We all need an escape at times from the hustle and bustle of city life. For some going away on holiday once a year can do the trick and for others like me, need that escape more often.
After moving from the farm to the city. I had to look for the beauty of nature around me to survive that claustrophobic feeling I have in the city. Appreciating a stunning sunrise or just listening to the birds in the early morning helps a lot, but there are days in which it feels like the four walls are closing in on me and I need more feed for my soul.
I was fortunate enough to discover the Botanical Gardens right at my doorstep at the beginning of the year, it became my little Oasis, my hide out or safe haven when things get too much.
I used to love the smell of the gym and was inspired and driven by the people around me. I am fortunate as the cardio equipment and weights are on the second floor looking out over the dam, but somehow this is not the same as doing cardio exercise outside. At the Botanica garden, you have long pathed pathways to walk or jog on, surrounded by the most beautiful gardens, the sound of the waterfall and the lovely sun shining on you, supplementing your vitamin D.
On Saturdays, Sundays and Public holidays the gardens are very busy but yet you do not feel it as much as in the city. They have a little market with homemade products, a train to take the kids around the entire garden and nature experts teaching you all there is to know about the fauna and flora in the region.
They have a lovely restaurant serving the most delectable and mouth watering dishes for those not wanting the hustle of preparing a picknick lunch and carting it all the way.
This tree with the carvings is the focal point at the restaurant. The tree was struck by lightning and fell over, for many years it provided shade to diners. The owner decided to leave it right there and use it to emphasize with the carvings that no smoking is allowed in that area.
They offer a great variety and each dish is tastefully presented. This is their trout dish with baked potato and roasted veggies.
Pavlova, my all-time favorite sin. I loved how they very crafty cut out a swan from an apple and placed it as center piece on this dessert.
The gardens around the restaurant and the sound of the waterfall gives a lovely ambiance, perfect for relaxation and enjoyment.
The restaurant is positioned right in the middle of the gardens, so after lunch, you can walk off those extra calories gained to the waterfall.
I love sitting at the waterfall soaking up the tranquility and peace. During the weekends and public holidays, it is a bit crowdy as everyone wants to take selfies with the waterfall as back ground. It is quite sad watching the people as they all walk up to the waterfall, turn around without even paying much attention to it, posing for that perfect selfie and when it is done they are on their way back.
The botanical garden has a geological garden where they have the different kinds of rock and their description in between colourful daisies and other plants. Ideal for teaching the young one's geography and for those that enjoy rocks. I love walking through this part of the garden on my way back.
Here are a few of the rock nicely situated between the beautiful purple flowers. This is the perfect outing for the entire family and couples, they also have a wedding and conference venue.
There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but Nature more. By - Lord Byron
For more information:
http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu