Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts: GoldFish Live

While most people spent Sunday stomping and head banging at Ramfest, I decided to go for a more subtle approach to end off my spectacularly relaxed weekend, jamming to the awesome beats of Goldfish. The Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts are held every year, it is a great opportunity for old and young, families and friends to come together and watch their favourite South African artists perform. I’ve been to a summer concert once before where I watched The Dirty Skirts perform. Live music with a superb backdrop of mountain and trees accompanied with your own wine and snacks, a lovely way to spend your Sunday evening.

I have always been a fishie fan but my mom however, takes the cake. Whenever I’m playing one of their tracks at home I can be sure that my mom will run into my room waving her arms and moving her hips singing along to their songs. Not a pleasant site for any child to see. So when news broke that Goldfish was indeed part of the 2012 summer concert line up, I made sure I purchased tickets well in advanced just so that my mom could hear them live and hopefully not pester me with any more of her ‘I wana see GoldFish live’ grunts.

 

The long ass line:

I’ve seen GoldFish a couple of times, and my favourite performance of theirs was at Rezonance NYE fest back in 2010. I haven’t seen them perform in a while, so seeing them again yesterday was a lovely treat. Tickets for the show sold out fast, when we got there the line was long and it was a scorcher of a day but as they say ‘We come together, no matter the weather’. Once inside we found a lovely spot where we set out our blanket and started to nibble on our snacks while awaiting Goldfish. Their performance was amazing as always, everyone got up to dance to their killer tunes. They have a whole lot of new remixes and there is nothing quite like new music.

The thing that I enjoy most about GoldFish is that they play their own classical instruments and mix it with the music, which is different to any other electronic DJ. It allows them to engage with the crowd on a higher level. During the instrumental bits of their songs, goosebumps covered my flesh and I believe that only great music is hair razing. The best part of the concert was when the GoldFish mascot graced us with his presence and awesome dance moves! Yes, GoldFish is definitely one of South Africa’s best exports. It’s because of local artists like them that I am Proudly Capetonian.

GoldFish Live:

Dancing Goldfish:

If you haven’t heard their music before (which I’m sure you all have) check out their website:

http://goldfishlive.com/

Valentine's Day: The Date

Valentine's Day has come and gone and I was lucky enough not to face it alone. I have been on some amazing Valentine's dates, but this one was truly stunning. This year I got to share it with someone I have known for several years, he was my best friend in High School and we have always kept in touch throughout the years. Every time I see him it's like no time has passed, we literally laugh at anything and everything. At first he wanted to take me out for dinner but as you all know finding a place to eat on Valentine's Day is never an easy task. He, however, planned a surprise for me instead. I love surprises, the guessing game never gets old.

We met in front of the Cape Grace, at the Waterfront, and took a stroll to the shopping center. All the restaurants were filled to capacity by couples. We headed to Primi Piatti for some cocktails, awaiting my lovely surprise, a ride on the Cape Town Ferris Wheel, well that's what I call it. I kind of knew what it was from the beginning but didn't want to be a party pooper. The wheel was lit up with red, pink and white lights, it looked absolutely stunning! It was the busiest I have ever seen the wheel, people were queuing to catch a glimpse of Cape Town by night.  

The ladies were greeted with a single red rose, so at least I can say I got my rose on Valentine's Day. Everyone that went on the ride also enjoyed a glass of J.C. Le Roux's Le Domaine, I would have much preferred an entire bottle though, wishful thinking I know. The view was breathtaking, I tried to take as many photos as I could but the darn windows kept reflecting my flash. One doesn't realise how stunning our city looks at night.

We ended our evening off with some Mc Donald's, original I know, but to be honest their Cajun Chicken burger beats any meal from any fancy restaurant, plus I got to catch some of the Champions League football. Win-Win situation for me. All in all I had a super evening, proving once again that Valentine's Day is definitely not as bad as people make it out to be.

