I DREAMED OF AFRICA
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Not only have I dreamed of Africa, I live in Africa. The beautiful ocean bordered Southern part of Africa. At the moment in our Western Cape home we are a number of years into a drought. Bizarre considering that large parts of the country are flooded. We recently visited friends, a short drive from our homestead. They live at the foot of the mountains and are probably the only part of the country that still has a fair amount of water.
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That is not to say that they have enough. But they are lush compared to the majority of farms. Most farmers in this area grow fruit. Peaches, figs, apricots, pomegranates, nectarines and grapes - mostly for export but some for wine. However fruit requires a lot of water and so many farmers have had to make the tragic decision to remove their trees and replace them with a less thirsty alternative.
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This lush valley is called Voorbaat which means Advance - specifically thank you in advance. There are special people living there. And the naturally topography is also very special. The landscape is dotted with small patches of water, and in the crags of the mountain the tinkle of small waterfalls can be heard. I am always intrigued by the unusual rock formations in the area. It reminds me a lot of volcanic rock. Although some of it seems so perfect it is almost as if a giant hand was playing a giant form of lego with the rocks.
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As the farmers chop down different orchards the locals come in to gather up the wood. This is carried home to make cooking fires. Even in the incredible heat of our Karoo summers you can see men and women clutching big bundles of firewood to cook their meals. It should give us a fresh appreciation for our household appliances and modern conveniences that make our lives so much faster and easier.
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And as we jump in an air conditioned cab to whiz back home on the dirt roads, we pass the wood bearing carriers. We also passed a donkey drawn wagon. Our area seems to be the place where past and future meet. But we have a lot to learn and be grateful for, of the more humble lifestyles. Tonight, again, I dream of Africa.
Maybe I am !DERANGED but I do give some away too...
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It is very inspiring to learn about the hardships and beauty of living in Africa. I know many of the poorest people would never trade living there for anything.
Once I was hired to be a groomsman for an African wedding here in the states. It was a culture shock for me, but I felt very lucky to be invited as one of their own. There was two of us light skinned groomsmen hired to match the many lovely dark skinned bridesmaid sisters. All of the African men and women were authentic and pure, without any disrespectful speech to anyone. One was telling me about Johannesburg where is family grew peaches. They sold the best ones and ate the bruised and broken ones that will not sell. The reception had many speeches and ceremonial gifts of fabrics, clothing, and valued goods used in trade. I tried to wriggle out of not dancing, but the bridesmaid I was paired with insisted, and we did something a bit like a conga line into a dance circle. I think this must have been a very large family that had saved up riches all their lives to celebrate this wedding.
Anyway, African culture always awakens these memories for me, and I wanted to share back. Thanks.
@creativetruth our (buckaroo and myself) Grandfather was a well respected Author, could speak 5 African Languages and knew the culture better than anyone https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/aubrey-elliott/744336/ I guess he saw what we do. I am sure is where @buckaroo got her incredible writing skills from, me not so much! The book top far right is Cove Rock where my Dad @quailbreeder still resides. There really is something very special about this place albeit all the drama. Cheer$;)
Fascinating.
I did a quick library search and none of these are available in my area. My state claims to be "super woke" in all ways, yet they don't seem to have many books on African culture unless it's about Trevor Noah. Oh my!
I'll keep your link in mind in case I want to consider purchasing one. The photography on the cover alone is amazing. In some cases, I do buy books based on the cover, but also when well-recommended.
I think only available in RSA and the UK. Trevor Noah, uhmmm ye... one of our worst exports yet, lol, he was cool in RSA and had a South African accent, humble etc a year after hitting the STATES totally changed, arrogant, don't like him at all anymore. Cheer$;)
Other than the fact that he is now just a globalist pawn spewing their nefarious agenda, much like the rest of the mainstream 'funny guys'!
Aaaaah thank you for the compliment @craigcryptoking. And yes, Gramps was an amazing man
What a beautiful experience and memory for you @creativetruth! I'm sure you learned a lot more than dancing ;) Thank you for sharing your story. I'm looking at sewing dolls, but with the authentic theme, so what we call shweshwe material. Maybe they'll eventually make it over the pond.....
Stunning my gorgeous sister.. Like the Donkeys, finally some proper ones.. Wink wink nudge nudge x x x x mah
Donkeys? What donkeys? Maybe I should get @pricasso onto this post for him to be inspired to paint my donkeys with his delicious donkey paintbrush. Not sure if you follow him, he's more into celebraties than hippie weeds.....
I liked the story and photos in this post, showing us a bit about life in your country. It is fascinating to learn of other places and cultures. I hope you get rain soon!
Me too @thekittygirl! Thank you for taking time to read about our beautiful country
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Beautiful post about a beautiful place few of us know a thing about. Thank you for showing us your world, @buckaroo.
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Thank you for taking the time to read and comment @fitinfun! I enjoy the ethnic sharing across the pond
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Rural landscape reveals the true heart and spirit of the people on the land.
City life does not show the caring attitude found in the small dorps (towns), on the back roads, really hope you get more rains in your region, lovely photographic story of where you are @backaroo
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So sorry to hear about the water and makes me sad knowing that all those trees had to be cut down. Meanwhile, without trees there is even less potential for rain. Well, I am not an expert, lol. Anyway, I wish you get lots of rain soon. I know the area where @lizelle lives is doing pretty well. Nevertheless, beautiful photography my Dear Tracy 😊