Facebook

VOTE DA

Become a fan of Surfing : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Surfing/86914913056

Find the link to the BOMB surf magazine on the fan page to view the free magazine online.

Hello All

We have changed the settings for your fan page. Go to the wall and have a look. Please share your information on places to go2 in SA.

Thanks,
Admin

Hello Fans

Facebook made changes to Cape Town page to be more like a friends profile page.

So all friends or fans of Cape Town come and have a look, and leave your comments behind before you leave!

Cape Town

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cape-Town-South-Africa/Cape-Town/10054107275

The Bomb Surf Magazine

Finally a surf magazine free to everyone. Click the link below and subscribe FREE. Or view magazine online FREE. Using flash, they have perfected the art of viewing magazines online.

Subscribe to the mag (Free)
http://www.thebombsurf.com/pages/8/subcribe-here

From there website :

Big Ocean Media Bros is a start up media business with a focus on innovative and relevant content delivery to the South African surf and beach culture niche. The primary brand communication channel within the business is theBOMBsurf.com. This is manifested in the following content platforms:

* A weekly email newsletter.
* A weekly video round up (link embedded in the newsletter).
* This website - which hosts video and provides a platform for online retail and social networking. The emphasis of the social networking platform is to provide a focal point for the South African Surf communities environmental and resource management initiatives. The online retail will focus on basic hard goods (surfboards, wetsuits etc), but will also provide a consultative platform for travel and medical relevant to active surfers.
* An events program that is designed to strengthen the link between provincial and local Pro surfing in SA.
* A quarterly publication. This available to subscribers only and is distributed free of charge to surfers living in SA.

Subscribe to the mag (Free)
http://www.thebombsurf.com/pages/8/subcribe-here

Just another reminder to become a Fan of iPhoneapps fan page guys.

We will send out info on application that are free for first 3=24 hours so you can download and not pay.

Link : http://www.facebook.com/pages/iPhone/iPhoneapps/54369093764

Find all the info on the latest applications available from iTunes at iPhoneapps Fan Page.

Click the link below to learn more about Facebooks application and many others...

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/pages/iPhone/iPhoneapps/54369093764

Keep up to date with the newest app by becoming a Fan!

Another year has come and gone and now we look back and ask our selfs, what should I change to make myself better? Some will try and others will succeed. Those who try, good for you and those who stick to there guns then just remember the next time a friend says the same thing and maybe your inspiration will help them too.

So here are the top ten New Years resolutions :

10. Reorganize Life

On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life.

9. Be More Charitable

A popular, non-selfish New Year’s resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help.

8. Learn Something New

Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you’ll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year’s resolutions to keep. Challenge your mind in the coming year, and your horizons will expand.

7. Get Out of Debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It’s a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

6. Stop Drinking

While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available.

Just paying the bills…

5. Enjoy Life More

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of people in the world, it is no wonder that “enjoying life more” has become a popular resolution in recent years. It’s an important step to a happier and healthier you!

4. Stop Smoking

If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you’ve tried to quit before and failed, don’t let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good.

3. Lose Weight

Weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of people who made a New Year’s commitment to shed extra pounds.

2. Get Fit

Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.

1. Spend Time with Loves Ones

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of people asked, vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.

Happy New Year Everyone...

PLEASE COME WRITE NEW YEARS GREETINGS ON THE WALL AND TELL US WHAT YOUR GOING TO CHANGE?

We're wishing you a Christmas
Full of laughter, love and light,
With delicious holiday foods
To excite your appetite.

We're hoping you receive
Delightful gifts to make you smile,
With family and friends
To love you all the while.

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
May your Christmas dreams come true,
And when Christmas is over,
Happy New Year, too!

Cape Town Fan Page

Come write on the Christmas Board :

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=6685&uid=10054107275

Take a scenic drive along the Bainskloof Pass and you will find Bainskloof Corner Lodge, backpackers, guest lodge and campsite set in the heart of the magic Limietberg Mountains.

Enjoy stunning views from our wooden decks while wining, dining and unwinding.

