28 Jul 10

Cape Town Book Fair July 31-August 2

Cape Town Book Fair July 31 - August 2

This is the weekend for book lovers as the Cape Town Book Fair (CTBF) open their doors at the Cape Town International Conventional Centre (CTICC) on it’s fifth anniversary.

Director of the CTBF, Claudia Kaiser was excited to pay tribute to book lovers by rewarding those with a bookshop loyalty programme a 50% discount on the R60 entry fee. Just show your loyalty card when purchasing the ticket.

There will be a wealth of local and international authors and publishers hosted at stands throughout the venue. Surrounding the hall they will offer breakaway panel discussions in smaller rooms for a limited audience. The programme of events is listed on their website and it is wise to book your space as soon as possible. www.capetownbookfair.com

Pick n’ Pay will be hosting a Chefs Theatre with chefs and food writers demonstrating and promoting their books. Please check the website for the timetable.

Children are not left out. Check the website for the timetable of story telling and book launches for the young generation.

Doors are open to the public this Saturday & Sunday from 10am-6pm and on Monday from 10am-4pm.

0 Comments Posted in The Arts by Lesley Cox

21 Jul 10

The Wheel of Excellence at the V&A Waterfront

The Wheel of Excellence

The 50 metre high Wheel of Excellence is located on the canal site of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (opposite the Caltex petrol station), offering panoramic views of Cape Town. The current price of R70 for adults and R40 for children between 3-12 years, I found a little expensive for 20 minute ride.

There are 36 enclosed cabins of which 2 are accessible for wheel chairs. During less busy periods, the operators allow couples and families to have their own cabin.

36 enclosed cabins, 2 are wheel chair accessible

We climbed into the cabin and were greeted with piped music and a voice over explaining the rules for safety in the cabin. The wheel glided leisurely for four cycles, stopping intermittenly for guests on get on and off.

View of our new stadium from The Wheel of Excellence

Apart from Table Mountain, we saw a wonderful view of the new stadium, and the workings of the dry dock. The time passed quickly and soon it was our turn to disembark.

The wheel of excellence will be here until the end of this year when it moves on to another country.

1 Comment Posted in Tourism news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Table Mountain, The wheel of excellence, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

20 Jul 10

Bastille Celebrations in Franschhoek, July 17-18

Berenice & Jimmy Louw from Constantia, attended the Bastille celebrations on Sunday

“We love atmosphere at the Bastille celebrations and have been coming for the last three years” beamed Berenice Louw from Constantia as she savoured the spicy prawn curry with her husband Jimmy.

The marquee was a vibrant setting as visitors feasted on the treats of Franschhoek, surrounded by red, white and blue balloons and decor. A live band entertained the audience who were spoilt for choice with all the delights on offer.

Nick Davies presents his MCC wines from Morena at the Bastille festival

Amongst some familar faces, La Petite Ferme, Moreson, Pierre Jourdan, Bread & Wine and Porcupine Ridge I met Nick Davies of Morena who specialises in Methode Cap Classique (MCC). Davies produces an array of dry, zesty MCC wines and offers visitors a more personalised insight with his champagne tours at his farm in Franschhoek.

Sunday was the quieter of the two-day celebrations as Darielle Robertson of DNA events confirmed an attendance of 3,155 visitors on the Saturday and closed the marquee for further entry. At 1pm attendance was at 1017 visitors with no queue outside and everybody was able to flow easily through the marquee and taste the food and wine.

Glenwood battled hard to retain their trophy

A quick break from the marqee to watch the finals of the barrel rolling competition, sponsored by Porcupine ridge. Sixteen teams entered and some were eliminated during the heats on Saturday. Teams of two from each vineyard lined up for the finals, focused and eager to win trophy.

“We have the best barrel rollers in the wine region” chanted Ludwig Maske of La Cotte over the loud speaker. Maske was laying down the gauntlet for a possible future competition against vineyards from Paarl and Stellenbosch?

The teams made it look easy, but clearly being young and fit helps. Well done to Mont Rochelle, the winners this year.

