Almost every time I drive past a traffic circle, I see cars drive unbeknownst to them perhaps in the wrong lane. Everyone seems to have their own opinion on how traffic circles work.

I sometimes wonder, and on one occasion especially a car came zooming past on the left lane and he went right around the circle without an indicator, but technically that still would not matter because the outside lanes, the left lanes in other words are suppose to turn outwards – right?

I took the liberty of using Google to see the ‘correct’ manner of using those oh so tricky circles.  Because many of us don’t seem to recall out learners test decades and decades ago (This includes you too Uncle Mike)

FROM GOOGLE:

Driving around Traffic Circle / Roundabout

Driving around Traffic Circle / Roundabout

In South Africa we often refer to roundabouts as “traffic circles”. A roundabout is a type of circular intersection that reduces potential conflicts between vehicles and improves the efficiency of the intersection.

The advantages of a roundabout are:

Traffic calming

Reduction of angle and head-on crashes

Reduction of crash severity

Improvement of intersection capacity

Aesthetic improvements

Approaching a roundabout:

On approaching a roundabout take notice and act on all the information available to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings which direct you into the correct lane.

If you take your time and make sure you are in the correct lane a good distance from the roundabout you can't go far wrong.

Slow down as you approach the intersection - You're typically not required to stop.

A roundabout is designed to be driven at low speed. Entering and traveling through a roundabout at higher speed is difficult and could be unsafe.

Don't worry if you have to stop when you reach the roundabout. When it's clear, ease up off the clutch smoothly, don't rush, keep using the mirrors, and above all, stay calm.

As you enter the roundabout, traffic coming from your right has right of way. This means that traffic streaming into the roundabout from the entrance to your right will keep coming as long as no one is coming from their right.

These cars may not even slow down as they enter the roundabout, because they have the right of way. You must stop and wait until there is a break in traffic. Watch out for other traffic in the roundabout.

Once you are on the roundabout maintain a reasonable speed. Failing to do this, especially when you are in the right-hand lane, may result in other drivers passing on the nearside.

Watch out for vehicles already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signaling correctly or signaling at all.

Always keep an eye on the vehicle in front as you're about to emerge. Don't assume the driver won't have to stop while you're still looking right. Many rear end collisions happen this way. Make sure the vehicle has actually moved away.

Watch for pedestrians and bicycles.

Keep in mind that buses or large trucks need extra room to make turns and might take up more than one lane in a traffic circle.

Obey all traffic signs and road markings.

Signal your intent to other drivers when entering, going around and exiting the circle.

If you miss your turn, just go around again. Avoid swerving at the last minute.

I will be the first to admit that rainy weather in the looming winter months must be enjoyed with a few DVDS under warm blankets. However what makes the Movie Theatres such a tempting retreat, not only the large cinema screens but the most mouth watering popcorn sprinkles or seasoning!

Nothing beats the taste of a coldrink and your popcorn smothered in seasoning, weather its salt, butter, cheese and chives or my personal favourite Salt and Vinegar. Now I am not talking about the seasoning in packets What I have in mind is the actual seasoning in the metal tins. I am one of those fanatical citizens that shake the seasoning onto my popcorn till my hand is numb, and I won’t feel guilty because I know there are plenty of you lingering out there too.  Now can you imagine my delight and complete joy when I discovered a newly opened DVD store (very modern I might add) that contains the mouth-watering sprinkles that forces us small town folk to drive over the mountain, to enjoy that special taste at the large Movie cinemas situated in Malls.

This really made my day, plus discovering in the same heartbeat that  this very DVD rental shop, the very first in South Africa of its kind – rents DVDS, which you can seek out online and then  hire. This very effective way ensures that the DVD you want to hire is available without the effort to dive to the shop, or mostly to book it in advance to avoid disappointment of it not being on the shelve when you dash into the video store – IT IS REMARKABLE! It is well known abroad, and I AM SURE that it is a matter of time, before DVD rental shops like this one spread like wildfire across the country. What can we say if the world around us modernizes why can’t our simple home entertainment?!

Yesterday the sunshine that peeked through the looming clouds was welcomed as pedestrians were out and about all soaking up the little heat while scattering across town. As the weekend rolled in Hermanus community was finally set free from their homes enjoying the festive as tourist flooded our town! Pietersfontein market was a hive of activity as locals and foreigners browsed the stalls.

There was no seating space available as more persons seemed to file into the market all eager to taste the wares set on display. From wine, cheese, meats, biscuits, coffee all sweet and savoury meals catering for every different taste palate. I frequent the market every Saturday, for one reason and one reason only. The pancakes! I must admit I have a soft spot for pancakes. My relatives and friends enjoy the wines, meat and cheese platters and the rest of the goodies which I on occasions also consume with pleasure.

