Come see the Ammazulu African Palace

Hi again everyone. Wednesday was the most fantastic day, and we had so much fun and lots of great food. We went to my sister’s house first, and when we were all assembled, and my mom had just about hugged her grandson to death, and “oohed” and “aahed” over her little great granddaughter, who she hasn’t seen for 4 years,

we set off for lunch to the ‘AmmaZulu African Palace’,  a unique luxury lodge on the edge of the Kloof Gorge and Krantzkloof Nature Reserve.

When you get to the top of the steep, rocky driveway, you are greeted by a spectacular sight. The entrance is really ornate,and so brightly decorated. here is a photo of the whole family, taken before we went in.

This amazing place is the brainchild of Peter Amm, who it is said, just hates to see anything go to waste. He has decorated his palace with bits and pieces of stuff which he’s collected over many years, from buildings that were being demolished. These are gorgeous fretwork doors and panels, he salvaged from a Balinese temple.

There are chandeliers with all sorts of weird and wonderful bits and pieces hanging from them. When my mom caught sight of this pillar as we walked along the top-level, she exclaimed, “Oh yes, a couple of those would make a lovely bra.” 😀

These are original Durban rickshaws in pristine condition, looking much smarter than the ones which are in use for the tourists today.

We saw a collection of African wooden “Pillows,” which our guide assured us are far more comfortable than the ones we use. Hard to believe, but then I’ve never tried one. Next to them, was a collection of beautiful beaded waistcoats, lovingly crafted long ago by young maidens for their betrothed. Each design has a different message. These were presented to the lucky young man, along with the traditional beaded “Love letters .”

Any South African would be most intrigued by this sculpture, which has a shower over the head. It isn’t labelled of course, but we can draw our own conclusions.  🙂

We spent some time outside, chatting over drinks, and admiring the lovely view over the gorge.

Lots of photos were taken, and Sienna borrowed her dad’s camera and took a photo of her great-uncle Mike. Not bad for a 6-year-old photographer.

She really took a great liking to this wooden sculpture and spent a long time playing around it, and even putting her head inside the Hippo’s mouth. 🙂

We all had a delicious buffet lunch, specially prepared for us by the very friendly and expert chef. This was my third birthday meal, as I’ve really strung the celebrations out as long as possible, until my son arrived, and we could all celebrate together. I had some belated gifts too, which are really lovely.

I’ll just put up a few more pics of the fabulous decor inside the Ammazulu Palace. Having been shown around the whole of this fabulous place, we felt a distinct sensory overload.The photos definitely don’t do it justice. You’d have to really go there yourself to be wowed by the inventiveness and artistic genius of the owner.

Yesterday we went to U Shaka, the giant aquarium and water world in Durban, where we had a really fantastic time. Sienna loved it, especially the dolphin show. Those photos will have to wait until I get back, as I could be somewhat internet-less for the next week.

Today we  left very early to do the 7 hour drive up to Johannesburg to stay with my daughter and family. It will be so great for us all to be together for a few days, and for Sienna to be with her teenage cousins, Tamsyn and Justin. Unfortunately our son-in-law won’t be there, as last night he left on a trip to climb Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Rather him than me, but I’m sure it will be a great adventure.

Thanks to all of you who have visited my last post and left such wonderful and generous comments. I do love this WordPress community. You’re such a great bunch of bloggers. Chat to you all again very soon. 🙂