Africa Archives - Page 3 of 14 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Africa, America, Asia, Canada, Caribbean, Countries, Europe, Oceania, UK

Your train is early after 200 years

7th July 20247th July 2024 funtime65

What’s this… your train is early after 200 years?

Yes, the Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham has only stolen a march on the birth of the railways.

By announcing that 2024 should be the year to mark the bicentenary of the first train journey.

On account of the creation of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Company.

Do the Locomotion

Only that it was not until the next year, 1825, that the first passenger train took off.

When George Stephenson’s steam-powered Locomotion No. 1 travelled 26 miles between Shildon, Darlington and Stockton.

Which is what Railway 200 have begun planning.

It is no exaggeration to say that trains transformed Britain.

And that makes it all the more galling to see the state the service is in today.

So it is understandable that Mayor Burnham should want to claim the genesis of railways.

And push for a 35-minute super train journey between Manchester and Liverpool.

On the right track

Steamin’ ahead: Channel your Casey Jones

For the full story of how Britain’s trains used to work then the train has moved on from Darlington south to York.

And so should you to the National Railway Museum, a wonderland for all Casey Joneses and their train-spotting daughters.

If trains could connect this island and expanded our work and early travel horizons.

Just think what they could on a larger scale in the US, in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

America we know was built on the backs of Irish navvies.

And north, south, east and west there are towns and states celebrating how railroads were at the heart of their story.

Station to station

We all have our own romantic visions from cowboy movies of train tracks snaking through the Wild West.

All of which I saw for myself at the Colorado Railroad Museum with a nod to a far more patriarchal time.

Trains tell us so much about a society and we all have pictures in our mind of Indians hanging off trains.

Japanese crammed into theirs and eastern Europeans and mid-Asians making palaces.

Those, and the great train journeys of the world are in safe hands with, erm, oul’ Casey Jones’s recommendation, Great Rail Journeys.

Now whether you make rail journeys your centrepiece and tick off an Orient Express…

The Lake Titicaca in Peru, the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the Darjeeling Train in India, the Indian Pacific in Australia.

Or just get your tickets stamped on the way.

Whether it is up the highest rail route in Europe, the Jungfraujoch, a Bajan steam train, up the Norwegian fjords, or Amtrak it around New England.

Stephenson’s train on time

Enjoy and remember it all started in Old England with Robert Stephenson.

When 550 passengers were transported , making this the world’s first steam-powered passenger railway.

Put your back into it: A bit of fun in Barbados

From Shildon, Darlington to Stockton.

Although the opportunistic Mayor Burnham would like to assure you that your train is early after 200 years.

Africa, Countries

Join the Mandela Line and vote

26th May 202426th May 2024 funtime65

With this year seeing more people getting to elect their leaders than at any time in history let’s not waste our hard-earned right… let’s join the Mandela Line and vote.

Apathy when there’s a democratic deficiency and change is dressed up as a broken status quo is understandable.

And when we’ve fallen into the trap Aldous Huxley warned us of that our leaders would anaesthetise us.

By giving us exactly what we’ve been asking for, rampant consumerism and instant gratification, it is understandable.

And will explain why we’re more interested in voting contestants in and out of Love Island, I’m A Celeb and Big Brother than politicians to parliament.

A line of election activists

Not to sneer, of course, at those who think Big Brother is a Geordie voiceover rather than the OG (that’s Gen Z for original) George Orwell’s all-seeing dictator.

And that’s because our ancestors struggled, protested and often fought and died for our right to vote.

Much like they did, and more, in South Africa.

So that the 98% of the population could have the government that reflected them.

And have their moment, as they did, 40 years ago.

Queueing overnight in most instances to vote for the Great Man.

Everyone a voter

You will meet them when you visit the Rainbow Nation and be sure to ask them of their experience.

All parts of the republic from Amos, the waiter we met in Graaff-Reinet, who was involved in the armed struggle.

To game reserve owner Iain in Mount Cambedoo.

The vast majority of whom will wax lyrical.

About how heroic Madiba, the Father of the Nation was, and continues to be.

Port of call

The Voting Line is reflected and symbolised in the metal installation we found in the Donkin Reserve in Port Elizabeth, now Gqeberha since we visited.

Where our guide par excellence Siseko got us to the end of the line to stand next to South Africa’s saviour.

For South Africa, of course, we can read America, Britain, India, and anywhere around the world.

And a reminder that 60 countries of four billion people which is half the population of the world are voting this year.

