Italy Travel Part II: Rome
Italy Travel Part II: Rome(continued)
Day 3 Saturday, 4 November 2017
Map Showing the Location of Rome
Visiting Rome on Day 3: Saturday, 4 November 2017
Visiting Rome(continued)
In the morning we left Victoria Terma Hotel and went to visit two more places in Rome City before we left for Pisa and Florence in the north.
Trevi Fountain, Rome
The first iconic landmark we visited in the morning was a well-known Baroque fountain, Trevi Fountain. It was built in the 1752-1762 period by several sculptors with the facade of Poli Palace as its backdrop.
Trevi Fountain was built in the 1732-1762 period by a few sculptors
Trevi Fountain viewed from right
Trevi Fountain seen from the left
Coins in Fountain-Pool
Visitors believe that if they throw coins into the fountain-pool after making one, two or three wishes their wish or wishes may be granted. Everyday many visitors throw about 30oo euro worth of coins into the water. The money collected is for subsidizing a supermarket for the poor.
Coins thrown by visitors into the fountain pool are worth 3000 euros a day
Spanish Steps
Having spent a short time at Trevi Fountain, we left and took a long walk to another place of interest known as Spanish Steps.
The Spanish Steps has 135 steps from the Spanish Square below to a Roman Catholic church, Trinita dei Monti, on top of Pincia Hill. The steps were built to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy below with the church on the hill.
Spanish Steps has 135 steps linking Spanish Square below and Church on top of Pincia Hill
Crowded Spanish Square
Spanish Square
In the Spanish Square there is a small fountain known as “Fountain of Ugly Boat”.
Fountain of Ugly Boat in Spanish Square
At about 11 a.m. we were lucky to hear a band on the Spanish Steps playing Italian music.
Band Playing Italian Music
Trinita dei Monti Church
The Roman Catholic church located on Pincia Hill is known as Trnita dei Monti Church. It was built to replace the old one that was constructed by King Louis XII in 1502 to celebrate his victory in the Battle of Naples. This church was consecrated in 1585.
Triniti dei Monti Church on Pincia Hill
Roman Obelisk
In front of the church is a Roman obelisk that was moved there in 1789.
Interior of Trinita dei Monti
Journey to Florence
Soon we left Rome for Florence in the north. On the way we stopped at two places. The first place was a shop, Autogrill Service Area in Val di Chiana, where we stopped to buy Italian food products for our loved ones back home(Malaysia).
Shopping at Autogrill, Val di Chiana
At 3.30 p.m. we arrived at the shop, Autogrill. It was a pleasure to shop at this well-stocked place and the tour members were spoiled for choice. Besides, the shop-assistants were friendly and helpful.
Shopping for Italian foodstuffs at Autogrill, Val di Chiana, Italy
Shopping at Autogrill, Val di Chiana
Francesca, friendly shop-assistant
Many kinds of foodstuffs at the shop
Writer befriends a shop-assistant, Andra
After spending an hour at the shop, we moved on.
Pierotucci Leather Factory
In the evening we arrived at a leather factory known as Pierotucci Leather Factory near Florence City.
Established in 1972, it produces genuine leather bags, jackets and accessories. Besides producing its own designs, it also produces those of others such as Dunhill, Valentino, Bally, Fratelli Rossetti, Cole-Haan and Hugo Boss.
Pierotucci Leather Factory Workshop, Florence
Leather Craftsmen
When we arrived at the factory, we were led into a workshop where expert craftsmen worked. As the workers had left the factory, a lady explained how a craftsman made a handbag. Then we were led to a showroom where many kinds of leather goods were displayed for sale.
Tour group at Pierotucci Leather Factory, Florence, Italy
Genuine leather for making bags, jackets and accessories
Factory showroom of leather-products
Genuine leather handbags in showroom
Genuine leather jackets in showroom
Genuine leather belts in showroom
“Authentic Florentine Steak”
A few of us bought some items and then left for dinner at a L’ema restaurant nearby to savour the “Authentic Florentine Steak”. Unfortunately, I could not finish the meat as it was too “rubbery”.
Tour group having “Authentic Florentine Steak” for dinner at a L’ema restaurant
Photo Session
At the restaurant I took the opportunity to take photos of the happy tour members and myself for remembrance.
Tye Family
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Low, Penny and Fong Eng
Mr. and Mrs. Lim
Mr. and Mrs. Lim
Mr. and Mrs. Look
Ai Lan and Mee Lan
Mr. and Mrs. Ho
Mr. and Mrs. Leow
Writer(Choo Chaw) and wife(Peng)
Hotel President, Prato
After the dinner we left and went to stay at a hotel, Hotel President, in Prato that is near Florence. We would be going to Pisa to see Leaning Tower of Pisa the following day.
Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Day 4: Sunday, 5 November 2017
Visiting Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa
Visiting Pisa and Florence on Day 4, Sunday, 5 November 2017
Rain in Pisa
In the morning we left our hotel. Hotel President near Florence and went west to Pisa. On arrival at Pisa, we walked in the rain from the coach parking area to Cathedral Square which was a few hundred metres away.
Pickpockets
On the way we came across some foreigners selling umbrellas and ponchos. They forewarned us that there were several pickpockets around, trying to steal tourists’ money. As we were walking to the square, we looked out for one another. Luckily, none of us fell prey to the pickpockets.
Walking in the rain to Leaning Tower of Pisa
Souvenir stalls along a street leading to Pisa Tower
Three Monumental Buildings
When we were in the square we saw three prominent monumental buildings, namely Baptistery of St. John, Cathedral of Pisa and a world’s famous leaning tower known as “Leaning Tower of Pisa”.
Cold and wet in Cathedral Square of Pisa
Baptistery of St. John
Baptistery of St. John is a Roman Catholic church that was built in Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles in the 1152-1363 period.
Three prominent buildings in Cathedral Square
Cathedral of Pisa
Cathedral of Pisa is in between Baptistery of St. John and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was built in Romanesque architectural style from 1063 until 1092 and dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Now it is the seat of Archbishop of Pisa
Cathedral of Pisa and Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The well-known tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is about 56 metres high was built in Romanesque architectural style. The builders took almost 200 years(1173-1372) to complete the construction. Unfortunately, the tower tilted slowly to as much as 5.5 degrees while they were building it. It was due to weak foundation on one side of the ground.
Leaning Tower of Pisa has tilted to about 3 degrees
Tower Tilting 5.5 Degrees
Later, frantic efforts were carried out to make the tower stand upright. But they could only reduce the leaning angle to about 3 degrees as we are seeing it now. I think it is because of its tilting nature that attracts the attention of millions of tourists every year.
Visiting Florence
Michelangelo Square
Michelangelo Square, Florence, Italy
In the afternoon we left Pisa and travelled east to Florence City. Before we entered the city, we went to Michelangelo Square on a small hill in the south. Standing at the square in the rain, we saw the beautiful city of Florence.
Panoramic view of Florence City from Michelangelo Square
Bronze Statue of David
In the square we saw a bronze statue of David which is a replica of Michelangelo’s marble statue of David.
Bronze statue of David in Michelangelo Square
Florence Square
When we entered the city centre, the first place we visited was a square known as Florence Square where we met a local guide, Virginia.
Virginia, Florence tour-guide talking to tour group
Florence Tour Guide, Virginia
In the square, Virginia brought us round and told us about the monumental buildings. some of which are shown below
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower
This huge cathedral with a red dome was built in 1296-1436 in Gothic architectural style. It is the largest one in Florence.
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower, the main Florence church
An entrance to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower, Florence
The interior of Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Close to the cathedral and built in Gothic architectural style from 1334 until 1359 is a tall tower, Giotto’s Bell Tower, that is about 85 metres tall. Visitors can climb up 414 steps to the top to see the whole city of Florence.
Giotto’s Bell Tower next to Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower in Florence Cathedral Square
Giotto Bell Tower, Florence
Baptistery of St. John
Another building near the cathedral is Baptistery of St. John in Romanesque architectural style. It was built in the 1059-1128 period in octagonal shape and has three bronze doors with relief sculptures. One of them was dubbed as “Door of Paradise” by Michelangelo.
Baptistery of St. John in Florence Cathedral Square
One of the three bronze doors of Baptistery of St. John
Signora Square
Then we walked a short distance to another place known as Signora Square. This square was the political focus of Florence for many years. On one side of the square an equestrian monument of Cosimo I(1519-1574) was erected in 1594.
Cosimo I Monument
Cosimo I was the 2nd. Duke of Florence from 1537 until 1569. The Fountain of Neptune near the monument was under repair.
Signoria Square, the political focus of Florence
Palazzo Vecchio
In the square there is a building, Palazzo Vecchio, which houses the town hall and a museum, too. It was built in the 13th. Century to show the importance of Florence and protect the magistrates of the city in times of turbulence.
Palazzo Vecchio, a town hall and museum
Statue of David
At the entrance of the building there is a statue of David which is a replica of Michelangelo(1475-1564)’s David statue on one side and statues of Hercules and Cacus by Baccio Bandinelli(1493-1560) on the other side.
Statues of David, Hercules and Cacus at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio
Signora Square, the political focus of Florence
Loggia dei Lanzi
Loggia dei Lanzi built in the 15th. Century is an open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures.
Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures
This building at Signora Square displays several beautiful sculptures. The photos below show some of them.
A bronze statue of Perseus holding Medusa’s head
Statue of a Male Lion belonging to Ferdino I of Medici(1549-1609)
“Hercules beating the Centaur Nessus” by Giovanni Bologna(1529-1608), a Flemish sculptor living in Italy
“Menelaus supporting the body of Petroclus” sculpture, a much restored Roman sculpture
“The Rape of Polyxena” by Pio Fedi(1815-1892), an Italian sculptor
Uffizi Gallery
Uffizi Gallery is behind Loggia dei Lanzi. It is a famous large museum that has 101 rooms displaying artworks, particularly, from the Italian Renaissance period. It attracts many visitors every year. About 2 million people entered the museum in 2016.
Uffizi Gallery, a famous museum of artworks, particularly, from the Italian Renaissance
Uffizi Gallery has niches in exterior columns that contain statues of important historical figures, such as Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Dante to name a few.
Michelangelo Buonarroti(1475-1564)
Michelangelo was born in Florence, He was a sculptor, painter, architect and poet. His famous sculptures include “David” and “Pieta”.
Michelangelo Buonarroti(1475-1564) was born in Florence. He was a sculptor, painter, architect and poet. His famous sculptures include “David” and “Pieta”.
Leonardo was an Italian polymath who had many areas of interest such as sculpture, painting, invention and astronomy. His famous paintings include “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper”.
Leonardo da Vinci(1452-1519) was an Italian polymath who had many areas of interest. His famous paintings include “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper”.
Galileo Galilei(1564-1642)
Galileo was also an Italian polymath who was interested in astronomy, physics, engineering, natural philosophy and Mathematics.
