ZOO STORY - THE JOHANNESBURG DIARIES - #BLOGCHATTERA2Z2023

Africa is known for its parks, sanctuaries and zoos. Kruger Park and the myriad safaris are examples of the way animals are nurtured in this continent.

It was time to take the little ones to a zoo. So, we decided to visit the Lory Park Zoo, Midrand, which is smaller than the Johannesburg Zoo, mainly because it was a nice hot day, and we thought that it would be better to go to the former before going for lunch to the Mall of Africa, which is one of the biggest malls around, maybe even in the whole of Africa.

The Lory Park Zoo is located between Johannesburg and Pretoria and is home to more than a hundred species of various animals. It was started by Edward Philippus Van Eck in April 2002, who was an avid animal lover. He started it as a bird park, but later, it grew into an sanctuary for many kinds of animal species as well. When Midrand turned into a residential area, people began to drop off wounded or captured animals to Lory Park Zoo.

Edward Philippus also wanted to educate visitors about the need for animal conservation. To this end, the zoo not only showcases its animals, but holds training sessions and tours for interested folks. There are both guided and unguided tours, and even school tours for children too.

The Lory Park Zoo is open seven days a week from ten to four thirty every day. As we walked in, we could see various enclosures which were designed to look environmentally friendly, with swinging branches, little moats, enclosures for the various animals, each with its own placard outside giving out information about the creatures housed within. Some of the notice boards were rather amusing.

 

We walked around the various enclosures, but since it was almost noon, many of the animals were on their siesta. We kept peering into them, trying to locate the inmates… the first lot of enclosures housed all kinds of birds like the kookaburra, (which reminded me of the old classic – Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree…!), owls, parrots, parakeets, vultures.

                                                           The Harry Potter Touch!

Z’s favourite animal is the rabbit, and no one was more thrilled than she was when she caught sight of a ‘Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Petting Area’. We spent quite a bit of time trying to feed the rabbits with carrots and greens, many of whom were shy of being petted.

The reptile section was a fast forward trip as those poor creatures were not everybody’s cup of tea. We quickly peered into each of the enclosures where the creepy-crawlies lay cosily ensconced in dark corners.

The next section was that of the big cats, some of the most beautiful and majestic creatures ever. Right from the regal lion, the Bengal tiger, the sleek cheetahs, the spotted leopards and an energetic jaguar which paced continually up and down, to the Eurasian lynx and the caracal, the ocelot and the serval, some of which we had never heard of before, we were entranced. 

The monkeys and the chimpanzees were all over their cages, making it difficult to take pictures of them. In general, taking pictures was no easy task basically because of the iron grills, the darkness inside and the fact that it was too hot for the animals to pose. 

There was a café and a gift shop for those who wanted to indulge themselves. Walking around all the enclosures does make one rather hungry after all. What made me feel good was the fact that not only were the animals taken good care of, but that there was a green notice of respect that spoke of how people should gain a better understanding and respect for animals, and also how adherence to time was absolutely essential, especially when it came to the feeding times of the animals. 

As we moved out of the zoo, hungry but happy, it was with a sense of contentment for we had all enjoyed the day. The weather gods had been on our side as it was not as hot we had through it would be.

Picture credits: Priyanka Menon and Deepti Menon

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THE JOHANNESBURG DIARIES - YOU AND WE - #BLOGCHATTERA2Z2023

 

Dearest Z and S,

This post is for you and about you, about how blessed we are to be your grandparents. We love you loads!

 Seven and four are mighty ages, dear little ones. We still remember the first time we saw you in a little covered baby carriage, chubby - cheeked and so tiny.

 Z, you came first, beautiful little baby, holding our hearts in your rose-petal hands with pink- tipped shell-like nails. We watched you grow, day by day, month by month and year by year. You were the apple of our eye, with long hair flying around, as you toddled your way into homes and malls, talking for all you were worth. We saw you grow into a little person in your own right, gentle yet forthright, absolutely transparent. 

 Today, at seven, you still hold our hearts in your little hands. You turn into Elsa and Red Riding Hood, draw and sing like an angel, read with enjoyment and do everything you want, which makes our hearts swell with joy.

S, what do I say about you? You remind us of Huckleberry Finn and the Hulk (the tiniest version possible) as you stride across life like a boss baby! Your smile endears, your words enthrall, and your antics amuse till a point when they need to be curbed. But you too hold our hearts in your hands, a determined little soul who knows how to charm a bird off a bough. Like your Nana says all the time, "Tu teen saal ka hai?" ("Are you only three?") every time you say something original, identify a song by the opening bars along with your sister, or work all the electronic devices in the house like a pro. 

 Today, as you stand in the verge of turning four, you are a little tornado, a bundle of tricks and a survivor, and we love you for your personality which screams 'Rockstar'. 

 This is a little note to tell you both how much you mean to us, and to all those who know you. As you grow, day by day, we see little traits in you which are distinctly yours, and others in which we see your parents in you. Time seems to be flying and soon you will both be frisky teenagers, and then, responsible adults with a mind of your own. May this process be one filled with joy and fulfillment, one in which you grow as naturally as saplings into trees.

 Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States. Here is the copy of a letter that he wrote to his son's teacher. Every word rings with conviction. What he has said in his missive is what we wish for both of you, darling Z and S.

We will always love you and be immensely proud of you!  God bless!

Nana and Mooma

Photo Credits: Studocu

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THE JOHANNESBURG DIARIES - 'XCELLENT BURGERS - #BLOGCHATTERA2Z2023

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We had heard a lot from umpteen folks about the delicious burgers that V, our son-in-love, could conjure up. That is if ‘conjure’ is the apt word for he spent a day and a half in prepping it, adding the ingredients to the mince and shaping the raw burgers into round balls which he then refrigerated.

He then moved on to the garlic butter, which was not any old recipe, but one that he created with much deliberation and care, finally wrapping the final product into a tight sausage-like roll which also got popped into the refrigerator.

Finally, came another masterpiece – spicy, red chilli oil which not only looked potent but was strong enough to fell an ox. Absolutely mouth-watering (and eye-watering too!).

The next afternoon was sunny, the perfect day for a braai/ barbeque out in the green lawn. The sky was uniformly blue… it reminded me of the classic song that was recently mentioned in the Oscars – “Not a cloud in the sky, got the sun in my eyes…”

                                                                     Unsplash

By about noon, we were all cosily ensconced in the far end of the lawn where there was ample shade because by then the African sun had reached its peak. We sat around sipping our beverages and snacking a bit, the whole family looking forward to the treat that awaited them.

The MasterChef brought his ingredients out all set to create his magic. First, he lit the fire and allowed his upturned griddle plate to heat up, after which he placed the round burgers on it and smashed them into flat circles with his ladle. As they were cooking, he, with the help of his two sous chefs, his wife and sister-in-law, toasted the buns, spread garlic butter on them, fried the onion rings, and finally constructed the burgers, placing all the prepared ingredients in them along with two smashed burger patties.

The final product was incredibly juicy and delicious, as we sat in the shade, the sun pouring its light through the leaves, as our dog went crazy with all the aromas wafting in the air. Cups of coffee and green tea followed, and then we went for a short walk with the kids just so we could digest our amazing meal.

Thus, we got to savour a MasterChef dish right at home, and boy, did we enjoy ourselves. Maybe it was the heat of the African sun, the spirited company or the languor of the afternoon, but we felt replete and absolutely content at the end. I was so stuffed that I trotted out my usual dialogue.

“I don’t think I will be able to manage any dinner!” To which, P retorted,

“Well, we will ask you that at dinner time!”

But thereby hangs another tale…

365 Quotes

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THE JOHANNESBURG DIARIES - WHEN IN ROME…! #BLOGCHATTERA2Z2023

 

Notable Quotes

Every place has its own customs and as visitors, each one of us is supposed to fall in line and follow them. For that reason, sometimes, it is vital to read a bit about the place because in some parts of the world, things can get touchy.

I was going through a set of strange customs across the world, and some caught my fancy. For example, in Denmark, some graveyards have metamorphosed into picturesque places to hang out in. People stroll around and spend time together, exploring the myriad gravestones. Talk about waking up the departed souls!

                                                               Copenhagen

In Japan, no one gets fired. However, a person who needs to be terminated may be isolated in a locked room and given tasks so unsavoury that he or she ends up resigning.

Red ink is avoided in South Korea because, in the past, only the names of the dead are written in red. Hence, it is better not to carry red pens and tempt fate, I guess!

                                                                In My Korea

In Greece, spitting is seen as a good luck charm that wards off the devil, and brides especially used to have guests spitting at them. Today, it has turned into a symbolic act with guests only making a spitting sound, thank God.

Germany’s Polteraband custom is where before a wedding, the guests come together and break items like vases, crockery and porcelain dinner sets. The couple is expected to clean the mess up after, symbolising that every couple has to work hard, through thick and thin, to make their marriage work. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

                                                         SunnySideCircus

Table etiquette is taken seriously in most countries. However, one man’s meat might be another man’s poison. For example, in Japan, making a slurping sound while eating noodles indicates that one is savouring the meal. It is suggested that the act of slurping allows air to enter the palate, which enhances the taste of the dish. Slurp, slurp! 

In stark contrast, when in Norway, even sandwiches are eating with a fork and knife. So, it is better to brush up on your cutlery skills before going there.

Do not clink glasses in Hungary! In 1849, Hungary lost to Austria in war, and when they saw the spectacle of the Austrian generals clinking their beer glasses to celebrate, it hurt their ego. They vowed not to clink their glasses for 150 years. A large number of Hungarians still follow the vow.

Nowadays, for birthdays, cake is smeared on the face of the birthday boy or girl. In Mexico, it is customary to bring the cake out, sing the birthday song, blow the candles out and then, voila! The birthday baby has his or her face pressed down onto the cake. It is a cultural tradition, but the cake is ruined, sadly.

                                                                  iStock

Finland boasts of a wife-carrying tradition. This started in the 19^th century and since 1992 has been dubbed the Wife Carrying World Championships. The prize is beer equivalent to the wife’s weight. Brings up a question… is it better to have a wife who weighs less or more? Since 2002, this sport has been carried over to other arenas in the UK, USA, Australia and Asia.

