Returning to Kimberley on the Shosholoza Meyl wasn’t quite the ‘pleasant experience’ their adverts push for, but I did manage to get some sleep so I wasn’t completely shattered by the time the train arrived in Kimberley – 45 min earlier than scheduled. Arriving at 5:30 am there was clearly no point waiting for the transport museum to open, so I proceded to re-unite with Tootsie at Keith and Kathleen’s house on the other side of town.
The pack was heavy as I’d bought extra food in Cape Town so that I could focus my time in Kimberley on things that had to be done. I arrived and everyone was already up and getting ready for work and school, so I showered and hit the road myself… time to see the sights! First up… the Big Hole itself.
I took a walk around the complex amongst all the old buildings and popped in at the Australian Arms – a guesthouse within the complex of The Big Hole. As the manager (sorry, can’t think of his name right now and my notebook is caked in mud) said, there is so much more that they could do to liven up the place… but obviously stopping short of the full out amusement park of Gold Reef City.
Proceding to the visitors centre, I was searched for weapons because the scanner thing kept going off. With hidden pockets and stuff stashed all over the show, I nearly had to remove my clothes to convince the guy I wasn’t armed. Eventually I got in and was super impressed! A few small shops along with a coffee shop, and then the main attraction.
Staff – not that great! But I paid my money and in I went to read about the history… before watching the movie, which is very well done.
A tour guide took us all out onto the viewing platform – WOW! I am glad the wind wasn’t blowing too hard, as it was already moving a little under us. But what a spectacular sight! To think that it was dug by hand… incredible! We took the elevator and went a few metres underground for the ‘experience’, With simulated blasts and cramped conditions, it’s certainly not for those with a heart condition or who hate small spaces.
I left there and wandered across town, stopping at everything that looked vaguely historic and meaningful… including, to my mom’s amazement, an art gallery! Yip, and I even visited another one later in the day! SHOCK HORROR! And, I wasn’t following the Dutch tourists either (because they were all in their 80s).
Once I more culture than a dairy farm, I headed to the Diamond Pavilion Mall to pickup some last minute essentials and some flowers for Kathleen.
Back to my hosts and the packing continued! Tootsie is difficult to pack with so much stuff. WOW! It seriously felt like I was playing Tetris… just with things that don’t fit together.
We had a braai for dinner and waffles for dessert, and then off to bed… zzzzzzz….
