First thing this morning, Virginia did a load of laundry and hung it on the solar/wind powered clothes dryer, while we took the day to visit some craft shops getting some souvenirs. We are now less than 10 days from our departure date.
First we went to Mantenga Craft Center in Ezulweni, where Virginia found a Swazi dress that she liked at one of the shops.
From there we decided to check out the Mantenga Cultural Village near Mantenga Falls. Previously there were private vendors with crafts, but there are none now. The Gables Mall nearby no longer had a craft shop either.
We then drove through Ezulwini Valley where private craft vendors used to line the road selling their wares. Again, these seem to be a thing of the past.
We ended up driving through Malkerns where the canning factory for pineapple and citrus fruit is located to Swazi Candle Center.
We had stopped there a few weeks ago. They sell candles, but there are several craft shops and food places located around the candle store catering to tourists that stop there. We picked up some things at one of the shops for grandkids—all 18 of them. That shop was delighted to see us and even gave us a small quantity discount! Virginia found a locally made African purse at another shop.
So sad that the Ezulwini Valley craft booths are not there; they were always a fun way to spend an occasional afternoon.
Makes me think of our shopping days, Cold Storage for apples and to visit Lefkia who spoiled Mark rotten, then the market where I butchered what few words I was learning and then to Spar if needed. Thankfully, Allan shopped with me most of time!
Swee