Nieu Bethesda

A statue of an owl looks down onto the mythical creatures of The Owl House in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 29, 2012. This museum is filled with the late Helen Martins’ statues and art made from cement, glass and wire.  

Beatrix du Toit takes a customer’s order at The Melting Pot restaurant in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 28, 2012. Du Toit moved from Capetown to Nieu Bethesda to make a living as an artist.

Anthony Merrington fixes his tie on his doorstep in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 29, 2012. Merrington is preparing himself for the Sunday service at the local church.

(From front to back) Andrew Oudtshoorn, Enselon Tromp and Abraham Riet observe the street passing their house in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 29, 2012. The people and activities of the street draw their attention as they smoke their cigarettes outside.

Esmerelda Jonkers and her daughter Eljanay exit their house in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 29, 2012. Esmeralda is on her way to buy Eljanay sweets at the local shop.

The last rays of the sun shine down on American Aloes (Agave Americana) on Weltevreden Farm, Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 28, 2012. Weltevreden is a historic Karoo sheep farm in the folds of the Sneeuberg Mountains.

The early morning sun lights up Yellow poplars (Liriodendron tulipifera) on Weltevreden Farm, Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 28, 2012. The farm is set in the open Karoo countryside with a panoramic view of Compassberg.

Water flows down the Gats River in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 28, 2012. Heavy rainfall in February 2011 caused the river to flood, flattening stock fences, stripping roads and bursting farm dams.

Water gushes through the sluices of the Nweba Dam just outside Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 30, 2012. The dam is on the Sundays River and was established in 1925.

Spandaukop peaks 1315 meters high in the Camdeboo National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 30, 2012. The 19 405-hectare park practically surrounds the town of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape.

A domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) wanders down a road in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 28, 2012. Many pet owners allow their pets to roam free in town due to the limited traffic in the streets. 

Crushed glass has been used to decorate a statue of a peacock at The Owl House in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 29, 2012.  This museum was the birthplace and home of Helen Martins, the creator of this statue.

Wesley and Nicci Jonkers help look after a flock of  chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 29, 2012. These chickens, supplied by the Department of Agriculture, are part of the Phoenix Garden Project, which aims at self-sustainable living. 

A domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica) waits for its food in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 29, 2012. This is one of a number of pigsties, situated on the outskirts of the Nieu Bethesda Township.

A litter of puppies (Canis africanis) lie on the steps of a house in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 29, 2012.The dogs belong to Saria Minner, a resident of Nieu Bethesda.

Pot plants decorate the entrance of a house in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 29, 2012. Many Nieu Bethesda residents take pride in their town and the presentation of their homes.

Roselle Jacobs (right) and her friends share their chips in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 29, 2012. These girls enjoy playing in front of Andrew Tuiter’s colourful house.

Jan Lottern is on his way home in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 28, 2012. Lottern does not only enjoy riding his bike, but he uses it as his main form of transport around town.

Mollie Nikilo washes her family’s laundry in Nieu Bethesda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, April 29, 2012. Nikilo and her husband help with The Pheonix Garden Project, which provides the township and restaurants with vegetables and eggs.