So get to the polling station because it is everyone’s duty to join the Mandela Line and vote.

All major airlines fly out to South Africa and remember it is on the same Greenwich Mean Time so there will be no time adjustment.

Only the South Africans appreciate so much more the gift that is a free vote.

Africa, America, Asia, Countries, Europe

Northern Lights mania

11th May 2024 funtime65

So in nearly nine years in Aberdeen, ‘the home of the Aurora Borealis’ I never saw them once but now in my little rock at the top of Europe and across the continent there is Northern Lights mania.

OK, so I was messing in science in school so don’t really follow any of the reasons for this phenomenon.

But here goes… the arrival of a Coronal Mass Ejections from the sun can cause the annulus to expand, bringing the aurora to lower latitudes.

That Aberdeen has dined out on the boast of being ‘the home of the Aurora Borealis’ is mainly due to the salesmanship of concert pianist Mary Hall.

A Brummie no less, who never set foot in the Granite City, but who wrote the song with her husband Mel for a homesick Aberdonian, Winnie Forgie, who they befriended.

Heavenly dancers

The ‘Heavenly Dancers’ as they are known in these parts were once again celebrated when Local Hero, a Burt Lancaster movie mostly set in Aberdeenshire, just up the coast became a cult hit in the 80s.

The story being that an oil baron switched his plans to pump the North Sea for fuel in favour of building an observatory after falling in love with the area.

Those who have seen the Northern Lights say that it’ll do that to you.

Of course, while people up and down the country and across Europe are claiming to have seen the Northern Lights from their back gardens the best place to view them is in remote areas.

And in spots unaffected by street lighting.

Now while we bask on this British island and wherever you live Dark Skies resorts cater for us at other times of the year.

Tenerife star trekking

Now you’ll have seen the Tenerfenos protesting the overtourism on their island but that’s mainly in the southern hotspots.

The real jewels on the Canarian island are in the interior, the west coast and the volcanic peak in the north that is Mount Teide.

Europe’s most visited national park there is still plenty of space for us all to trek.

And as for stars, you’ll get an unspoiled view too of the milky way and Saturn’s rings from the top of Tenerife.

Night out with stars in the States

Now when you think of a night out with the stars in the States you immediately think of Hollywood.

And yes, that was one takeaway from a week in LA LA Land.

But while there at the American Travel Fair, IPW, I was introduced to a wider galaxy of stars.

Utah really is more about the Milky Way than the Mormons with the highest concentration of International Dark-Sky Association-certified areas.

The Salt Lake State boasts 26 International Dark Sky Places within the state.

That accounts for 13% of the 200 locations around the globe formally recognized by DarkSky International.

Utah is also home to the first international Dark Sky Park, Natural Bridges National Monument.

Jordan jewels and Moroccan marvels

Of course, the desert is always a go-to for reaching for the skies.

And Wadi Rum in Jordan is designated an international Dark Sky Reserve.

Which means that you can spot stars that are over 100 times dimmer in Jordan than in your home town.

While if you find yourself inconvenienced in the Moroccan part of the Sahara Desert then what else is there to do?

Than watch the cycle of the night and day and shooting stars in Fezland while you’re shitting stars.

MEET YOU IN THE SKIES

Africa, Countries

Heading for a fall, I say Victoria Falls

17th April 202417th April 2024 funtime65

It’s been levelled at me my whole life.. but when the naysayers claim I’m heading for a fall, I say Victoria Falls.

Like so often the Vic Falls were in my diary en route to Namibia when the trip was pulled at the last minute.

Livingstone I resume

I daresay that my fellow Scot David Livingston had similar setbacks before becoming the first white man to discover them.

Livingstone, you might say was an early pioneer of solo travel.

So much so that the Times of London sent out a reporter, Stanley.

Who went down in immortality for the seemingly prosaic question on meeting him… ‘Dr Livingstone I presume.’

Flying solo

All this sprang to mind obviously on hearing of the Victoria Falls Safari Collection and how they are putting solo travellers front and centre.

VFSC is offering no single supplement during their ‘Green Season’ in Zimbabwe from 1 January to 30 June.

Solo travelling is very much in vogue which is why my voyages this year will be on my Todd.

That and Herself got tired of me going off piste whenever we’re away.

Go your own way

The popularity of solo travel is borne out by recent research from ABTA.

With 16% of travellers saying they went on a holiday by themselves in the 12 months to last August.

Compared to only 11% of travellers during the previous 12-month period.

