A long short story that can’t be tamed – I always wanted to rescue a damsel in distress – 3

Three

It was dark, the curtains had been closed, but even in that light, we could see the flat was a mess.

Emily went in first, then I followed. She switched on the light, and that mess we had seen, was the product of one or more people systematically searching and basically trashing the place.

Emily was shocked, muttering, “What the hell happened here?” She then went to look at the other rooms.

I made a closer inspection of the room. None of the furniture, some moved, some overturned, showed signs of there being a fight, as there was no blood anywhere. If she had left before this, even after it, she had not been physically assaulted enough to cause bleeding.

I was not sure if that was a consolation.

Emily returned. “Just as bad everywhere else. I need to call the police. Dad gave me a number to call.” She pulled out her mobile phone, and then searched for the note with the number, going into the other room.

That was the moment there was a knock on the door. It wouldn’t be Cecile knocking on her own door, but hopefully someone who knew her.

I opened the door to see a middle-aged woman who looked like she had rushed to get there. Her face was flushed, and her breathing was heavy. And there was a flustered air about her.

Before I could get a word in, she asked, “Are you James Bentley?”

How could she possibly know who I was? I nodded.

“Then this is for you.” She rummaged in her bag and pulled out a letter-size envelope and held it out.

“Did you know her?” It was possible she might be able to help us finding her.

“No. Two days ago, she pounded on my door and gave me that letter and said a man of your description would arrive within three days. Here you are, and here it is.” She shoved the envelope in my hand. “That’s all I know, don’t bother me again.”

With that she was gone, apparently from a downstairs flat judging by the sound of her feet on the stairwell steps. I closed the door.

“Who was that?” Emily asked, coming back from the other room, phone call finished.

“A woman with a letter from Cecile.” I held it up.

“Did she have anything else to say?”

“Just that giving me the letter was the extent of her involvement. I’m guessing by her manner; she was scared doing even that. It just reinforces the notion that Cecile is probably in serious trouble. What did the policeman have to say?”

“He’s sending a couple of detectives to look into the matter, and that we shouldn’t touch anything. You should read the letter.”

I opened the envelope and took out a single page. It had been haphazardly folded in haste then straightened out again, and the writing that I could see was hers and had been written in haste. The paper had been ripped crookedly off a pad. I looked around the room and saw the pad on the floor, near the table where the phone had sat.

I picked it up off the floor and kept it to one side, thinking it might have something useful hidden on the top page running a pencil over the paper to see if there was writing on the previous page, a trick I’d learned from watching TV.

Emily was waiting impatiently for me to read the letter, and I could see her restraining herself from snatching it out of my hand.

It said, and reading it out aloud for Emily,

Jimmy,

If you are reading this then it’s the worst possible scenario.

I began to suspect Jake was not what he seemed to be about a month ago, and then, one night, he came home, bleeding from a bullet wound. He said it was not serious and refused to go to a hospital.

He left two days later and didn’t come back.

I then went looking for him, only to discover he didn’t work where he said he did, his parents were not who he said they were, and none of his friends didn’t really know anything about him.

Two days after he went missing, some men came to the door and told me, quite emphatically, to stop asking questions.

Or else.

After they left, I wrote this and gave it to Mrs Williams with specific instructions to give it to you when you came to the flat, in case something happened to me.

Since you’re reading this, it has.

I will be packing an overnight bag and going to the hotel you and I once said we would stay at if we ever came to London. I will leave another note there if I’m able. Just ask at the front desk first.

I will try to send a text if and when I can.

Cee

So, text sent, it was a serious situation. And, I noted, she had called me Jimmy, knowing how much I hated being called that.

Emily fired the first question, “What the name of this hotel?”

“We will be going there, right after we deal with the police when they arrive.”

“We have to go now, while the trail is still hot.”

The trail was anything but hot. This mess looked to me like it had been here for a few days, or more.

“Patience. The fact she texted us tells me that she will not be at the hotel, and there might not be another letter waiting. And, if there is, it’s not likely to help us much, unless she gives us the name and details of this Jake character. Perhaps the police might know something about him. Whatever the case may be, we will have to report her as missing.”

“Might that be wise in the circumstances?”

Were there circumstances I missed, or did Emily know something I didn’t. After all, she had insisted, before I got the text message that we should go to Cecile’s flat and check if she was there.

