Sauntering down Garies main street

During my stay in Hondeklipbaai, I had made lots of new friends and soon found quite a few that I had lots in common with. I found the people to be open, accommodating and very friendly. I also found a large number of them to be learned and well traveled, making the flow of conversation easy and natural. When Elize, from the K9 Pottery Studio needed to go to Garies, she invited me along. Oddly enough, I have often traveled past Garies, but I had never taken the turn-off into the town. I readily agreed and sunrise found the two of us well on our way to Garies. We spent the greater part of the morning at the tourist market, waiting to meet up with someone. This in itself was a wonderful experience. Later, when Elize tended to her personal affairs, my camera and I casually strolled down the main street of Garies, where I was stopped by a number of locals who took the time to greet me, and strike up a little conversation, before carrying on with their daily task. In today's blog, I invite you to take a walk through Garies with me.

A rusty old wreck became a centerpiece in someone's garden in Garies

The sun is still considering coming out of hibernation when we were already on our way

The Toeriste Stal (Tourist Market) where we spent a wonderful morning in exhilarating conversation and tantalizing browsing, over steaming mugs of coffee.

I was very impressed with the murals outside the Toeriste Stal.

Some more murals that impressed me

I found a well stocked corner of books written by local authors, or with a local flavour. These included biographies, reference works, fiction, and a vast number of others.

The market was also well stocked with knickknacks which have a local feel to it, as well as items made by the locals, and the kind of much needed things you were likely to forget at home when you came on the trip.

Some of the locally produced jewellery

Hats are a much needed item in this windy and sun-drenched country

Some fascinating toys for the boys

I love craft items that are both pretty as well as functional

These recipe files caught and held my attention

One can get lost in the array of homemade preserves and jams, not to mention dried fruits, baked goods, etc. Be sure to try out the local Skuinskoek!

This painting with its uncommon theme also fascinated me

One of the locals make these traditional Nama Kappies and they prove to be very popular with tourists

You can also buy items of clothing to celebrate your making it all the way to Garies. Or perhaps you want to take a little of the splendour home with you in the form of a tree or plant?

The one thing that will always stand out in my mind when I think back on my trip to Garies, is the architecture. Almost all of the houses in the main street is still built along the traditional Namaqualand style.

It was evident that the inhabitants of Garies had a well developed sense of humour and could make the most of any discard. You may not see rolling lawns of greenery, but that does not mean the gardens aren't pretty! This owner proudly arranged a collection of items into appealing still life's.

More of the treasure garden above

And even more of the garden above

Another prime example of the architecture referred to earlier

The main street of Garies may not seem like much at first glance, but it is packed with interesting places to visit

Garies is a quiet little town nestled between the hills and mountains surrounding it. I caught it on an overcast day that promised rain but failed to deliver. It did guarantee beautiful photos!

The whole town is permeated with a sense of history, a fact which is underscored by this plaque against the wall of the local library

A typical modern Nama lady who kindly agreed that I could photograph her

I was asked to make a payment to a certain person in Garies, by someone in Hondeklipbaai. When I asked where I would be able to find him, the reply was that anyone would be able to tell me and that I merely needed to ask once I got to town. I did this and was instantly directed, and even escorted, to the man I was looking for.

At De Koper Ketel, I found that the owners had sold the property and was moving on. This did not stop me from quickly snapping a few pictures of the wonderful knitted items made by the wife.

I found the knitted items so adorable that I almost caved and bought some for my nieces back home. I remembered just in time that I was flying and that weight limits apply.

These flowers were too pretty not take snapshots of!

Elize and I met up again at the local supermarket to fill the orders of everyone back home. When she was paying, the man who packed the groceries collected her car keys from her to put the items in the boot for us! He returned the keys safe and sound moments later. This city girl is still recovering from the shock!

This local man insisted that I take his picture! I might actually draw him in time to come as well. What a lovely face, filled with character and humour.

I tried to capture something of the architecture and landscape in this photo.

