Get Out & About
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Written by Alice
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Tuesday, 18 September 2007 |
Miniscule daisies and pink and yellow flowers, no taller than your toes, carpet the verges and suburban play parks, a sure sign it’s spring. But if this is the closest you’ll get to the blooming cape, it’ll be a shame! It’s easy to forget that we live in one of the world’s floral kingdoms, with some of the most rare and beautiful flowering plants on the planet! Rekindle your awe of nature and celebrate spring by taking a trip to some of the flower lands and events in and around the Cape. More than just a casual glance – some ideas! Start a scrapbook with your family of places you’ve been and the flowers you’ve seen – an activity kids will love – and you will treasure. Buy an indigenous flower identification book and see how many of the blooms you can find. Take photographs of the flower-filled landscape and print them as postcards or greeting cards for friends and family. Get your kids to paint what they see – their artwork will probably merit framing – swishes of red, pink, orange, purple, white and yellow against the green and brown landscape and blue sky. You’ll be nurturing your children’s love of nature and eco-awareness in a fun and memorable way.
Did you know? The Cape Floral Kingdom is the smallest of the six floral kingdoms of the world, yet it has the highest number of species, an astounding 8600, of which 5800 are found nowhere else in the world. Table Mountain boasts more flower species than the entire British Isles.
Here’s Cape Chat’s handy list of flower lands and flower events to help you on your way:
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Written by Alice
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Friday, 31 August 2007 |
 Senait, owner of Addis in Cape says: ”I’m Ethiopian. I was born and grew up in Addis Ababa, a country I love and know most. Ethiopian food allows for a uniquely social atmosphere because the food is ‘shared’ informally among friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances. Vegetarian dishes are very much a part of Ethiopian tradition and the cuisine is simple but elaborated by togetherness. The beautiful ambience at Addis in Cape is something everyone can feast there eyes on and enjoy. The food is authentic, the flavors distinct, the ambience one of such careful consideration. Dining out at Addis is an adventure, a journey to be shared. The restaurant is my passion. People giving, sharing and experiencing is what makes Addis in Cape the restaurant it is.”
Alice at Addis: Visit Addis in Cape for a fun and very social experience. Sit around the beautiful woven tables while Tapas-style dishes are served onto a large Ethiopian flatbread. Individual portions of bread, rolled up and served in wooden bowls, are used to scoop up bite-sized portions of the tantalising variety of dishes presented. Find Addis in Cape Restaurant at 41 Church Street, or call 021 4245722 for a booking.
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Written by Alice
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Friday, 31 August 2007 |
 The Cape Point Nature Reserve has seen us twice in the last month because it really is such a brilliant place to take the kids. (Even for those of us who live out this way need reminding!) Take a picnic! Now there’s a challenge! (Do baboons eat olives?) Try and pack things that are easy to fling back into your basket when the baboons come to investigate, as they will. We took a whole roast chicken and rolls, the idea being that mom would make the rolls on the beach – not as easy as she thought. Ready-made is best. We spent the day at Olifantsbos (with a huge troop of baboons). The kids loved the whole experience and are nagging to go back. There’s nothing quite like seeing ostriches strolling on the beach on a crisp spring day! We also recently tackled the Waterfront and had an unexpectedly wonderful day. Go early! We were there at 9am to avoid the crowds. We walked around for a bit and the kids loved looking at the boats, cranes and harbour paraphernalia. A short boat trip around in the harbour on an old steamboat was next (not quite fast enough for the kids, but just fine for me) and we spotted jellyfish, seals and an old boot! The Waterfront had organized magician’s shows for the school holidays – a huge hit with the kids. After the magic, we headed to the restaurant at the Aquarium for a quiet cappuccino (or a Gin and Tonic, depending on how your children have behaved). They have a great play centre there and you won’t see your children for at least 15 minutes – enough time to plan some fun of your own…?
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Written by Alice
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Saturday, 30 June 2007 |
 Being a born and bred Capetonian, it’s a bit embarrassing admitting I haven’t been to the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. I can’t be the only one! I urge you to visit (or revisit) this easily reached retreat. Situated close to Stellenbosch, this beautiful nature reserve has much to offer. A keen mountain biker, I opted to cycle one of the many routes in the reserve. It’s only 20 bucks and you get a map showing you the various routes – clearly colour coded to indicate distances and skill requirements. Cycling through one of the forested areas, the Pin Oak trees had shed their autumn leaves – a vibrant display of colour on the forest floor. In some parts of this magical and majestic reserve, it’s very like the scenery in Switzerland. If you feel like being in nature but aren’t in an active mood, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Jonkershoek Restaurant, or if weather permits, take a blanket, a good book and relax under the beautiful wild chestnut, close to the entrance gate. And just when you realise that one day in the countryside isn’t enough, you can book into the Jonkershoek Manor House for the night. Wake up refreshed and ready to do: walking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking or – nothing at all – but listening to the sounds of nature. Contact 021 866 1560 or 021 659 3500 for more info.
