Cape Town - Interesting Articles

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I'm creating this thread where we can post anything of general interest.
 
Cloud Formations

Copied from: http://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/cloud-formations-in-cape-towns/

Table Mountain’s tablecloth

Folk law has it that the tablecloth was created by a smoking contest between the devil and a pirate known as Van Hunks. In reality, the cloud cover is called Orographic clouds which develop in response to the forced lifting of air by the earth’s topography (mountains for example). The air passing over a mountain move up and down as it moves downstream creating the tablecloth effect."

I think it they've got it all wrong. It must have been a cloud comp!

Cloud Formations.jpg
 
9 facts about Cape Town you probably didn’t know

http://www.capetownetc.com/culture/9-facts-about-cape-town/
17 April 2018

1.How the name Lion’s Head came about
Contrary to popular belief, the popular hiking spot was not given its name because it resembles a lion. Rather, the folklore suggests that 17th century Dutch settlers once named Signal Hill as Leeuwen Staart (Lion’s Tail). Together with what is currently known as Lion’s Head, it was thought that the space between the two peaks resembled a crouching lion. Thus, the settler’s named the top as Leeuwen Kop.


2. Robben Island wasn’t just for prisoners
Today, the city’s renowned Robben Island is most famous for it’s political prisoners, but it was not only used as a prison. During the 1840’s, the island was chosen as a place to house leprosy patients along with the mentally and chronically ill. Initially, this was done on a voluntary basis and the lepers were free to leave the island if they wished. However in May 1892, the introduction of the Leprosy Repression Act meant detention on the island was no longer voluntary and movement of the lepers was restricted. The number of lepers on the island jumped from 52 in 1891 to 338 once the act was enforced.


3. What happened to Dr Christiaan Barnard’s patient
The first-ever heart transplant conducted by Dr Christiaan Barnard at Groote Schuur Hospital in 1967 was groundbreaking on a global scale. What most people don’t know is that sadly, the patient passed away shortly after. Louis Washkansky contracted pneumonia and lived for only 18 days after the surgery. Today, the original theater where the surgery took place functions as a museum, aptly named The Heart of Cape Town.


4. Cape Town was the first non-European city to receive Blue Flag status
Cape Town was the first city outside of Europe to receive Blue Flag status due to its high-quality water, fantastic facilities, safety and cleanliness of its beaches. The international award is bestowed by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe and sets strict criteria of excellence is various spheres. In December 2016, ten of Cape Town’s beaches, including much-loved Clifton 4th, Camps Bay, Muizenberg, Bikini Beach and Fish Hoek enjoyed the eco-label for the Blue Flag season which ran until March this year.


5. Adderley Street’s interesting background
Once the central and commercial hub of the city, Adderley Street has some interesting background. According to recorded history, the road was originally made entirely from wooden blocks. By the early 1900’s the street had become so busy that city planners paved it with wood in an attempt to drown out the noise from countless wagons, carts and horse hooves. It was ultimately covered over with tar to make the road we know today but not too long ago, remnants of these wooden tiles were unearthed by construction workers which can still be found towards the upper end of the street.


6. Robben Island was used as a training station during WW2
Even after leprosy patients inhabited the area, Robben Island was used as a training and defence station by the British during World War 2. The island was fortified and guns were installed as part of the defences for Cape Town.


7. Cape of Storms
Cape Town has always been the ‘Cape of Storms’, but this reached a pinnacle in 1858 when a vicious storm hit and 30 ships were blown ashore and wrecked. The insurance company, Lloyd’s of London, then refused all further insurance on ships in Table Bay during winter, which resulted in the British Colonial Government starting construction on the first breakwater in 1860. Today the breakwater forms part of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.


8. The Castle of Good Hope once had a sea view
The famous Castle of Good Hope, the oldest colonial building in South Africa, once functioned as a fort and a welcoming port for sailors traveling around the Cape. Though the castle’s surrounding landscape has transformed over the years, it is interesting to imagine the castle entrance once sat at the water’s edge with waves crashing at its door (the entrance was later moved for this very reason).


