A day after dropping Jackie & Stu at the airport, we returned to collect our next visitor- Phil. This visit Phil had a new family member to meet!
We had a fun few days with Phil in town enjoying yummy food, the obligatory dom pedro's, and also doing some sight seeing. We spent one day exploring the historic town of Grahamstown and game viewing at Addo. Grahamstown was founded in 1812 as a military garrison by the British Government. British settlers arrived soon after resulting in the construction of many historic buildings. The city has the look of an English country town, excluding the local inhabitants! The most prominent of buildings is the Cathedral of St Michael and St George whose spire dominates the city skyline (it is the tallest spire in South Africa). The city is now known for the well reputed Rhodes University.
Cathedral in Grahamstown
We also saw a few more of the local sights in Port Elizabeth. We visited the Red Location museum which is based in the township of New Brighton. The museum focuses on the issues of institutionalised racism and the anti-apartheid movement. The Red Location museum is differentiated from other apartheid museums in South Africa through the display of 'memory boxes' which illustrate the complexities of apartheid and the museum also highlights the efforts of the unsung local heroes. The location and building alone make the visit worthwhile. The large and imposing building is ultra modern and stands directly amongst the tiny shanty housing in the township. The museum is accessible via a dirt road that is laden with massive potholes and rubbish. A real eye-opener and a reminder of the poverty and awful conditions that so many South Africans still live in.
Additionally we toured a few of the historical sights in Central PE including the old fort, Opera House, Donkin Reserve and enjoyed treats from our favourite bakery cum cafe, Vovo Telo. Yum... the Portuguese custard tarts are divine!
Uncle Phil playing with Harrison
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