At the Organic and Fresh Produce Market...

... under the Elephant's Eye...

And continuing Phoctober, of course.

Note the mountain pretending to be an elephant - see it's beady eye - known locally as the Elephant's Eye cave.

It's a tough life in Africa... chilling in the midday sun...

Waterblommetjies - water hyacinths, from which we make Malay inspired stews (called bredies - see recipe) and soups.

As fresh as it gets...

Dr Boomslang (meaning Dr Treesnake) does his thing in the garden...
Want to know more about boomslangs?

A riot of colour...

Freshly baked breads, croissants, and pastries from Crocodeli...

It's not just about food... we're an arty and crafty lot too...

Recycle, recycle and watch out for those baboons who are ever-aware of an easy handout - and hence become highly problematical and ultimately aggressive.
But they were here before us.

And when you need to wash away the dust and the morning's activities, there's nothing that will blow the top of you head off quite like a cup of "moer koffie" - a traditional country coffee brew - you won't ever be the same again and even the girls will have hair on their chests...
"Moer" means to, well... beat up very badly...

Dried meats - biltong is similar to jerky but flavoured with coriander (a Malay influence), droë wors (pronounced "droo-ah vorce") is similar but made from sausages. Beef and game meats are used. Want a recipe?
South Africans thrive on "biltong, braaivleis ( i.e. bbq's - the word translates as "barbequed meat"), sunny skies and sport...

Which brings me to...

A keen rugby supporter! Who by this morning will not only be a happy man but will undoubtedly be sporting the mother of all hangovers. Why? Because...

WE WON THE RUGBY WORLD CUP!!!
YEAH! HOORAY! VIVA! GO THE BOKKE!

Huge congratulations to the Springbok team, the coach and the management staff!
The Web Ellis Trophy has come home again!

Here's hoping this happy event will act as something of a unifying force in what remains a divided and troubled land. May the power of a team become the power of a nation.

A jubilant Springbok rugby team with their president

Photo courtesy of the South African Sunday Times