9. Cape Town was voted Best Place to Go by the New York Times
In 2014, the prestigious New York times voted Cape Town as the Best Place to Go for that year. The Mother City beat out 51 other countries from around the world including Perth, Taiwan and Dubai. The publication described the city as “a place to meditate on freedom and the creative life that followed,” as an ode to our vibrant design and arts culture.
 
Whacky Wine Weekend

http://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/10-reasons-to-love-wacky-wine-weekend/

Wacky Wine Weekend, held in Robertson, is synonymous with good food, great wine and brilliant company – and this year’s event will be no exception – it might even exceed yours. While you getting prepared for the fun weekend from 31 May to 3 June 2018, we thought we’d give you 10 reasons why we love it!

It's a longish article, so I suggest that you follow the link above.

Bookings
R200pp at Webtickets includes wine glass, 6 wine tasting coupons per winery and a bottle of Healthy Mineral Water.

Inquiries:

Contact the Robertson Wine Valley office
www.robertsonwinevalley.com
events@robertsonwinevalley.com
023 626 3167
 
This is quite an incredible story!

Zephany Nurse turns life story into a book and documentary
http://www.capetownetc.com/news/zephany-nurse-turns-life-story-into-a-book-and-documentary/

Summary:

"
On 27 April 1997, Celeste Nurse delivered a baby girl via caesarian section at Groote Schuur Hospital. She saw a person in a nurse’s uniform comforting her baby before falling asleep. She awoke to find an empty crib and no sign of her child"

The Nurses’s had another daughter, Cassidy, who started a new school and couldn’t shake rumours that she had a doppelgänger.
When she told her father about the girl who closely resembled her, he set up a meeting between the two to see for himself. He watched in disbelief as Zephany arrived, and contacted the investigating officers shortly after. Zephany’s parents could not provide any proof that she belonged to them and DNA results concluded that she was indeed the missing girl.

Following a lengthy trial in Cape Town, the woman, a 52-year-old woman from the Retreat area, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on March 2016."
 
NSRI warns of Monday’s Spring Tide

http://www.capetownetc.com/news/nsri-warns-of-mondays-spring-tide/

"Bathers, anglers, surfers and people walking along the shoreline are being warned of Monday’s (April 30) full moon Spring Tide. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) urged beach-goers in Cape Town to exercise caution along the water’s edge as the full moon Spring Tide peaks.

“Spring Tide causes a coastal higher than normal high tide, a lower than normal low tide and stronger than normal rip currents. Spring Tide happens during the full moon and during the new moon and lasts for a few days leading up to the full (or new) moon, peaks on the day of full (or new) moon and lasts for a few days after the full (or new) moon,” read the statement.'
 
Isn't this a gorgeous pic! I love our mountain!

From https://web.facebook.com/CapeTownEtc

13575854_1063791663702521_3147704629168331496_o.jpg
 
Free walking tours in Cape Town

Quoted from http://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/best-walking-tours-in-cape-town/

The tour allows people to walk through important landmarks in Cape Town, for more than an hour, while learning about the city, and best of all – it’s free of charge.

Historic City Tour
The tour starts from the Motherland Coffee Company in the Mandela Rhodes building and heads to the Company Gardens, the Castle of Good Hope, the Slave Lodge, Parliament and Green Market Square.
Tour Times: 11am and 4.20pm daily
Meeting Spot: Motherland Coffee Company in the Mandela Rhodes building
Duration: 90 minutes

Bo-Kaap Tour
Journey through the Cape’s most colourful suburb. From the brightly coloured houses to the suburb’s oldest Mosque to the popular spice shop, Atlas. And there’s more where that came from…
Tour Times: 2pm and 4.20pm daily
Meeting Spot: Motherland Coffee Company in the Mandela Rhodes building
Duration: 90 minutes

Apartheid Freedom Tour
Become informed on the history of Apartheid while journeying from St Georges Cathedral to District 6 and more.
Tour Times: 11am and 2pm
Meeting Spot: Motherland Coffee Company in the Mandela Rhodes building
Duration: 90 minutes

For more information on Cape Town’s Free Walking Tours visit their website
Contact: +27 76 636 9007
Email: capetownguides@gmail.com
 
Cape Town’s dumbest criminals

http://www.capetownetc.com/news/thieves-drive-straight-to-prison/

In a weird twist of fate, four thieves who stole a car this weekend, drove themselves straight to prison – unknowingly so.