“What did I miss?”

“She is trying to tell us the fewer people who know about this the better. That’s what I inferred. She didn’t give us the police contact, her mother did.”

It was something I hadn’t considered. That said, was there also an inference we couldn’t trust the police.

“We’d better be careful what we say when the police arrive then.”

“Agreed. Also, you check the pad, I’m going to look in her secret hiding spot. She might have left something for me.”

A secret hiding spot. Cecile had never told me about that. I tried not to look disappointed. Perhaps I failed.

“It’s a sister thing.” Then she disappeared into the bedroom.

Emily, I knew from the past, wasn’t the most patient of people, and Cecile often said she often ventured where others feared to tread. I was going to have two battles on my hands, the first, trying to find Cecile, and the second, curbing Emily’s self-destructive streak.

Fortunately, there was another knock on the door.

Hopefully, it was the police.

…

The cinema of my dreams – Was it just another surveillance job – Episode 13

I’m back home and this story has been sitting on a back burner for a few months, waiting for some more to be written.

The trouble is, there are also other stories to write, and I’m not very good at prioritising.

But, here we are, a few minutes opened up and it didn’t take long to get back into the groove.

Am I working for anyone now?

So, there I was, walking along the street, hands in pockets, trying to look like my whole world hadn’t come crashing down on me when a car pulled over to the side of the road.

I may have been down in the dumps but not that far that I wasn’t still aware of what was going on around me, the training had been that good, so I hung back a little from the curb and waited to see if was me they were after, or just some lucky rich person being dropped off.

And ready to disappear into the crowd, not that there was one, but there were three exits available and within momentary reach if necessary.

I watched the rear window go down slowly then saw a familiar face.

Nobbin.

“Get in Mr Jackson. We have more to talk about.”

I hesitated like anyone with the training I had would, as any person with common sense would too, I guess.

“It’s perfectly safe, I assure you.” He sounded reassuring.

A glance into the car showed only him and the driver, who was getting out of the car. I watched him come around to the curbside and put his hand on the door handle.

“Sir,” he said.

He opened the door. Nobbin had moved to the other side.

I shrugged, then got in. A thought: how many people had got into cars such as this, and were never seen again?”

It was not a statistic that reached any of the newspapers. Only the end result, a body washed down the Thames, with no indication of who it was, or where they came from, and no identification, or means of identification available.

The door closed, the driver went back to the front of the car, and then gently eased the car out into the traffic.

“I’m sorry for the theatrics surrounding this meeting, but it is necessary. I’m sure you were told of the need for secrecy in this matter, and I’m just reinforcing that.”

“Just who are you? And, for that matter, those people back in that building? Or, if it’s not too hard to wrap your head around, who the hell have I been working for?”

“Good questions, all. At least now I can speak freely. As you can, Mr Jackson.”

“Except I have no idea who’s side you’re on, I’m on, or anyone for that matter. This is not what I signed up for.”

“Well, to put some perspective on your situation, Mr Jackson, you were not supposed to live to tell about it. It was an operation that was created with one purpose in mind, to find an agent named

William O’Connor, and kill him. And everyone in the team assigned to the task.”

“By Severin and Maury? If so, why didn’t they kill me in the alley along with this O’Connor?”

“That is a mystery to all of us.”

“And those people back in the room. Who the hell were they?”

“Operations. Trying to find out how a sub-section could be created and function within their purview and not be detected. That’s what it was, run by two agents who had been expelled a few months back, but who were clever enough to work around all of the safeguards, recruit four agents, and then go after the man who caused the end of their careers.”

“Simple, it seems.”

“Very. And, if it had not been for you, we would never have known who or why.”

“Perhaps we should be thankful there was an explosion then, otherwise we’d all be dead.”

“Or not, because as far as I know, that was part of the operation, designed to take the target, you and the surveillance member behind you. It only did a third the job. It didn’t go off at the critical moment. No one was seriously hurt, by the way.”

“The policeman?”

“Critical but stable. He’ll survive.”

“The police who were accusing me of being the bomber?”

“Our people trying to delay you, so our man could get away. Seems they trained you better than we expected. Did O’Connor say anything to you?”

“There wasn’t much time before I found him, and Severin shot him.”

“Anything at all?”

“He knew who I was.”

“Then he knew the whole team, and who was running it.”

“He killed two of them.”

