Well, it seems that this blog has become somewhat redundant ever since I managed to score myself a full time gig with the publishers of SA Shipping News and Fishing Industry News SA (no websites as yet).
It's been awesome, really it has but the editorial policy at my new place of work is not to let any content leak out that we can charge for. Drop a mail to abwritesales@telkomsa.net if you need a subscription to either of these fine bi-monthly publications.
All the best!
Benny
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Cape Easter shopping
Easter in the Cape, Cape Times 31/03/2009
Well, this kind of stuff is vital information for a surprising amount of people.
Well, this kind of stuff is vital information for a surprising amount of people.
CAPE SHOPPING CENTRES CATER TO YOUNG ONES AND YOUNG AT HEART
The favourable exchange rate over the years has helped Cape Town create a few amazing shopping experiences that continue to draw in the visitors with great value and true Cape style. This Easter Cape Town’s major malls are providing entertainment to make shopping even more pleasant with a focus on the little ones.
Canal Walk in Century City currently holds the title of Africa’s largets shopping centre. With over 400 stores and open until 9pm every day, Canal Walk offers the most comprehensive and compelling lifestyle shopping experience in South Africa. This Easter, 3rd and 4th April moms and dads can spoil the kids and themselves with two days of jam-packed fun at the Canal Walk Kids World Fun Time. The Central Court at Canal Walk will be transformed into a fairytale playground with jugglers and a whole troupe of entertainers There will be stilt walkers, South Africa’s first noiseless, pollution-free ‘steam’ train, jumping castle and tasty treats on offer.
On the 5th of April, NKD will be launching their latest album, kicking off their nationwide road show. Nicky, Kesha and Deidré are the former Idols contestants who form the well-known girl trio. Having already enjoyed success with their debut album “What’s That Noise”, which featured the Top 10 hits “What I Believe” and “Snakebite”,
The Proteas, South Africa’s National Cricket Team will be giving Capetonians the opportunity to meet their Cricket heros and have their favourite memorabilia signed by members of the squad on the 7th of April from 14:30-15:30.
For more information on these and other events click on www.canalwalk.co.za or telephone 021 52 9699/8.
Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the V&A Waterfront has become South Africa's most visited destination. The V&A features exciting shopping and entertainment venues set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views.
Over the Easter period, the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour 2009 will be live at the Waterfront. Visitors to the V&A will be joining African football fans in Nigeria, Algeria and Egypt, that will be afforded the ultimate experience, to be able to see, and for a few lucky ones to touch, this famous Trophy between the 11th and 12th of April. All fans will be welcome to see the Trophy on display, and to enjoy live entertainment at the Heineken Village throughout the weekend, including UEFA Champions League memorabilia displays, free-styling soccer performances, music and much more. Famous players drawn from the history of UEFA Champions League will accompany the Trophy.
For the third time in the event’s history, the Two Oceans International Friendship Run will take place on Good Friday morning, 10 April 2009 at 09h30. Marathoners from all around the world are invited to come along and have a leisurely 5 km jog or walk from the Good Hope Centre to the Waterfront.
International participants’ family and friends are welcome to take part and can purchase an entry for R50, which includes a special PUMA T-shirt. Registration takes place at the Expo at the Good Hope Centre two days prior to the event. The International Friendship Run takes participants on a scenic route through the city centre past historical landmarks and key points of interest.
Check out www.waterfront.co.za for more information or telephone 021 408 7600.
In the Southern Suburbs, discerning shoppers head for Cavendish Square, a 200 unit shopping centre that offers top stores in stylish, exclusive trolley free surroundings. Kids will be well looked after at the Enchanted Garden at Cavendish’s Centre Court. It’s a secure drop and shop zone where parents can leave their children in a safe, environment with professional child minders while they shop. Keeping the little ones entertained is Buggles. Buggles the official Cavendish mascot and will be visiting Cavendish every school holiday with lots of fun and exciting activities for the kids to do in the Enchanted Garden. On 6, 7, 8 & 13 April - Kiddies are invited to come and meet Buggles in person between 12-1pm daily. They can have their picture taken with him, and join in fun activities in the enchanted garden. On 9, 11, 12 April, the Enchanted Garden will be hosting a special Easter egg hunt with the Easter Bunny over the Easter weekend. Come join in and you may find some yummy treats!
