The Travel Manuel

Horse trails in Cinsta, Eastern Cape.

2012-02-01T00:43:00.000-08:00

The last time I went horse-riding was at the age of 11. I went for lessons, got to the canteringstage and stopped not long after to pursue dancing. Today I hopped back on a horse and stayedthere for 2 and a half hours. Mypeppered horse’s name was Dusty and he was an absolute darling. It turns out he was the friendliest of thegroup of horses out on the trail in Cinsta. About ten of us set out with one of the CinstaHorse owners, Asher, as our leader.

It was three o’clock and with the sun high in the sky, hatson and sunblock applied, we rode from the base of the Newhampshire Equine Rehabilitation Centre in Cinsta West. Asher was out infront, with me following on the compliant Dusty close behind. My boyfriend got the unruly Freddy who seemedto not like any of the others horses. Unlike Dusty, he veered closely to the bushes, had an aggressive go at afellow horse, Chief, and jumped at unexpected moments.

I was totally relieved that I had swopped my shortsfor tights, as the very first five minutes saw us scraping against thorn treesand thistle bushes. After my initialshriek, I decided to ignore the prickles and just enjoy the ride overlooking the sea and colourful clothing left out to dry beside the informalhouses made of corrugated iron.

Once off the quiet road, we reached the beach and slowlymanoeuvred our way across rocks, past my Dad who was fishing, sun worshippers andsurfers. The steep dune towered to ourleft with the breaking waves on our right. The horses happily meandered on in the heat and I continued to sweat,attempting to balance my camera and take photos of the other riders. I could let go of the reins and snap awaywhilst easy-going Dusty followed the black, Fresian beast in front.

Away from the crowds, we were shown how to squeeze our kneesin, push our heels down and trot until we reached the fishermen. Beach-goers took photos of us, childrenstared and dogs barked at the sight of the horses. On the secluded stretch of sand, we wereallowed to really dig in and canter. Dusty, however, didn’t need to be asked twice and begun galloping atquite a pace. By now, my bum bone wastaking strain and coupled with the Nikon banging against my side, I missed theslow going. Just a little. But thefaster we went, the more free I felt.

Once we had a break, allowed the horses to rest and wet our feet, we were on our way past the lagoon, over the wooden bridge and through BuccaneersBackpackers. The more experienced riderstook their horses into the shallow lagoon and both rider and horse got a chanceto cool off. Once in the bush, Asher instructed us to duck beneath the spiderwebs weaving in the low branches above our heads. I happily obliged at the sight of the red,Kite spider.

I leaned forward and tucked my feet in as we made it up asteep climb. Gone was the cool seabreeze and mist rising off the ocean. Nowwe rode towards the sun with green grass, palm trees and thornbushes allaround. The hills were covered inmoss-like vegetation and as we reached the top, we took one last look of thespectacular view over the plunging valley and the coast below.

Cinsta Horses do way more than just horse trails and alsorescue mistreated and injured horses and rehabilitate them until they’re in tiptop riding condition. Due to the threeowners not being able to afford extra hands on the farm, they get volunteersfrom around the world to live, work and help with the horses. One young, Brasilian volunteer was studyingto be a vet and learnt a lot about horses and treating them whilst helping outon the farm. A couple from the UK foundthe experience so rewarding when comparing it to a regular vacation and felt sofree away from the office and amongst the wild, South Africa’s people and thehorses.

There were green, rolling hills for as far as the eyes couldsee and it was breathtaking to experience it all from a horse's back. At tough parts of the trail, I felt sorry formy horse, but our guide told me that when they’re not riding for a while, theylose weight and pine for the trails. After that I was happy I could allow him to be out and about. When my legs felt the prickle of the passingthistle, I knew the end was near. Wecrossed the road and let the horses roam freely. I was a bundle of bliss, sadly my legs andbum had not returned unscathed. Thethistle made me legs well up in red, itchy bumps, but all it took was someantihistamine and sunblock to calm it down. We waved goodbye and I thanked Dusty for the trip.

For more information on Cintsa Horses visit www.cintsahorses.co.za

A newbie's guide to Cinsta, Eastern Cape.

2012-01-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

From the farmlands of Route 60, past the luscious vegetationof the Wilderness, the Knysna lagoon to the pine forests of Tsitsikamma untilthe rolling hills of the Ciskei; this drive gives but a taste of South Africa’sdiversity of landscape, vegetation and climate.

You’ll leave Cape Town’s South Easter wind behind, encounterthe Garden Route’s light rainfall and meet the humidity and warmth of theEastern Cape. Once you reach the WildCoast, you’ll be hard pressed to find a petrol station, big shops or masses ofpeople (except on New Year’s Day) which only serves to add to its semi-ruralcharm.

Without all these ‘Big City’ bits to distract you, you’ll beable to enjoy all the things that really matter such as swimming, eating,sunning, surfing, sleeping, canoeing and horse-riding.

Things to do:

Aside from the obvious and satisfying holiday activitiessuch as tanning on the beach, reading on the beach, swimming and play cardgames, I have listed a couple of things that require a bit more effort butguarantee a maximum amount of holiday happiness and perhaps a few achingmuscles…

Surf or learn

If you don’t have your own boards, are not yet in the grooveof carving through the waves, then hire a board or join Buccaneers Backpackersfor a lesson or two. If you surf, thisis no Jeffrey’s Bay, but there is fun to be had on the Cinsta East beach break(when the waves aren’t dumping, which was quite often) and also at a littlereef break just off the big dunes to the right of the beach. Jump in and hug the rocks as the rip tidewill assist you to get out there with minimal paddling, and then paddle a bitto the left where the lip is peaking and enjoy the ride. Even the locals had a tough time out therewhen the waves are unruly so don’t go out there alone and if you’re abeginner. You could get pulverised.

Go canoeing

We happened to find an oar and borrowed one of Buccaneerscanoes that were just resting beside the river. There isn’t a more peaceful place for miles and you can float down theriver while spotting fish eagles, kingfishers and herons, so take a camera andbinoculars. If you’re lucky enough to bewith an avid rower, sit back and enjoy the glide. If you're not staying at Buccaneers, perhaps you can hire a canoe from them.

Horse Trails
This is the perfect way to experience the diverse landscapeof the wild coast. A two and a half hourhorse ride along the beach, through the bush, over the green hills and throughthe river is a surreal experience that anyone can do for R295. Whether you’re a beginner or experiencedrider, don’t miss out on a morning/afternoon exploring the territory on one ofthese beautiful horses. It was by farthe highlight of Cinsta for me. www.cintsahorses.co.za

Go Fishing

Bring your fishing rods, buy a mixed pack of bait such as sardine, squid and prawns from the corner store and wait for low tide. Then take a walk across the beach from Cinsta East to the rocks in front of the high dunes. And enjoy the sounds of the waves nearby, the bustle on the beach and wait for a Dassie or River Breemer to bite.

Places to eat anddrink:

Nostalgia Coffee Shoppe

I merely noted this coffee shop as you will pass it once inCintsa East. If you don’t mind waitingan age before a waitress surfaces, then by all means visit this place and ordera milkshake. The lime and coffee onesaren’t half bad on a hot day, but you’ll constantly have to play the waitinggame just to place an order, receive the order and get the bill.

Michaela’s Restaurant

This wooden restaurant on a hill boasts the best view inCinsta. Part of the excitement is takingthe cable car up to the restaurant. Youcan sip a cocktail beneath the sun umbrella; watch the surfers catching wavesand sunbathers basking on the beach. From the deck on the right, you’ll get a great view of the canopy oftrees over Ardennes log cabins and surrounds. Our log cabin was the only onethat peaked out from beneath the trees and the bright beach towels hanging outto dry acted as a beacon amongst the green.

Barefoot Café

This the funkiest bar around these parts. It has the vibe of a backpackers withcolourful walls, surfboards decorating the walls and travel photos hanging upall around. On a hot night (most nightsin Cinsta), it can get pretty toasty inside, so best grab a table outside. As newbies we ordered pizzas which hit thespot, but weren’t too amazing. I’veheard the burgers are where it’s at. Sadly, they don’t serve cocktails.

BuccaneersBackpackers

If you walk across the beach from Cintsa East side past theriver on your right, you’ll have to cross a wooden bridge, walk up the stepsthrough the trees , through the white wooden gate and turn left at the sign reading ‘Buccaneers Bar/Restaurant’. There hot cheese friesmelted in a pizza oven will change your life. Plus they host killer New Year’s Eve parties.

Need to Know:

ATMs

I spotted only one ATM in Cinsta East in the localshop. If you’re not an ABSA banker,you’re going to pay a fee for withdrawals here, so try draw money before youget there as you’ll need it for shopping from stalls, horse rides etc.

Petrol

You won’t find a petrol station in Cinsta, just a singlepump; one for unleaded and another for diesel. After the festive season, I’m guessing all the holiday-makers with their4x4’s used all the available diesel as there was none by the time we arrived.

Shops

There are hardly any shops in Cinsta and two to be exact inCinsta East; one with all the essentials such as milk, bread, cool drinks, firelighters, ice and anotherwith clothing, sarongs, slip slops, bikinis and other beach goodies. But for a full shops and fresh produce suchas meat for the braai, you’ll have to drive out to Hemingways Mall.

The Whale Trail

2012-01-07T03:04:00.000-08:00

by Jonny Mayers.

The Author of this post, Jonny Mayors.

Having heard so much about this wonderful trail from friends who've done it and from articles that I read, I jumped at the opportunity of joining my father in law and his fellow hiking buddies. This hike is so popular that one needs to book a year in advance to secure your spot. It's belongs to Cape Nature and is just outside Bredasdorp in the De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve on the Southern Cape coast. They allow for 12 people per trail over this 5 day hike and therefore there are 60 people hiking between the various camps sites daily.

On a Sunday we left Cape Town at 1pm to arrive at Potberg Base camp by 4pm. We carried our hiking gear into the hut where there were bunk beds, a kitchen, toilet and shower facilities with a braaing area outside. We met up with three elderly German couples and aquainted ourselves over a braai with the wine and beer already flowing.

We all took the 'easy' option of 'slek packing' where you pay R300 and have your things (sleeping bag, food, wine, clothing, etc) placed into your own large plastic container that gets transported from camp to camp by Cape Nature.

Bed time was at 8pm in preparation to get up early the next day to start this amazing hike.

Monday morning - Day 1
Potberg to Cupidoskraal - 15km's

After breakfast and getting yourself ready with your 'day pack' on your back pack consisting of water, lunch, camera and binoculars, we set off at 7am.

This leg of the hike is the most strenuous as it was mostly uphill. Along the way we saw baboons who were luckily quite far away, gliding Cape vultures and spectacular views. As we reached the top, which is the highest point of the entire trail, we were overwhelmed by the splendour of it all with such an array of flora specifically that of the fynbos. Apparently there are both Erica and Protea species that only grow here and no where else in the world. The winding Breede river below you and the Swellendam and Langeberg mountains on the horizon is all part of this visual feast. This day however was not without its change of weather ranging from coolish to hot, a light drizzle, windy, then humid, heavy downpour then finally arriving about 8 hours later at our camp for the night in overcast conditions.

After a shower, hot cup of coffee and some warm clothing on , we all got to chat in the kitchen about our day while preparing supper.

Day 2
Cupidoskraal to Noetsie - 14.7km's

We set off onto what seemed like a lot of twisting and turning paths. Every 2km's, there's a rock with an indication as to how far you've gone. Along the entire trail there a a few cairns of rocks stacked up against each other. This is apparently the best cellphone reception. Some decided to phone home and check up on SMS's, however the main reason for this is in the event of an emergency en route you'll remember where the last cairn was so as to call Cape Nature to assist. Luckily we never had to test this out.

With about a km to go you hear the sound of the sea and smell it (which is distinctively different to the past two days of the fynbos smell). As we walked over the ridge with our hut beside the sea, we were greeted by a whale and her calf quite near to us. It seemed like our official welcome to The Whale Trail.

Supper was a braai in an open-air gazebo between our A-frame huts and the sea, as dusk turned into night time. A delicious supper with good wine, the sea just a few feet away, the amazing stars that we don't get to see back home and the total relaxation of it all together with another good days hike got us all rather sleepy and off to bed.

Day 3
Noetsie to Hamerkop - 7.8km's

Well that's what we were supposed to do, however Cape Nature and Denel (part of Armscor) had other plans. Everyone at each of the respective camps was evacuated and picked up in bakkies to be taken back to base camp. The German Airforce was doing missile testing and the Whale Trail was in it's flight path. For obvious security and protection reasons we all had to be in a safe place. This apparently happens once in a while and November seems to be the best time of the year. After a rather bumpy ride which took over an hour we got into base camp wet as there was a light downpour. Our smiles soon returned at the sight of hot coffee and brekkies awaiting us. We were briefed in a presentation by both companies and the apology of inconveniencing us all. The weather conditions got worse with heavy winds and intermittent heavy downpours. Had we been on our hike we would've been soaked and quite miserable. So I guess all in all a blessing in disguise. After lunch we were back in the bakkies to our next camp.

The first two days were great, day 3 was disappointing as the rhythm of the hike was broken - bring on day 4.

Day 4
Hamerkop to Vaalkrans - 10.5km's

About 90 % of this was walking either on the beach sand or on the rocky path alongside it. Although it was tough there was no rush to get to our next hut. We took it easy, taking in all the views and life we encounted - more whales, a seal, a few dung beatles (hard at work), oyster catchers with their red bills and legs and the variety of so many rock pools with their respective life forms therein.

After what seemed like a hard day of hiking, tired legs and some blisters, none of this seemed to matter as we spotted our last hut to sleep in. It was as if Cape Nature left the best till last. WOW!The hut had a spectacular view of a cove where the waves continually rolled in and bashed against the walls with the spray of water getting higher and higher. Here you could see just how powerful the sea actually is. Definitely a force to be respected.

Our last supper of the trail was all twelve of us reminiscing over the past few days by the fireplace on what turned out to be a rather chilly evening. With the last of the food eaten, the wine and other beverages consumed, we slept on what was a wonderful day.

Day 5
Vaalkrans to Koppie Alleen - 7km's

An easy hike with some beach walking but mostly through the thicket. It's one last chance to take in the scenic landscapes and simply put - the beauty of it all. Upon our arrival at the end point on a boardwalk and hut you can explore more rock pools and walk up and down the sand dunes. You call into Cape Nature and within an hour you are picked up and taken back to base camp where your cars are. Farewells all round and back into the cars to head back home.

While being a passenger I looked at all the photos I took and smiled as I recollected all the various experiences.

God sure knew what He was doing and must've smiled broadly in making THE WHALE TRAIL.

For more information on the Whale Trail, visit http://thewhaletrail.org/

Surfing Roadtrip to Elands Bay.

2011-12-23T03:58:00.000-08:00

Elands Bay was the furthest I’d ever been up the West Coast. I was foretold of the lure it held for surfers. It had the perfect left-hand break to make goofy-footed surfers smile. Road tripping to your destination is always fun and games. Everyone is happy to get away, the car has been packed to precision and banter comes easily. The actual trip, minus the GPS leading our driver astray to Plattekloof, was about 3 hours.

We arrived to gale force winds, whirling through the sandy campsite right on Elands beach. We didn’t know it yet, but this wind would not let up until we awoke the next morning. About seven of us put up our tents after arguing for the best positions, secure in the fact that they would still be there when we returned from a surf. The looks on their faces as they surveyed the surf told me that there were no waves. I looked through the green fence, the single thing separating us from the beach, and saw that it was not good. There were a few ripples, if that.

But it was Elands and we were here to surf, so that’s what we attempted. My time in the water was brief and uneventful. The waves were too small even for me. I returned to our camp to find our ‘kitchen’ gazebo in tatters. The big tent was holding up, but barely. Sick of fighting the wind, we took a walk into town. Town being two roads with a hotel, two petrol pumps, a general dealer, a police station and a few houses.

