Durban Daily Photo

So sad for Durban now.

2010-11-14T09:22:00.000+02:00

Some things about Durban, and South Africa, make me very sad, and this is one of them.

Here a pensioner in a wheelchair is unable to go into the office to prove she is still alive so she can still receive her meagre state pension.

Why, You ask? Because the only access is via this flight of stairs!! The building is in a disgusting, dilapidated state, and the lifts no longer work, so everyone has to use the stairs. No public transport passes anywhere close to this building, there is only metered street parking, and the pavement is in a similar state to the building. What is even worse is that no-one seems to care.

The old folk received a letter telling them to present themselves to prove the state should continue paying the pension. The letter indicates what documents to bring along with them. When they arrive, ready to sit in the 2 hour queue, then they're told the letter was incorrect - there are other documents required!! So they have to go away and come back another day.

Is this the way for a country to treat their elderly? Where is South Africa going!!

Please pass.

2010-11-13T05:00:00.003+02:00

This beautiful old bike and sidecar, spotted down the coast.

Appropriate for today as I remember my dad on his birthday. He'd have enjoyed this one.

Day at the beach.

2010-11-12T05:00:00.008+02:00

The water was choppy, but the sun was out and it was a hot day, so no further reason is needed for a family outing to North Beach.

Out of the Ark

2010-11-11T05:00:00.000+02:00

Another of our sad old buildings. This one in Point Road. Someone mentioned it was one of the hijacked buildings.

This is where the tenants stop paying rental to the owners, and the building just deteriorates until it is uninhabitable, but people still live there. This makes it a dangerous place to be.

Till now, our government seemed to be totally unwilling to do anything about these situations. In fact there is now talk about property owners not discriminating against those who cannot pay. This does not bode well for our beautiful country.

On the other hand they have now introduced the law that requires everyone residing in the country to be correctly registered and accounted for. If they get this right, it could significantly reduce crime, and get rid of many of the foreigners who often seem to be at the center drug rings and hijacked buildings.

The Indian Influence

2010-11-10T05:00:00.001+02:00

Durban is currently celebrating Diwali (festival of lights) and the 150th anniversary of the first Indians brought to South Africa.

These people were brought here a cheap labour to work in the sugar cane fields, and over the years have become a significant community in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Mahatma Gandhi had a significant impact on the recent history of South Africa, before he returned to India.

I don't know if this is a new road in the new development, or a re-named road in the re-developed area, all I know is that this part of the point has been significantly upgraded over the past few years.

A building for all seasons

2010-11-09T05:00:00.005+02:00

One block up from the South Beach is the Four Seasons hotel, which also has been there forever. Once quite popular with the well-to-do, these days it would not be my first choice of places to stay in Durban.

Doeane en aksyns

2010-11-08T05:00:00.001+02:00

Customs and Excise building at the entrance to the harbour. For most of us living in Durban, it feels like this building has been there forever, because we don't know a time it wasn't there.

Boscombe Place

2010-11-07T18:47:00.002+02:00

Not easily recognizable as Durban's beach front area, but those of you who have spent many days at North Beach will know it is the Hoy Park area. On the right of the photo are the big hotels, with all the little side roads leading down to the Snell Parade. This is where you may find parking if you're not one of those early birds. Very pretty and well maintained are, even though it is a "back street".

Window to heaven.

2010-11-03T05:00:00.000+02:00

This beautiful stained-glass window belongs in St Paul's Anglican Church, in Church Street in central Durban. The original church, build in 1853 burned down, and was re-build in 1909. It is the oldest church in Durban. Besides these beautiful windows, it houses memorial tablets recording much of Durban's early history.

Pipes without the bag.

2010-11-01T05:00:00.050+02:00

The pipes which make up the organ in Emmanuel Cathedral are situated on the upper level in the back of the church. Since these instruments are not very well suited to the average home, budding organists are always welcome to come in and practice here, in the church, during the week.

Praise and worship.

