Rhyndinas in South Africa: Shopping

This weekend was all about craft markets. Sunday we drove down to Jo'burg and spent the afternoon at an African craft market at the Rosebank Mall. Typical of most malls here, navigating the mall is not easy. And the maps don't usually help. Fortunately, we were with a friend who had been to the market and knew where to go. I wasn't really expecting to buy anything even though I've been obsessed over buying a nice large bowl to display fruit ever since Punk knocked my Mexican ceramic bowl off the countertop in Chicago and destroyed it. The roof-top market is quite popular with locals, so it doesn't feel like you're in a tourist trap even though many stalls carry similar items--such as wooden bowls and soapstone bowls. But I just wasn't feeling these bowls. :-) After some browsing around though, we came upon the most beautiful hand-painted table runners, place mats and pillow covers. So we bought a table runner and matching place mats! I'm now obsessing over going back for a pillow cover or two!

After all the rigorous shopping...which also included buying spices and halloumi cheese (which is quite popular here most often served fried), we stopped for lunch at little outdoor cafe. The food was great and the location in the mall made for great people watching.

Despite the fact that today is a holiday if you work for the US government, Andrew worked. So I spent the day with a new friend Omer (one of Andrew's colleagues). We went to another market about an hour northwest of Pretoria called the Chameleon Market near Hartbeespoort Dam, one of the few sizable bodies of water around here. This market had some similar products that we found in Rosebank, but the shopping was less than enjoyable. I'm not sure if was the location or the day of the week, but it was obvious the sellers were desperate for sales. I didn't buy anything, but Omer persisted and bought some beautiful Maasai wooden figurines with colorful beads. And surprise surprise, now I'm obsessing about those too!

After the stressful shopping experience, we inquired about places to eat and how to see the dam. A shopkeeper gave us directions to a place called Leopard Lodge, promising commanding views of the valley. Within 15 minutes were there and the scenery did not disappoint. The landscape is absolutely beautiful with steep cliffs and lush greenery surrounding the dam. I plan to go back to this place with Andrew and visitors. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was so peaceful. We felt like were on vacation and so far away from civilization.