Galileo Galilei(1564-1642) was an Italian polymath interested in astronomy, physics, engineering, natural philosophy and Mathematics.
Dante Alighieri(1265-1321)
Dante Alighieri(1265-1321) was an Italian statesman, poet, language theorist and political theorist.
Ponte Vecchio(Old Bridge)
Ponte Vecchio is a 30 metre-long stone-bridge that spans River Arno. The first bridge was built in the Roman times. It had been destroyed by flood a few times and then reconstructed.
Ponte Vecchio is an old 30 metre-long stone-bridge spanning River Arno in Florence.
Shops have been built on the bridge selling jewellery and souvenirs to tourists.
Shops on Ponte Vecchio selling jewellery and souvenirs to tourists
Basilica Santo Croce
In the evening we left the old bridge, Ponte Vecchio, and walked for several minutes to a restaurant for dinner. On the way we came across a white cathedral, Basilica Santa Croce(Basilica of the Holy Cross), that housed the tombs of many influential Italians, including those of Michelangelo and Galileo. So it is also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories.
Built in the 1294-1385 period. it is the main principal Franciscan church and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic church.
Basilica Santo Croce that houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo
Hotel President, Prato, Florence
After dinner we went back to our hotel, Hotel President in Prato, to rest.
The following day, we left Florence for Venice.
Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Florence and Milan
Italy Travel Part IV: Venice
Italy Travel Part IV: Venice
Day 5: Monday, 6 November 2017
Journey from Florence to Venice
We left the Florence hotel, Hotel President, in the morning and travelled to Venice in the northeast of Italy.
Map of Italy showing the location of Venice
Visiting Venice on Day 5, Monday, 6 November 2017
Venice
Venice is built on more than 100 islands in a lagoon. The islands are separated by canals, straddled by over 400 bridges. A causeway, Bridge of Liberty(Ponte della Liberta), connects the mainland to a small island of Venice.
This causeway, Bridge of Liberty(Ponte Della Liberta), connects the mainland and a Venice island
Causeway
In the afternoon we arrived at the island of Venice after crossing the causeway from the mainland. Then we boarded a boat that took us to another but larger island, San Marco Island(St. Mark Island).
Tour group taking a boat to San Marco Island of Venice
Spectacular Views
While sailing to San Marco Island we saw a few large cruise ships and spectacular views of old medieval buildings, hotels and churches on some islands.
A large cruise ship bringing tourists to Venice
Tour group’s boat passing by a beautiful building, Hotel Hilton, on Giudecca Island of Venice
Old Venetian buildings along the waterfront of Dorsoduro Island of Venice
Photographing
While sailing to the island, we took the opportunity to take some photos of ourselves in the boat for remembrance. Below are a few of them.
Writer and wife
Raymond Low and wife
Mr. Tye and family
Some Ladies of Tour Group
Mr. and Mrs. Lim
San Marco Island of Venice
After a 20 minute boat-ride, we sighted San Marco Island with a prominent bell tower known as St. Mark’s Bell Tower. The view was stunning.
After a short boat riding, we sighted our destination, San Marco Island.
Soon we arrived and disembarked at the jetty of San Marco Island.
Tour group arriving on San Marco Island of Venice
Waterfront of San Marco Island
The waterfront is wide and about 1 metre above sea-level. Hence, it is prone to flooding whenever the tide is high. But tables kept on the waterfront are ready to be used by visitors if it is flooded.
Tables on the waterfront are ready to be used by visitors if there is a flood
Tables were used earlier by visitors queuing up to enter St. Mark Cathedral in San Marco Square.
Visitors standing on tables to prevent their feet from getting wet in flooded San Marco Square, Venice
Flood in Venice
A flood occurred in Venice on the following day after our visit.
Venice was flooded on Tuesday. 7 November 2017 when we were in Florence
Venetian Buildings
On the waterfront there are several rows of old Venetian buildings. Among them are Doge’s Palace(Palazzo Ducale) and a prison separated by a narrow canal.
Wide eastern waterfront of San Marco Island
Wide westerm waterfront of San Marco Island
Doges of Venice
Doges of Venice were chief magistrates and leaders with supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice. They were elected for life. Venice was under their rule from 697 until 1797 when France under Napoleon Bonaparte(1769-1821) captured it.
Doge’s Palace(Palazzo Ducale)
Doge’s Palace built in Gothic architectural style and established in 1340 was the residence of the Doge of Venice until 1797 when France took over Venice. Later, the palace was taken over by Austria when Venice was ruled by Austria. In 1866 Venice became part of Italy.
Since 1923 it has become an art museum.
Doge’s Palace(Left) and Old Prison(Right)
Bridge of Sighs
A bridge was built from Doge’s Palace to the prison next to it in 1614. Known as the Bridge of Sighs, it was built for criminals who were sentenced to jail. They had to walk across the bridge from Doge’s Palace where the court was situated to the prison.
While crossing the bridge, the criminals had a last look outside through the two windows, sighed and entered the prison to serve their sentences.
Bridge of Sighs links Doge’s Palace to the Old Prison
Writer and wife standing on a bridge, with the Bridge of Sighs in the background
Over 400 Bridges in Venice
There are over 400 bridges in Venice. Most of them are short, straddling narrow canals and different from each other in design.
A low bridge in Venice
A short and low bridge in Venice
A high bridge in Venice
Malaysian beauties on a Venetian bridge
San Giorgio Maggiore Church
Standing on the waterfront I looked across a waterway, the Grand Canal, and saw a large church on Dorsoduro Island. It is called San Giorgio Maggiore, a 16 th. Century Benedictine church built in Classical Renaissance architectural style in the 1566-1610 period.
San Giorgio Maggiore Church on Dorsodura Island of Venice
Venetian Ladies
On the waterfront we saw two ladies walking on stilts. They were dressed in traditional Venetian costumes and wearing masks. They were inviting visitors to take photos with them.
Venetian ladies in traditional costumes and wearing masks on waterfront
Venetian Masks
There were some souvenir stalls on the waterfront. The most common things they were selling were the Venetian masks.
Venetian masks are usually worn during the Carnival of Venice which is an annual festival in Venice. They may wear full-face masks or eye masks to hide their identity and social status.
Venetian full-face masks worn during the Carnival of Venice
Venetian eye-masks worn during the Carnival of Venice
Black Spaghetti for Lunch
When it was lunchtime, we went to a restaurant, Taverna dei Dogi, in an alley near St. Mark’s Square. We had black spaghetti or squid ink spaghetti, simple salad, fried squid rings and ice-cream for lunch.
Tour group having lunch at Taverna dei Dogi Restaurant, Venice
Interior of Taverna dei Dogi Restaurant, Venice
Black Spaghetti or Squid Ink Spaghetti
Simple Salad
Tasty Fried Squid Rings
Glass-Blowing Demonstration
After lunch, we walked to a glass-shop in Castello District which was nearby. At the shop we watched a glass-blower, Parlo, making a glass-object by traditional method. After the glass-blowing demonstration, we went to the glass showroom where many kinds of glass-objects were for sale, such as chandeliers, drinking glasses, glass figures, etc. But none of us bought any of them as it was troublesome to bring them home, 10 000 km away from Venice.
Glass-blower, Parlo, demonstrating traditional glass-making
Glass objects in different forms, sizes and colours for sale
Glass-shop assistant trying to sell Venetian glass-objects
St. Mark Square(Piazza San Marco)
Later, we went to the most important place in Venice. It is the centre for social, political and religious activities of the city. It is known as St. Mark’s Square(Piazza dei San Marco).
St. Mark’s Square is an important place for social, political and religious activities in Venice.
Malaysian tour group in St. Mark’s Square(Piazza San Marco), Venice
Group photo
St. Mark’s Bell Tower
In the centre of the square stands a tall tower, St. Mark’s Bell Tower. It is 98.6 metres tall and built in 1912 replacing the old one that collapsed in 1902. The first one was built in the 12th. Century as a watch-tower or lighthouse.
St. Mark’s Bell Tower built in 1912 to replace the old one that collapsed in 1902 is 98.6 metres high.
St. Mark’s Cathedral(Basilica dei San Marco)
On its western side is a large church, Basilica dei San Marco(St. Mark Cathedral). It was built in 978-1092 with five domes and five arches in front. It has a mixture of Italian, Byzantine and Gothic architectural styles.
It was built as a private chapel for the Doges until 1807 when the local bishop, Patriarch of Venice, took over in 1807.
St. Mark’s Cathedral(Basilica San Marco) built in 978-1092 houses St. Mark’s Treasure in St. Mark’s Square,
The Church houses St. Mark’s Treasure consisting of 293 items in gold, silver, glass and other precious materials from various sources like from Constatinople, Western art, of Islamic origin and others.
Gondola Ride
Finally, we went to a pond or small lake, Bacino Orseolo, near St. Mark’s Square to ride gondolas.
A gondola is Venetian iconic boat that looks like a canoe. Painted black, it is 11 metres long with comfortable seats and ornately decorated.
Bacino Orseolo is a place for gondola rides
Fellow tour members enjoying a gondola ride
10 000 Gondolas
About 200 years ago, there were approximately 10 000 gondolas, but now there are about 500 left. Those boats were the chief means of transportation in Venice in the olden days. Today most of them are used for carrying tourists who want to enjoy the ride.
Venetian gondolas at a mooring on Grand Canal, Venice
Bacino Orseolo
A tourist gondola can carry 6 persons and is rowed by a gondolier. My wife and I together with 4 members of the Tye family sat in a gondola at Bacino Orseolo, a small lake. Our seating in the gondola was decided by the gondolier as he did not want his boat to be tilted to one side
Writer, wife and Tye family enjoying gondola ride
Slow Gondola Ride
Shortly afterwards, we were moving away from the lake. The boat was moving slowly along narrow canals and part of the large canal known as Grand Canal, passing under low bridges.
Gondola moving into busy Grand Canal of Venice
Marco, the Gondolier
Our gondolier was Marco. We asked him to sing for us while he was rowing, but there was no response from him. Anyway, we enjoyed the sights and sounds of Venice as we were moving along the canals and under low bridges. The ride which lasted for about 20 minutes is a memorable one.
Marco is a skilful gondolier plying his trade since he was a teenager.
Gondoliers row their boats with skill and care in narrow canals
Low canal bridges are a problem for gondoliers during high tide.
Rialto Bridge(Ponte de Rialto)
While riding in a gondola on Grand Canal, we saw an iconic bridge of Venice known as Rialto Bridge. Constructed in 1591, it spans Grand Canal and connects San Marco Island and San Palo Island.
Rialto Bridge(Ponte de Rialto) spanning Grand Canal was constructed in 1591.
Departure for Venice Mainland
Soon we left Venice’s San Marco Island and returned to the mainland of Venice. Then we headed west to a hotel, Hotel Da Porto, along Viale del Sole to stay overnight before going to Verona and Milan in the north the following day.
Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part IV: Venice
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
Filed under: Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan, Italy Travel V(Final): Verona and Milan
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
Day 6: Tuesday, 7 November 2017
Map showing the location of Verona and Milan
Visiting Verona and Milan on Day 6: Tuesday, 7 November 2017
Visiting Verona
After breakfast at Hotel Da Porto near Venice, we headed west to Verona.
Verona has a population of about 260 000. It is a famous tourist destination due to its historical buildings, monuments and churches.
Arena
On arrival in Piazza Bra in Central Verona, we saw a circular Roman amphitheatre which is similar to the Colosseum in Rome. But its size is much smaller and is known as the Arena.
Arena, an amphitheatre for concerts and opera performances
Built in 30 A.D. for shows and gladiator games for 25 000 spectators, the Arena is now used for concerts and opera performances.
Palazzo Barbieri(Verona Town Hall)
Near the Arena is a yellow building known as Palazzo Barbieri. Built in neoclassical architectural style in the 1836-1848 period for staff associated with the occupying Austrian Army forces. it is now the city hall of Verona.
City Town Hall of Verona in the background
Shutterbugs Having a Field Day in Piazza Bra
Before we went to the next place we had some time off for taking photographs in the square, Piazza Bra.
Pretty ladies in a row
Gentlemen not to be outdone!
Juliet’s House
After that, we walked to a place which was a few hundred metres away. It was where a house that seemingly that belonged to Juliet was sited.
Juliet’s House in Verona
William Shakespeare’s Play, “Romeo and Juliet”
Romeo and Juliet were young lovers in William Shakespeare’s popular play, “Romeo and Juliet”. In the play, the families of Romeo and Juliet were enemies and therefore the lovers could not marry each other. Owing to unfortunate happenings, both drank poison and died. But their deaths made the two families end their feud.
Juliet’s Balcony
Juliet’s House
As Shakespeare had set the popular play in Verona and the owner of the house, Dal Cappello or Cappelletti, had the same name as Juliet’s family, people believed that the house was Juliet’s.
Writer’s wife with “Juliet”
Mr. and Mrs. Ho with “Juliet” in Verona
Mr. and Mrs. Tye with “Juliet”
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Low with “Juliet” in Verona
Juliet’s Balcony
The house has a balcony where Romeo and Juliet met and Romeo promised Juliet eternal love according to Shakespeare’s play. Besides, there is a life-sized bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard.
The statue was erected in the courtyard in 1972. It was created by a Veronese sculptor, Nereo Costatini.
Romantic visitors’ love notes and graffitis at the entrance
Inner walls of entrance to Juliet’s house are full of love notes, locks and graffitis left behind by romantic visitors
Entrance and Courtyard Walls
Young and old visitors like to rub the statue believing that they will get eternal happiness, youthfulness and love. Besides, they like to leave behind love notes, locks and graffitis on the entrance and courtyard walls.
Love notes and graffitis on wall of courtyard
Monument of Giuseppe Garibaldi(1807-1882)
While walking further away from Juliet’s house, I came across an equestrian monument of Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Garibaldi(1807-1882) who was a famous general played an important role in the unification of Italy.
The process of the unification began in 1815 and ended in 1871 when several different states united as the Kingdom of Italy.
Giuseppe Garibaldi(1807-1882), an Italian general who played an important role in the unification of Italy
Scaliger Tombs
Adjacent to Palazzo del Comune there is a small church, Santa Maria Antica Church. In 1200s the Scaliger family took it over and made it their private church. The Scaliger family is a group of lords ruling Verona. In 1300s they used the church compound as a burial ground for the Scaliger lords.
In front of the church within the iron-grilled enclosure, there are five tombs of Scaliger lords which are Gothic funerary monuments of the Scaliger family.
Santa Maria Church and Scaliger Tombs in the front court in Verona
Scaliger Tombs which are Gothic funerary monuments of the Scaliger Family in Verona
Visiting Milan, the last Destination
Later, we left Verona and moved on. We headed north-east to our final destination of the tour, i.e. Milan.
Victor Emmanuel II Gallery(Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II)
Soon we arrived in Milan and visited the oldest shopping mall in the world. Known as Victor Emmanuel II Gallery(Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II), it was built in the 1865-1877 period. The large building is covered with iron-glass roofs and a large glass dome in the centre.
An entrance to Victor Emmanuel II Gallery, Milan
Oldest shopping mall in the world
Brightly-lit interior of the Gallery
Coats of Arms
It houses shops, restaurants and hotels. There are four mosaics on the floor in the centre of the Gallery portraying the coats of arms of the three capitals of the Kingdom of Italy, namely, Turin, Florence and Rome plus Milan.
Mosaic on the floor of Victor Emmanuel II Gallery portraying the Turin’s coat of arms
The Three Spins
It is interesting to learn that if a person spins around three times on one of his/her heels on the testicles of the bull in the mosaic of the coat of arms of Turin, he/she will get good luck. I saw a few visitors trying their luck, but they all failed. I failed too when I tried.
A visitor trying the three spins on a bull’s testicles in mosaic on the floor
Milan Cathedral Square(Piazza Duomo)
Adjacent to the Gallery is a large open space known as Milan Cathedral Square(Piazza Duomo).
Milan Cathedral Square(Piazza Duomo)
Equestrian Statue of the First King of Italy
In the middle of the square there is a bronze equestrian statue of the first King of Italy Kingdom, Victor Emmanuel II(1820=1878) on a high pedestal.
Equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, the first King of the Kingdom of Italy
Milan Cathedral(Duomo di Milan)
On one side of the square near the Gallery stands a beautiful, majestic, Gothic cathedral, Milan Cathedral. The builders took over 600 years from 1386 to 1965 to complete constructing the Cathedral. With seating capacity of 40 000, it is the largest Roman Catholic church in Italy and the 3rd. in the world. The church is dedicated to St. Mary of the Nativity.
Beautiful, majestic Roman Catholic church, Milan Cathedral
Writer and wife in Milan Cathedral Square
Bronze Door
A large closed bronze door in the middle has 3-D figures depicting the life story of Jesus Christ. Some of them are shown below.
Birth of Jesus Christ
Mother and Child
Walk to Calvary Hill
Crucifixion
“Pieta”: Virgin Mary holding Jesus Christ’s dead body after his crucifixion
Ascension
Marble Sculptures
The exterior walls of the church and facade are full of marble sculptures. The figurines of the sculptures look like dolls from a distance. Here are some of them.
Small figures on and around window
Marble statues on wall of Milan Cathedral
Marble figures on column of Milan Cathedral
Sforza Castle
In the evening we left Milan Cathedral and Victor Emmanuel II Gallery for dinner. After dinner we walked to a historical castle known as Sforza Castle.
The original castle was built in the 14th. Century as a residence for lords. When it was destroyed in 1447, Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, rebuilt it in 1450 and made it as his residence. Later, it became a fort used by Spanish invaders and then Austrians.
Sforza Castle in Milan
After World War II(1939-1945), the badly damaged castle was reconstructed. It has been used for housing some museums since then.
Departure for Malaysia
For the last night in Italy, we stayed at Mercure Hotel. The following morning we left Milan and flew back to Malaysia, our home, via Hong Kong.
Addio, goodbye to Italy!
That was an enjoyable, educational and unforgettable trip in Italy.
Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
Writer’s List of Memorable Travels
Writer’s List of Travels
1. Africa
South Africa
South Africa Travel Part I: Air Flight from KLIA to Cape Town, Cape Town Shantytowns
South Africa Travel Part II: Table Mountain, Malay Quarter, Castle of Good Hope. A & V Waterfront
South Africa Travel Part III: Hermanus, Cheetah Outreach, Stellenbosch, Jewel Africa
South Africa Travel Part IV: Duiker Island of Seals, Cape Point, Boulders
South Africa Travel Part V: Cape Town to Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drives)
South Africa Travel Part VI: Sun City, Union Buildings, Vootrekker Monument
South Africa Travel Part VII: Kruger Museum, Church Square, Melrose Museum, Carnivore Restaurant
South Africa Travel Final Part: Gold Reef City: Gold Mine Museum
2. Australia:
Part I: Melbourne/Mornington Peninsula/Phillip Island),
3. China:
i. Beijing, Tianjin, Chengde Travel:
Part II: Beijing, Tianjin, Chengde
ii. China Relatives & Ancestral Places(Fujian Province)
Part I: Parents’ China Relatives
Part II: Hanjiang, Meizhou Island
iii. Hong Kong Travel
iv. Macau Travel
v. Shanghai Travel
Part I: Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing
Part II: Nanjing Bridge, Shanghai City, Shanghai Expo, Hangzhou
vi. Shenzhou, Hezhou, Quilin, Zhaoqing Travel
Part II: Quilin, Yangshuo, Zhaoqing, Shenzhen
vii. Taiwan Travel
Part II: Checheng, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Sanyi, Yehliu, Jioufen
viii. Yunnan Travel
Part I: Kunming, Jiu Xiang, Shilin, Dali
ix. Zhangjiajie Travel
Part I: Tianmen, Zhangjia jie, Wulingyuan, Tianzi, Yuangjiajie
Part II: Dragon King Cave, Shaoshan, Changsha, Macau
x. China Expedition 2013
3. Egypt Travel
Egypt Travel Part I :Salah el Din Citadel, Muhammad Ali Mosque, Tahrir Square and Egyptian Museum
Egypt Travel Part II :Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon
Egypt Travel Part III :Hot Air Balloons and Karnak Temple Complex
Egypt Travel Part IV :Papyrus Paper-Making, Luxor Temple and Esna Lock
Egypt Travel Part V :Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and Galabia Party
Egypt Travel Part VI :Abu Simbel Temples and Nubian Village(Elephantine Island)
Egypt Travel Part VII :Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple
Egypt Travel Part VIII:Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel, Moon Beach(Ras Sudr), and St. Catherine
Egypt Travel Part IX :Mount Sinai, Catherine’s Monastery and Sharm el Sheikh
Egypt Travel Part X :Sharm el Sheikh
Egypt Travel Part XI :Cairo Food, Saqqara Step Pyramid Complex and Memphis
Egypt Travel Part XII :Great Giza Pyramid Complex and Khan el Khalil Bazaar
4. Europe:
i. Western Europe Travel
Part I: Germany, Switzerland, France
Part II: France, Belgium, Holland, England
ii. Eastern Europe Travel
Part VI: Prague(Czech Republic)
5. Indonesia:
i. Bali Travel
6. Italy:
Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
7. Japan:
Part I: Osaka, Kyoto, Hamamatsu
Part II: Owakudani Valley, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo
8. Myanmar:
Part I: Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa
9. New Zealand:
10. South Korea
Part II: Sokcho, Everland, Dongdaemum, DMZ, Seoul
11. Singapore:
Singapore Heritage Trail
Part I: Chinatown, Little India
Part II: Malay Heritage, Civic District
12. Thailand:
i. Bangkok, Ayuthaya Travel
ii. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, The Golden Triangle Travel
Part I: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, The Golden Triangle
iv. Part I: Thailand (from China Ezpedition 2013)
13. U.S.A & Canada
i. East Coast
Part I: Philadeiphia, Washington D.C.
