Walking on Sunshine

TRAVEL

Words: Duane Stacey | Photos: Wessel Theron, Charlotte Springveldt & Neal Bruton

WALKING ON SUNSHINE LINKED TO A RICH LEGACY THAT CARRIES THE HISTORY OF THE KHOISAN, BRITISH, DUTCH, GERMAN AND XHOSA PEOPLE, NELSON MANDELA BAY OFFERS A UNIQUE DIVERSITY THAT HAS EARNED ITSELF THE BRAGGING RIGHTS OF A REGION COATED IN SUNSHINE AND IS FONDLY REFERRED TO AS 'THE FRIENDLY CITY'. CAPABLE OF HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL IRONMAN EVENT AND THE FESTIVITIES OF AN IRB SEVENS TOURNAMENT, THE CITY DRAWS SPORTING FANATICS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND STIRS ITS RESIDENTS INTO A HIVE OF ACTIVITY.

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One of the world’s most gruelling endurance events, the IRONMAN.

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OUR SHORT TRIP ONLY OFFERS US A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IS ON OFFER IN THIS SUN-SOAKED REGION, BUT PERHAPS THIS BRIEF FORAY INTO THE CULTURE, ADVENTURE AND LOCAL LIFE WILL BE ENOUGH TO LURE US BACK TO EXPLORE FURTHER. SPORTING MECCA

Our Port Elizabeth experience began with what must surely be one of the world’s most gruelling endurance events, the IRONMAN. Here, athletes from all over the world descend on Nelson Mandela Bay to complete a 3.86 km swim, 180 km bike ride and then, for good measure, a 42 km run. The atmosphere near the boardwalk is electric as supporters give their all to drag these athletes down the red carpet towards the words, “You are an IRONMAN!” Much of the route, soaked in athletes’ tears, loops multiple times through Marine Drive, where cheering onlookers can get a glimpse of their favourite athletes many times in the day, thus making this one of the better spectator sports.

The camaraderie en route is fantastic to witness, as athletes bow to the grandeur of this prestigious event by respecting each athlete and realising that no individual is greater than the race.

None more so than the winners of the Men and Ladies categories, Frederik van Lierde and Jodi Swallow, who were back at the finish line after their race handing out winner medals until the midnight cut-off. As more and more competitors piled through the finishing area, Jodi was overheard saying how these athletes, on the road for almost 17 hours, embraced the true meaning of 'Iron Man', as they fought off every obstacle to mentally and physically lug themselves over the finish line.

Athletes were overwhelmed by the amount of support they received, not only from those watching, but from the numerous volunteers and referees who went above and beyond to support their city in hosting this world-class event.

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What every runner that takes part in this event wants to hear: You are an IRONMAN.

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PORT ELIZABETH STRETCHES FOR 16 KM ALONG ALGOA BAY AND OFFERS EXQUISITE VIEWS ALONG THE COASTLINE. As such, the sea and beach culture of this friendly city is ingrained in the lives of the locals.

Therefore, to not explore this element would do the place a great disservice and so our time here was destined to include some scuba diving.

RADICAL DIVING

Having not dived for a while, we made our way down to Ocean Divers International feeling a little nervous, but the tension eased immediately as the welcoming staff reassured us of their impeccable safety standards.

Adding to our growing sense that all would be well, we learned that our dive masters would be the same safety divers who had ensured the wellbeing of all the IRONMAN swimmers from the day before. Within minutes, this one-stop dive shop had us kitted from head to toe in comfortable dive gear and ready to explore the open waters of Algoa Bay. For many, a dive site called ‘Shark Gully’ might send shivers up the spine, but we felt so secure in the hands of such a capable dive team that we were itching for the backward roll and a chance to swim with one of Nelson Mandela Bay’s less friendly locals; the raggedtooth shark. This was an unforgettable dive experience not only for the shark teeth found on the ocean floor and magnificent sightings of blue spotted rays and imposing sharks but also for the family type atmosphere created by a fun-loving team whose passion for the sea and protection of its wildlife added a valuable dimension to an already extraordinary dive experience.

If you are not yet a qualified open water diver, Ocean Divers offers a beginners Discovery Scuba course, which runs for just a few hours in the morning and allows beginners to experience the marvels of the ocean by the afternoon. The course permits you to dive at depths of up to 12 m with a PADI instructor, which is more than sufficient for the novice diver in Algoa Bay. The certification lasts one year. 