2010-10-31T17:57:00.000+02:00

During a recent Organ tour, we had the opportunity to visit the Emmanuel Cathedral in Durban central. So many years since I'd been inside this church, and it was no surprise that it still looked exactly as I remember it.

Well done Sharks.

2010-10-30T21:13:00.012+02:00

With such amazing support from the fans, it's no wonder the Sharks won the rugby 30-10. John, Lucy and Karin wear the team colours to work to show their support. Specially love Karin's hair for the day.

A new look

2010-10-20T21:39:00.000+02:00

Cowey center has a new look. Very mod, clean and neat. Ok, so that is the upside.
The downside is that the trees which were growing in this area are gone, and so are the birds featured in an earlier post. Very sad in my book.

Playing the game

2010-10-18T07:39:00.000+02:00

Another of Maryke's handiwork. This time as an advert in a small home industries shop selling the most delicious home baked cakes.

Cast in stone.

2010-10-13T05:00:00.001+02:00

The name Kerkenberg, spelled out in white stones on the side of the mountain.

When the front trek arrived in the Free State, there was a dispute about the eventual destination of the Great Trek. Piet Retief chose Natal. Here at the foot of the Kerkenberg, he lieft his laager on 7 October 1837, with 14 men to reconnoitre Natal in advance.

Happy Birthday Dad

2010-10-12T07:11:00.000+02:00

What would you do if it was your father's birthday, you had no postal service, no local Cardies where you could buy a gift or even a card, and all you had was some green paint, and a nearby rock?

The answer is obvious - write his name and the date on the rock in green paint! Debora, the eldest daughter of Piet Retief did just that when they were staying at Kerkenberg. Fortunately this has been preserved for us as part of our history.

The date was 12 November 1837.

Time to relax

2010-10-11T05:00:00.001+02:00

The geese are back, just relaxing in the park in a residential area. I doubt it's the same one featured earlier on this blog, but who knows. Either way they didn't seem at all surprised, nor concerned, when I stopped the car next to them to take this photo.

Up and Over

2010-10-10T10:10:00.001+02:00

The dolphins are amazing. They are so fast, and seem to enjoy the show as much as the audience does.

Two of the four girls in a syncronised jump over the rod.

Oh no! It's that Seal Again!

2010-10-09T05:00:00.003+02:00

The guy in the green T-Shirt was a rather unwilling participant in the show. He was terrified of the seal, and ran every time it came near him, much to the amusement of the two actors, and the audience.

Here he is, wondering what they will make him do next! The Seal didn't seem to mind either way, and just had fun.

Sealed with a kiss.

2010-10-08T05:00:00.001+02:00

The seal show at uShaka Marine World. This seal was very friendly and so well trained, it reminded me of a pet dog - except it lives in the water.

The stage is set.

2010-10-07T05:00:00.000+02:00

The setting for the seal show at Ushaka Marine world, is so bright, and blue, and ready for fun. We didn't have long to wait for the seal and other actors to come out and entertain us. More on this one tomorrow.

Relax in the 'berg.

2010-10-06T05:00:00.000+02:00

No matter where you go in the Drakensberg, you will always find beauty and peace.

On a recent trip to Mont-aux-sources we went on one of the day walks, and were treated to some beautiful scenery. If ever you get the opportunity, then a visit to the 'berg is an absolute must.

Welcome to Jo'burg

2010-10-05T08:11:00.000+02:00

A colorful welcome to Johannesburg International Airport, shows you the way in.

At first you'd think it's the colours of our national flag, but I don't recall seeing any blue lines, so perhaps it's meant to represent Africa as a whole. Most of the flags of African countries have some combination of red, yellow, green, black and white. Very few have blue. Anyone know the truth on this?

Some picture speak for themselves.

2010-10-04T05:00:00.000+02:00

Spotted on a recent trip to Gabarone, in Botswana.

If you're planning a braai (aka barbeque), you'd definitely need a few good steaks. However, with all the modern methods of providing the heat source, the purpose of the stakes is unclear - especially if they're beef stakes!!

