Amid noise of turbines and engines, dust, mud, heat and heavy air, I and 10 others watched (and felt!) kimberlite being loosed with some form of explosive device, dragged out by trolleys, crushed and then transported to surface for cleaning and sifting. And throughout, we enjoyed friendly and informative banter of our guide, our Yorkshire man, asking both technical and social questions, receiving a range of answers that were both politically correct as well as those that were less so.

A reflection on real life, and a welcome change from “politically correct, we’re reformed” burble that you so often find in countries that have had problems like those that South Africa has had.

The experience was fascinating and informative, highly recommended to all and sundry although probably not a great idea for timid and claustrophobic! Tours last 3-and-a-half hours and are conducted Monday-Friday. Call +27 (0) 53 842 1321 (R75/ £7.50).

After this, I decided to stick with mining theme and headed for Kimberley Mine Museum, which is only official way to get a good glimpse of hole. Kimberley actually has five big holes, not one as many visitors think. The De Beers mine, which is situated a few steps away from old De Beers boardroom, is larger than Kimberley Hole, but Kimberley hole is special because it was carved out of earth entirely by brute manpower: pick and shovel. That's some 250 million tons of rock removed basically by hand to produce three coco pans of diamonds!!! (The three other mines belong to De Beers and are found in South East of city).

The mine museum has several attractions other than Big Hole, so don’t be put off by having to pay to get in. The mine has two viewing platforms from which you can peer down into gaping hole beneath platform. It is partially filled with water, offering spectacular photo opportunities for happy snappers like me!

The cost of ticket includes a free bucket of alluvial soil, which you can then sift through in search of a genuine Kimberley Diamond! This was great fun and I spent a thoroughly enjoyable 15 minutes crossing my fingers and toes before finding nothing at all, much to my disappointment as all other “diggers” to my left and right were discovering mock diamonds left, right and center! Their discoveries led me to grumpily acknowledge that claim of museum that “your chances of striking it lucky are one in five” was probably a true claim.

The rest of museum comprises a large collection of historic buildings including shops, banks, photograph shops, and even a ten pin bowling alley! With many authentic artifacts and original buildings rescued from main Kimberley city center, this truly is a living museum! A word of warning though – try to avoid midday heat! (Opening hours: daily from 8am – 6pm.)

Viewing these mines, one current and one historical, was an all day affair! Before I knew it, I was back in my car, heading away from Kimberley, on to my next destination.

Kimberley had made a significant impression on me. Dusty, yes. Glamorous and important? Perhaps not. But friendly and interesting and fun, yes. A recommendation for your South African tours? Definitely! I wouldn’t have missed it for world!

Further attractions ---------------------------------------- - Visit a local township (+27 (0) 53 843 0017) - Visit controlled area on banks of Vaal River (+27 (0) 53 842 0099) - Visit Anglo-Boer Battlefield at Magersfontein (+27 (0) 53 842 0099) - Visit archaeological and San Rock art sites (+27 (0) 53 842 0099)

For those of you who are into more natural surroundings, there is Cape Henlopen State Park close by in Lewes, Delaware The open shoreline of Cape Henlopen State Park is perfectly suited for swimming, crabbing, fishing, walking or just soaking up sun. The highest sand dune between Cape Hatteras and Cape Cod is located on this beach. This "great dune" towers more than 80 feet above shoreline.

There is a restored World War II Observation Tower, if you are inclined, where public is able to see area from a bird's eye view. The story behind tower is fascinating. Bird lovers will want to keep an eye out for ospreys and hawks. The protected piping plover and bald eagles have also been spotted occasionally.

Finding another location that matches this resort area's variety and charm would be a challenging task, because it really has everything you would want or need to have a fun and relaxing vacation. Do yourself a favor and visit"The Nation's Summer Capital". You'll be glad you did!