Linda’s Kitchen offers delicious country gourmet cuisine. Linda Trautmann received her Grande Diploma in Cordon Bleau cookery from Silwood Kitchens in Cape Town. She cooks with the best freshest ingredients with dedication, love and passion.

Appreciate the unspoilt majestic beauty of South Africa’s Boland Complex World Heritage Site.

Stay over and get back to nature. Swim in the cola pools of the Witte River a couple of minutes walk from the lodge. Hiking, rock hopping, trail running and cycling are fun sports to do while you stay.
Cycle along the Bainskloof Pass and see spectacular views.
Bainskloof Corner Lodge is the starting point and overnight stop for various hiking trails.

Overnight Limietberg Trail from Tweede Tol Campsite to the lodge and back the next day. Rock Hopper Trail down the boulder strewn river and back.

Bobbejaanskloof Trail to three waterfalls and back. (moderate)
Happy Valley Trail to Junction Pools (GOOD FOR ALL walk as far as you want and come back)
Day hiking permits are available at the lodge.
Overnight permits are available from Nature Conservation.

Booking Office: 021 659 3500
Or www.capenature.org.za

Take a drive and tour the vineyards. Wellington Wine Route is the longest wine route in South Africa, boasting some of the best wines in the world.
Bainskloof Lodge is only an hour and a half scenic drive out of Cape Town.

Feel welcomed to beautiful Bainskloof by Hassan and Linda your hosts.
For bookings and inquiries call +27 021 864 1159

Visit our website for additional information www.bainskloof.co.za

Well we are almost there guys the big 10K Fans for Cape Town fan page. But we need that push again and that means we need you!

INVITE 10 FRIENDS PLEASE, SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR THE CITY THAT YOU HAVE SO MANY GOOD MEMORY'S OF, LIKE THE FIRST TIME YOU KISSED A GIRL, OR A WALK ON THE BEACH...

We all have good memories of places we have been or places we have seen, I remember seeing the lights on Table Mountain for the first time.

I did not always live in cape Town and do not live there now, but I will always call it my home. SO...

COME WRITE ON THE WALL ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY.

START A DISCUSSION TOPIC.

Make Cape Town Fan page a place where everyone comes to meet, talk, learn and share.

and Remember,

Cape Town Loves You!

Chef Clayton Bell builds on the indelible legacy of chef extraordinaire, Frank Swainston. The menu’s focus remains the robust flavours of Italy with forays into exotic Asia. Clayton believes that consistency is a key factor in the restaurant’s ongoing popularity. “Don’t over-complicate food, and don’t mess with good quality ingredients. I’ve been here for 13 years, and Uitsig is my second family.”

This attitude underscores the elegant yet relaxed, convivial atmosphere that keeps so many people returning for another meal in the original Manor House on the estate. It’s also why first-time visitors feel immediately that they’ve come home. Since its inception in 1992, Constantia Uitsig Restaurant has consistently featured in The Top Ten Restaurants of South Africa.

Open 7 days a week
Lunch: 12h30-14h30 Dinner: 19h30-21h30
Closed: Lunch 31 December New Year's Day

Tel:+27217944480 Fax: + 27 (0) 21 794 3105
E-mail: restaurant@uitsig.co.za

Website to Visit :

http://www.amakiwi.co.nz/

We are going to start using your images for the Cape Town fan page, so if there are an photographers wanting a little spot light please upload some now.

We are now using a photo uploaded by : Jason Crerar and we thank him for sharing the beauty of Cape Town with the rest of the world.

Please do come have a look and write a comment on the wall to let him know that that his photos rock.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cape-Town-South-Africa/Cape-Town/10054107275

Whats going down this Sunday?

Caprice, Camps Bay BE THERE!

Everyone must go there tomorrow and make it the hugest Sunday party ever, Please don't drink and drive. Find a friend who will stay sober and drive you and your friends home.

SEE YOU ALL THERE TOMORROW!

Cape Town

It's classic in a contemporary way.
It's a restaurant but it's also bars.
it's got a lot of heritage but it's very now.
And it's well worth a visit.
Situated in the heart of the Cape's legal and financial district is Five Flies restaurant.

