We were looking for a South African city that was once a way-station for the Dutch East India Company.

The answer is Cape Town.

That city's streets come alive this week with the sounds of marching minstrels.

photo credit: www.hobermancollection.com

It's part of a new-year's tradition that dates back to the days when the Dutch forced people from Southeast Asia to work as slaves in Cape Town.

Terry FitzPatrick is the reporter.