Franschhoek steel band

The Bastille festival is now in it’s 16th year and held every year on the weekend closest to July 14th – when in 1789, locals stormed the Bastille in Paris and was a contributing factor in the French revolution. Franschhoek is where 150 french hugenots arrived between 1688 – 1700, giving the area it’s affintiy with France. The Bastille festival is also important for attracting several thousand visitors in winter to an area which is usually quiet this time of year.

The main road in Franschhoek was a hype of activity as shops and restaurants were draped in red, white and blue. In front of the townhall, the Franschhoek steel band entertained passers by with their energetic calypso music and collected signatures in celebration of a very important birthday. Happy 92nd birthday to Nelson Mandela.

0 Comments Posted in Restaurants, Tourism news, Wine news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Bread & Wine, Franschhoek, La Cotte, La Petite Ferme, Mont Rochelle, Morena, Nelson Mandela, Pierre Jourdan, Porcupine Ridge

16 Jul 10

The impact of Fifa on Cape Town – my thoughts

Cape Town stadium in Greenpoint

During the two year run up to the world cup, international visitors quizzed me during tours about our preparations. Were we worried about crime or terrorism? Would the stadium be ready? Will our roadworks be completed in time? Do we have enough electricity?

Their enquiries were fuelled by their home media and an international arrivals airport which looked like nothing more than a building site. Not to mention the road works on hospital bend on the way to their hotels.

I remained upbeat, calm and confident that everything would operate professionally and that South Africa could put on an event that would compare with anybody in the world.

Thankfully I have been proved right. While the global recession and us being a long haul destination has reduced the number of anticipated visitors, those who did venture the long trek have been nothing short of full of praises.

During tours in between the games, international fans described their excitement on the fan walk and admiration for the stadium. Many guests attended games around South Africa and four years ago in Germany and commented how the fan walk enhanced their soccer experience.

England fans along the fan walk

Houses, businesses and cars draped national flags with the obvious number of duel citizens bearing the South African flag alongside their mother country. Strangers spoke excitedly to each other in supermarket queues about the games and more females now understand the offside rule!

Cape Town was blessed with mostly sunny days with crisp blue skies while she was wall-wall with international film crew – all conducting their reports and interviews with backdrops of Table Mountain and the ocean. In between the matches, media entered the game reserves (call that a job??), and filmed animals in the wild. How can anybody not want to come here?

With the number of smaller countries qualifying we have improved our geography and knowledge of international flags and anthems. As teams departed the competition, the street vendors had fewer flags and scarves to sell, being reduced to Spain and Holland for July 11.

Cape Town also proved they could host international celebrities and leaders as dignitries made last minute plans to support their country in the Quarter and Semi-finals. I am sure that Angela Merkel enjoyed the warm hospitality of dining at Helen Zille’s home after the Germany V Argentina match as she must tire of formal enterntainment.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Paris Hilton, Mick Jagger and Morgan Freeman were amongst the many celebrities who graced our shores and it should not be under estimated their influence on twitter with several million followers.

All good things must come to an end and now we have returned to school and work with many exciting stories to share about matches we attended or watched on big screens, and the international visitors we met during these uplifting 4 weeks. Thank you very much!

3 Comments Posted in Celebrity news, Soccer news, Tourism news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Angela Merkel, Helen Zille, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger, Morgan Freeman, Paris Hilton

15 Jul 10

Warwick wine estate – big 5 wine safari

Tom, Stewart, Piet (guide), and locals from Stellenbosch enjoy the wine safari

Learning about viticulture made a refreshing addition to the wine tasting experience at the Warwick wine estate. Guests boarded a jeep and were treated to drive through the vineyards. The fleece blankets were very welcome on this crisp afternoon with a bright blue sky. Inspite of no foliage during this time of year there was still plenty to see and learn about. Both Piet and KPG (guides at Warwick), paused on route and explained the importance of viticulture on the final bottle of wine.

Many visitors have already seen cellars and were keen to be given an overview of the purpose of trellising, pruning, harvesting and canopy management. The biggest surprise was the age of the vines. Guests were amazed that it takes a few years before grapes are suitable for the production of wine. The subject of yield provided a whole new understanding in the final price of a bottle of wine.

