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The South African
4 days ago
- The South African
7 South African towns that feel like Europe's best-kept secrets
You don't need a Schengen visa or a 12-hour flight to get a taste of Europe. With its layered history and cultural crosscurrents, South Africa hides a few gems that look and feel like they were airlifted from the Alps, the Riviera, or the Black Forest. Just with way better weather and friendlier prices for your pockets. Here are seven South African towns that channel European charm without leaving the continent… Franschhoek, Western Cape. Image: canva If France and the Cape Winelands had a love child, it would be Franschhoek. Settled by French Huguenots in the 1600s, this town still wears its heritage with pride – vineyards, French street names, Provencal architecture, and all. Grab a croissant at a sidewalk café, hop on the wine tram, or indulge in a world-class tasting menu that could easily rival anything in Burgundy. Feels like: A chic weekend in Provence Don't miss: The Huguenot Monument and any wine estate with a view of the mountains Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, Clarens gives major Swiss chalet energy! With crisp mountain air, sandstone buildings, and a village green lined with galleries and coffee shops, it's a quiet escape that punches above its weight in character. Artists, hikers, and city refugees all seem to find what they need here. Feels like: A painter's retreat in the Alps Don't miss: Golden Gate Highlands National Park at sunset Hogsback, Eastern Cape. Image: canva If you've ever wanted to step into the Shire, head to Hogsback. Rumour has it J.R.R. Tolkien drew inspiration from this misty mountaintop village, and it's easy to see why. Lush forests, waterfalls, and whimsical gardens make this one of South Africa's most magical corners. Feels like: Rural England with a twist of fantasy Don't miss: The Labyrinth at The Edge and a forest hike to Madonna and Child Falls White-washed cottages, gravel roads, towering oaks, and a mountain backdrop – Greyton looks like it was teleported straight out of a 19th-century Dutch town. It's got a farmers' market, horses grazing in open fields, and just enough hipster energy to keep things interesting. Feels like: A Netherlands village minus the bicycles Don't miss: Greyton Nature Reserve's gentle hiking trails Dullstroom, Mpumalanga. Image: canva Dullstroom isn't dull at all. It's a fly-fishing haven wrapped in mist and pine forests, and it's the closest South Africa gets to Scotland. Stone lodges, whisky bars, and a trout culture that runs deep – this is Highland territory with local flair. Feels like: A highland escape with more sun Don't miss: A dram at the Wild About Whisky bar (they have over 1 000 bottles) 6. Wakkerstroom – Bavarian postcard meets birdwatcher's paradise Tiny, unspoiled, and sitting at the foot of green hills, Wakkerstroom has a distinctly Bavarian feel. Think timbered houses, pastoral landscapes, and a pub scene that wouldn't be out of place in southern Germany. But it's also one of South Africa's top birding spots, drawing serious twitchers from across the globe. Feels like: A sleepy town in Bavaria Don't miss: The wetland reserve. The Swartberg Mountains. Image: canva Tucked against the Swartberg mountains, Prince Albert is hot, dry, and full of drama – just like Andalucía. Its Karoo-meets-Mediterranean atmosphere is defined by whitewashed walls, olive groves, and winding lanes. It's a town of storytellers, slow food, and stark beauty. Feels like: A desert village in southern Spain Don't miss: A drive over the Swartberg Pass and a taste of local olive oil Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
26-06-2025
- The South African
The magical mountain village in SA that feels like a movie set
Tucked away in the Amathole Mountains of the Eastern Cape, the mountain village of Hogsback looks like something straight out of a fantasy film. Misty forests, waterfalls, winding trails, and quirky cottages dot the landscape – and yes, you can stay in a thatched-roof hideaway for as little as R900 a night. If you've ever wanted to step into a real-life fairytale, this is your chance… The Amathole Mountains. Image: wikimedia commons Hogsback has long been rumoured to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth – and once you're here, it's easy to believe. The mountain village is surrounded by ancient indigenous forests and massive yellowwood trees. There's even a road called Hobbiton-on-Hogsback! But this place isn't just pretty – it's alive with creative energy. Artists, writers, and free spirits have made Hogsback their home for decades, giving the village a laid-back, bohemian edge. South Africa's Hogsback is packed with charming accommodation – from whimsical cabins to forest lodges. But the most enchanting option? A classic thatched cottage with a fireplace and garden views, starting from R900 per night. You'll find these gems tucked into the forest, hidden among ferns and moss-covered stone walls. Some popular picks include Away with the Fairies, The Edge Mountain Retreat, and smaller farm-style stays on Airbnb and LekkeSlaap. The eco-shrine in Hogsback. Image: wikimedia commons This mountain village was made for slow travel. Lace up your boots and explore trails like the Madonna and