We spotted a place at the end of the street that said “Great coffee time…open”. I needed no prompting. The others saw a surfboard hanging from the wall and walked straight inside. The only guy behind the bar was Josh. Turns out, we were their first customers and this place belonged to Pili Pili Adventures. This was the hub from where they took tourists to kite board, surf, stand-up paddle boarding and more. He said we could order espresso, braai in the sandy area and hang around for as long as we liked. We didn’t leave until it was bedtime. I left only to shoot some photos on the beach as the sun slowly dipped behind the mountain.

Inside, we were sheltered from the wind; there were chilled tunes, we braaied 20 massive crayfish and played ‘Kings & assholes’. It was holiday heaven. It had been ages since I’d eaten crayfish and once I’d cracked the tail off; I dipped it in a garlic, lemon and mayonnaise sauce and savoured every bite. We insisted that Josh join us and I’m pretty sure I’ll never again meet a barman who can produce music, has surfed against Jordy Smith, studies Media and plays guitar.

The following morning I unzipped the tent to find not a breath of wind. Eagerly the guys suited up, ready for the waves that had formed today. I pretty much ended up floating on my board, getting a cramp in my right buttock from struggling to balance sitting on small board and yelling a profanity as I saw the size of the waves rolling in and my tragic position. I cut my losses and decided that Muizenberg would always be there for me to surf and I could help the non-surfers make breakfast on the fire instead.

Turns out later in the day once we had packed up, there were spectacular waves. Non-dumpers, but clean, peeling waves perfect for me. But I couldn’t bear to put my wetsuit on again so I sat on the rocks and shot the guys ripping it to the left. The water sparkled, people could tan on the beach and it was nearly time for us to leave. As I mentioned earlier, the drive back home is never as joyous. Everyone is tired, sunburnt and craving alone time. This is precisely why I slept the entire journey home; that and my stupid allergies. There is nothing that drains you more than sneezing for 6 hours at a time. As I slept I dreamt of crayfish, sausage sizzling over the fire and sipping coffee as I watched the waves break.

Interview with pro-blogger Nellie Huang (Wild Junket)

2011-11-29T10:42:00.001-08:00

So when my travel writing hero and chief editor of Wild Junket, Nellie Huang, visited Cape Town, I was stupid excited to meet her. After all, she was one of the people who first inspired me to start blogging and reassured me that it is possible to travel the world and write about it- full-time. I'm not even sure she realises just how phenomenal her job is, but one thing is for sure; she puts in the hours and remains humble about her success and globetrotting lifestyle many can only dream about.

Myself with Nellie at Buena Vista, Cape Town.

Over coffee and pizza in Greenmarket square, this is what the delightful Nellie had to say...

What does travel mean to you?
Travel is a lifestyle and a way of life. It's freedom, education and such a great way to learn about life and yourself.

When was your first trip?
My first trip was at the age of 17, when I went backpacking through Australia. Coming from the concrete jungle of Singapore, it blew my mind.

Many people say travel is a form of escapism, do you think this is the case?
I'm not escaping from anything. I'm a permanent traveller and love the nomadic lifestyle. I get itchy feet quite easily, love changes and new happenings. I'd ideally like to stay in a country for 3 months before moving on.

What are some of your favourite cities?
Cape Town, Granada ( where I've been based for 2 years) and Seoul.

And favourite countries?
I'm crazy about wildlife so I love the Galapagos Islands and Madagascar.

What were some of your most memorable vacations?
Madagascar and South America, especially Ecuador.

Where will you next set up a base?
Thailand.

What advice would you give to wannabe travel bloggers?
Start out by writing to a group to a friends and then create a blog. It should be a labour of love. There's a large debate about which is more important: content or marketing. I would have to say content. It took me over a year to gather a large following and make money from it, but others have started to do it in shorter periods.

What are 3 things you won't travel without?
My Indiana Jones cap, camera and iPhone.

Cape Town highlights?
Paragliding off Lions head, Table Mountain and shark cage diving.

You can visit Nellie's Wildjunket here: http://www.wildjunket.com/

Weary Willy's and the Echo Valley Hike.

2011-11-26T03:54:00.001-08:00

If you’re anything like me and love the idea of hiking more than the actual uphill motion, then the short walk up to Echo Valley is a great place to begin. Funny thing about hiking is that I’m always in awe of the view at the top, passing little streams and spotting various flowers, but uphill and I don’t sit around the same campfire. I can dance non-stop in a class for 3 hours, but give me a hefty incline and I start breathing like someone with asthma.

We parked the car at the end of Boyes Drive, just above Kalk Bay harbour and walked across the busy road to get to the first rocky steps marking our path upward. I wore my Dad’s hand-me-down hiking boots (I don’t imagine I would have purchased these of my own will) and eagerly made my way to the trail.

As soon as we started walking, I was glad I had chosen the heavy boots. My running shoes would’ve been far to flimsy for these rocks wedged between the dark sand. Whilst I constantly wanted to stop, sit beside running streams, admire purple bushes and bright proteas, my hiking partner insisted we keep moving and reach the amphitheatre soon so we could make our way back before dark.

The sound of natural running water is right up there with my top most soothing sounds. Birds chirped all about us, the bushes swayed in the breeze and I couldn’t stop taking photos of the brown, mountain water rushing over rocks and smooth sand. My favourite were the fluffy trees which appeared to be snowy from far, but were long, bits of 'hair' growing from its branches.

The higher we got, the lighter the sand became, until it seemed as though we were at the beach. It was all fun and games with me constantly playing catch-up until we passed the ‘Weary Willy’s sign and spotted some dodgy guys partly hidden in the bushes. They seemed surprised that we had seen them and when asked what they were doing, one muttered something about reading.

Perhaps I’m a skeptical by-product of living in Cape Town or a country where innocent hikers and cyclists get attacked along trails, but they did not appear to have hiked up here for a read or mountainside meander. After that we could never really fully enjoy the duration of the hike to the top. My boyfriend stuffed rocks in his hoodie pockets, wielded a weapon of a stick and made me carry something sharp too. Just in case those three men were to get any ideas, think we’re tourists with an expensive camera and attack.

It’s a flipping shame, but most decisions we make here (especially females) have to be mindful of safety first. Once we reached the wooden amphitheatre, I breathed a sigh of relief. This haven was planted beneath a canopy of trees and due to the time of day, allowed only tiny chinks of light in. I climbed up a tree and rested my head on the rough bark. I always succumb to the view at the top of a mountain, but this doesn’t mean that I desire to climb Kilimanjaro either. False Bay spanned out in front, with two peaks on either side of us. There was nothing left to do but admire God’s exquisite creation whilst perched on a rock and make our way down.

Some Cape Town trail tips: Don’t go hiking alone. Even in broad daylight, people have been known to be attacked. Take at least one person with you or even better, hike in groups. Start early so you can make your way off the mountain before dark and avoid getting lost or stuck in extreme conditions once night falls. Take enough water with you and snacks for energy. Have light clothing on whilst you hike, but make sure you have warm clothing for when our wind picks up as well as waterproof layers if the rain decides to fall. Cape Town’s weather can be very unpredictable, so you may go up whilst it’s 30 degrees and descend in rainy, cloudy weather.

Spring flowers, game viewing and tranquil waters in West Coast National Park.

2011-10-15T05:20:00.000-07:00

There is something so effortlessly tranquil about a nature reserve. Whether it’s beside the sea or inland, they are the last few places you can visit to really and truly experience wide, open spaces of green vegetation, low bushveld, wild flowers in all their brilliance and animals of every variation going about as usual uninterrupted by human’s idea of civilisation.

Within these borders, humans have to adhere to the animal’s rules; stop for a tortoise crossing the dirt road, drive slowly enough not to disturb the basking lizard on the hot rock and stay within the car and not walk through their natural habitat. For a day you get to enjoy all this beauty and leave as little of your footprints behind.

The West Coast National Park is one of my favourite places in the world. It won’t take you long to discover why. Once you enter the gates during the spring season and make your way to Postberg, the wild flowers all seem to greet you as you move by. Provided the sun is out, they are all more than happy to open and face the light and do so for two months of every year. This is such a magical time. Around every bend, you’ll spot yet another bloom you haven’t seen before. Hills of bright yellow make you blink repeatedly as your eyes adjust to this brilliance. Tortoises, snakes, birds and eland seem totally unaware that you are even there. Occasionally a bontebok nearby would give us the eye and proceed to stand proudly erect. Eland graze on vast fields of land throughout this section of the reserve and ostriches are dotted all over too.

Uitkyk (lookout) was a popular place for people to picnic on the rocks overlooking the ocean and Langebaan on the other side. Purple, orange and red blossoms were scattered all amongst the rocks and it took me a little longer than I imagined identifying them all in my flower guide which we purchased at the entrance. We ate our lunch, my boyfriend was bitten by a fly resembling a bee with two, large blue eyes and next it was onto Plankiesbaai.

This was another area where you were able to get out your car, put up umbrellas and rest awhile. Seagulls stood on the signboards waiting to get leftovers, families sat on the grass and my parents walked along the rough water’s edge. My boyfriend and I made our way up something that look like a rocky hill, but ended up to be more of little mountain.

Orange flowers (goudblomme) resiliently sprung up in the sandy soil on the cliff. Far below I could see my parents along the path. The view from here made the unexpected climb worth it and the tumultuous ocean continuously brought in rolls of new swell. We seemed to have started a trend. More people showed up with their cameras to take in these mountain flowers and view from the hill.

We exited Postberg and swung right to Tsaarsbank where the Atlantic performed spectacularly and sent its white water surging high in the air as it hit the smooth boulders. I held my breath as each wave sent fireworks of saltwater up and down like a waterfall through the crevices. Once again, you are left feeling totally in awe and powerless in the face of nature and creation. The sign on the Honorary Ranger’s stall warned of ticks in the long grass which sent my mother into a panic about checking our clothes afterward.

The last stop is my very best. Kraalbaai’s quiet, turquoise waters are where no one makes any noise at all other than boats zooming by occasionally. The cool breeze on the jetty signalled that the day’s heat was slowly fading away taking the sun with it. Kids were happy to wade in the water and the houseboats bobbed atop the water’s surface. I love the colour of this water like nothing else. I took one last look at the red and orange berries growing along the beach and the bird all too happy to live in this beautiful bay and then all too soon it was back to ‘civilisation’.

Eland roaming the reserve.

Postberg's blossoms

Uitkyk (Lookout)

Plankiesbaai

Orange flowers atop the mountain.

Wild Atlantic Ocean

Kraalbaai

Entrance to the West Coast National Park is free with a Wild Card or R40 per person during flower season ( R30 except in this August and September period). To get there, drive for an hour along the R27 from Cape Town.

The night that Cold Play rocked the Cape party.

2011-10-09T05:15:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I would never describe myself as a Cold Play fan (what was I thinking?), but even if I didn’t end up eating lamb shank in a hospitality suite with free bar and VIP parking inside the stadium, I would’ve still madly loved Cold Play’s concert at the Greenpoint stadium. My mom surprised me with tickets that she was meant to entertain clients with, so I was zinging the entire afternoon ahead of the concert. My love for their music had grown in great leaps and bounds of late.

About halfway through the support act of The Parlotones, the stadium was filled to the brim with fans about to burst with zeal. They got the crowd warmed up and by the time Cold Play graced the stage, the masses reverberated to the songs they love such as Yellow, Vida la Vida and Paradise amongst many others. Big red, yellow, blue and green balloons floated around the stadium as Chris did a few tumbles on the extended stage. He went from the guitar to the piano with the ease of a genius and showed off his flexibility by bending backwards on his stool until his hands touched the ground. My sore throat stands testament to the way I screamed like a crazy person with each song they sang. It was by far one of the best parts of my Birthday week. I now find myself in awe.

Franschoek on a Budget

2011-10-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

The little French town nestled between the mountains, only 45 minutes away from Cape Town, was once inhabited by elephants and called Oliphantshoek (Elephant’s corner). In 1598, fearing death and persecution from King Henry IV of France,200 Huguenots fled to the Cape amongst other places and began to assist the Dutch in developing the infant wine industry. Aside from hosting regular food and wine festivals throughout the year, Franschoek is home to some of South Africa’s finest gourmet restaurants, wine farms and fruit plantations. Whilst it would be lovely to relax at one of the many five star boutique hotels and savour 7 course meals, but for many, this does not bode well with our budgets. Here are some things you can enjoy for very little…

1. Backpackers on the riverside

Firstly you will need a place to lay your head down and get a good night’s sleep. Luckily I discovered Otter’s Bend Lodge on Dassenberg Road beside the river. Budget accommodation doesn’t get much better than this. From your wooden A-Frame cabin in the forest, you will be lulled into relaxation by the flowing river and enjoy chilly nights beside the fire. There is a communal kitchen and dining area overlooking a splash pool and deck with all the utensils you need to prepare food for the weekend. The white blossoms of the plum trees, easy-going nature of the owner and seclusion of this lodge make it perfect for a weekend getaway.

2. Huguenot Memorial Museum

To get some insight into the life of the early Huguenot settlers and native Khoi San people, you can visit this museum for R10 and explore the old world. It commemorates the arrival of the Huguenots in the Cape of Good Hope, a place where they found refuge. It is on the same site as the Huguenot monument in the form of a central female figure that embodies freedom of religion with a bible and broken chain in each hand. The three arches represent the holy trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. You can see (but not touch or photograph) original utensils from their kitchens such as tart pans, waffle makers and butter moulds. There are wagons, courtly shoes, postbags, hand-organs and giant grandfather clocks made with exquisite detail. The museum annex with more exhibitions and a souvenir shops is across the road and is free of charge.

3. Hiking trails and river walks

None of these activities require any money at all. All you need is a pair of walking shoes and off you go. Due to the cold weather and low-lying clouds, we couldn’t quite embark hiking high up along one of the trails leading off the Franschoek Pass ( even though there are so many and some which feature mountain pools to enjoy in summer) so we walked up the mountain right behind Otter’s Bend, off Dassenberg Road, which was less than an hour, but had scenic views over all the plantations, vineyards and estates in the valley. You can drive down Roberstvlei road until your get to gate and walk all along the Berg River. There was no one else around and despite the chilly wind; it was a beautiful 5km walk.

4. Sight see along the Main Road

This main street has managed to remain true to its old charm with Dutch reformed church, old post office, art galleries and antique shops with pretty porches. Side-walk cafes are in abundance and in the square outside Col’caccios, a live band entertained guests beneath the oak trees. There are plazas with colourful flowers, home ware shops to add a sophisticated country feel to your home, book stores, clothing and jewellery stores to keep you occupied.

5. Eat without bankrupting yourself

Whilst it would be great to sample the 7 course meals at the top restaurants of SA, this may not be the weekend for you to do so, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to eat. Col’caccios has mouth-watering pizza combinations that will be good enough to keep for tomorrow’s lunch too. It’s buzzing on a Sunday with families, couples and friends dancing to the live music outside and quite cosy inside when the wind becomes too much. The Pancake Cafe serves delicious pancakes such as one with nutella and spicy apple cinnamon for about R50 each and served with ice-cream. It is directly opposite the church and also serves as an exhibition for jewellery and artwork made from women in Swaziland.

5 Essentials for your plane trip.

2011-09-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

When traveling around the world via an airplane, you could find yourself departing from 30 degrees Celsius and landing in -5 degrees. Flying time can range from 1 hour to 30 hours ( with multiple lay-overs) that can leave you feeling like a jet lagged, half-human zombie stepping into a twilight zone. Here are five must-haves that I never fail to pack into my hand luggage when boarding a plane:

1. Face Wipes
These will never go unused. Instead of having to pack a cleanser, toner and moisturiser for your face, face wipes will do the job in one go. If you spill your cool drink or your Asian noodles, this also works more effectively than a serviette or napkin ( if you're American).

