The Langkloof

Yesterday we reached the langkloof: another landscape where Livinglands is active. Different place, different dynamics, different problems.

The Langkloof has a much more open landscape, greener land, more gentle climate, a beautiful view really. Almost the whole area is covered in apple orchards. Almost a Monoculture. The problems here are the amount of pesticides and fertilizers that reach the water and an invasive species called Black wattle, which is rapidly spreading. 

For the rest I saw traces of a more sensitive social situation than in the Baviaans. Not so far away from the student house you could see a Township, the South African equivalent of a slum or favelas. And on the street we saw once a security car patrolling a neighborhood. Still, it mustn't be so bad, as the student house is always unlocked, without ever experiencing trouble.

The students and the staff staying at the Living Lands accommodation are somewhat different than the ones in the Baviaans. I can't explain it yet but it's like they have a more social focus. Bit more extrovert and bit less wild. Maybe just like the Langkloof. I have had very nice talks with the student there: Jara, the German student we just brought from George, and Tobias. Tobias will be coming to the Baviaans in few weeks, it is going to be nice. 

We have been staying at the cutest guest house. The place was called Belthany Farm. It is a farm with a clear permaculturist intent. Figs, grapes and mulberries in the garden and nice intercropping of Maize, Pumpkin and Fruit trees in the field. The owner is going to start a food forest in the next years, to bring some diversity in this 'green desert' of apples. They have many types of animals. Leya fell in love with the cats and the young calves. 

I like this kind of people, it is interesting how people belonging to the permaculture, green movement often have a distinctive vibe and ideals. 

We left the Langkloof passing through the cutest, loveliest bakery I have seen in a very long time. With cappuccino and fudge-covered cake to sooth our 3 hours drive to Addo.