Pointy Things

Acacia Branch or Camel Thorn/Giraffe Thorn branch or as it was known during training "death bush"

South Africa is the land of security fencing. This is true of the urban areas where just about every property is outlined with a wall covered in razors, barbed wire, spikes and high voltage wiring (for good measure) but barbed wire is also the go-to property demarcation for the rural areas as well. Beyond cattle, horses and donkeys, the barbed wire does not really keep anything out, everything else easily slips between the wires. It's more of an irritating obstacle that poses a slight nuisance rather than an impregnable barrier. It's an eyesore and fencing is available that would also keep out chickens, goats, sheep, dogs and people. I've seen enough barbed wire.

Nearly every family in my area also makes use of acacia tree branches as fencing because of the long sharp needles. It is not a good choice for larger scale operations because of the time and resource required but it can get the job done. My issue is that I can't seem to avoid stepping on them. Even when I am not walking around my host family's compound barefoot, I still track them into my house and then eventually my soles will find them. I used to have the soft, supple foot of a patrician infant but now you could grind diamonds with my feet. Bonuses to foot durability aside, acacia are interesting looking trees but I prefer the ones that aren't so hostile.

Socks and Underwear: Pointy Things

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Pointy Things

Acacia Branch or Camel Thorn/Giraffe Thorn branch or as it was known during training "death bush"

South Africa is the land of security fencing. This is true of the urban areas where just about every property is outlined with a wall covered in razors, barbed wire, spikes and high voltage wiring (for good measure) but barbed wire is also the go-to property demarcation for the rural areas as well. Beyond cattle, horses and donkeys, the barbed wire does not really keep anything out, everything else easily slips between the wires. It's more of an irritating obstacle that poses a slight nuisance rather than an impregnable barrier. It's an eyesore and fencing is available that would also keep out chickens, goats, sheep, dogs and people. I've seen enough barbed wire.

Nearly every family in my area also makes use of acacia tree branches as fencing because of the long sharp needles. It is not a good choice for larger scale operations because of the time and resource required but it can get the job done. My issue is that I can't seem to avoid stepping on them. Even when I am not walking around my host family's compound barefoot, I still track them into my house and then eventually my soles will find them. I used to have the soft, supple foot of a patrician infant but now you could grind diamonds with my feet. Bonuses to foot durability aside, acacia are interesting looking trees but I prefer the ones that aren't so hostile.

3 Comments:

Blogger mrpresco said...

Dag

September 2, 2011 at 7:50 AM  
Blogger Noah Prescott said...

And how!?

September 7, 2011 at 6:50 AM  
Anonymous Fencing supplies said...

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January 30, 2013 at 4:58 AM  

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