2. Sarong
After visiting Rio de Janeiro in 2005, I am yet to fly anywhere without my 'Brazilian flag' sarong. It doesn't matter how hot you were when you boarded, your body temperature will decline immensely once the plane is up in the air. It serves as a great blanket and shoulder wrap when you're trying to keep warm and the cheap airline doesn't have blankets. Plus, as soon as you arrive in a tropical destination, you can wip that baby out and use it on the beach too.

3. Body Lotion & Lip Balm
I don't know about you, but something about the stale air trapped within a plane over 12 hours leaves my skin desert dry and craving moisture. You can lather some lotion onto your face, hands and other dry spots when you wake up and before disembarking looking like a member of the Khoi tribe . Better yet, get Eight Hour cream which you can use for bug bites, as lip balm and moisturiser.

4. A Riveting Novel
When you're on a short flight, there won't be any movies, on-air games or TV series to entertain you, so you will need something to make the time fly by in the form of a magazine or book. While certain magazines can thrill for 30 minutes or so, a good thriller or arm-chair travel book can keep you going for hours. After a witty travel partner, a great novel is a winner.

5. A Pillow
And I don't mean one of those travel puffs that curls around your neck or requires blowing up. Sooner or later napping on a balloon will no longer be comfy or the beans will settle in a single spot leaving you with neck ache upon awaking. It may seem like a waste of space bringing a normal size pillow with you, but I promise that come the 4th hour with another few to go, you will thank your lucky stars you can snuggle up and actually make an attempt at some real sleep and not awake as grumpy and stiff. On this note, if you struggle to sleep on planes, invest in good sleeping pills that won't leave you groggy post-flight. I have bad sinuses, and anti-allergy tablets have knocked me out for nearly one leg of a journey from SA to Hawaii ( Just saying).

A few things you need to know about Thai massage

2011-09-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

-There is no oil and you remain full-clothed

For many this probably seems like a bit of a let-down. How else are you meant to totally relax unless you are in your most natural state of nakedness? Secondly, how can all those knots bunching up in your neck and back really get pressed out without the use of oil to ease the pain? Never fear lovers of massage. The owner of Enmasse Massage Concept mentioned that oil can make a bad massage therapist look good, so you know that when the week’s tension begins pouring out of your body like honey, the therapist really is doing a magnificent job.

-It’s passive yoga for the lazy

If you’ve been told just how good stretching and yoga is for you, but are yet to muster up the nerve or energy to get to a class, then this may be the perfect option for you. You can close your eyes, not move a single muscle yourself and still enjoy the full benefits of a good stretch class. Depending how on much stretch you can endure, you can tell your therapist to go easy and mention that you’re a dancer and need a deeper stretch and revel in the release in your muscles without having to stand on one leg, practice balancing or sweating in a hot room. Here, someone else moves your limbs for you making it the laziest and most luxurious way to stay healthy and supple.

-It’s ok if you happen to fall asleep

Nobody is going to blink an eyelid if you start snoring amidst a Thai massage on a beach in Phuket with all that sunlight, stretching and sea air. But even within a semi-private environment of massage ‘spa’ in the centre of Cape Town, my therapist didn’t seem to mind that I fell in and out of consciousness throughout the duration of my 60 minute massage. If you make anyone lie down after a long day’s work, tell them to relax and then massage their head, neck, feet, lower back, legs and hands, I am almost sure none of them will be able to stay awake. This leads me to my next point which is…

-You have not been drugged

If you ‘awake’ to find a strange man massaging your fingers with a hot cloth behind your neck and a warm blanket cocooning you in a bundle, be alarmed if he doesn’t resemble your massage therapist. If you vaguely remember him, breathe and enjoy the remainder of the massage. A full hour of muscle manipulation and stretching what needs stretching releases toxins into the blood which can wake you up. But if you’re doing so whilst lying down, closing your eyes and listening to Norah Jones, this is the perfect recipe for a comatose state.

No two Thai massages will ever be the same

I was told that Thai massage therapists can massage continuously for three or four hours and use different stretches and repertoire throughout. Whilst I recall a rather heavy Thai woman half-sitting on me whilst pulling my legs upward, a male therapist did more lifting. Many a time I would find either half my body or all of it suspended above the ground. The beauty of Thai massage lies in the fact that therapists can use their body weight to manipulate your muscles and depending on your own physique and weight, they will vary their massage according to ensure you still have a blissful experience.

To find out where you too experience a surreal Thai massage read my review on Enmasse Massage Concept: http://omotg.com/reviews/cape-town/496/enmasse-massage-concept-3/

Massage Spot

Enmasse Chill Lounge

Enmasse Massage therapist

Every tea imaginable

5 Outdoor Festivals in the Western Cape this October

2011-09-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

Now that tree’s leaves are green and flowers are beginning to bloom, festivals are popping up everywhere from Robertson and Darling, to Hermanus and Breedekloof. So pack your camping gear, bicycles, running shoes, cameras and party clothes because October is set to be a rocking month in the Western Cape for food, music, wine and outdoor lovers.

1. The Two Oceans Hermanus Whale Festival

This festival begins on the 30 September and runs until the 4th October in the seaside town of Hermanus. For such a small place, it fits a relatively large crowd in with thousands of visitors driving through each year. There’ll be performance by Prime Circle and Dr Victor & the Rasta rebels, a half marathon to participate in if you’re feeling particularly energetic. There’s also an abundance of markets, shopping, eating and activities for the kids on offer.

The festival boasts for being the only Enviro-arts one of its kind in the country with a Rhino Project where the largest wire rhino sculpture in the world will be showcased (to raise awareness about the dire situation of our rhinos) along with designs from 40 disadvantaged crafters. There will be eco talks lasting 20 mins on topics ranging from Great white shark research and rethinking the plastic bag to protect nature to ‘Seafood: Have we reached the end of our line?’

Tickets for all the main show are sold through Computicket and I would suggest setting out early on that Friday or leaving Saturday to avoid huge traffic jams into Hermanus.

For more information visit http://www.whalefestival.co.za/index.php

2. Robertson Spring Show

The show will take place between 4-8 October at the Robertson Show Grounds in Church Street. There’s bound to be fun for the entire family in the forms of toddler’s competition, tea and games for senior citizens, dog performances and a woman’s breakfast.

On Friday and Saturday there’ll be entertainment by a steel band, ventriloquist and various singers and musicians.

For only slightly more information visit http://bit.ly/oLrGpF
3. Rocking the Daisies Music Festival

It is already time for my favourite music festival on 7-9 October on Cloof wine estate in Darling. It’s a weekend combining camping, dam swimming, partying, tanning and best of all, being totally entertained from morning til night.

Pitch your tent, or hire a pre-erected one and walk down to the Main stage to listen to SA artists such as Tumi & the Volume, Prime circle, The Arrows, Just Jinger and more. Sweat and jive all night in the Red Bull Studio live with djs such as Killer Robot, Anthea Schoultz and Phat Jack to name but a few. You’ll find comedy and performance in the Lemon Tree Theatre and the Nu World Beat Ring featuring traditional music from around the globe.

Tickets for the full weekend bought online will cost you R450, while it’s R100 more at the gate. You can also choose to cycle to the daisies for R300 or Walk the Daisies and be kind to the environment and you’ll get a ticket for free and experience a beautiful trek up along the West Coast.

Don’t forget sunblock, warm clothes for the chilly nights, swimwear for the hot days beside the dam, a tent to avoid having to snooze in a car and shower during non-peak times to avoid hour long waiting periods.

Information can be found at http://www.rockingthedaisies.com/

4. Breedekloof Outdoor & Wine Festival

What a better way to explore this naturally beautiful area with its mountains, vineyards and streams than over the weekend of 7-9 October with additional races, activities and entertainment to make your weekend unforgettable? For the active festival-goers there are fynbos hikes and bird-watching walks, vineyard runs, a bike race and fishing contest.

For those who wish to sit back and relax, you can watch the live entertainment hosted by the local wineries, sample tasty treats from food stalls, browse around the photographic, jewellery or craft exhibitions and chill out at your campsite or wooden cabin. There’s an annual Dance under the Stars for those who wish to shimmy beneath the night sky and all this is only an hour away the city of Cape Town.

Visit http://bit.ly/qMr7eU for more information.

5. Robertson Wine on the River

This festival has a lot more than just wine on offer. Aside from tastings of 300 wines and cheese tastings, you can relax beside the river with the family whilst listening to live music and savouring samples from food stalls and your picnic basket. On the banks of the Breede River at the Goudmyn Farm between the 14-16 October is when you need to drive up this way and don’t worry about missing the Rugby World cup as big screens will also be available. Boat trips are also on offer at an additional R15 pp.

A weekend pass will cost you between R135 and R190 whilst a Saturday Pass will be on sale from R90. Early Bird tickets are available before 3 October.

Visit http://www.wineonriver.com/ to get tickets now.

For transfers to and from any one of these festivals and Cape Town email Cape Impressions Tours & Travels info@capeimpresstours.com or call Godfrey +27 83261 9597 for competitive rates and group discounts.

Photobook: Food & Flower Market

2011-09-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Whilst shooting a video for work at St. George's mall in the centre of Cape Town, I snapped some shots with videographer Mark's camera. Love this city with it's colourful people, foods, flowers and places.

Mark with the flower seller

5 Interesting finds at the Bijou Collective Night Market in Obs

2011-09-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

Supposedly it’s Creative Week in Cape Town and the onlyway I was alerted to this fact was from an email my friend received detailing anight market promising all things vintage, artsy and creative. While there was a bunch of innovativedesigns, beautiful pieces of art and useful creations, the market had aslightly more of a hippie, grunge vibe than vintage due to it’s location in alarge warehouse amongst machinery. I was ravenous but aside from expensiveprego rolls and curry (which I eat quite often) there was not much else onoffer to munch. But I enjoyed strolling through the dark warehouse andabsorbing it all. Here are some interesting things I discovered, aside from theR10 boerewors roll man on the corner opposite Barmooda:

1. It’s a Blacksmith forge

The market is held in a warehouse opposite Gandalf’s at 178 Lower Main Road. There is hardly any lighting other than a fewartistic lighting installations hanging up on concrete walls. There all kinds of metal gadgets andmachinery on the edge of the mail hall. Some appear to be cement mixers, othersjust pieces of scrap metal and on one side bicycles hang suspended (which I laterdiscovered are for sale), a wagon serves as a table and a trailer perches on awooden platform. Before I realised it was a Blacksmith workplace, I had quite atime imagining what all the machinery was used for.

2. Card Art

Stuck to a metal pipe, are a designer’s crafts made from a pack ofcards. Red and black cards have been cut into intricate shapes whilst othershave been folded to form new shapes.

3. Coin rings

As I browsed around a looking at leather,wooden and bamboo journals, the friendly man explained that his wife had madethem and then proceeded to show us rings that had been made from coins. Thesecopper and silver rings had engravings etched into them and would make forwonderful, unique presents.

4. A metal stool

I’m pretty sure this stool was not sculpted with luxurious comfortin mind, but it does make for an unusual seat. It would probably also be the last chair I would choose or perhaps Iwould resort to sitting on the floor. Itappears to be a group of torturous tools stuck together in a group. Thick, steel pokers jutting into a block,with their flat, square side facing upward. I would’ve tested it out, had it not been on a table.

5. The old sweet shop

Once you exit past the woman selling jamyou will find the only lit room in the entire market, the art gallery. Once you have passed the rather alarmingmetal structure that appears to be in the shape of a whale’s backbone, you’lllay eyes on the Bijou artists’ paintings and prints that are displayed in what’scalled the ‘old sweet shop’. These works of art are also for sale with theartists price tags.

I am quite disappointed I missed out on oneof the main attractions of the night, the music. Bands The Time flies, Sixgun Gospeland DJ Raymundo were set to come on from 9pm. According to the flyer I missedout some afro skunk funk and twisted country. Intriguing, if I get to the next one, I will definitely take a listen. I also hope that when the next market opensit’s doors, they switch more lights on so we can actually see the ‘once-off’,vintage clothing that I could vaguely make out in the shadows.

Visit http://www.creativeweekct.co.za/events/b-i-j-o-u/to find out about more quirky, creative events on around the Cape.

Boyes Drive: a road worth taking

2011-09-07T01:30:00.000-07:00

Many woman imagine that when boys and Cape Town are mentioned in the same sentence, the result is often beautiful. But here, I refer only to the road that snakes all the way from Lakeside to Kalk Bay along the mountainside. And while Chapman's Peak is definately a contender as one of Cape Town's most beautiful roads with it's 32 sharp bends and rocky outcrops, Boyes Drive is definately one of the most scenic and a favourite of mine.

Once you hit the tarmac beside the West Lake Golf Course, you're already elevated to mid-mountain level and get a glimpse of all the houses below. Hiking trails branch off up the mountain to your right and the vlei curves through Lakeside below. Before you know it, you can spot the zealous ocean kissing the land. Muizenberg looms up ahead and depending on the wind direction you could see white, fierce horses peeking their heads through the mushy ocean or glassy, waves curly toward the coast like ice-cream being scooped from a tub.

Superb Swell

You'll zoom down the hill and up a incline again before reaching the shark spotter with his binoculars beneath his shelter. To the right you'll see and maybe hear streams of water falling down the cliffside. Hikers and walkers park their cars and ascend through the foilage. All the while you would've have bypassed St, James and Danger Beach.

If you're nearing the end and you haven't already stopped your car, do so now. Look down and take in the spectacular scene below. If you're lucky and go out a clear, bright day, you may see surfers chancing a huge, clean swell at Kalk Bay outside the Brass Bell. A fishing boat may be returning from a day out at sea and navigating its way back into the harbour. A few palm trees will sway ever so slightly down in Kalk Bay and people will walk along the jetty.

Kalk Bay Harbour

The view only gets better when you make a way up the rocky steps into the mountain. You may see the very first flowers showing their shy faces in the Spring sunshine. The wind may still feel a little chilly on your skin and you may have to return to the sun, jump back into your car and drive until Boyes drive comes to end. But you will be happy to know that whilst the main road has become a one-way, you're only option if you're returning this way is to go back along Boyes Drive. Enjoy!

5 reasons to visit Stellenbosch

2011-09-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

After taking a Sunday drive to Stellenbosch, sipping cappuccinos and licking gelato beneath giant oak trees while owls nest overheard and people stroll lazily by, I realised whilst surveying the clean streets, art galleries and side-walk cafes that this was our little bit of Europe in the Western Cape. So why not hop in the car and enjoy the sweet treats, sight-seeing and plazas that this town has to offer.

1. You'll feel like you've left the busy city

Once you've park your car and step out onto the clean, narrow pavement and walk a little way, you may have already forgotten that you reside in a busy city with traffic, hooting motorists and pollution. In this part of town I could count the number of cars that drove past slowly. The only sounds came from the leaves rustling in the old oaks up above me and the soft music drifting out from restaurants serving tea-time snacks and light dinners.

2. You'll feel like a tourist

It could have been the lack of 'Mowbray Cape Town' being yelled out of a taxi, absence of litter and old, beautiful churches, but for awhile I forgot I was in South Africa. I could very well have been eating a nutella crepe from a corner in Paris or enjoying espresso in the heart of Munich, because it all felt so different, so new. Sure there are the local Mugg & Bean and Vide e caffes in view, but hidden amongst the jewellery stores, galleries and beneath an arch was a cobblestone plaza. Sunday had rendered it empty, except for a couple enjoying ice-creams and solace outside a closed sushi store. A tiny canal of water made its way past restaurants and giant statues and trees with hanging wire decorations.