Die Hollensche Mollen

Die Hollensche Mollen is a popular family resort tucked away in Franschhoek, South Africa. We visit the resort every year on Boxing Day, and I am truly fond of the fact that my family has formed this tradition. R100 gets you in for the day, one might think it is very expensive but fact is the resort is very well kept and summer is the only season they make all their money. You can also purchase a membership which means you will pay a significantly cheaper entrance fee every time you visit the resort.

A typical trip to Hollensche Mollen comprises of making food for your picnic and preparing the meat a night before so that one can leave early in the morning, by early I mean hitting the road at 8am. Why so early one might ask, well hundreds of families flock to the site particularly on Boxing Day, so in order to find a good spot to picnic and to park the earlier you leave the better. It is possibly the only place when Portuguese and Afrikaans people dominate the area. If it is not Espetada on the braai then it’s boerewors either way it makes out for one hell of a fun day.

The resort’s main attractions are their overly large swimming pools and the river that flows right through the resort. I prefer swimming in the river over the swimming pool, because I can actually stand in the river. The swimming pool is so deep that I am often left swimming with the kids in the shallow end or holding on to the edges of the pool for a quick rest. The famous diving board also keeps everyone occupied. I have slowly advanced to the highest diving board; well I would rather call it a plonking board because I usually just jump down.

When we aren’t swimming we spend most of the day sun tanning, playing cards or Uno and smoking Hubbly. This year we forgot the coal for the hubbly at home so Binx and I were walking around looking for people who were willing to sponsor us. Sad I know, but we eventually found one.

The resort hosts many competitions for their visitors such as karaoke competitions and Mr and Mrs Hollensche Mollen to keep their visitors entertained. They also have a bar with a t.v. so that important Boxing Day football games won’t be missed. Right next to the bar is a café where they sell almost everything. It is possibly the only café left that still sells Slicks (ice-cream in a triangle bag).

I am not a fan of their website design at all, but because of its history and loyalty of customers, I doubt anybody really visits their site. I is always a good idea to brand yourself properly though particularly if they want people to rent or buy a place at the resort. 

Take a look at their website: http://www.hollandschemolen.co.za/ Yes I agree it’s gross, if they are going to pay for a domain name they might as well have a nicer looking website designed.

I had a lovely time at Hollensche Mollen over the holidays; it is the perfect way to spend the day with your family. 

Always Sunny in Cape Town

Blouberg is possibly one of the most stunning places in Cape Town. Not only do you have a view of our stunning mountain but there are some of the most amazing restaurants along the Tableview strip. I tend to go to Tableview on a regular basis even if it's just to watch the sunset while eating some delicious soft serve ice-cream. There is something about the ocean against the back drop of Table Mountain which completely soothes me. One can enjoy a visit to well-known restaurants like Primi Piatti, Ocean Basket and News Café or visit the local club called Medleys which all overlook the beachfront. The beachfront is enjoyed by Kite Flyers, dog owners and the local public alike.

Blouberg Eden on Bay is a popular spot filled with restaurants like Moyo, Cappello and Café Sofia as well as vibrant bars like Tiki Bar. There are many other convince and clothing stores. Take a look at their beautifully designed website: http://www.edenonthebaymall.co.za/ . It is clean and inviting, just the way any website should be. The logo is also simplistic yet beautiful.

Another one of my favourite places in Blouberg is definitely The Blue Peter Hotel. They have a restaurant at the front end of the hotel which faces the ocean. The vibe of the restaurant is amazing, and they are always packed to the rafters. To find a seat on a sunny day is a mission on its own, but the struggle is worth it! One can enjoy a drink on their lawn or if you lucky enough you can grab a table and try out their pizza, I can honestly say they have the best pizza in Cape Town. The Blue Peter has been around for many years and its popularity has never faded and I doubt it ever will. Take a look at their elegant website: http://www.bluepeter.co.za/dining.html

I took the photos at a beach close to The Blue Peter, whilst enjoying a lovely ice-cream on Christmas Day. Cape Town has so much to offer and I am blessed to be living in such a beautiful city.