Knysna

While staying in Plettenberg Bay we took a day trip to Knysna and wondered around the streets and harbour playing tourists. In a previous trip we found a weather gauge, a rock tied to a piece of string which showed the current weather conditions. 

There was a Christmas Market in the Churchyard, which meant we got to take a look around and ogle the beautiful buildings.

Plettenberg Bay

Sunset at Roggeberg Beach is a beautiful sight, particularly when it is rather deserted and quiet. We took a slow stroll along the waters' edge and breathed in the fresh sea air after the long car ride. 

Memory Wire Madness

Memory-wire bracelets are just like slinkies, the keep their shape, wind onto your arm and go down stairs (with only a few bead injuries).

This fun bracelet is 20 spirals with a variety of rhomics, bugles and seed beads in red. Want bangles but not multiple individual bangles, this bracelet is for you!

Displaying your necklaces

Ever realised that you so many necklaces and no way to store them without them becoming a tangled mess? I saw this awesome idea at Big Tree Designs in Kenilworth today which is makes beautiful wall displays of your accessories. 

 There is pinboard mounted on a wood frame, then coloured felt (or material) is added to give some colour, another layer of wood frame is added, then chicken wire and finally it is topped with another wood frame.

SA-YSSP

This weekend I was invited to address the first group of SA-YSSP participants at the University of the Free State (UFS)  at the opening ceremony. As a past participant of the YSSP program at IIASA, I was asked to talk to the students on what they should hope to take away from  the experience.

I won't repeat it, but I hope the students embrace the opportunity they have been given and share their cultures, research and life journeys. I hope they soak up everything they are shown and taught, it really is a unique experience.

Following the opening ceremony, I was privileged to talk to the individual participants and hear their plans for the Summer.

The following  two days I got to join the Bloemfontein tour,  lunch and Campus tour.

The UFS Campus is rather spread out, with a wonderful postgraduate library designed to serve their interests! Reminded me of IIASA's library and librarians.

The Bloemfontein tour took us part buildings of interest, the Wildlife Reserve and my mom's old school :)

Zanchieta, the Wild Cat Farm outside of Bloemfontein served as our lunch stop. The cats are rescued, boarded or owned the the family that own the farm. They are beautiful to behold. 

Gorgeous Mugs

Look what I spotted in Clicks today. Aren't they gorgeous :) I love the colours and the different animals, especially the owl and gecko.