In India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East and parts of Africa, it is considered rude to use the left hand for eating or other activities. This is primarily because in these cultures, the left hand is used for cleaning oneself after going to the toilet. It is safer to use one’s right hand while greeting, offering money, doing business and of course, eating.

Africa is a melting pot of many tribes, each with their own customs which make the people so vibrant.

The Mursi tribe of Ethiopia adorn their lips with large wooden plates or pottery. This process happens to girls around the age of sixteen and is voluntary.

                   Wikipedia Commons

Going back to the spitting custom mentioned above, the Maasai tribes of Kenya and Northern Tanzania believe that to spit is to bestow a blessing or a mark of respect. When they want to bid farewell, wish someone good luck or make a bargain, they spit at one another.

For the San people of Botswana, Namibia and Angola, dance is a sacred power. The trance (or the healing) dance has the community dancing around a fire, chanting and going into a trance to contact the spirit world. This healing process also helps expel emotions like jealousy, anger and strife.

Brides, they say, look beautiful on their wedding days. The Ndebele tribe ensures that their brides are the star of the show. The groom’s mother creates a stunning apron made of goatskin and attractive beads called the Jocolo. This makes the bride stand out, and is symbolic of her future role as a mother of many children.

South African Tourism

Of course, the most heart-warming custom is that of lobola, where the groom pays a bride price to the father of the bride to compensate him on the loss of his daughter. Earlier, this was paid in cattle, but today, modern couples prefer the transaction in cash.

There are many more wonderful customs across, which just goes to prove that we live in a world that is diverse, fascinating and sometimes, mind boggling. However, what is absolutely vital is that we meet people with mutual respect, empathy and understanding. Those qualities remain the same in every culture the world over.

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THE JOHANNESBURG DIARIES - THE VOORTREKKER MONUMENT - #BLOGCHATTERA2Z2023

The Voortrekker Monument

The Voortrekker Monument stands tall and can be seen from any direction in Pretoria, the home of Afrikaner culture, housing a pictorial and representative depiction of the Great Afrikaner Trek right up to the Anglo-Boer War. It reveals the immense trials and tribulations suffered by the Afrikaners as they made this well documented trek. It is also a beacon of hope as it is a saga of perseverance, bravery and foresight.

 Once again, the four grandparents made their own trek to this amazing monument which loomed at a height that made it appear even more imposing. Rustic stone steps led up to it, with various stops from which we could see the whole of Pretoria. There was a café on one of the stops which had salespersons dressed in traditional garb, Dutch caps et al, serving customers local cuisine. We shared a dish called Roosterkoek (grilled cake) which consisted of fresh South African bread baked over coal, piping hot, and served with butter, cheese and jam. Absolutely delicious! 

There was also a gift shop selling traditional items and postcards, a wall of fame where numerous photographs of past visitors smiled out at the present lot, and a photographic corner where one could dress up traditionally and take a pic. Unfortunately, the last was unmanned, much to our disappointment.

 

We climbed to the top, stealing glances at the view of the city along the way. At one level, there was a plaque on which was written the vow made by the Voortrekker men before the Battle of Blood River in 1838.

At the very top, just before the Voortrekker Monument, was a sculpture that warmed the cockles of our heart. It was a green sculpture of the Voortrekker Woman with her two children, without whose perseverance, contribution and sacrifices, The Great trek would not have resulted in its success and the permanent settlement of the Afrikaners. This masterpiece was the handiwork of Anton Van Wouw, one of South Africa’s most renowned sculptors.

Up close, the monument took our breaths away, with its wonderful granite façade, the magnificent Italian marble within, the symbolism of the Grand Trek set around in 27 bas relief panels constituting the largest frieze in the world, and the huge glass windows made of yellow Belgian glass, all designed by the amazing architect, Gerard Moerdijk.  

                                                         The Belgian Glass Windows

A Section of the 27 Panels in Bas Relief

The Cenotaph in the centre of the Cenotaph Hall was set on the level below and we went down a winding stone staircase to a treasure house of Afrikaner artefacts – tapestries, paintings, flags of the various Voortrekker republics, ox wagons, various relics from the Trek like giant Bibles, implements and Assegai weapons (spears), apparel and ornaments, the sight of which brought with them a whiff of nostalgia for the days gone by. 

The Cenotaph

Folk Art of the Voortrekkers

Realistic Depictions from the Past

Wagons, Weapons and Bibles

When we moved out into the sunshine again, we were all overwhelmed at the wondrous sights we had seen. It was as if a huge slice of history had been presented before us in all its glory. Once again, this was a moment that was unique, a visit that we would remember all our lives. The wagons followed us outside on the walls, as the experience continued to overwhelm.

We turned to take one last look at the Voortrekkers Monument, embedding the sight in our mind’s eye, for we wanted to carry its majesty along with us as we left it behind.

Photo Credits: Deepti Menon

References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voortrekker_Monument

PS: Once again, I would like to thank Shobha and Rajeev Rao, for having gifted us with this absolutely breathtaking experience.

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z2023.

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