Monthly Archives: September 2012

Stellenbosch mountains from Asara

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Stellenbosch mountains from Asara
Isn't the view just gorgeous? I'd never visited the Asara Hotel and Wine Estate before, and had no idea of the view that they're privileged have. I can imagine that having a picnic on the banks of this little dam while taking in the scenery must pretty much be one of the best ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Asara is a little way out of Stellenbosch, and fairly close to the Spier Estate where Kerry-Anne will be hosting the 2012 Content Strategy Forum towards the end of next month. It's proximity to Spier and that Trip Advisor currently ranks Asara number 2 out of 18 hotels in Stellenbosch probably makes it a great alternative hotel. I wonder if the view has something to do with that? :)

Sparkling reeds

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Sparkling reeds
The sparkling light through the reeds is really beautiful, don't you think? Isn't it a shame that our eyes don't capture light quite like this? True, our eyes to a better and more useful job, but I'm sure you can't deny that a camera's limitations and properties often do produce awesome effects.

The geese know something

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The geese know something
I find geese are a little creepy, to be honest. It's almost like they know something that I don't, and that they are just that bit more vicious than I expect.

These ones came a-charging, fully expecting to be handed loaves of bread on silver platters. It did not happen.

Dams of Durbanville

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Dams of Durbanville
One of the cool things about living in Durbanville is the number of open spaces, and more specifically the number of open spaces with beautiful little dams. We discovered this pond (with ducks and huge white geese) right about over here.

What power failures?

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What power failures?
I can't recall the last time that we had a power failure. It's either been that long, or perhaps that my memory is failing. About a week back we noticed a brief flicker in the lights, almost like the last time Koeberg's one nuclear reactor shut itself down - but, the power remained, and we were happy.

Calm before the storm? I'm not sure. We had a bitterly cold winter, and we survived, so perhaps our supply of energy is under control.

Silver Surfer

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Silver Surfer
This is the figurine that I found hanging from the rear-view mirror of the Kombi in my last two photos. When originally spying the Kombi I had a pretty good idea that it had to be a surfer's ride - and this pretty much confirms it. :)

The good old Kombi

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The good old Kombi
Remember these old VW Kombi's? Can you imagine how many things this one has seen, and how many stories this one could tell? It sure looks like it has a long history of memories attached to the neglected paintwork, rusty spots, and worn-out interior. :)

See the city

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City Sight Seeing bus
This is an awesome way to see the city - provided it's not too windy, and not too rainy. In fact, the optimal weather is sunny and windless - that way you're able to enjoy the hop-off spots to their full.

The bus leaves from the V&A Waterfront, just outside the aquarium. As you can see from the front of the bus, this is the "Blue Mini Peninsula Tour" which basically traverses the city, takes a drive over Kloof Nek, down to Camps Bay, and along the coast back towards Sea Point, ending back where you started at the V&A Waterfront.

Do this trip if you have half a day available of if you'd prefer to spend a long time at hop-off spots - you're sure to enjoy it. As an alternative you could take the day-long tour that goes via Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, over to Hout Bay, and back along the coast past Camps Bay, Sea Point, also returning to the V&A Waterfront.

In close proximity

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Kloof Nek Road and Table Mountain
I'm guessing that it's probably quite a marvel to many visitors that we have a huge mountain in such close proximity to the city. It's somewhat of a marvel to me on clear days like this too! I guess you could possibly then understand why we have such a fixation with Table Mountain.

Breakfast in Cape Town

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Breakfast in Cape Town
Given the number of times I've written something about Beleza, you'd swear they're paying me. Alas no, not even a discounted cup of coffee. :) For some reason I've grown to really like this restaurant as a breakfast venue. It's something about the atmosphere, I think.

Hip Hop fashion

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HIp Hop fashion
Hip Hop is a popular fashion brand in South Africa - they make awesome dresses! Seeing this sign reminded me of a year or two ago when Kerry-Anne won a prize - a custom-designed and fitted ball gown by Hip Hop. Unfortunately, even though they got the advertising mileage, Hip Hop never actually gave Kerry-Anne that dress... which sucked quite some, I'm sure you'll agree. :(

Sea Point seas

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Sea Point seas
The fence you see to the right of the photo encloses a kid's play area, located right next to the Sea Point public swimming pool. Access to the area appeared to be very closely monitored. The gate was locked and it looked as though one has to negotiate with a gatekeeper to gain entry.

Espresso Bar in Buitenkant Street

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Espresso Bar in Buitenkant Street
This either used to be Truth's espresso bar, or still is. I'm not sure. This photo, taken by @RelaxWithDax only a couple of months ago, shows the Truth name and logo on the front of the building. It is no more... do you suppose Truth has moved on?

Tables and umbrellas

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Tables and umbrellas
This cluster of tables, umbrellas, and chairs are found right next to the Sea Point public swimming pool (map). It's the perfect refuelling spot to use while taking a leisurely walk along the Sea Point promenade. The proprietors sell a variety of food, from traditional soft-serve ice cream, to pan cakes containing both sweet and savoury treats.

You should visit one afternoon - it's a fine place to stop for a late afternoon snack as the sun starts to dip closer to the horizon.

Buitenkant Street

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Buitenkant Street
Buitenkant Street is one of the old old streets in Cape Town that leads up from the Castle deep into the city bowl. With tourist spots like the District Six apartheid museum, Perseverance Tavern (one of the oldest pubs in the city), and the Rust en Vreugd museum, I'm guessing that if you're visiting Cape Town and are fascinated with her history that you'll probably end up in this street. It's a safe area in the day, not so safe at night. Ok? :)

The Azzavia mosque

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The Azzavia mosque
This name, for some reason, reminds me a little of X-Men - probably because of Professor Xavier. :)

Even though Cape Town has a thriving Muslim population, I can't claim to know an awful lot about Islamic culture. The little that I do know about this building is that construction was started in 1919 by one Muhammad Salih, a shaykh (teacher) originally from the little town of Swellendam. You can read a little more over here.

Ice cream cone

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Ice cream cone
Many years ago there used to be a little place that sold ice cream next to the Sea Point public swimming pool. The vendor closed down some time ago, leaving the spot vacant for several years.

Only recently, while walking in the area, did I notice that a small group of vendors have opened shop on the same spot, selling a variety of treats - including this, my favourite. :)

Countries and flags

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Countries and flags
If you're wondering why my daily updates have been a little lagging, it's because I've been in the USA for a little while, in Palo Alto (just outside of San Francisco), to be precise. The distance of about 17,000 kilometers from Cape Town, means that this is probably one of the furthest places away from home!

I'll be back in Cape Town soon, but until then I hope that you'll be happy with the photos that I stashed away before I left. :)