A Weekend of Surprises, Culture, and Turbine Obsession
So, I recently had the pleasure of visiting East London for the first time—well, it wasn’t exactly for a vacation, but who knew a weekend of supporting a friend through tough times would become one of my life’s most enriching experiences? Who knew I’d come back with stories that include wind turbines, a hill that could be mistaken for a Marvel villain, and an overwhelming appreciation for the Xhosa culture. The 25-year-old me would have never appreciated this trip the same way.
The trip started with the usual nerves and excitement of traveling to an unfamiliar place, especially when your GPS is as confused as you are about where you’re going.(blaming it on perimenopause LOL.) I must admit, though, the landscape was out of this world. I mean, if I could just pack up the scenery and take it home, I would.
While we were there to support our friend, I couldn’t help but be genuinely excited to experience East London and the surrounding areas. This place had me hooked from the get-go. The countryside, the people, the food… It was like a slow-motion Instagram reel, only in real life. And yes, you’ll hear me mention food a lot in this post, because when you’re in the village, saying “no” to food is seen as rude. So, naturally, I ate like I was training for a competitive eating contest. No complaints here, though!
Engcobo: A Village Full of History
After a long, misty drive from East London airport, we reached Engcobo our home base for the weekend. If you don’t know about Engcobo, well, let me just tell you this; it’s immersed in history. Did I mention that our former president, Nelson Mandela, went to high school here? Yep, Mandela himself walked the same dusty roads as we did. Not to sound dramatic, but I felt like I was in the presence of greatness, no big deal, right? Don’t mind me, am just being silly 
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Engcobo, which is a Xhosa term meaning “a green place next to a stream,” turned out to be an oasis of warmth, community, and history. We were welcomed with so much love; I was half-expecting them to hand me a crown and tell me to sit on a throne. Thank you, Nandi, for making us feel like royalty, and your parents for the hospitality that made my heart and stomach overflow with joy. We also frequented the village called Tsomo, that’s where we were supporting our friend- Pumza. Well, this part of experience, no words would even come close to explaining. All I can tell you is that it was adventurers, mixed emotions and we laughed a whole lot. We ate lots of fresh mealies from the lovely ladies on the side of the road : straight from the farms into our tummies. 
. Organic at its best. The roads to Tsomo were tough, I am glad we had someone driving us around, thanks Xolani. You were a trooper. Much love.
Experiencing Xhosa Culture and Hospitality
Now, let me tell you about the Xhosa people. They are the definition of warmth. Like, forget your standard “welcome” mat, they practically roll out a red carpet for you. But there’s a little catch saying “no” to food is considered an insult. So guess what? I ate. A lot. And let me just say, if you ever find yourself in a Xhosa home, be ready to eat like it’s your last meal on Earth. I wasn’t complaining, though. At all. Just don’t expect to be hungry for the next 48 hours.
The hospitality was so genuine, it made me realize just how much my 25-year-old self might’ve missed out on if I’d visited a few years ago. It’s like I’m seeing the world with new eyes; eyes that are much more appreciative, well-fed, and possibly slightly bloated.
Wonders Along the Way: Wind Turbines and Natural Beauty
There were wonders along the way; natural beauty and my other obsession; wind turbines.
I have a confession to make: I’m obsessed with wind turbines. Don’t ask me why, but I just find them fascinating. Maybe it’s the sheer size, or the fact that they look like giant metallic creatures doing their best to save the planet. Whatever it is, I couldn’t help but geek (if that’s even a word) out when we spotted a whole line of wind turbines along our route. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, except instead of unwrapping presents, I was pointing at these windmills and shouting, “Look at them go!” (I know, I’m weird. But it’s a harmless obsession, right?). I also discovered that my friend Nandi find the turbines scary, I know right!. I told her she watches too many movies. She says they look like a giant spider ready to sallow her. Amazing how as humans we see things differently.
Also, the scenery in the area; Breathtaking. I think I spent most of the rides either staring out the window or taking pictures like a tourist. And trust me, no one likes to see that tourist selfie face more than I do.
Unique Sights: Ngqwarhu Hills and ‘Amabele We Ntombi’
Okay, this is one of the most interesting things I saw. Picture this; giant mountains shaped like, well, women’s breasts. Yup, you read that right. The locals call them “amabele we ntombi” (which is Xhosa for “girls’ breasts”), but officially they’re called the Ngqwarhu Hills. Talk about a sight to behold, right?
The coolest part? The locals actually petitioned to have these hills recognized as one of the official wonders of the world. And I totally get it they’re THAT stunning. I can’t even begin to describe how surreal it was to see this natural beauty up close. And no, I wasn’t taking pictures from inappropriate angles. I’m not that tourist. hehehehe
The Pride of Village Life
What really struck me about Engcobo, and rural villages we drove pass, is the incredible pride people take in their homes and land. The houses(compounds)? Beautifully built. The yards? Immaculate. The colors? Bright enough to make you think you’ve stepped into a rainbow. It was like the villages had a secret competition for “Best-Dressed Yard,” and they were all winning. I was seriously impressed by how well-maintained everything was, and let me tell you, the pride in their work was palpable.
The livestock, the gardens, the homes—they’re all part of the community’s heartbeat, and you could feel it in the air. It’s a way of life that reflects respect for the land and each other.
Wedding Bells: Don’t Forget the Dance Moves
As if the weekend couldn’t get any more exciting, we scored an invitation to a traditional Xhosa wedding in September. Yes, you read that right. I’m now on the guest list for a Xhosa wedding, and I’m already planning my outfit (because let’s be honest, that’s half the fun). Can’t wait to share all the details with you once I’ve survived the food, music and probably too many hugs. 
Wrapping Up: A Weekend I’ll Never Forget
This trip to East London, despite the sad occasion, turned out to be an eye-opening, culture-filled, and downright fun adventure. Including some weird things that happened to me and Nthabi, which cannot be discussed here. (on this one we keep what happened in East London to stay in East London) LOL The landscape, the people, the experiences, everything about this place was a gift. Pity there was no time to put on my hiking boots and climb the mountains; hopefully next time I will have time. I left with a full heart, and fuller stomach.
Until next time Fabtastic People