Yes, you heard it right. On Sunday morning, four robbers stole a vehicle from the Hout Bay area, and their getaway route didn’t work out as well as they had planned.

City of Cape Town law enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason, said the men were chased by police after stealing the vehicle and drove straight to the West Lake entrance of the Pollsmoor Prison. The entrance is used for visitors and prison wardens who live on the property.

The men exited the vehicle and made a run for it on the grounds, where they were swiftly arrested.

Dyason said the men had about 35 cases of murder, attempted murder, theft and possession of illegal firearms pending against them.


 
Motorists can pay warrants online now

http://www.capetownetc.com/news/coct-eases-warrant-payment-admin/

Good news for motorists who don’t have time to pay fines on weekdays – the City of Cape Town’s Traffic Service now allows motorists, who have fines that have progressed to warrants of arrest, to finalise these warrants online.

The city of Cape Town’s Traffic Service has been testing an online payment of warrants on its www.paycity.co.za platform since mid-April. When motorists register on the website, they may click on the “view and pay your fine” option. This will take the motorist to their list of outstanding fines, including those in warrant status.

“An admission of guilt form will pop up which the offender must accept and agree to and only then will they be able to complete the payment process. Upon payment, a receipt as well as a warrant recall form will be emailed directly to them,” the City said.

This warrant recall will also allow the motorist to perform transactions on the electronic national administration traffic information system (eNaTIS), as one would do when renewing a vehicle license. This serves as proof that the warrant has been revoked in the event that the motorist is stopped at a roadblock.

Members of the public can also contact the Cape Town Traffic Service directly on 021 444 3310/11/12 or 13 to ensure that the Admin Mark is removed from their names on the eNaTIS system.

lderman JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety, Security and Social Services, said this is a massive step towards increased service delivery.

“This makes things a lot more convenient for offenders who are trying to do the right thing by paying their fines, including those residing outside of Cape Town. We will be sending out SMS and email reminders to motorists with outstanding warrants to further publicise this service, so I encourage them to make use of it and avoid any unpleasant surprises when they are stopped at a roadblock or tracked down by our traffic officers,” he said.”
 
10 BEST HALAAL & HALAAL-FRIENDLY SPOTS IN CT

http://www.capetownetc.com/food-and-drink/10-best-halaal-friendly-spots-in-ct/

MEZABAAN
Get your eastern food fix at Mezbaan at the luxurious Hilton hotel. The meals are served in copper bowls with sambal (sauce made with chilli and peppers) as well as other side condiments. Mezbaan’s signature dish is delicious, saucy butter chicken.

Where: Mezbaan, Hilton Cape Town City Centre Hotel, Buitengracht St, CBD
Contact +21 481 3700, hilton.com


KAPRINO’S
It’s one of those nights when you can’t decide on what to eat then Kaprino’s awesome buffet with unlimited prawns and ribs has got you covered. You’ll be spoilt for choice with their halaal menu and array of mocktails.

Where: Kaprino’s, 57B Somerset Road, Green Point
Contact +21 418 5426, kaprinos.co.za


BOKAAP KOMBUIS
Bokaap Kombuis is a family-friendly restaurant that serves tasty food in the traditional Cape Malay style. Located on top of a hill with a stunning view of the Mother City, revel in dishes of lamb chops, crayfish and biriyani.

