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LOWVELD

ISSUE 75 | WINTERR30.00 (incl VAT)

L I V I N G

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best reads in bed

Cross Her Heart by Sarah Pinborough: From the author of Behind Her Eyes comes another excellent thriller. Lisa lives for her daughter Ava, her job, and her best friend Marilyn. Her life is simple and that’s how she likes it. She can’t afford mistakes and neither can the witness protection programme. Absolutely brilliant. It will have you up all night. R305, Jonathan Ball Publishers.

I See You by Clare Mackintosh: One day while riding the tube home Zoe sees a photo of herself in the classifieds section of a daily newspaper. It’s grainy and family and friends try to convince her that it’s not her. The next day another woman’s photo appears in the same paper, only by nightfall, that women is dead. As Zoe frantically tries to find the women featured in past papers, her task leads to a chilling conclusion. Enjoyable psychological thriller. Jonathan Ball Publishers

Lie With Me by Sabine Durrant: It starts with one little lie. Then another little one and another, until suddenly you are stuck in the middle of a giant one and can’t escape. Very clever thriller. Jonathan Ball Publishers

The Accident by Gail Schimmel: If you loved her previous books, The Park and Marriage Vows – you will love this. A brilliant tale of friendship, family, drama, tragedy, and finding happiness. Absolutely loved this book. Plus it’s local fiction. Pan Macmillan.

Sacrifice by Hanna Winter: This is the chilling first novel about criminal psychologist Lena Peters. No one is happy to have a newbie on the team but Lena may be the only one who can find the serial killer who is torturing young women around Berlin. Reminiscent of Stieg Larsson’s books and his setting of scene and characters. Jonathan Ball Publishers.

The Suspect by Fiona Barton: When two 18-year-old backpackers go missing in Thailand, investigative journalist Kate Waters will do anything to get the story. The story resonates with Kate, as she has not seen her own son for two years, since he went to Thailand. As the case unfolds, things get more personal for Kate and her professional and personal life collide. Excellent read. R290, Penguin Random House.

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q&a

In The Last Elephants, authors Don work for the welfare of elephants, particularly those who risk their lives for Pinnock and Colin Bell share their wildlife each day: field rangers and the anti-poaching teams in particular. It is vast knowledge and shed light an acknowledgment, also, of the many communities around Africa that have on the elephant ivory trade. Words elected to work with elephants and not against them. We hope the book Gaynor Siljeur, Wild Card Magazine will help to fulfil two wishes. The first is that the Congress of Parties of the

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and The Last Elephants is the fascinating Flora (CITES) uplists all elephants in all countries to Appendix 1, forbidding story of Africa’s elephants and the trade of elephants or elephant parts across international borders. A second dangers they face as told by over 40 wish is that those countries which receive and use ivory – primarily China, researchers, conservationists, activists, Vietnam, Laos and Japan – seriously and strenuously ban its trade and use photographers, poets and rangers. within their borders. Don Pinnock, historian, criminologist, WHY ARE ELEPHANTS SUCH REWARDING SUBJECTS TO STUDY? Elephants are extremely environmental journalist and coauthor of The Last Elephants reveals and allegiances similar to our own. Our bond is well expressed by one of the

intelligent, long-suffering and essentially gentle animals with family structures the inspiration behind it. writers, Sharon Pincott, who spent many years with a single herd in Hwange,

THE TITLE IS OMINOUS… Elephants

Zimbabwe: “With familiarity came trust and there’s nothing quite like being in Africa are being poached at an trusted absolutely by an enormous wild elephant. Ultimately, I became a part average of one every 15 minutes. In of their families and a reassuring presence during troubled times. Often, they the 1970s there were well over one would greet me with a rumble, as they would their own kind. Remarkably, they million, now there are now only 350 began coming to me from afar when I called them by name.” 000 savanna elephants left. If you

THIS BOOK SPANS THE ENTIRE CONTINENT. HOW DO ELEPHANTS’ LIVES DIFFER ACROSS AFRICA? add forest elephants (a sub-species) Across Africa elephants are taking massive strain from poachers, hunters and that number would be less than 450 habitat loss. Often, they are driven to the extremes of their survival. There are 000. Elephant poaching has increased elephants in the Namib Desert, the deepest forests of Central Africa and the substantially with a decline of 79 413 parched plains of Chad. In places like Botswana they are protected, something elephants between 2010 and 2012 which they seem to know and gather there from surrounding countries. In other recorded.` places they are ruthlessly hunted with industrial-scale poaching

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE WITH WHAT IS SOME OF THE MOST FASCINATING RESEARCH YOU CAME ACROSS? Gathering

