Over the last few weeks I have been happily reliving my December trip to South Africa whist editing all the images I took – oh and there are LOADS!
I have so many beautiful things to share with you from in and around Cape Town and its’ many tourist attractions, but before I share those, I wanted to give you a little window into my world and introduce you to a place that holds a very special space in my heart.
I grew up on the Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast in a little place called Umtentweni. And like most small towns, it was quiet, with nothing much to do, so I spent most of my time on the beach. On my last day of holiday before I made the long trip back to London, I decided to take a walk along Umtentweni beach. It seemed the perfect way to end my holiday, taking photo’s of all the plants and rocks that after 6 and a half years away still seemed so familiar.
Growing up, we didn’t have a pool so this beach is particularly special as it’s where I learnt to swim, snorkel and surf. It’s where I got my first sun-burn, where I was dumped head first in the shore break learning to stand on a surf board and where I got stung by bluebottles – unfortunately far more times than I would have liked. A little part of the planet that isn’t particularly notable but will always make me smile.
So for the sake of indulging my nostalgic little self, and because this just felt like the perfect set of photo’s to kick off my series of South African Travel Photography, I hope these images inspire you to take a trip somewhere hot this year. Somewhere you can laze in the sun, splash in the sea and sink your toes into the sand!
x
Hello Maxeen I happened across one of your lovely photos of Tweni beach and searched for your blog. How awesome to see a local lass do so very well for herself! And that you still have good memories of this beach. We started a hotel here..was the old Pepper Pots you will recall it Im sure. Anyway its been quite a journey as we were not planning to build a hotel…in fact came to build down Commercial Rd! Long story. In my empty nest years I have had to learn so much so quickly!! Now I handle the marketing of the hotel. And trying to grow to as a destination venue for weddings as well esp for city based South Africans. May I use some of your photos on Umthunzi’s instagram & FB pages? Enjoy your travels. Will follow the adventures via yr Instagram page!
Great pictures Max. It made Andrew and I homesick! Love your blog.
Hi Kimber,
Thank you for your lovely comment. I’m so glad you like the photos and enjoy visiting the blog – please keep coming back!
I completely understand how you feel about home. I haven’t blogged about South Africa very often for that very reason – but there is more to come soon. Keep well. x