MARKETS
One of the great things about many small towns and villages is that you can actually meet the local people and chat to them and discover why they like living in that particular small town or village and what it is that they do to put food on the table.
And the very best way to meet the locals is at their Saturday ‘home-grown’ markets.
These are not held every Saturday so check our web site for details and information on how to get to each one.
Why do I think that these markets are great? Because it is at these events when you can really inter-face with the local folk who make the crusty whole-grain brown bread, the hot chilli relishes, chunky pepper steak pies, moonshine, muffins, clothing, jewelry and everything else.
Going shopping at your Neighbourhood Mall is fine for all your daily necessities and, if you are lucky, you may meet some acquaintance for a quick chat as you trundle your trolley up and down the aisles, but there is something very special about village markets and especially those on our mountain. Here you can meet that elderly sun-tanned man who grew the butternuts, the mustard spinach or the small parcels of fresh herbs. After all, it is only out in the rural towns and villages where you can browse at your leisure and meet those special folk whose ancient skills and love are combined in the production of that unique or possibly once-in-a-lifetime item that you can eat, drink or wear?
Meeting the grand old lady who crafted her bottles of lemon marmalade is like that Venda clay pot where the lady who has fashioned it, breathes into the still moist clay around the rim before she seals and fires it, thereby ensuring that her spirit becomes an essential part of the finished product.
I love these markets because in every sense of the word, they are ‘home-grown’.
Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the Magoebaskloof area and you are on the mountain on one of those special market days, then spoil yourself and head to the Woodcutter’s Cottage, or down the Pass to the Farmstall or along Rissik Street in the village of Haenertsburg for a really worthwhile outing and that special opportunity of being able to ask a question such as, ‘How on earth do you get all that flavour into your chutney?’ Or, ‘The taste of that banana loaf is so different!’ or ‘Your carrots are the crunchiest I have ever tasted!’ or, ‘The colours and designs on your decorative tiles are enough to make me want to buy the lot!’
‘OK, Fred, calm down now!’ I tell myself, but it’s very difficult not to become enthusiastic about just another special attraction of our Mountain.
They are all different and great fun and I’m sure that you will head for home with loaded baskets of goodies and many warm memories!
And ‘them’s my sentiments!’
Fred Bullock