3. There are galleries galore to explore

One of the first places we stepped into was The Studio gallery with two friendly curators who loved telling us all about their artists whose work adorned the walls and displays of the gallery. A fierce bull stood proudly in the centre of the room, molded entirely out of wax but upon first inspection it could've been mistaken for dark chocolate. The curator explained that the bull would only remain this way until the end of summer as the artist would have to mold the sculpture into a metal of sorts before it melted in the new season's warmth. Another gallery placed paper 'leaves' as business cards in a log outside their door.

4. There are charming cafes to enjoy

We bypassed a few buzzing restaurants and coffee shops until we arrived a small sidewalk cafe called Lecca il gelato. When I caught a glimpse of fluffy cupcakes on a tray and creamy ice-cream in it's sister store, I knew it would be a winner. The sun slowly began sinking behind the oaks as licked the sweet pink and purple icing off my vanilla cupcake and thanked the Italians for gelato, espresso and all other things tasty. Aside from a woman's hair catching aflame from a candle inside the store, all was calm, relaxed and totally laid-back at my little cafe.

5. You won't have to book a plane ticket to get there

As incredible as Europe is, a plane ticket will set you back at least R8000 if you're flying from Cape Town International and that's minus accommodation and food in euros. So now that times are tough, explore your own city and delve into some of SA's artwork, history and vineyards for a fraction of the price with plazas, cobblestones alleys and old churches thrown in for good measure. And to think that this exquisite historical town is a mere 45 minutes away.

Muizenberg Night Market

2011-08-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

Like most places this side of Table Mountain, in Cape Town’s 'deep south', lights are out by 10pm latest with no chance of a late-night cappuccino or meal barring Kalk Bay. But not on this little corner of Muizenberg. Someone got clever and decided to leave the lights on, liven it up with music, add a few good choices of food, designers, a bar, tables and before you know it, you have a vibrant market False Bay side where people can chill, shop and socialise on a Friday Night.

It won't take you long to find the entrance to the market with 'Kitch-Kombuis Coffee station' on the side, as cars will be lining the pavements beside the railway crossing. Once you pass the fruit vendors and rustic photo frames at the entrance, you enter a lively atmosphere with food sold on the left and non-edibles on the right. Beautiful, vintage surfboards hang from the rooftops above the pizza vendors and cake stands. Tables of people gather in the middle of this warehouse with decorations of flowers in glass bottles hang above their heads and adorn tables.

Even when ravenous, it will take you a while to decide on what to eat. Pizza, prego rolls, Leila's Indian cuisine, Egyptian and stew stalls line up against the wall, their warm aromas beckoning you to come their way. And that's aside from the biltong, pastes, custard tarts, toffee cupcakes wetting your appetite. A prego roll will cost you R50 and a spicy chai tea R15, each proving to be well worth the bucks.

If you don't get there at 7pm, you may find it tough to grab a table. Luckily we found two spare seats right beside the kid's corner. Little people clambered up the side of a mini-house, others painted squiggles of dark green with laser focus and some handed out arm bracelets. I have no doubt that parents treasure this section of the market the most.

the pink pincushion

Next it was time to peruse through the designer aisle. Susan's 'the pink pincushion' uniquely designed and stitched handbags hung on coats stands and old shutters. Some resembled a spring garden, others a passport & travel memo with fabric made of stamps. The eco-friendly bamboo wall decor was shapes of Africa, Proteas and a TV with a mirror as the screen. Next came hand-crafted jewellery; one of my favourite things. Natasha Wood (www.natashawoodjewellery.co.za) fused of wood with silver/gold in her necklaces whilst Peta-Jane Sinclair's 'Smoke Rises Blue' designs (www.smokerisesblue.com) included chunky silver rings and delicate, floral cuffs to pair with sexy evening dresses.

Peta-Jane Sinclair's 'Smoke Rises Blue' designs

'Like Clockwork' necklaces are the masterpieces of Samantha Taverner who, as the name suggests, uses bits of old watches to create her designs. Stephanie Anne LoveJoy (www.lovejoyjewellery) from Australia told me how she collected odds and ends from all around the world to create her vintage inspired designs. From her colourful hair clips to her elaborate, yet delicate rings, she creates as she goes along and is lucky enough to live in Melbourne and Cape Town. Her Aussie friend, Athene Stephanou-Knemeyer, hung her pretty 'Afrodite' clothing designs on rails and in a retro suitcase. Beneath her huge mirror, were the letters A F R O D I T E, spelt in wooden letters on the floor. (http://www.afrodite.co.za/)

LoveJoy Jewellry

Aphrodite Designs

I reminded myself to come back to the book stall for their bold, colourful posters of superheroes. On the way out, we passed an old bicycle that Vaughan thought looked Dutch and left with a scrumptious custard tart and toffee cupcake for dessert. What little gems, we can find if we just explore unexpected places on a Friday Night in Cape Town.

The Book stall

El Burro

2011-08-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

It's all making sense to me now. El Burro means 'the donkey', hence the horse-like mask hanging on the wall as you enter the restaurant on Somerset Road, make your way up the stairs and enter this bustling Mexican restaurant.

I guess it's quite an arduous task for any restaurant to replace Buena Vista ( who've moved across the road), but this place did manage to maintain the liveliness and musical vigour synonymous with it's previous tenant. Warm lighting, waitresses whizzing around with their orders, and patrons laughing over ensuladas are scattered throughout this evening scene.

Despite the blinds being pulled down to keep out the night air , the icy chill crept beneath it, ensuring that all at our table on the far right-hand side had to cover their legs with the blankets provided. The fairly lights trailing down the wall, in between the hanging pot plants, constantly caught my eye and somehow made me feel warmer.

All was well until I scanned the menu repeatedly only to find they didn't serve nachos. It was a sin. The equivalent would be an Italian restaurant not serving pasta. But I lifted my bottom lip off of the floor and found solace in very hot chilly poppers for starters and mushroom quesadillas with a side-order of chicken.

Thank goodness I ordered a Moijito and not a Margarita jug. Not doubt when the bill arrived, I too may have asked if R180 included the actual jug and an additional pot plant, just as my shocked friend so kindly enquired from our waitress.

But because I hadn't ordered the expensive jug, I ended up enjoying the evening and the place. But I don't think I will return there in Winter, broke or with a nachos craving ever again.

The Secret Garden

2011-08-19T04:27:00.000-07:00

Secret Garden discovered. Photography: Vaughan McShane

It's not often that you step into a unknown world so close to home. An open space of bright green, streams rolling beside big, old trees and bridges over soothing-sounding waterfalls. I recall playing here with friends when I was younger and still had sleepovers, played hide and seek and explored as if pioneering a discovery expedition. That seemed like such a long time ago, but it all came back to me as I hopped off the scooter, left the tarmac and ventured onto the gravel path of the Alphen trail.

After passing walkers with their dogs, children, prams and conversation, I felt as though I had disappeared into another world. A world with secret moss-covered gates beckoning you to leave the beaten trail, new fern shoots amongst the wooden logs, lilies growing wildly and freely beside the river and horses munching hay on the other side of the wire fence.

Two swings made of rope hung from a tree's top branch over the river. I wondered how that Dad had braved the climb to fasten it there. The swings hung in lonely fashion, perhaps in wait of summer when kids and others dare to swing on it, land in the shallow water below and dry off in the sun.

Winding river. Photography: Vaughan McShane

Photography: Vaughan McShane

Spring on the way. Photography: Vaughan McShane

We stood admiring the shape the river took. At times, it formed a perfect S and further down it was almost fully obscured by the foliage. Out of nowhere, a thick pipe ran across the river. Being the risk-averse person I tend to be, I stood and watched as Vaughan tested his balance walking across the slippery pipe. The shadow of a giant tree fell on the grass in the shape of a wide mushroom.

It still amazes that in the heart of the city, so close to my home, I can wander off along my own 'yellow brick road', where the only sounds you'll hear are those of gentle waterfalls, birds ushering in the Spring, wind rustling through the trees and your feet crunching the carpet of leaves.

Trailing through the Greenbelt. Photography: Vaughan McShane

Monkey Valley Beach Resort

2011-08-14T03:36:00.000-07:00

If there ever was an ideal restaurant for Cape Town's unpredictable rainy or sunny weather, it would be Thorfynns at Monkey Valley Beach Resort. Having celebrated my birthday there, my boyfriends and numerous dinners, it is a venue that you can never get bored of. Reason being, it's log cabin frame is perched all the way on the hillside overlooking 8km of Noordhoek beach in amongst clusters of milkwood trees. Eventhough it's considered to be Cape Town, it feels as though you are miles away from any city.

When its too cold to be outdoors or a tad too dark, I've booked tables beside the fire. With low ceilings, wooden tables and flickering candles, it makes for a wonderful intimate dinner with the incredible view still on offer through the window.

But as soon as the sun shines, you wouldn't want to be anywhere else but out on the deck, lounging with your drinks beneath the garden umbrellas. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon, having boooked tables for around 30 people. The winter sun was still shining and the wooden tables were coverd in white tables cloths and decorated with bright yellow blossoms in glass vases. You would expect a venue like this to be quite pricey, but their colourful pizza menu is kind on your wallet and really top-notch. If you buy the Long Beach pizza with bacon, avocado, feta cheese, mushrooms, red peppers and garlic (R65) you will not be sorry despite the wait. In fact, you will thank me profusely.

The menu does not stop with pizza but makes room for tasty sounding Madgascar green-peppered fillet, vegetable gratin, trio of grilled karoo lamb loin chops, seafood platters and more. Monkey Valley has all kinds of other activities available outside of the restaurant. You can go hiking, mountain biking, horse-riding on the beach, hold business conferences, volleyball on the beach and even enjoy canapes and drinks in a nearby cave. It boasts log and thatch cottages scattered in between the milkwoods, making for a great weekend away and make for a ideal wedding venue too. Kids are more than welcome here as once you walk down towards the beach from the deck, there's a solid jungle gym and swings for them to relish.

Aside from the forest of milkwood trees, the deck overlooking the beach and waves, the scrumptious food and cocktails available and 'out of city' feel, I would have to admit that my favourite part of this place is the gorgeous sunset come the end of the day. The sky is set alight in fiery hues beside the mountain and above the blue and you happen to be at the best place to view it.

For more information visit http://www.monkeyvalleyresort.com/

Cango Caves, the chimney and snowy Oudtshoorn.

2011-07-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

My hands were clammy, my knees were shaking and I felt like I would soon break into a sweat. It was dark all around us, except for a small light showcasing the surrounding stalagmites and other limestone rock formations. The guide was shining a flashlight up a tiny hole winding upwards into the abyss telling us about a huge lady who was four months pregnant and got stuck in this ‘chimney’. I took a huge gulp and tried to block the image of terror and panic I may experience if I was the one to be trapped in the tunnel and cause the entire group to have to wait for 11 hours before the rescue team freed me with baby oil and climbing equipment. I tried to reassure myself and calm my nerves with the fact that I was shorter and smaller than most parents and older adults in our group other than the little children and my lean brother. The guide mumbled something about right shoulder first, then right, left and right foot again whilst hoisting your body upward to avoid the horrific scenario. What if I forgot the correct stepping? My body suddenly got hotter and I mentioned to the Austrian named Barbara and my brother that I would first peer up the hole before attempting it and there may be a massive chance that I stay behind with the Chinese granny and claustrophobic woman.
We were on the Adventure tour of the famous Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn which has been declared a world heritage site where all tourists are forbidden to eat, drink, smoke and according to our guide,kiss within these walls. The first leg of the Adventure tour went along the same path as the standard tour- through the chamber, past the organ and Cleopatra’s finger and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The first man to discover these caves carried a single candle. Once all lights were switched off, we stood in total darkness with a one light to demonstrate the dim light of the pioneering candle. The man obviously had no fear, I couldn’t see anything.

At about a third of the way is where the standard tour ended, but for us thrill seekers, there was way more in store for us- all 2.4km in total. Outside it was freezing and the nearby mountain peaks were covered in snow, but inside the caves it was muggy and quite warm. I soon had to remove my thick jacket, tie layer number two around my waist and lift my sleeves up to my elbows. Note to prospective visitors: do not wear new leather boots with slippery bottoms that you don’t wish to see dirty in their young life or any white clothing. You will need to develop tiger like grip along the wet limestone and when there are multiple things to worry about like hitting your head, bruising your knees if you slip or getting stuck, this is an added stress. I wish I had worn walking shoes. Next was the Love Tunnel dubbed due to it ‘squeezing you from all sides’ where the only way forward is sideways.

But when it comes down to it and little children and teenagers begin clambering up the evil chimney before you with a queue of eager people at your heels, there’s no way you can chicken out. I send my brother ahead of me, handed my Nikon over to the guide as I didn’t want to crush it whilst crawling up the 90cm diameter chimney. The Chinese grandma takes one look up and shakes her head. My brother boldly makes his way into the darkness. It was now or never. I look up and see light. That already makes me happier, but doesn’t stop my heart racing. I remember “right shoulder first”- crap, there are so many footholds, which one first? I shout up at my brother and I get a few answers from him and the guide. I can see his feet above me and make sure my shoulders never touch the sides. My feet are slipping and now it’s time to push my whole body up. I clutch at anything and hoist myself upward. I already just wanted it to be over and thankfully he was waiting at the top in case I needed rescuing. I breathed a massive sigh of relief whilst sweating like a criminal on the run. I was pleased as punch when the guide said we wouldn’t need to squeeze back down there.

But it was not over yet; the last challenge of the tour was yet to come. The letterbox: a 5 metre crawl with 60cm roof to floor clearance. It was all going well until I could see the person in front of me disappearing through a slither in the rock. Was I meant to get through there? I was already crawling like a serpent on my belly and praying my pants would stop sliding down. The guide was already waiting with my camera to get me in this gruelling position. I smiled and encouraged him to take the photo. What next? I proclaimed in desperation. He wasn’t offering any help and smiling back at me. Surely I was not meant to slide down hands first over this downward hill? I would end up toothless and bruised or lose my pants along the way and flash all behind me. He said I would be fine so I slid down at snail’s pace to ensure I remain unscathed.

Of course this was just the one way journey, we had to go all the way back this way (avoiding the chimney). In hindsight it didn’t seem all that bad, but I was still really proud of myself and happy to be alive and not stuck in the Cango Caves.

'The love tunnel'

The 'letterbox'

Tiny tunnels

Steep stairways

Snowy mountains

Butter cupcakes, Coca Cola Art and the Cloudy Karoo

2011-07-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Whilst driving towards into town from Calitzdorp Spa in the Karoo, I sent an sms and when I looked up, we had reached the end of it. We had had our fill of hot springs and hiking at the resort and wanting to explore what Calitzdorp was all about, but had missed it in a blink of an eye. Luckily we doubled back and turned left at a sign reading ‘Port and Wine Farm’ to see what treasures we could find. Once of the beaten track of route 62, white roses lined the old roads besides the vineyard and pretty, little houses with empty porches passed us by.

I suggested we stop at this interesting looking coffee shop on the corner. It wasn’t so much the sign advertising ‘ home baked cakes and cappuccinos’ or the painting on the porch saying we could get massages and pedicures, but the exquisite paintings hanging all around resembling Coke’s original ads that beckoned me inside Die Handelshuis ( The General dealer).

It was like stepping into a room of old world brilliance. There was so much for the eye to take in, preserves of chilly sauce, jams and espresso beans were stacked up against the walls in shelves, more old Coca Cola paintings with pale, beautiful women decorated the walls. Some were sipping on Coke, others pouted their red lips and another fell off her ice-skates. Through a red, transparent curtain, an antique cupboard housed all the spa’s products. A bronze grammar phone stood to one side. A police sign, old traffic lights and a tin Five Roses tea sign were mounted on the walls around a pool table signalling ‘not for public play’.