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Written by Alice
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Saturday, 30 June 2007 |
 The Knysna Oyster Festival (6-15 July) lures many of us Capetonians towards a sumptuous delicacy, and so we travel the beautiful Garden Route and take in the beauty of its coastal splendour en route (Scenery flashing by and an Engen one-stop?). Instead of motoring with speed and determination towards the decadence of the oyster-fest, plan a more leisurely trip and add a wild dimension to your oyster shucking holiday by visiting the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. With 1300ha of indigenous beauty in the Outeniqua Mountains, and over 35 species of game, this reserve offers an unforgettable ride on the wild side: A 2-hour horseback safari will give you the chance to see rhino, lion, giraffe, hippo, buffalo and a large variety of antelope – the way mother nature intended. For the month of July only, the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve offers a 2-hour horseback (or guided game drive or walk) for only R190 per person. Call for reservations to avoid disappointment: 044 535 0000. Web: www.plettenbergbaygamereserve.co.za
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 September 2007 )
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Written by Alice
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Thursday, 31 May 2007 |
 Cape chat loves sharing info about great places and spaces for you to get your ‘time out’ in. We know how important it is to find that special somewhere that’s convenient, but not in the same vein as the mega-mall. Wembley Square just off Roeland Street in town is a must. Not only because access and parking is easy, but because it offers an experience of a new concept in urban space, combining residential, commercial, leisure and retail spaces, all in one. In today’s fast-paced live-work-play society, Wembley Square is the ultimate in bringing all these aspects together in one very attractive space. (Even the loos are stunning!) The vibe is happy, vibrant, yet, laidback. Perfect for the on-the-way-in or on-the-way-out of town ‘me time’ break, or a place to meet friends or colleagues for coffee, lunch, sundowners or dinner. (vida e caffé, crush, salushi, knead and the sinn’s restaurant and s-bar will delight your appetite!) The flagship Virgin Active gym is here, so why not change your workout location and enjoy a skinny latté afterwards, plug in your laptop (WiFi spot) and get yourself organized ‘out of office’. A hair design salon, a select design finishes warehouse and a range of fabulous fashion shops in the square will take care of a few things on your to-do list too. Wembley square is proof that city spaces can be ‘alive’ spaces – 24/7, 365! Wine tasting, jazz on Saturdays, sushi school and other delightful moments are part of the offering. Come to the square and get an all-round fabulous time-out experience! Go www.wembleysquare.co.za for the events listing.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 September 2007 )
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Written by Alice
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Saturday, 31 March 2007 |
 Walking and hiking are among the simplest of life’s pleasures. Talking, eating, drinking and sleeping are pretty good too! Hiking is a freely-available pleasure and a chance to enjoy the empowering feeling of getting from A to B on your own two legs – setting an easy, mind-wandering pace while you enjoy nature. If this doesn’t lure you out on our recommended hike for April – nothing will! All you need is: A few hours, a warm top (just in case) water, a map and good company. This route starts in the parking lot at the top of Francolin Road (From Camps Bay drive, turn left into Fiscal and follow the road all the way up. Start your walk at the boom and stick to the dirt road for about 10 minutes until it turns to the right. Keep an eye out for a white arrow painted on the ground showing you where to scramble up to the pipe track. Here, turn right and follow the sign that takes you up Kasteelspoort. The views from the top of the mountain are breath-taking and well worth the 50 minute climb. At the top, follow the timber walkway until you get to a crossing. Going left will take you into the valley of the Red Gods. Once in the 'valley' there are a few options. We suggest exploring the Valley of Isolation by following the signs to Platteklip Gorge. Taking the route to the left will take you home again down the steep but manageable Diagonal path. This hike is perfect even on hot summer mornings, as this side of the mountain is well shaded. It should take just over 3 hours including rest breaks. ENJOY and send us a pic!
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Written by Alice
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Wednesday, 31 January 2007 |
 An idyllic day trip close to Cape Town, especially at the height of summer, is to pack a picnic lunch and set off to the Rooibos tea tinted waters of Crystal Pools for a refreshing and revitalizing swim. To get to Crystal Pools, drive barely 10 minutes on from Gordon's Bay, where you’ll find the Sunbird B&B on your right. Here is where you can obtain day permits for just R10 pp. Cross over the Steenbras River bridge and park on your right before entering the reserve opposite. A half hour walk up the valley, which follows the riverbed, will reward you with the first of many stunning rock pools. We had intended climbing to the higher pools for a more spectacular view, but were stalled by a vanguard of baboons, which no amount of drum beating or towel whipping noise could send into retreat! (I felt as though I had suddenly entered the set of the latest episode of Survivor!) We eventually settled at the middle pools, wisely tied our bags to trees, and took turns dipping into the glorious water. Some fellow walkers were not as cautious and left their bags unattended. Lying in wait behind a bush, ‘big daddy’ took his opportunity and was rewarded with salads and two yoghurts (which he took his time to eat) not at all phased by our shouting and stick waving. He finally released the bag and called his friends over to select their next target. Nature had clearly won this round – it was our turn to retreat and leave the baboons to their valley.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 September 2007 )
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Written by Alice
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Wednesday, 31 January 2007 |
 Douglas Adams, author of “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” (and so on) has my undying admiration, not only for his sharp, witty and fabulously insightful exploration of human nature, but his concern and support for the condition of the other living creatures on this planet. His wonderful book “Last Chance to See” left a lasting impression and has raised my awareness of animals on the brink of extinction. If you’re suffering from post festive season burnout, replenish the balance by spending some time with animals in the few remaining beauty spots dotted around the peninsula. (We need the space more than they do it seems!) Whether awe-inspiring, noble, beautiful, unique, vulnerable, or just plain cute, these creatures represent what may be the last of all that is wild and free. Here are (just some of) the places to go:
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 September 2007 )
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