Part II: Niagara Falls, Toronto
Part III: Colborne, 1000 Islands, Ottawa
Part VII: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
ii. West Coast
Part II: San Francisco, Monterey Bay, Las Vegas
Part V: Premium Outlets(S. California)
Part VII: Hollywood Walk of Fame(Los Angeles)
Part VIII: Universal Studios Hollywood
Part IX: Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park
14. Vietnam
Hanoi Travel
Part II: Hoa Lo, Tam Coc, Hanoi
END
South Africa Travel Final Part: Gold Reef City: Gold Mine Museum
Filed under: South Africa Travel Final Part: Gold Reef City: Gold Mine Museum
South Africa Travel Final Part: Gold Reef City: Gold Mine Museum
Friday, 2 Dec 2016
Gold Reef City: Gold Mine Museum
This Friday was our last day in South Africa before we went back to Malaysia, our homeland, in the evening. But we had one more place to visit in the morning. It was a gold mine museum which was in a theme park known as Gold Reef City that was located 7 km south-west of Johannesburg City. The museum offered an underground mine tour.
Map showing gold rich area, Witwatersrand, and Gold Reef City Theme Park
Underground Gold Deposit
Witwatersrand region around Johannesburg City has the largest underground gold deposit in the world. 50% of the world’s gold production is from this region.
When gold was first discovered in 1886 in this region gold prospectors from within and without South Africa rushed to the place and started drilling for the underground gold.
Crown Mines Group
Crown Mines Group, one of the gold prospectors, started mining in 1916 at the place known as Shaft 14 which is now located in Gold Reef City Theme Park. It closed Shaft 14 in 1977 when the depth of the mining level had reached 3293 metres below the surface. In 1979, it donated the land to Rand Mines which turned it into a museum.
Crown Mines owned Shaft 14 and the diagram shows that gold had been mined to the level, 3293 metres below the surface.
Gold Mine Tour
After breakfast at Hotel Peermont Mondior that was near Johannesburg International Airport, we travelled to Gold Reef City, a theme park. When we reached the park, there were many people, young and old from all walks of life, waiting for the gate to be opened before they could go in and enjoy the kinds of thrills they liked inside.
Choo Chaw taking a photo at Hotel Peermont Mondior before leaving for Gold Mine Museum
People of all ages and from all walks of life waiting outside Gold Reef City where they could enjoy many thrills
Pictorial map showing the locations of different thrills and Gold Mine Museum Tour
When it was opened, we passed through it to get to the gold mine museum. The mine was originally owned by Crown Mines Group which started mining the place in 1916 and closed it in 1977 when the shaft known as Shaft 14 reached a depth of 3293 metres below the surface.
Entrance to Gold Reef City Theme Park and Gold Mine Museum which offers mine tour
Shaft 14
At the museum, a mine tour-guide greeted us and gave each of us a headlamp and safety-helmet. Then we followed him to Shaft 14, entered the shaft-cage or elevator which brought us to Level 2 that was 75 metres below the surface.
Headlamps and helmets were given to fellow-Malaysians before entering the underground gold mine.
Shaft 14 of Crown Mines has two shafts for transporting miners, equipment and materials from 1916 until 1977
Fellow-Malaysians entering Shaft 14 for an underground mine tour
Head-Frame and Winder
The cage was lowered into Shaft 14 by a cable that went round a tall head-frame and to a hoist-machine or winder outside the shaft.
Head-frame for lowering or hoisting up shaft-cage or elevator with the help of hoist-machine
Air-compressor(green) for pumping air into shafts and shaft-winder for lowering or hoisting cage or elevator in shafts
Acid Mine Water
Although the maximum depth of the mine was about 3293 metres underground, most of the shafts had been filled with acid mine water. The acid was produced when rain-water flowed into the shaft and reacted with sulfides of iron in the underground rocks.
Choo Chaw and wife visiting underground gold mine
Underground Mine Tour
At Level 2, our mine-guide gave us a good lesson on mining, uses of machines, safety measures, first-aid given to injured miners, etc.
Adit or tunnel
leading to a place or stope where gold-ore was excavated
Mine tour-guide giving mining lesson to fellow-Malaysians at Level 2 of Shaft 14
Fellow-Malaysians following the guide into the deep tunnel
Gold-Bearing Rocks
The rocks in the mine of Crown Mines consist of conglomerate pebbles, mostly of quartz, in sandy matrix with abundant pyrite(iron sulfide) in the cement. It is the cement that contains the gold and not the pebbles. Less than one gram of gold can be extracted from one ton of gold-bearing rock in the underground mine. But this amount varies from place to place.
Gold-bearing rocks in a tunnel at Level 2
Relics at Level 2
There were several relics of the mine left behind at Level 2 for visitors to see, such as locomotive, wagons, explosives, fuses, mercury arc rectifier and a few more.
Locomotive for pulling wagons loaded with rocks and equipment
A machine for loading gold-bearing rocks into wagons
Explosives for blasting gold-bearing rocks
An old mercury arc rectifier for converting alternating current into direct current for machines in the gold mine
Pump for getting rid of water in the underground mine
Mine-Workers’ Jobs
In the mine dummies were used to show visitors the jobs mine-workers used to do, e.g. drilling, taking attendance of workers and loading rocks.
A dummy resembling a mine-worker drilling rocks to break them up
A clerk in the mine taking attendance of mine-workers
First Aid
A space at Level 2 in the mine was used for treating injured workers when the mine was in operation.
A space in the mine for treating injured miners
Escape Routes
The mine tour-guide showed us the inclined shafts in the diagram which workers could walk up or down to go to another level or used them as escape routes for evacuation in case of explosion, tunnel collapse or other dangerous happenings in the underground mine.
The mine tour-guide showing the escape-routes for evacuation in the diagram at Level 2.
Inclined shaft for going to another level or evacuation when there is a dangerous happening
After an educational tour of the underground mine, we went back to the surface and waited for a hot liquid gold pouring demonstration in a room.
Relics left behind on the Ground by Crown Mines
While waiting for the demonstration, I looked around and saw some relics left behind by Crown Mines, e.g. locomotive, wagons, generators, water-pumps, winders, etc.
A locomotive for pulling wagons carrying rocks, equipment, workers, etc.
Pump used for pumping water out of mine
This machine pumped air into the underground mine
A wagon full of gold-bearing rocks
Old electric generator producing electricity for operating the mine
Gold Pour Demonstration
In the demonstration in a room, two men brought out a container of liquid gold from an oven with temperature of over 1063 degrees Celsius(melting point of gold is 1063 degree Celsius) and poured it into a mould. When gold solidified, it weighed about 12.5 kg.
Visitors watching a hot liquid gold pour demonstration
Oven heating gold to its melting point of 1063 degrees Celsius
Two men pouring liquid gold into a mould
Gold Ingot or Bar
After the demonstration, visitors were asked to see a gold ingot or bar in front. Everybody was eager to touch the precious, yellow metal. The bar was about 99.5% and weighed 12.5 kg. It was worth about USD540,000 at the rate of about USD43,000 per kg on 2 Dec 2016, the day we watched the gold pour demonstration.
Everybody wanted to touch the gold bar weighing 12.5 kg and worth USD540,000 at current price rate on 2 Dec 2016.
Photo with Mine Tour-Guide
Before we left the gold mine museum for Johannesburg International Airport, my wife and I took a photo with the friendly mine tour-guide.
Choo Chaw and wife taking a photo with the gold mine tour-guide at the mine museum
Johannesburg International Airport
At 10.30 a.m. we, finally, left the museum and headed straight for Johannesburg International Airport or O.R. Tambo International Airport named after Oliver Tambo, a former President of African National Congress, in 2006.
Fellow-Malaysians and Choo Chaw checking in and flying off at Johannesburg International Airport on 2 Dec 2016 for home
Departure for Homeland, Malaysia
After checking in and waiting for a few hours at the airport, we, at last, flew away from Johannesburg at 2.30 p.m. to return to our homeland, Malaysia.
A Mauritius plane carrying fellow-Malaysians and Choo Chaw flying away from Johannesburg to their homeland, Malaysia, on 2 Dec 2016
Air-route from Johannesburg to Kuala Lumpur taken by a Mauritius plane that carried fellow-Malaysians and Choo Chaw
An Unforgettable South African Tour from 28 Nov-2 Dec 2016
Well, that was an unforgettable tour in South Africa. We have gained quite a lot of knowledge about South Africa, like her landscapes, people’s way of life, wild animals, mining activities, and many more.
Thanks for reading about this tour and hope it is helpful to you, if you plan to make a trip there.
The End
Written by Choo Chaw
South Africa Travel Part I: Air Flight from KLIA to Cape Town, Cape Town Shantytowns
South Africa Travel Part II: Table Mountain, Malay Quarter, Castle of Good Hope. A & V Waterfront
South Africa Travel Part III: Hermanus, Cheetah Outreach, Stellenbosch, Jewel Africa
South Africa Travel Part V: Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drives/Safaris)
South Africa Travel Part VI: Sun City Resort, Union Buildings, Vootrekker Monument
South Africa Travel Part VII Kruger Museum, Church Square, Melrose House, Carnivore Restaurant
South Africa Travel Final Part Gold Reef City, Gold Mine Museum
South Africa Travel Part VII: Kruger Museum, Church Square, Melrose House, Carnivore Restaurant
South Africa Travel Part VII: Kruger Museum, Church Square, Melrose House, Carnivore Restaurant
(Continue from South Africa Part VI)
Day 6 Thursday, 1 Dec 2016
Kruger Museum
After a visit to Voortrekker Monument where we learned about the history of Voortrekker(Dutch-speaking pioneers), we went to the city of Pretoria and stopped in front of a house which was already closed in the evening. That single-storeyed, wooden, Victorian-styled house was built in 1884 as a private residence for Paul Kruger and his family. It was located along Nkomo Street.
Kruger Museum, a former residence of Paul Kruger, the 3rd. President of South African Republic(1883-1900)
Paul Kruger
Paul Kruger(1825-1904) was a Boer leader and former President of South African Republic(Transvaal) from 1883 until 1900. During the Second Boer War(1899-1902) between the British Empire and Kruger’s men(Boers) in South Africa he went into exile in Europe where he died in Switzerland in 1904. The British won the war in 1902.
The house was restored in its original form and in 1934 it was opened to public as a museum, Kruger Museum. In the museum, visitors can see many things belonging to Paul Kruger and his wife.