Where: Bokaap Kombuis, 7 August Street, Bokaap
Contact+21 422 5446, nazli@bokaapkombuis.co.za, www.bokaapkombuis.co.za


SLOPPY SAM
If you’re in the mood for some Greek cuisine – think grilled meatballs and lamb chops to anchovy salads – and a relaxed ambience, then Sloppy Sam is the place to visit. Their meat is sourced from a halaal supplier, however, alcohol is served on the premises.

Where: Sloppy Sam, 51A Somerset Road, Green Point
Contact +21 419 2921, info@sloppysam.co.za, www.sloppysam.co.za


THE MARKET DELI
If you’re in Salt River and you’re looking to eat at a family-friendly restaurant after some thrift shopping, The Market Deli offers breakfast, lunch and supper. The menu consists of hearty comfort foods such as burgers, wraps and stir-fry.

Where: The Market Deli, 15 Bromwell Street, Woodstock
Contact +21 447 2656


YINDEES
Experience an authentic, flavourful Thai meal at Yindees, situated in Gardens. Yindees’ signature dishes include grilled chicken, crispy duck served with peach sauce and fried sweet potato, and chilli fish with homemade chilli sauce. All meat is sourced from a halaal supplier, but alcohol is served on the premises.

Where: Yindees, 22 Camp Street, Gardens
Contact +21 422 1012, yindees@mweb.co.za


ANATOLI
Halaal-friendly Anatoli serves liquor but all their meats are from a halaal supplier. This Turkish eatery offers authentic Turkish meals in a relaxed setting in the centre of the CBD.

Where: Anatoli, 24 Napier Street, CBD
Contact +21 419 2501, info@anatoli.co.za, www.anatoli.co.za


NV-80
For hearty steaks and pastas, as well as decadent desserts, NV-80 has you covered. The restaurant does serve alcohol but all meats are sourced from a local halaal supplier.

Where: NV-80, 76 Regent Rd, Sea Point, CBD
Contact +21 439 7112, info@nv-80.co.za, www.nv-80.co.za


HAIKU
Sushi lovers, this one’s for you! Haiku serves up sushi, steamed and fried dim sum, tempura, rice and noodle dishes.

Where: Haiku, 58 Burg Street, CBD
Contact +21 424 7000, haiku@bukhara.com, www.bukhara.com


PEARL SPOON
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and Pearl Spoon’s range of breakie specials will fuel you up for the day ahead. Make a stop on your way to the office and stock up on muesli, French toas,t croissants, eggs Benedict and more.

Where: Pearl Spoon, 34 Beldevere Road, Claremont
Contact +21 839 2692
 
5 out of 5 penguins test positive for avian flu at Boulder’s Beach

http://www.capetownetc.com/news/avian-flu-deaths-boulders-beach/

Five out of five penguins from Boulder’s Beach penguin colony have tested positive for avian flu. An update received from state veterinarian and epidemiologist, Dr Laura Roberts, confirmed that five penguins tested from the colony, tested positive for the virus.

A total of 19 penguins have died since the avian influenza outbreak became known to the public in February this year.

“All possible precautions are being taken to limit the spread of the virus by people and their activities,” Roberts said. “As these are wild birds, containing the natural spread of the virus is not possible.”

Roberts added that a swift tern from Simon’s Town also tested positive for avian influenza.

The strain of avian influenza active at Boulder’s Beach is the H5N8 strain, which is also the strain of avian flu which can affect humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that although human infection of the H5N8 strain cannot be excluded, the likelihood of this occurring is low.

Merle Collins, regional communications manager of SANParks, has said that it should be reiterated although this virus is a very low risk to humans, it is a real threat to domestic poultry.

“This strain of avian influenza virus has been detected in a range of wild seabirds, such as swift, sandwich and common terns, African penguins and gannets.”

Roberts added that there is no treatment for avian influenza, for birds. The testing of ill birds is conducted at regular intervals to monitor the presence of the virus.






 
Electricity tariff increase on the cards for Cape Town
http://www.capetownetc.com/news/tariff-increases-await-capetonians/

Speaking to KFM this morning, Hoosain Essop, manager for Electricity Retail Management at the City of Cape Town, said that the Home User Tariff will apply to residents who have prepaid electricity meters and live in a home with a value of R1-million or more. It will also apply to residents who use a credit meter, irrespective of the value of their home.

The affected homeowners may have to pay a flat rate of R150 per month, in addition to other municipal costs. The fixed charges will be used for maintenance and operating costs.

Essop explained that less than 200 000 residents will be affected by this tariff, as it only affects users who consume less than 600 kilowatts of electricity per month.

Thereafter, residents will pay the following tariffs:

– R1.8532 per kilowatt for less than 600 units per month

– R2.1032 per kilowatt for more than 600 units per month

“If you use more than six-hundred units, you won’t really see a difference in the cost of electricity because you pay a reduced fee in your unit charge,” Essop said.

He also added that the City wants residents to pay their fair share of the cost of providing electricity.




 
Tales of the Western Cape’s oldest hotels

http://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/the-western-capes-oldest-hotels/


The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
The Mount Nelson Hotel, in the heart of Cape Town, tells the tale of a bygone era – one of class, sophistication and unmatched beauty. At the foothill of Table Mountain, the pink exterior building is steeped in history dating back to the 1800’s. The doors to the hotel officially opened in 1899 just before the start of the South African War. What most don’t know is that it was painted pink to symbolise peace in 1918. The palm-lined driveway dates all the way back to 1925.

Houw Hoek Hotel
About 80kms outside of Cape Town, set in between babbling streams and towering hills in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, lies the Houw Hoek Hotel. In the days of the Dutch East India Company, the hotel was the site of a toll gate on a wagon road to the east interior. It was built in 1779 and holds the oldest liquor licence in South Africa – so you can rightfully say it has been one of the most joy-filled spots in the country for the longest time.

Chapman’s Peak Hotel
Located in Hout Bay, and at the foot of one of the most scenic drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak Hotel was previously called the Beach Hotel. It was built in the early 1900’s and burned to the ground in 1903. The manager was counting the days takings when a lamp fell over and caused the disastrous fire. No one was hurt in the fire, but the manager’s daughter did lose all her wedding clothing for her upcoming nuptials. The hotel was rebuilt and renamed Chapman’s Peak Hotel because of the popular drive. Some of the hotel’s features are still in tact today.

Oude Werf Hotel
One of the oldest hotels in Stellenbosch, the Oude Werf Hotel was first established as a thatch-roof church in 1686. The church was called d’Ouwe Werf or ‘the old yard’ and requested by Dutch governor Simon van der Stel. A fire in 1710 destroyed the church. Rebuilt in 1802 as an inn, another fire burned down the establishment not even a year later. Once again the hotel was rebuilt, only to suffer the same fate 80 years later. In 1973 the property was rebuilt and restored by yet another owner. In 2007 it changed hands again and the hotel was given a facelift – and now stands as the Oude Werf Hotel today. Under the hotel’s kitchen is a preserved church graveyard that is still visible.

The Lord Milner hotel
The only way to describe Matjiesfontein is ‘the place that stood still’. There are very few places in this country that have the timeless charm and standstill history of this little Karoo town. The building that is now the Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein was constructed in 1899 by James Logan, who is also the founder of the town, during the start of the South African War. It was initially used as a military hospital and then as a lookout post. In 1968 David Rawson bought the building, renamed it The Lord Milner Hotel and reopened it in 1970. Matjiesfontein was preserved as a National Heritage Site in 1975 and will remain as such.

Cape Heritage hotel
In the middle of the Cape Town CBD lies a little piece of history – The Cape Heritage Hotel – which was built in the 1780’s. The hotel is part of Heritage Square which is also home to the country’s oldest grapevine. The vine was planted in 1781 and still bears fruit today without being watered or fed. In the 1960’s there were plans to demolish Heritage Square and put up a parking lot but finances were bleak and the project was suspended. In 1980 the square was renovated and the hotel restored. Many of the original walls are visible in the hotel today.



