STRAB 2013

 

STRAB 2013

 

The Sub-Terranean Rhythm And Blues festival came to Parque de Malongane about 11 years ago and ever since it has grown from strength to strength. Each year around May the park hosts a rock style festival of local South African bands for a three day music fest. It attracts about an audience of 700 music lovers from SA and around the world.

 

Small in scale compared to a Splashy Fen, Oppikoppi, KKNK and so forth, but far more fun interaction with the artists and with people who really love their music. Not everyone is going to dare the drive to Malongane getting stuck in the sand if you don't know how to drive a 4x4 for just any old concert.

 

Well done to the organisers of STRAB, once again a wonderful experience.

 

Thank you to Derek, Luis, Fanie & Marcus from the camp. What a night to remember...

 

First two photos above - Any Fischer Band.

 

The Scottish speaking host of the rock fest, full of quirks...

 

Vana and The "Oh So Serious"

 

Son of a 1000

Wonderboom

 



Birds, what birds?

 

Came up with a bright spark idea to add some "activity" to our garden, so shovels came out and two bird baths and a bird feeder tray was erected. Looks very smart and everything, so when we got to town we even bought "wild bird seed", just to make sure we give the birds the correct food and not spoil them with human food which might not be good for them.

 

Well well, the birds love the baths - but have not yet had their turn to the feeder tray as their main competition is the squirrels and the monkeys. Who knew monkeys would eat hands full of bird seeds if there is nothing else available.

 

Well have now made our lives easier, bread and bananas it is :)

 

Very happy little fellow above. We'll see when Tokolosh figures out that mom has set up the perfect dinner trap for him...

 

Tiny little praying mantis came to visit. Dru put him down on the patio railing and off he went, until he got to a gap that had some cob webs and he stuck his leg in it. What a mission to get these sticky things off, luckily the humans helped.

 

 

A beautiful sunset from our back garden.

 

Driving home from the music festival. Southern Mozambique covered in mist.

Costa Do Sol Restaurant - Maputo

A mere 10km from the city of Maputo, Restaurante Costa do Sol is famous for seafood and the art deco architecture hotel – a Maputo landmark. Dine overlooking the beach, Xefina Island and the bay on freshly caught seafood and popular Greek dishes on the large and breezy porch or indoors. The exquisite views and palm lined beachfront makes Costa do Sol a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience.

 

Unfortunately in 2012 Costa Do Sol closed its doors and is now being developed as a hotel school. This landmark in Mozambican history will be missed by all tourists and locals who had the pleasure of ever dining here.

 

On the other hand onward and upwards, we hope that the new hotel school plan is a raging success and that we can still visit to try out all the new delights.

Winter is coming!

Bbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! No actually we are lying. The blankets were put away after the last winter and I just couldn't wait to get them out the minute I felt a slight chill in the air. It might have something to do with the velvety feel...

 

 They are addictive... as Tokolosh has demonstrated in the photos below.

 

The only thing that is a problem is this is Africa, so it never really gets THAT cold. Tokie had all the best intentions of curling himself into a bundle of fluff but not long and the nose and all four paws were sticking out as his little body could not tolerate the heat any longer.



 



 

Still, not a happy cat when mom interrupted his sleep by lifting some of the blanket off so he could breathe...

 

Hail Tokolosh the king of the castle, we mere mortal humans shall not forget our position of servants in the house. Fresh fish, loads of sleep and luxury comforts shall always be provided :)

Beautiful Nature at Zitundo Garden Machamba

 

Other than diving nothing can be more relaxing and calming than walking through a beautiful garden.

 

As per my previous post on our little home, I am vigorously working on turning my own little garden into a haven for both myself and all other creatures of which we have so many at Mamoli.

 

In the meantime though, the magnificent paradise of Zitundo Garden Machamba is just a stones throw away.

 

Gordon Kershaw has created a fantastic nursery business and is in the process of opening a small coffee shop/ beer garden concept right on the shore of the Zitundo lake.

 

You can feel free to be completely at nature at Gordon's who embraces nature unlike any other person I have ever met. This is a garden right out of heaven. You can't help but feel love, gratitude and humbleness the minute you step through the gate.

 

Keep your chin up Gordy! The whole community is rooting for you and we are all looking forward to those amazing potjiekos evenings and seeing what the next instalment of Zitundo Garden Machamba and Zee Spot will bring...