Apr 26, 2011 | South Africa, Travel..ling Tuesdays
So…a week late and a Dassie short, I have finally gotten together the Dassiesfontein shots for you. I hope you’ll think they were worth the wait! And that you’ll forgive the delay!
Here’s the backstory: Travelling along the N2 (one of the major highways in SA) you’ll pass some gorgeous South African scenery, like this:
And you might happen to pass a big old barn with “DASSIESFONTEIN” across the top of it, like this:
And you might happen to say to your Hero Hubs, or he might happen to say to you, “We ought’ta stop there sometime.”
Mayhaps.
And you might even decide to take a drive there, thinking there’s a whole village somewhere off the highway past that barn, only to discover when you ask your Hero Hubs as you pull into the parking lot, “Now, wait, is this all of Dassiesfontein?” And he might laugh at you as he has to inform you that the contents of this wee barn are Dassiesfontein in its entirety. And you might be a bit surprised, laugh, or disbelieve him for a while and then feel silly.
Mayhaps. I’m just saying it could happen.
Now remember, Dassies are the little beaver-like creatures I told you about in Hermanus, which are apparently more closely related to the elephant than any other living species. Could’ve fooled me. And “Dassiesfontein” would literally be translated from Afrikaans “fountain of Dassies.” And since there are lots of other -fonteins in SA, like wonderful Bloemfontein for example, I was expecting a town. With lotsa Dassies.
I got neither.
But Good News, even if this is all there is to Dassiesfontein, it. is. still. awesome. And Hero Hubs captured the awesomeness, and here I am, mayhaps a Tuesday late, but nevertheless present, to bring the (non-Dassied) Dassiesfontein to you. (Cuz we didn’t see nay one bit of a dassie there. Ahem.)
For starters, they have several rooms with splendid things for sale:
I love him.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen. {I’m kidding, HH, you’re irreplaceable!}
Beautiful Crosses like the one we gave Agnes!
Sweet things for your weans and bairns. (That’s Scots for Kinder, which is German for niños, which is Spanish for children.)
They also had some beautiful antique furniture and kitcheny stuff:
I will gladly pay you Tuesday for this gorgeous piece of furniture today. And by Tuesday I mean some Tuesday in 2013, please.
And look! Right through here is the wine shop!
Complete with cheese.
Not colourful candles like I first thought.
The lovely stuff just goes on.
And on.
And on.
And I almost forgot, the Bear made a friend!
Well, he tried anyway.
So we piddled around a good wee while,
and scooted into the restaurant for a great lunch.
Did I mention they have plants?
And a delightfully rustic feel?
And {special treat!} I got to take one of these crates home with me:
And then I read that they were trendy on this blog, and felt really special for being ahead of the game. (Cos that’s usually my sister.)
Now. For the big finish, I feel a TT in Dassiesfontein wouldn’t be complete without some moody, black and white Fotografien, which is German for fotografias, which is Portuguese for фотоÑнимки, which is Russian for photographs.
{As you see above, you can see more at www.dassies.co.za. And in case you’re wondering, this is not a paid post. The Dassies-folk don’t have a clue who I am. But I wouldn’t turn down some free stuff if they offered.}
And dat was my fave.
I hope that was a Travelling Tuesday worth waiting for. Happy Tuesday! May the road rise to meet you wherever your reis, which is Dutch for 旅途 , which is Chinese for journey takes you next!
Now if I only knew why they named it Dassiesfontein, which is Afrikaans for… 🙂
xCC
Apr 13, 2011 | Guest Posts, South Africa, Stories
O ne day back in the late 80s, the Lord was in an especially good mood, and He created my dear friend Agnes. He had it in mind to bless a lot of people with joy, sunshine, some good laughs, a sweet friend and a listening ear among other things. And one of the folks blessed with the gift of Agnes was me!
When my feet landed for a good stay on Scottish soil six years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Agnes. We began meeting up over coffee, and talking about God and life and faith, over tasty Scottish treats with occasionally anxious waitresses. I was especially thankful for her friendship when a lot of the friends I’d made on the church plant team started heading on to new adventures after the first year or two in Edinburgh.
Look, here we are, hanging out when I was pregnant with the Bear!
When Agnes touched base with the idea of coming to visit for a wee while here in SA, I was delighted. And when she shared the dates she had in mind and I realised I’d be giving birth while she was here, I was ecstatic. If she hadn’t been here this labour story would be very different.
