Last weekend, we visited the town of Kimberley. About five hours south-west of Johannesburg. It boasts THE BIG HOLE which is the biggest hole excavated by hand, in search of DIAMONDS! We didn't buy any diamonds ( Phooey!), but Mr. O did purchase a piece of
Kimberlite. The rock in which diamonds are found. We spent the weekend there exploring the mine and museum. Unfortunately, the locals warned us not to venture out on our own in many places. It's a shame because there is so much history there to see and enjoy.
From Wikipedia :
Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It is located approximately 110 km east of the confluence of the Vaal and Orange Rivers. The city has considerable historical significance due to its diamond mining past and the siege during the Second Boer War. Notable personalities such as Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato made their fortunes here, and the roots of the De Beers company can also be traced to the early days of the mining town.
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| Always happy looking at mines! |
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| The Big Hole |
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| Original office and equipment |
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| A toilet for underground! |
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| The first washing machine! |
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