Statues of White Lions
As it was already closed when we arrived at the museum, we spent several minutes looking at its front. There were two statues of white lions in front of the entrance that attracted our attention. They were birthday gifts given on 10 Oct 1896 by a mining magnate, Barney Barnato, to Paul Kruger who was the President of South African Republic(Transvaal) then.
Two statues in front of Kruger Museum given as birthday gifts for Paul Kruger in 1896 by a mining magnate, Barney Barnato
Kruger Church
Looking across the road from the museum, I saw a church where Paul Kruger attended church services, frequently. It was officially opened by Paul Kruger in 1897. Originally, the church was known as The Dopper Church, and later Reformed Church Pretoria. But now it is known as Kruger Church.
Kruger Church, a place opposite Kruger Museum where Paul Kruger attended church services, frequently
Church Square
Then we went to another place in the old town of Pretoria. It was a market place in the olden days. Later, a succession of three churches were built and demolished in the centre of the area. The first church was built in 1857 and the last one was demolished in 1905. As three churches had been built there, the people of Pretoria called it Church Square.
Church Square, originally, a market place
Statue of Paul Kruger
In the centre of the square stands a statue of a former President of South African Republic(1883-1900) on a high plinth, Paul Kruger(1825-1904). It was erected there in memory of Paul Kruger, a Boer leader who fought against the British Empire for the independence of Transvaal and former President of Transvaal or South African Republic(1883-1900).
Statue of Paul Kruger at the centre of Church Square
Statue of Paul Kruger holding a walking-stick and wearing a hat on a high plinth in the centre of Church Square
Old Buildings
There are many old but historically and architecturally significant buildings sited around the square. They were built around the year 1900, such as Palace of Justice(1902, Tudor Chambers(1904), Old Council Chamber(1891), Old Nederlandsche Bank(1897), and General Post Office(1910).
Palace of Justice, is a high court where Nelson Mandela was put on Rivonial trial for treason in 1963-4
Tudor Chambers was built in 1904
Old Council Chamber was built in 1891
Old Nederlandsche Bank was built in 1897.
General Post Office was built in 1910.
Melrose House
After a short stay at Church Square, we went to Burgers Park in the centre of Pretoria City to see an elegant mansion built in 1886.
Known as Melrose House, it was owned by a wealthy businessman, George Jesse Heys. He and his family stayed there until it was taken over by the British forces that used it as military headquarters in 1900 during the Second Boer War(1899-1902). The war was fought between the Boers and the British soldiers. Boers were descendants of the Dutch-speaking settlers in South Africa. The war ended when the Treaty of Veereniging was signed on 31 May 1902 in the mansion which later became well-known.
Melrose House was built in 1886 as a private residence for Heys and is now a museum that exhibits the belongings of the Heys’ family and a room where the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed in 1902.
Melrose Museum
This beautiful house is now a museum that has many exhibits belonging to the Heys family, such as paintings by British artists, exquisite carpets, ornate ceilings and fireplaces, original furniture, stained glass-windows, and many more.. Besides, the museum has a room and table on which the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed in 1902. Annual antique markets are held on its premises.
When we arrived at the museum in the evening it was closed to public. So, all we could do was to look at it from outside its fence for a few minutes before we went off for dinner.
Carnivore Restaurant
For dinner, we travelled to a restaurant known as Carnivore Restaurant in Muldersdrift, Gauteng, Johannesburg, which was 50 km south-west of Church Square in Pretoria. It served exotic meat, i.e. meat of game or wild animals, such as zebra, crocodile, impala, and kudu.
Carnivore Restaurant located in Muldersdrift, Gauteng, Johannesburg, that served exotic meat
The restaurant had a large dining hall. While walking along a passage-way to the hall, we saw on both sides some wooden, life-sized statues of South African tribal chiefs and a politician, such as the following:
a. King Shaka(1787-1828) was an influential king of the Zulu Kingd0m. He was assassinated by his half-brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana, in 1828.
King Shaka III(1837-1923) was king of Ba Mangwato people of Bochuanaland(now Botswana)
b. King Mzilikazi(1790-1868) was the king of Matabele Kingdom which he founded. He was considered as one of the greatest African military leaders.
King Mzilikazi(1790-1868) was king of Matabele Kingdom he founded. He was considered as,one of the greatest African military leaders.
c. King Kgosi Mogale Mogale(1795-1869) was the king of Ba Po Ba Mogale Kingdom. His people remembered him for his bravery, diplomacy and leadership.
King Kgosi Mogale Mogale(1795-1869) was king of Ba Po Ba Mogale Kingdom. His people remembered him for his bravery, diplomacy and leadership.
d. King Moshoeshoe(1787-1879) was the first king of Basotholand(now Lesotho).
King Moshoeshoe(1787-1879) was the first king of Basotholand(now Lesotho).
e. King Khama III(1837-1923) was the king of Ba Mangwato people of Bechuanaland(now Botswana).
King Khama III(1837-1923) of Ba Mangwato people of Bechuanaland(now Botswana)
f. Mokope Modjadji(1936-2001) was the 5th. Rain Queen of the Balobeda tribe in Limpopo Province of South Africa from 1981 until 2001. Rain Queen was believed by her people to have special powers, like the ability to control clouds and rainfall.
Mokope Modjadji(1936-2001) was the 5th. Rain Queen of the Balobedu tribe on the Limpopo Province of South Africa from 1981 until 2001. Rain Queen was believed by her people to have special powers, like the ability to control clouds and rainfall.
g. Nelson Mandela(1918-2013) was an anti-apartheid activist, political prisoner for 27 years, politician, philanthropist and the first elected President of South Africa(1994-1999).
Nelson Mandela(1918-2013) was an anti-apartheid activist, political prisoner for 27 years, politician, philanthropist and first elected President of South Africa(1994-1999)
Dining Hall
In the dining hall of Carnivore Restaurant, we sat at the tables reserved for us. The hall was crowded with many diners from far and wide.
Dining Hall of Carnivore Restaurant, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, Johannesburg, South Africa
The dining hall of Carnivore Restaurant was crowded with diners from far and wide.
First Serving
A bowl of green-coloured soup and plate of bread and salad were first served to us. Then one waiter after another with different grilled exotic meat on long, large skewers came to our tables and cut a large piece of the meat for each of us.
A bowl of green-coloured soup and a plate of bread and salad were first served.
A waiter went from one diner to another offering exotic meat.
Another waiter came with another kind of exotic meat offering the diners the meat.
Exotic Meat for Dinner
The kinds of meat we were given for the dinner were zebra, impala, kudu, venison(deer) and crocodile. Domestic animals’ meat was served, too, namely chicken, lamb and beef. Most of us did not enjoy eating the exotic meat as some were tasteless, rubbery and tough.
The meat I liked was the crocodile meat which was soft and tender, and venison sausage and balls, too. Anyway, we, Malaysians, enjoyed the fellowship atmosphere while having dinner together at the restaurant.
A hot-plate of exotic meat of zebra, impala and kudu, and domestic animals’ meat of chicken and lamb, together with some vegetables
A piece of crocodile tasted better than other exotic meat as it was tender and soft, and tasted like chicken-meat.
Large Open-Air Stove
During dinner, I walked to a large open-air, circular stove in the centre of the dining hall. Large junks of meat of zebra, impala, kudu and crocodile on large skewers were roasted over the hot stove. Besides, domestic meat of chicken, beef and lamb were grilled over it.
Large junks of exotic meat were roasted over a large open-air, circular stove at Carnivore Restaurant
Large junks of exotic meat were roasted over a large open-air, circular stove at Carnivore Restaurant
A Picture of Game-Animals
There was a picture of four game-animals, zebra, kudu, impala and crocodile, near the stove, implying that the meat of those game-animals was for the dinner.
Meat of four game-animals, viz. zebra, kudu, impala and crocodile, was for the dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
Happy Mood Before Dinner
As our fellow-Malaysians were in happy mood before the dinner started at Carnivore Restaurant, I went round taking photos of them. See them in the photos below.
Fellow-Malaysians were in happy mood before dinner of exotic meat at Carnivore Restaurant
Fellow-Malaysians at another table were in happy mood before dinner of exotic meat at Carnivore Restaurant.
Fellow-Malaysians at the last table were in happy mood before the dinner of exotic meat at Carnivore Restaurant
Peermont Mondior Hotel
After dinner at Carnivore Restaurant, we left for a hotel, Peermont Mondior Hotel, which was 50 km south-east of the restaurant, but near Johannesburg International Airport or O.R. Tambo International Airport. We stayed there for a night and would leave for a gold mine museum in the morning.
Hotel Peermont Mondior where Malaysians stayed overnight near Johannesburg International Airport
(continue in South Africa Travel Final Part)
Written by Choo Chaw
South Africa Travel Part I: Air Flight from KLIA to Cape Town, Cape Town Shantytowns
South Africa Travel Part II: Table Mountain, Malay Quarter, Castle of Good Hope. A & V Waterfront
South Africa Travel Part III: Hermanus, Cheetah Outreach, Stellenbosch, Jewel Africa
South Africa Travel Part V: Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drives/Safaris)
South Africa Travel Part VI: Sun City Resort, Union Buildings, Vootrekker Monument
South Africa Travel Part VII Kruger Museum, Church Square, Melrose House, Carnivore Restaurant
South Africa Travel Final Part Gold Reef City, Gold Mine Museum
South Africa Travel Part VI : Sun City Resort, Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument
Filed under: South Africa Travel Part VI : Sun City, Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument
South Africa Travel Part VI : Sun City Resort, Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument
(Continue from South Africa Travel Part V)
Day 6 Thursday, 1 Dec 2016
Sun City Resort
After a game-drive(safari) in the morning in Pilanesberg National Park, we went to Sun City Resort located in a hilly area near the park.
Sun City Resort has four hotels with casinos ranging from 3 to 5 stars, world-class golf courses, a theme- park, a shopping centre, an artificial, sandy beach with palm-trees, two-metre high artificial waves, and many more.
Map showing location of Sun City Resort, Pretoria and Johannesburg
The Palace
On arrival at the resort, we had a glimpse of the 5-star hotel, The Palace, which looked like ancient Arabian buildings we see in Aladdin’s movies.
The Palace, a 5-star hotel with casino, in Sun City Resort, near Pilanesberg Natural Park, South Africa
Sun Central
Then we went to another building nearby, Sun Central, where visitors could shop. dine and play games. This building has hosted world-class conferences, national and world beauty-pageants, and other activities.
Johannesburg tour-guide, Graeme, talking about Sun City Resort to fellow-Malaysians
Front building of Sun Central, Sun City Resort, South Africa
Several eateries in a circle inside the Sun Central building
Elephant Statues
At the back of Sun Central, we saw sculptures of two rows of life-sized, grey elephants with long tusks. The place looked like an elephant garden.
