whatalotoffun

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Port Elizabeth, South Africa!!

Hi everybody I was thinking what could I post today so I thought I would give all of you a tour of my home town Port Elizabeth to show you how beautiful it is. I was not born here but relocated here at the age of two with my parents. So sit back relax, get some beer, coldrinks, your smokes, put your feet up and enjoy the tour with your personal tour guide Whatalotoffun. Hope you all enjoy the tour and that you would put Port Elizabeth on your list of places to visit. If you do, look me up and I will gladly show you around



1.
Erected to commemorate the landing of the 1820 British Settlers, the Campanile is situated at the entrance of the railway station and harbour. The 53.5 m Campanile contains a chiming clock and the largest carillon of bells in the country, in addition to its chiming clock. The Observation Room can be reached by climbing a 204-step staircase, offering a magnificent experience and view not to be missed.

2.
The oldest Library in PE.

3.
Art venues include the King George VI, EPSAC and Cuyler Street galleries. Theatrical productions are staged at a number of venues, including the Opera House (a fine example of a Victorian theatre and the only one still in use in South Africa), and the beautifully refurbished Feather Market Centre, an outstanding concert hall and conference centre.


4.

The 5 km Donkin Heritage Trail links 47 places of historical interest in the old Hill area of central Port Elizabeth. The useful pedestrian signage orientates tourists along the self-guided trail. The Donkin Reserve was proclaimed a public open space in perpetuity by Sir Rufane Donkin. It includes a stone pyramid monument, with a touching inscription, erected by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his late wife, Elizabeth, after whom the city was named. The Lighthouse, built in 1861, also houses the city's Tourist Information Centre.



5.
Fort Frederick is a 1799 stone fort built by the British Forces to defend the mouth of the Baakens River. It was named after Frederick, Duke of York, and was built by English troops. The English troops were sent to Algoa Bay to assist the Graaff-Reinet rebels in preventing a possible landing of French soldiers. Yet, ironically, no shot was ever fired in anger from the Fort.

6.
The Horse Memorial, located on the corner of Russell and Cape Roads, was erected and dedicated to the horses killed during the South African War (1899-1902). This magnificent statue is reputed to be one of only three memorials in the world dedicated to horses.

7.

The beautiful, colonial City Hall, which is located on Market Square, was built between 1858 and 1862. The attractive clock tower was added in 1883 and proclaimed a national monument in 1973. Also in the Square is a replica of the Diaz Cross, donated by the Portuguese Government to commemorate the epic arrival of Bartholomew Diaz in Algoa Bay in 1488.

8.

The Eastern Cape is a surprisingly good game-viewing destination with three national parks, and one provincial park. You could do day trips to Addo Elephant National Park, Shamwari, the Baviaanskloof. The Addo National Park, most famed for its elephants, has a huge variety of game.

9.


Versatile Sardinia Bay, a Marine Reserve with miles of unspoilt coastline and crystal clear water, is excellent for diving, horse riding and scenic walks or hikes. Algoa Bay boasts 40 km of magnificent coast-line and protected beaches, complemented by a perfect combination of warm water, calm sea and fair breezes. These beaches include King's Beach, Humewood Beach, Hobie Beach, Pollock Beach, Brighton Beach, Bluewater Bay, St George's Strand and Wells Estate.


10.
Bayworld offers a "must see" attraction of daily seal and dolphin shows, fish feeding and the interesting, educational Oceanarium and Snake Park.


11.
The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World has been designed to be a “must see” attraction with a full mix of family fun, entertainment, shopping, dining and gaming. Located in Summerstrand, the complex is set around a series of man-made lakes and beautiful gardens lit by 40 000 Tivoli lights

11 Comments:

At March 23, 2006 3:07 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

This was such a treat! Thanks. I felt like I was back on my Standard 5 school tour. Back then there was no boardwalk and casino though. I would love to come home and visit.

 
At March 24, 2006 6:48 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wonderful to see another Port Elizabethan proud of their town - congrats and keep it up.

 
At March 24, 2006 1:57 PM, Blogger Framesby 86 said...

Well done Celeste. Yes, I also live in PE and it is even more beautiful than you can ever imagine. Well worth a visit.

 
At March 26, 2006 3:14 PM, Blogger Tammy said...

Wow the last time I was in PE, I must have been 5. Don't remember it looking anything like this - it is stunning!!

 
At March 26, 2006 8:22 PM, Blogger LiVEwiRe said...

I love tours! Thanks. =) It looks beautiful and I was especially fond of the library (Wow!) and Horse Memorial. That is something you don't see every day and with only 3, now I know why. For years, I've been wanting to make a trip to South Africa, this just gives me the desire to do so even more.

 
At March 28, 2006 8:41 AM, Blogger ChittyChittyBangBang! said...

I have not been to PE in years!!
Thanks for the virtual tour. It is amazing how much have changed since I my last visit 10/12 years ago.
I think I may have to come and visit soon.

 
At March 28, 2006 1:18 PM, Blogger whatalotoffun said...

Dawn - Well were the boardwalk is now there use to be a camp site with tennis courts. And Casbah dont forget Casbah we always stopped there on our way back home for some food.

Alan - Proud is not the word. I will not trade my PE for anything in the world not even for JHB

Buddess - My dear friend you said it all.

Tammy - Like Buddess said it is even more beautiful than you can ever imagine. Will try and do one about

 
At March 28, 2006 1:49 PM, Blogger whatalotoffun said...

Tammy - dont know what happend there. Will try and see if I can show you how big the Boardwalk is

Livewire - You should you will not be dissappointed. I will be your tour guide. there is some other tourist stops to do I could not get anything on those.

Mr Chitty - It has changed such a lot. It is getting bigger and bigger. Scary I would say. You must come visit.

 
At March 28, 2006 9:51 PM, Blogger Frog with a Blog said...

oh I love sightseeing, thanks! I was in PE in 2002 but i don't remembered it looked that nice, so either they have changed the whole city since then or I'm confusing PE with another place...

 
At March 29, 2006 9:36 AM, Blogger whatalotoffun said...

Mr Froggie - Dont know maybe you must send me some photos then I can tell you were you went. Glad you liked my tour

 
At March 31, 2006 7:19 AM, Blogger Bosbefok said...

Wow Whatalot... That is well presented and very informative it makes me really homesick.... PE will always be my hometown....

 

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