And that was before I had taken a bite of my chocolate cup cake with butter icing. It was utterly mouth-watering and perfect in everyway and even had those silver balls that mommies use to decorate cupcakes for their kids. My cappuccino complemented it superbly and I slipped into a trance as the hospitable owner, Tracy came over to chat to us. She shared her wealth of knowledge of Calitzdorp with us while we merrily munched away. It took her and her husband two years to restore this place to its former glory after it was deserted for 10 years after serving as the general dealer selling everything from clothing to cement. The tiny church I had just taken a photo of, was St. Mark’s church originally one of the smallest churches in the world seating all of 10 people. I wondered what use that would’ve been, as that was probably just big enough for the local priest and his family to fit in.

She highlighted just how serious the recent bird flu epidemic was for this little town. Hundreds of ostriches were culled and burned on farms in the area leaving farmers with no way to keep all the staff. Ostriches that had been trained for years to take tourists on rides were wiped out, affecting that sector of tourism too. The repercussions for a place this small was huge and she said it would take about 5 years to recover from it all.

She told us about their partnership with the artist who owned the gallery next door, Marinda Combrink, and how this coffee shop was used as a exhibition hub for her paintings. One of those Coca Cola modelled on the originals could set you back R4500. I mentally added it to my list of things to get for my future house one day. I bought a bag of dark roast espresso before leaving and it turns out her sister makes this coffee in Johannesburg. My Dad promised to bring some of his American tour groups to her shop when they passed, she smiled for a photo with her husband behind the counter and we left high on sugar and ready for a drive.

This coffee shop actually marks the original Main road that comes alive during the Calitzdorp Port wine festival. After the small church we saw ‘ Die Langhuis’ were the first postal agency was housed and Katz’s shop which is one of the oldest buildings in Queen street. The Karoo Life Bed & Breakfast and Restaurant was home to the town’s wagon builder and blacksmith until cars were invented and he was put out of business. Many of the other houses along this road had charming Cape Dutch gables and were either Karoo Victorian or Neoclassical in style where butchers, auctioneers and attorneys once lived.

And to think we would have missed this wonderful experience had we just driven on by.

Owners Tracy and Peter Farrell

Raindrops in the Karoo

2011-07-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

I didn’t imagine that wading in a hot outdoor pool ( as hot as a bath) could get any better until it started to rain. My entire body was relaxed and warm and rain drops gently hit my face, nose and head and added some much-needed coolness. As welcoming as the water is on a winter’s day in the Karoo, there’s only so long that you can fully submerge your entire body beneath it. You become sleepy, lethargic and begin to overheat, so all it takes is for you to breach half your body and allow the cool breeze to stabilize your body temperature to avoid passing out. And this is precisely why there is no better place to be whilst it’s raining than in hot water. I leaned over the pool’s edge and rested my head on my arms, closed my eyes and enjoyed the rain’s light touch.

But long before the rain came, my brother and I were making breakfast for my parents. We had a lazy, late morning. As soon as we had eaten, the four of us put our walking shoes on and headed towards the hiking path in the mountains behind us. At the foot of the mountain, Calitzdorp Spa’s mountain cottages overlooked a body of water below. Orange blooming aloes lined the path and we chose the easier of the two: Skilpad.

It was a light, lovely walk that took us on curved path around the mountain. Thorny trees, succulents, aloes and green bushed covered the mountainside.

Looking down over the valley, were farmlands and open land for ages. My dad proudly clutched his stick which he used when hiking and my mother somehow spotted many springbok high up on the mountain, they were nearly completely camouflaged whilst grazing amongst the rocks and bushveld. At the end of the path, above the farmhouse, stood a male ostrich pacing up and down along the fence in an effort to protect the female. Across the barbed wire fence, many more brown ostriches stood in contrast against the blue and cloudy sky.

Once down and back at the resort, we read our magazines and sat in the hot sun before going in search of scones and tea in the town. The distance it takes to get from the spa to the main road of Calitzdorp is supposedly the same as going from my house to Cape Town International airport ( about 20 km). I sent an sms and when I looked up, we had reached the other side of the town. We had to double back and turned left to explore more of the town’s treasures such a the Port and wine farms. White roses lined the roads besides the vineyard and pretty, old houses with empty porches passed us by. This small town left me utterly peaceful.

The hike begins

Aloes

Calitzdorp Spa

The Karoo clouds I love

Tagged Ostrich

Springbok

Chapman's Peak on a scooter

2011-07-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

At 9am this morning, who would’ve thought that today would be a crazy day. Whilst sipping my espresso, I couldn’t possibly have guessed that as I proceeded to lug my new laptop ( to replace the stolen one) with free printer to the car, that I would trip on uneven ground and sprain my ankle ( or worse). Even though I’m not new to an ankle injury, the excruciating pain took my breath away…and my ability to walk or think. I was alone and had no other option but to call my cousin to my rescue whilst my boyfriend was out paddling in False Bay. My parents were not an option yet as my mom would’ve been way too dramatic and found some way to make it all my fault.

Did I mention that it was the most gorgeous day since the start of Winter. It was a sin to stay in indoors laying with my foot propped up and iced with a vegetable pack to curb further swelling of the golf ball that was now my ankle.

So the ever-cautious me decided to do the unthinkable, defy my mother’s warnings and take a drive out on the scooter along Chapman’s Peak. Ok so the day’s craziness factor was ever increasing, because there I was swollen ankle scooting around Cape Town in the sun. We stopped at Hout Bay beach where the city had come out to play. One day of sunshine and Cape Town comes out of hibernation good and well. All around us there were dogs running playfully, people in swimsuits under umbrellas, smokers on the balconies at Dunes Restaurant, bikers stopping off, children coming out of the water and boats circling the harbour with happy people. Crippled me saw in the sidelines of the sand whilst my boyfriend got us some coffee. All at once I could feel Summer again, almost as if it had never disappeared only to leave its depressing counterpart, Winter, behind.

We motored off up along Chapman’s Peak with its 32 bends, rocky cliffs, picnic spots and spectacular lookout points. I have driven along this road so many times, but on a scooter it was even more breathtaking. The trees, the glassy ocean, and the breeze all seemed so much closer and I was way more absorbed in it all. At the Main lookout point we stopped and peered out over the Sentinel and Hout Bay. It was so still. Ships cruised around below us, little yachts drifted by, but we heard sweet nothing. Emergency vehicles blocked the narrow road and cars lined the edge of the road. Bystanders stood together peeking down over the edge of the rocky ledge and down in the steep Cliffside. A helicopter hovered over the dark ocean, whilst the Coast Guard stayed close in a jet ski and boat. They seemed to be looking for someone. We walked closer and get a better look at the scene below, well I hobbled. Then we saw it. A smashed car on the rocks. The only possible way for it to get down there was all 400 m down off this cliff.

We watched as the helicopter airlifted the survivor to safety and the ambulance whizzed him to the nearest hospital. Sadly a shark spotter had seen the victim park near the edge, look out over the sea, then drive off the mountainside at will. A terrifying suicide attempt if I’d ever heard of one. I tried to imagined what went through his mind as the car tumbled down the hill and when he realised he was still alive. I guess I’ll never know, but I hope he awakes a grateful man and recognises the incredible beauty we get to experience each day. Even the little things and there are so many when we open our eyes.

What a Sunday and who would’ve thought?

He lives to see another day.

Beautiful day in Cape Town

Family road trip to Calitzdorp

2011-07-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

I had never heard of Calitzdorp before my parents declared we are going on a Winter family holiday to this little dorp in the Klein Karoo. I had accumulated three days of leave credit from working on weekends, so I was quite excited at the thought of road tripping inland whilst Cape Town is so cold and miserable. Plus when the folks mentioned “hot baths”, I began mentally packing my bags.

We set out on our road trip on Sunday morning and once through the Huguenot tunnel, we plunged into a land of gorged mountains, icy springs trailing down into streams and acres of farmlands and green. There wasn’t any coastline, but this was a different beauty all together. Little farm houses with colourful washing hanging up whizzed by alongside dams, fruit orchards and clouds lingering low against the mountains.

Once outside of Swellendam, the R324 morphs into the Tradouw Pass as we made our way further into the countryside towards Barrydale. The road hugs the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains where youngberries are grown and exported once handpicked in Summer. We pass the town of Suurbraak ( the Sour Fallow Land) with a population of 3000 people. This Tradouw pass is said to follow ancient San and Khoikhoi paths and the Attaqua Khoi lived in the Suurbraak area. Tradouw in Khoi language means ‘Women’s Pass’ and was void of the all the beautiful spring blossoms.

We were officially in the Klein (Little) Karoo, where for centuries the nomadic San and Khoikhoi people lived in the valleys and up in the hills. It was said that the first white man entered this area in 1689. The Karoo gets extremely hot and very cold at night, means ‘Thirstland’ in Khoi and where Khoi chewed the leaves of the indigenous Kanna shrub as they are said to contain a narcotic mesembrine which has tranquilising qualities.

At Route 62 we reached Barrydale, a place that brings back all kinds of scary memories. Years ago when I had a brief stint teaching Latin American and Ballroom dancing, we were asked to teach and dance at an old person’s party in a hall in Barrydale. All the guests that did arrive were scary drunk and slumped on us as we attempted to tango across the floor. And we had no chance to sleep because our boisterous hosts continued to drink until the sun rose. But this time was different, my experience of Barrydale found new life in a chicken and mushroom pot pie served at the Country Pumpkin restaurant.

We zoomed off, passed the famous Ronnie’s Sex shop which turns out to actually be a restaurant and pub. Perhaps a letdown for some hopefuls, this shop’s name came about after the owner’s friends pranked him and added the latter part of the name to his wall whilst he was away. Turns out everyone keeps returning and curiosity is constantly aroused in passing motorists. We pass Warmwaterberg Springs ( warm water mountain springs) which are said to be a little radio active and rich in iron, surely this cannot be good and I hope our Calitzdorp springs are not active in anyway other than bubbling warmth. Next is Ladysmith, Amalienstein and the Seven Weeks Poort Pass through the Swartberg Mountain which continually crosses many riverbeds and is always flooding after heavy rains.

The last two passed before our turnoff are the Huisrivier Pass two and one which crosses over the Gamka River ( Lion River) and Nels river and there are more vast farmlands to be seen in between the looming mountains.

It takes us only a few hours to realise that the hot water is where we want to be. Rich in iron and manganese, there is not talk of radio-activity. Even though the mineral rich hot spring is about 50 degrees Celsius at the source, it felt about 30 degrees as I slid into the outdoor pool and out of the cold. Before retreating for the night, I heard strange sounds like the sound of a pig or warthog in the darkness. When my eyes adjusted , turns out it was a group of springboks moving quite quickly behind the chalets. Hope they’ll still be around in the morning for me to see more clearly.

My first scooter ride

2011-07-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

Excalibur

It has been about 8 years since I last got on a scooter. The reason for my two-wheeled absence was largely motivated by the fact that I was involved in a crash. My friend Tyra and I were still in school and were merrily moving along until we hit the back of a car, quite hard, as the toss-pot hadn't indicated his intention to stop abruptly in front of us and turn immediately to the left. I flew off the bike onto the opposite side of the road ( luckily it was a quiet Sunday with no oncoming traffic) and my coccyx was bruised and hurting. Needless to say I never got on a motorised bike ever again and remained traumatized ( even in a car) when the driver stopped too closely to the car in front.

When your better half decides that a scooter is his chosen form of transport, this can only mean one thing: You need to get over your fear issues and embrace the scooter or get left behind. So on the day he brought the red Big Boy home, he had already named it and I saw love in his eyes as he took it down his road for the first time. When it was my turn, I was not as keen. But it was a cul de sac with no cars to knock us over and surely we cant go that fast in a short road could we? So I hopped on and went for a spin. I held on for dear life and shrieked for him to slow down, little did I know we never went past 40 km per hour.

And it was fun, until the evil dog down the road charged us and ran out the gate barking viciously. There only way we could get past him again without perishing was to hurl rocks towards him until her retreated into his garden.

Today I was forced to go out into the big, bad world of cars and trucks and rainy weather on the scooter. It took quite a bit of coercing, because I know how Cape Town drivers are and I value my life. But it turns out, aside from my frozen kneecaps and resisting the urge to close my eyes each time we turned a corner, it was fine, dare I say exciting. In Summer, this scooter is going to rock. It will guarantee us quick passage through traffic to the beach and parking nearby and best of all it will be cooling in the midday heat. Summer scootering, I can't wait- so watch this space, it will be another 4 months or so.

Need for speed

Polar Bear Swim June 2011

2011-07-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

As the name suggests this is a swim that involved jumping into extremely cold water in the middle of South Africa's winter. Do not for a second get confused- I was not one of the crazy people to actually place even a single limb into Clifton beach's icy water, but there were many who did and I was there to observe it all and take photos.

In the heart of summer, when the the heat is scorching and I have no other option but to cool off in the Atlantic ocean, I will do so. My ankles numb after less than 3 minutes, but the swim is nevertheless refreshing only because I know once I step out the sun will dry me very quickly. On this Saturday morning, this was not the case. Luckily it was not raining, but I was in a warm jacket with a scarf and beanie whilst many surrounding me were either in speedos ( scary on so many levels), full-piece costumes and bikinis. Many people usually refuse to go onto beach in their pale, unsunned state for fear of blinding others with the glare of their translucence. This was not the case now and I'm proud to say that everyone took off their kit without a worry that everyone was looking at their winter skin.

To be totally honest I'm not sure why this event happens, I know it's partly to do with welcoming the winter Solstice. I say fly a flag, roast marshmellows and watch the moon, but swim in icy water, um not thanks. When the time came to get semi-naked and run towards the waves, some participants knocked back some sherry, posed for numerous photographs and waiting in a line before the signal.

They all started running ' baywatch' fashion into the water, but soon slowed down tremendously by the shock of the water's temperature. Somebody would've had to pay me to do this and it would've had to have been a substantial amount. Some came out very soon after wading in up until their knees, whilst others went full tilt and swam out until a rock far away. My boyfriend and friends cleverly kept moving with a ball as entertainment and swam around for the full 30 minutes.

It took them another 30 minutes to actually heat up once they were out. Scarves, gloves and beanies were put on, coffee placed in hands and more sherry was knocked back to encourage heat back into their bodies. I was oh so content and warm behind my camera lens sipping some coffee from the beach. Who knows, maybe next year I'll be adventurous and insane and try it out. Or not.

The brave and crazy

curiosity

Heating up with Sherry

Exhiliration

The conquerors who survived for 30 minutes

Joyful cold siblings

How to mourn the loss of years of travel photography

2011-06-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

My cousin's wedding in Sydney, nearly two years of living in Seoul, my first overseas journey to South America, dancing in Germany, snorkeling in Thailand, Christmases, my 21st Birthday, family camping trips, first vacations along the coast of Jbay with my boyfriend, performing arts outreach in Hawaii and Europe, the garden of Gethsemane and so much more. These are but a fraction of the precious albums of photography I've lost to theft. Not just photographs, but memories and snapshots of a time and place I never return to.

I live in South Africa so crime is no surprise. My house has been robbed before and way more things were stolen and our privacy invaded. But this time they stole my laptop and hard drive ( still plugged into my laptop). Not clever on my part to attach the backup to the laptop, but I didn't think that at 1pm on a Wednesday my front door would be kicked down and my digital 'life' stolen. I would've preferred that they (scum of the earth) had stolen anything and everything else in my room and left my photos. The thought that year and years of wonderful pics will be erased and serve only to secure one fix of drugs kills me and left me in bed with an emotional breakdown and my brother having to watch Gossip Girl with me to demonstrate just how messed up other people's ( even if they're just actors) lives are.

Since then, I've had thoughts ranging from sadness, frustration, anger and bitterness. I've entertained thoughts of taking up kung-fu training, purchasing a weapon of some sort and leaving everything to travel again and capture more memories. But this of course would all prove futile, I will never get those photos back but I'll always have the memories ( until old age kicks in).