Next Wednesday, we’ll be taking Agnes to the airport, and she’ll be making her way back to our beloved Scotland. It has been an incredible joy and pleasure to have her here — and there will be many tears when we have to say goodbye! I asked Agnes if she’d like to share a little something with you dear friends and readers in summation of her time here in Mama Africa, and I’m so glad I did. Without further ado, I turn it over to the Bear’s new BFF!
___________________
Hey, this is Agnes here. I’m the Scottish/Danish girl who has had the honour of living with the Collies for the last three months and had a few appearances in the past few blogs of Caroline’s. You could say that I am blog shy. Instead of writing a huge post, I have opted for a short list of the Top Ten moments during my time here in SA while sharing life for the last three months with the Collie Clan.
My Top Ten Moments in SA
1. BLAKE DARROW COLLIE – Allowing me to witness and hold a pure miracle by God. You may have been overdue, but my boy, you were fast!
2. Directly after that- Learning that baby poo is a luminous yellow the first few weeks. (Changing that nappy put me off my favourite dish- Honey Mustard Chicken! Thanks for noting that Caroline!)
3. Learning the SA motto- TIA (This is Africa), that never fails when you find yourself in an unexplainable/crazy/ hilarious situation….pretty much an everyday occurrence
4. That after 16 years in Scotland/Britain, I’d be lucky if my skin got burnt or even a slight pale roasted chicken coloured tone to it.
5. Hearing Asher sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, after just a few minutes of teaching him! And hearing him spell “stop” the right way after months of correcting him saying P.O.P = Stop.
6. Asher- Although stinky, cleaning up Asher’s poopy after a wee toilet disaster!
7. Realising that God is God wherever you are travelling. Even when I doubt Him and His goodness — He is always good and never has doubts about me.
8. The many bright, intense and fluffy, marshmallowy sunsets reflecting on to the waters surface.
9. Watching the movie “Faith Like Potatoes†and the next week having dinner with the lead lady and her husband at the Collie Household- Awesome and fun!
10. Abseiling 200ft down Table Mountain with Alan and puking up on the hike back. I’d recommend it to anyone, not the puking up part but the abseil is a great way to put a real scare in to your boots and see an awesome view!
So there you have it.
The most amazing part of my three month journey, is that it actually happened! Before I landed in Cape Town I promised God to be a blessing to Caroline and her family, in whatever way I could.
Turns out I am not a blessing — God is.
He sent me to the Collie Clan and showered me with time and sun. Probably the two most needed things in everyone’s lives, I know it was for me.
I would have to say that when Caroline asked if I would write for her blog, it was a sweet enough request but still quite daunting as I know the skill and talent which she has for writing. She is in that respect the complete opposite from me, I find writing a challenge and at times it frustrates me to be unable to put in words the moment or thoughts I have. However in the kindness of friendship I have found to ASK.
Let others help and always ASK. Ask about everything, for learning is the sweetest blessing there is.
I would really like to end this with a request for you. Join me in praying for this full-hearted, quirky, kind family, for blessing to be a continuing cover for them to walk under in this next season. Ta, Love Agnes x
______________
How delightful is she?
Dear Agnes, this is most definitely my most favourite guest post ever. Thank you so much for your kind words and your wonderful heart! You have been an INCREDIBLE blessing from God to us as we’ve transitioned from a family of three to a family of four. The next time I see two little lines on a stick I might be calling you again! 😉 In all seriousness, it has been an overwhelming blessing to have you in our home. “Thank you” seems insufficient, but Thank You! We love you and look forward to being together again somewhere around this big wide world soon. You are absolutely one-of-a-kind!
Now does anybody know another sweet Danish/Scottish dancing lassie who’s great with kids that can come stay with us for a while? I kid. But pray for me next Wednesday.
xCC
Apr 12, 2011 | South Africa, Travel..ling Tuesdays
I never cease to be amazed at the way the sky is painted at sunset around here. Evening after evening and moment by moment, it’s as if the Creator has a thousand paintings prepared for a one-night-only gallery. They gradually and imperceptibly shift from one to the next, and it stirs my heart to consider how each moment passes, and never will be again.
