TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN – HOLY GROUND ANTON ANREITH PART 2

Exploring sacred ground has its own set of rules, and obviously they are not the same as common pavement rules. Respect of these “rules” is warranted, even if you are not a subscriber to the faith/culture associated with the holy ground (church, temple, burial ground, ritual area) your exploring. To carry no seed of reverence is just plan rude and Panga Management can categorically state that rudeness makes your ass look fat!

On a more practical note; if we learn anything from the movies, lesson one would show us how the irreverent, foolhardy character disrespecting sacred ground, will certainly be the one devoured by flesh-eating demon-angels . So in order to avoid rudeness , or the likelyhood of a terrible physical demise, PM recommends you pack, at very least, a hip flask of respect. If you have not done research as to what “respect” entails in the context of the particular holy ground you find yourself on, not to worry ask somebody, your intent to be respectful is generally enough. However if good intentions start leading you in the direction of hell, PM suggests applying the most common “respect- rule” and hope for the best. (If you’re a guy – uncover your head (take off your cap) and keep your hands by your sides (dont fiddle with stuff) , and if you’re a girl cover your hair and keep your hands by your sides (dont fiddle with stuff)).

So part two begins with the Panga people being guided through the Free Mason lodge of Good Hope Temple , absolutely enthralled by the quantity  and quality of the Anton Anreith sculptures housed within its walls. There is no contemporary environmental control within the temple (air con), yet due to the architecture and structure of the building the temperature and humidity levels are very consistent rendering the sculptures in what looks like perfect condition. Its PM belief that these might be the best examples of AA sculptures left. The Panga People were kindly permitted to take photographs inside the temple and all the below images are accredited to Kiki.

After our troll through the temple we wandered down through the city streets and joined the fan walk on our way to The Prestwich memorial click here for history . Panga Management was guided through the ossuary , where the remains of some 2500 bodies disturbed by construction in the area, have been laid to rest. The “archival” approach to the ossuary is evidence of the City of Cape Towns sincere endeavour to respect the living cultures associated with the bodies, all of which hail from different faiths and different cultural practises. The remains of the dead now find themselves housed in regular cardboard boxes , shelved in a peaceful if somewhat dull arrangement in the hopes that no culture will be offended. The memorial itself unravels the history of the site (District One ) with large information boards.  The coffee shop attached offers a space for respite to process the complicated history of the Cape of Good Hope.