Jan and Marie famous for their mouth watering pancakes had sold this week over an astonishing 100 000 pancakes. Jan says “on good days we sell approximately 350 pancakes a day” On the blackboard behind the pair reads scribbled in white letters ““Promise: The best!” Accompanied with the pancakes, are jaffels as well as rusks, biscuits and curry mince to name a few. Maries says “she enjoys her Saturdays at the markets and communicating with the clients most of all”. Yesterday was the day I stood in the queue the longest I have every stood, a astounding  50 minutes – just for pancakes. AND IT was NO disappointment; they tasted just as good if not better. I was pleasantly surprised by all the tourists and it made me smile glad they could revel in our towns delight just as we do...

Here I am on an exquisite sunny afternoon sitting out in the garden staring at our newly adopted Kitten, Racoon. I can’t help but wonder if the Hermanus Animal Welfare Society receives the recognition they truly deserve. The adoption process was effortless, quick and without any hurdles...

Our family adopted a beautiful female kitten, called Racoon after our own two year old cat was abruptly taken from us by a speeding car. Raccoon, also known as Tiger or Kitty is delightful, she’s spirited with mesmerizing green eyes and an assortment of colours blanketing her body from browns, black to white. Her distinguishable trait however cannot help but tug a smile at ones lips. Her two left legs are covered in a ginger coat with stripes, while her right legs are dotted in black and all four paws covered in white socks. It was hard to actually choose a cat, because believe me there is not a shortage of animals. Which makes one sad, realizing home many are in dire need of loving homes, from young kittens, to old cats, from puppies to dogs. All shapes and sizes you name it.  

Corresponding with Illze Smith Chairlady and Kennel Manager I questioned her about the facilities and its animals: According to Illze there are approximately 55 dogs and 40 cats. The numbers however vary daily as animals are either brought in or adopted. Astonished at the large number of animals on site I could not help but ask how a person can become involved by with either donating or volunteering help – It turns out, The Hermanus Animal Welfare Society are always in need of volunteers. Dog volunteers can contact Caroline on 084 851 8409 to take the dogs for walks, brush them and play with puppies or young dogs. Cat volunteers can contact Gabi on 083 448 4805 to play and groom the cats and kittens. Shop volunteers can contact Sylvana on 084 610 1940. The facility currently has nine paid staff members at the kennels and one lady in the shop, therefore volunteers are always welcome and appreciated.

As I have stated, the adoption process is very straightforward. If you see a dog or cat you would love to make part of your family, you venture to the kennels to meet the animal. Once you are sure that you have selected a suitable match for your family’s specifications (you cannot have a very active dog in an inactive or older household), you can apply for adoption at the office. You will have to complete some paperwork, and one of our inspectors will then conduct a home inspection. If your home inspection is passed, the adoption fee of R550 is payable. All animals that vacate the premises will be sterilized, vaccinated and dewormed (puppies and kittens will be returned to HAWS for sterilization, or a sterilization certificate is needed). The Welfare also very conveniently has lifts to Cape Town on a weekly basis, and flights can be arranged to any major airport in the country. The shelter is being run under a volunteer-based committee. Members have the opportunity to vote for the new committee every year. To become a member, you can obtain a membership form and pay the annual membership fee. Forms can be obtained from the HAWS office, 028 312 1281.

Asking Illze if she has any other information she deems relevant that the readers should know about? She replied in earnest: “Hermanus Animal Welfare is a non-profit organization run by a handful of Staff and Volunteer active animal lovers.  We are situated in Steenbras Street close to the Zwehihle township.  Because of our location we receive and rescue many abandoned and ill-treated animals.  We believe that every animal deserves the right to be healthy, fed and most importantly loved.   

We need your help and the help of other animal lovers.  Because we are a non-profit organization with no support from the government, we are always happy to receive donations.  These donations do not necessarily have to be in the form of money.  You can donate food, blankets, leads, toys or if you have the time come and take one of man’s best friends for a walk – it might just end up being your best friend.  Volunteers are always welcome. You can also donate 2nd hand clothes, books and other goods to the Animal Welfare Charity Shop at 18 Mitchell Street Hermanus (028 312 1800).   This is one of our main income resources.