Child Waterfall, Big Tree, as well as the epic 39 Steps. Don't miss the Labyrinth at The Edge – one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, perched on a sheer cliff. There's a thriving art scene in this mountain village too. Browse the handmade pottery, stop by fairy-themed cafés, or visit the local eco-shops for herbal teas, handmade soaps, and organic honey. And if you're into wild swimming in the summer, there are even natural rock pools waiting! Hogsback is about 2.5 hours from South Africa's East London and 3 hours from Grahamstown, via winding mountain roads that climb up into the cloud forests. The drive is beautiful – especially in mist or snow (yes, snow in South Africa). You won't need a 4×4 to visit this mountain village, but check the weather in winter and drive with care. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
Cosmopolitan
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
My Experiences as a Transgender Woman Using Dating Apps
Welcome to Love Transcends, a special project by Cosmopolitan that celebrates the resilience, wisdom, hope, and joy of the trans community as its members navigate romantic love. Through in-depth interviews and personal essays, trans people share what it's like to date, hook up, break up, and fall in and hold onto love in the midst of sweeping anti-trans legislation and attacks on personal safeties and freedoms of expression. Click here to see the entire collection. I have always been a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, but about six years ago, I made the shift from 'G' to 'T.' Before transitioning, dating men was the one part of my gender and sexuality that made total sense. I loved being gay. For me, being a man who was dating other men was a way to bond with my partners; there's a closeness between lovers that comes from having a similar experience in the world. After I transitioned, it was hard to let go of that part of my identity. I tried dating other trans women but couldn't make it work. And so, aside from the occasional sapphic make-out, I had to grudgingly accept that I am a straight woman—and that, while heteronormativity is everywhere, I didn't know the rules. Putting myself out there meant learning new references and dynamics. I took a deep breath and dove into the internet—the place we all go to be collectively, unwillingly traumatized. Ask any trans woman who's been online about how we are hypersexualized by men, especially on dating apps. At first, I imagined these intensely sexual communications would lead to actual relationships. In reality, though, it was just all a fire hose of lasciviousness, with the men I met falling into a few distinct categories. A blank profile pinged me on Grindr. When I responded, the guy sent over a photo of himself, a rugged and handsome man next to a motorcycle. I recognized his face. 'Mike,' as he called himself, was an actor who had played a mythical being in a show I'd watched. There'd been full frontal nudity and let's just say the image had stuck with me. I felt like a powerful sex witch who'd tranifested (a transgender woman doesn't manifest, she tranifests, thank you very much) this gorgeous man. He told me he worked in 'the industry' and in Los Angeles, where I live, everyone knows that means Hollywood. I played it cool—L.A. is full of TV people. He was looking for hookups but ones that could hold his attention. Honestly, it felt like a bad fit, but I took the bait and told him I was 'killing time' on Grindr. 'I hope I survive the slaughtering,' he replied. 'The time won't, for sure,' I texted back. 'It will have its revenge one day, but hopefully not today,' I added, with the fingers crossed emoji. Mike told me that sounded like a line from a J.R.R. Tolkien novel. 'You might be a writer and not know it,' he said. I clocked the patronizing tone but sweetly texted back, 'Lol, I am a writer.' We agreed to connect offline and for a few weeks, I'd meet Mike at a coffee shop, a cute East L.A. corner store, and my apartment—but never for more than 15 minutes or so. At first, I was excited that he was making time for me, but I quickly realized he didn't want to be seen in public together and possibly 'outed' as someone who is 'trans-attracted.' I was jolted by the realization that there's nothing for a man in Hollywood to gain by dating a trans girl. I never told him I knew who he was—I didn't want to seem weirdly parasocial. I thought he'd tell me at some point. Instead, he lied about his last name when I asked him. Another app match, and it was clear from the moment I walked into the wine bar for our first date that no one loves a poly musician more than a poly musician. I pulled up a stool next to him and he told me he'd forgotten his wallet. The bar didn't take Apple Pay and he wanted me to cover the bill. He'd Venmo me later, he promised. This seems stupid but sure, I thought, and ordered myself an orange wine. I told him I don't hook up on first dates and proceeded to watch him love bomb me over the course of the evening. Since I was already in fuck it mode, I decided to bring him home. Horny, chaotic sex ensued. My apartment at the time had a huge balcony overlooking Echo Park, and the next morning, we chatted about how fun it would be for him to fuck me there, looking down on the world. Then we went for coffee with my