The hotel was converted into a guest house. I simply had to take close-up photos of some of the decor items. It is absolutely beautiful, as well as being a little quirky.

The porch

The front door

The amazing tiles on the verandah

And then I noticed the back garden...

The braai area

The outside lamps!

On the way home, Elize still managed to find the time to pull over so she could point out some flowers to me along the roadside.

Apparently these are called Sambreeltjies (Umbrellas)

Then Elize noticed this flower, called the Namakwa Kool. She picked the flower jsut below the petals and gave it to me to eat. It is delicious! The taste lies somewhere between cabbage and asparagus. I am told that it is also used in stews, especially when making the traditional Vaalkos.

I arrived home in time to capture the sunset over the bay.

Once I was back home, I remained deeply touched by the severe drought that I encountered in Garies. It prompted me to write the following poem, titled Dry Bed (by Miekie).

Yesterday I went to Garies
where they seem to have no worries
where they seem to have no earthly care
where people are happy everywhere

But then they looked towards the sky
and kept their gazes fixed on high
for they had had no rain this year
and drought has gripped their hearts with fear

When you open the tap and water comes out
remember the source of this wet spout
and that the river that snakes across the land
has to make its way to this arid sand

So turn off the tap and don’t let it flow
it isn’t an endless stream, you know
Consider the people in the Karoo
and think twice about the things that you do

Marietjie Uys (Miekie) is a published author. You can buy my books here:
You can purchase Designs By Miekie 1 here.
Jy kan Kom Ons Teken en Verf Tuinstories hier koop.
Jy kan Kom Ons Kleur Tuinstories In hier koop.
Jy kan Tuinstories hier koop.
You can follow Miekie's daily Bible Study blog, Bybel Legkaart, here in English & Afrikaans.
You may prefer to follow the traveling blog, A Pretty Tourist.
For more crafty ideas and great product reviews, visit A Pretty Talent on Facebook.
If you are in a literary mood, follow Miekie's musings, stories and poetry on A Pretty Author - Miekie.
Remember to keep nurturing your TALENT for making life PRETTY.
You can subscribe to any of these blogs and receive regular updates by email. Simply register your email address at the top of the applicable blog.

Camping in Hondeklipbaai - Take Two

In a previous blog I had shared my impressions on the municipal caravan camp in Hondeklipbaai with you. Depending on your preferences, you may have found this favorable or not. If you missed the article, you can follow this link to it. Today I wish to tell you about an alternative way of camping in Hondeklipbaai. This time we visit Skulpieskraal (translated to Shell Corral). Skulpieskraal is a camp site of pre-pitched tents where everything is ready for you to move in. It has ablution facilities and self-catering kitchen facilities, or you can visit the on-site restaurant, the Rooi Spinnekop (Red Spider), for a special treat. If you like the idea of camping, but don't enjoy the schlep of setting up camp, this is the way to go! I took plenty of photos for you peruse from the comforts of home.

Both Skulpieskraal as well the Rooi Spinnekop has clear signs up throughout the town, making it very easy to find them. You can call ahead to book your accommodation, or your meals at (+27) 027 692 3966.

The tents in Skulpieskraal are well protected against both the wind, as well as the sun, with sturdy shade netting pitched over the tents.

The inside of the tents are neat with everything you might need for your stay and plenty of space to put your luggage, fishing gear, etc.

The single bed can be used to sleep a third person, or perhaps simply serve as a raised surface to put soft items on.

I was very impressed to find electricity in the rooms, as I am always looking for places to charge depleted batteries.

The outside areas were as neat and tidy as any of the inside areas. Everything smelled fresh, was clean and were well kept. I was impressed and spoke to a couple staying there. They were equally impressed by what they had found. It turns out they were traveling on a whim and booking into places without reservations. So far, Skulpieskraal had impressed them best for cleanliness and comfort!