For further information: 021 657 5620 or www.cavendish.co.za
In Helderberg, Somerset Mall has gone all out this Easter holiday with their very own Mad Hatters Fun Zone. From 04 to 14 April, 10am to 4pm kids can look forward to a zone where everything will be bright, wacky and fun. From face painting, crafts and activities in the Drop & Shop zone to a free daily show by the Mad Magician Monty. Easter egg hunts are also planned and the Easter Bunny should be around there somewhere. Try www.somersetmall.co.za or telephone 021 852 7114 for information.
Adventure Sports in Easter
Easter in the Cape, Cape Times 31/03/2009
CAPE TOWN DELIVERS EXCITEMENT BY AIR, SEA AND LAND
There are always people up for a little adrenaline jolt over the Easter holidays and Cape Town isn’t short of opportunities to get the blood pumping. The spectacular scenery and gorgeous terrain of the City and Peninsula can provide an awesome backdrop for some thrilling and unique adventure and sports activities.
Some might complain about the persistent south-easterly winds, but to Kitesurfing enthusiasts the local climate provides perfect conditions for one of the world’s fastest growing sports. The idea behind kitesurfing is very simple. A kitesurfer stands on a board with foot straps or bindings and use the power of a large controllable kite to propel him and the board across the water. This simplicity also makes kitesurfing challenging. Your body is the only connection between the kite and the board and you have to control them both at the same time: piloting the kite on the sky and steering the board on the water. Kitesurfers describe the sport as ‘an unbelievable rush’ and wax lyrical of the sense of freedom and exhilaration they experience skimming over the water at speeds of up to 60km/h.
As the initial learning curve is rather steep and the equipment quite expensive to buy beginners are strongly advised to get some expert tuition to ensure a cost effective and injury free introduction to the sport.
Blaawberg strand is regarded as the best kitesurfing spot in Metropolitan Area due top the predominantly “sideshore” wind direction. A world rated spot, is the Langebaan lagoon about an hour and half drive north of Cape Town. There the flat surface of the lagoon and near continuous wind, create perfect conditions virtually every single day.
For kitesurfing advice, rentals, and tuition try Cape Sports Centre Tel: 022 772 1114 www.capesport.co.za or Windchasers Tel: 082 079 0500 www.windchaserssa.com
Providing stunning and unique views of Cape Town and the Peninsula, Tandem Paragliding has been a unique choice for visitors who want to literally fly with the birds. Launch sites include Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, Noordhoek Beach and the top of the jaw-dropping wall of rock that is Franchhoek. Powered Paragliding experiences take off from Dolphin Beach and fly to Melkbostrand and back. No experience is required to enjoy this absolute freedom of flight.
Try Parapax, South Africa’s oldest tandem paragliding company at www.parapax.com or phone 0828814724
Absailing with Absail-Africa offers the world’s highest commercial absail off Table mountain. Repel down an amazing 1000 metres of vertical rock as you take in stunning views of the city and peninsula. The company also offers guided tours up the rugged river gorge arriving at a series of secluded rock pools. Here you can try your hand at Kloofing, jumping from 3 metres to 22 metres at the famous Kamikaze Kanyon. Perhaps only for those looking for some adrenaline fuelled adventure.
Cantact Absail-Africa at 021 424 4760 or www.abseilafrica.co.za
Cape Town offers a wide array of Surfing spots to suit all skill levels from daredevil professionals to absolute beginners. The jagged Cape Peninsula coastline that stretches from Kommetjie to Cape Point and then along False Bay to Muizenburg, always have an excellent wave to offer for surfers and bodyboarders. The shape of the Peninsula means that regardless of wind direction there is always a beach with an on-shore wind. Those interested in trying their hands at the sport and wouldn’t mind a little expert tuition are spoiled for choice, as Cape Town boasts numerous established surfing schools, some of which have been training aspiring waveriders for decades. Lessons usually last between two and three hours and it’s entirely possible for a complete novice to catch his first waves standing by the end of the session.
Try Gary’s Surf School, established in 1989 is located in Muizenburg, arguably the best beginner’s beach in the Cape. Tel. 021 788 9839 or log on to www.garysurf.com
Downhill Adventures also offers half & full day surfing courses as well as other board related activities such as sandboarding. Tel. 021 422 0388 and web, www.downhilladventures.com
Scuba Diving is surging in popularity as people wake up to amazing variety of environments found along the Cape Coast. The reason for this is the meeting of two ocean currents, the warm Indian and the cold Atlantic, on our doorstep resulting in an explosion of marine species. Completely different environments are ready to be dived just a few minutes drive from each other, ensuring there is always somewhere spectacular in season. The rough seas around these shores have also played their part and provided a long list of easily dividable wrecks to explore, suitable for every skill level.