 
Electricity tariff increase on the cards for Cape Town
http://www.capetownetc.com/news/tariff-increases-await-capetonians/

Speaking to KFM this morning, Hoosain Essop, manager for Electricity Retail Management at the City of Cape Town, said that the Home User Tariff will apply to residents who have prepaid electricity meters and live in a home with a value of R1-million or more. It will also apply to residents who use a credit meter, irrespective of the value of their home.

The affected homeowners may have to pay a flat rate of R150 per month, in addition to other municipal costs. The fixed charges will be used for maintenance and operating costs.

Essop explained that less than 200 000 residents will be affected by this tariff, as it only affects users who consume less than 600 kilowatts of electricity per month.

Thereafter, residents will pay the following tariffs:

– R1.8532 per kilowatt for less than 600 units per month

– R2.1032 per kilowatt for more than 600 units per month

“If you use more than six-hundred units, you won’t really see a difference in the cost of electricity because you pay a reduced fee in your unit charge,” Essop said.

He also added that the City wants residents to pay their fair share of the cost of providing electricity.



Should the cost of providing electricity not be included in the price of electricity? What are we paying rates and taxes for? None of this makes sense....

Regards
 
5 DadVentures in Cape Town
http://www.capetownetc.com/family/5-dadventures-in-cape-town/

REV IT UP AT THE V&A WATERFRONT.
The difference between men and boys might be the price of their toys but this Father’s Day boys of all ages will be enthralled by the car show at the V&A Waterfront’s Silo District on Sunday, 17 June between 10am and 3pm.

Dad’s will be able to live their dream as they settle behind the wheel of cars such as Porche, Ferrari and Aston Martin and racing cars off the Killarney race track. The entire family will be entertained by various events planned throughout the day at this fun and free event. Luxury car brands such as Aston Martin will be on display for dads to view up close.

COOK UP A STORM AT GINGER & LIME.
Ginger & Lime cooking classes are a culinary dadventure not to be missed. With a fun and passionate approach to food, Ginger & Lime offers an international cooking experience to suit any father’s fancy. Classes are enjoyable and interactive, ending off with a full tummy and a recipe booklet to take home.
www.gingerandlime.co.za

HIKE TO ELEPHANT’S EYE CAVE.
Challenge the man of the house to a memorable Dadventure to the renowned Elephant’s Eye Cave in Silvermine.
This hike will take you roughly 2 hours, with a moderate incline suitable for new hikers too and a beautiful view of Tokai Forrest below. Entrance to Silvermine will cost you R15pp but the experience will be priceless and a perfect excuse to pack a picnic.

INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING AT CITY ROCK.

City Rock offers fun and informative introduction courses or you can feel your way around on their exciting auto belay walls.
The experience is challenging but the fun you will have while you’re at it is well worth the sore muscles. Entrance will cost you R150 for adults, R120 for pensioners or students and R110 for kids.

www.cityrock.co.za

BEER TASTING AT WOODSTOCK BREWERY
For R30 each, dad and you can enjoy 6 unique Woodstock Brewery craft beers at an informative tasting and even a brewery tour while you’re at it for just R30 extra. Learn about the process behind creating craft beers and engage all your senses, as you take in the unmatched taste of one of Cape Town’s most celebrated breweries.

For R30 each, dad and you can enjoy 6 unique Woodstock Brewery craft beers at an informative tasting and even a brewery tour while you’re at it for just R30 extra. Learn about the process behind creating craft beers and engage all your senses, as you take in the unmatched taste of one of Cape Town’s most celebrated breweries.

www.woodstockbrewery.co.za



 
Hermanus – Where to stay when whale watching

https://www.all4women.co.za/1511650...to-hermanus-where-to-stay-when-whale-watching



Every year between early winter and late November, the ocean’s biggest mammals migrate to South African shores to breed…
One of the best spots to witness these great, gentle beasts is Hermanus in the Western Cape.