Previously an exclusive club cocooned in white washed walls and colonial dark wood where respectful mutterings soothed the halls and private rooms of this landmark building.

Today the exterior of this national monument remains unchanged, proudly proclaiming a history of significance and positioning. The interior, until its recent renovation reflected the austere atmosphere of its surroundings, but has now been skilfully remodelled to create a dining space that compliments its simple yet racy food.

The interior walls now speak with bolder tones and carefully selected modern art pieces adorn them. The lighting is soft subtle and unobtrusive to your dining experience. The cuisine is innovative, flavoursome and surprising. The energy created by the staff is contagious, and the attention to detail welcomed. Meet our executive chef.

There are many elements to be savoured within the Five Flies; from the bare brick wall afternoon wine bar to the interior cobbled courtyard serving casual lunch and dinners, private dining rooms all apportioned with their own individual flair and the sumptuous cigar bar and lounge upstairs.

All in all this is a dining venue to be experienced with a sense of anticipation with the guarantee to return.

http://www.fiveflies.co.za/Content_1020000000_menu.htm

Friday 12 December 2008

The Assembly
61 Harrington street
R100

20h00 - 04h00

Its already been a year!! And a wild year at that! In 12 short months The Assembly has positioned itself firmly on Cape Town's Music and Entertainment map. We have been privileged to host some of our countries most promising entertainers as well as a score of international acts!

We Thank YOU for your continued support in our endeavors, and look forward to continuing to bring you more memorable nights!!

DJ FOOD & DK - NINJA TUNE/SOLID STEEL - UK
Seven years ago, DJ Food and DK launched Ninja's hugely successful Solid Steel - mix series with Now, Listen. The current main movers of the long running and much-loved Solid Steel radio show and club night, they laid out the basic template of all that was to follow. A dizzying, kaleidoscopic pile-up of musical styles and spoken word eclectica, all pieced together, layered and re-treated with the sort of attention to detail that only comes from nerdy obsession and music collections that need reinforced floor supports to be held safely.

2007 saw the sequel Now Listen Again released to an ever increasing fan base and once again to critical acclaim.

The result of their accumulated years of musical knowledge, unparalleled mixing ability, complete disregard for genre boundaries and a quirky sense of humor is a Dance floor heaving journey through a wide spectrum of beats and breaks from Timbaland and Human League to Apex Twin and New Order and many many more

To add to the festivities DJ Food & DK will be performing their recently developed AV (Audio Visual) set to inject yet another dimension of elements to their already captivating show.

Diversity is the name of this game.

Get your fix at www.ninjatune.net/solidsteel/

Purchase your Pre-sale tickets now to avoid disappointment on the night as this special event is sure to sell fast. With your pre-sale purchase you will automatically be entered into the lucky draw to win a pre-event hamper worth R1500 AND one of 3 pairs of super dope sneakers up to the value of R1000 all provided by Sportscene. (Terms and conditions apply please see The Assembly facebook group for details.)

http://www.theassembly.co.za/static/html/index.html

We are here to push the frontiers of what Christians believe.

Our aim is nothing less than Matthew 10:7-8 - And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand!
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers (touch the untouchables), drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Teaching all Christians everywhere about the Kingdom and how to do the greater works that Jesus said we would do. (John 14:12)

This website will push the limits of your faith so that you will be full of the Holy Spirit and fire, ready to do the works of Jesus who came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8)

Our aim, through Biblical teaching, is to so transform your mind (Romans 12:2) to the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) that you become Naturally Supernatural and effective in revealing Jesus to those our Lord is longing to reach out to.