We animal lovers all have the same goal – to help suffering & abused animals. Our main goal is to sterilize as many animals as possible as well as support animal owners who are presently not financially able to care for their pets.  All monies raised will go towards paying for vet bills.  Although all other donations are much appreciated, we do need money to pay for various overheads.  Any small cash donation will contribute to make a huge difference to an animal’s welfare.

If every animal lover can afford to donate R10 or even R5 a month by means of an EFT or stop order, we could generate a large income which will make our work so much easier and the lives of our animals so much better.  If you decide to make a donation you can mail it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Donations of more than R1000 will receive a plaque on our Wall of Fame.

Banking Details:
Hermanus Animal Welfare
Standard Bank
Cheque Account  082 263310
Branch Code:  050312

If you are interested in our animals and willing to make a donation please contact us at

028 312 1281.  To become a member at R100 a year, contact Irene Saunders 073 670 6081.

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Please remember that however small your donation, it will still make a large difference to an animal’s life! “

 IMPORTANT message to readers: A pet is for a lifetime, not just for a birthday or Christmas. If you can not commit the next 15 – 20 years to a pet, please rethink the idea of getting one. They do get old, they do get sick, and they do need food and water. Getting a puppy means you will have an adult dog within a year. Please take care of them as if they are your children. Please sterilize your pets to prevent unwanted fights, dogs getting out and lost, and most importantly unwanted litters.”

I was delighted when I sat at a coffee shop in town and overheard a couple commenting about a local artist whose work they were exceptionally interested in. They praised his brushstroke, his techniques, use of space and above all the luminous colour.

I must admit I forced my steaming capuchino down and the second I paid the bill decided to investigate this local talent. What can I say my curiosity got the best of me! It was not hard to track down the infamous painter call Petrus, who says his profession is to fill the world with colour. Growing up in Hoedspruit, Petrus Viljoen attended school in Caledon. He now resides in Hermanus where his work can be viewed at the Art thirst gallery. Asking him about his future plans, he comments smiling “I plan on making more art than Picasso”. He modestly deflects my question asking him if he was always an artist at heart, by saying he believes we all are.

Interested about how he discovered his talents I probed into his history, he eagerly obliged and filled me in. “I visited a girl at Artthirst gallery in Hermanus where I made three small paintings in their studio while I was waiting for her. The owner came back the following day asking if I could make some more of these painting for everyone loves it and would like to purchase them. This was the start of my career as an artist and I have never looked back. Much of my work is all over the world and I feel that I am colouring the world one painting at a time, leaving my mark on this world.”

Although Petrus is very diverse his much prefer medium of paint remains oil. If he could paint anything in any country in the world, he truly wishes that it could be Paris, where he would love to capture the essence of a live street scene as the day progresses. Petrus passionately lives by his motto in life: It is hard to score without a goal!

I recently visited Table Mountain again – and before then I can barely recall the last time I decided to venture to the top of the infamous mountain. I was pleasantly surprised to find on the day of my visit hundreds and hundreds of foreigners had also had the same idea. And shocked to find only two South Africans. I enjoyed the different languages and cultures all eager to witness one of the seven wonders of nature in the world up close and personal, but sadly disappointed that so many were not local...

A large majority of my friendship circle have never been to Table Mountain and I can’t help but think why not?! My boyfriend loved the trip and the views were out of this world!!! The day was crystal clear not a cloud in sight so the visibility allowed as to see as far as the ocean travelled, as far as our eyes could see. It was my partners first trip to the mountain in the 28years he has lived in Cape Town – his answer to my reply why he has never been on the mountain before, was that it is a tourist thing.. For all you out there with the same frame of mind – NO IT IS NOT. This is our home, our country and we should enjoy the beauty of it just like the people who travel 1000 and 1000 of kilometres to see it. It s on our doorstep after all...

The only shop on top of Table Mountain “Shop on Top” has a large variety of goodies and treats to sell, the Souvenirs although pricey are a must see. The restaurants food was also more delicious than I recall, the food all fresh and a numerous amount of choices to choose from. The cable car literally sped up to the top and back again down to the bottom, while conveniently spinning around for a 360degree view. A wonderful day spent on a magnificent historic site!

The year of 2012 ended in a devastating affair when blazing fires raced through the Overstrand causing destruction and chaos in its wake. Just a day after Christmas the fire spread at an alarming rate, spurring hundreds of volunteers, two fire departments and dozens home owners into action to protect what they could. Major contributions were also delivered by the Working on Fire teams and helicopters(Cape Nature), the Overberg District Municipality and the Fire Associations (farmers) on the other side of the mountain, etc.