Marine life around our waters include Stingrays, Great White Sharks, Octopus and other invertabrates, a dazzling variety of fish, Seals and many more.
The diving community in Cape Town is well serviced from equipment rental to PADI instruction, and dozens of suppliers and tour operators compete for the visitor’s patronage.
Table Mountain National Park FYI
Easter in the Cape, Cape Times 31/03/2009
THE TABLE MOUNTAIN CHAIN A WILDERNESS WITHIN A CITY
The inhabitants of Cape Town are indeed fortunate that geography has gifted them an a vast recreational area including mountains, forests, beaches and oceans in the form of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). Stretching from Lion’s Head and Signal Hill in the north to the windswept cliffs of Cape Point in the south, the park is fragmented somewhat by the surrounding urban areas and private land. It is however a mostly open access park with only three pay-points and partially for that reason welcomes over 4.2 million visitors annually.
Hikers are spoilt for choice with numerous trails for all fitness levels, from the casual stroller to overnight camping trails. The raised elevation offers spectacular views of the city, mountains and sea amid lush vegetation, rooikranz and fynbos. Most of the popular hikes up Table Mountain such as Platteklip Gorge (north face), Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge (the latter two being accessible from Kirstenbosch) are fairly strenuous, while Silvermine, the Cape of Good Hope and the Constantaiburg offer easier options. The Cape of Good Hope trail is a 33km hike that offers overnight accommodation in three cottages. The TMNP is also one of the few national parks in the country that permit dogs to be walked on certain routes.
For those that want to enjoy their views without breaking a sweat, you could always take a ride up the Table Mountain Aerial Cabelway. The view from the top is a must-see for any visitor to Cape Town and roughly 2km of trails offer stunning vistas that take in the whole Peninsula, the Cape Flats, the CBD and surrounding country. The flat expanse of Table Mountain hosts over 1500 species of plants, some found nowhere else on earth and roughly the same number as are found throughout the entire British Isles. The indigenous birds that can sometimes be seen are the Black Eagle, Rock Kestrels and Sunbirds. Mammals are represented by the dassies (rock hyrax). Though small and rodent-like in appearance these animals are actually distant relatives of the elephant. A visitor centre and restaurant have been built near the upper cable station. Although there are numerous world-class routes for Rock and Sports Climbing, the most famous is surely Africa Face, just beneath the cable station.
Mountain Biking is an option growing in popularity and the steep slopes and complex terrain provide numerous challenging trails for the enthusiast. The environmental impact places certain restrictions on where cycling can take place, but the Tokai Pine Plantation and Silvermine should be more than enough for a day of two-wheeled fun.
A range of surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing opportunities present themselves to board riders. Secluded and uncrowded surf spots can be found in the Cape of Good Hope Reserve, but the Atlantic swell provides numerous rocky reefs, points and beaches along the coastline. There’s always a good wave to be caught somewhere in the Cape. The World famous Red Bull Big Wave Africa is held at Dungeons just of Hout Bay and attracts top big wave surfers from all over the world. Fishing is also popular in the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, and anglers can fish from the shoreline or use one of several slipways to launch boat-based expeditions, although permits are necessary.
If you enjoy Scuba diving then the TMNP has a much to offer you. Particularly rewarding are the numerous wrecks that scatter the coastline as well as the six "no take" zones that have been established as breeding and nursery areas for marine species. Popular dive sites include Maori wreck off the Sentinel in Hout Bay, Oudekraal on the Atlantic Seaboard and Miller's Point in the False Bay.
Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Reserve is a breathtaking rock formation and the most south-western point of Africa. The sheer cliff faces plunging into the foam flecked Atlantic will make it obvious why it has been called “the fairest cape in all the world”. The reserve itself also has much to offer in terms of picnicking, hikes, beaches and wildlife and will give visitors an idea of what the Cape must have looked like when the only inhabitants were the nomadic San herders roaming through the endless fynbos. Animals in the reserve area include several species of buck such as Grysbok and Klipspringer, larger antelopes such as Eland, Cape Fox, Baboons and many more.
