then there is also the cost of the boat and regular maintenance to the house after each flood!
All the homes are built on stilts as the river rises depending on the wind direction. The boats are also moored high up on some contraption so as to escape being washed away when the levels rise.
So its not for the feint hearted!
The area is very lush and the lawns are so green and well kept. I even spotted some residents out on their lawns suntanning.
Most of the homes have water tanks.
Originally there were wild animals in the Delta and the name of Tigre comes from this era although the animals were actually jaguars not tigers.
Boats are a MUST as the only means of transport!Tigre Delta
There are many tourist boats - ours was with Sturia . The delta is immense with over 5000 waterways. Current population is around 3000. The islands in the Delta supply the cellulose, paper and plywood industries.
There is a huge difference between the Tigre Delta, Buenos Aries and the backwaters of Alleppy, India. The first is really only for the more well heeled Argentinians whereas the Indian backwaters house a very much poorer population of thousands. It has been interesting to view both and realise the vast difference between the 2 although both are living in the same sort of natural environment.
Everything in the Tigre Delta has to be delivered by boat and this starts with the building materials, then all the furniture required. There are boats for all occasions supplying the residents e.g. Supermarket boats, ice cream boats, pizza boats, plus a hospital boat for emergencies. We saw huge bottles of water and cola being dropped off at a jetty.
Supply Boats (Supermarket by boat!) Tigre Delta
Whilst we obviously only saw a minute section of the enormous delta area, the wide lawns and interesting homes really fascinated me and I would have loved to have spent a week- end in this glorious spot. Oh well, can't have it all!
Rowing is an important part of life here and there are numerous rowing clubs on the other side of the river such as Italian and English. Many are housed in beautiful buildings.
Rowing Club Buenos Aires
There is also the very interesting
"Market of the Fruit" close by the ferries. The older section of the market is open all week whereas the many other shops only open at week-ends. Upmarket goods are on sale here in the permanent section - beautiful to browse around.
A truly beautiful spot just an hour out of Buenos Aires or approx. 50 by train.
"Market of the Fruit" sells all sorts! Buenos Aires