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Shark tooth found on the ocean floor.

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CULTURALLY ENRICHING

Having had our fill (for now) of all things athletic, we turned our attention to the rich history and culture that constitute the inner workings of this incredible city, but which often pass by unnoticed.

We were fortunate enough to meet up with Craig Duffield, a man whose passion for people is infectious and matched by his desire to educate visitors about his birth town with knowledge of the area that fairly oozes from his pores. Strolling through the old town of Port Elizabeth, amongst the hustle and bustle of ordinary life and overlooking Algoa Bay, Craig gave meaning and relevance to our short stay in the city while we absorbed his every word.

WE MADE OUR WAY TO WHAT IS FAST BECOMING ONE OF NELSON MANDELA BAY’S MORE FAMOUS TOURIST ROUTES. Route 67 pays tribute to the life and struggle of South Africa’s iconic leader Nelson Mandela, and meanders past 67 artworks symbolising his 67 years of work dedicated to the freedom of South Africa. It starts at the Campanile (old clock tower near the harbour), climbs the staircase to Vuyisile Mini Market Square in the city centre, and continues up the staircase at St Mary’s Terrace clad in Xs signifying the importance of each vote from the 1994 elections. It then passes the Athenaeum, which hosts temporary and permanent exhibitions from talented Eastern Cape Craftsmen, moves onward and upward through the Donkin Reserve, and finally assembles at the summit near the flag pole boasting Africa’s secondlargest national flag.

We felt culturally enriched and were eager for Craig to take us through the last part of the tour that includes a township tour. He has spent many years building great relationships with the people from this township. As such, we were able to gain an incredible insight into the lives of the locals, who embrace this area as home.

The Red Location Backpackers offers an authentic township experience and has been set up by a group of high-spirited ladies who not only offer cultural cuisine but an indescribable community feel every visitor needs to encounter for themselves.

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A rich history and culture constitutes the inner workings of this fascinating city.

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ADRENALINE-FUELLED ADVENTURES

With time fast running out, we had a final adrenaline-fuelled adventure waiting. As Port Elizabeth swiftly disappeared behind us and the Sunday River Valley opened before us, we made our way to Adrenalin Addo. This plays host to Africa’s longest double zipline. A quick coffee in a quaint café overlooking the river did little to settle the early nerves as we anxiously geared up and gazed upon the cliff tops where our microscopic jump-hut stood, stencilled into the horizon.

THE PHRASE ‘ADRENALINE JUNKIES’ DOES NOT SUITABLY CAPTURE THE CHARACTER OF THE EXPERIENCED GUIDES WHO LED US UP THE CITRUSCOVERED HILLSIDE. These men have worked in the ‘adrenaline’ business for many years and their expertise and knowledge of the local area made for an entertaining and insightful hike to the high-level hut.

Spectacular views graced our sight senses as we stepped off the last rung of a wooden ladder and onto a platform overlooking the valley.

The best part of this adrenaline-seeking activity was sharing the emotions with a friend, who was strapped into a zipline next to me. The crisp air gushed onto our faces as shouts of elation were flung between the two lines as we zipped our way towards the automatic breaking system and onlookers who had gathered in the café below.

With our feet firmly planted back on the ground, a saddened reality set in. The sun was setting on our adventures through the Sunshine Coast and it was time to say goodbye to the The Friendly City, a place that boasts much more than even its outgoing residents know about. •

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Adrenalin Addo is home to Africa’s longest double zipline.

IF YOU GO:

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism You can obtain the Nelson Mandela Bay pass that gives discounted rates to these and many more activities and attractions through the Nelson Mandela Bay tourism office. If you are planning to visit, this should be your first port of call and their very friendly staff will be more than willing to help you find your way around the area. You can contact them on 041 582 2575, by email on info@nmbt.co.za or visit www.nmbt.co.za Scuba with Ocean Divers: You can contact them on 041 581 5121, by email on dive@odipe.co.za or visit www.odipe.co.za Mosaic Tours: You can contact Craig Duffield on 083 656 8329, by email: info@mosaictourism.co.za or visit www.mosaictourism.co.za Adrenalin Addo: To book, contact them on 078 911 1610, email them on info@adrenalinaddo.co.za or visit www.adrenalinaddo.co.za

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