“In self-defence. They were not only surveillance but also assassins. Different training before they joined your group.”

I had thought there was something odd about them.

“Anything else,” he asked again.

“Yes. He said to tell you he found something he should, and that the evidence is… And that’s when he was shot. He didn’t tell me where it was.”

“He didn’t have to. We had set up three prearranged drop sites, so it must be in one of those. Here’s my card.”

He handed me a white card with a name and a phone number. The name was not Nobbin.

“If this Severin contacts you again, call me. I am available any hour of the day or night on that number.”

“If he doesn’t?”

“Then you will hear from me in the not too distant future. The fact you’re a survivor tells me you are resourceful and have the makings of a good agent, one I can use in my department.”

“And those others back at the office?”

“You won’t hear from them again.”

The car stopped outside an underground staircase.

“This is your stop, Mr Jackson. Thank you for your co-operation.”

Perhaps my career wasn’t in tatters. I got out of the car, and watched it leave before heading for the underground, his card safely tucked away in my pocket.

365 Days of writing, 2026 – 7

Day 7 – Dealing with contentious issues

…

The Hot-Topic Tightrope: How to Take a Stand on Sensitive Issues Without Losing Your Following

You see it trending. A sensitive, divisive issue is lighting up social media, and a knot forms in your stomach. You have an opinion. A strong one. You feel a pull—a responsibility, even—to use your platform to say something.

But then the doubt creeps in. What if I say the wrong thing? What if half my followers unsubscribe overnight? What if I start a firestorm in my comments that I can’t control?

This is the modern public figure’s dilemma. You want to be authentic and engaged, but you fear the fallout. So, let’s get real about the question everyone is asking: Will taking a stand on a contentious issue cost you readers?

The uncomfortable answer is yes, it probably will. But that’s not the whole story.

The Inevitable (and Good) Loss of Readers

Here’s the thing about taking a stand on something that matters: it’s an act of clarification. You are drawing a line in the sand and saying, “This is what I believe in. This is what I stand for.”

The moment you do that, you create a filter. People who fundamentally disagree with your core values on that issue may indeed leave. They might unfollow, unsubscribe, or simply tune you out. And that’s okay.

In fact, it can be a good thing.

Chasing universal appeal is a recipe for being bland and forgettable. A smaller, deeply engaged audience that shares your values is infinitely more valuable than a massive list of passive followers who feel no real connection to you. The “readers” you lose were likely never your true community to begin with. They were just passers-by.

Think of it this way: you’re not losing followers; you’re refining your community. You’re attracting the people who will champion your work because they see themselves in it. You’re building a tribe, not just a crowd.

How to Avoid Problems: A 5-Step Strategic Framework

While losing some readers may be a natural consequence, starting an unnecessary war is not. You can engage with sensitive topics in a way that is thoughtful, constructive, and minimizes needless drama. The key is to be strategic, not reactive.

Before you hit “publish,” walk through this framework:

1. The ‘Why’ Check: Before You Post

Ask yourself a few critical, honest questions. Your motivation is everything.

Why do I need to say this? Is it to educate, to support a community, to share my unique perspective, or just to vent?
Am I adding value? Is what I’m about to say a new take, a personal story that illuminates the issue, or am I just echoing the noise?
Am I emotionally triggered? If you’re posting from a place of pure rage or fear, take a beat. A considered response is always more powerful than a knee-jerk reaction.

2. Know Your Audience and Your Brand

Context is king. A statement from a political commentator is expected; the same statement from a food blogger might seem jarring. This doesn’t mean you can’t speak out, but it does mean you should be aware of your audience’s expectations. Acknowledge the shift if you need to: “You know me for talking about baking, but today I need to talk about something else that’s on my heart…” This shows self-awareness and respects your audience.

3. Focus on Principles, Not Personalities

This is the golden rule of constructive debate. Frame your argument around your values and principles, not around attacking a person or group.

Instead of: “I can’t believe how ignorant Person X is!”
Try: “I believe in a world where everyone has access to healthcare. Here’s why that principle is so important to me.”

The first statement invites a fight. The second invites a conversation. It’s much harder to argue against someone’s deeply held principles than it is to hurl insults back and forth.

4. Embrace Nuance and Acknowledge Complexity

Few issues are truly black and white. Using absolutist, all-or-nothing language will immediately alienate people who might otherwise be receptive. Show that you’ve considered the complexity of the issue.

Phrases like:

“I know this is a complicated issue with many valid perspectives, but…”
“I’m still learning about this, but my current thinking is…”
“From my personal experience…”

These phrases don’t weaken your argument; they build credibility and show humility. They invite thoughtful discussion rather than a flame war.

5. Prepare for the Pushback (and Have a Plan)

Don’t post and run. Decide in advance how you’ll engage with the response.

Define the line: What constitutes a healthy debate versus harassment or hate speech? Have a clear comment policy in mind.
Decide your level of engagement: Will you reply to questions? Will you correct misinformation? Will you ignore trolls?
Protect your peace: It is 100% acceptable to block, mute, or delete abusive comments. Your platform is your home; you don’t have to entertain vandals.

Knowing your plan beforehand prevents you from being dragged into a draining, unproductive argument in the heat of the moment.

The Power of Knowing When Not to Speak

Finally, one of the most powerful skills you can develop is knowing when silence is the strongest statement. You do not have to comment on everything. Choosing not to speak is a valid and often wise strategic choice.

Consider staying silent if:

You are not deeply informed on the topic and would be adding noise rather than insight.
The issue doesn’t intersect with your expertise or lived experience, and your voice would end up centring yourself instead of amplifying those most affected.
You are not in the right headspace to engage constructively.

Your platform is a tool, not an obligation. Use it intentionally.

Walk the Tightrope with Confidence

Taking a stand as a public figure is a tightrope walk, but it doesn’t have to be a reckless one. Yes, you risk losing some followers, but in doing so, you gain something far more valuable: a clarified brand, a more loyal community, and the integrity that comes from speaking your truth.

The goal isn’t to keep everyone happy. It’s to build something meaningful around what you believe. Be thoughtful, be strategic, and be brave. Your right readers will be right there with you.

Top 5 sights on the road less travelled – Dar es Salaam

Hidden Gems of Dar es Salaam: 5 Uncrowded Tourist Attractions with Distinctive Charms

When travellers think of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling coastal metropolis, images of busy markets, vibrant street life, and oceanfront promenades often come to mind. While landmarks like the National Museum and Kariakoo Market draw large crowds, the city holds a treasure trove of lesser-known attractions that remain delightfully uncrowded. These hidden gems offer authentic cultural experiences, historical depth, and natural beauty—without the usual tourist rush.

If you’re looking to explore Dar es Salaam beyond the well-trodden path, here are five unique, low-traffic tourist attractions that deserve a spot on your itinerary.

1. Msasani Slipway & The Village Museum

Nestled along the tranquil Msasani Peninsula, the Msasani Slipway is a redeveloped shipyard turned lifestyle and cultural hub. Unlike the packed beaches of Oyster Bay, this waterfront area retains a relaxed charm. By day, you can admire traditional dhows being built using age-old techniques—an ode to Dar’s maritime heritage. By evening, local artisans sell crafts, and live Afro-jazz music floats through the air.

Attached to this area is the often-overlooked Village Museum, which offers a beautifully curated journey through Tanzania’s diverse ethnic cultures. Life-sized replicas of traditional homesteads from the Maasai, Chagga, Sukuma, and other communities provide an intimate, educational glimpse into the nation’s heritage. Best of all, the museum rarely sees long lines, making it perfect for a peaceful, reflective visit.

Why it’s special: A rare blend of urban revival, cultural education, and scenic harbour views.

2. Azania Front Lutheran Church (AFLC)

Tucked between colonial-era buildings and modern storefronts in the city centre, the Azania Front Lutheran Church, often called the “Cathedral of Dar,” is an architectural marvel with deep historical roots. Built in the early 20th century during the German colonial period, its red-brick Gothic Revival design stands out amidst the bustling streets.

While not a major tourist hotspot, this Anglican-turned-Lutheran church is a serene sanctuary of stained glass, carved wood, and peaceful acoustics. Visitors are often welcomed by friendly parishioners and may even attend a Sunday service to experience uplifting Swahili gospel hymns.

Why it’s special: A peaceful urban oasis with colonial-era architecture and living spiritual significance—often missed by tour groups.