Between the hotel and the office, we saw this sign twice. The first time I thought I was just seeing things, but when we saw the second one, I knew it was just too good to miss.

Home Again.

2010-10-03T05:00:00.000+02:00

One of the most beautiful sights is Durban Harbour from the air for many reasons...

its from the air, so is a different perspective
its home, so has that wonderful familiarity about it
its a natural harbour and nature is always beautiful
its Durban - and Durban is just beautiful - (I'm unashamedly biased!!)

Pretty as a picture

2010-10-01T07:45:00.000+02:00

This chandelier is just so simple, dainty and pretty. It was hanging in the reception hall of the Cresda Lodge hotel in Gabarone. Simple and pretty always catches my eye.

Airport Departures.

2010-09-30T05:00:00.005+02:00

Travelling in an out of Gabarone was a pleasure at their very modern, airy, clean and well run airport. While everything appears very laid back and casual, they are every bit as strict with their aviation rules as any large airport.

Mini Town.

2010-09-29T05:00:00.003+02:00

A city always looks so much different from the air. This is central Jo'burg. Perhaps this is the view that most residents have when they insist that a place is "just around the corner". It all looks so much closer that it feels when you're on the ground!

Soccer City

2010-09-28T05:00:00.002+02:00

While we're flying over Johannesburg, we may as well note other easily recognizable landmarks. This time it's one made famous by the recent Soccer World Cup.

Soccer city is the stadium where the Soccer World cup both opened and closed. While this is a very impressive stadium, I believe that Durban's Moses Mabhida stadium is still the most beautiful in the South Africa. I know I am unashamedly biased, and nothing will change that. :)

The roads of Jo'burg.

2010-09-27T05:00:00.037+02:00

It's not anywhere in Durban - it's actually one of the interchanges in Johannesburg. On a recent trip, I had the opportunity to get a few lovely pictures from the air. The visibility was good, and this was the result.

This relatively mild traffic shown here, doesn't cover even the very tip top of the iceberg that is the madness the residents have to suffer every morning and evening, and reminds me once again, why I choose to rather live in Durban.

A boy and a fish.

2010-09-26T18:51:00.002+02:00

This spotted Rockcod at Ushaka Marine world, seems to be as fascinated with Luke as he is with the fish! Luke (15mths) was sitting in the porthole at the aquarium, when this large rockcod swam past the window a number of times. Luke was most upset when we took him out of the porthole, to move on. Fortunately with all the other fascinating windows to look in, he soon forgot his friend.
Thanks to Zak for arranging tickets. We all had an awesome day there with the children.

A familiar face.

2009-08-17T22:09:00.002+02:00

Clint Eastwood found his way onto this chalk board.

2009-08-09T22:10:00.005+02:00

Trees always make such a peaceful scene. On the left of the pond in this picture, you will find the Japanese Garden featured in yesterday's pciture, also taken at Makaranga Garden Lodge in Kloof.

A little piece of heaven.

2009-08-08T21:36:00.008+02:00

Makaranga Garden Lodge in Kloof, is a 30 acre of Private Botanical Gardens. Every part of the property is beautifully set out, with scupltures, lawns, shrubs, trees, and of course, this beautiful, peaceful Japanese garden. It is certainly worth a visit.

Physically or mentally challenged?

2009-08-07T10:18:00.002+02:00

So, why a photo of these clearly able-bodied people. The reason: they are parked in bays marked for the diabled - or physically challenged, so this begs the question: what is their challenge?

Each of these 4 bays are painted with yellow lines, and the sign which designates it as parking for the disabled. Their excuse for parking here is that they have to work! When did working become classified as a disability?

The car guard summed it up nicely when I asked how he could let anyone park in the bays. He said "These people refuse to listen, I think that these days they give driver's licences to the wrong people. They just give them to anyone!".

Going inside.

