Arniston and the Fishermen of Kassiesbaai

Sunrise in Arniston at South Africa's Overberg Coast. It's getting hectic in the little harbour. The fishermen from the village of Kassiesbaai are launching their boats. Tension on the men's faces. Will the calm weather hold? Or will a storm come up?

The quaint hamlet is a national monument. The name "Kassiesbaai" is Afrikaans meaning "bay of the little boxes" - because the thatched, whitewashed Fisherman's houses look like boxes if you see them from far.

Arniston has beautiful swimming beaches, with fine sand and turquoise blue water. In summer it's wunderful to go for a swim here. The Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve with its huge sanddunes is ideal for long walks along the coast. Next to the fishing harbour lies the Arniston Spa Hotel - one of the best wellness venues at the Cape. The rooms have a generous lay-out. With balconies and stunning seaviews. There are also many holiday houses for rent in Arniston.

In the afternoon the fischermen return from the sea. The first incoming boat had no luck at all. No fishes. The weather was too stormy, the sea too rough. But then, on the second boat: Smiling faces. These men had better luck. The fish was caught in great deapth today. The catch of the day is mainly Red Roman. This delicious fish is sold to Cape Town. The prices for fish are good there. Red Roman will - of course - also feature on the hotel's dinner menu tonight.

After just an hour the daily event is over. Then it is getting quiet again in the little harbour of Arniston. What remains are the gentle sounds of the sea.

More on Arniston:
http://www.southafrica-travel.net/wes...