Valley of Waves
There was an artificial sea and sandy beach with palm-trees in the Valley of Waves which was further away from the garden. Every 90 seconds, a two-metre high wave was created in the sea sending the swimmers to the beach.
Two rows of elephants in the Elephant Garden behind Sun Central, Sun City Resort
The Palace can be seen in the distance from the Elephant Garden, Sun Central, Sun City Resort
The Valley of Waves that has water, sandy beach, slides, large waves and palm trees
Union Buildings
We spent a short time at the resort and then travelled for two hours to Pretoria. When we reached the city, we went to the top of a hill, Meintjieskop where an important building was sited, Union Buildings. Built in neoclassical Italian renaissance architectural style in 1910 and completed in 1913, it is the seat of the government of South Africa and houses the President’s offices.
Union Buildings, built in 1910, is the seat of the government of South Africa and houses the President’s offices in Pretoria.
War Monument
Across the road in front of Union Buildings is a large, tall, cylindrical shaped structure with a bronze sculpture of two strong men taming a wild horse atop. It is erected there in memory of the South African soldiers who were killed in WW I(1914-1918) and WW II(1939-1945).
War Monument in memory of South African soldiers killed in WW I(1914-1918) and WW II(1939-1845)
Statue of Nelson Mandela
There are terraced, manicured gardens down the slope where a large, tall statue stands. It is the statue of the first elected President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela(1918-2013) unveiled on 16 Dec 2013, 11 days after his death. He held the office from 1994 until 1999.
Guni, fellow-Malaysian, standing with a V-sign in front of a 9-metre tall statue of Nelson Mandela at Union Buildings, Pretoria
A fellow-Malaysian couple standing in front of the tall statue of Nelson Mandela at Union Buildings, Pretoria
Chan Chee and wife, fellow-Malaysians, standing in front of the tall statue of Nelson Mandela
City of Pretoria
The statue of Nelson Mandela standing tall with open arms in the terraced garden on a slope in front of Union Buildings is facing the city of Pretoria in the distance and the scenery is picturesque.
The statue of Nelson Mandela facing the picturesque city of Pretoria
New Friends
In the garden I was surprised to see three of our fellow-Malaysians make friends with strangers, easily, and they took a photo with them, too.
Four fellow-Malaysians made new friends, easily, at Union Buildings, Pretoria, South Africa
We spent an hour at Union Buildings keeping our cameras and phone-cameras busy.
Voortrekker Monument
Soon we left Union Buildings and went to a historic monument known as Voortrekker Monument located on a hill that is south of the city of Pretoria.
The Great Trek(1835-1854)
Voortrekker Monument was erected in memory of more the 10000 Voortrekkers(Dutch-speaking pioneers) who trekked across treacherous terrains from Cape Colony to the interior inhabited by unfriendly indigenous peoples in north-east of South Africa. They were in search of a homeland that was fertile for farming and free from the British rule. The exodus known as the Great Trek occurred between 1835 and 1854.
Map showing the routes of the Great Trek(1835-1854) taken by the Voortrekkers
Voortrekker Monument in memory of the Voortrekkers involved in the Great Trek(1835-1854)
Hall of Heroes
There are two halls in the monument, Hall of Heroes and Hall of Cenotaph. Fixed on the walls in the Hall of Heroes in the monument is a long frieze with 27 panels depicting the exodus of the Voortrekkers in the Great Trek, battles fought and treaties signed between the Voortrekkers and indigenous peoples, etc.
Over 10000 Voortrekkers, mostly farmers, moved to the interior in South Africa in search of new homeland free from the British rule in Cape Colony.
Voortrekkers encountered treacherous terrains in the Great Trek(1835-1854)
Battle of Blood River(1838)
The Voortrekkers in the Great Trek encountered many battles with the indigenous peoples resulting in many casualties. The well-known battle in the Great Trek was the Battle of Blood River that happened on 16 Dec 1838. It was fought between 470 Voortrekkers and between 15000 and 21000 Zulu attackers on the bank of Ncome River on 16 Dec 1838 resulting in 3000 Zulu casualties and 3 wounded Voortrekker commandos. The battle was won by the Voortrekkers.
Frequent battles between Voortrekkers and indigenous peoples in the Great Trek(1835-1854)
Historical Battle of Blood River on 16 Dec 1838 between 15000-21000 Zulu attackers and 470 Voortrekkers
The Vow
Before the Battle of Blood River on 16 Dec 1838, the Voortrekker men made a public vow together. A tablet in the compound of Voortrekker Monument carries the inscription of The Vow.
The Voortrekkers vowed to God that if He helped them to win the war, they would make that day like a holy Sabbath and build a house to worship Him. Besides, they would tell their future generations to glorify and honour Him.
The Voortrekkers made a public vow together before the Battle of Blood River on 16 Dec 1838.
The Vow was made by the Voortrekker men before the Battle of Blood River was fought on 16 Dec 1838.
Treaties
After some battles, peace treaties were signed between the indigenous chiefs and Voortrekker leaders.
After some battles, treaties were signed between indigenous chiefs and Voortrekker leaders.
Hall of Cenotaph
In the Hall of Cenotaph which is below the Hall of Heroes, there is a cenotaph in the centre with an inscription in Afrikaans, “ONS VIR JOU SUID AFRIKA”(“We for thee, South Africa”). On 16 December every year, sunlight passes through a round glass-dome in the ceiling in Hall of Heroes and the dome focuses the light onto the words on the cenotaph at noon. The date has to do with that of the Voortrekkers’ victorious Battle of Blood River which was fought on 16 Dec 1838.
The glass dome focuses the sunlight onto the words on the cenotaph below at noon on 16 Dec every year. The white spot in the dome is the image of the sun.
A focused sunlight strikes the top of the Cenotaph at 4.57 p.m. on 1 Dec 2916 when I was there, in Voortrekker Monument.
Voortrekker Woman
A bronze sculpture of a woman with her two children is erected at the base of Voortrekker Monument in recognition of the contributions, perseverance, courage and sacrifices of the Voortrekker women during the Great Trek(1835-1854).
A scuplture of a Voortrekker woman and her children erected at the base of Voortrekker Monument in recognition of the contributions, perseverance and sacrifices of the Voortrekker women during the Great Trek(1835-1854)
Voortrekker women helped men to load gun-powder and nursed the wounded during the battles against the natives.
Top of Voortrekker Monument
In the Hall of Heroes, we took a lift to the top of the monument which was more than 40 metres high. In the corridor of the monument top, the arches and walls were built in geometrical designs. Looking from the top, we could see a breathtaking view of the city of Pretoria and its surroundings.
Arches of the top of Voortrekker Monument are built with a geometrical design.
Some parts of the walls of the top of the monument have a common geometrical design.
Choo Chaw(middle), wife(left) and Guni(right, a fellow-Malaysian) in the corridor of the top of Voortrekker Monument on 1 Dec 2016
Voortrekkers’ Wagons
Before we left Voortrekker Monument, I saw a wagon near the bottom of the steps of the monument. It was a replica of the ox-drawn wagons used in the Great Trek(1835-1854). Besides transporting heavy things, those wagons were arranged in a circle or laager as a defence against surprise attacks from the indigenous peoples in the interior of South Africa.
Voortrekkers used this kind of wagon to carry heavy things and arranged many of them in a circle as a defence against surprise attacks in the interior of South Africa.
We left Voortrekker Monument at 5.20 p.m. after spending an hour there. We have learned a lot about the history of Voortrekkers at the monument.
We would visit three more places, Kruger Museum, Church Square and Melrose House, before we had dinner at Carnivore Restaurant.
(continue in South Africa Travel Part VII)
Written by Choo Chaw
South Africa Travel Part I: Air Flight from KLIA to Cape Town, Cape Town Shantytowns
South Africa Travel Part II: Table Mountain, Malay Quarter, Castle of Good Hope. A & V Waterfront
South Africa Travel Part III: Hermanus, Cheetah Outreach, Stellenbosch, Jewel Africa
South Africa Travel Part V: Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drives)
South Africa Travel Part VI: Sun City Resort, Union Buildings, Vootrekker Monument,
South Africa Travel Part VII Kruger Museum, Church Square, Melrose House, Carnivore Restaurant
South Africa Travel Final Part Gold Reef City: Gold Mine Museum
South Africa Travel Part V: Cape Town to Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drives)
Filed under: Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drives), South Africa Travel Part V: Cape Town to Johannesburg
South Africa Travel Part V: Cape Town to Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drives)
(continue from South Africa Travel Part IV)
Day 5 Wednesday, 30 November 2016
Departure for Johannesburg from Cape Town
For the past few days we had visited many places in Cape Town City, east of the city and Cape Peninsula. Our next tour would be visiting interesting places in northern part of South Africa.
Malaysians flying from Cape Town to Johannesburg
Early in the morning of 30 Nov 2016, we left the hotel, Southern Sun Hotel in the city, and went to Cape Town International Airport. From the airport, we would fly to Johannesburg, 1262 km in the north-east, for another tour in the north of South Africa.
Farewell to Cape Town Tour Guide, Cindy
Before we flew off to Johannesburg we thanked and said farewell to our Cape Town tour guide, Cindy.
Some fellow-Malaysians taking a farewell photo with Cindy(3rd. person from the left in 2nd. row), the Cape Town tour guide, at Cape Town International Airport
Johannesburg Tour Guide, Graeme
At 9.30 a.m. our plane, a British Airways, finally departed Cape Town Two hours later, we landed at Johannesburg International Airport and were welcomed by a local tour guide, Graeme.
British Airways plane to Johannesburg
Johannesburg tour guide(R), Graeme, welcoming Malaysian tour leader(L) at airport
Lunch at Jasmine Palace, Pretoria
Then his coach drove us northwards to Pretoria, a distance of 54 km. On arrival at Pretoria at 1 p.m., we had lunch at a Chinese restaurant, Jasmine Palace.
Jasmine Palace Restaurant at Pretoria
Pilanesberg National Park
After lunch we continued our journey to a well-known national park, Pilanesberg National Park, which was 160 km north-west of Pretoria. It was that place that we would want to watch wild animals, especially the “Big 5”, and birds.
Pilanesberg Natural Park in a Crater
This park is in a crater of an extinct, large volcano surrounded by rings of hills that are formed from solidified magma exposed by weathering and erosion. The last time the volcano erupted was 1.2 billion years ago.
Pilanesberg National Park is in a crater of a large volcano that is extinct since 1.2 billion years ago. A home to 50 species of wild animals and 354 species of both migrant and non-migrant birds.
Now, the park is an area of about 570 sq. km of diverse vegetation and home to over 10 000 protected wild animals of 50 species and 354 species of migrant and non-migrant birds.
Bakubung Lodge, Pilanesberg National Park
The park has a few lodges and camps for tourists to stay and offer game-drives(safaris). In a game-drive, they use their vehicles to bring tourists to the park to see wild animals, including the “Big 5” of lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Bakubung Lodge is one of them where we stayed overnight. It is surrounded by an electrified fence to keep out wild animals.