And because the awe of waterfalls are often best taken in on your own then spoil yourself to a stay at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or Club.

Where you’ll be surrounded by verdant greenery and a direct view from the pool of the busy watering hole below.

We are amused

Relax at the nearby Victoria Falls Safari Spa, or visit the Falls, a mere 4km from the hotel.

The hotel is set amidst the rich landscape of the Zambezi National Park.

And dotted with riverine forests and elephant trails.

Rates at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge start from US$ 255 pppn B&B.

Rates at the Victoria Falls Safari Club start from US$ 352 pppn B&B. Visit www.africaalbidatourism.com

Fly to Harare with Ethiopian Airlines for a sample £683 25-hour round trip with a stop off in Addis Ababa.

So let them say what they will about me heading for a fall, I say Victoria Falls.

Africa, Caribbean, Countries, Deals, Europe

My Valentine’s Day proposal

13th February 202413th February 2024 funtime65

Alas, it’s gone, the restaurant where I got down on one knee for My Valentine’s Day proposal. But the love lives on.

Of course, I had merely gone to tie up my laces when the eager Miss F screamed ‘yes’ and that was it.

And yes, as my old mucker and travel blogger par excellence Tom Sweeney has since advised ‘slip-ons old boy, slip-ons.’

While Malta, the jewel of the Med, was an idyllic location in truth I had my eyes on another gem.

Istanbul, the crossroads of Europe and Asia, had long been my aspiration.

And I have visited since and laid back on a booze boat on the Bosphorus singing Abba.

As I would have 31 years ago… and want to with The Scary One soon.

Now for Istanbul, you can also read Venice and a number of other go-to destinations to consider.

So we’ve put together a triple helping of romantic destinations for you to pop the question.

House of Mara

Masai Mara, Kenya | JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge

Future is orange: The sunsets in Kenya, ah!

And I get a tingle when I think back on Siobhan Byrne, of Adams & Butler, who found love in Africa with a Masai warrior.

Sprawling 580sq miles, the expansive reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, with over 100 mammals species.

And travellers can share the thrill of spotting one of the legendary Big Five as we started doing in South Africa.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is the first luxury safari lodge to sit within the Masai Mara National Reserve.

It offers 20 private tents, each with their own terrace, to soak in the vistas’ spectacular sounds.

Room rates start from £1,278 per night. For more information, visit www.marriott.com

Bermuda short

Bermuda | Rosewood Bermuda

And anywhere that’s good enough for Sean and Micheline Connery should be good enough for the rest of us.

So knowing already that they like Jocks, then myself and by-now Tartanised other half would be made welcome.

On the pink sands at Horseshoe Bay Beach, one of the world’s most Instagrammed beaches or Astwood Cove Beach.

Or if you like an ancient natural cave then the Grotto Bay Beach Resort’s Natura Spa is where you want to go.

Room rates start from £253 per night. For more information, visit www.gotobermuda.com

Anyone for Venice

Venice | The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice

And si, we’ve stood on the Rialto Bridge a-gazing longingly… at the prices, but what price love Venice for us romantics?

Of course, one way of saving more for your Aperol Spritzes for my Valentine’s Day proposal is to sacrifice a gondola ride for a vaparetto (a water taxi).

Now, if money is no object and romance is always worth it then the The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice is steeped in Venetian history.

It was commissioned in 1525 as the residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti and later used as the official residence of the Vatican’s ambassadors to Venice.

And it has been a favourite with top-tier travellers since the palazzo became a hotel in 1895.

For that oh-so-special moment, we would recommend guests embark on the Riva Yacht Experience, where they can follow Head Concierge Ivan Schultz on an exclusive cruise.

Room rates start from £1,003 per night. For more information, visit www.marriott.com

Of course, you may already have your romantic day set out but it’s just that this is my Valentine’s Day proposal.

Africa, Countries

Happy Exile on Saint Helena

12th February 202412th February 2024 funtime65

It wouldn’t seem much of a disincentive to try to take over the world… send you to an idyllic island away from the sound and the fury, Happy Exile on Saint Helena.

Forward fast 200 odd years and all I wanted was an all-inclusive trip to the world’s second remotest inhabitable island.

Only for Covid to intervene.

Napoleon’s getaways

Of course, back in 1814 when Napoleon Bonaparte was trying to rule the world.

And he fled from the holiday resort that was Elba, off Italy.

Not easily pleased that one…

Nor indeed was he enamoured by the alternative accommodation provided for him,.