BECOME A FAN, CLICK LINK BELOW :

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fans-of-Jesus/41897957521

ZULA BAR
http://www.zulabar.co.za/upstairs.html

THURSDAY 4 MAD BREW PRESENTS: THE E.T.C CREW
IS THE CAPE TOWN-BASED, MULTI-RACIAL, CROSS DIMENSIONAL HIPHOP RAP OUTFIT THAT YOU MIGHTêVE ALREADY HEARD OF.
FUELLED BY THEIR OWN FRESH YET ENERGETIC, JAZZY, HEAD-NODDING HIP HOP SOUND, THEY ARE ON A MISSION TO FILL A CULTURAL AND MUSICAL GAP IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC INDUSTRY. NOT CONTENT TO BE FOLLOWERS IN THE GAME, THEY WOULD RATHER DO IT DIFFERENTLY, MAKING CHANGES ON THEIR OWN TERMS, ARMED WITH THE KIND OF QUALITY BEATS THAT SPEAK TO YOUR FEET AND A HIGHLY COMEDIC LYRICAL FLOW THAT IS COMPLETELY CONTAGIOUS. ETC CREW IS HERE TO RE-ADJUST ANY KIND OF ATTITUDE THAT SAYS HIP HOP RAP IS STRICTLY FOR GANGBANGERS - R20

FRIDAY 5TH: BOUDOIR PRODUCTIONS LIVE PRESENT: JOSIE FIELD
HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT MORE THAN THE RADIO PLAY AND ALBUM SALES. A DYNAMIC AND AGGRESSIVE LIVE PERFORMER, SHE HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR TWO YEARS TOURING MERCURY, AND PLANS TO DO THE SAME WITH THE FOLLOW UP RELEASE LEYLAND AS WELL. SHE IS NO STUDIO DIVA AND CAN DELIVER HER SONGS NOTE FOR NOTE, PITCH PERFECT ON STAGE EVERY TIME. THE JOY OF THE JOSIE FIELD EXPERIENCE IS THAT, FOR ALL HER YOUTH AND RELATIVE INEXPERIENCE, SHE IS A SEASONED CAMPAIGNER WHO IS NOT AFRAID TO STAND UP AND DO HER THING, AN WHO BELIEVES IN THE POWER OF HER MUSIC, BE IT ON STAGE OR ON RECORD.

SATURDAY 6 DJ LUVCHILD

SUNDAY 7

MONDAY 8 C.O.M.E (COMEDY ON MONDAY EVENINGS)
AN EVENING OF LAUGHTER AND FUN FEATURING SOME YOUNG
UP AND COMING COMIC TALENT
AS WELL AS THE MORE ESTABLISHED ACTS - R30

TUESDAY 9 8.30 - 10PM ACOUSTIC SESSIONS: FEAT.
SOME OF CAPE TOWNêS FINEST SINGER SONGWRITERS
IF YOU ARE A SONGWRITER AND FEEL THE URGE
TO EXPRESS YOUR TALENTS
CONTACT VUSA OR ZOE ON (0214242442).
10.30PM STAGE FRIGHT: FEATURING WAKENED + DJ MBORO

WEDNESDAY 10 NUNGARIN + DJ LUVCHILD

THURSDAY 11 MAD BREW PRESENTS: THE SLEEPERS
TAKE 1 TABLESPOON OF PROGRESSIVE ROCK, 2 TEASPOONS FOLK ROCK, ADD A SPRIG OF LATIN, LEAVE TO SIMMER FOR 2 YEARS, THEN ADD 1 TABLESPOON OF SLOW PULSATING AMBIENCE AND SPRINKLE SOME ORIGINALITY AND POSITIVITY IN FOR GOOD MEASURE. SHAKE AND ENJOY A DOSE OF THE SLEEPERS.
R30 + DJ LUVCHILD

FRIDAY 12 FARRELL ADAMS & THE LITTLE SINNERS
AS LONG AS IT FUNKS, I'LL PLAY IT, FROM DISCO TO DRUM N BASS,
I SET THE PACE. SPREADING LOVE AND HAPPINESS
TO THE WHOLE WIDE HUMAN RACE.

SATURDAY 13 FONG KONG BANTU SOUND SYSTEM:
EXPECT A ROLL CALL OF MUSICIANS PAST AND PRESENT, AS REAL ROZZANO, DUBMASTA CHINA, NTONE EDJABE AND BOETA G DIG INTO THEIR EXTENSIVE COLLECTION FROM NU JAZZ STRUTS AND DANCEHALL GRINDS TO ORGAN THUMPING FUNK AND RARE JAZZ DANCE GROOVES.... WITH VICKS PROVIDING ABSTRACTIONS ON SAX AND FLUTE. THE FKBSS TRAVEL THE WORLD AND INVITE YOU ALONG TO THE KIND OF CONSCIOUSNESS YOU CAN'T GET ON HI-ROTATION MUSIC TV - R20

SUNDAY 14 ANDRA, HAS A REALLY GREAT VOICE AND MAKES A STATEMENT WHEN SHE SINGS „ NOT EVERYONE DOES...

