Shisa

I worked on a township tour on Sunday hosted by the Sunday Times and led by Street Scene tours. I get out to the townships regularly, but this was a truly fascinating tour.

Check out Street Scene at http://www.streetscenetours.co.za/ and the Sunday Times http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/goodtimes/. I am going to be doing it again with Lucy and the kids. It really is that good although we might have to leave off the tavern.

Oh, and does anyone know where I can get a Knorrox shirt?

Beauty is the Beast

Such beautiful flowers on such a tough plant.

Sacred Ibis Sunrise

I woke up early. It was a trick of the bowel, but I was awake. Just over the building on front of where we live I could see the silver lining of what looked to be a spectacular sunrise. I thought of running out of the door to make a photograph but that little voice said 'You will miss it.' 


So I picked up my bag and ran out the door. Quietly of course, careful not to wake my beautiful pregnant wife. I was driving when I saw the moment which would have made a great photograph. Henri Cartier-Bresson and the decisive moment crossed my mind, but since I was up...


I was just about to pack it in when this flock of sacred ibis appeared. And vanished into the morning just as quickly. I managed to squeeze 3 frames and it was over. A great way to start the day.

Roadside Picnic Table

Doing the tourist stuff one does when with visitors, this a picnic site overlooking the Valley of 1000 Hills in a cold and dreary day. There is something about places like this which reminds me of road trips as kids, eating padkos (road food) and spending hours in the back of an old Peugeot 404.

And the desire to hit the road takes hold once more...

Mr Gampe

I learned much from Mr Gampe. I never understood much of what he said, but the wisdom of the man was tangible, inspiring. I will be going to visit him again.

Fishermen in Yellow

Dutyini, Mount Ayliff

I have been following Khaya Dlanga (@khayadlanga) on Twitter for some time now. I really enjoy his humour and his writing. I had read a few tweets with interest when he had left Johannesburg to visit Dutyini, Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape where he had lived as a child.

When a call came from the Mail and Guardian to photograph the town to illustrate a story he had written of this trip I jumped at the opportunity. For one thing I love a good road trip. And another, I love a good road trip with the opportunity to illustrate a fascinating story. So after a days delay due to snow (don't have that problem too often in South Africa) I set about finding Dutyini. And the rest is in the story.

The slideshow narrated by Khaya is here http://mg.co.za/multimedia/2011-07-28-homeward-unbound and the full story here http://mg.co.za/article/2011-07-29-urban-hipster-khaya-dlanga-heads-home.