For days the brave men fought an exhausting battle to control the dancing flames that leapt with ease onto the dry fynbos cloaking the countryside. An overwhelming blanket of dark clouds rose up from the luminous haze and settled on Walker Bay. The air was stifled and warm, stinging ones eyes and left one feeling somewhat suffocated and alarmed. The battle raged on as hotels, restaurants and all potential businesses donated what food and blankets they could to the fire-fighters that fought endlessly to keep the fires at bay.

The latest damage caused by the fires were said to have caused environmental devastation. Over two thousand hectares of fynbos have been burnt, sever damage to buildings, including one that was burnt down entirely and a section of the R43 between Hermanus and Stanford have been affected. Traffic was forced to detour as flames consumed the Tar road. Vicious wind conditions and the mountainous territory made it difficult to maintain the scorching flames from spreading even further.

The fire tore though the vegetation and the electrical line between the two towns causing a cut in the electricity in the vicinity. Power disruptions were the least of frantic citizens worry as the fire which had been put out on three occasions managed to flare up again. Some distraught home owners were asked to evacuate their houses and salvage what belongings they could. Due to the admirable strength and bravery of all involved the evacuated homes were luckily secured with no sever damage inflicted on the buildings.

I was curious to see one of the burnt regions up and personal, and decided without delay to visit an area just on the outskirts of Voelklip. Upon visiting Maanskynbaai I could not help but be amazed at the coal black landscape that greeted me. The sight was more chilling than I imagined.

The barren surface was covered in black soot, as blackened branches portrayed an artistic image of bony fingers reaching from the scorched soil to the heavens. Once-neglected sheds lay burnt in heaps of rubble as the last shards of bricks remain as the only evidence that houses once stood there. Shattered glass reflected the sunlight onto the ground, while iron milk jugs, matters springs, window frames and crushed bottles peered out of the soil. Crushed tiles lay nestled into the loam barely visible beneath the heaps of dead branches clinging mercilessly to the ground. The lush green vegetation on the opposite bank of the lagoon was in stark contrast to the colourless vista along the R43. Tall trees stood rooted to the edge of the placid lagoon, their bark pitch black from the burning flames, still stood proudly as if obstinate to be moved. There was no movement of animals, no sign of birds only the remains of a seared tortoise shell that this landscape was once filled in abundance with wildlife. Walking further into the desolate terrain I noticed small green shoots desperately trying to peek through the burnt soil. Even further along the miraculous sight of much larger green shoots wrapped around blackened branches greeted me. The site was spectacular.

A sign that from the blackened ashes new life is starting to grow. I spun around in circles and saw buds pushing through in all direction, ready to once again blanket the abandoned countryside. Over a small rise I was mesmerized at a brilliantly bright yellow and red shoot that stood dotting the otherwise ashen terrain. As straight as a needle the flowery vegetation stood proudly as if ignorant of the unsightly area laying around it. The new plant life in all its majesty was a strong symbol of  new beginnings and hope for a brighter tomorrow. The blackened earth appears as a symbol of the past, a symbol of our community loving and caring for each other and starting fresh leaving the past failures and moving on just as mother-nature does.

Standing in the seemingly lifeless area illustrated a sense of renewal, highlighting the sense that we are poised on the threshold of a new year which is spread out in front of us and there in the buds of the new flowers pushing through and the sunbirds, sugarbirds and other feathered friends of the fynbos returning to their homes we all can rise like a phoenix from the ashes.

February started with a BANG when news spread like wildfire about the McLaren Circus that was visiting in Town: Known as a family circus with local and international artists and spell-bounding animals that perform it was said that it is a treat not to be missed. The circus is known to tour all over South Africa spreading their magic to all. We managed to book tickets for the 3rd February and I must say we were not disappointed in the least!

Just as their websites predicts The McLaren Circus is filled with “excitement, magic, laughter and thrills!”  The circus was a spectacular blend of everything one envisages that circus stands for, spiced up with modern acrobats. During the interval hotdogs, candy floss, pancakes and drinks were provided to those with an appetite and by the length of the queue I could vouch that it was most of the crowd present. One of the most captivating scenes was a daring stunt where a man dangerously balanced on a spinning wheel meters into the air. The audience watched spellbound as the skilled entertainer on a few occasions seem to teethe on the brink of the rotating orb and preformed a variety of tricks from walking, to running and finally a nail biting skipping stunt.

The lions were one of the most memorable scenes, their roars echoed fear and excitement through the crowd as the glorious beasts snarled but still preformed their acts to perfection. Every act catered to different people, the clowns obviously stole the show with their humour and tricks, but I can honestly say there was not one show that I thought bland. The human chandelier was an act that left my mouth gaping, as a small Chinese lady managed to use her agile body to balance an array of 100 lit candles. All the animals and the performers were extraordinary and next year I will make sure we are seated in the front row again to view the circus from the best vantage point. It was entertaining 90minutes of pure enjoyment and surprises!