2009-08-06T05:00:00.028+02:00

Looking across the field at the "window". Ok, so its not a green field yet, that's 'cos it's still under construction. If you look carefully on the right side of the field, at the back you can see a truck, which should give some perspective of the size.

This stadium seats 55 000 people. The bottom section of seats are below ground level, while the top section are above ground level.

Ok, that's the last one of the stadium for now. Hope you enjoyed the tour with me.

The whole picture

2009-08-05T05:00:00.003+02:00

If ever you get the opportunity, take the tour of this stadium. It's quite fascinating to hear all the little details of the constuction, and the thought behind it.

For Example...

Entry to the stadium is on this level, however it is at the mid-level of the seats. The reason: quick evacuation. How so? Those in the top rows have the same distance to go, as those in the field level rows, in order to get out. This means it would take only 8 minutes for either to get out of the stadium in an emergency.

Inside they have double spiral stair cases - one is the up stair case, and the other is the down. Such a little thing can make and enormous difference to one's experience of the day.

Sustainablity. Below this level is the retail section. This is dedicated to shops and restuarants. The means Durban won't be left with a white elephant after 2010.

Sewing up the roof.

2009-08-04T05:00:00.001+02:00

The secret to a perfectly fitting garment, is in getting the pattern right. The same applies to the roof of a stadium. Each piece of this roof was carefully cut to exact measurements, and "sewn" together. They still need to cover the gaps, so there's no dripping on the spectators.

The catwalk which goes across the middle of the picture, hold the spotlights and sound system. Now there's another job I'm pleased I don't have to do - man the spot lights :).

Abseiling the arch.

2009-08-03T05:00:00.016+02:00

Yesterday they looked like little dots at the top of the arch, but now we can see they're people working on the arch.

There are over 500 steps on each side of the arch, and we're told they'll be open to the public when construction is done. Hopefully I get the opportunity to walk up there one day, to show you what must be a spectacular view of Durban.

Arching Back

2009-08-02T05:00:00.038+02:00

Step back a little from yesterday, to put things into perspective. Standing on the south side of the arch, looking through the "window" of the stadium.

Even though it's still under construction, one can appreciate the thought and effort which has gone into this, to make it what it is. I've been on many construction sites, and don't recall seeing one quite as neat and well organised as this one. Each part of the stadium has been carefully and precisely constructed. I think all the people who have worked on this site, can be truly proud of their effort.

Come back tomorrow for a close up of the little black dots at the top of the arch.

The Ace of Spades in multicolour.

2009-08-01T05:00:00.036+02:00

You're standing in the "window" looking up at the "roof" of tne new Moses Mabida Stadium. You know the one - Durban's contribution to the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Down the middle of the pic, is the arch, which hold the ropes keeping the "roof" taught. The sail type roof, on the left and right of the pic, is made from a teflon type material, which means it has the ability to self-clean, 'cos nothing sticks to it.

The blue of the background is the sky.

The guy in yesterday's pic was walking from left to right along the horizontal bar across the top of this picure. He was about 3/4 of the way along. I'm really pleased I don't have his job! I don't think I'd last even half a day at that height.

Tightrope Walker

2009-07-31T21:24:00.015+02:00

I take my hat off to this guy as he inches his way across this walkway. Why? you ask, it's just a couple meters of the ground, isn't it? Well no, it's a whole lot more than a couple of meters off the ground.

Come back tomorrow for some perspective on this, and find out more about where this pic was taken.

Timbuktu

2009-07-18T22:59:00.001+02:00

When we were young, a stock answer to many of our unanswerable "where?" questions was "Timbuktu". To a very young mind, without the experience to know these things, at first it was deemed to just be a place far far away. Later, although we travelled extensively in South Africa, I realised we never reached Timbuktu, so the only conclusion was that it just a nice sounding word that was a fictious answer to our "where" questions. After all, to the little mind, South Africa was the whole world! This was of course, before the benefit of Geographpy lessons at school!

It was only much, much later that I discovered it was indeed a real place, far far away, somewhere in Africa.

