Today we revelled in slumber, rising at just 9 am with no specific plans. After breakfast, Di and Deb wen for a walk to the local golf course where rounds are just E20 (Swazi Emalangeni currency is 1 for 1 with the Rand). Unfortunately, only right-handed clubs are available for loan (Joe would have had no problem but Ryan, Brendan and Deb all shoot left). After that we went of to the Ngwenya iron ore mine (closed in 1977). This mine was used opened 43000 years ago by the bushmen! Cave paintings and carbon-dating point to an era when the early bushmen used the oxidized ore mixed with blood as a paint and make-up! 450 AD, the combinaton of available charcoal and iron ore made for excelllent spear making by th elocal tribes. Finally, in 1964, the US STEEL company purchased the right to the ore and mined high purty iron ore for 13 years. What was once a mountain of iron exists today as a 2 km wide crater with a fantasic musemum and a super guide, Mtu (pronounced me-too). Mtu was an amazing guide, well worth te price of admission and gratuity, filling us with facts of the mine, the Swazi culture and even offering to continue as our guide for the duration of our stay!
Our next stop was the Ngwenya Glass factory. An entire industry from recycled glass! The artists there proudly working while the tourists watched from their observatory! It was another treat of skill and craftsmanship on display. At this same site, there were a number of African clothing shops as well as chocolatier (and of course, we sampled the locl treats and mini-animal shaped treats!
The women, Deb, Di and Brenda head off to the local church where the local Swazi women were congregating for a special mother’s day prayer. The men (Joe and the boys loitered patiently).
Our next stop was the Ngwenya Glass factory. An entire industry from recycled glass! The artists there proudly working while the tourists watched from their observatory! It was another treat of skill and craftsmanship on display. At this same site, there were a number of African clothing shops as well as chocolatier (and of course, we sampled the locl treats and mini-animal shaped treats!
The women, Deb, Di and Brenda head off to the local church where the local Swazi women were congregating for a special mother’s day prayer. The men (Joe and the boys loitered patiently).
No comments:
Post a Comment