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Momento's of Africa |
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The Hogsback |
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| There are many wonderful places to visit in South Africa and
some of the best are often never found by overseas visitors,
one of these is the Hogsback. About one hours' drive from
Grahamstown - you will need a car - this village gained its name from
the nearby mountains whose shape and outcrops resemble the bristles on a
boar's back. |
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This is the area where Tolkien, although never a
resident, is thought to have gained his inspiration for the settings of
"The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings". A walk into the forests,
particularly on a misty day will give you insight into the wonderful
world he created. But you don't need to be a devotee to
enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful region.
At the "top" of the village you will find this
delightful thatched church. |
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| Thought by many South Africans to be the epitome of England,
the region has the tended, cared for look of the British countryside.
Perhaps one important factor is the many small tumbling streams and
brooks, not so frequently found in dry Africa. This is a place to
walk, and the range from easy to arduous is catered for. |
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Despite the "Englishness" this is Africa, and whilst
the village is of European origin, it is in a settled Xhosa area.
A speciality of this area's curios are the ornamented clay animals.
Such animals traditionally formed the basis of a rural boy's toys, and
he would copy the adults in acknowledging the importance of a
man's cattle.
Here Siphewe finishes modelling a boar. The fire is to
keep him warm and dry paint, it is not hot enough to fire the clay,
which has been mixed with cement to strengthen the end product. |
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| Hogsback is in the process of
establishing a Tourist Information centre. Momento's found (April 2000) that
much useful information can be obtained from Hyde Park Chalets, both for
accommodation and for regional matters. |