Kirstenbosch

Today we went to the world renowned botanical gardens Kirstenbosch. Garden of sculptures welcomed us into a green expanse that is just beginning to blossom. Proteas galore. I walked through the garden thinking of my mother who proudly grew proteas in her garden on the Kapiti Coast. Lying between the table mountain range and the coast the gardens provided a spectacular foreground in both directions. Another glorious day. 

There was a garden all about weeds. The ones that came over from Australia (eucalyptus and black wattle). The definition of a weed - something that isn't indigenous and negatively impacts on the native vegetation. Then there were the ones that South Africa have given to New Zealand, Australia and California. Some of these we have in our garden.

On to the herbal garden. Lots of good herbs for medicinal purposes but strong messages with a theme  "you have to know what you are doing" eg for internal use but don't ingest - the mind boggles.

The Cycad collection. They were around with the dinosaurs and we saw one just to prove it.  The Cycad were nearly a thing of the past. So many were potted for household use both in Africa and abroad that the seeds did not germinate. Thanks to a couple of guys called Wood and Wylie who saw the danger and propagated the seeds we can see them in gardens today.

And then back on the bus.  Drove past another township (interesting that the  drivers we spoke to said most people chose to live there - apparently there is a small unemployment benefit here but not enough to support a family).  One of the growing arts in the township is tea bag art. Sounded fascinating but we didn't have time to visit.  Googling "tea bag art" later I read that the artists use "used" tea bags to create art - it looks very good and it's another recycling initiative.  Also drove through a number of coastal villages with expensive homes surrounded by spikey  and electric fences. Time for one more cup of tea in the sun with entertainment from a group of singers. 

Then our only domestic flight on holiday- back to Johannesburg - no passport control - just a relaxed security that doesn't want to see our little bottles of liquids in plastic containers.  South Africa air has nailed the in flight meals - yum.  It felt like going back home as we drove through the gates of the same hotel - visit number two of three.

I also was reminded when we met Innocent for the second time about African names. We have met an Innocent, Salvation, Trust, Persistence and Resistance. Apparently the African culture choose names that mean something to the family - then they are obviously anglicised.  I wonder if some of them have their origins in apartheid.