giant sweet dog at a shop where some of my friends worked as baristas. They did accept Apple Pay, so he got us coffee, we chatted with my friends, and then parted ways. Except he went back to that same shop the next day to tell one of my barista friends, 'You just have this light in you.' Every woman knows that is creep for 'I want to suck your life force.' When I learned he refused to leave until she gave him her Instagram, I sent him a voice memo saying, 'Thank you for the good time. It was really fun, but I heard what happened at the coffee shop and that's really chaotic. I don't want to get involved.' At least I was learning. By the time I met my first Malibu Daddy, I understood the constant anxiety that chasers (people who fetishize trans women and don't treat us like whole people) always carry. No matter that it's the 2020s, I read as a woman in any room I enter, and he was rich enough to do whatever he wanted. I could tell that, for both of us, fear held on tight. Still, this was a chaser with style and money and we had real chemistry. We hooked up at his gorgeous house the night I saw the new Hellraiser. I was inspired, so we played the original Hellraiser in the background and he begged for my cum in his mouth. It was sweet, though, and he held me close after. He said we had a 'good connection' and drove me home in his Maserati. My earlier naivete was gone. I knew by then not to invest. High-profile men may seem interested in you, but they give you almost nothing and act like it's special treatment. Most beautiful women, cis or trans, experience this: The dating is transactional. The men flex their status and can be weirdly uptight about money. Once, when I was sick, I asked this Malibu Daddy to send me sushi. He did and kept reminding me how expensive it was, warning me not to waste it. In my early days as a trans woman on the apps and in the world, it was thrilling and validating when men treated me like a delicate flower or catcalled me on the street. Passing as myself was exciting, but this kind of trans-affirming misogyny was like whiplash. The privilege of assimilation only came at a distance. If my voice were a little too deep one day or a man got a little too close or if I fought back or argued when he said something condescending or misogynistic, would he kill me? I think this is something every trans—and cis—woman has experienced to some degree. Actual love seems rare in this world. It makes me sad to think of these men missing out on deeper, sexier connections. Dating them felt like squeezing a stone and hoping for blood. This is why, last fall, I decided to take a complete break from the apps until the end of the year. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had missed some basic experiences of being treated with dignity by other people. One half of me shrugged it off thinking, That's love and that's life, get over it. Another part of me stopped, looked around, and thought, Is this really the world we wake up to and recreate every day? I clearly needed space. If I were going to establish a connection, it would have to start in my real life and be part of my existence in my community. That didn't happen, but in March, I had a dream that I was getting a piggyback ride from a handsome man in a field covered in wildflowers. My 'boyfriend' in the dream watched us looking sad. My hand was resting on the handsome man's chest. I let it get heavier, and he moaned. I pulled back a lock of his hair, leaned into his ear, and exhaled gently. 'I haven't seen this side of you in such a long time,' he said. 'I know,' I replied. He held my gaze and said, 'It's so nice.' I woke up nodding in response. I felt at peace, like something had shifted. A few days later, I decided to download Hinge. I'd been on it before and liked that the people there are allegedly looking for relationships. Unlike Grindr or Taimi, it sets daily limits on how many people you can Like. I didn't want to get sucked into checking my phone for dead-end responses all day and night. To my pleasant surprise, I matched with a finsexual guy—meaning someone who's attracted to feminine people, regardless of whether they're cis or trans. He was so excited about me, he wanted to meet up the same weekend. He was from a conservative part of L.A. and someone I wouldn't have considered before, but I gave him a chance. On our date, he was thoughtful, caring, and nice. He was openly interested in me and a lot taller than I am (win, I'm 5'11"). He even screenshotted my list of must-avoid foods so he'd remember what I can't eat when we went out to lunch. During our conversation, I mentioned that one of my trans mothers says, 'A man will take you out in public, but will he take you home to meet his family?' He responded that he'd had the 'trans talk' with his mother five years ago. It was wholesome. He even has similar piercing blue eyes as the man in my dream did. I don't know what will come of our time together, but I can tell that my sense of dignity is growing. For the first time, I feel like I can move toward the right match, lay my hand on his chest, look him in his eyes and say, 'It's so nice.' For an expanded list of resources specific to the trans community, click here.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Leaf it to tech: Are AI-powered apps giving plants a voice?