Now, given that yesterday's sandcastle was a very close resemblance to the actual stadium, I'd really like to know from someone in Timbuktu, or anyone who has been there.... how does this sandcastle measure up?

Moses Mabhida Stadium

2009-07-17T16:22:00.003+02:00

At last my life seems to be sorting itself out a little, so maybe, justmaybe, I can dedicate the time to posting my photos again. I've taken anumber of photos over the past year, but have had to spend so much timeat work just to make ends meet (and they still haven't quite met yet!!), there was no energy left for processing them.

Enough of the sad stuff. I'll leave the ends, and hope they do meet soon, while I get back to the purpose of this blog.

Todayyou get 2 photos, for one very good reason.I am always very impressed with anyone who can make something out ofnothing. When they have nothing and still take the time to use theircreativity, I am even more impressed.2010 is just around the corner, and for South Africa it is a BIG year, because we get to host the Soccer World Cup. While I'mnot personally a soccer fan, I can appreciate everyone else'sexcitement over the event.

Happy Flowers

2009-02-06T00:18:00.007+02:00

Once a month a few of the girls from high school days meet for a breakfast. Last month it was at Burgess Nersery in Westville, giving the opportunity for this picture of happy flowers.

I'll have to miss February's meeting because I'll be in Cape Town for the start of our Cape Town to Durban trip. If all goes according to plan you will be able to join us along the way, as we go on the week-long Breakfast Run.

Snowy is a biker too.

2009-01-08T22:07:00.000+02:00

Snowy is the biker dog. He goes everywhere on the bike with his owner. He is always well turned out, and wears a helmet when he rides.

Tie me kangaroo down!

2009-01-07T20:59:00.000+02:00

With a long trip and thousands of bikes, you wouldn't want to lose your passenger.

Even the children brought toys for the Toy Run.

A long shot.

2009-01-07T06:37:00.000+02:00

These toys had a really comfy trip on the Toy run, and I guess, so did the rider.

Size doesn't count.

2009-01-06T06:32:00.000+02:00

When it comes to the toy run, size doesn't count. Neither the size of the toy not rhe size of the bike you arrive on.

While he didn't get there very quickly, he sure attracted plenty of attention.

Bikers, bikers, everywhere.

2009-01-05T22:40:00.000+02:00

Although the weather was nowhere near ideal for a bike ride, they turned out in thousands. The occasion? The annual toy run in November of course.

It is really touching to see all these big tough guys on their big bikes, turning up for such a "soft" run. This year the traffic police did an excellent job of traffic control. The normal flow of traffic was stopped for the stream of bikes to go through.

I found it really amusing that people even found spots on the overhead bridges to watch the bikes go past.

That Dam Wall.

2009-01-04T09:40:00.000+02:00

This will be as close as I can get to Midmar Dam's wall. On a recent bike trip we had our butt stop across the road, which gave me the opportunity to get a few pics of the wall. Normally have to take them from a distance and at speed, whcih means you don't get to see any detail.

To prevent confusion .... Midmar Dam is not in Durban, but is quite popular for a Sunday outing, if you enjoy fresh-water frollicking. It's approximately 1hr drive inland from Durban.

Blue Skies?

2009-01-03T19:37:00.000+02:00

Even though we are in the middle of summer, we've seen so little of our beautiful blue South African skies for the past few months, and everyone is suffering withdrawl. So this is the next best thing. Blue windows.

Now this is a job I could never do. Its not that I'm above getting my hands dirty and washing windows, it's dangling from the ropes down the side of a building that would scare me silly.

Wonder if this is the same company who uses this mechanism to paint the outsides of tall buildings in Durban? Very clever idea, and a lot cheaper than using the platform.

Feeding Africa?

2009-01-02T16:00:00.000+02:00

Wow! time sure goes fast! I thought it was only a few weeks ago but, it's actually only a few weeks short of a year ago that Cape Town Daily Photo featured their "Plants for Africa" picture!

