Wine Tasting in Breedekloof

View from Jason’s Hill

An old school friend is a doctor and her and her hubby live and work in Worcester. My school friends and I have been threatening to visit for ages and eventually we got all our schedules to coincide for a weekend away. Debs had arranged a full day for the Saturday and organised her hubby to be the designated driver (brave man) while we all went wine tasting at various Breedekloof Estates.

The Breedekloof area extends from Bainskloof to the surrounds of Worcester and Rawsonville with many of the estates being relatively unknown to many of us on the trip. We left it to Debs expertise and after all 7 of us had piled into the car we were ready to go. The weather was rather dismal and we arrived at our first estate Merwida somewhat resembling drowned rats. Continued

Two Olives Restaurant in Port Elizabeth – a review

The Two Olives Restaurant is an authentic culinary experience, immersing diners in the basic pleasures of enjoying excellent quality, coupled with flavours that are worthy of a few audible sighs. Situated in the food Mecca of Stanley Street in Richmond Hill, it is at the very heart of the ‘who’s who’ and ‘what’s what’ of the Friendly City.

The menu is a delight to explore. Even simple sounding dishes are presented beautifully and taste heavenly. The tapas options are a great way to sample a number of different dishes, especially when shared amongst friends. The portions (even the starters) are generous, so get here hungry. Continued

I ♥ Somerset West Because …

I ♥ Somerset West

Hi, I’m Joerg Streibing from Somerset Villa Guesthouse in Somerset West.

Somerset West IS BEST KNOWN FOR for the fantastic accommodation places, value for money and diversity.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Vergelegen Estate,The gardens are one of the most beautiful in the Western Cape, the Estate had a lot of Head of States and member of the Royal families visiting. Walk along where Nelson Mandela walked. Get a picture taken under one of the unique trees.

THE BEST penguin PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Bettys Bay (on the scenic R44 ocean drive between Pringle Bay and Kleinmond), renowned for its Jackass penguin colony.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT at Lourensford, Vergelegen, Gordons Bay, the beach and many many more! Continued

Foo Bar Café in George

Foo Bar

For a trendy spot at which almost nothing is predictable, Foo Bar in George is a definite winner. It is located between the SPAR and Virgin Active in the Heatherpark Centre, just off CJ Langenhoven, tucked away discreetly in the far corner. But, on entering, it is immediately a delight to the senses.

It is light and airy, as the doors are all opened up onto the sheltered patio, allowing the sunlight and fresh air to drift inside. The décor is funky and eclectic, juxtaposing some crazy prints with classically simple black-and-white features, but giving neither the upper hand. Oversized scatter cushions may bear embroidered wording (like “be nice or leave”) or some of South Africa’s most in-demand animal prints. Chairs are upholstered in similarly cool textiles. Continued

Getting my Mexican on in Mowbray at Fat Cactus – a review

On the busy Durban Road of Mowbray, somewhat secluded behind trellis work and bright lights, is the Mexican Mecca of the Fat Cactus. We arranged a dinner there, all at the last moment. Fortunately, Bon Jovi was playing live in Cape Town, so the restaurants were fairly empty throughout the city, so we secured a table. Still, there was a very distinct vibe, and only a few tables to spare.

The waitresses are relaxed in their approach and attire, so we waited a while for service, but it was sort of in keeping with the ambience. Continued

Schoone Oordt Country House – Doesn’t This Look Inviting?

With winter just around the corner it is time to make use of the fantastic spots around the country, one such place is the town of Swellendam. Doesn’t the swimming pool at Schoone Oordt Country House look completely inviting? The gracious dame who has been lovingly restored over time by Richard and Alison Walker welcomes you with open arms. The area itself offers a wide variety of activities from wine tasting to fantastic hiking trails and nature walks and plenty of wonderful places to eat. This luxury 5-star graded accommodation will be a wonderful break and perhaps you can even spoil that special someone in your life with a little break away … Continued

A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Cape Town

Cappuccino anyone?

An ardent lover of coffee, I will always seek out the side-walk cafes, the little nooks with real espresso machines and run in the opposite direction of burnt filter coffee. As a traveller, I fully understand your pain if you land up at a hotel with only lukewarm filter coffee on offer, so when coming to Cape Town, know that you are in good hands and this is where you should go…

Origin

In Cape Town’s foreshore up the sloping roads of trendy De Waterkant is where you’ll find Origin Coffee. Just a walk past the door and a whiff of the heavenly aromas and you will be sold. Pick the beans you most desire and have them whip up an espresso dream. Enjoy it with fresh daily savoury and sweet snacks. It also houses a superb tea room behind glass doors where you can get a demonstration on how to make the perfect tea from many varieties. Continued

4 Inspiring Road Trip Routes From Cape Town

There is something addictive about road trips. Someone I know once said “There’s nothing like a hundred kilometres between me and the constant chatter in my head” and I think that just about sums it up: road trips put space between you and the mundanity of life; they add perspective, and take you out of yourself.

There are two kinds of road trips. The first is the Thelma-and-Louise style that entails throwing your suitcase into the boot and letting the road decide where to take you.

The other is a more systematic, planned approach that involves maps, an internet trawl for accommodation and a very good idea of what you want to do when – allowing, of course, for the incidentals that a good road trip always promises. Continued

Tales From the Township

Red Location Museum

Lyn and Peter Haller own a tour company in Port Elizabeth called Umzantsi Afrika. As such, they offer a number of fantastic tours that expose the art, culture, history and heritage of Nelson Mandela Bay. The Township Tour is a very special experience; both for those that lived through the Apartheid era and for those that did not.