A few nights ago Hero Hubs slipped out in the evening to capture some sunset shots, and as he returned with a camera full, I marvelled at how many different scenes there were, from a single spot on a single evening with a single camera. He commented that the picture changed so quickly he wanted to take another shot every moment.
{This is sunset at the new harbour in Gordon’s Bay, looking across False Bay toward Cape Town}
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Psalm 19:1
Have you stood still to enjoy a good sunset lately? Happy Tuesday!
xCC
Apr 5, 2011 | South Africa, Travel..ling Tuesdays
A lot of places claim to be “a world in one country,” but I think Cape Town is one of the only places that can claim to be a world in one city. Travelling through the Mother City’s sweet streets, I often find myself reminded of other destinations halfway around the globe. I glance down a street in her city centre and it feels like Glasgow. Another street, it’s Paris, then London, then the winding slopes of San Francisco. Camp’s Bay is South Africa’s answer to Miami Beach, with the bonus of the incredible background of the Twelve Apostles.
Kalk Bay is a sweet little corner of Cape Town known for good eats, sweet bookshops, unique fashion finds, bright colours and lovely views. We took a stroll there last weekend to soak in some colour and sun (and get out of the house a bit!) We brought back some snaps from the feast for the eyes, to share!
I would wear this apron all day.
What’s not to love about this delightfully coloured wall??
Important memo: It’s not just about vintage clothing, accessories or cars anymore. We should now be looking for Vintage Kitchenalia. As you were.
Let’s stroll up Memory Lane together!
These beaded peacocks are amazing. But are they vintage?
Even outdoor columns deserve trendy patterns.
If it’s vintage-inspired, does it still count?
Vintage.
Inspired!
Could this stuff be vintage?
Much to this seller’s disappointment, the Bear’s attention to selecting the perfect beaded keychain did not mean the Bear got to *keep* said keychain. “Bear,” said I, “It’s not even vintage, my boy.”
You guessed it…vintage wall art!
Sorry, bro, you’re just old.
Which way to lunch, vintage stick man?
Vintage galore! And a great place for lunch.
We sat outside to enjoy our toasties…
{That’s a wee baby asleep in my arms. Only he’s not so wee.}
But you could have lunch in the vintage train carriage!
This place had a ton of vintage signage…
seriously, if you piled all this signage on a scale and weighed it, the display would read: One Ton. {No Pun Intended here.}
When is it safe to say this stuff is just… old?
Okay, let’s get back to beautiful and tie this thing off with the favourites. This must be the longest Travelling Tuesday ever.
See that lighthouse up there? It’s vintage.
Pretty church? Totally vintage.
HH’s favourite:
Score! It’s vintage!
And my two favourites, pleasedon’tmakemechoose…
Yummy colours!
What’s not to love? So much vintage!
Hope you made it all the way through this marathon Travelling Tuesday {and enjoyed yourself}. If I could sip it, sniff it, and swirl it in my glass, I’d say Kalk Bay was a good year.
Happy Tuesday!
xCC
Feb 9, 2011 | South Africa, Stories, The Good Word
Today I came across a snippet of a story in the middle of the preaching and proclamations of Jeremiah that I felt was worth giving a little more attention. In chapter 11, the prophet Jeremiah has caught wind of a bit of a conspiracy taking place — some people are plotting to take his life if he doesn’t stop preaching the Word of the Lord.
Dern.
It seems like Jeremiah is in a bit of a pickle. If he continues speaking the words the Lord tells him to speak, his life is in danger. If he stops speaking, he might spare himself in the short term, but he’ll be disobeying the God that he knows is true and holy.
As I paused to think about his options in that scenario, I was reminded of a commonplace phrase here in South Africa: ‘n Boer maak ‘n plan. This basically translates “a farmer will always make a plan” and speaks about resourcefulness, being independently minded, and being willing to show some resilience and creativity to make a new plan when a situation calls for it.
For example, a few nights ago we wanted to braai (grill out, barbecue, or insert your culturally appropriate description here) but realised at the last minute we were out of charcoal. ‘n Boer maak ‘n plan, the Hubs used firewood to get the braai going, and our steak had a nice and tasty, smoky flavour in the end. Thanks for the great sale, Pick ‘n Pay!
There are a lot of situations in life where we are the Boer (farmer) making the plan. Sometimes that’s a good thing. We’re being resourceful and creative. Other times we are trying to fix a situation in our own strength when we should be trusting the Lord and leaving it in His hands.