The idea of conversing with greenery has long captured the human imagination, from the giant talking trees popularised in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings to the whimsically poetic The Lorax from Dr Seuss. And with advances in technology, the possibility of that happening in real life might not be so far off. The artificial intelligence (AI) boom that kicked off near the end of 2022 gave rise to countless mobile apps purporting to act as gardening assistants capable of identifying the exact species of plants from just a photo and 'speaking' on their behalf. While not quite at the level of 'I speak for the trees' à la the fictional Lorax character, such apps can be quite handy in a pinch for novices who can't tell grass from unwanted weeds, with many having been installed millions of times with largely positive ratings on app stores. According to Prof Vinesh Thiruchelvam, chief innovation and enterprise officer at Asia Pacific University (APU), these apps typically use AI-based Computer Vision and Image Processing to identify plant types. Prof Vinesh points out that these apps struggle in recognising less common species, citing only a 60% accuracy when it comes to unique lettuce varieties, while at the same time also losing out on local context. — VINESH THIRUCHELVAM 'The AI imagery database is trained, and a Convolutional Neural Network is utilised for analysing images. It works by breaking the image into small pieces and looking for patterns. 'These patterns help it recognise things in the image, like edges or shapes of different plants,' he says, adding that apps then use this information to provide real-time basic care advice. Growing a green thumb From Dr Nallammai Singaram's perspective, such apps make it much easier for those just starting with their home garden. A senior lecturer at the School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at Taylor's University, she finds that 'these apps have made plant care less intimidating'. 'If I were putting a plant in my house for the first time, I wouldn't know what sort of soil to use, how to pot my plant, or how to make a potting mix. 'I might not know these things, but these apps would give you that kind of guide,' Nallammai says, adding that in the case of a rose plant, for example, an app may suggest the ideal soil mix ratio and recommend planting it about six inches below the surface. Prof Alan Dorin from the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University shares similar thoughts, noting these apps put a wealth of information at the fingertips of those first getting started, making gardening more accessible and removing the need for extensive prior knowledge. 'For interested and engaged people, this knowledge was previously accessible via traditional means – talking to friends and neighbours, the staff at the local plant nursery, or reading gardening books, magazines, watching TV or listening to gardening radio programmes. 'The immediacy of access to information related to a specific plant is what makes these apps a stand-out method for increasing engagement with gardens,' he says. Prof Dorin notes that these apps put a wealth of information at the fingertips of those first getting started, making gardening more accessible and removing the need for extensive prior knowledge. — ALAN DORIN Nallammai says this kind of guidance can boost beginners' confidence, help avoid common mistakes, and turn gardening into a more enjoyable and therapeutic experience. 'If you truly enjoy gardening, you naturally become curious and eager to learn more about your 'green babies', exploring every way to help your plants thrive. 'This curiosity, supported by apps and digital tools, can positively influence gardening habits,' she says. Back to earth However, Nallammai also stresses that while they are a good starting point, it is 'important to remember that apps alone cannot make you an expert; real learning also requires hands-on experience and personal observation'. 'For some, the apps spark long-term interest and lasting gardening habits and bring joy. For others, they are novelty tools that provide convenience at the beginning but don't replace the need to develop real gardening knowledge,' she says. Prof Vinesh agrees, saying that 'apps are a wonderful digital support tool. But at times, it does not consider local conditions like real-time weather, soil, or heat'. 'That's why they can't replace real hands-on gardening experience, especially for serious gardeners or farmers who have to deal with the volatile climate change issues or the growing new patterns of pest attacks.' Nallammai believes the takeaway shouldn't be to entirely avoid using these apps, but rather to not rely solely upon them. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star Apps still do have a place, from Nallammai's experience, having observed her students using these kinds of apps to quickly identify plant species and receive recommendations for improving the growth of the test plants they are working with in class. She says apps like PictureThis , PlantNet , and Seek By iNaturalist are reliable for plant identification, while Planta is helpful for watering schedules, and care reminders. Plantora , on the other hand, not only detects nutrient deficiencies and signs of plant disease but also provides possible solutions to address them. It is worth noting though that most of these apps require a paid subscription to unlock their full functionality. Meanwhile, Prof Dorin says he 'was recently working with a group of primary school children who had started using apps to identify plants in their school yard'. 'Their goal was to learn whether the plants provided good resources for native bees. Their excitement and interest were infectious, heart-warming to see. 'Likewise, I know some retirees who are using these AI tools on their daily walks in local parks and gardens to identify plants and flowers they encounter. The apps provide a virtual 'guide' that is easy to appreciate,' he says. Barking up the wrong tree However, like other AI tools, these apps aren't always entirely accurate, so it's important to be cautious when receiving suggestions. Prof Vinesh points out that these apps struggle in recognising less common species, citing only a 60% accuracy when it comes to unique lettuce varieties, while at the same time also losing out on local context. From Nallammai's testing, this appears to be true. She highlights that the datasets used to train these AI apps may come from different parts of the world, which means they may not be entirely relevant or accurate for local plant species and conditions. 