All there is to do is carry on living each day to the fullest and enjoying the wonderful moments life has to offer. Yes, there is alot of crime, crap and people will continue to steal, but there are so many more people really trying to make a difference and doing things to uplift the lives of others. So that's what I shall focus on, that and the fact that I'll backup, backup, backup and hide the devices in multiple locations. The people I love most were not home or harmed and for that I will be eternally grateful.

A weekend escape in Jacobsbaai

2011-06-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

I finally found a place where I'd be quite content to wash dishes. Alot of dishes. I had to travel two hours outside of Cape Town to find it, but there opposite the sea, with a window overlooking the fynbos and beach at the end of the little pathway in Gonnemanskraal reserve, I washed happily, with not a care in the world and hardly ever took my eyes off the sunshiny waves.

There is such bliss in getting away from it all: TV, people, my car, traffic and even my house. Once we reached Jacobsbaai past Langebaan, there wasn't another soul to be seen. Just a line of fishing boats strung to the shore of the bay, chestnut brown cows behind the fence and orange aloe blooms growing beside white-washed holiday houses. We passed a small abalone factory, stopped to unlock the gate and drove along the gravel road, past the stony wall and to our home for the weekend where a scarecrow welcomed us.

It was icy but the gas fireplace in the lounge solved that situation very nicely. When all you have are good friends and boardgames for entertainment, things are bound to get exciting and somewhat tense. 30 seconds has the ability to thrill and frustrate in the same breath. In our game amongst four people, ugg boats were flung (softly), losing teammates fell to the floor and some even left the building. The pressure mounts and it's all fun and games until someone loses. That however, was never me!

Where else can you wake up to the sound of the waves, see the sun peaking out slightly from behind the grey clouds and decide to run to the beach for a walk in your pjs? We spotted an elderly couple and one other lady walking her dogs across the wet sand. One of her dogs became totally absorbed by a large piece of kelp. No amount of prompting could bring him back to her. He twirled it around in the sand and even threw it high above him. Seagulls stood in a row, eagerly anticipating the water to lick at their feet. They were wild West Coast birds and quickly made a point to fly away from us if we came too close.

We would probably never have left, had we not needed salad, garlic rolls and more braai supplies. The Wes Kus mall is the biggest around for miles, we passed a giant rock with Jesus written on the side in red. The last place I wanted to be was a mall, but we grabbed the items and cruised back past pitch black cows this time, an old deserted farm house and past the old boat with soil and aloes in it.

Before the the fire was lit and the braai got going, I lazed on the couch reading my book based in Istanbul, napped late afternoon and awoke to a hazy, beautiful sunset. My boyfriend was relishing his second surf of the day and the others had taken the cameras and run down to the beach. I could've watched the sunset from the patio, but it was so enticing, I had to get closer. The orange rays tinted the foamy water and the dark clouds only served to make it all more dramatic. As he caught his last waves of the day, I stood atop the rocks and wondered what it is about a sunset that has the ability to make you ponder, be filled with glee and send warm chills through your body. Seaweed washed up close to my shoes and looked for one last time at the round ball hovering on the horizon. If the water was about 10 degrees warmer, I'd also enjoy the outdoor shower post-surf.

When the sausage, lamb chops and steak were done sizzling on the fire, we ate it all up and stood in thick jackets around the fire with marshmellows on the end of our sticks. This is a sure sign, that I was 'away'. More games ensued inlcuding UNO, the night came to a relaxing end and I nearly nearly got stuck in the bathroom. It would've all ended differently if I was forced to exist througha tiny window up above the bath.

The Sunday was incredibly sunny ( of course) and whilst it was the others turn to make breakfast, Vaughan and I climbed up along the dewy wall ( with much persuasion and assistance) and lay on the roof. Aside from the wind, it was warm and we lay for ages beneath the big blue, with the smell of bacon wafting up from the kitchen.

After strong coffee and a killer breakfast, it was time to take the old landrover out for spin ( or slow drive) along the 4x4 trails beyond the fence. It was even more deserted here than in gonnemanskraal. We passed a fee stop signs before hitting the off-roads that led us through narrow, sandy trails, past a small beach and through the bushveld. I can't really choose which part was more exhilirating-riding the landrover or standing on the back of it as we were flung over bumps and hills. Jacobsbaai; the place that made me fall in love with the rustic, simplicity of the West Coast.

Off-roading in Jacobsbaai

2011-06-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons why people are lured towards veering from the beaten track. It's got alot to do with the unknown, the mysterious thrill and a certain level of danger and risk involved. Choosing a old , two door landrover with an open back ensures that even if you nearly take out a tree whilst on that track, you're bound to have mad amounts of fun and still come out the other side alive.

It wasn't long after I'd hopped on the back of the landrover, that I knew this was going to be a crazy ride. For one, I had to balance my camera, hold on tightly for my life and lift my bum up off the seat with each bump in the gravel road if I wanted to leave without bruising. Four of us had come up to Jacobsbaai for the weekend and were staying in a reserve called Gonnesmanskraal. Once we had passed the gate, a little bay with colourful, fishing boats moored with rope and an abalone factory, we were gunning down the quiet road. I was thankful for my thick jacket, woolley headband and scarf because eventhough this beast was no speed queen, the chilly, Atlantic wind hit my face at full force and cut through the layers of winter clothing.

The light blue sky was strewn with white, picturesque cloud formations and I couldn't take my eyes of it as we drove past the last of the holiday houses and left the tarred roads behind. The soundtrack from Grease was pumping through the window faintly and the wind made me eyes tear. I felt like a happy dog hanging out the window of a car with its ears flopping, tougue wagging and shiny eyes. I was gleefully taking it all in and felt totally carefree. Other than the couple of times, I was nearly flung from the vehicle upon hitting rocks, driving through holes or eating leaves from trees on eitherside of the narrow lane. Standing up behind the spare wheel and holding onto the bakkie's roof, I was utterly freezing and oh so exilirated.

If only my little car could do this. This was another beast all together. Best of all, there was noone else around. As far as my eyes could see, there was just West Coast fynbos and bush, our gravel path and some scattered fencing. That soon disppeared too and instead we found a deserted beach. We jumped out and ran across the dark, damp sand. It seemed like the tide had gone out, as little shells were embedded all over this beach. The boys chased each other back to the landie and us girls walked up the boulders and onto the sand dunes to look out over the bay with a fierce swell coming in at it's entrance on the far right. These seagulls were the real deal. Not the tame ones by the sea in Cape Town, but majestic, bigger birds who didn't allow you too near and glided over the water serenely.

I wondered what it would be like to be the discoverer of a new place. I wasn't going to find out today, as evidence of human life was found in the form of a child's flip flop almost concealed in the sand. Next it was my turn to drive. This 4x4 did what I always imagined every car could or should do. I took to sandy hills like an experienced mountain climber and navigated rocky potholes with ease ( well, perhaps not for the people on the back). It was like driving a truck. Each gear was so far apart and I felt like I had to dig my foot into the breaks, before the car actually slowed down.

And this is precisely why I gave over the wheel at the right time. Because once I became a passenger, the path got rough and seriously hardcore. We had to reverse our way out of dead ends, squeeze through the narrowest of lanes with big trees and bushes on either side and 4-wheel drive up some knarly hills. By the time we returned to actual road, there were remainders of trees inside the truck. But we were all reassured by the last driver that any scratches could be "buffed out". One thing I know for sure, is that I can't wait to off-road again and my future jeep or landrover will have to keep up.

Day of hazard in the big city.

2011-06-07T05:59:00.000-07:00

It's one of those days. When the universe, roads, bridges and even elevators conspire to kick you in the ass and laugh out loud.

I get the fact that where more than 50 humans set up camp, there's bound to be traffic. Cape Town is one of those cities where the first pioneers of industry and business decided that, for convenience sake, they would place all buildings in a cluster on one side of town. But as the town expands to form a cosmopolitan, bustling city of 4.5 million, how convenient is it to continue building EVERYTHING on one side of the city forcing everyone to commute to one spot of land miles away from their homes. Every single day of our breathing lives we spend valuable hours ( about 2 in my case) getting to and from this mass of buildings.

Traffic is not something I would wish upon anyone. It's soul-destroying, sets the dark tone for the beginning of your day and prompts everyone to drive like idiots.

And this is precisely how my day began. All 40 minutes of bumper-to-bumper traffic with women in big 4x4's insisting they stop on my tail whilst on a hill ( They must trust full-well that I won't roll) and men in BMWs who believe their car determines their automatic right of passage on the roads. It's enough to make you muster a whole lot of ugliness under your breath or shout aloud in your car. And this is all before you start your day in the office.

I saw my chance to escape the office at lunchtime and head to the V&A Waterfront for a breather and time to decompress. No sooner had I hit the road, that the actual road to the waterfront from my work was blocked off due to it 'collapsing'. This left me with no choice but to park on the Clock Tower side. The elevator in this parking lot was broken and me, the pleb in heels, had to scale the length of the parking just to find a way out into the light. A lady with the same predicament muttered "I bet you the bridge will be broken too."

And what do you know? Bob's your uncle and the broken bridge is undergoing maintenance. In order to get to the actual Waterfront, we now have to take a ferry ride over. Not so bad really, seen as I'll get an impromptu boat trip on my lunch break. Now the woman ( who doesn't even work) is letting rip about everything happening in 3's and her awful luck.

I blink my eyes and I've arrived on the other side. Half of my lunch break has already been consumed, but I trudge on, heels slipping through the wooden planks of the jetty. I should've cut my losses and headed back at this point, but I didn't want it all to be in vain. I can honestly say that the only thing that brought me joy was the sight of rings, a vida coffee and pretty things. Never mind the fact that I had the stomach cramps of a demon and forgot to get painkillers. The mighty pain in the balls of my feet from unplanned, long-distance walking in heels was the only deterrent to my walking all the way back to get some.

I had to repeat this entire journey just to get back to my car and return to my desk. ?I don't think I've been happier to see my desk. I really would like to laugh at it all and say "what a joke?" but it's just not that kind of a day.

What have I learnt? That perhaps I should move to a warm, small island with only a few buildings, no cars ( and therefore no parking lots and broken elevators), no traffic, only bicycles and a few stores. My bit of wishful thinking on this Day of Hazard.

Beach Bum

2011-05-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

When I realised that 80% of my photography took place on a beach or beside the ocean, I made a note to myself to shoot other objects and locations. There are many beautiful forces of nature other than the ocean that constantly change, have a surreal mood-altering ability and draw you ever closer, right?

Well my intentions were good, but only until I spent part of the afternoon on a beach for WORK. Yes, I was paid to be on a beach. Interviewing an awesome kite-surfer who initiated a beach cleanup to save the beach and environment, no less. Had I brought a wetsuit along and didn't need to return to the office thereafter, I would've SUP'ed ( Stand up paddle board) along with the videographer and featured inspirational Capetonian.

So while the shooting continues in the waves( sadly there was no wind for kite-surfing). I merrily watched on, supervised and shot more pics...of the beach.

This is why I was there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kteEgqw5mI0

Memoirs of a backup dancer on the Blue Train

2011-05-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

So it's a sunday afternoon in Cape Town and you've been asked to don shabby chick for a music video shot aboard the blue train. There is a number of things you could be concerned about, 1 being: what exactly does shabby chick look like? or how will us two backup dancers proceed to maneouver, let alone perform a choreographed dance routine in the narrowest space available? But there was just too excitement to be bothered with details and if you've been dancing for the better part of your life, you realise that no matter the circumstances, size of the stage or number of other variables, the show must go on. Or the train will leave the station without you.

Some observations, thoughts and notes on dancing in a train music video.

- If you suffer from claustrophia, this is not a venture you should undertake lightly. The tiny passageway is narrow, you cannot move anywhere without brushing shoulders or more with anyone who walks past you. And many of the windows just seem to be there for show and can't really open widely or at all.

- If you are not the lead singer, do not bring stuff. Big tog bags with your varieties of costumes for in-case scenarios and heavy boots cannot fit inside the carriage. The single room on the carriage can hardly hold your handbag let alone each extra's wardobe.

- Do not at any stage part with your camera. Even if you're caught off guard whilst applying make-up and get rushed inside by the director and told to find your place. Don't get nervous, just breathe and remember you're not in high school anymore; cellphones and cameras can come with you ( as long as they're out of the shot!) Next thing you know, your head is hanging out the train and there are beautiful shots waiting to be captured of Table Moutain and your Nikon has been packed away in an adjoining carriage with the rest of the bagguage and you can't squeeze past the crew shooting in the tiny room.

- Get clued up on interesting topics from around the world and within your city. Come the 1000th take of you having to pretend to chatter and mingle at a party and you may be clutching at anything for fresh conversation( unless you're lucky and get positioned beside a friend and not a random).

- You may want to take it easy with the champagne you're sipping on set. For continuity and authenticity, the barmen has to come around constantly to refill drinks for each take. The more you sip, the quicker he'll top you up, the wobblier you'll be as the train begins to move. That and the fact that there are no toilets in the carriage and it could be lengthy wait for the return.

- Lastly, don't underestimate the power of last minute choreography. If you're only going to feature for 11 seconds dancing beside the lead, something will come to you then and there. When the time comes to shake your groove thang and there's actually no space to do it, just smile, move on the spot and enjoy this unique train dancing experience.

Director calling my fellow backup dancer & I to action.

Make like a local & meander around Muizenberg

2011-05-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

It's the weekend, you finally have the day to yourself and are free to roam the city in search of some good things life has to offer: Music, books, coffee, ice-cream and the beach. Look no further than the hub of Muizenberg in False Bay. No need to be bummed that the weather has turned icy, here are a few things to do to keep warm and jolly.

1. Empire Cafe

Park your car at surfer's corner and hop across the railway line to York Road. Up to the left, you'll spot Empire Cafe's balcony looking out over the waves the surfers are cruising. While it's pretty cosy downstairs, I always try shotgun a table right beside the open doors of the balcony. That way you can sip your toasty cappuccino, enjoy a croissant with scrambled eggs, maintain a conversation with friends and hardly ever take your eyes off the brilliant ocean. Don't forget to take a look at the menu written on the board on your way up the winding stairs.

2. Roots Records

Just across the road, is one the funkiest record stores in Cape Town. They buy and sell vinyl records of all genres and can also convert them to cd if you so wish. Dj's step right up and get turntables, stereo equipement and other rocking old-school classics and soulful memoirs to play or keep. Walking in, you cannot help but get sucked into the groove coming from the grammarphone. Albums line the walls, windows and shelves; there's everything from Elvis and jazz quartets to books on 1001 songs to hear before you die. Park off on the colourful couch, read up on some guitar strumming techniques or look at album covers in a book from the 1950's and beyond. Basically get a musical education and move to the beat as your browse this music mecca.

3. Empire Bookstore

Once you pass a shop with a live sausage dog in the display window alongside a red dress and an furniture store, you'll get to the second-hand bookstore on the corner. The owner will make sure you know where to find what you're looking for. Take your time looking through books on travel ( no doubt where I always end up) drama, romance, thriller and whatever tickles your fancy and makes you want to hibernate with

nothing else but a blanket. Be sure to take money, the prices are oh so good.

4. Sinful Ice-Cream Parlor

So what if it's cold and you're wearing boots and a warm woolie jersey? Don't you know ice-cream is even better when it's about to rain? Get back into surfer's corner, walk past Knead on the corner and that's precisely where you'll find a plethora of mouth-watering ice-cream flavours that will leave you mulling madly over which one to choose. The ones you can never go wrong with are peppermint, addictions and oreo, but there is nothing as refreshing as mango or litchi sorbet on a suger cone. You will get away with a massive scoop in a cone for only R11. No decision at Sinful is a poor one so when you do eventually pull yourself together, get over the urge to buy at least 3 different flavours and choose, you won't regret it.