3. Pugu Hills Forest Reserve

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Dar es Salaam lies the Pugu Hills Forest Reserve, one of the oldest protected forests in Africa. Designated in 1890, this lush green expanse is home to rare bird species, medicinal plants, and ancient rock art sites believed to be centuries old.

Unlike Tanzania’s more famous national parks, Pugu Hills is rarely visited by tourists. Guided walks with local community rangers offer insights into conservation efforts and indigenous knowledge. The trails wind through misty woodlands and open fields, offering solitude and a breath of fresh air away from city noise.

Why it’s special: A quiet, eco-friendly escape with historical, ecological, and cultural layers—perfect for nature lovers and hikers seeking serenity.

4. Kunduchi Wet ‘n’ Wild (Off-Peak Visits)

While Kunduchi Wet ‘n’ Wild is known as a popular water park, visiting during weekday mornings or outside school holidays reveals a surprisingly uncrowded, family-friendly retreat. This expansive recreational complex features thrilling water slides, relaxing pools, and picnic spaces within a shady coastal forest.

Beyond the rides, the park occasionally hosts cultural performances and seafood barbecues using local recipes. Go early, and you’ll enjoy the amenities with room to breathe—plus, friendly staff often share stories about the park’s evolution from a coconut plantation.

Why it’s special: A dynamic space that transforms from bustling to tranquil, offering fun and cultural flavour when visited off-peak.

5. The Slipway Art Galleries & Pop-Ups

Scattered around The Slipway complex in Msasani, several independent art galleries and pop-up exhibitions showcase works by emerging Tanzanian artists. Spaces like Nafasi Art Space (just a short walk inland) and rotating pop-ups at cafés and studios spotlight contemporary Swahili themes, political commentary, and abstract expressions using local materials.

These galleries are rarely packed, allowing intimate viewing and the chance to chat directly with artists. Many pieces reflect Tanzania’s social fabric, from coastal life to urban youth culture.

Why it’s special: A vibrant, quiet corner of Dar’s creative scene where art meets authenticity.

Final Thoughts: Discover the Dar Less Travelled

Dar es Salaam is more than traffic, skyscrapers, and busy ports. Beneath its fast-paced surface lies a city rich in quiet beauty, cultural depth, and resilient traditions. These five uncrowded attractions exemplify Dar’s hidden heart—accessible, memorable, and refreshingly free from the tourist throngs.

So, the next time you’re in Tanzania’s largest city, step off the beaten path. Whether you’re sipping chai at The Slipway while watching fishermen mend their nets, or tracing ancient rock etchings in Pugu Hills, you’ll discover that Dar es Salaam’s most meaningful moments often happen in silence, solitude, and surprise.

Travel Tip: For the best experience, visit these sites early in the morning or during weekdays. Many locals also recommend hiring a community guide for deeper context and meaningful interactions.

Have you visited any of these hidden spots? Share your quiet adventures in the comments below!

What I learned about writing – I prefer happy endings

Does a Happy Ending Sell Better Than a Tragic One?

In the world of storytelling—be it novels, films, or viral Instagram captions—one timeless truth persists: people love a good joke more than a good poem. Why? Laughter is instant, accessible, and leaves us feeling lighter. A clever punchline slips past our defences; it doesn’t demand melancholy reflection or emotional labour. It simply disarms us with joy.

This raises an intriguing question: Does the happy ending to a story sell better than one that doesn’t?

Let’s explore the art—and business—of conclusions.

The Allure of the Happy Ending

From fairy tales to rom-coms, the template is familiar: trials, tribulations, and—against all odds—love, triumph, or redemption. The hero gets the girl. The villain is vanquished. The lost is found.

Why do these endings dominate mainstream media? Simple: they feel good. In a world brimming with uncertainty, a happy ending offers closure, comfort, and a kind of emotional reassurance. It’s the narrative equivalent of a warm blanket on a rainy day.

Market data supports this. Box office hits like The Avengers: Endgame, Crazy Rich Asians, and even animated films like Frozen lean heavily on uplifting conclusions. Romantic comedies—despite critical eye-rolls—are enduringly popular because audiences crave that final scene: the airport sprint, the heartfelt confession, the kiss in the rain.

Happy endings sell because they affirm hope. They whisper: No matter how dark it gets, things can get better.

The Power of the Unhappy—or Ambiguous—Ending

But let’s not write off the melancholy, the unresolved, or the devastating. Some of the most iconic and impactful stories in history end not with a bow, but with a gasp.

