My Epic Braai4Heritage Tour: Day 40 – Braaing on Robben Island, a World Heritage Site
So here’s the thing. Over the past 40 days, nonstop, without a single break, me and my crew—Jan, Frans, Faan, Timmy, Rob (for the first two weeks), and Craig (for the rest)—have been on an epic tour of South Africa. We’ve gone everywhere, covered roughly 10,000 kilometers, and had a whopping 46 braais. Along the way, we’ve made sure to visit all eight of South Africa’s World Heritage Sites, plus loads of other places that hold immense value for our country’s heritage.
Now, get this: not only did we visit all eight World Heritage Sites, but we also had a braai at each and every one of them. I mean, come on, that’s got to count for something, right? It’s like, if someone could actually fit 12 ping-pong balls in their mouth at once—which is, honestly, both impressive and a bit bizarre, depending on who you ask. Anyway, I’m not trying to brag or anything, but I think it’s safe to say our braai game is on a whole other level.
During our journey, we never aimed to set or break any records. Simply visiting all eight World Heritage Sites was an incredible experience, one that I would gladly repeat. What made it even better was being a part of the Braai4Heritage tour, where the ultimate goal is to get 50 million South Africans braaing together on September 24th. It’s all about promoting this dream and raising awareness of these sites, which was an unexpected bonus.
Now, let’s quickly go over all eight sites. But wait, I used the wrong word there. Instead of “recap for the record,” let’s just recap because I know you probably stopped reading these blogs after day three:
1. Table Mountain (and later, Baviaanskloof) – a stunning part of the Cape Floral Region.
- The Richtersveld
- The Vredefort Dome
- Mapungubwe
- Sterkfontein Caves and the Cradle of Humankind
- IsiMangaliso Wetlands Park, St. Lucia
- The uKhahlamba Drakensberg
- Robben Island – read Jan’s blog
Hey there! I won’t bore you with a long speech about the Braai4Heritage concept or why we embarked on this adventure – those details are already covered on previous pages and Jan does a fantastic job of explaining it all on his blog, www.braai.com. What I can tell you, after exploring South Africa for 40 days, is that one thing is certain: all South Africans absolutely adore braaing!
When it comes to food, there’s something magical about the act of cooking it over an open fire. Whether it’s boerie, steaks, stews, veggies, pap, seafood, or chicken, the possibilities are endless. And it doesn’t matter what your budget is or what your dietary preferences may be – a braai is for everyone. Heck, you can have it rare or well-done, as long as you don’t turn your steaks into shoe leather (seriously, don’t do that).
Speaking of a braai, it’s a beautiful thing because it brings people together. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what your beliefs are, or what your taste buds prefer – the fire has a way of uniting us all. It’s like a secret language that transcends the divisions of society. And let me tell you, I have yet to meet a South African who doesn’t enjoy a good braai from time to time.
But you know what? In a world filled with constant debates and arguments, it’s refreshing to witness the power of a braai. I’ve seen how it can break down barriers and open up dialogues. When we gather around the fire, sharing a meal and a few drinks, something extraordinary happens. We start talking about what we have in common, rather than our differences. We discover that, deep down, we all want the same things – good food, good company, and a sense of belonging.
So here’s to the braai, the ultimate symbol of unity and togetherness. It’s a simple concept, but its impact is profound. The next time you gather around the fire, take a moment to appreciate the magic happening right in front of you. Enjoy the flavors, embrace the conversations, and savor the connections. Because no matter who you are or where you come from, a braai is something we can all share and enjoy.
I am excited to announce that you can catch me on the KykNet TV series, starting on July 1, 2011. I may not be the main star, but keep an eye out for my ever-growing blonde hair as I unintentionally appear in the background, play the tireless sidekick, and become the target of not-so-funny jokes. Oh, and there’s a close encounter with a lion that I hope doesn’t make it into the final show. If you hear any screaming, I promise it’s not me – it must be a sound effect added by Rob during editing.
I hope you’ll tune in and enjoy the show!