Hermanus has many treats and activities to offer there is no doubt about that – but never have I been fishing on the peer. No no not the dangerous one where the waves break and the water tumbles over like a torrential down pour. The safer, smaller peer that cuts into the new harbour area.

Our first fishing expedition, happed randomly when my brother voiced that he craved the tranquillity of the ocean and I myself would not mind to breathe in salty air with a rod in my hand. It was 9pm on a Friday evening, and within seconds we were in the car heading to the New Harbour, with our fishing rods, the necessary gear, bait and warm blankets. The evening passed in a blissful blur, I caught nearly seven small Massbankers, a tiny silver fish that seemed to be in ample supply on the ocean surface that night. Did I mention I was using only a fishing line attached to my hand? I chivalrously opted to not use a rod because we had only brought two in our haste.

My brother and a friend caught an array of different fish some of which was the spectacular shy sharks. The air was warmer than expected, with not a sign of a breeze stirring the small waves, the moon was full and all clouds had vanished from the heavens only hours before, leaving a crystal clear night with a canopy of start twinkling on a magnificent velvet backdrop. There were a few scattered fishermen that seemed to take the sport more seriously than we did - of course what we caught we release back into the ocean again. The shadows danced all around us, but we were safely nestled under a large lamp-post that vibrated enough light to chase away complete darkness.

Our next fishing expedition happed only two days later, eager and much anticipation lead to another day filled with laughter and a peaceful ambience listening to the waves break on the peer. This time we decided to drop our lines into the water just after 5pm, the harbour had a large variety of people, from novices to the real deal. Fishermen sat patiently waiting for the creatures of the ocean to emerge from its silvery depths. Never did I think that I would enjoy the simple act of fishing off the peer as much as I did. It is relaxation at its best! With the majestic mountains as a backdrop and the setting sun painting fiery colours in the darkening sky I can vouch that it will not be my last.. I even purchased a metallic blue fishing rod for our future trips..

I recently went on a short family holiday to one of the most remarkable places in South Africa. The almost eight hour road trip was nowhere near as dreary as I thought it might be. We stopped at farm stalls and roadside craft markets and to top it off we spent one night at Nature Valleys camping site, a truly magnificent camping spot I have discovered!

Wilderness also had a vast number of natural beauty as well as recreational activities to offer us – However our final destination was Tsitsikamma National Park where some of us would stay in the comfortable yet simple dwellings made entirely out of logs (log cabins) and others in our tents. The Tsitsikamma National Park is a protected area on the Garden Route it is well known a coastal reserve for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline as some say, and the ever popular Otter hiking trail. Just before crossing the border into the reserve we had the privilege to visit the infamous Big Tree, the most popular tree in the entire South Africa from my perspective. This Yellowwood tree looms an astonishing 40m high and it is estimated to be 650 years old and has a lush green canopy spreading more than 30m wide shadowing all below its gigantic branches.

The trip was unforgettable, not only did we go paddling on the lagoon in Natures valley, but we spent hours of each day immersed in the numerous amounts of hiking trails skilfully set around the reserve for guests to enjoy, one such a hike we completed a rather harsh 3.7km walk to a spectacular waterfall. The hike was tiring but the sight of the water cascading over the rocks and the thunderous noise of the collision of water against the large boulders made the walk worthwhile. Now I could go on talking about this trip and the beauty of Knysna for at least 10 pages. But the real reason for this blog entry was to voice my concern about our plant and wildlife.

Visiting areas such as Tsitsikamma makes one realize precisely why there are nature conservations across South Africa, and internationally for that matter. We were eager to catch fish in Natures Valley and after obtaining the required permit at the local post office (all after a vast amount of trouble) we did enjoy a relaxing day on the lagoon wrapped in the serenity cloaking the area. But it worries me how many people might not be bothered with the rules and regulations regarding permits and such.. I for one cannot help but think that nature conservation and project such as protecting endangered animals should be made more public and more emphasis should be placed in the urgency of the communities’ cooperation.

Knysna can ensnare you with its beauty, its lush terrain covered in towering trees, its lagoons, rivers and marshlands all accommodation a variety of floras and fauna species. If you are not conscious of the environment I challenge you to visit Knysna, and I will ensure you that you will not leave there without a guilty thought – WHAT AM I doing to help protect our planet Earth?!