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Port Elizabeth welcomes the Phoenician Ship

Posted by Edward in Editorial, Port Elizabeth Feb 25th, 2010 | 1 Comment

Yesterday 24 February 2010 I had the privilege to join the Rescue 6 Team from the NSRI Port Elizabeth and escort the Phoenician Ship into the Port Elizabeth harbor. The aim of the Ship builder Khalid Hammoud and the Phoenician crew; Attempt to re-create the Phoenicians’ epic voyage around the continent of Africa in a traditionally built replica Phoenician / Mediterranean vessel.

I found myself drooling at the authenticity of the ship and how it was built. From the rigging right through to the rudder, everything was done the old fashion way.

Phoenicia is a bold and ambitious expedition which seeks to rediscover and document the secrets of ancient Phoenician mariners. It will re-create one of mankind’s greatest exploratory voyages in the history of seafaring by bravely attempting to sail the reconstructed Phoenician/Mediterranean vessel around Africa and ultimately back to the United Kingdom.

The project aims in brief:

  • To build the first reconstruction of a large Phoenician/Mediterranean vessel and attempt to re-create the first circumnavigation of ancient Africa.
  • To publicise the maritime skills and achievements of the Phoenicians through a wide range of media and to assist in the preservation of an ancient cultural heritage.
  • To test, from an exercise in experimental archaeology, the performance characteristics of the Phoenician/Mediterranean ship under sail.
  • To document the practical issues experienced in building and sailing a ship of this type.
  • To provide a number of young adults with the opportunity to participate in a once in a lifetime adventure and international community project.
  • To conclude the expedition by sailing the ship to the UK and exhibiting the vessel in one of the country’s leading museums.

For more information on the ship and it’s epic voyage visit: The Phoenician Ship Expedition

A big thank you:

  • To Alan from MyPE for th photographs.
  • To Barnacle Bay Rides for taking everyone out on their boat.
  • And last but not least NSRI Rescue 6 for taking myself and Sandy McCowen (eTV) out.

Potjiekos

Posted by Edward in Editorial Nov 5th, 2009 | No Comments

Potjiekos is an age old South African tradition that started way before I was even a figment of my parents amagination. To be more specific Potjiekos originated with the Voortrekkers, evolving as a stew made of venison and vegetables (if available), cooked in the potjie.

As trekkers hunted wild game, it was added to the pot. The large bones were included to thicken the stew. Each day when the wagons stopped, the pot was placed over a fire to simmer. New bones replaced old and fresh meat replaced meat eaten. Game included venison, poultry such as guinea fowl, wart hog, bushpig, rabbit and hare.

potjiekos-and-salads

Today there are numerous recipe books and potjiekos chefs, each with their own “secret” ingredients for potjiekos. Several annual potjiekos competitions are held. The pots come verious sizes ranging from something you can only fit an apple into to pots you could probably fit a whole cow into (yes I am exadurating, but truth be told I have seen some pretty big ones). Aside from the traditional heavyweight iron pots aluminium potjiekos pots seem to a growing in popularity very quickly. They are weather resistant and also retain heat very well.

big-potjiekos-pots

Here are some nice recipes for you to have a look at: Lapa Cooking Recipes.