Consider The Great Gatsby, 1984, Requiem for a Dream, or Chinatown. These stories don’t comfort—they challenge. They linger. They haunt. They leave readers and viewers wrestling with questions long after the final page or frame.

Artists like Cormac McCarthy, Lars von Trier, and Sally Rooney have built careers on bittersweet or bleak conclusions—and their work sells. Critically acclaimed. Academically studied. Culturally influential.

Why? Because tragedy moves us. It speaks to the human condition with unflinching honesty. A sad ending can feel more true, more resonant in a world where not every problem has a solution and not every love story lasts.

And let’s not forget the ambiguity. Shows like The Sopranos or Inception end without clear resolution—and yet, they generate massive engagement, endless debates, and cult followings. Sometimes, not knowing is the point.

So, Which Sells Better?

It depends on the audience, the genre, and the purpose of the story.

Mainstream, mass-market stories—especially in film, TV, and commercial fiction—tend to favour endings that uplift. Happy endings dominate bestseller lists and blockbuster charts because they are broadly appealing, emotionally satisfying, and easy to recommend.
Literary fiction, arthouse films, and niche genres often thrive on complexity. These stories aren’t just selling entertainment—they’re selling insight, introspection, and emotional depth. In these realms, a tragic or ambiguous ending isn’t a risk—it’s a statement.

In truth, it’s less about what the ending is and more about how well it’s earned. A happy ending feels hollow if the journey lacks stakes. A tragic ending feels manipulative if it serves shock over substance. The best endings—joyful or sorrowful—are inevitable in hindsight. They resonate because they are truthful to the story that came before.

The Joke vs. The Poem Revisited

Going back to our original observation: a good joke sells better than a good poem. Jokes are immediate. Poems linger. The same applies to endings.

A happy ending is the joke: satisfying, gratifying, widely shared.

A tragic (or ambiguous) ending is the poem: layered, lasting, often underappreciated at first glance.

But the most enduring stories? They find the balance. They make us laugh, then ache. They give us joy tinged with sorrow—or sorrow pierced by hope.

And perhaps that’s what truly sells: not happiness or heartbreak alone, but the courage to be honest.

Whether your story ends with a laugh, a tear, or a quiet sigh, make it real. Because authenticity—more than any plot twist or punchline—is what readers will remember, and return to, again and again.

Top 5 sights on the road less travelled – Pretoria

Discover Pretoria’s Hidden Gems: Top 5 Under-the-Radar Attractions with Breathtaking Character

Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, is often lauded for its grand government buildings like the iconic Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument. However, beyond its political skyline lie quieter, lesser-known treasures that offer unique experiences without the bustling crowds. If you’re seeking tranquillity and rich cultural or natural features, here are five must-visit spots in Pretoria that are off the tourist radar but well worth exploring.

1. Tafelberg Ridge: A Hiker’s Paradise with Panoramic Vistas

Tucked just southeast of Pretoria city centre, Tafelberg Ridge is a geological marvel and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This iconic rock formation, also known as “The Table,” rises 150 meters above the surrounding plains and boasts the oldest known rock art in southern Africa—dating back over 2,000 years—created by the San people.

Why Visit?
Hike or rock-climb to the summit for breathtaking 360° views of Pretoria and the surrounding Highveld. The well-maintained trails cater to all fitness levels, and the ridge’s historical significance adds an educational layer to your adventure.
Crowd Tip: Early mornings or weekdays ensure solitude and are perfect for capturing sunrise photos or soaking in the serenity.

2. Pretoria National Botanical Garden: A Verdant Escape

This 280-hectare haven, located on the banks of the Apies River, is a lush sanctuary for nature lovers. Unlike the more crowded urban parks, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden offers a diverse array of indigenous flora, serene waterways, and a suspended canopy walkway.

Why Visit?
Explore themed gardens like the Veld Reserve (showcasing natural landscapes) and the Rock Garden, stroll across the sky bridge for elevated views, or enjoy a peaceful picnic by the lake. It’s a living museum of South Africa’s biodiversity.
Crowd Tip: Weekdays are virtually empty, making it ideal for leisurely strolls or birdwatching among over 160 species.

3. Irene Village: A Step Back in Time

Nestled just outside Pretoria, Irene Village is a quaint, centuries-old settlement that retains its original charm. Once a strategic military town, it now offers a blend of history, architecture, and artisanal flair.