There Paul explained the expression "for Africa", and here we have another example. When people want to say they have plenty of something, they will often say they have enough for the whole of Africa. A little like saying there were a gazillion people at the function, and what you're saying is that the place was full to overflowing, and you didn't really count them.

Biltong of course is dried beef - or beef jerky as it is known in many parts of the world. So if they have Biltong for Africa, this could become a really popular place, especially when the rugby season starts again.

Woody the Owl.

2009-01-01T21:55:00.000+02:00

Today I'd like you to meet Woody. He was visiting the Kloof Spar yesterday, along with a few of the other's from The Menagerie. He is part of Fiona and Naomi Radford's animal team which entertain children and adults alike at birthday parties and other functions. He is so soft and friendly. How do I know? Well he is quite happy for you to stroke him, and sits quietly watching as people go about thier business.

Happy New Year to one and All.

May this new year be far better than the last. I'm certainly holding on to this hope.

A complex hill.

2008-10-03T06:03:00.000+02:00

Paradise Valley complex is one of the landmarks on the N3 near Pinetown.

Saturday outing.

2008-10-02T22:45:00.000+02:00

The weather didn't scare off any of the folk from the Highway Heritage Society. The Venue: Paradise valley. The Subject: Duban's early water supply. The Speaker: Terry Stewart.

These days Paradise Valley is a nature reserve. A lovely place for a picnic and a short walk along its trails. It's not obvious this was once the site of the Umbilo Dam.

Stairway to Paradise

2008-10-01T21:29:00.000+02:00

Simple logs provide the traction you need to walk this mild incline in the Paradise Valley nature reserve.

The Heritage Society has arranged a walk and a talk on Durban's early water supply. Watch this space for a few more pics on this.

City Daily Photo Theme day is Lines - please take a few moments to enjoy lines from all over the world.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Where's the pot of gold?

2008-09-26T11:23:00.000+02:00

As we were driving along, I could see that the end of the rainbow was over my house. Unfortunately when I arrived home, there was no pot of gold :-( Maybe you have to be there at the time!

Broken window pane.

2008-09-22T11:56:00.000+02:00

I really need to get out more! Been spending too much time on building websites, and selling the book, and no enough time on taking photos!

However, the crack in the window really needed a to have it's picture taken with the new lens. It just looks pretty, so you get to share it with me.

Misty morning.

2008-09-21T11:48:00.000+02:00

More pics with my new lens. It makes a big difference to the picture. This is the hill across the valley from my house. I love the shades in the misty morning.

Close up Toppies

2008-09-20T11:33:00.000+02:00

So, my new lens has arrived (many thanks to Laurence), so I can take some close ups of distant things.

These Toppies in my garden must have sensed my enthusiasm, so very kindly posed in the tree for me.

Yellow sun, Pink sky.

2008-09-19T19:03:00.001+02:00

It has been very hazy for quite some time now, and I have no idea why this should be. However, sometimes there is a benefit to this really unwelcome situation - like this rather attractive sunset.

Visit this site for more amazing skies on Fridays.

Cute.

2008-09-18T19:47:00.000+02:00

Is this cute or what?

Umhlanga.

2008-09-17T19:36:00.000+02:00

The new Umhlanga skyline.

Who's in charge?

2008-09-16T19:27:00.000+02:00

Just cos I like the cheeky ones!

More name changes.

2008-09-15T19:20:00.001+02:00

More road name changes. Who is Albert Dlomo, and what did he do for us? And why do we have to change from such a lovely name to this unknown person?

The people's car

2008-09-14T19:15:00.000+02:00

Even though there are not many of them around, the VW beetle is still a well loved car. Those who have these antiques usually have a good sense of humour, as is demonstrated by this pic.

Trolley train

2008-09-13T23:39:00.002+02:00

When he trolley train comes rumbling down the passage, it's best to stand on one side. It takes 3 guys to guide the train around a corner. However, once it reaches its destination, it is split up into sections, each of which is managed by only one guy.

Quite an art to it.

Sanlam Sky

2008-09-12T23:35:00.001+02:00

After many very hot days, we finally had a couple of days which actually resembled winter. These were soon over, and with the setting sun, makes a pretty picture.

Flower Power

2008-09-11T23:32:00.000+02:00

I've no idea what purpose the flower serves, but then who says fun has to have a purpose?

Nando's

2008-09-10T23:15:00.000+02:00

Since Nando's tells it's own story, I'll just join Wordless Wednesday.

Michael K?

2008-09-09T22:51:00.000+02:00

A while back I tried to read "The Life and Times of Michael K" by J.M. Coetzee a South African author. Try as I might, I couldn't get past the first chapter because I found it just too depressing, and at first didn't know why. After some thought I realised the reason is that it is all too real. When you read a book like that, then take a ride and see it in action, it can really get to you.

There are many people who go around collecting scrap metal which they convert to cash. I have great admiration for them, because they continue to do an honest day's work, at a time when so many others are finding the slightest excuse to turn to crime.

Bleak House.

2008-09-08T18:48:00.000+02:00

For as long as I can remember, and that is quite a long time, this house on the north coast has been in this state. Not sure if one can call it a house, since it has no roof, no windows, no doors, no insides. It is just a shell.

Anyone know who owns it, or why it still in this state?

I've only ever seen it from a vehicle, as we go either up or down the coast. This time on our biking breakfast run to Balito Bay.

Sing a song of sixpence.

2008-09-07T18:44:00.000+02:00

When its hot and the sun is shining a bird needs his umbrella! He was obviously very happy, because he was quite content to sit up there and sing.

Glenwood Boys High

2008-09-06T18:39:00.000+02:00

Glenwood Boys High school in ... you guessed it... Glenwood. Not much has changed here except the security fence which, and perhaps one or two trees.

Sparkling Water.

2008-09-05T01:11:00.000+02:00

When we reached Phat Boyz in Scottburgh during our Sunday morning breakfast run, the water looked so beautiful and sparkly, and the sky so blue, it really needed a photo.

Unfortunately their electricity was off, so his photo was all we managed to get there. Maybe next time...

Don't forget to visit some of the other Skywatch Friday blogs.

Been there done that!

2008-09-04T10:53:00.000+02:00

Another plate to reduce the boredom of rush hour traffic.

Getting personal.

2008-09-03T21:37:00.000+02:00

This number plate speaks for itself.

More Wordless Wednesday posts.

Heath Ledger.

2008-09-02T23:27:00.001+02:00

Another WOW chalk drawing, This time it's Heath Ledger.

It's spring again.

2008-09-01T19:59:00.000+02:00

It's spring again, and this tree is giving a beautiful yellow show.

Nando's

2008-08-31T19:36:00.002+02:00

I don't often go for takeout, but when I do, my favourite is Nando's for 'chicken and chips'.

All the chicken is batterless, and while many like the peri-peri, for those who like life a little milder, there is a delicious lemon and herb sauce.

The standard chips (french fries) are plain, the only way I like them. Most other places now add a barbeque spice as a matter of course, thus spoiling the taste.

Supermarket.

2008-08-30T23:36:00.000+02:00

Not far out of Wartburg is his little supermarket, where it appears the sell anything and everything. Being a Sunday morning, the shops are closed, because everyone is in church.

Tree lined sreet.

2008-08-29T23:30:00.000+02:00

It's always so pleasant out there, riding along the country roads, especially the tree-lined roads.

Soil erosion.

2008-08-28T23:23:00.000+02:00

The erosion of this soil makes for a very prey pattern.

Misty Manor

2008-08-27T21:46:00.000+02:00

I wonder if these cars through the wall of a bar are a warning or just decoration. Either way I was amused by this on our last breakfast run which took us through the Albert Falls area.

The house on the hill.

2008-08-26T19:07:00.000+02:00

Out along a country road is this lovely casual house on the hill. They will have a good view across the valley in the Botha' Hill area.

The whole shark.

