A Place Called Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga, the most north-eastern province in South Africa, means "the land of the rising sun" in the Zulu and Siswati languages. We arrived looking forward to some warmer and sunnier weather since we haven't seen much of either for a month. Early and mid summer were extra hot and dry in most of the country so I guess that it should be no surprise that the early fall has been wet and dreary. We're not complaining mind you because A) when we've really needed clear skies the most (in the mountains) we've been pretty lucky and B) we know that folks in Canada aren't going to be real sympathetic if we do!

What I can tell you unequivocally is that this is a spectacularly scenic part of the world. The countryside is very rocky and colourful with many kinds of flowering trees.

People seem to go out of their way to make the landscape lovely. Colourful shrubs line many of the fields, especially the sugar cane plantations.

Some of the local farmers certainly put a lot of time and expense into decorating even the simple things in their lives such as a grain silo.

The fields are lush and there are a variety of large and carefully manicured orchards such as this grove of papaya trees.

The avocados and mangoes sold here are enormous! After carrying very heavy bags of them with us for a number of days we have fully enjoyed the exquisite taste of produce that has been picked only when fully ripe!
Nelspruit, the capital city of the province, has incorporated the Zulu architectural style into the building of its handsome provincial legislature! There are lots of interesting African crafts available. Since we're starting to get nearer to the end of our trip we're starting to look at these more carefully.
The region has some gorgeous fauna has well as the flora.
We recently spent a day driving the Panorama Route which includes wide-sweeping valleys the grandeur of which is difficult to convey in a single frame. The Three Rondavels shown below is certainly one of the most interesting individual formations.

It's all part of the Blyde River Canyon. Blyde is Afrikaans for "happy". Centuries ago the wandering Boer farmers known as the Voortrekers arrived in the area. Some decided to push on to Mozambique. When they were weeks late in returning they were given up for dead. They were eventually able to catch up with their retreating party who were so happy to see them that they named the canyon to commemorate the moment in time.
The most unique and perhaps impressive spot along the route is at Bourke's Luck Potholes, a conglomeration of swirled out pockets in the rock caused by pebbles that once flowed with the force of the water. We loved the spot and have too many pictures that we'd like to share so will have to be content with posting just a few!

Thanks to everyone who has provided us with some feedback about the blog. It's worth the effort that it takes when people are enjoying it and learning about South Africa even if it's only through our eyes!