Why do I live in Alexandria?
Because… I wake to the call of birds (there are at least 250 recorded birds in the area). My personal favourites are the Hadedahs, Swallows, Bulbuls, Burchell’s Coucals (rainbirds), Weavers, Cape Robins, Wagtails, Hoopoes and Sunbirds. All these birds can be seen in any garden here.
Because… I can walk 100 metres down the road and revel in the sight of cattle grazing. Just out of town along the R72 which cuts through Alexandria, one can spy wildlife. Bontebok, zebra, even giraffe are sometimes seen. The crowned eagle is regally perched with his crest waving in the breeze. The Jackal Buzzard is often established on a convenient pole.
100m down the road - at sunrise
Because… my neighbour will call to ask if I am ok; she noticed that I have not yet put my bakkie away for the night.
Because… I just walk into a business and chat in the aisles. Being a farming area, the co-ops are important for both farmers and the local population. The people here all know each other. We are a mini-cosm of South Africa. We have very few if any social barriers. And we ‘mind’ one another. We even know the habitual criminals - our security firm has been known to apprehend the thieves at their homes even before the crime has been reported! Co-operation among all here is well-known. When necessary, everyone pulls together to help when and where there is a need.
Because… it is very Eastern Cape platteland. Here we live lives of quiet contentment. If the dogs bark at night, it might only be the cattle moving around. There are no queues, parking is a breeze and everything is within walking distance. Houses are unpretentious and not exorbitantly priced.
Because… my favourite person of passion (Maureen Quin, world-renowned sculptor) lives around the corner from me. Her sculpture garden is soul-food - and she is a legend! Recently awarded an honorary doctorate by Rhodes University, her life and work is inspiring. At 92 years of age she is a wonderful example of quiet achievement driven by passion.
Because… I can get almost everything I need here. I can order the most delicious homemade jams and ciabatta bread, biscuits, rusks, biscotti, chocolates, cheese straws and even homemade soft toys; beadwork and bespoke t-shirts - local talent abounds. There are home cooked meals to order. The well-known Lunch Box bakes fresh breads twice a week.
Market Day
Because… we are not far from anywhere: Port Alfred, Gqeberha, Makhanda. A very short drive to the beaches (Bushmansrivermouth, Cannon Rocks, Boknes, Kenton-on-Sea). Oh, did I mention that only about 68 kms from here on the R72 one can enter the famous Addo Elephant National Park at the Matyholweni Gate?
Because… there are things going on: the Golf Club is popular; our local rugby club Trying Stars is the pride of our little town. The Alexandria Hiking Trail is here; there are short trails and walks for the choosing. The Golden Mile is a unique drive.
Because… history is visible: the impressive NG church dominates the main road and is a beautiful landmark. I love that I look up at it and the time is always 5 p.m. Just the right time! Marie Greyvenstein (Freelance Tour Guide Arrangements/Reelings) offers fascinating guided tours of the town as well as adjacent areas. For example: Dias Cross Beach Walk; Golden Mile Circular Drive; Alexandria Walking History Tour and others. We are proud of our heritage and our unique place on the Sunshine Coast. Alexandria is something of a gateway to spectacular beauty: bush, forest and coast.
If I sound like an advertisement, I do not apologize: as I write, I am so grateful anew for the privilege of living here in this piece of God’s creation.