Where to go to view the whales: @Faiyaz Cheulkar

  • The Cliff Path offers 12km of the best whale-watching view points in the world, stretching from one end of Hermanus to the other. At certain points whales can be seen playing as close as five metres from shore.
  • Drive south on Westcliff Road and park at Fick’s Pool. Take the cliff path towards the New Harbour for about 100 metres and arrive at Dreunkrans – a popular whale watching site
  • Park at Fick’s Pool or in Marine Drive and make your way to Windsor Bay
  • Gearing’s Point overlooking the Old Harbour, gives an uninterrupted view of the ocean.
  • At the Old Harbour, viewing terraces are available with spectacular views over Walker Bay. Information boards provide basic information about the whales.
  • Drive down Main Road towards the beaches (north-east) and take the turn-off to Die Gang at Berg-en-See to arrive at De Gang.
  • One of the most popular locations in Hermanus for whale watching is Siever’s Point, which is closest to where the whales frolic.
  • The Kwaaiwater lookout point is accessible by vehicle.
  • The Voëlklip and Grotto beaches are perfect for whale spotting and watching, especially from the rocks above the sea.

Where to stay
Air BnB accommodation options with a range of prices from back-packers to luxury beachfront apartments:

Heligan Studio: Walk to beach & famous cliff path
(around R709 per night)

Charming upstairs studio leading onto balcony with scenic views of the indigenous gardens, mountains and glimpses of the sea. The cliff path which is a minute from the studio stretches from the lagoon past pristine beaches and hidden coves all the way to the village and harbour beyond.
Easy walking distance to the mountain reserve contour paths and Fernkloof Nature Reserve which is home to the unique ‘fynbos’ flora.

The Hayloft @ The Hemel en Aarde Farm, Hermanus
(Around R712 per night)

The Hayloft at The Hemel en Aarde Farm is set on an idyllic equine retreat. Offering high quality accommodation with fantastic mountain views. 12 km from amenities, restaurants and Hermanus beaches, and located in the world renowned Hemel en Aarde Wine Valley.
High quality vineyards and eating establishments litter the Valley. Perfect for the wine connoisseur, mountain biker, hiker or horse lover. Owners can even bring their own horses to share this experience by separate arrangement.

Hermanus sea view apartment # 43
(Around R1 200 per night)

Very beautifully decorated bijoux 60 m2 apartment with amazing sea views. This lovely space overlooks Walker Bay with wonderful whale sightings during the season. The sound of the sea is a constant soothing noise. A security estate with its own undercover parking space, it is literally a stone’s throw from the rocky beach promenade.
The estate has a communal area with BBQ facilities, swimming pool and squash court.

Ocean Rhythm Hermanus Premier sea-front apartment
(Around R2 500 per night)

It has a prime position in Hermanus at the water’s edge, with uninterrupted panoramic views of Walker Bay through its floor-to-ceiling frameless windows.
This allows a fantastic whale watching opportunity in season. It is opposite a Spar store, and an 18-hole golf course. It has been newly designed and renovated by John Greenfield FRSA and had high end finishes and equipment. This is set within its own beautiful gardens and boasts a sea-front swimming pool, with extensive barbeque and leisure area.



 
Simon’s Town beckons – where old and new collide

http://www.capetownetc.com/travel/simons-town-beckons-where-old-and-new-collide/

Not a whole lot changes in Simon’s Town, and for good reason. The town is steeped in maritime history, and its shops, restaurants and antique stores echo a bygone era when weary sailors quenched their thirst, and their battered vessels received some tender loving care in the dockyard. Around every corner is a tale of interesting people and characters that have called Simon’s Town home over the years. Not all of them are in fact human.

There’s the legendary Just Nuisance, the Great Dane who became synonymous with Simon’s Town and the navy. Nuisance was the only dog accepted into the navy, and it had everything to do with his loyalty and perseverance. He would accompany sailors on their daily duties and watch over the harbour, moving between railway stations.