Saint Helena, off the coast of South Africa.

With him getting his Irish doctor Barry O’Meara to write back to England.

To complain of his English captors’ treatment of the former Emperor.

And even suggesting that they were trying to poison him through arsenic in his wallpaper.

Chapter and verse

Now if you want to get up close and personal to Boney then Saint Helena will give you chapter and verse.

All of which is an entry point to what else the island has to offer which they also do through their newslettering.

Such as the return of direct flights from Cape Town from December, running until March 2025.

They also showcase the Festival of Walking which started in November and runs through next month with prizes to win too.

Of course, the best and biggest prize of them all is the chance to win the trip of a lifetime.

Win a holiday

They have invited us to enter the St Helena Tourism social media competition for a trip to their island.

The package includes a return flight from South Africa or the UK and as well as a variety of on-island activities.

Now maybe it was the long sea journey which did for Napoleon and coloured his views.

But for the rest of us this sounds pretty special.

And I, for one, know I’d love to have a Happy Exile on Saint Helena.

Africa, Asia, Countries, Oceania

You book like a million pounds

12th October 202312th October 2023 funtime65

Because we’re worth it Destinology, who promote themselves as tour operator to the stars and Premier League, like to flatter us by saying… you book like a million pounds.

So sit back, bask in the compliment, and pore jealousy at what you could have won if you had brains in your feet rather than your head.

Destinology has only launched a three-month long once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa, India, Asia, Australia and Dubai.

Costing a million pounds for a family of four.

The perfect ten

Of course it’s the highest of high end and activities including off the beaten track wildlife and wilderness excursions.

And explorations of some of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Accommodation has also been carefully picked to include fancy shmantzy hotels, wilderness lodges, rainforest cabins and glamping.

While air travel is business class or by private helicopter charter.

You’ll take in ten different countries… so that’ll be 100,000 worth of each.

Animal magic

Cool for cats… in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

You’ll kick off in Kigali, Rwanda, including three nights in a Forest Villa in Volcanoes National Park with a gorilla trekking excursion.

Guests are then transferred by private charter helicopter to Akagera National Park for safari… and we’re past masters here.

Sunset Champagne cruises, helicopter tours, a stay at Gorse Elephant Camp, explorations of the Cape Winelands and Treetop villas await in South Africa.

Before travelling to Mauritius for nine nights at the One&Only Le Saint Géran.

And then the Seychelles archipelago for an eight-night stay in a private villa at the secluded Six Senses Zil Pasyon.

Asia major

Most trips to India are rushed but Destinology offers 12 nights.

Plenty of time to explore the heritage, glitz and glamour of Mumbai.

A private culinary walking tour of New Delhi, a visit to Agra – home to the Taj Mahal and the 16th century forts.

Followed by an exploration of Jaipur, famed for its spice markets and Rajput architecture.

The Shangri-La hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, is what you’d expect it to be.

And you’ll be treated to a private Grand Palace tour.

There is a two-night stay in Elephant Hills in a lake view villa and guaranteed Dumbos.

Before heading off on jungle trek and canoe excursions.

And then taking in seven nights in the tranquil Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas on the island of Khao Lak.

Singapore is noted for its tasty street food.

So dig in, and be sure to take in the private City and Bay of Gardens Tour.

Before retiring to a Premier Harbour View Room at the Swissotel The Stamford.

Out of the city is the enchanting heart of Bali, Ubud.

With adventures await in the lush oasis including a Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terraces.

Plus a full day tour of Bali’s lakes and temples.

Seven nights at the refreshing Alila Seminyak follow where the emphasis is on the pristine beaches and spa facilities.

Oz-some

Destinology are all over Australia, of course.

And you’ll get to do Sydney Harbour Bridge, hiking and wildlife in the Blue Mountains, Ayers Rock.

The world’s oldest rainforest at Daintree, and an eco-snorkeling adventure at the Great Barrier Reef.

And if you’re pooped at he end of all that then don’t fret.

Golden Dubai

You’ll finish up with seven nights in Dubai, the ‘City of Gold’.

Now just to get those lottery numbers right.

Because we know you and Destinology are right you book like a million pounds.

So check out the full itinerary here.

Africa, America, Countries, Culture, Europe, UK

Living art in leading hotels

5th October 2023 funtime65

I might well have been in a time warp seeing Oscar Wilde getting arrested in Cadogan Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge but then that’s living art in leading hotels for you.

Oscar, as we know don’t we, had rooms at the hotel around the corner from his marital home…

And his next abode would be less fancy, a cell in Reading Gaol.