MONDAY 15 C.O.M.E (COMEDY ON MONDAY EVENINGS)
AN EVENING OF LAUGHTER AND FUN FEATURING SOME YOUNG
UP AND COMING COMIC TALENT
AS WELL AS THE MORE ESTABLISHED ACTS - R30

TUESDAY 168.30 - 10PM ACOUSTIC SESSIONS: FEAT.
SOME OF CAPE TOWNêS FINEST SINGER SONGWRITERS
IF YOU ARE A SONGWRITER AND FEEL THE URGE
TO EXPRESS YOUR TALENTS
CONTACT VUSA OR ZOE ON (0214242442).
10.30PM STAGE FRIGHT: FEATURING KOKORO + DJ MBORO

WEDNESDAY 17 ALAN FUNK - FUSING UPLIFTING JIVE WITH ROLLING RHYTHMS AND SOULFUL HARMONIES, ALANFUNK IS A FRESH, ENERGIZING YOUNG SOUTH AFRICAN BAND BASED IN CAPE TOWN. NOW A SLICK 6-PIECE, THE BAND RELEASED THE FIRE DEMO IN JULY 2008, WHICH SHOWCASES A SAMPLE OF NEW TUNES IN PREPARATION FOR THE SECOND ALBUM.

THURSDAY 18 MAD BREW PRESENTS
IAN HENDERSON + JULIA JAKOBSEN

FRIDAY 19 MAD BREW PRESENTS
THE RAGDOLLS: A YEARLONG ROLLERCOASTER RIDE SAW THE RISE AND RISE OF THE 3 PIECE ACOUSTIC FOLK -ROCK OUTFIT, JUST SARAH - NOW THE BAND FORMERLY KNOWN AS. AS AN EVER-PRESENT AND GROWING ATTRACTION TOWARDS THE WILD AND SEDUCTIVE WORLD OF THAT THING WE CALL ROCK N' ROLL BECAME TOO DIFFICULT TO IGNORE, THE INCLUSION OF THE ALL TIME CLASSIC MUSICAL WEAPON OF CHOICE, THE ELECTRIC GUITAR SAW AN UNSTOPPABLE AND RAPID CHANGE IN THE WAY THINGS ARE RUN AROUND HERE. THE INEVITABLE RESULT: A MUSICAL PHENOMENON NOW KNOWN QUITE SIMPLY AS THE RAGDOLLS.
+ FIRE THROUGH THE WINDOW: MARC AND SINEAD ARE A PAIR. HAVE BEEN FOR QUITE A WHILE TOO. MARC PLAYS IN BANDS, QUITE A FEW ACTUALLY, BUT SINEAD NEVER HAS AND SO, AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, MARC SET ABOUT WRITING A BUNCH OF DREAMY, ROMANTIC, CATCHY, POP SONGS THAT HE AND SINEAD COULD SING TOGETHER WHICH TURNED OUT RATHER WELL IN FACT (OH, SINEAD HELPED TOO)SINEAD HAD DECIDED THAT 'FIRE THROUGH THE WINDOW' WOULD BE A FITTING NAME TO CALL THEIR QUAINT MELODIES AND MARC AGREED. R40
+ THE PLASTICS - R30 + DJ LUVCHILD

SATURDAY 20 MRS. B DOUBLE THE STRESS, WITH TRIPLE PASSION.. WE ARE HERE TO GO SOMEWHERE, WHEREVER THAT MAY BE.. IT WILL BE OUR BEST..
HOPE YOU TAKE THIS RIDE WITH US..
+ THE KINGS OF VEGAS.R30
HAILING FROM CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, THE KINGS OF VEGAS ARE A YOUNG, FRESH, ALTERNATIVE, ROCK BAND AIMING AT TRANSCENDING MUSICAL GENRES.CONSTANTLY FLIRTING WITH ELEMENTS OF POP PUNK, FUNK AND EMO ROCK. THE VEGAS BOYS HAVE A WIDE AUDIENCE BASE AND NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE CROWDS NIGHT AFTER NIGHT - R30