As the Park is serious about protecting it’s wildlife and flora and is keen to preserve its World Heritage Site status, numerous restrictions apply to most activities in the park. It’s always better to find out a little bit about how you can help protect this treasure. The official website at www.sanparks.org/parks/table_
World off Birds, a feathery puff-peice
Easter in the Cape, Cape Times 31/03/2009
MEETING THE BIRDS IN HOUT BAY
A birder’s paradise can be found at The World of Birds in Hout Bay just twenty kilometres from the centre of town. The largest bird park in Africa and one of only a few large bird sanctuaries in the world, this well established attraction and tourist favourite consists of a series of interlocking aviaries covering four hectares, housing over four hundred species of birds, reptiles and small mammals. It is a unique setting that allows visitors to come within touching distance, and lock eyes with, and photograph rare and endangered species that could only be seen through zoom lens till now.
The World of Birds offers and experienced guides and staff are on hand to educate visitors on the breeding, mating and feeding habits of their charges. The unique ways in which each species socialises, sings, feed their chicks and build their nests are sure to fascinate young and old alike, providing an unforgettable educational experience.
The World of Birds is instrumental in breeding programs for birds on the brink of extinction and provides what might be the only realistic chance of ever encountering many rare species. The avian residents include Turacos, Hornbills, several species of Owl and Eagle, Vultures, Cockatiels, Softbills, Peafowl, Swans, Buzzards, Crowned Crane, Ostrich, Goshawks, Spoonbills, Secretarybirds and literally hundreds more.
The mammal enclosures are not to be missed either and children and adults alike will delight in being able to finally come face-to-face with creatures that used to exist only on the television. The family of cheeky Spider Monkeys will compete for your attention with the famous Meerkats, who breed well in captivity. Feeding time is not to be missed if you want some unforgettable photos of your time in South Africa. Also waiting to be seen are Mongooses, Baboons and Foxes among others. Our reptilian friends also make an appearance, represented by the Green Iguana, Tortoises and the Blue-Tongued Skink.
Facilities include a lovely grass picnic area next to swan-filled ponds and visitors can enjoy lunch as graceful Peacocks and Indian Blue Peafowl stride along the footpaths. The park has run a highly successful breeding program for some species and is proud to host one of the largest flocks of the South African National bird, the Blue Crane as well as programs for endangered Bald Ibis and Great Horned Owl.
For opening times and directions log into www.worldofbirds.org.za or telephone 021 790 2730.
Cape wines in Easter
Easter in the Cape, Cape Times 31/03/2009
CAPE WINES SET TO FLOW THIS EASTER
When Jan van Riebeek, first Governor of the Cape, planted the first vineyard in 1655, he could hardly have dreamed that the Cape would one day become one of the world’s leading New World wine regions. Today over 400 wine estates produce everything from sturdy Rhone-style red wines to aromatic Sauvignon Blancs thanks to the marvellously varied climate and soil conditions. Stretching from the Table Mountain range with it’s cool Atlantic breezes, to the semi-arid Klein Karoo viticulture hidden from the heat in green river valleys, the Cape wine region offers something for everyone.
The Constantia Wine Route, situated just 20 minutes drive from the centre of the City has three of the oldest wine estates in the country, namely Buitenverwachting, Groot (great) Constantia and Klein Constantia. Groot Constantia is an especially fine example of the iconic Cape-Dutch Colonial architecture and has been lovingly restored to house a fascinating range of exquisite antiques including stoneware from 500BC. The verdant gardens are ideal for picnics and hikers can enjoy walks in the valley that produced some of Napoleon and Frederick the Great’s favourite wine. Klein (small) Constantia Estate is set amid trees and lush greenery on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg. With its historic Cape Dutch Homestead and superb views across the valley and False Bay, it has frequently been described as one of the world's most beautiful vineyard locations. Wine tasting and sales are available daily.
Log on to www.constantiavalley.com for information
Only 20 km north of Cape Town, the Durbanville Wine Route, like Constantia, is very close to the mother city but frequently overlooked, though this would be a mistake.The Tygerberg hills host a total of nine estates and a highly variable terroir and climate have produced a wide variety of fruit-driven and stylish wines. Some estates date from the 1600’s while others boast of ultra-modern facilities for wine tasting and sales. Durbanville Wine Valley will host the Feast of the Grape on the 28 & 29th of March 2009. This harvest festival is a complete package of wine, great food & fine music – from picking a bunch, making your own wine, in addition to the usual wine tastings and cellar tours. Try www.durbanvillewine.co.za for more information on the festival as well as links to the estates.
