Like most girls and many boys I love shoes and late last year I bought a pair of amazing hand-made black leather brogues that put a bounce in my step and a rather silly grin on my face. I’d seen them in the window of MeMeMe in Long Street, and ordered a pair to fit. They delight me. But were they enough, could I stop there? Of course not.
I found out that their creator was in Long Street, an artist and shoe man - we needed to meet.
Some research and few questions later, I had his name and knew that he operated from the African Women’s Trading Market, Long Street. I had to meet Diomande the Leather Man one pair was just not enough.
What was prevalent on arrival at their small downstairs shop was the accumulated skill and talent that Diomande and his brother have. Craftsmen for sure, their main focus is on shoes, handbags and belts. The array of colors and styles overwhelmed me, as did their charm and willingness to create something unique for me. Alice can keep her Wonderland, I had fallen into Shoe-Heaven.
I finally decided on a pair of punch-holed pumpkin colored brogues. My feet were measured about and across, my details taken and a promise of a three day turn about left me confident I’d be stepping out in style that weekend.
On collection of my most perfect Pumpkin Shoes - sigh - I took some pics and gushed with enthusiasm as I promised to spread the Diomande shoe-heaven word. I’m doing so right now. Before you next splash out on a pair of boots or shoes, do yourselves the great favor of visiting Diomande to discuss what he can offer you.
Their motto is “It starts with your footprint”. I’m encouraging you to support Local Craft and leave yours there … The experience and the shoes will mark your world.
At midnight on January 23, 2012, Chinese people around the world will welcome the new year, ushering in the Year of the Dragon with the traditional Chinese New Year greeting of Gong Xi Fa Ca! which means “wishing you prosperity” in Mandarin.
The first day of the Chinese New Year is the most important of Chinese holidays, celebrated by billions in China, and by millions of ethnic Chinese around the world. It’s a celebration that lasts for 15 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival. This year, according to the Chinese zodiac, is the year of the Dragon.
Let’s unleash them so they may fly by our sides and ensure a fabulous 2012! Seat belt on … I’m ready and waiting.
Khayelitsha is the second largest township in South Africa, located on the Cape Flats outside Cape Town, the name means “New Home” in Xhosa. I visited the Khayelitsha Remembrance Square, a memorial to the turbulent and rich History of Khayelitsha; established when the 1980’s Apartheid government decided to move black people from existing townships to a new township. Today Khayelitsha is home to half a million people. Some of the journey of the past 30 years is depicted in the art freezes by Mosaic Works.
As any of you who follow me will know, my heart and hope lies in conservation, with the plight of the Rhino a key focal point. To date though it feels like all I’ve done is read, research, tweet, blog, spread the word and pray that the Rhino be Saved. This year however has to be the year of action.
Therefore when I learnt from Saving Private Rhino about a Court Hearing in Khayelitscha of Xiong Changsen, who was found in possession of elephant tusks, shark fins and various animal horns - including rhino horn, I decided to attend. Changsen was arrested together with Xing Xieny, who is out on bail, during December.
I joined a motley but hopeful group of Save The Rhino supporters to deliver the message JAIL NOT BAIL.
The group arrived wore Saving Private Rhino t-shirts, banners and hope and we were led to the courthouse by Piper James playing Nkosi Sililele iAfrica. A stark reminder of the importance of protecting South Africa’s wildlife.
Initially gathered in Khayelitscha’s Remembrance Square, we moved to the Courtyard stairs and waited the arrival of the accused’s lawyer, a young South African Cornel Stander. I was overcome with emotion at the idea of a South African accepting the role of defending lawyer in rhino and elephant poaching case.
After a couple of hours we were invited into the Court Room where the accused was brought before the Magistrate William October and Mr Cornel Stander applied for a postponement to the 28 February 2012. It was granted, and for now Xing Xieny stays behind bars. A good thing.
I will be there with my new friends in conservation, and I will be calling for support from anybody in the Cape that has the plight of the Rhino at heart. We were told that our presence there did have an impact, that our voices are heard, and that we do make an impact. The Press was supportive and their reporting invaluable.
The delightful Nekkies of Knysna Tripe Sellers of my previous post also sell and trade in chicken and eggs. The chickens are kept in these tiny cages whilst at the market, which is difficult for this free-range loving would be vegetarian girl to accept. But they assure me that when not at the market the chickens run wild and free around their house, and I’m sure that’s true, given that they are all in rather lovely condition. Such is Africa and her ways.
