I DREAMED OF AFRICA

Not only have I dreamed of Africa, I live in Africa. The beautiful ocean bordered Southern part of Africa. At the moment in our Western Cape home we are a number of years into a drought. Bizarre considering that large parts of the country are flooded. We recently visited friends, a short drive from our homestead. They live at the foot of the mountains and are probably the only part of the country that still has a fair amount of water.

That is not to say that they have enough. But they are lush compared to the majority of farms. Most farmers in this area grow fruit. Peaches, figs, apricots, pomegranates, nectarines and grapes - mostly for export but some for wine. However fruit requires a lot of water and so many farmers have had to make the tragic decision to remove their trees and replace them with a less thirsty alternative.

This lush valley is called Voorbaat which means Advance - specifically thank you in advance. There are special people living there. And the naturally topography is also very special. The landscape is dotted with small patches of water, and in the crags of the mountain the tinkle of small waterfalls can be heard. I am always intrigued by the unusual rock formations in the area. It reminds me a lot of volcanic rock. Although some of it seems so perfect it is almost as if a giant hand was playing a giant form of lego with the rocks.

As the farmers chop down different orchards the locals come in to gather up the wood. This is carried home to make cooking fires. Even in the incredible heat of our Karoo summers you can see men and women clutching big bundles of firewood to cook their meals. It should give us a fresh appreciation for our household appliances and modern conveniences that make our lives so much faster and easier.

And as we jump in an air conditioned cab to whiz back home on the dirt roads, we pass the wood bearing carriers. We also passed a donkey drawn wagon. Our area seems to be the place where past and future meet. But we have a lot to learn and be grateful for, of the more humble lifestyles. Tonight, again, I dream of Africa.