5. Walk on Muizenberg Beach

Now some people may not see the need to visit the beach other than to surf it's waves, but I can appreciate the simplicity of a long walk on it. Take your ice-cream and stroll past the dog-walkers, the stand-up paddle boarders, surfers, little people in wetsuits and multi-coloured changing rooms. Alone or with company this is a sure way to relax your mind, get the blood flowing and allow you to explore endless possibilities in your thoughts. A beach is a place where I can arrive unhappy and never leave in sad state. There's something about an endless stretch of white sand, ever-approaching waves and carefree beach-goers that's bound to perk you up, inspire you and send you packing with a new lease on life, if only for a day.

To get to Muizenberg, take the M3 highway all the way from town. Then continue all the way along the Main Road until turning left at the robots outside 'African Praise' and right two roads down to get to surfer's corner.

Cecilia Forest Walk

2011-05-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

There are very few things that make you feel more submerged in nature than the sound of a waterfall in the midst of a green forest. Crunchy brown leaves and twigs beneath your feet, panting dogs sniffing out every scent, orange leaves rustling for perhaps their last time before winter seizes them totally. Birds calling to each other, the sound of your footsteps and spring water pouring down over the slippery rocks and down into the depths of the deep green.

The remaining day's sunlight settles on the vineyards of hilly Groot Constantia. Rows of lime green and yellow leaves stream down in flowing ribbons across the farm. The white Dutch farmhouses perch proudly atop the hill overlooking the vines that will yield a harvest of wine when the time is right.

Empty, bare trees grow up the mountainside in stark contrast to the bark-laden pine trees in the forest. Knawed pine cones and pebbles lay strewn across the red-brown sandy trail. The path is completely engulfed in shade on this late afternoon, but through the shutters of tall trees, I get a peak of the sun bathing the valley in warmth.

I pass an art gallery in the middle of the forest. Seems to be by appointment only. Families, couples, runners, hikers and their furry companions pass us by. It feels so good to stretch my legs. I find myself back at the car. The vendor asks me to pay him to take a photo of his stall selling sour figs, oranges and konfyt (jam) at the Constantia Nek circle. When I give him my I'm-not-a-foreigner-smile and walk away, he says its ok and allows me to capture it. I decide this is a trail I have to return to more often when I want to relax and take a deep breath of fresh, forest air.

To get here: Drive up to Constantia Nek and at the circle, pull off into the parking lot and walk from there.

West Coast National Park: Azure waters, ostriches and my final day of summer.

2011-05-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

It was an breathless autumn day. The day before I was in warm woolies,ugg boots and trying to keep warm. But today I was lazing in Langebaan in my swimsuit, clutching a Getaway magazine and shading my eyes from the welcoming sunshine. To the right of me was a hole in the rocky outcrop that resembled a map, I could see through it all the way to the turquoise blue on the other side. Fluffy baby birds ran beneath it and circled my towel looking for food. The Kraalbaai water was way to chilly, so I just dipped my toes in, content to lay just here.

Aside from some young people fishing from the rocks on the other side and a couple wading in the water in wetsuits nearby, this little beach was all ours. That never happens in Cape Town. But here I was met with total tranquility. The flat water lapped the glistening sand ever so slightly and every once in awhile a boat zoomed by with a wakeboarderbehind it. Yachts glided by unheard. And I savoured every second of the sunlight.

I didn't ever want to leave, but in order to see any of the park before the sunset, we had to get going. Passing antelope sign boards, a tortoise beside the road (that actually tryed to run away from the camera) and an abundance of bushveld, I spotted a few poised ostriches. No sooner had the car stopped and they would begin running inland for the bushy hills. The majestic males with their bold black and white feathers and the camouflaged females blending in with the dry grass as they stuck their heads down to the ground. There was a large eland making his way slowly along the fence. All his family and friends were far away on the other side. I wondered how he ended up here. He just stared at us, his throat hanging low beneath his chin.

Driving further away from the central blue lagoon, we reached the Atlantic side. Rough waters crashed over the rocks and big, unruly waves raced towards the shore. Seagulls congregated near the bins and stood tall in the wind. The sun was dipping low and the wind nipped through the window. Mist rose from the angry sea and I almost forgot just how calm the water at Kraalbaai was. Here the wind completely had its way with the ocean, not allowing it to rest and causing it to foam at the tips.

There were no other cars in sight. Ignoring a sign that said 'no unauthorised vehicles', we drove down a gravel road towards Churchhaven. All we saw was a white building with a cross on the wall , a graveyard on the hill and a few coastal holiday homes. To the right was a sign for accommodation and boats floating down in the bay.

On the way out, I had one last look at the sheltered,blue bay hugged by the mini mountains and dotted with moored boats. What a sad thought that I'd have to wait for summer to return to South Africa before I could grace these secluded beaches again.

For more information on West Coast National Park visit http://www.sanparks.org/parks/west_coast/

Haas Coffee in Colourful Bo Kaap

2011-05-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

First the art, now the coffee. This is the path that Haas Design Collective has taken in adding the tastiest form of art in their Haas Coffee Collection. Haas on Rose street sits amongst the brightly coloured houses in the Cape Malay quarter of the Bo Kaap. Plush designer chairs, outdoor umbrellas and arty cushions will signal that you've arrived.

Coffee snobs and art lovers alike will find bliss at this little hub. You can choose between single origin and blend coffee such as spicy Indian, Guatumalan or even the world's most expensive coffee: kopi luwak for about R80 for a single espresso! Because all coffee is roasted in-house, I'm assured that the quality remains superb and I had to agree after savouring my Indian cappuccino.

The waiters moved swiftly between the espresso machine and the tables with black top hats and white shirts. Whilst waiting for your coffee, you have the chance to be enriched by the culmination of artwork displayed by photographers, designers and sculptors. If you fall in love with the plush blue couch inside, you can order it to be made for your own home. Jewellry, limited edition gifts and paintings ensure the interior comes alive and beckons you to linger way longer than your single coffee takes to sip.

The intoxicating smell of roasting beans, the hiss of the milk steamer, dark chocolate cake and bold Tretchikoff cushions provide a full experience for your senses. Sitting on the sidewalk of Bo Kaap's cobbled streets, I could gaze at the tip of Lion's Head, watch young boys rollerskating by and even chat to the local homeless man donning a red and blue wig. Good thing this coffee shop is near my work. I fear nearby coffee shops now have some stiff, sweet competition in town. Look out Cape Town, Haas has arrived.

Visit www.haascollective.com/ and follow on Twitter @Haascoffee

Photogallery: Langebaan along the West Coast

2011-05-08T05:19:00.000-07:00

To visit Langebaan, drive 2 hours from Cape Town up along the West Coast.

Surfing chilly waves in Cape Town's Winter

2011-05-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

If you must know, I'm very much a pleasant-conditions surfer. Extremely fussy about times I do choose to surf, I decide mostly based on the outdoor temperature, wave conditions and whether the sun will be there post-surf to heat my bones. Now in Cape Town, a large percentage of the time Summer equals South Easter wind which means one thing for surfers who usually long board and frequent Muizenberg beach: Washing machine of foamy crapness. But in amongst the days when the SE blows shamelessly there are those priceless times when the swell is an OK size, the waves are nice and clean and the sun is shining beautifully enabling me to get warm and even tan afterwards.

But this was not one of those days. We had all already established over the past two weeks that Winter had arrived uninvited, AGAIN and rained on our summer Capetonian vibe and sent everyone running towards 6 months of hibernation.

Because I am not a die-hard surfer, I had no intention of getting wet if I was already cold, but today even though the sky was grey and it looked like rain was on the way, a North West wind blew breezily and the air was surprisingly warm. My boyfriend had already switched into his panic-need-to-get-into-the-water-before-the-wind-changes-mode, so off we drove along the M3 highway not even bothering to put the roof racks on, but showing my borrowed board into the car.

I got my wetsuit on pretty quickly before I caught a whiff of any cold or lost my nerve and will to paddle. Last to go on were my beloved booties to whom I am forever grateful to for keeping my feet warm. Board waxed, black shark flag up (meaning visibility for spotting sharks was bad, but that it was still safe to go in the water) and I was off towards the waves.

My spirits were high and my body keen to get moving. That was until I felt the water. It was utterly chilly and so unexpected for a warmish day. But I was with two males and had already come so far. It would be an epic failure to turn back now. So off I went paddling to the mid-line (until I reached exhaustion, which happens pretty quickly) and waiting for some sweet waves to carry me forward. And they came.

One great thing about Winter and the cold, the waves are vastly more powerful. Takes you awhile longer to get onto your feet and stay there, but once you're up, the ride is swift and rewarding. If you happen to be heading Muizenberg beach way, I'm almost sure you may spot me there riding waves in the chilly water.

A rainbow over Muizenberg Beach on another Winter's Day

6 areas in Seoul every shopaholic should visit

2011-04-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

I always imagined that I would move to Seoul to teach English, travel and somehow still save money. That would have played out so well if only I had stayed away from the shops. In other cities this may not be too difficult. Just steer clear from malls, markets and side-walk shops. In Seoul, you cannot even chance walking through a subway without encountering sale signs, this season’s latest wears and a beauty store handing out moisturizer samples. You find yourself in constant temptation to give in to the jacket on the mannequin, the t-shirt that is ridiculously cheap and boots to help you brave the -12 degree winter. If you take a bus, you see the malls, use the subway and there’s no escape from the underground markets, take a cab and you’ll be broke before you can hand your card over to a friend to hide. But if you are looking to shop, these are a few of my favourite spots.

Dongdaemun

Malls have never been my thing. They tend to be over-crowded, hold hoards of bored teenagers and can be overpriced. If you are in Korea, you’ll know that you no longer have personal space whether you’re in mall or the street. There are two malls worth a visit, Doota and Migliore. They are not so much malls as they are towers of goods. Each one has multiple levels with everything your heart might desire. Women’s Clothing, Men’s Wear, accessories and a level for bags. They have similar clothes, but different pricing. Women’s clothing alone will take you through casual clothes to highly feminine wear, office wear and then fashions that I hoped were only for dress up parties. Some of my best buys from here are a small, brown leather sling bag, a black and white dress for hot summer days and a funky, purple hoodie. Doota seemed to be the most expensive. You cannot bargain in all of these malls, but check first and then bargain away! If you have managed to make it all the way to the top of the mall without bankrupting yourself, you can find food and rest in the food court. There are a variety of foods to choose from and I always find this is the perfect place to reassess your buys and self-control.

Myeongdong

Once you get off at this station on subway line 4, you will immediately notice the buzz and festive atmosphere of this area even out of season. There are pedestrian only streets in between the stores, where cars still try to drive. All amongst the international brands like Gap, Zara and Accessorize you can stroll and peruse through the vendors selling their wares at street stalls. This is a great place to find belts, hats, jewelry, belts and sunglasses. I love shopping here Christmas time as fairy lights decorate the trees, music plays from the stores and shops are all about the sales. If you’re into dried squid and other such treats, you’ll find Koreans frying, cooking and selling food to eager shoppers. If you’re lucky, you will spot a Korean holding a “free hug” sign. It’s not for money, in fact I’m not quite sure what it’s for, but spread the love and give them a hug!

Yongsan Electronic Market

If you are in the market for anything that plugs into a wall, this is the place you will find it. Warning: you may become overwhelmed upon entering this mega-storey building. Take Subway line 1 to this station and say hello to the world of laptops, cameras, rice-cooker, toasters and anything equipment that keeps you alive. This is definitely a place where you can chat to the Sellers( if they understand you) and try bring prices down. Always be armed with a calculator and have a really good idea of what you are looking for. I had to visit this place a few times to establish what the best buy would be, find out which stalls were trying to rip me off (many) and bring a trusty Korean friend with me so I wasn’t the “wayguk”(foreigner) who got lost in translation. But to this day I’m still using the Compaq laptop I bought there.

Insadong

This is one of the remaining neighbourhoods in Seoul that reveals a bit of the old alongside the new. The buildings and some houses are still as they were traditionally. While souvenirs and memoirs of Korea may be little more expensive to buy here, I love wandering through the alleys, popping into old tea-houses and eating curry at an Indian Restaurant. There are incredible art galleries to see and paintings to purchase. Antiques, jewelry boxes, Korean drums, fans, silk slippers and colourful make-up purses are just some of the many trinkets to be found along these alley-ways. Take Subway line 1 to Jonggak station, exit 3 and take your time exploring old Seoul.

Hongdae

Hongdae is the shortened name for Hongik university. Once you leave the subway, you'll recognise this is to be the area popular with students, young adults and english teachers. There are a plethora of clubs, bars, restaurants and shopping. If you are willing to come here before clubs open, there are wonderful shops and boutiques offering a bit of everything from leather belts, woolen hats to summer dresses. Look around, as some places here can get pricey. Everything is open until ridiculous times, so when it starts to get dark and you need a perk after hours of shopping, grab some icea-cream ( some places stay open until 4am) or pop into a noraebang (karaoke bar).

Gangnam

Found in the Southeast part of Seoul, Gangnam-gu is a local government district and one of the affluent areas. Once leaving north Seoul this part will make you feel like you've arrived in the big city with an abundance of skyscrapers, entertainment areas and shopping opportunities in Coex Mall, Apujeong and around and in Gangnam's subway. Apujeong is for the rich, famous and those who refuse to shop anywhere else but upscale department stores clutching their Louis Vuitton. Gangnam station is a dangerous place, you can disappear there for hours without a trace mid-transit and emerge or board the train with new underwear, make-up or nail polish.

Visit: www.lifeinkorea.com Search shopping spots by scrolling to your chosen area.

This article also appears in Travel Lady Mag: http://www.travellady.com/Issues/April2010/seoul.htm

Photo Gallery: Colours of Kalk Bay

2011-04-23T02:57:00.000-07:00

Kalk Bay on a Good Friday

2011-04-23T02:43:00.000-07:00

There’s an onshore wind blowing over Muizenberg and from Boyes Drive we can only make out about 10 surfers keen to paddle out in these conditions. The shark spotter is having a conversation with a passerby and I can see Kalk Bay harbour and its colourful boats moored in the sun below. The Jbay local and us two Capetonians find a lucky parking beside the old bakery and walk past the men cleverly crafting large wire animals. He is creating what looks like a big dog or a sheep and filling it in with black and white beads.

Olympia’s stools are filled with customers looking out the glass windows out over the sea. Under the stop sign, a man rests from his cycle and more beautiful wire creatures decorate the corner’s floor. The Wild Olive’s palm trees act like shutters for the sun and we decide to go no further without a stop at The Annex. We enter through the stony archway, past the manicured lollipop trees, past a cozy courtyard and up the wooden steps to our table. The lunch menu reads in chalk and the red umbrellas stand to the side of the giant tree with its fairy lights that have to wait until the night. There is a heart swirled in my cappuccino and lemon in my ice water. The Cuban flag tosses about in front of us and the road below never ceases to quiet from traffic.

I pass antique furniture stores, Mythology boutique with its unique dresses, pretty pumps and anything else that will persuade me to spend all my money. There’s a congregation of people outside the ice-cream parlor and we squeeze through past the bohemian store, past an alleyway and sign saying ‘Tarot’ and duck into an art gallery. My favourite pieces are always magical photographs that are fused somewhere between a painting and a shot. There’s a tall piece of art that resembles elegant wallpaper which I’d love to use in my future bedroom. I want to run my hands over its bumpy texture, but have to hold back. Another narrow lane catches my eye. We take a walk down Memory Lane and find an antique store at its end. There are chipped photo frames, iron hangers, old Kodak cameras and furniture my ma had in her house. We look behind the wrought iron gate at the Kalk Bay Trading post and through to the Blue train restaurant which is closed. A man sells feathered dusters and large wooden spoons outside Indian Jane and the renowned car guard is still commandeering the mini parking lot and taking people’s car keys as they park each other in to save space. Cape to Cuba’s music drifts up to the road and little boys run past us in their underwear after a swim in the ocean. When I ask them if they’re cold, they say no and run away together in childlike abandon.

