Homeleigh Halt Guest House

Archive for the ‘Information’ Category

They’re calling it Vuvuzela-gate, and it’s presenting 2010 World Cup organisers with a real conundrum. Do we bend to the demands of foreign fans and players, who find the buzz of South Africa’s favourite plastic trumpet insufferable, or do we just toot on our vuvuzelas even louder, defiant in protecting our quirky local soccer culture from the slick, generic and Eurocentric mould of the World Cup?

In one corner are those who hate the vuvuzela, and expect it to blight the World Cup.  Poster-boy for the anti-vuvuzela movement is Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso, who believes the instrument does nothing for the atmosphere and should be banned. He is supported by numerous mostly European fans who have been venting on online forums across the internet:

These things make among the more annoying noises on the planet. There’s no room for rhythm or beat or anything like it, it’s just the same nails-on-the-chalkboard monotone honk, over and over from all sides with absolutely no regard for what’s going on in the game or with other people using the same instrument. Maybe South Africans find that appealing. Nobody else does and it absolutely does detract from the viewing or game experience.

In the other corner are the majority of South Africans, and anyone else who may feel a bit annoyed by the arrogance of a call to ban the instrument. For the moment Sepp Blatter seems to be in this camp, but enough international pressure may force him to reconsider.

To be fair, the vuvuzela is an extremely abrasive sound, especially if you haven’t grown up knowing it as the sound of soccer. For this reason, most South Africans would probably be happy to make some compromises regarding their use of the vuvuzela, if engaged in a respectful manner. But vitriol and demands from vuvuzela-haters is unlikely to result in a satisfactory result.

Lets hope whatever FIFA decides, regarding the fate of the vuvuzela, that it does so with an eye on compromise. It may be that many foreigners are showing a precious, parochial streak towards this issue, but if they are really that unhappy about it, it may be wise to humour them. It would be disappointing for the World Cup to be ruined by their sulking.

Then again, maybe an encounter with a few thousand vuvuzelas will force the world, and soccer, to actually adopt some of the ideals of “ tolerance, respect, etc. “ that it constantly preaches.

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.

The local currency is the South African rand, comprising 100 cents. Coin denominations of  5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, and R5 are available, as are note denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200.

 Tourists will generally experience a favourable rate of exchange when visiting South Africa. However, South Africa has very strict currency exchange laws and currency can therefore only be exchanged at banks and official bureaux de changes. 

South Africa’s banking system is said to be one of the most advanced in the world. 

Bank branches and ATMs are widely available countrywide.

 All major credit cards are accepted in South Africa, which includes  American Express, Diners Club , MasterCard and Visa.

It is essential however to carry a small amount of cash, as there are certain places where credit cards are not accepted.

Local street vendors selling beautiful African curios do not have card facilities so it is important that you have cash to make that all important memorable purchase!

VAT ( Value Added Tax ) is 14% and this is levied on most goods and services.  VAT can, however, be reclaimed at point of international departure.

If you would like any additional information please do not hesitate to contact Lynn at Homeleigh Halt Guest House (Bed & Breakfast style).

Port Elizabeth Opera House: Fostering a love of the performing arts.

The Opera House is the oldest theatre on the continent of Africa and the Southern Hemisphere.

This special piece of World History is right here in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province.

The P.E. Dramatic Society was formed in the 1840’s .

On 6 June 1860 land was granted to “P.E. Dramatic Amateurs” on condition a theatre was erected.

The Theatre remains active and locals and visitors are often able to visit the theatre for a grand performance.