'I tested a yellow-green philodendron with multiple apps: PictureThis identified it as a lemon lime philodendron, another app called it a giant philodendron, while in PlantIn , they already had an existing lemon lime philodendron with different features. 'Different apps have different capabilities. Some of the rarer species may not be included in their databases, so the app might not be able to detect them. That's one of the limitations,' she says. These differences may seem minor, but Nallammai says they can indicate what specific kind of care a plant needs. The artificial intelligence (AI) boom that kicked off near the end of 2022 gave rise to countless mobile apps purporting to act as gardening assistants capable of identifying the exact species of plants from just a photo and 'speaking' on their behalf. — Image by freepik 'The darker green ones can capture better sun and may need more sunlight, the lighter ones would prefer to be a little bit on the shadier side. 'The amount of water you put might differ. The thickness of the plant, leaf thickness will also change; therefore, if it is exposed to too much sun, it will get burnt, so maybe less sun. 'They're from the same species but different variations, which could be a random mutation, or from people intentionally breeding them,' she says. Nallammai believes the takeaway shouldn't be to entirely avoid using these apps, but rather to not rely solely upon them. She encourages budding gardeners to start reading up and building their knowledge while engaging with the gardening community, especially more experienced gardeners who can offer advice from their experience. Prof Dorin similarly says: 'If there's a shortcoming, it probably lies in people's over-reliance and over-confidence in the technology. 'The ability of an AI tool to make an informed recommendation will always be limited by the amount and quality of data it receives in training, and the data it is given when asked to analyse a specific situation. 'For example, it would be tricky for AI software to give reliable and specific care information regarding a plant it hasn't been exposed to before. 'But the AI may nevertheless mislead a human by confidently offering advice based on poor evidence,' he adds. Speaking for the trees While no one should expect their sunflowers to suddenly start calling them by name or demanding more water and sunlight, the way Nallammai sees it, plants are 'talking' in their own way, though, in a language that humans don't quite understand. This is the gap that projects like the Avanade Intelligent Garden in the United Kingdom aim to bridge, allowing people to learn about the individual needs of each tree through one-on-one interactions powered by smart sensors and AI technology. From smart sensors to AI apps, technology is giving green thumbs deeper insight into what their plants need to thrive. — Image by freepik According to Nallammai, similar sensors have been deployed at Taylor's Urban Farm to monitor soil electrical conductivity and pH levels (acidity and alkalinity), helping ensure that the hydroponic system delivers the right amount of water and nutrients for healthy plant growth. A hydroponic system is a method of growing plants without soil that delivers water, oxygen, and nutrients directly to the plants. She says such systems are available at significantly smaller scales for home gardening use for as low as RM50 for a system with basic monitoring capabilities via an app, and can rise to the RM500 range for more sophisticated options with more sensors and more detailed monitoring. For casual gardeners just starting out, simple apps paired with an online kit can provide basic monitoring and easy-to-follow guidance. An app that sends reminders for watering or fertilising would also be helpful for beginners in caring for their plants without overwhelming them. Meanwhile, those looking for a challenge and wanting to explore might want more comprehensive sensor and irrigation systems to cultivate rarer species or achieve greater yields and productivity. 'The moment the plant is stressed, it's telling you what it needs in its own language,' Nammallai says. 'A very simple example: when you go home today and see that your plant is wilted. You know your plant is crying out for water. 'So if I have an app that can sense the turgidity of the leaves, it can capture that information and tell you the leaves aren't turgid, meaning they're lacking moisture. That's the plant indirectly telling you it needs water,' she says. Nammallai adds that this is already happening today with the wide array of sensors that can detect compounds in the plants, growth regulators, proteins, light, and other elements. If the right sensors are in place, each one can provide a piece of the overall picture. Nallammai explains that by combining sensor data with visual observations and other morphological indicators, it becomes possible to link them together and begin forming a kind of language that translates plant signals into meaningful insights for growers. 'Using these chemicals in the plant, we can decipher what it is 'saying'. 'The plant might just turn around and tell you, 'you know what, I'm ready, I'm heading towards maturity, I'm going to bear fruits, just hang in there',' she says.
NZ Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Afternoon quiz: Who was the only Lord of the Rings actor to meet J.R.R. Tolkien?
NZ Herald 21 May, 2025 03:00 AM Quick Read Who was the only Lord of the Rings actor to meet J.R.R. Tolkien? Photo / Getty Images Can you score 10 out of 10? Test your general knowledge with the Herald's afternoon quiz. Share your score with friends, family and colleagues, and find out who has the sharpest mind. Be sure to check back on for tomorrow's morning quiz. To challenge yourself with more quizzes, CLICK HERE.