Sakkie demonstated the importance of selecting the right shoots for pruning

Piet and KPG took a break at the top of the hill for guests to enjoy a glass of Warwick wine and absorb the view. Being a working farm we were lucky with the opportunity to observe pruning and Sakkie took a moment to explain with pride to his international visitors the importance of selecting the right shoots for pruning.

Education can be fun and Piet and KPG entertained the guests by equating five grape varieties with the big five animals. The king of the vineyard is Cabernet Sauvignon (therefore a lion), and the Cabernet France an elephant (for it’s thick skin) – to find out the rest, please go on the tour.

Soccer fans from USA, mother and son absorb the beauty of the view at the top of Warwick wine estate with their guide KPG

During spring and summer it will be easier to see the differences between the grape varieties by looking at the shape of the leaves and grape bunches, however this is the type of tour I would take throughout the year to observe the changes in the vineyard during the seasons.

After the tour, guests sat on the deck outside the new tasting room and tried all the wines available.

The tour takes around 45 minutes and price is R60pp. It is advisable to book in advance as the tour is weather dependent. Tel 021 884 4410

0 Comments Posted in Tourism news, Wine news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Warwick

6 Jul 10

Second food and wine bloggers meeting

Pieter Fereira (bubbles) and Pete Goffe-Wood

Pieter Ferreira (bubbles) and Pete Goffe-Wood

Pieter Ferreira (Bubbles), kicked off the second food and wine bloggers meeting last week with his thoughts on the value of twitter and blogging. Ferreira paired his bubblies and Graham Beck wines with a selection of treats prepared by chef Liam Tomlin of Chefs Warehouse, the venue for our meeting.

Bubbles Ferreira started tweeting less than a year ago. At first he found his tweets useful in recalling his trip around the USA, and today used for harvest reports and travel, food and wine related news. Ferreira believes that a tweet should be newsworthy and not an exclamation about the sunshine in Cape Town as an example. Gradually he found that customers interacted with his tweets and this lead him to writing his blog.

“A blog should be on a website, live, and informing all the customers with your news”

Ferreira has made wine at Graham Beck for 20 years and clearly an authority on methode cap classique. Early in his career he earned the nickname ‘bubbles’, hence his twitter is @bubblesferreira.

Our second speaker, Pete Goffe-Wood impressed strong views on the value of blogs which review restaurants. His main concern being, a restaurant may receive a poor review by a blogger not equipped with the background cooking knowledge to write a precise critque. Goffe-Wood writes his blog for venting his opinions, such as corkage and guests not showing up for confirmed restaurant reservations. He prefers opinionated blogs which show some personality, rather than recipes and facts, both of which he can look up.

Pete Goffe-Wood is a judge for the Eat Out top ten award, runs kitchen cowboys and Wild Woods restaurant in Hout Bay.

The food and wine bloggers clubs meets every month, where two guest speakers present their views on twitter and blogging for 30 minutes each and then exchange information and questions with the 20 attendees. Please contact Chris von Ulmenstein for further information, email campsbay@whalecottage.com

1 Comment Posted in Restaurants, Uncategorized by Lesley Cox
Tagged Eat Out, Graham Beck, Kitchen Cowboys, Pete Goffe-Wood, Pieter Ferreira, Wild woods

29 Jun 10

Helen Zille addresses Cape Town press club – The impact of Fifa on Cape Town

Helen Zille addresses the Cape Town press club

At the Kelvin Grove, Newlands, Helen Zille welcomed the Cape Town press club and international journalists visiting Cape Town for the Fifa world cup. Sporting jeans and a Bafana Bafana soocer shirt with Zille on the back, she introduced herself briefly to allow the majority of time for questions from local media and international journalists.

“The biggest impact of the world cup on Cape Town has undoubtly been international perception of South Africa”.

Zille gave personal accounts of the comments she had received from international business people and media. Many interviews and international reports have been conducted with Table Mountain, the stadium,and the ocean in the background which will show the world the beauty of Cape Town.

Zille is not celebrating yet. She is a realist and we are only half way through the world cup. Zille will congratulate herself and others, only at the end of the world cup. In the meantime she is thinking about the 2011 and 2019 elections and the local issues of toilets. Domestic issues do not stop for the world cup.

A working day for Zille can start around 5am and finish anytime in the evening. She is not afraid of hard work and only stops if one of her children need her. Although they are grown up and independent now, they are her first priority.

The Cape Town stadium was not her first choice. Zille preferred to upgrade the Newlands stadium. However, with a combination of concerns about logistics and Fifa dictating an ultimatum of build on Greenpoint or Cape Town could not be a host city, Zille relented.

“I did not want to deprive Cape Town of being part of the world cup”

Cape town stadium in Greenpoint

The new stadium in Greenpoint was built so quickly as with Fifa they were able to bypass any red-tape to meet deadlines. This is not the same for local housing projects and Zille expressed her frustations of working with bureaucrats, gate keepers and the people who constanly raise objections.

The world cup courts have proved to be successful but have had a negative effect on local court cases. Due to a high police presence there have been few incidents, so magistrates have been tied up in these specially set up courts with relative little work, causing even further backlog for domestic cases.

As a child, Zille never involved herself in sports, but the Fifa world cup as shown her the positive influence that sport impacts the nation and individuals. Zille would like to look at developing young talent in sport.

When questioned by an international journalist about the shortfall in international fans and hotel occupancy being only 80%, Zille replied

“I am very pleased to hear that hotel occupancy has reached 80% as that is better than I expected. The fewer international visitors has meant that more Capetonians have been able to attend the matches which is something I am proud of”.

As always, Zille received a strong applause from the audience.

0 Comments Posted in Soccer news, Tourism news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Cape Town press club, Fifa, Helen Zille, Table Mountain

28 Jun 10

La Capra – new range of lifestyle wines from Fairview wine estate

La Capra - new range from Fairview wine estate

La Capra (goat in Italian) is a delicious new range of wines from Fairview wine estate. Priced between R35 and R42 per bottle, these lifestyle wines were produced for early enjoyment and a comfortable atmosphere.

La Capra was inpired by the legend Atilla Balebos, a bohemian character known for celebrating life – rustic, outdoors, music, and hard work! These values were the theme behind the creative launch of La Capra at Wembley Square in Gardens last week.

Bridget Back and Glenda van Blerk with musicians at launch of La Capra range of wines from Fairview wine estate

Bridget Back, dressed like a romantic gypsy, gave us a warm welcome to her caravan for the wine tasting. In this cosy setting, I relaxed with fellow blogger Glenda van Blerk and Fiona McDonald, while Bridget presented the wines; their viticulture and philosophy. The Chenin Blanc had an elegant fruity nose and a surprising creamy finish. The strawberry nose on the Pinotage rose was a delight, while the reds we so approachable it was difficult to select a favourite. The Cabernet Sauvignon was fruity with a soft finish. The Merlot was fuller-bodied having spent 12 months in French and American oak barrels.

La Capra label represents the inspiration behind the wine. Of course there is a goat! This time the goat is doing a balancing act with symbols representing the philosophy of La Capra. First, three oak barrels (quality wine), followed by a globe (travel), a violin (music and celebration), a farmer (hard work), a fork (the Goatshed restaurant), cheese (have you tasted Fairview cheese?), and finally a band.

There is something for everybody in this range, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage rose, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot and Malbec. Currently available in Pick n’ Pay stores, and on special at Fairview wine estate with any six bottles for R200. Fairview wine estate is around 45 minutes by car from Cape Town, an ideal spot for couples and families looking for a picturesque setting for a tasting or lunch. Tel 021 863 2450

4 Comments Posted in Wine news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Bridget Back, Fairview, Glenda van Blerk, La Capra

25 Jun 10

Holland V Cameroon

The stadium looked like it had been painted orange

One could be forgiven for thinking the stadium had been painted orange yesterday as fans arrived last night covered in orange wigs, scarves, shirts and various array of national costumes. Looking closely, speckles of red, green and yellow were dotted around as Cameroon fans waved their flags and banners.

I talked to some of the fans around me and all were locals so it is difficult to say how many ventured from the Netherlands for the match.

The spirit of the game is not the same when the outcome has already been decided. On previous matches in the group, Hollands’s success to round 16 was confirmed and Cameroon knew they were going home after the match no matter the score. It was natural that the Dutch players did not want to risk injuries and yellow cards.

As fans exited the stadium to Bob Marley’s Could you be loved, they swapped cameras and took photos of each other in their costumes. There is something about a football match that encourages men to wear fancy costumes and dance!

The next few games should be entertaining as the remaining countries battle for the knock-out rounds.

0 Comments Posted in Soccer news by Lesley Cox

23 Jun 10

Portugal V North Korea

School children attend the match

While there was a noticable absence of Korean fans at the stadium, there was an abundance of excited well-behaved school children. Smartly dressed in their school uniforms they cheered when their Manchester United hero, Christiano Ronaldo ran onto the pitch.

One of the teachers explained they had entered a recycling competition and won 90 tickets for their school to attend this match.

The school children was all together at one end of the stadium

Situated all together at one end of the stadium, the youngsters were not disappointed when Portugal went on to score seven goals, five of the goals right in front of their goal area.

Cape Minstrels along the fan walk

It made a pleasant change to attend a match for a 1.30pm kick-off. All previous matches were at 8.30pm. The spirit of the fan walk in daylight was festive with muscians on route and a dominance of Portuguese flags and red and green colours.

During the match, the North Korean team fought back as hard as they could, but it was not to be their day. The Portuguese fans trumpeted their vuvuzelas and continued their celebrations long afterwards on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

The next game is on Thursday at 8.30pm – Holland V Cameroon

1 Comment Posted in Celebrity news, Soccer news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Christiano Ronaldo, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

21 Jun 10

England v Algeria – The Fans!

England fans along the fan walk

While the football was disappointing, the fans from both England and Algeria made the evening memorable.

Along the fan walk we were greeted with the Cape Minstrels, fire dancers, musicians and shouts of “Eng-ger-land” as fans danced towards the stadium. Costumes ranged from St George’s knights, flags, wigs, and T-shirts with the red cross on a white background.

England fans

South African fans laughed in the secuity queues as English fans sang well-known rhymes with their own lyrics about Rooney, Hesky and Gerard.

England and Algerian fans sing side by side

Though fewer in number the Algerian fans were equally well-dressed and gave as good as they could with their own songs and chants. At the end of the 0-0 draw, English and Algerian fans swapped cameras and took photos side by side, outside the stadium and returning along the fan walk.

Algerian fans get excited for a corner

Famous fans included the royal princes, William and Harry and the London Mayor, Boris Johnson.

Capetonians who went for their Friday morning workout at the Virgin Active gym in Claremont (Southern suburbs of Cape Town), were blessed to be alongside David Beckham on the treadmill. The England team stayed in the Vineyard hotel in Newlands for their match in Cape Town.

Cape Town resembled ‘Little Britain’ as they draped their flags around hotels and restaurants. Locals twittered that the Victoria & Alfred waterfront was ‘swarming’ with tourists. We say thank you to the English fans for visiting us for three days and hope you enjoyed our hospitality.

0 Comments Posted in Celebrity news, Soccer news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Cape Town, David Beckham, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

18 Jun 10

Richard & Rick Spies (USA) in South Africa for the World Cup football 2010

Rick Spies (USA), Danwin James (Backberg Wine Estate) & Richard Spies (USA)

USA football fans, Richard and Rick Spies took a day away from soccer to sample delights in the wine region. Rick requested Backsberg wine estate as his friend in Denver is involved in importing Backberg wines. I was reminded how lucky I am to work in the wine region as we drove through the main entrance along the boulevard of tall trees. At the approach to the tasting room we looked back and saw the snow capped mountains back drop behind the exquisite gardens which had an array of colourful flowers. Surprising, considering its winter.

Danwin, who has been managing the tasting room for nearly five years, guided Richard and Rick through a selection of wines according their palate preferences. Laughter erupted as the group of English supporters tasting next to us asked Danwin,

“Are you Tiger Woods by any chance?” I must admit the resemblence is quite charming.

Richard and Rick Spies, wine and chocolate pairing at Waterford Wine estate while watching Chile v Honduras

On to Waterford estate where the wine and specially crafted chocolate pairing is always a favourite. Seated near a flat screen TV, Rick was able to taste and keep his eye on the 1.30pm kick off, Chile V Honduras. Rick was in paradise!

Fan watch South Africa V Uruguay at Canal Walk shopping centre

For those not wishing to brave chilly temperatures or with young children and concerned about busy crowds there is a wonderful alternative – The Canal Walk shopping centre. The large screen in the food court is showing the three daily matches. There are seats and plenty of comfortable space. The food court was covered in South African flags, while young children trumpeted their vuvuzelas at the start of South Africa v Uruguay.

Tonight is England V Algeria in Cape Town at 8.30pm. I will be at the game and take photos of the exotic costumes I am expecting to see.

3 Comments Posted in Soccer news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Backsberg, Canal Walk, vuvuzelas, Waterford

15 Jun 10

Italy v Paraguay

Tourists line up to be photogrpahed with Zakumi

Visitors line up to be photographed with Zakumi

Rain did not dampen the spirits of fans who made their way to the stadium along the fan walk for Italy v Paraguay. De Waterkant shopping mall hosted many fans in the restaurants and bars, where internationals sat side by side draped in assorted flags and costumes.

At the main entrance, visitors lined up to be photographed with Zakumi, the Fifa offiicial mascot for 2010. Zakumi, a leopard, was designed by Andries Odendaal in Cape Town. His name was created from Za (the code of South Africa, Zuid Afrika) and kumi which means ‘ten’ in many African languages.

A corner for Paraguay

The football was energetic and exciting which kept the fans warm in chilly temperatures of 9 degrees. A draw of 1-1 was a fair result.

The stadium security guards went on strike hoping to effect the game, but a 1000 trainee police officers were drafted in at the last moment and fans exited the stadium in an orderly fashion towards the Victoria & Alfred waterfront, the free shuttle buses or the fan walk back to town.

It was appreciated that the Paraguay team took the time to applaud the crowd before and after match so say thank you to us for attending.

Attendance was 62,689 fans.

Next event in Cape Town is England v Algeria, kick off 8.30pm. Dry weather is forecast.

0 Comments Posted in Soccer news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Fifa

12 Jun 10

France v Uruguay at Cape Town stadium

Outside the Cape Town stadium

It was an electric atmosphere last night as 64,100 fans made their way for the first match in Cape Town of the 2010 Fifa World Cup . While some arrived on the free shuttle buses, many took the 2.6km fan walk from the City bowl to the stadium. On route were fire dancers, musicians and food stalls. Mutli-national fans joked and swapped cameras for souvenier photos in the queue for the secuity checks.

Cape Minstrels entertained the fans

Fans danced with Coca Cola

Once inside the Fifa sponsors presented entertainment for the fans who had arrived early. Fans danced with the Cape Minstrels, Coca cola, MTN, and Hyundai. The floats were arranged on the concourse outside the main entrance to the stadium.

Alison & Lesley - tickets scanned and into the stadium

Tickets scanned, we made our way to the stadium perimeter and to our seats. Vuvuzelas trumpted as France and Uruguay warmed up their limbs on the pitch. It was a cool evening of 14 degrees but we quickly warmed up with the atmosphere.

Semwano & Alison - the atmosphere kept them warm

Fans showed respect during the national anthems by not blowing their vuvuzelas.

Fans showed respect during the national anthems - no vuvuzelas

It was not the most exciting game of football I have ever seen. No goals and few chances. About 20 minutes before the end the vuvuzelas trumpted as France requested a substitution and Thiery Henri ran onto the pitch.

France v Uruguay

At the final whistle, fans exited the stadium and ambled along the fan walk towards the Victoia & Alfred waterfront or the city bowl. As the French team made a quick exit, Uruguay walked around the pitch and aplauded their fans, thanking those who had made the long journey to support them.

Cape Town can be proud at this first successful world cup football match.

6 Comments Posted in Celebrity news, Soccer news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Cape Town, Coke, Fifa, Hyundai, Thiery Henri, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

9 Jun 10

David Bowden, Sky News reports on the positive in South Africa

David Bowden, Sky News

David Bowden, Sky News reported in Johannesburg and Cape Town about the positive side of South Africa.

Standing in front of Soccer City, Bowden explained the reality of crime situated in certain areas and how tourist sites are largely unaffected.

In Cape Town, Bowden watched the Tenors rehearse in Gugulethu in preparation for the world cup before moving on to a factoy in Nyanga. Employees danced in jubliation while making flags and souveniers

“yes they were expecting the cameras, buy nobody can fake this exhuberance”, Bowden reported above the celebrations.

Cape Town city bowl turned into a vuvuzela street party at 12pm lunch time today as Capetoinians were asked to show their support for Bafana Bafana by blowing their vuvuzelas and car horns for 15 minutes! Film crews ventured down Strand street and Adderley to capture the party mood of for this evening’s news broadcast.

2 Comments Posted in Soccer news, Tourism news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Sky news

7 Jun 10

Response to reports my Sky News

Sky News

Over the last few days, Johannesburg based correspondant, Emma Hurd has presented two reports portraying South African crime and poverty. I was raised in the UK and have lived for the last 15 years in South Africa (7 years in Johannesburg and the last 8 years in Cape Town) and offer the visitors another version.

In the first report, Ms Hurd visited our poorer areas and suggested that South Africa wanted to hide away townships to international visitors. I write that there are many housing projects in place (some started before we won the bid to host the event) and they are not hidden away. You will see a variety of townships and housing projects on route from the airport to Cape Town and indeed also if you take the opportunity to visit Hermanus for whale watching.

I would also suggest that visitors take the opportunity to take a half day scheduled tour of the townships where you can visit projects and meet warm-spirited South Africans.

In the second report, Ms Herd warns visitors to drive in Johannesburg with doors locked and be extra vigilant at traffic lights due to crime. I do not write a rosy picture that South Africa is a crime free zone, but suggest that visitors behave in the same way as they would in most cities in the world.

I would welcome a balanced report from Sky News featuring the vibe, job creation, the flags, and the many locals who have got up early to welcome their international soccer heroes at the airports this week.

To international fans who are thinking of making a last minute decision to attend the World Cup, you will be made very welcome! We are not the poverty stricken war zone portrayed on Sky News

5 Comments Posted in Community projects, Soccer news, Tourism news by Lesley Cox

6 Jun 10

Fan fest, Grand Parade

There was a hype of activity on the Grand Parade with final preparations for the fan fest to be ready by June 11. With a capacity of 25,000, spectators will be able to view all 64 matches on the screen measuring 74 metres square. It will be open from 11am until 23.00pm throughout the world cup and a range of South African delicacies will be available for hungry fans. The Grand Parade is a few steps away from the beginning of the fan walk to the stadium (2.6km). Ticket holders are encouraged to walk or use one of the many shuttle services available.

Darling Street

The fan fest on the Grand Parade is directly opposite the City Hall, built in 1905. On February 11 1990, world-wide viewers watched the freedom speech given by Nelson Mandela on the balcony of the City Hall on the first day of his release from prison. Could he have ever imagined that 20 years later the world would be looking at South Africa again for the largest sporting event in the world.

As roads in the centre of town are closed in prepapation for the Fifa world cup soccer, locals should take the time to walk around the city and feel excitement in the air. Try and find a business, shop or stall without flags!

We extend a warm welcome to fans arriving from Uraguay and France in the coming days for the first game on June 11 at 8.30pm.

0 Comments Posted in Soccer news, Tourism news by Lesley Cox

31 May 10

Football tickets – Sales and Collection

Collection of football tickets, 42 Hans Strydom

Fans which have booked online will be delighted to know that the collection of their tickets is a quick and efficient process. The office is based at 42 Hans Strydom (at the bottom of Bree st), and open seven days a week from 9am – 6pm. I took my ticket reference numbers, ID and the credit card used to purchase onlne and the assistant processed the transactions quickly. We confirmed the tickets were correct and I signed electronically for them – no changes can be made.

Adjacent office for ticket sales

Adjacent, the office for the hopefuls trying to purchase the remaining tickets. It it is important to keep an eye on the Fifa website as tickets become available as and when companies offering package deals who block booked tickets release them back for sale.

Category 4 tickets are reserved for purchase by South Africans.

With 10 days to kick off, Cape Town is turning into flag city with cars and houses draping their nationality with pride!

0 Comments Posted in Soccer news, Tourism news by Lesley Cox
Tagged Fifa

22 May 10

Book Launch – How 2 help, by Rebecca Hickman

how 2 help - A guide to worthwhile causes CAPE TOWN, by Rebecca Hickman

“Of all the book launches at The Book Lounge, this book is the closest to my heart”, owner Mervyn Sloman introduced how 2 help, A guide to worthwhile causes in Cape Town.

First published in 2003 it has been finally updated by author Rebecca Hickman with 46 projects in and around Cape Town, outlining their goals and needs.

Everybody would like to give something back to our community and priced affordably at R120, the projects are presented so you can easily identify appropiate causes closest to your heart. In addition, all profits from the book will be donated to the projects, plus 10% of all sales when purchased at the The Book Lounge.

To a packed audience, Hickman thanked everybody for their support and introduced two speakers who lead two of the projects listed in the book.

Mario van Niekerk, GCU Academy

Mario van Niekerk, a former gang leader heads up the GCU (Great Commission United) Academy which uses soccer to steer children away from the temptations of crime. Started in 2001, today the GCU academy has 300 children attending football training and extra tuition in Heideveld. Mario eloquently presented their needs for volunteer soccer coaching, and stationary for tuition, and the importance of giving to the cause with your heart.

Nobuntu Nkanyuza, Ikhaya homeless shelter and Eyabantu creche

Nobuntu Nkanyuza started a creche in 1986 which has lead to the shelter she is operating today in Langa. Everybody should purchase the book to see how in a small way you can make a dramatic change in someone’s life.

Rebecca Hickman, author of how 2 help

Hickam visited 35 of the 46 projects personally and thanked her team of researchers who worked tirelessly to update today’s edition of how 2 help.

“I expected to find doom and gloom as I went through the townships. I didn’t. I found determination, solidarity, inspiration, upliftment and humility, especially meeting people who have so little and yet give so much.”

They are now in need of writers/researchers to update the editions in Johannesburg and Durban.

how 2 help can be purchased from The Book Lounge for R120

1 Comment Posted in Community projects by Lesley Cox
Tagged The Book Lounge

21 May 10

Overture Restaurant on Hidden Valley Estate, Stellenbosch

Chef Bertus Basson serves Buffalo Ridge Mozzarella, basil, olive, and tomato

I enjoyed the wonderful 8-course tasting menu this week at Overture restaurant, on Hidden Valley wine estate, near Stellenbosch.

I thought initially that eight courses would be impossible and expected to work my way through around five before surrendering. I was wrong. Owner/Chef, Bertus Basson created eight light dishes, full of flavours. Only eating vegetables and fish, Basson was flexible with the set tasting menu to create flavour sensations I have never experienced before.

Smoked Hound Shark, arborio crusted oyster, fennel and radish

Ingredients for the dishes are sourced locally where possible and organic when available. These two qualities are close to my heart and as important as the delicious dishes served. The waitrons were professional and not intrusive, enquiring after each course to let them know when we ready for the next one. Lunch took over three hours, as we ate leisurely and admired the views from the patio inbetween courses.

For some of the courses, Basson and Chef de Cuisine, Beau Du Toit, came out of the kitchen and presented the dishes, introducing the ingredients and preparation. This was a nice touch that we could meet the faces in the kitchen.

View from Overture restaurant, Hidden Valley Estate, near Stellenbosch

I drove so did not take advantage of the excellent wine pairings the wine steward Kris Snyman selected for the eight dishes. One wine in particular I tasted stood out as special, Aeternitas blanc. A garagiste wine of mainly Chenin Blanc by winemaker Johan Grimbeek.

For bookings contact Overture Tel 021 880 2721 or Email nfo@dineatoverture.co.za

0 Comments Posted in Restaurants by Lesley Cox
Tagged Bertus Basson, Hidden Valley, Overture

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