It was a Wednesday afternoon; the sky was partially clear as the clouds were starting to assemble slowly in the sky. The sun was still shining; however, it would flicker because it was constantly overshadowed by the clouds. Somerset Street, home of one of the most prominent heritage sites in Grahamstown known as the Albany Museum. This street seemed calm, however, its calmness would be interrupted by steady cars passing by every minute or two. The trees on the side of the street rustled somberly because they were caressed by the warm embrace of the breeze and the human traffic was very minimal.

 

Standing on the side of the street, one can’t help but feast their eyes on the Albany Museum building. If one were to sing praises to it, they would call it an ancient monument of beauty, garnished with Mother Nature’s creatures ngokuba iphahlwe yimithi*. It neighbours other prominent heritage sites in Grahamstown such as the Drostdy Arch, the History building and Rhodes University. One could never tell that this building dates back to 163 years because its structure is still in good condition. The only piece of evidence which would prove that this building is old is its white paint which is gradually fading away particularly on its façade.

 

There is a stillness that feels this space, which seems to calm the anxiety that I felt from the busy space that I was in which made my day feel a little bit gloomy. It is not too busy. It is a space where I found myself sitting on the outside bench reading a novel and enjoying the sweet melodies of birds chirping and the breeze and the smell of grass which reminded me of home. For a moment I found myself disengaged from the world and living in this new haven which afforded me comfort.

 

This building is what makes Makhanda, Makhanda for it embodies the history of the city of saints however, at that moment it became a secret paradise of releasing the world from the records of my memory.

 

 

 

*it was covered by trees.