Homeleigh Halt Guest House

Archive for the ‘Guest Tips and Safety’ Category

USEFUL PHRASES

ENGLISH                               AFRIKAANS                                                
Good morning                    Goeie môre                    
Good afternoon                  Goeie middag                 
Good evening                     Goeie naand                          
Goodbye                               Totsiens                          
Thank you                             Dankie                              
Yes                                          Ja  
My name is…                     My naam is…
Where is the…                   Waar is die…?
nearest telephone?          naaste telefoon?
Where is…  ?                     Waar is… ?   
 
XHOSA PHRASES – One of the local languages

Hello – Molo
Hello (two people or more) – Molweni
How are you? – Uphila njani?
I am well Thank you! – Ndiphilile enkosi
Sorry – uxolo
Please – nceda
I don’t understand – andiqondi
I don’t know – andazi
I come from. – Ndivela
Do you speak English? – uyakwazi ukuthetha isiNgesi?
Yes – Ewe (eh-weh)
No – Hayi

Homeleigh Halt Guest House has this information for you:

• Port Elizabeth is frequently shortened to PE, it is also referred to as “the Friendly City” , and less flatteringly “the Windy City”.
• PE forms part of the Nelson Mandela Metropole, along with Despatch and Uitenhage.
• If you plan on diving, bring along your certificate, alternatively there are diving courses on offer in the city.  Gear can be hired and boats chartered.
• PE can get quite busy during South African school holidays, so if you are looking for peace and quiet, come out of season.
• Due to the mild climate of the area, PE is a good year round destination.
• Inquire as to the fishing regulations in the area if you are a keen angler.It is also advisable to book accommodation in advance if coming in high season.
• Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes, sun block, camera and binoculars. Really good bird and mammal  reference books are readily available.
• Take precautions against the sun, even when overcast.
• As everywhere in the World, take precautions against crime - for exmple -  do not walk alone at night in deserted areas.
• Be careful of sea currents and swim where lifeguards are on duty.
• There are numerous day trips and outings that can be arranged. Have an outing  custom designed to meet your specific interests. 
• An ocean safari or day safari  to Addo Elephant National Park or one of the other local game reserves is highly recommended.
• There are numerous accredited local tour operators – ensure that you establish the credentials of your tour operator. Ensure that your guide is a registered guide with ”FGASA” (Field Guide Association of South Africa) Membership cards are issued to all registered, qualified guides. 
• We are able to offer you a great deal of information on our wonderful city and surrounding areas.
• Let us help you to plan the most memorable holiday.
• Water is generally safe to drink straight out of the tap! Personally I do not drink bottled water in Port Elizabeth.
• There are some areas however where the water, whilst safe to drink, may not be to your liking because of the taste. We often refer to water as being “brak” (slightly salty and unusual taste). This is as a result of underground mineral deposits. If you grew up with this water, mostly in farming communities where water was not filtered but pumped directly from the underground source, then you became used to the taste.
• In areas where the water is really unsafe to drink you will be made aware of the fact by locals or your tour guide.