100 days to World Cup

In 100 days time the world will descend on South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The opening game takes place at Soccer City on 11 June 2010 while the first game in Port Elizabeth is on 12 June between Korea Republic and Greece. Other first round games in PE will be Côte d'Ivore … Continue reading 100 days to World Cup →

Aloe at Van Der Kemp’s Kloof

An Aloe Ferox in full bloom in Van Der Kemp's Kloof in Bethelsdorp

Campanile

The Campanile was built and completed in 1923 in commemoration of the centenary of the arrival of the British Settlers in 1820. The site on which it stands used to be the landing beach where the settlers were offloaded before their long journey to the Grahamstown district. The tower is 51.8 meters high and has … Continue reading Campanile →

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is one of a number of public parks in Port Elizabeth located within residential areas. Situated in the lower section of Walmer close to the airport, Victoria Park has several fish ponds with beautiful waterlilies and big lawn areas. Every year the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra has a sold out performance in the … Continue reading Victoria Park →

Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick can be found on the hill overlooking the Baakens River valley and Port Elizabeth Harbour. It's a stone fort built in 1799 by the British Forces to defend the mouth of the Baakens River to prevent a possible landing of French troops to assist the Graaff-Reinet rebels. It was named after Frederick, Duke … Continue reading Fort Frederick →

Miniature trains

The Port Elizabeth Model Locomotive Society runs their minituare trains at Londt Park every first Sunday of the month. It is a very popular morning outing for anybody with little kids, but enjoyed just as much by the big kids (if you know what I'm saying).

Happy Halloween

Halloween isn't the biggest thing around here in South Africa. There are a couple of shops that sell some Halloween party decorations and gimmicks, but other than the odd Halloween party here and there, it kinda passes us by without much of a hoohaa. But I do want to wish my American and Canadian blogging … Continue reading Happy Halloween →

St Georges Prep School

Across the road from the oldest Test cricket stadium in South Africa, St Georges Park, stand the St Georges Preparatory School. Knockfierna (Hill of Fairies or Truth) was originally built as a beautiful grand Victorian Mansion by John Daverin, from Ireland, who was a successful Wool Merchant, in 1899. John and his wife, Clothilda, brought … Continue reading St Georges Prep School →

Pyramid

To the memoryof one of the most perfectof human beingswho has given her nameto the Town below The plaque on the Donkin Memorial (Donkin Pyramid) on the Donkin Reserve. The pyramid was put up as a monument by Sir Rufane Donkin in remembrance of his wife, Lady Elizabeth Donkin. Sir Rufan named Port Elizabeth after … Continue reading Pyramid →

Sleepy Hollow

Driving out to Sleepy Hollow just outside Port Elizabeth on a drizzling Thursday, my mind wandered to the tale of Ichabod Crane. I wondered if at some stage during the weekend I would encounter a headless horseman who would hurl his head (or some shape of pumpkin) at me making me throw myself into a … Continue reading Sleepy Hollow →