tweede nuwe jaar!

We were really disappointed to miss the Cape Minstrels parading through the city centre yesterday - they were 3 hours (!) late and after a full morning at the South African Museum and other fun in the City we had two tired little girls and so headed home, a little sad.

But then, just as we gearing up for bath time yesterday evening, we heard music close by and quickly raced through Observatory with pram and dog to catch up with a local troupe, parading home just a few streets away.

Can you see unbridled jump for joy excitement bottom left?

Failing light and fast moving children didn't allow for good snaps but we had such a great time, marching alongside and behind the group, rocking to the big band, jiving with the kiddies, waving to the spectators.
It's hard to describe the energy and charisma of a minstrel troupe. You kinda had to be there, and we were!

As fun, if not more so, than the huge (and probably somewhat overwhelming) parade in town would have been. And that much more special for experiencing it just a few streets from home.

With the light fading we turned back before getting washed into the heart of Salt River and ears ringing, we danced home.
The music continued, in the distance, well into the night.