Um...You Live Where?

'Oh Mabel, just look at all those big houses on the hill. So tacky!'

To Whom It May Concern,

Dear Girls,
Thank you for your comments, I really appreciate your input.
Peanut- I'm so glad you enjoy bananas, you cheeky monkey! They're loaded with tryptophan, essential for maintaining healthy serotonin levels to fight depression.
Gem!!- I'm thrilled that you think I'm from somewhere as exciting as Australia! Alas, I'm actually South African.

Yup, I hail from the sleepy town of Port Elizabeth, on the south-east coast. People think we're a big city because we have a harbour and a few lifestyle centres, but we're really still just a 'small town'. Out-of-towners move here for the peace and quiet and to get away from the trappings of 'big city living'. I think the Mediterranean climate has something to do with it too!

My neighbourhood, Lorraine, is classified as a 'country suburb' because we're situated on the border of a wetland nature conservancy and much of the land is still made up of equestrian estates and undeveloped bush. We're not rich or even well off. In fact, our end is considered the 'affordable' end of the neighbourhood, but we still enjoy the quiet life with all the county charm nonetheless! Amazing bird life too!

Roughly 5 km or so from my house there is a beautiful game farm. (See photo above.) Yes, that's right, a game farm, with tons of, you guessed it, game! The area has been declared a wildlife sanctuary and makes it's money by offering accommodation, function facilities and game drives. The animals enjoy a peaceful and protected life and it shows. God, we should all be that lucky! They're a little shy, but friendly just the same. However, there are one or two rhinos with rather a sick sense of humour who like to tease the guests by mock charging their cars. Silly sods! Nothing too scary, though.

This is not the only game farm. The outskirts of our town play host to many nature reserves, bird sanctuaries, 'touch farms' and wildlife parks. Just an hour away, there's an elephant park too. I just love ellies! And, if you venture out into the bush, into 'horse country', you'll discover many a country pub, African bush restaurants with lodgings as well as quaint little tea gardens, reminiscent of yesteryear. Fuck! I think I missed my calling as a travel mag writer!

On the whole, my town might be a far cry from the likes of London, Paris and New York, but it's home and I rather like it!

Sincerely,
Cinnamon Brown.