THE BOOK? The Last Elephants is a chapters from around 40 elephant specialists, game guards, poets and scientists tribute to the many people who from across the continent has given Colin and I privileged insight to the extremes those who love the creatures will go to protect them. And the nature of elephants. Who knew that there were elephants in a war zone near Lake Chad, that they were making a small comeback in Nigeria, the extent to which the environment benefits from elephant tree pruning, path making and their poo? Or the sophistication of their communication and their remarkable, GPS-like abilities to remember and find their way across vast distances? And their gentle kindness? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NOVEL IDEAS TO PROTECT ELLIES? In some places there are small armies dedicated to their protection – full battle dress, weapons and sophisticated training. The book also looks at what the average person can do, how to become involved as a reader and who to contact to help. There is an illuminating section on how to ‘read’ elephant behaviour.

read

R490, Struik Nature, Penguin Random House. Many thanks to Wild Card Magazine.

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10 LOWVELDLIVING #75

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blanket of

love

There is a haunting theme by Thomas Newman from the 1995 film, How to Make an American Quilt. The music is soulful and the film depicts the lives of women who have one thing in common, and that is a love and ability for the mastery of quilting. Each piece lovingly applied comes with a memory of something or someone special, perhaps sad, perhaps joyous – a patchwork of material reflecting a patchwork of

lives… Words Lynn Haken

quilting has different styles: American quilts which started mainly with patchworks and mixed wool, silks and cottons; African-American quilts which were story-based and now recognised by the US Postal Services with a series of commemorative stamps. Amish quilts made from solid fabrics without any applique and only hand sewn, Native American quilts which were initially taught by missionaries and now have formed their own particular style, Hawaiian quilting, South Asian, Swedish and Art quilting; one depiction being a wall mural with a technique made up of confetti sized pieces of different coloured material and painstakingly assembled on a flat surface in a formulated landscape design, with a fine mesh carefully holding it in place, and almost invisible stitching to create a three dimensional effect. Pure artistry!

You may be surprised to learn that quilting is NOT just practised by women – there is a popular American musician/quilter named Ricky Tims (www.rickytims.com). His work is breathtaking.

In the Lowveld, there are women who get together on a monthly basis with two things in common – a pure love of quilting and a simple sisterhood bond. Established in 1991 by Matthea Dirks and Mary Espionel, the Lowveld Guild is based in Nelspruit with 54 members, and embraces chapters in Malelane, Komatiport, Lydenburg, Hazyview and White River. The Lowveld Guild meets once a month at Macadamia Village in White River. Every second month is a meeting and the alternate a workshop. Newcomers to any chapter are welcomed and encouraged and experience is not a requirement; beginners being individually aided. There are only four requirements: be able to cut straight, stitch straight,

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my backyard

explore your backyardWe got a local’s insider information on things to see and do in Graskop

The small forestry town of Graskop, perched on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment, is only a few minutes drive from God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondawels. It is also within easy reach of waterfalls such as Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls. Its high altitude contributes to Graskop’s temperate climate, high rainfall and mist.

Check out: 1.The Graskop Gorge Lift: Be transported by a glass lift from the edge of the Graskop Gorge, to the beautiful indigenous forest below. Wooden walkways take you past the base of the waterfall into a forest wonderland. There is a restaurant, The Lift Cafe, an art gallery and craft shops on site. http://graskopgorgeliftcompany.co.za. 2. Adrenalin-seekers should head for the Big Swing next door. Continues on page 18...

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my backyard

3. Forrest Falls: Great walk between Sabie and Graskop. Park at the old railway crossing and hike +- 2 km on forestry road. Walk through the forests of the Panorama Route. 4. Fan Falls Walking Trail: Starts at the Boskombuis (about 30km from Graskop) and goes towards Bourkes Luck Potholes. 5. The Graskop Day Trail starts at the Graskop Hut, which forms part of the Fanie Botha overnight hiking trail. It is a Circular Route of 13.3 km. Allow for about 3 to 4 hours. You will need a permit and to sign an indemnity register. The permit can be bought from the Graskop Information Bureau in the main street for R20 per person. 6. Graskop Park Run (Jock Park Run): It is also a hiking and mountain bike route. The event takes place at The Jock Trail, Graskop Horse Stables, corner of Oorwinning Street and Bloedrivier Avenue, Graskop, every Saturday. www.parkrun.co.za/jocktrail. 7. Explore the art scene: The White Lily Art Gallery & Curio Shop, Delagoa Trading, MAP Gallery, Sunlight Gallery, and Curio D’Afrique. 8. Afternoon Drinks on the Graskop Hotel deck, which is also home to an amazing art collection. www.graskophotel.co.za 9. Waterfall hopping: Visit Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls. 10. Graskop Window Rock – on the God’s Window loop. 11. Blyde Swimming Pool: Secret location revealed! From Graskop towards Bourkes Luck Potholes, 8km from Graskop on the left hand side, after second God’s Window turnoff. Very good place to take a dip after sightseeing. 12. Beautiful wildflowers around Graskop. December to March: Graskop lilys, Shooting Stars or Crocosmia, Red-hot Pokers. February to April: Agapanthus Graskop named after this area and Watsonias. May to June: Aloes. 13. The Fanie Botha Hiking Trail has various trail options ranging from two to five nights. The trail can be started from the Ceylon, Graskop or President Burger Huts. The shortest route is 17,1km and the longest is 58,8km. 14. Have a waffle at the Graskop Waffle House – practically an institution.