Centred around the quirky town of Darling, an hours drive from Cape Town, the Darling Wine Route includes five wine cellars, all of which benefit from the cool breezes off the Atlantic Ocean and the long, hot summers to produce some stunning wines with concentrated flavour, depth and intensity. The rugged West Coast has recently been recognised as a viticultural region to compliment it’s numerous other attractions such as the annual blooming of the spring flowers and Buffulsfontein Game Nature Reserve. As they say, see for yourself why it’s called Darling at, www.darlingtourism.co.za
The Stellenbosche Wine Route is the granddaddy of South African wine routes and represents over 140 wineries and estates, most of whom offer tours and wine tasting. The town of Stellenbosch itself, which lies at the heart of this winemaking area, is a gorgeous, historical university town with some of the best-preserved Victorian and Georgian buildings along oak-lined Dorp Street, itself a national monument. The name ‘Stellenbosch’ is almost synonymous with the wine industry. Not only does it have the oldest wine route in the country, and the most famous, but the town has one of the most modern experimental wineries in the world, and the only viticultural and oenological department in the country at the university.
Due to the vast size of the wine route it is sub-divided into smaller routes each with their own particular flavour and character. Bottelary Hills for example lies on the slopes of the lush Bottelary Mountain range with most of its vineyards facing north, thus producing excellent red wines. Simonsberg-Stellenbosch is known as ‘Cabernet country’ though some of the smaller wineries produce premium white and sparkling wines. Log on to www.wineroute.co.za to find out more.
The Olifants River Valley Wine Route starts about two hours drive from Cape Town in the historic farming town Trawal and stretches for a 120km along the Olifants River which supplies most of the water to the dry region. The area around Lutzville is regarded as one of the most ideal wine growing areas due to its mild climate, misty mornings, sunny days and south westerly sea breeze. The soil varies from sandy to red clay loams. While one of the smaller routes with only three major estates, the area has become known for it’s innovative and award winning boutique cellars building on a tradition of easy-drinking wines. Other attractions in the area such as nature trails, river rafting and 4X4 routes make the area worth lingering in for a day or two.
Try www.olifantsriverwineroute.com for information.History of Easter
Easter in the Cape, Cape Times 31/03/2009
EASTER: A VERY BRIEF HISTORY
Christians believe that Jesus Christ, their Saviour, was resurrected on the third day after his crucifixion at the hands of the Romans, somewhere between 26 and 36 A.D. These events are now celebrated on Good Friday and Easter Sunday in the most important days in the Christian calendar year.
There is no evidence that the early Christians celebrated Easter, nor that Jesus or his Apostles mandated the celebration of this or any other festival. The earliest surviving mention of Easter was only recorded in the mid 2nd century by the Byzantine Saint Sardis, though he did give the impression that the celebration was a well established one. The shifting date on which Easter is celebrated gives some credence to the theory that it was originally derived from the Jewish Passover, as the Holy days in that faith are calculated using the lunisolar calendar, one of several calendars in use in the ancient world at the time. It was in fact, the Passover that Jesus and his disciples were celebrating at the Last Supper shortly before his crucifixion.
While the exact beginnings of Easter are still a matter of historical debate, the Holy day was undisputed tradition by the end of the 2nd century, though controversy still raged between Christian factions as to the exact date to be used and periods of fasting to be observed. Many of the objections centred around the wisdom of relying on Jews, who were then still consulted to compute the lunar calendar and the exact date of Easter. Not that the Jews always agreed with each other either and differences in their methods would see Passover celebrated in on different days in different cities and sometimes twice in one year.
Luckily, the matter did not prove to be schismatic and major bloodshed was avoided until the First Council of Nicene in the mid 3rd century AD, where it was resolved along with other issues that saw Christianity installed as the official state religion of the Roman Empire. The Resurrection was decreed to be henceforth celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon, following the vernal equinox, computed independently of the Hebrew Calendar. For most Christians this settled the matter.
The widespread reach of the Christian faith has however left pretty much every other detail concerning Easter to the sectarian convictions of individual denominations. From the Eastern Orthodox Church, Coptics, to Catholics through to the Protestants and their Evangelical offshoots, modern Easter is celebrated with a huge variety of fasting, almsgiving, special hymns, prayers, rituals and ceremonies. Some, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses and some Pentecostal denominations do not observe Easter at all. These groups point to vague links with pre-Christian festivals such as the Roman Bacchanalia, a springtime orgy of excess condemned even in Pagan times.
Modern capitalists have conversely taken to celebrating Easter with considerable enthusiasm, and use the holy day to market a range of egg and animal shaped chocolates, baked goods and even mundane household items such as margarine and washing powder.
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