Bakubung Lodge provides accommodation and game-drives(safaris)
Accommodation for tourists at Bakubung Lodge in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
Main gate of Bakubung Lodge, Pilanesberg National Park
Electrified fence round Bakubung Lodge in Pilanesberg National Park to keep out wild animals
Late Afternoon Game-Drive(Safari)
At 4 p.m on the first day of our arrival in Pilanesberg National Park, 30 Nov 2016, we checked in at Bakubung Lodge and half an hour later, we began our late afternoon game-drive(safari) in the park.
Malaysians checked in at Bakubung Lodge on 30 Nov 2016
Jill, a Game-Ranger
A game-ranger of the lodge, Jill, drove seven of us in her 4×4 jeep while the other 21 fellow-Malaysians were driven by another game ranger in a large truck.
Game-Ranger(L) and Choo Chaw’s wife
Six fellow-Malaysians in Jill’s jeep were ready for a late afternoon game-drive
As the game rangers drove their vehicles on dirt roads in the park they informed each other the places where animals were sighted through communication devices.
Game-rangers would inform each other the locations of animals they sighted
Animals in the Park
The first kind of animals we saw were some zebras grazing on a grassland. As Jill was driving further we felt excited seeing other kinds of wild animals, namely wildebeests, impalas, lions, rhinos and elephants.
Zebras
There are about 1700 zebras in Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa. Their enemies are lions, crocodiles, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas.
Some zebras grazing in savanna
There are about 2000 zebras in Pilanesberg National Park
Wildebeests
There are about 500 wildebeests in the park and are hunted by lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas.
Wildebeests grazing on savanna(grassland)
There were less than 1000 wildebeests in Pilanesberg National Park
Impalas
Impalas form the largest group of mammals in the park. Its total is about 3000. Like zebras and wildebeests they have the same predators.
Some impalas grazing in savanna
Lions
Lions are difficult to be spotted as there are about 50 of them in the park. We were lucky to watch one that came close to our jeep without fear and then walked away to the bushes on a sunny day, 30 Nov 2016.
Lion walking close to vehicle without fear
Now 1.5 million impalas remain in Africa
Jackal
A jackal was sighted at a small lake or water-hole. Its back was black. Black-backed jackals are considered the most aggressive of the jackals as it is known to attack animal prey many times its weight.
A black-backed jackal at a lake
Rhinos
The number of rhinos is decreasing, annually. Poachers kill them for their horns which are sold in East Asian countries, like China and Vietnam. The people in these countries believe that the horns can treat many ailments, like cancer, rheumatism, gout, fever, typhoid and other diseases.
According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “rhino horn is made up primarily of keratin – a protein found in hair, fingernails and animal hooves”.
Mother rhino and calf eating grass
Elephants
About 220 elephants live in the park. These are the largest mammals in the park. An adult eats about 150 kg of foliage and drinks 40 litres of water a day. Poachers kill them for their ivory-tusks.
Elephant and calf foraging on a hillslope
Young male elephants are forced to leave their families and live alone or together with other young ones when they reach puberty at the age of 14-15 years old.
A young elephant roaming alone on a hillslope as it had reached puberty(14-15 years old)
Night-Time
When night fell, Jill tried to look for more animals with her spot-lamp. Several minutes later, she spotted a few impalas crossing the road we were travelling.
Impala abd her fawn spotted on a road when night fell
Animals seen in Late Afternoon Game-Drive
At about 8 p.m. Jill ended the late afternoon game-drive. Then I recalled the animals that we had spotted in the late afternoon. They were zebras, wildebeests, impalas, a lion, a jackal, rhinos and elephants. But we had not seen leopards and buffaloes belonging to the “Big 5” yet. We hoped to see them the following day.
Lots of Food for Dinner
After the late afternoon game-drive we went to a village to have dinner of native food. There was a lot of “free” food to eat, but we had to pay for drinks, like soft-drinks, beer and wine.
Lots of meat for dinner
Vegetables for dinner
Lots of Drinks for Sale
Diners were spoilt for choice as there were so many kinds of drinks, but they had to pay for any drinks they chose.
Soft-drinks for sale to diners
Beer for sale to diners
Wine for sale to diners
Dancing and Singing
While we were having the meal young native boys and girls danced and sang for us. Earlier, those children welcomed us for dinner. After dinner we were driven back to the lodge where we stayed overnight.
Young native boys and girls dancing and singing to welcome tourists for dinner.
and entertaining them at the meal
Day 6 Thursday, 1 Dec 2016
Morning Game-Drive
On the early following morning, Jill brought us to another part of the park for the morning game-drive(safari). In that part of the park, she told us the types of plants eaten by animals and some, like camomile flowers, were used as insect-repellents by animals.
Jill told the Malaysians about the plant with thorns that was eaten by elephants
Jill said that those camomile flowers could be an insect-repellent for animals that rubbed against them
Elephants’ Digestion
Elephants are herbivores. They eat a lot of plants every day as 40% of the food is digested and their dung still contains 60% undigested food. Jill showed us a beetle that loved elephant-dung. She said that it would make the dung into a small ball and rolled it backward to its nest.
Jill told Malaysians that 60% of the ingested food was not digested by elephants.
Jill showed Malaysians a beetle that loved to take home elephant-dung.
Foot-Prints of Animals
Besides, Jill showed us some foot-prints on road-sides and told us the animals that had those foot-prints. Every time Jill stepped out of her jeep to show us plants or foot-prints, we, Malaysians tourists sitting in her vehicle, were worried for her safety in Pilanesberg National Park where wild animals were lurking.
Jill showed the Malaysians in her jeep the foot-print of a lion.
Hide
Jill brought us to a hide to watch a few kinds of water-birds, e.g. herons, egrets, eagles, cormorants and kingfishers at a water-hole, and large lake where hippos lived and other animals quenched their thirst.
Malaysian tourists in this hide could watch water-birds and animals at a lake.
Birds in this picture can be seen in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
A water-hole that attracted local and migrant birds, and animals, too
This large lake attracted many birds and animals that went for a drink. Two hippos were spotted in the water.
In the morning game-drive we saw the same animals on the previous day and three more kinds, i.e. giraffes, kudus and sable antelope.
Giraffes
Two young giraffes were seen by us eating leaves on the trees on a hillslope on the morning of 1 Dec 2016.. An adult eats about 34 kg of foliage a day. The number of these mammals that remain in Africa is about 98000 but about 170 live in Pilanesberg National Park.
Two young giraffes eating leaves on a hillslope. About 98000 giraffes live in Africa and 170 in Pilanesberg National Park
Kudus
There are about 600 kudus living in Pilanesberg National Park. The males have long, spiral horns whereas the females have no horns.
A female kudu eating leaves.
Sable Antelope
A sable antelope was a rare sight in Pilanesberg National Park. It had two long. curved horns and could weigh as much as 250 kg.
A sable antelope was a rare sight in Pilanesberg National Park. It had two long, curved horns and its body weight could be about 250 kg.
Rest-Place
Each game-drive lasted for 3-4 hours and had a short break at a rest-place where the game-rangers would offer us drinks and snacks. Then the game-drive resumed.
A rest-place for tourists to take a break during a 3-4 hour game-drive(safari)
Jill. a park ranger, preparing drinks and snacks for Choo Chaw and fellow-Malaysians at a rest-place
Time for Photographing
Malaysians took an opportunity for photographing at the rest-place.
Fellow-Malaysians enjoying drinks and snack at a rest-place in Pilanesberg Park
Fellow-Malaysians having “wefie” with Jill, a park-ranger, at a rest-place
Group photo of Malaysians with at a rest-place in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa
“Big 5”
When the morning game-drive ended at 8.40 a.m. we felt disappointed for not being able to spot all the five animals in the “Big 5”. We failed to see leopards and buffaloes in the two game-drives(safaris) in Pilanesberg National Park. But we were happy to have seen many kinds of animals not listed in the “Big 5”.
Departure for Sun City
At 10 a.m. we left Pilanesberg National Park for Sun City which was nearby, and then to more places.
(continue in South Africa Travel Part VI)
Written by Choo Chaw
South Africa Travel Part I: Air Flight from KLIA to Cape Town, Cape Town Shantytowns
South Africa Travel Part II: Table Mountain, Malay Quarter, Castle of Good Hope. A & V Waterfront
South Africa Travel Part III: Hermanus, Cheetah Outreach, Stellenbosch, Jewel Africa
South Africa Travel Part V: Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drives)
South Africa Travel Part VI: Sun City, Union Buildings, Vootrekker Monument
South Africa Travel Part VII Kruger Museum, Church Square, Melrose Museum, Carnivore Restaurant
South Africa Travel Final Part Gold Reef City: Gold Mine Museum
South Africa Travel Part IV: Maiden’s Cove, Hout Bay, Duiker Island(Seals), Boulders, Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope
Filed under: Boulders, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, Duiker Island(Seals), Hout Bay, South Africa Travel Part IV: Maiden's Cove
South Africa Travel Part IV: Maiden’s Cove, Hout Bay, Duiker Island(Seals), Boulders, Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope
(continue from South Africa Travel Part III)
Map showing Maiden’ Cove, Hout Bay, Fish Hoek, Boulders, Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
Day 4 Tuesday, 29 Nov 2016
Today we were going to several places on Cape Peninsula.
Maiden’s Cove
At 8 a.m. we left Southern Sun Hotel in Cape Town City for Hout Bay where we would see Cape Fur seals on a small island, Duiker Island.
On the way, after 30 minutes on the road, we stopped for awhile at a place known as Maiden’s Cove. It was a place where we could see Table Mountain and 12 peaks known as “The 12 Apostles” in the distance. Besides, we could see Clifton, a town where wealthy people lived, and Camp’s Bay Beach that was considered as the best beach in the world. The whole scenery was stunning.
Beautiful scenery of “12 Apostles”, Camp’s Bay and Clifton Town
Fellow-Malaysians at Maiden’s Cove enjoying sunshine and sea-breeze
Choo Chaw and wife at Maiden’s Cove on 29 Nov 2016
High Unemployment Rate of the Black
Then we continued our journey to Hout Bay. Not long, we saw some young Black people along a busy road. The tour guide told us that they were waiting for motorists to stop by and offer them odd jobs, like plumbing, painting, gardening, plastering, welding, etc.
Unemployment rate among young Black people in South Africa is high, e.g. 53.6 % in 2013. One factor is due to their lower level of education.
Young people waiting for jobs
Hout Bay, Duiker Island
Soon we reached Hout Bay Town. While walking to Hout Bay Wharf, we saw a row of stalls selling souvenirs with local themes.
