Travels, Experiences, Life

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Humpback Surprise

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2010]

Seeing as it is peak whale season, what better way to kick-off than with a new development on the research front of those gloriously magnificent mammals that roam the oceans!

A Sunny Sunday in the Muizenberg Mountains

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

When the Mother City decides she wants to reign her people with sunshine and a wind-free weekend, Capetonians take to the outdoors, lapping up one of the best tourist destinations in the world:

If the idea of a gentle morning hike with views of two oceans, a lunch of fish and chips with harbour ambience, a stroll down a quaint seaside suburb, some of the best gelato in the Cape, a refreshing swim and another unforgettable sunset are your idea of how to spend a Sunday, then if you are not living in Cape Town you better plan a visit … soon!

To chew or not to chew?

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

Traditional medicine, often stemming from plant sources, has been around for centuries - long before Western medicine hit the market. Many believe that natural is better, as the long line of healthy generations has proved. Nowadays, though, there are so many products on the shelves that promise to be natural and effective it is difficult to know which are genuine and which are just jumping on the band-wagon.

Athletic Champions

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

Although regarded as a pest by most, and classified as an external parasite by scientists, fleas have some of the best legs in the animal kingdom. Their long, hind legs are perfectly adapted to catapult themselves into the air, making them extremely good jumpers… as we have all been witness to. But the mechanics behind these impressive jumps have only recently been explained.

Great White Weakness

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

According to a new study published in the Journal of Biomechanics, the jaws of adolescent great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may be too weak to capture and kill large marine mammals.

Fireflies Blink in Synch

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2010]

According the latest study on fireflies, the blinking action performed by these winged beetles is for species recognition. Some groups of fireflies blink repeatedly in unison in a rhythmical synchronisation.

Balding Penguins

[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine www.wildcard.co.za, 2010]

We know that losing one’s hair is the aging process for some of us humans. But whoever would have thought that penguins may go through the same embarrassing ordeal… and not only on their heads, but all over their body!

How to Speak the Street

Klaus, our hypothetical foreigner, visits Cape Town for the first time. He has heard rumours that Capetonians are notoriously clique, but he is determined to have a good time and make some friends.

White Fire

[This poem was composed by Fran Siebrits and was published in Toast, 2010]

The white man’s conversation,
Work mostly
Eyes glance at the flames, replacing thoughtful gazes
Meat spits at the grid; ignored
Listening to the kettle calling for attention
Unnoticed
The flames glow green, the wind changes direction and the smell of dry grass arrives
Conversation is far too in-depth for this evening
The stars dance, but nobody looks up
A watchful owl in a nearby tree
Blinks disapprovingly at another wasted night ...

The Untamed Bolivia

[This article was written by Fran Siebrits and was published in Toast, 2010]

Bolivia is a land-locked country in the heart of South America. The desert areas are particularly unforgiving, but unbelievably beautiful. A few days are needed to explore this vast area. A self-sufficiently stocked, hardy vehicle and the correct equipment are essential to survive.

Rocking the Daisies

[This article was written by Fran Siebrits. A version of this article has been published by in The Big Issue Magazine (Cape Town, South Africa), Toast (Cape Town, South Africa) as well as Roam Magazine (England).]

Fact: Rocking the Daisies (RTD) is a green-awareness event which aims to be carbon-neutral and have a limited environmental footprint
Fact: It is the most eco-friendly music festival in South Africa
Fact: It won the first Climate Change Leadership Award earlier this year (www.clla.co.za)

This annual festival has hosted high-profile international artists. But it’s the passion of the local talent that makes the event memorable. Local South African bands perform not only for the “love of the gig”, as guitarist David from Dirty Skirts put it, but also to be part of an environmentally aware event.

Runs from the Mountain

[This article was written by Fran Siebrits and a version of it was published in The Big Issue Magazine, #169, and Toast, 2010]

Capetonians and tourists alike find solace hiking one of the many routes on Table Mountain. But have they drunk in the beauty as well as the danger?

Namibia 2010 - PHOTO DIARY

Above: Cyphostemma Currorii in the Spitzkoppe mountains

Rainbow waves at Hentiesbaai

Cordillera Huayhuash - Wintery Hiking Trail in Peru

[Witten by Fran Siebrits, versions of this article have been published in Treasure Magazine and the British publication Roam Magazine, 2010]

Why go hiking in the northern part of the mountainous region in Peru? Well, apart from the interesting company you could meet while walking, the Cordillera Huayhuash hike, near the town Huaraz, has some of the most scenic beauty in the world.

(To view photographs of the hike click here)

The Untamed Bolivia

THE UNTAMED BOLIVIA

Four-Day Desert Tour
"By travelling, we discover not only this beautiful, awe-inspiring earth; we also discover our humanity, and that of others."

- Dana Snyman, On the Back Roads

Somewhere along the trip I sat overlooking a white mineral lake in the remote south-west Bolivia. The space was immense, the temperature uncomfortably cold, and the sun harsh. This environment cannot tolerate the weak.

Cordillera Huayhuash

Cordillera Huayhuash

My arms cannot bend due to the seven layers of clothing I am wearing on my top body. My lower half is clad in five layers. I am wearing four pairs of thermal socks and my toes are still aching. The only part of my body that is exposed is the horizontal strip of my face where my eyes are.

The west coast of South Africa receives some good swell and the surfing is some of the finest in the country. Elandsbaai is one of these spots with the correct swell.