Lyn Haller is a registered tour guide, qualified through THETA (ex-SATOUR). Her passion for the historical homes and buildings of Port Elizabeth makes her keen knowledge of the area and its exciting beginnings even more engaging. Peter Haller is fluent in German, English and Austrian and is also a THETA-qualified tour guide. He is particularly interested in culture, nature and fossils, or geology. Continued

Discovering the Riches of the Bay

South End Museum

Port Elizabeth is part of Nelson Mandela Bay and is popular for its stunning swimming beaches. In fact, every summer, its guesthouses and hotels are brimming with visitors from all over the country, who have come to indulge in the pretty surrounds and warm waters of the glittering Indian Ocean. Still, it has plenty more to offer than long, lazy days spent on the pristine white sands.

The Historical City Tour on offer by Umzantsi Afrika Tours is made successful by the experience, knowledge and passion of the tour guides, Lyn and Peter Haller. Lyn has been qualified through THETA (SATOUR) and is a registered tour guide with a particular passion for the historical homes and buildings of the Eastern Cape. Peter is Austrian, but fluent in German, which allows him to offer a very special experience to German and Austrian visitors that would benefit more from tours being conducted in their mother tongue. Of course, he is completely fluent in English too. He is also a registered tour guide through THETA. His interests lie especially in culture, nature and fossils. Continued

Meandering from Muizenberg to Simons Town (Southern Cape)

Muizenberg Beachfront

The strip of land hugging the coastline between the shores of Muizenberg and Simons Town is some of the most visually beautiful land in Cape Town. There are a few ways to explore this: rent a car, a scooter, and bicycle or use the Metrorail train which runs along the coast.

If you are coming from the CBD then head towards Cape Town Central and book a ticket along the Simons Town line. They are cheap and have stations at the heart of every suburb you wish to explore.

In the summer months a steam train runs on Sundays which is loads of fun for the family and train enthusiasts – prices can be a little steep in comparison at R220 for adults and R150 for kids aged (3-12) But this may prove a once in a lifetime experience as the coaches date from 1922 -1938 and even has a lounge car with a cash bar. Continued

Boys’ Weekend in Johannesburg (for the active)

Obstacles in the Trees

There is so much to see and do in Johannesburg, Gauteng, that guys planning a fun weekend will have to prioritise and, maybe, make more than one weekend of it to fit it all in. In this piece, we will explore some of the options for a group of friends that wants to stay active during their time without the girls in their lives. This means fun and adventure, and will require a bit of fitness.

Acrobranch

This is an obstacle course that is situated in the trees of James and Ethel Grey Park in Illovo. Awesome activities will test your strength, endurance and agility. The adult course includes ziplines, monkey bridges, regular bridges, and jumps that require swinging from a rope (aptly known as Tarzan Jumps). Acrobranch is open every day from 09h00 to 17h00 and has braai facilities so that you and the boys can fire up a real South African fire and enjoy meat straight off the grid after a day of fun in the trees. Continued

Baynesfield Museum In Richmond

Baynesfield Estate Museum

A few weeks ago my family and I went to Richmond for the weekend and on the way home stopped in at Baynesfield Museum.  Set in beautiful grounds, with a Victorian house as its centerpiece, the Museum is a fascinating place with various buildings and sheds housing all sorts of different things. The estate was founded by Joseph Baynes in 1863 and after he died in 1925, leaving no heirs, the estate was left in trust for all South Africans to enjoy.

Baynes House, built in 1882 from Pietermaritzburg red brick, has a sweeping set of 20 stairs leading up to the verandah and front door – it really is beautiful and one can imagine sitting on that verandah enjoying a gin and tonic in the afternoon! The Camelia bushes on each side of the staircase were planted by Joseph Baynes and his wife second wife Sarah, and they still flower to this day. The house still has many of the original pieces of furniture – it really is well worth a visit. Continued

Boys’ Weekend in Johannesburg

World of Beer

With the stresses and strains on the shoulders of so many these days, it is important to break away from the treadmill of life and have a real break. A boys’ weekend may be just what you need to get your mind off your worries, and Johannesburg has plenty to offer a group of guys looking for adventure.

Beer It Up at World of Beer

Most men do not need too much encouragement, but South African Breweries (SAB) has established the World of Beer to make this golden refreshment even more delicious and enjoyable. Situated in Newtown, this facility is dedicated to the world-class South African beers, the beer-making process, and the culture that surrounds it. The historical process is best enjoyed in the form of a 3D film, which takes you through the ages of Egyptian, Mesopotamian, African and European beer-making processes and how these have evolved and supported the modern South African methods. The modern design is impressive and the two complimentary beers per person make for the ideal way to round off the experience. There is a shop for branded South African beer accessories. Continued

Boys’ Weekend in KwaZulu Natal

Exciting Shark Diving

Boys’ weekends are not given nearly enough attention. These are great ways for dads, sons, brothers and friends to get away from the stresses and strains of city living and enjoy some real male bonding time, which (they may be surprised to learn) involves more than cold beers, hot braai and rugby.

We have put together some ideas for a fun and exciting boys’ weekend in KwaZulu Natal that promises something that you will always remember, and that the girls with approve of.

Shark Cage Diving

Plunge into the warm Indian Ocean waters to view the many shark species that call this home, protected only by the strong iron bars of a shark diving cage. So prolific are sharks off the KZN coast, that it is estimated that you will see between five and 20 of these magnificent hunters. Most shark cage diving expeditions begin with a talk and full safety briefing. Then, you and your mates will head out on the boat and the adventure begins. Some of the common species to be spotted include the Zambezi, Blacktip, Spinner and Dusky sharks. Continued