Today, a statue of Nuisance watching over the harbour can be seen from the newly refurbished aha Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel, who in fact do believe in change. The hotel group has just spent a R8,6-million on refurbishing the Quayside Hotel to level that has probably surpassed their own expectations.

Just-Nuisance_preview-600x400.jpeg


...You can venture out to any of the amazing hiking trails, go kayaking, diving with seals, or just cruise on a boat to Seal Island. For history and naval enthusiasts, there are any number of heritage sites, museums and naval tours.

But no trip to Simon’s Town would be complete with some quality time on Boulders Beach, recently voted out of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The penguins are expecting you, and Nuisance is watching too.

Boulders-Beach-1.jpg

 
It is here.. Cape Town’s new Gin Route

http://www.capetownetc.com/food-and-drink/it-is-here-cape-towns-new-gin-route/

Our love for gin never seems to fade, and the Cape Town Gin Route aims to highlight the best in locally made gin in a fun, interactive full day tour and tasting.

The route was officially launched on Saturday, and kicks off at the Pepper Club Hotel and Spa before moving on to Hope on Hopkins and Musgrave Gin. Woodstock Gin Company, New Harbour Distillery, Pienaar & Son are next on the tour. And the grande finale is the Cape Town Gin Company. You will even get a chance to create your own gin, to test out your ginilogy (not a real word, but sounds good). Along the route visitors can enjoy 6 lively and local distilleries offering 20 different infusions of gin proudly made in the Mother City.

Cape Town Gin & Spirits Company
Handcrafted gin reflects the unique essence and vibrant diversity of the Mother City. We can highly recommend The Pink Lady, with a light pink salmon colour, infused with Hibiscus flowers and Rose petals, and a heavenly hint of Rose water.

Hope on Hopkins
This artisanal distillery prides itself in making gins from scratch. Carefully selecting the highest quality products, one of the very few distilleries using barley as a base for their spirits. We can highly recommend the Mediterranean Gin, made from a triple distilled grape spirit and inspired by flavours from the Mediterranean. Infused with olives, rosemary, basil, thyme and cardamom with overriding citrus notes and hints of juniper.

Musgrave Gin

Musgrave Gin is no ordinary spirit, it is a gin that is celebrated for its top notes of cardamom, African ginger and Grains of Paradise. Inspired by a spirit of endevour, adventure and courage, you can taste in every sip.

New Harbour Distillery
An experimental micro distillery pursuing artisan small batch spirits influenced by nature, which combines botany, science and alchemy to create an innovative gin. We can highly recommend the Rooibos infused gin.

Pienaar & Son
A small craft distillery that goes about its business finding fresh ways of creating and introducing people to quality, modern spirits. This father and son team believe in starting traditions, not following them. We highly recommend The Orient, a unique gin made for South African maize, infused with botanicals carefully selected to pay homage to the Eastern spice trade that influenced Cape Town culture and cuisine alike.

Woodstock Gin Company

Fynbos-infused South African gin made with passion and careful attention. We recommend the High Tea Gin, a refreshingly complex gin with lingering undertones of rooibos and honeybush, which are added post distillation. With such a wide assortment of GINtastic options, this tour promises to please.

Address: Loop St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8005
Contact: 021 812 8888
Website: capetownginroute.co.za Picture: Pixabay.
 
The Darling Scarecrow Festival

Darling Scarecrow Festival.PNG

"The Darling Scarecrow Festival is a celebration of all that’s best and brightest about harvest time in the Swartland. Scarecrows dotted around the village, a street party, farmers & country markets, street music, storytelling, flowers on the stoep, the scarecrow competition… Expect not only cultural & lifestyle attractions, but also good food, wine, beer, arts & craft, and music. Visitors can experience the traditions of a country community and the beauty and quality of country life: a sense of community, access to nature and unpolluted, heritage-rich surroundings. Book your accommodation now!"

(I live in Yzerfontein, just 20 minutes away from Darling, but - I've never been to see the scarecrows. Shameful, isn't it?) :blush:
 
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