It was all there in glorious colour as I descended the stairs for my breakfast.

And I flirted with being arrested too after arguing about the price of the food with the staff worried I’d do a runner.

Leading the way

Now not all hotels have such history but clearly the more prestigious have and our friends at the The Leading Hotels of The Word’s have compiled the hotels with the best artwork ahead of art week next week.

The collection offers a variety of hotels which house numerous contemporary and traditional pieces including one with similar lineage, we assume. L’oscar in London.

While the Dolder Grand in Zurich is home to around 100 works of art by 90 renowned artists.

And Le Negresco in Nice has a collection of artwork spanning over five centuries.

Hôtel Swexan takes influences from Texas and Switzerland, whereas The Saxon stays true to its South African roots.

Dodder around the Dolder

Dolder Grand, Zurich: Around one hundred works of art by ninety celebrated artists are on display throughout the hotel with most accessible to all guests.

With others reserved for hotel guests on particular floors.

The diverse mix of artists includes Ferdinand Hodler, Urs Fischer and Max Bill.

While at the entrance to the ‘The Restaurant’ lies “Femmes métamorphosées – Les sept arts” by Salvador Dalí.

And “Le Monde” by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, can be seen en route to the hotel spa.

L’Oscar goes to…

L’Oscar, London: And that’s not the only connection with the effervescent spirit of Oscar Wilde vividly captured in the portraits that adorn the walls in this central London hotel.

While there is a prized picture here of Frank Cadogan Cowper and his “Venetian Ladies Listening to the Serenade”.

Equally enchanting is the original 1861 painting by Jules Joseph Lefebvre, “Diva Vittoria Colonna”, a work of art that radiates grace and timeless elegance.

Oil paintings of Virginia Woolf further enrich the ambiance with a sense of literary history.

Nice decor

Le Negresco, Nice: It feels much like entering a museum.

One in which artists’ Picasso, Dali and Chagall were regulars.

A Baccarat chandelier with over 16,000 crystals hangs in the Royal Lounge, commissioned and in later years gifted by Czar Nicholas II.

Modern sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle are juxtaposed with historic works from Louis XIII’s reign, including a portrait of King Louis XIV.

Swanky Swexan

Hotel Swexan, Dallas: The Swiss/Texas art story of Hôtel Swexan began over a century ago.

With the first of what is now four generations of the Barbier-Mueller family art collection.

The hotel’s Samurai Art Collection is also the largest of its kind in the world outside of Japan.

With more than 1.5 million visitors worldwide.

In addition, Hermès scarves designed by Aline Honoré for the family’s Samurai Collection are on display throughout the hotel.

Saxon call

Saxon Hotels, Villas & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa: The collection has been selected from both established and emerging artists from across Africa, Europe and the East.

The hotel also offers guests suggested itineraries.

With an art focus that encourage them to explore whilst visiting the city of Johannesburg.

This includes visiting well-known South African art galleries.

Along with giving them the chance to meet with local artists in person.

Africa, America, Countries, UK

250 years of the Black Bard

4th October 20234th October 2023 funtime65

Back in the day I penned a paean to rap poet Benjamin Zephaniah so it’s time for another, this time for 250 years of the Black Bard, Phillis Wheatley.

Phillis being a traveller like ourselves, entranced by London’s bright lights.

But as a black teenager of her time, Phillis was a slave, from West Africa via Boston, Massachusetts.

The young poet had arrived in Britain’s capital in 1773, the same year as the Boston Tea Party.

As the chattel of Nathaniel Wheatley, the adult son of the family who had bought her in Boston in 1761.

To see her collection, Poems on various subjects, published by Archibald Bell.

All of which came about through the family’s connections with Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon.

A Bostonian abroad

Educated as they were Phillis had clearly learned well her Homer, Horace, Virgil, Pope and Milton.

And had been writing poetry from the age of 12.

With her first published poem appearing in the Rhode Island in 1767.

Although she was unsuccessful in getting her collection published in Boston in 1772 which brought her to London.

That Phillis loved and was inspired by London (and who wouldn’t be?) we know from her letter to a Connecticut acquaintance, Colonel David Wooster, dated October 18, 1773.

Where she goes into some fine and excitable detail about the charms and attractions of London.

Tour of London

‘Grenville Sharp Esqr. Who attended me to the Tower & Show’d the Lions, Panthers, Tigers, &c. the Horse Armoury, small Armoury, the Crowns, Sceptres, Diadems, the Font for christening the Royal Family.