With thanks Auke van der Meulen

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kids

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mauritius

join the club!

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kids

Club Med’s newly-revamped La Pointe aux Canonniers property showcases the magical country of Mauritius Words Trevor Crighton

there’s something

endearingly oldschool about the evening theatre entertainment at Club Med Villages (resorts, in the language of the brand – see sidebar) – particularly at La Pointe aux Canonniers on the North West coast of Mauritius. Each night, staff (known as G.O’s) perform themed shows to entertain guests after dinner. Some don cheesy wigs and mime to obscure 80’s synth-pop, others show off some remarkably dextrous dancing and several others just embrace whichever role is assigned to them with the brand’s trademark vigour.

One night each week on stage at ‘La Pointe’, the cooing of parents and firing of cellphone camera flashes heralds possibly the sweetest performance of the week – where the G.O’s team up with guest children to perform the most charming choreography, in full costume and make-up. It’s hard to know who’s more thrilled – the children or the parents – but the guarantee is the formation of a magical memory. Thirty minutes after the curtain falls on the stage show, many of the G.O’s will be throwing some far less PG shapes on the dancefloor to get the party started – and that’s part of the diverse charm of the Club Med experience.

There’s an authenticity to the type of holiday that the brand’s Villages deliver – a mix of incredibly enthusiastic G.O’s and their astonishing energy levels, wonderful entertainment options, themed evening parties that often carry on a little longer than

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officially advertised and a thoroughly slick, modern feel to the accommodation and activities.

La Pointe aux Canonniers underwent a near half-billion rand refurbishment in 2018 that added 108 new rooms and saw existing ones revamped in a vibrant, contemporary style. Also added were a Spa, Zen Area, Family Zone and revised restaurant offerings. The diversity of the offering means it’s not ‘just’ a family resort and those without offspring could comfortably enjoy a stay without ’experiencing’ smaller humans outside of meal times. Family rooms are grouped around the Family Zone, with its child-friendly pool, while Deluxe rooms encircle the Zen Area which does exactly what it says on the box – and other guests aren’t shy about letting you know if the volume of your conversation rises above ‘acceptable’ levels.

Claiming to have introduced the ‘all-inclusive’ concept to the travel world decades ago, it’s hard to fault the Club Med offering – which is often where other brands trip guests up with Terms & Conditions. Once you’ve made your accommodation booking, added optional flights and transfers, you could literally leave your wallet at home, unless you’re looking to indulge in some of the more topshelf drinks, visit the boutique, spa or book an excursion outside the Village. Every meal, every drink and every activity from archery to snorkelling, skiing and stand-up paddleboarding to kayaking, is part of the package. It’s a great ‘peace of mind’ offering, particularly for families travelling on a budget and not wanting to ruin a perfectly good holiday by being forced to wander around with a calculator.

Included, as well, are the Mini Club Med and Junior Club Med for kids aged 4 through 17 – with paid options for children aged from just 4 months. It’s hard to imagine the children having a better holiday than when you see them charging around with the G.O’s on a treasure hunt, trying their hand at archery and singing songs as they march through the Village, en route to their next adventure. With Club Med a favourite vacation brand amongst Europeans – particularly the French – don’t be surprised when your child returns from their holiday with some very swish new ‘foreign’ vocabulary.

As comfortable – and easy – as it would be to stay within the Village’s walls for a week, getting out and about is an important part of any holiday. Within easy reach are the vibrant town of Grand-Baie and a bucket list Blue Safari Submarine or Sea Scooter experience. The former opens up the underwater world off Trou aux Biches as the modern sub dives 35 metres to explore the bustling underwater life around a scuttled Japanese freighter that is slowly forming a reef, while the latter allows guests to zip around underwater – perfectly dry, from the shoulders, up – while the support divers pantomime points of interest. The on-site Excursions Office at the Village has loads of surprises in store, and can also tailor specific trips, depending on your needs.

Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers offers a great opportunity to set the speed of your holiday and create some magnificent memories in a truly stylish setting – whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, a group or a family.

INFO www.clubmed.co.za

EXPECT A MIX OF INCREDIBLY ENTHUSIASTIC G.O’S AND THEIR ASTONISHING ENERGY LEVELS, WONDERFUL ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS, AND THEMED EVENING PARTIES.

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