Souvenir stalls at Hout Bay Wharf
Arts and crafts for sale
Souvenirs with local themes for sale
Sculptures of animals for sale
Hout Bay, a Picturesque Place
As we were waiting for a boat at Hout Wharf to take us to a small island, Duiker Island, to see seals, we looked around us. We saw the bay, harbour, marina, the landscape around the bay and tourist boats that went and returned from the seal island. It was a quaint and picturesque place.
Hout Bay Harbour
Hout Bay Marina
Sentinel at the entrance of Hout Bay
Calypso
At 9.30 a.m.we boarded a boat that could carry 100 passengers, Calypso, at the wharf and sailed to a small island nearby, Duiker Island in Atlantic Ocean, where a few hundred seals live. As the boat was sailing to the island, we saw the beautiful scenery of Hout Bay and its surroundings, slowly, moving away from us.
Calypso, a boat that would bring passengers to Duiker Island to see seals
Fellow-Malaysians waiting for a boat. Calypso, to take them to Duiker Island to see seals
Pituresque Hout Bay as seen from boat, Calypso
“Titanic”
On the boat my wife who stood in front, surprisingly, re-enacted the iconic action of an actress, Kate Winslet, on a ship in a well-known movie, “Titanic” produced in 1997.
My wife, seemingly, on a ship, “Titanic”, re-enacted the iconic action of Kate Winslet in a 1997 movie, “Titanic”.
Duiker Island of Seals
Twenty minutes later after leaving the wharf, we came to the dirty-looking island, Duiker Island. A few hundreds of Cape Fur seals were seen basking in the sun.
Duiker Island, a dirty-looking island full of Cape Fur Seals
Cape Fur Seals basking in the sun
Choppy Atlantic Ocean
As our boat could not go near the island we saw the mammals about 100 metres away. There were a few boats with tourists near the island, too. But all the boats tried to stay between the island and the mainland as the Atlantic Ocean on the other side of the island was choppy.
Tourists watching seals on Duiker Island
Nauticat, a boat carrying tourists to Duiker Island
Having watched the seals for about 20 minutes, we returned to Hout Bay and went to another destination known as Boulders to see African Penguins
Fish Hoek
On the way to Boulders, we stopped at a spot on a high ground, Chapman’ View Point, to have a last look of Hout Bay, a picturesque place. Then we moved on to Fish Hoek to have sea-food for lunch.
Spectacular view of Hout Bay as seen from a distance on a high ground of Chapman’s Peak
The Galley Restaurant
At 12.30 p.m. we arrived at a restaurant, The Galley Restaurant, at Fish Hoek Beach. We had a delicious sea-food of fried crayfish and prawns for lunch and tasty ice-cream at the end of the meal. The staff was friendly and helpful. In fact, the owner of the restaurant went round greeting us and was willing to take a photo with my wife and I.
The Galley Restaurant at Fish Hoek Beach
The Galley Restaurant served many kinds of dishes, e.g. fried crayfish and prawn as shown in photo
Ice-Cream at the end of lunch
Choo Chaw and wife having lunch together with Seng and wife at The Galley Restaurant
The friendly owner of The Galley Restaurant, Fish Hoek, South Africa
Board of Foreign Currencies
After lunch, as we went out of the restaurant, we were attracted by a board on a wall near the exit door. It was full of foreign currencies put up by its former customers. Out of curiosity, I looked for the currency of my country, Malaysia, and was surprised to see two Malaysian banknotes of denominations, RM 1 and RM 10, pinned onto the board. It was a testimony that other Malaysians did visit Fish Hoek Beach in South Africa.
Foreign currencies pinned on a board by foreign customers of The Galley Restaurant
Seagulls
Outside the restaurant, we spent a few minutes at the white, sandy beach, Fish Hoek Beach, enjoying the sunshine and sea-breeze, and the scenery, too. At the same time some of our fellow-Malaysians were playing with the active seagulls without fear of receiving a “gift” from them.
Sunshine and sea-breeze at Fish Hoek Beach
Fellow-Malaysians playing with seagulls
Sandy Fish Hoek Beach and turquoise Fish Hoek Bay
Simon’s Town
Boulders was our next destination. We travelled south of Fish Hoek, passed through Simon’s Town and arrived at Boulders.
Simon’s Town had been an important harbour and naval base for more than 200 years.
A signboard welcoming visitors to Boulders to see Africa Penguins
Map showing the location of Foxy Beach and Boulders Beach at Boulders
Haven for African Penguins
Boulders is located along the coast between Simon’s Town and Cape Point. As there are many granite boulders there hence the place is called Boulders. These boulders in water and at beaches provide good shelter to penguins from rough sea and their enemies, like sharks, seals and whales. So Boulders is a haven for African Penguins.
Boulders Visitor Centre, entrance to African Penguins’ home
Fellow-Malaysians visiting Boulders to see African Penguins
Foxy Beach and Boulders Beach
To see African Penguins at the beaches of Boulders, we had to enter Boulders Visitor Centre with tickets. Then we walked along boardwalks from the centre to two beaches, Foxy Beach and Boulders Beach, where penguins lived.
A boardwalk to Foxy Beach where penguins live
Boardwalk to Boulders Beach which is home to many penguins
Tourists looking at penguins that were moulting
Moulting Penguins and Chicks
As we were walking to Boulders Beach we saw among the boulders and bushes at the sandy beach some penguins that were moulting and some chicks waiting for their parents to come back from the sea with food.
Foxy Beach is the best place to watch penguins as it is very close to the the boardwalks
Boulders Beach with lots of African Penguins basking in the sun
Young penguin chick waiting for its parents to come back from sea with food
Penguin Life Cycle
Below is a diagram of the life cycle of an African Penguin:
Life Cycle of African Penguin
South of Cape Peninsula
We spent half an hour at Boulders to see the African Penguins. At 2.30 p.m. we left the place and went further south to the end of Cape Peninsula which splits into two promontories. The southeastern promontory is called Cape Point whereas the southwestern one is known as Cape of Good Hope which is the most southwestern point of the continent of Africa.
Map showing Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
Map showing Cape Peninsula splits into two promontories in the south, Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
Funicular at Cape Point
At 3.30 p.m. we reached Cape Point first. We stopped at a coach-park and entered the Lower Funicular Station(127 m high). Then we took the Funicular, a train, to the Upper Funicular Station(214 m high). On arrival at the station, we walked up a few flights of steps to an old lighthouse on top of Cape Point Peak.
Funicular lower station to Cape Point Peak
Funicular Track
The Funicular track is 585 metres long and the train that is pulled by a strong cable takes 3 minutes to reach the upper station. It replaced the buses in 1995.
Cape Point Funicular replaced the “Flying Dutchman” bus services in 1995.
Funicular track is 585 metres long and the train takes about three minutes to make the journey.
Tourists climbing up the steps to the olf lighthouse
Old Lighthouse of Cape Point
The old lighthouse was built in 1860 but decommissioned in 1919 when the most powerful one in South Africa was built nearby. The old one was then used for observation and communication.
Old lighthouse was built in 1860 and decommissioned in 1919. It is now used for observation and communication.
Choo Chaw and wife visited the old lighthouse which was replaced by a more powerful one nearby in 1919.
Spectacular, Panoramic View
From the lighthouse we could see a spectacular panoramic view of Cape Peninsula, Atlantic Ocean, Cape of Good Hope, Indian Ocean and False Bay. Besides, there was a post at its base that showed distances of foreign cities from it.
A spectacular panoramic view of the Cape Peninsula landscapes from the old lighthouse
A post at the old lighthouse showing the distances of foreign cities from the lighthouse
The same post showing the distances of other foreign cities from the lighthouse
Wonderful Feeling at Cape Point Old Lighthouse
All my fellow-Malaysians, my wife and I were having a wonderful feeling at the Cape Point old lighthouse. We were 9600 km away from our home and enjoying the sights and sounds of the two oceans which were next to each other, and the spectacular view of Cape Peninsula.
Fellow-Malaysians at old lighthouse on 29 Nov 2016
Choo Chaw’s wife feeling exhilarated at the Cape Point old lighthouse that is 9600 km from home(Malaysia)
Two fellow-Malaysians feeling happy to be at the Cape Point old lighthouse
Meeting of Two Currents
Right in front of Cape Point in the south, two currents meet each other. They are the cold Benguela Current from Atlantic Ocean that flows eastwards and the warm Agulhas Current from Indian Ocean that flows westwards. It seems that the actual place where they meet is between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas.
Map showing the meeting of two currents, cold Benguela Current and warm Agulhas Current
Two oceans, Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean next to each other in front of Cape Point Headland
Fellow-Malaysians watching the meeting of two currents, Benguela and Agulhas
Cape of Good Hope
After spending a short time at Cape Point we went to Cape of Good Hope which was a few kilometres away. It is located at the most south-western point of the continent of Africa and faces Atlantic Ocean.
Cape Agulhas which is 150 km south-east of Cape of Good Hope is considered to be the most southern point of the African continent.
Cape of Good Hope as seen from Cape Point Peak
The Most South-Western Point of African Continent
When we reached Cape of Good Hope we saw a low, rocky headland with little grass on the coast of Atlantic Ocean. Owing to weathering and erosion, layers of sandstone were exposed. We made a beeline to a large, long and red signboard that declared that Cape of Good Hope was the most south-western point of the continent of Africa.
There were other tourists visiting the well-known place. Nobody left the place without taking a photo with the prominent signboard.
Tourists making a beeline to the most south-western point of the continent of Africa, Cape of Good Hope
Choo Chaw and wife at the most south-western point of the continent of Africa
Fellow-Malaysians at Cape of Good Hope
Mr. & Mrs. Lee at Cape of Good Hope
At 6 p.m. we left Cape of Good Hope leaving behind our foot-prints. We travelled back to Cape Town City where we had dinner at a Chinese restaurant known as Royo Kloof Asian Restaurant. Everyone was happy to have a dish of large abalone for dinner.
A dish of large abalone garnished with broccoli at Royo Kloof Asian Restaurant, Cape Town
Then we returned to our hotel, Southern Sun Hotel, to stay for the last night in the city. On the following day, we would fly north-east o Johannesburg from Cape Town, a distance of 1262 km between them, to visit more places of interest in the north of South Africa.
(continue in South Africa Travel Part V)
Written by Choo Chaw
South Africa Travel Part I: Air Flight from KLIA to Cape Town, Cape Town Shantytowns
South Africa Travel Part II: Table Mountain, Malay Quarter, Castle of Good Hope. A & V Waterfront
South Africa Travel Part III: Hermanus, Cheetah Outreach, Stellenbosch, Jewel Africa
South Africa Travel Part IV: Maiden’s Cove, Hout Bay, Duiker Island(Seals), Boulders, Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope
South Africa Travel Part V: Cape Town to Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drive)
South Africa Travel Part VI: Sun City, Union Buildings, Vootrekker Monument
South Africa Travel Part VII Kruger Museum, Church Square, Melrose Museum, Carnivore Restaurant
South Africa Travel Final Part Gold Reef City: Gold Mine Museum