Port Elizabeth (modern)

No - not my hotel lol
As it happens Monday 28th is a public holiday so a busy weekend for Guido's. On Sunday I borrowed the truck and set off for Port Elizabeth a little later than I had expected as Toby and I had a wine tasting session the night before! I went up towards Grahamstown then along the N2 to Port Elizabeth as this is a more direct route though the scenery is just as dramatic, it reminded me of Scotland when I went to Pumba Game Reserve. Lo and behold a signpost to 'Lothian' a little further along the route. I drove into Port Elizabeth not recognising any of the signed routes so headed for the airport and then down to the beach road looking for the 'Road Lodge' hotel I had been booked into when I first arrived in South Africa. Driving along I couldn't spot it so turned across a convenient junction to book into a hotel opposite, easier said than done. Three hotels in a row and I couldn't find a door into any of them. Eventually I entered what looked like a conference centre which turned out to be a hotel. Very nice but R1000.00 per night as opposed to the 500 I had intended to pay. This is the 'Summerstrand' area if you follow the route signposts.



Being on the sea front I decided to have a walk and a coffee. The first thing I noticed was the collapsed railway line which used to run out onto a pier. Evidence of a once thriving rail network. I strolled along admiring the view before entering the 'Boardwalk'. The sun was shining, live music by the fountain and a Casino which I resisted. This is the casino which re-located from the Fish River Sun hotel I visited. It is a very nice setting surrounding a lake which I found out has a sound, light and water display once every four hours.
After coffee and cake and a look around some very trendy shops I left and ambled over the road to the pier. Once there who can resist a walk to the end even if there are no amusements. 

Once there the views are dramatic and the beach is wide, long and golden. Being the second largest port in South Africa there is a constant stream of ships arriving and leaving as you look out to sea. (As I write these blogs I am always reminded of my Aunty Irene who would say 'one' rather than 'you'.) Anyway, as you can see from the photos I wandered back along the beach to the hotel. After a short rest and a change of clothes I headed back to the 'Boardwalk' for dinner and the water show. I hope that the photographs give a sense of the spectacular display, in Tenerife we had fireworks this is something a little different. So ended my first day in the modern Port Elizabeth, more to come tomorrow when I visit the old town and the Heritage Trail....   




Location: South Africa

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mafikeng or Mahikeng...

Image
I awoke to the sounds of nature all around me and breakfasted in the main house before setting off to explore this famous town. As with most towns here it follows a block formation so I tried to find the centre without success. After a little while I spotted a sign to the Tourist and Heritage Centre, crossing a bridge and driving for a short distance I found an impressive building and shaded car park to my left. I drove through the gate and parked up. Imagine my disappointment when I found that the building was not only locked but completely empty. Returning to the main part of the town and enquired at a government building but no-one seemed to know anything relating to tourism in the town. Eventually I was introduced to the son of a lady who worked there. You will see him on the photos but I do not have his name (I lost my jotter with all of my notes on the trip). He offered to show me around. 
Read more

Kimberley and the 'Big Hole' Adventure

Image
Up early this morning as today I am visiting the 'Big Hole'.  There are many things to see and much history attached to Kimberley but this is the reason for my visit.  Believe me once you enter the museum, which is well signposted as are all the places of interest, it can take a day to look around.  I had no idea what to expect other than that this was where Cecil Rhodes and others made their fortunes and the fate of nations decided by that wealth.
Read more

Prince Albert Road, Lord Milner's Hotel

Image
Pressing on from Britstown and Cape Town is within reach, but you should know me by now... Prince Albert Road on the sign post as I head south on the N12 and I wonder why it got the name?  A short turn off revealed a once busy railway station complete with sidings now fallen into disrepair. On down the road is the town of Prince Albert, I wonder if he visited either location?  I had a look around and pondered the reason for the high central partition on the footbridge to stop you seeing that your train was approching or just to stop your hat blowing off I wonder.  I saw my first dust bowl or mini tornado here too as it swirled across the car park.  The nearby truck stop tells the story, no use for the mighty railway engine now.
Read more