2008-08-25T00:06:00.000+02:00

You had the signatures, the ball, now meet the whole bike.

Clearly a Sharks fan!

Play the ball, not the man.

2008-08-23T00:12:00.001+02:00

Not much to say about this one.

The KZN Sharks.

2008-08-22T23:43:00.000+02:00

Now if you're a rugby fan, what's better than taking the signatures of the entire team with you, wherever you go?

Biking Vegas style.

2008-08-21T11:55:00.000+02:00

You must really be hooked, if you have to take your roulette wheel on all your bike rides :-)

Rather cute and certainly very different.

Spiderman strkes again!

2008-08-20T23:54:00.000+02:00

If you want to be Spiderman, then you have to go the whole hog....er.... you have to do the whole hog.... er....it's a good idea to decorate the whole bike.

While spiders would not have been my first choice, I do rather like the pattern.

Ok, so I tried to be Wordless on Wednesday, but my post is full of words. What can I say? I'm female, it's late at night, and I haven't used up my quota for the day!!

Spiderman.

2008-08-19T12:27:00.000+02:00

The saddle of one of the many themed bikes at a recent bike show. No prizes for guessing this guy's hero.

Is it a moth or a butterfly?

2008-08-18T21:20:00.000+02:00

Butterflies don't normally fly into the house at night, so I'm guessing is a moth. The markings are so pretty, even though the colours are those of a moth.

Anyone know how to tell the difference?

Rocky Horror

2008-08-17T11:37:00.001+02:00

Last night was a real treat - Rocky Horror at the Barnyard Theater in Gateway.

This is one of the earlier scenes soon after Frank n Furter's entrance. Don't you just love the shoes!! We were so impressed that Charles Bougeuenon managed to stride around the stage in them throughout the performance, without any problem.

The entire performance was excellent, and it was great to hear all the songs from the Rocky Horror Picture Show again, especially with a few little South African twists thrown in.

Take a look at my new blog, if you or someone you know suffers with ADHD and/or Restless Legs Syndrome.

South Africans are so clever.

2008-08-16T12:47:00.001+02:00

It always puzzles me now people manage to get a bike onto a trailer. Most of the methods which I imagine seem to be far too difficult. This one however made complete sense.

Create a trailer, where the base can be lowered onto the ground, so you can very easily drive the bike on. Then with a simple winch system on the front, you pull the base up, and straighten the trailer into place.

Add on the side boxes for storage and you're good to go.

Yet another clever invention by South Africans.

The leaves have left.

2008-08-15T23:03:00.000+02:00

Being the middle of winter, this acacia tree in Acacia Road is rather bare, and provides an interesting contrast against the sky.

In a few months time it will be sporting it's new outfit of green leaves and red flowers - just perfect for Christmas.

For more interesting view of the sky, don't forget Skywatch Friday.

Clever business sign.

2008-08-14T23:19:00.000+02:00

Toby's business has been in this spot for as long as I can remember. Whenever someone comes up with a clever business name I think of this one for two reasons - it was the first I had every seen, and is was the only one of it's kind for a long time.

Ants in the Pants.

2008-08-13T22:52:00.001+02:00

Not the usual photo, because today is another special day. "Ants in The Pants - from Classroom to Boardroom" is now available, and because it is Wordless Wednesday, I'll leave the book to tell you all about itself. After all it does a far better job than I could ever do! (The link to this one is on the right hand panel of the blog.)

Many more Wordless Wednesday sites.

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-08-12T23:15:00.000+02:00

I've made it! One whole year of posting a photo each day.

It has been a really great way to learn about my camera, phography and my own city.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to look at the postings, and especaily to those who in addition, have left messagess. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these and vising all your blogs. A special thanks to those who return for more.

Today's picture is of Albert Falls, a small but pleasant waterfall we visited on our breakfast run last Sunday.

Follow the leader.

2008-08-11T18:48:00.000+02:00

Anyone need a cute white woolly sheep lampshade? The bead artists are selling them at the street corner.