Jeremiah could’ve made a plan. Perhaps he could’ve tried to reason with his would-be assassins, or he could’ve written down his preaching and prophecies and distributed them to only people who were interested. Ridiculous, I know. Pre-printing press, who had the time? Maybe he could’ve just skipped town, gone undercover, or asked the Lord for a re-assignment.
Instead, his immediate response is recorded in the next verse:
But, O Lord of hosts,
You who judge righteously,
Testing the mind and the heart,
Let me see Your vengeance on them,
For to You I have revealed my cause. {Jer. 11:20}
His decision was to immediately cry out to the Lord, explain his situation and ask God to justly judge the case. Since he was sure he had God’s goodness and justice on his side, he asked specifically to see the vengeance of the Lord on his enemies.
This simple prayer produced better results than any I can imagine coming from the other options mentioned above: God answered by saying he would punish them. He basically promised that Judgement Day was about to come early for the men of Anathoth who’d been plotting against the Lord’s homeboy Jeremiah. Sweet.
It’s easy to smile and move on from that story without pausing to see how it might apply to our lives today. But one clear application is that ‘n Boer maak ‘n plan isn’t always the best plan. We should bring our concerns to God — even if those concerns are pit-less olives compared to Jeremiah’s big pickle.
Our good, just and loving God is often waiting on us, ready to move if we just ask. If we’re too busy trying to find solutions in our own strength, we might miss the divine resolution the Lord is ready to enact on our behalf.
The Sermon in a Nutshell: ‘n Boer maak ‘n plan, but the Lord maak ‘n beter plan.
xCC
Feb 8, 2011 | South Africa, Travel..ling Tuesdays
Happy Tuesday, lads and lassies! How’s your week going? No one ever answers these questions but still, I keep asking. As I mentioned not too long ago, we decided to hit the road on one last wee adventure as a family of three, before Agnes and baby brother arrived. Desiring to be a reasonably comfortable distance away in case baby brother was to consider making an extra-early appearance, the Hubs chose a Berry Farm in Swellendam as a nice spot for a relaxed couple of days away.
Swellendam is a wee town that sits at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain range. We often pass by the town on our way up the coast and think “seems like such a pretty spot…we should go there sometime.” I’m glad we finally did!
We were warmly welcomed into town.
And wowed by this gorgeous historic church. I think on Church Street, no less.
Our wee self-catering cottage was on the property of a working Berry Farm, where the Bear was delighted to enjoy a swimmee pool and being pushed in the swing. His favourite moments may have involved visiting the horse near our cottage. He enthusiastically greeted the peacefully sleeping creature with a loud “WAKE!!!!” one morning and the poor horse hopped up as if it had been caught sleeping on the job!
The view sitting on our front porch was absolutely breathtaking.
No, seriously.
I mean, really.
We discovered that instead of saying “Strawberry,” the Bear says “Stwaw-beh-ree-ree-ree” when he spots such a berry. And though we explained that we were staying in the Raspberry cottage, he insisted “Stwawbeh-ree-ree-ree” was the appropriate name, while pointing at the sign.
After putting the Bear to bed in the evening, we sat in those chairs and stared at this view, as the mountains changed their moods with the setting of the sun.
One of the evening views the Hubs captured :: This is a colour photo.
It was awesome to remember how many stars you can see on a clear night in the southern hemisphere, especially when you get away from bright lights and big cities. We looked out at the stars for a while each evening and just soaked in the beauty. I adore looking up at the stars and thinking about how people have done the very same thing, and looked up at those very same stars for thousands and thousands of years. They seem to me an example of creation crying out to any who’ll listen: “There is a Creator! He is Majestic, and Glorious and Good!”
We also rather enjoyed the rustic feel of the accommodation.
And on our only full day in Swellendam, we enjoyed a morning latte and a muffin at what could possibly be the cutest coffee shop outside the streets of Paris. Since this Travelling Tuesday post is getting a bit long, I think I’ll give you a couple of teaser shots and tell you to come back next week for the rest!
It was cute even without the Bear, I promise! See?
More Swellendam next week… I’m planning to create the post ahead of time in case the baby comes!
Happy Tuesday, friends. Enjoy your journey today!
xCC
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