Down in the harbour, people gathered in every corner happy to not have to work on this Good Friday. I ducked beneath dried snoek hanging up on string. Crowds gathered and watched the plump seals waddle up the stairs to grab the fish. The fishing boats assumed their same positions. There was only one purple boat which didn’t conform. The rest were varieties of blue, red, and green, black and white. Families fished off the right side of the concrete jetty and closer we got to the red and white lighthouse, the icier it became.

A seal floated about, enjoying the maneuvering from the waves. White water splashed over the rocks outside Polana’s windows and artists sold their work beneath Harbour house. The sun played hide and seek behind the mountain and more curious people gathered to have a look at the blubbery, black seadogs. The railway tracks are deserted and the last sunbathers are leaving the cold beach before the sun disappears completely. What a lovely thought, it’s only Saturday tomorrow.

10 places to take your foreign friend in Cape Town

2011-04-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise that Cape Town is one of the most visually appealing cities in the world. Its people, coastline and natural landmarks are all vibrant, warm and utterly beautiful. And therefore it makes total sense that you would love to show her off for all the world to see. So when 'the world' or your best friend from Texas arrives at Cape Town International Airport, you've got to be ready, armed with a camera, car with a full tank of petrol and a list of places that cannot be missed. If your guest leaves without falling in love with this city, then your tour guiding was an epic fail. So here's the must-do list guaranteed to make your foreigner stay or promise to return,

1. Shopping in Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is one of those little rustic areas beside the harbour that resembles no other neighbourhood in Cape Town. You hear the sound of the passing train and smell the ocean whilst you browse antique, bohemian and morrocan shops. The cuban flag from Cape to Cuba's restaurant marks the road you'll find yourself on. You can choose between bookstores, vintage boutiques, second-hand shops, ice-cream parlors and bakeries. If you go down to the harbour, try Lucky Fish's parcel of hake, chips and calamari or have a drink in Polana and watch the sea crash against the rocks just outside the window.

2. Boulders Beach & Penguin Colony

A good way to introduce anyone to this city is by hopping in the car and driving around the peninsula. There is seldom a moment when you won't be staring at white sand beaches and vast ocean for miles. When driving on the main road and heading towards Cape Point, stop at Boulders beach in Rocklands, pay R40 and go have a peak at the little penguins in the colony. Everyone is fascinated by the fact that these little guys are not giant king sized penguins wadddling in the snow, but instead are the length of your forearm and stare at you whilst you tan on the beach. They bask together on the boulders and swim next to you (at a way faster pace) in the ocean.

3. Cappucino in Simonstown

Once you spot grey navy ships docked in a harbour and see buildings beside the road that read '1806' on them, you'll know you have arrived in our naval base,Simonstown. Park the car in Jubilee square beneath the trees and take a walk down to the jetty. Yachts, boats and dingies are all docked in the harbour . You can go on a boat trip around the bay, buy a wire animal from the vendors or sip a cappucino at a restaurant overlooking the water.

4. Cape Point Nature Reserve

The South-Western most tip of Africa juts out into the sea with ocean in every direction. Adults pay R80 entrance into this Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park. (Don't get confused, Table Mountain is not really near here at all). You climb a quite a number of stairs to get to the lighthouse and lookout point unless you're lazy or injured and then you can take the Funicular up at an addictional fee. It's quite an experience to realise you're on the edge of a continent. Have a look at the weather first, because when the wind is blowing in Cape town (which is fairly often), be sure that this is where it blows most fiercely.

5. Table Mountain at sunset

This is one of the reasons people come to the Mother City and that's to stand atop this flat mountain and look out over the city, its gorges, houses, beaches and land as the sun goes down. Best time to go is during the summer months (November-March) when its warm and when the sunset special is on and you only pay half-price after 6pm. Better yet, go on your birthday and it's free. If you don't want to spend money at the restaurant, take a picnic basket up with you on the cable-car and find a spot facing the Atlantic Seaboard for sunset. Then walk over to the citybowl side to see the lights and watch the city buzzing at night. There are great photo opportunities here, but take a tripod if you have one for when the light fades.

6. Surfing & Beaching

If there was a ever a place to learn to surf, cape town would probably be it and Muizenberg the ideal beach. With lovely waves for beginners and beyond, you can rent boards and wetsuits from the surfshops in the corner. I made the mistake of taking my buddie to Clovelly corner where the waves and condition were not as friendly. There are flags to indicate whether the water is shark-free and when if a siren goes off, run, jump and swim out of the water asap because this usually means one thing. But if you have to get out the water early, do yourself a favour and get a boerewors roll with dhania sauce for R17 from the stand at the circle. It's without a doubt one of the best things about muizenberg.

Surfer at Noordhoek Beach

Llandudno beach is my favourite for pure sun enjoyment and picnics. The surfers with real skill surf in this icy water and when it gets really hot, you will have to dip more than your toe in too.

Picnic on Llandudno Beach

7. Long Street by Day & Night

By Day- Greenmarket Square

A market filled with trinkets from all over Africa can be found at this square. From cheap cds, to copper bangles and carved wooden salad spoons. When the bartering gets to much, there are many little coffee shops and delis lining the square where you can take a breather.

By Night-The Waiting Room

Due to the fact that everyone has to experience the eclectic bustle of Long Street at night, I suggest the waiting room above Royale Eatery as the place to chill, where you can hung out on the rooftop, dance in the lounge and watch the madness below from the balcony. It has the feel of a lofty apartment with a touch of retro thrown in. Best time to go: Friday nights around 11pm for Nastie Ed's funky, soulful sets. When he's playing, there's no reason for you to stay sitting.

8. The Chart Farm

If you go in the middle of the day, don't be alarmed if you're the only one under the age of 60 here as it's a favourite amongst the old folk. But it is seriously charming with scrumptious scones, english breakfasts, fireplace in winter and cakes in abundance. You can cut your own roses from the buses. You pay per rose and walk amongst their the blooms with your clippers and bucket. The view of the farms and mountain go down very well with a cup of coffee.

9. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Supposedly this is the most visited spot in Cape Town even before Table Mountain. Must be the endless shopping opportunities, restaurants in the port, live performances at the amphitheatre and boat trips to Robben Island that keep people coming back from more. Anything you need to purchase will most definately be found within this mall, Louis Vuitton bag, Spur meal, Vida e caffee, Mac make-up and whatever else your heart of foreign wallet desires.

10. Spier Wine Estate

Without visit a vineyard, your journey here is only half-complete. At Spier in Stellenbosch you can choose between eating a buffet morrocan restaurant Moyo or buying a picnic pack at the deli and eating on the lawn. You can buy mosaics or other artworks from local artists beside the lake. And most exciting for anyone new to Africa is the chance to get up close to a wild animal. You can pay to touch a cheetah. If you're allergic to cats, I would advise against this as the last time I tryed to touch its spotty fur, my eyes itched, I sneezed uncontrollably and I developed red bumps everywhere. Even though they are the faster animals ever, seems they are also the laziest and spend most of the day sleeping. And this is when you step in with a guide and gently stroke his fur and get that safari photo that will reassure people we still have wild cats lazing in our back yards.

Travel Manuel recommends Mellow Yellow Backpackers in Rio

2011-04-15T01:59:00.000-07:00

If you're on your way to Rio de Janeiro and you're keen on somewhere to rest your weary head, you're going to the wrong city. But when the time does come to catch some shut eye, I recommend Mellow Yellow Backpackers in Copacabana.

Brazil was the second country I ever ventured to after Argentina. And I couldn't have asked for a better hostel. Aside from offering you a bed in a dorm room starting at 34 reais nowadays, the staff were super friendly, spoke English and were more than happy to let us know the must-sees of Rio, not just the tourist spots, but the local havens.

If you didn't ever want to find your own food, you could buy meals from them every night of the week. Each night a different meal would be served and we would take a walk up the stairs to Bamboo and get served yummy food when we weren't broke. The BBQ's on the balcony beside the jacuzzi were the best, where you can hang out with fellow backpackers who you have never met, but you share a dorm room with. I'm sure these will always include Aussies, Brits with a few Germans and French thrown in for good measure.

The staff really go out of their way to make your stay pleasant and never leave you clueless as how to get somewhere or when to go. The hostel offered various tours daily such as a surf tour, party in a Favela ( including security), tours to Maracana soccer stadium and also to Christo Redentor statue ( The Christ). This was extremely convenient as we didn't need to wonder around Rio in search of transport, tours etc.

The drawers in our room had the names of Brazilian soccer stars such as Ronaldo and Ronaldino. It is within walking distance of Copacabana beach where you can have a drink at any time of the day at a 'kiosko' lining the beach, catch some sweet rays of sunshine alongside many scantily-clad males and females or join the locals playing soccer 24/7. Big, small, tall, short, fat, skinny all show up in the least amount of material possible and are more than happy with their bodies. Invites for nighttime beach parties come around to the hostel too, so you'll stay in the loop and have many places to choose from to give your samba skills a go.

Visit Mellow Yellow: http://www.mellowyellow.com.br/

Photo Gallery: False Bay Coastline in Motion

2011-04-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

To read about my train adventure to Simonstown visit Go Nomad: http://www.gonomad.com/transports/1103/south-africa-railroad.html

Sandboarding In Betty's Bay

2011-04-10T00:55:00.000-07:00

You would think that after my first and only terrfiying and exhilarating skiing experience off an intermediate slope in Korea that I would refuse to launch myself off the side of a mountain ever again. But come last weekend in Betty's Bay, I found myself high up on sand dunes, ocean below, sun in the sky and no "English speaking" Korean instructor sending me down the wrong slope and nearly sending me to my death.

This time I was keen. Armed with my new nikon, mad fear of sand getting into my lens and two sandboards between 6 of us, we hiked up. It was already cooking up there and we were thankful for the umbrella brought along.

The boys took to the slopes like pros. Well perhaps a few bruises were incurred up front, but it was a small price to pay for the fun you experience zooming down. When the boards showed signs of slacking and slowing down, we sent a volunteer back to the house to retrive the Mr.Min and floor polish initiately used to make the ride faster.

Funny that, because as soon as it was my turn to take the board down, I tryed everything in my power to slow it down. This involved clawing the sand and not straightening my legs. Looking back now, I should've tryed to let go a bit. Afterall I had already endured plenty of wipeouts in the snow and have a snowburn scar to show for it.

You may also think that zooming down steep slopes would be exciting enough, but guys always need to push the limits, dare the devil and go that little bit further. The determination for thrills found them building a ramp from sand and abondoned board. This meant they could jump higher,way faster and fall harder. I was more than content to go down on my bum, screeching all the way.

If you think sandboarding will work those muscles, factor in the hiking through dense sand to get to your launhc position. The next day will find you sore and possibly bruised. And that's why the best thing you can do is exert other muscles such as your arms and paddle baby! Yes, I went for a beautiful surf on the main Betty's Bay beach the next day. Clear water, gentle waves and stronger legs.

Read:Another article on sandboarding in Getaway.co.za http://blog.getaway.co.za/travel-ideas/sandboarding-bettys-bay-western-cape/

Harbour House Resturant: Perfect for a rainy day

2011-04-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

You would be right in thinking that autumn is whispering in our Cape Town ears and summer has already left without saying goodbye. But you would be incorrect in assuming that there is nothing to do once the rain begins to fall and no place you can go where you can eat and drink with a sweet view. And that is precisely what makes Harbour House great when it starts to get chilly, the location in Kalk Bay harbour.

You have to make your way up the stairs past Polana, a giant mirror, a mini-window and onto the Harbour House level. If you're looking to dine on fine seafood in style, pick a white table with white chairs and white roses beside the balsamic vinegar and olive oil bottles. But if you long to sink into a comfy leather couch, sip on a mojito and have 180 degree views of the mountain, boats in Kalk Bay harbour below and the vast ocean on the opposite side, then keep on walking until your reach glass doors and the lounge area.

Now I may be bias about this little nook, as I was once surprised here by my boyfriend with roses after a lengthy time spent continents apart, but I seriously doubt that anyone could not love it here. A Table Mountain coffee table book sat in the centre of our wooden table alongside some tulips and bright orange blooms. Unlit candles sat in red, glass vases and white throws were draped over the couch backs.

You'll find it hard it keep your eyes off the panoramic view. Cloudy skies always serve to make Kalk Bay, the fishing boats and the lighthouse even more magical. Add raindrops, long islands teas in celebration of a friend's birthday and good conversation. Awhile back I sampled the seafood and it most certainly matched the seaside elegance of this restaurant.

This time we made a stop-off at Lucky Fish downstairs for a parcel of hake and chips before hitting the road. All three of us shared and left happier and totally hooked on the chilly sauce. Can't wait to return to Harbour House when the it's really cold and the fire is lit in the lounge. Then it will be all blankets, coffee and the fire crackling.

For more info on Harbour House in my of my favourite Cape Town nooks visit http://www.harbourhouse.co.za/harbourhouse

A few of my favourite things at the Getaway Show

2011-04-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

I missed Sunday lunch with the family, hopped in the car and put foot all the way to Lourensford estate in Somerset West just to experience the Getaway Show. Being mid afternoon on the final day, I missed long queues, parking problems and crazy crowds and got prime parking near the entrance in the shade of the trees as well as a free 'getaway blogger' ticket.These are just a few of my favourite things at this massive outdoor event.

-The Venue

Lourensford wine estate is exquisite and peaceful even amidst many people. I could sit on the lawn munching chilli biltong with the mountain sprawled out in front of me. As you drive through the entrance, you pass rows upon rows of vineyards with red and white rose bushes marking their beginnings and tiny stream between large trees and shrubs. Families picnicked alongside it and enjoyed the coolness of the shade.

- Archery
For only R10 I was able to wield a bow and arrow and flex my archery skills. The instructor showed me the way forward and when I felt prepared I released the arrow. For those two attempts, I imagined I was Robin Hood and actually came pretty close to the bulls eye.

- The all-in-one Isuzu Camping bakkie.
Aside from a caravan or mobile home this bakkie had it all. A built-in tent to sleep in on the top, where the canopy should be with everything else your heart may desire whilst camping or on the road. Your kitchen utensils had their place on one side and the outdoor tools the other. There is even a place to cook. An ideal vehicle to hit the road with. For about R400 000 this mobile roadtripper could be yours.

- Paddle boards
The first and only time I got on a stand-up paddle board was in Hawaii. But more and more I see South Africans using them in flat water. Kraalbaai, Betty's Bay and Muizenberg beach are some of the spots. They resemble a chubby versions of surfboards with more foam and width and once you have your balance you can stand up and row for ages. Unless of course you're trying to catch waves with them.

-Slush puppies
In the heat of the day in wineland territory there is nothing that cools you down as much as fruity ice in a cup. The queue was by far the longest at this stand and there's no guessing why. When the grape flavour refused to stand frozen, I had to opt for strawberry instead.

-HD TV
The DSTV stand had avatar playing on HD. Now I've seen it in 2D and 3D and neither came even close to matching this visually. It was almost a complete different movie. The brightness of the war colours painted on their faces, the vividness of bright creatures they fly on and the realness of the soldiers running through the jungle past me. Well at least it seemed as though they were.

-Liquid Grace Adventures
I saw a wake surfboard for the first time at this stand. A cross between a skim board and wakeboard. They offer adventure camps between the garden route that can include kitesurf lessons, canoeing, mountain biking, tubing, zipline, abseiling and bungee-jumping. All about the adrenalin, adventure and action.

-Chilly Biltong
Enough said.

-Photography Safari
One photographic stand advertised a photographic safari whereby you get to float along a river alongside other photographers with a lens the length of my femur. The photographs captured with this equipment of hippos, birds in flight and other wild animals in their natural habitat make this seem like something I have to do someday.