‘Saw Westminster Abbey, British Museum, Coxe’s Museum, Saddler’s wells, Greenwich Hospital, Park and Chapel, The royal Observatory at Greenwich, &c. &c. too many things & Places to trouble you with in a Letter.’

What the humble Phillis didn’t mention though was who she met among the great and good, among them Benjamin Franklin.

While she was beckoned to see King George III, only she was on her way home by then.

Free, free at last

sunset skyline boston dusk — Our cup of tea: Boston Photo by Kristin Vogt on Pexels.com

The said Grenvill Sharp Esqr was an abolitionist who was involved in a test case, the Somersett case.

Where The Lord Chief Justice ruled that enslaved African James Somersett brought to England from Boston by his owner, could not be legally forced to return to the colonies.

All of which helped our heroine and she was freed on her return to Boston.

She went on to marry, but died of chronic asthma at the tender age of 31.

Alas, as is the way with prophets in their own land, Phillis was not published in her adopted city of Boston until the 1830s.

While she remains relatively anonymous, and untaught, in Britain.

As do many black authors as I discovered when I asked in a bookshop if they had any Zepheniah…

All of which sparked me as I prepared for my Forth Stanza poetry show into penning my Ode to Zephaniah.

Ode to Zepheniah

I searched for Zepheniah

I searched lower I searched higher

Along the rows of shelves

Past Wordsworth, Yeats did I delve

Until I reached the Z,

And behind me poets dead,

But it all runs out at Y,

And so deflated, with a sigh,

I went over to reception,

To confront the shop’s deception,

And ask what happened to the Z,

And this is what she said,

‘There’s no-one with that letter,

‘And would you not be better,

‘To try a different author,

‘She didn’t want the bother,

‘Of spelling Zepheniah,

‘And so she did enquire,

‘If I’d read Andrew Motion’

Of him I had no notion.

‘The Poet Laureate I was told.

‘And how many copies has he sold’

‘I’ll check the other store.’

And as she hung on the blower

I thought about the others,

Perhaps Benjamin’s sisters, brothers,

Deleted from the alphabet,

Because poets’ names don’t start with Z.

A word or two from Phillis

On a pedestal: Phillis honoured in Boston

I’d like to think I stand comparison with Phillis… I’d like to.

Judge for yourself with this offering from ‘One Being Brought From Africa to America’.

‘TWAS mercy brought me from my Pagan land,

‘Taught my benighted soul to understand

‘That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too:

‘Once I redemption neither sought now knew,

‘Some view our sable race with scornful eye,

‘Their colour is a diabolic die.’

‘Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,

‘May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.’

So, in this Black History Month, a mark of 250 years of the Black Bard, Phillis Wheatley.

Africa, Countries

Mandela Manor

8th September 20238th September 2023 funtime65

When you’ve spent 25 years in a tiny prison cell as a freedom fighter you deserve to come out to something of a Mandela Manor.

We all, of course, became familiar with news of The Great Man‘s false incarceration in Robben Island.

Hands across the world: Me, Siseko and The Great Man in Gqeberha

But less about his life in the quarters he then relocated to back in Johannesburg.

His primary place of residence was in the leafy surrounds of Houghton.

Sanctuary Mandela

If it felt like a hotel to Mandela after all those years mucking out then it most definitely is now.

Sanctuary Mandela is now a re-envisioned residency, a boutique hotel with nine rooms.

Each room is dedicated to an aspect of his personality.

While the lush gardens reflect the South African icon’s love of nature.

With retreat spaces filled with perfectly curated exhibits that pay tribute to Mandela.

Every corner of the boutique hotel is envisaged to provide the combination of tranquillity, heritage, and mindful experiences.

Invictus victorious

And if you think Sanctuary Mandela looks familiar then it was used in the filming of Invictus.

All in our minds just now as the Rugby World Cup kicks off and Siya Kolisi’s Springboks attempt to retain the trophy.

While in memory of Mandela’s love for food, the fine-dining restaurant serves as a tribute to his favourite dishes.

As they were previously prepared by his long-time personal chef of 20 years, Xoliswa Ndoyiya.

Of course you can walk in Mandela’s footsteps across South Africa.

And feel his presence particularly in his home province of the Eastern Cape.

We found three nights from the start of next month for under £500 at £493 for two.

Where you can live like an icon in Mandela Manor.

And we picked out British Airways return flights for two for under £3,000 (£2,982.82).