Author Archives: Paul

A radiant silhouette

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A couple of silhouettes at sunset
Perhaps you've noticed that I like sneaking photos of people silhouetted against the setting sun. The outlines and lack of detail seem to let the photo tell a story; probably a different story for each of us, depending on personal experiences.

A really old telephone booth

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A really old telephone booth
This telephone booth, near Maynardville Park in Wynberd (map), is really awesome, though unfortunately empty and bolted shut. It's so sad, I'd love to have seen a really old coin-operated, dial-type phone in the booth. I hazard a guess that it was vandalised or stolen many years ago. :(

An interesting apparition at Camps Bay

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An interesting apparition at Camps Bay
I'll be on vacation next week, and beyond all reason I managed to leave work early to head though to Camps Bay for one of the last gloriously warm summer days of the season. I say "beyond all reason" because for the last few years I've never managed to leave the office earlier than 7pm on the day that my vacation starts.

Anyway, all this is besides the point of this post's title. Isn't that an interesting apparition indeed? Any guesses as to what's happening in the photo?

Hearts and stuff

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Hearts and stuff
There's a reason for this particular photo today, so the race is on for you to guess why. And, while you're at it, assuming that you know the reason, see if you can guess the answer to the logical question that follows. ;)

Cape Town’s gemstones

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Cape Town's gemstones
If you love gemstones then you have to take time out to visit Scratch Patch, a place where you can sit scratching through piles of beautiful gemstones and selecting the ones that take your fancy. Scratch Patch have branches at the v&A Waterfront and in Simon's Town, so if you are visiting, and especially if you have kids, then consider placing this outing on your todo list.

If you'd like to buy gems in bulk, then visit Topstones, manufacturers and distributors of the Scratch Patch stones. I've never been, but I'm guessing that the stones will be somewhat cheaper than at Scratch Patch. :)

The streets of Philadelphia

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The streets of Philadelphia
As you can tell from this map, Philadelphia is a pretty tiny town, north of Cape Town, more or less 20km inland from our western coastline. It's a quaint little town, with a handful of shops, and one or two restaurants where you're can enjoy a lovely breakfast or lunch. Besides for the quaint and beautifully-rural scenery, there's not a lot except for space and quiet in this town and it's probably worth a visit if you'll be staying in Cape Town for a few weeks.

The Police

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The Police
There has been somewhat concern expressed in the media about the state and reputation of our police force. But, as I guess you must know, it's not the case that our entire police force is off kilter. I have friends and acquaintances who are in the force - they're honorable, work hard, and fight crime in what's often the most dire and difficult circumstances.

A teacup flower arrangement

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A teacup flower arrangement
I recently visited the Pepper Tree restaurant in Philadelphia with a group of photo-friends - this was one of the pieces of decor on the eclectic set of tables that we sat at.

In terms of a review - I enjoyed the visit to the Pepper Tree. My bacon and eggs was good, the coffee was great, and the service friendly. The only disappointment was that the bacon served wasn't "crispy" as advertised, though not bad by any means.

The only reason why I pick on the bacon at all is because once you've had Bacon Method bacon, there's no going back to the soft 'n bendy kind. ;)

A seaside reflection at Blouberg

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A seaside reflection at Blouberg
Don't you love how the clouds and sky reflect on the sand as the water draws back from the beach?

Beaches like those at Blouberg are especially gifted with iconic views of Table Mountain, white sand, and just enough shells to keep things interesting. This is a lovely place to be - when it's warm and the wind isn't blowing!

An idyllic view of Table Mountain

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An idyllic view of Table Mountain
i·dyl·lic
Like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque: "an idyllic setting".

I met a few friends for a photo walk near the Blue Peter hotel in Tableview. Well, this particular evening was less of a "photo walk", and more of a "photo stand on the beach and gawk at the spectacular views". But then, I guess you can understand why. :)

I took far too many photos of Table Mountain on Sunday evening. I'll share this one, and perhaps one more if someone asks.

Public phones

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Public telephone buttons
These are quickly becoming obsolete - I can't remember when last I used a public telephone! They're still useful if you happen not to have a mobile phone, or if you're stuck without juice and need to make an urgent call, but long-gone are the days of people queuing to use a public phone!

Acacia Karroo aka the Sweet Thorn

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Acacia Karroo aka Sweet Thorn
According to Biodiversity Explorer, the Acacia Karroo is one of the most prolific Acacias in southern Africa. It's a good source of fire wood, seeds are often used as a coffee substitute, and the produces edible gum.

Coffee substitute heh? I think I'll have to give this a try. Anybody know if Nespresso make the Acacia Karroo flavour? :P

Following the fan walk

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Following the fan walk
In case the title of this pose is a little obscure - I took the photo on the bridge that crosses the busy Buitengracht street in Cape Town. This bridge was erected on the fan walk that leads from the Cape Town station and bus terminals to the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point.