Why Visit?
Wander cobbled streets lined with cobalt-blue houses, visit the Irene Museum (housed in a 19th-century inn), and enjoy farm-to-table dining at local cafés. The village’s tranquillity and preserved heritage make it a time capsule of old Pretoria.
Crowd Tip: Sundays are the quietest, perfect for exploring with a leisurely pace.

4. Church Square: Pretoria’s Cultural Heart

Right in the heart of Pretoria, Church Square is a dynamic yet surprisingly uncluttered space. Often overshadowed by its more ostentatious neighbours, this square is the focal point of the city’s cultural identity.

Why Visit?
Admire the statue of Paul Kruger (South Africa’s first president), attend one of the weekly markets (Fridays and Saturdays), or enjoy street performances and weekend festivals. The square’s mix of politics, art, and history is palpable.
Crowd Tip: Weekdays are calm, offering a chance to reflect among the monuments and learn about Pretoria’s contested past.

5. Pretoria Prison: A Stark Glimpse into the Past

Now a museum, Pretoria Prison is a striking example of colonial-era architecture and a sobering look into South Africa’s political history. Built in 1888, it once held prominent figures like Nelson Mandela and Paul Kruger.

Why Visit?
Walk through the same concrete cells and tunnels that imprisoned freedom fighters, and explore exhibits on the evolution of South Africa’s penal system. The prison’s eerie ambience and historical weight make it a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Crowd Tip: Public tours are intimate, with early morning slots being the least crowded.

Final Thoughts: Pretoria’s Quiet Side Awaits

Pretoria’s lesser-known attractions offer a quieter, more personal way to connect with the city’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking to the top of Tafelberg Ridge or sipping coffee in Irene Village, these destinations reveal Pretoria’s soul away from the usual tourist trails. So next time you visit, trade the postcards for a deeper, more reflective journey.

Pro Tip: Pair these experiences with a visit to the Union Buildings or Voortrekker Monument for the perfect mix of iconic and hidden Pretoria!

Ready to discover the unsung gems of Pretoria? Let the adventure begin!

The story behind the story – Echoes from the Past

The novel ‘Echoes from the past’ started out as a short story I wrote about 30 years ago, titled ‘The birthday’.

My idea was to take a normal person out of their comfort zone and led on a short but very frightening journey to a place where a surprise birthday party had been arranged.

Thus the very large man with a scar and a red tie was created.

So was the friend with the limousine who worked as a pilot.

So were the two women, Wendy and Angelina, who were Flight Attendants that the pilot friend asked to join the conspiracy.

I was going to rework the short story, then about ten pages long, into something a little more.

And like all re-writes, especially those I have anything to do with, it turned into a novel.

There was motivation. I had told some colleagues at the place where I worked at the time that I liked writing, and they wanted a sample. I was going to give them the re-worked short story. Instead, I gave them ‘Echoes from the past’

Originally it was not set anywhere in particular.

But when considering a location, I had, at the time, recently been to New York in December, and visited Brooklyn and Queens, as well as a lot of New York itself. We were there for New Years, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

One evening we were out late, and finished up in Brooklyn Heights, near the waterfront, and there was rain and snow, it was cold and wet, and there were apartment buildings shimmering in the street light, and I thought, this is the place where my main character will live.

It had a very spooky atmosphere, the sort where ghosts would not be unexpected. I felt more than one shiver go up and down my spine in the few minutes I was there.

I had taken notes, as I always do, of everywhere we went so I had a ready supply of locations I could use, changing the names in some cases.

Fifth Avenue near the Rockefeller center is amazing at first light, and late at night with the Seasonal decorations and lights.

The original main character was a shy and man of few friends, hence not expecting the surprise party. I enhanced that shyness into purposely lonely because of an issue from his past that leaves him always looking over his shoulder and ready to move on at the slightest hint of trouble. No friends, no relationships, just a very low profile.

Then I thought, what if he breaks the cardinal rule, and begins a relationship?

But it is also as much an exploration of a damaged soul, as it is the search for a normal life, without having any idea what normal was, and how the understanding of one person can sometimes make all the difference in what we may think or feel.

And, of course, I wanted a happy ending.

Except for the bad guys.

Get it here: https://amzn.to/2CYKxu4

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