The ablution area was in keeping with the shabby chic finishes of the rest of the camp, but again everything was spotlessly clean and well kept. The staff were friendly, polite and eager to assist, even though I pitched up unannounced. I could hardly have hoped for a better reception at a glitzy Johannesburg hotel.

It was obvious that the needs of guests were a priority and all efforts had been made to make their stay as comfortable as possible, without distracting from the camping experience.

Toilets were spotless.

Urinals were spotless and completely lacking in distasteful smells.

The outside braai area was immaculate.

The kitchen area was well equipped and very neat and clean.

Fridge/freezer, microwave and kettle were all provided. Tablecloths were clean and all work surfaces were free of dust or grime, despite it being windy outside.

I then turned my attention to the restaurant on the premises, called the Rooi Spinnekop. I had been here with friends the previous Friday and was pleasantly impressed with the quality (and quantity!) of the food. They were happy to accommodate our special requests and even had a selection of wines for us to choose from. This may seem obvious for a restaurant to have, but you have to consider the location of the restaurant here. There are very few feet passing through the remote restaurants of Namaqualand. This is why booking is essential, especially if you are going to arrive with a slightly larger group. The people will bend over backwards to make your stay a pleasant one, but you need to give them a heads-up. When you do, you will get to taste the best of what Namaqualand has to offer. They will prepare those meals that take hours to get to perfection, they will source those foods you so dearly wish to taste, and they will bake you that homemade bread with its sourdough starter that takes 3-4 hours to rise, before baking for another hour. But they aren't going to do any of this if they don't know that you are coming. Food only stay fresh for so long and no longer, especially sea food. Staff are only on hand when they are needed. Cooks and servers are not booked for the night if only a handful of locals can be expected to drop by. Give them a call and book your space. It is not like the big cities where they expect to be full - it is like the remote towns, where they expect nobody, but will do everything they can for anybody and everybody. You can book your place at the Rooi Spinnekop with Annemarie at (+27) 079 695 2120 or (+27) 027 692 3966.

The decor of the Rooi Spinnekop is reminiscent of days gone by.

I love the serving station for buffets in the shape of a sailboat.

The tables remind me the polished decks of yachts.

The decor is true to the area of Namaqualand.

On warmer days, you may prefer to sit outside.

It is obvious that the decor was inspired by someone who loved the fishing village of Hondeklip.

As is the case everywhere in Hondeklipbaai, dogs are always welcome.

Lilies from a local supplier - this surprised me in this arid setting.

More inventive and quirky decor inside the restaurant makes the visit an interesting one.

If you wish to find the Rooi Spinnekop or Skulpieskraal, turn left (or right depending on where you come from!) at the Meerkathuis and drive on for roughly 100 m. It will be on your right.

Speaking of the Meerkathuis, this is an important place to take note of as well. Here you will find Loftus, who does fishing charters for guests and tourists. He will also simply take you out on the boat if you'd like to experience deep sea boating, or he will take you whale and dolphin watching. Be sure to give him a call on (+27) 083 653 1653. You can also call ahead and oder a cake or other baked goods from his wife, Rina, for any special events you may plan on celebrating in Hondeklip. Rina can be contacted on (+27) 072 493 0757.

Marietjie Uys (Miekie) is a published author. You can buy my books here:
You can purchase Designs By Miekie 1 here.
Jy kan Kom Ons Teken en Verf Tuinstories hier koop.
Jy kan Kom Ons Kleur Tuinstories In hier koop.
Jy kan Tuinstories hier koop.
You can follow Miekie's daily Bible Study blog, Bybel Legkaart, here in English & Afrikaans.
You may prefer to follow the traveling blog, A Pretty Tourist.
For more crafty ideas and great product reviews, visit A Pretty Talent on Facebook.
If you are in a literary mood, follow Miekie's musings, stories and poetry on A Pretty Author - iekie.
Remember to keep nurturing your TALENT for making life PRETTY.
You can subscribe to any of these blogs and receive regular updates by email. Simply register your email address at the top of the applicable blog.