I was given a project to do for a South African living in an apartment in Millwall (London) so I asked my mum to create a concept for wall art. This is what my mother came up with! I digitally recreated it and it was printed in a printshop here in Eastbourne and hung it on Monday. The Customer absolutely loves it.

The longest place name in the world — and a true linguistic marvel — is: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu (85 letters) It’s the name of a hill near Pōrangahau, in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, and comes from the Māori language. The name roughly translates to: “The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the slider, climber of mountains, the land-swallower who travelled about, played his kōauau (flute) to his loved one.” Fun facts: It’s often shortened to Taumata for sanity and signage. It holds the Guinness World Record for longest place name in an English-speaking country. There are even longer unofficial versions with up to 105 letters, but the 85-letter form is the most widely recognized. It’s not just a name — it’s a story, a tribute, and a cultural landmark rolled into one. The longest place name in Wales — and the longest in the UK — is: Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch (58 letters, 18 syllables) It’s a village on the Isle of Anglesey, and the name was famously extended in the 1860s as a publicity stunt to attract tourists. The full translation is: “St Mary’s Church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the Church of St Tysilio near the red cave.” Locals often shorten it to Llanfair PG, because even the bravest tongue needs a break. The train station sign is a popular photo spot — and yes, it’s as long as a rugby scrum. I really do not think New Zealand should have it, so lets have our own for Capetown which we can shorten like they do: (I dare you try and say it out loud, let me know if you can do it) KaapstadflipwaaisnoekkoeksisterparadevanTafelbergwatwhistleenwaaiendieboetiesbraaibabbelenbyBoKaapkleurhuisewaarspazashopsbeatsmaakendomakroekinKhayelitshadansmetgatsbysausopdiekantterwylseemeeueplanbyKalkBayindieloadsheddingmaanligwanneerbakkiesbonkendenUbuntuplakkiesklaplangsdiepadnaMzansiMagicmensemetsmaak Eenvoudige vertaling / Easy Cape Afrikaans-style Translation:

This morning I was reminded yet again of the wonderful country we live in. I’ve got guests visiting from Potchefstroom — the place where I was born and spent most of my years. It took me back to memories of Vredefort, where my grandpa had a farm, and where we took Sunday School kids and Scouts for camp. And of course, I thought about the Vredefort Dome — over 2 billion years old and so massive it’s visible from space! 🌍 Did you know that from the warm Indian Ocean waves of Durban to the icy Atlantic waters of Cape Town, our coastline is one of the most diverse in the world? For me it was just a reminder this morning that our land carries stories far older than us, shaping the beauty we see today. Let’s share those stories with fellow members who don’t know South Africa like we do. 👉 Drop your favourite Did you know fact below — let’s celebrate the hidden gems of Mzansi together.

what was your favourite menu item to order? Mine was the malted Milkshakes...double thick. The favourite for many burgers, chips and gravy. I am sure most of us remember this Roadhouse in Highlands North, The Dolls House, its about to be demolished.

I just have to share this morning’s sunrise here on the East Coast — it was absolutely breathtaking. Moments like these remind us how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of South Africa. The colours, the calm, the promise of a new day… pure magic. 🎥 Got a sunrise or sunset clip that captures your corner of South Africa? Share it with us.