SUNDAY 21 ONE DAY REMAINS - LEAD VOCALIST AND GUITARIST MICHAEL NARANJO, BASSIST GUIDO HELM AND DRUMMER JASON OOSTHUIZEN HAVE BEEN BUSY PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON THEIR DEBUT ALBUM, SINS, CONVICTIONS, CONFESSIONS AND HAVE HAD A MASSIVE REACTION TO THEIR FIRST SINGLE
THE NEED.

MONDAY 22 C.O.M.E (COMEDY ON MONDAY EVENINGS)
AN EVENING OF LAUGHTER AND FUN FEATURING SOME YOUNG
UP AND COMING COMIC TALENT
AS WELL AS THE MORE ESTABLISHED ACTS - R30

TUESDAY 23 8.30 - 10PM ACOUSTIC SESSIONS: FEAT.
SOME OF CAPE TOWNêS FINEST SINGER SONGWRITERS
IF YOU ARE A SONGWRITER AND FEEL THE URGE
TO EXPRESS YOUR TALENTS
CONTACT VUSA OR ZOE ON (0214242442).
10.30PM STAGE FRIGHT: FEATURING T.B.C. + DJ MBORO

WEDNESDAY 24 DJ LUVCHILD

THURSDAY 25 CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS - ENJOY !

FRIDAY 26 PARTY PEOPLE: T.B.C.

SATURDAY 27 THE SHY GUEVARAS - ARE A CAPE TOWN BASED,
4-PIECE, ALTERNATIVE ROCK BAND. WHILST SOME HAVE COMPARED THEM TO THE LIKES OF AUDIOSLAVE
AND THE FOO FIGHTERS, SHY GUEVARAS ARE UNIQUE
IN SOUTH AFRICAN ROCK; WITH INFECTIOUS BASS LINES
AND SOLID BACKBEATS ALL RIDING FRONTMAN GARETHêS SMOOTH, CATCHY VOCAL MELODIES, THEIR SONGS ARE AS EASY TO LISTEN TO AS THEY ARE TO SING ALONG TO.
THEIR SONGS ALSO DIFFER WIDELY FROM ONE TO THE NEXT; SOMETHING THE BAND MEMBERS BELIEVE SETS THEM APART FROM OTHER BANDS ON THE CIRCUIT - R30 + DJ LUVCHILD

SUNDAY 28

MONDAY 29 C.O.M.E (COMEDY ON MONDAY EVENINGS)
AN EVENING OF LAUGHTER AND FUN FEATURING SOME YOUNG
UP AND COMING COMIC TALENT
AS WELL AS THE MORE ESTABLISHED ACTS - R30

TUESDAY 30 8.30 - 10PM ACOUSTIC SESSIONS: FEAT.
SOME OF CAPE TOWNêS FINEST SINGER SONGWRITERS
IF YOU ARE A SONGWRITER AND FEEL THE URGE
TO EXPRESS YOUR TALENTS
CONTACT VUSA OR ZOE ON (0214242442).
10.30PM STAGE FRIGHT: FEATURING T.B.C. + DJ MBORO

WEDNESDAY 31 NEW YEARS EVE PARTY
LITTLE KINGS + BASTILLE + THE RUDIMENTALS

((( Note from Cape Town : I have decided that as no one wants free advertising (yes free) I'm now going to take articles about Cape Town off the net. Yes, this is sometimes not allowed, but Wat the hell! All I ask is that if you like the Article please visit there site and visit one of there advertisers... It could buy them a couple beers at the end of the week! )))

So here is the article of :
Cape Town in 60 seconds…
by : http://www.cpprop.com

It’s South Africa’s premier tourist destination and enjoys 60% of the South African tourist market. Because of its colonial influences, it’s cosmopolitan with a mixture of African and European cultures.
It’s been called the “Mother City” and “The tavern of the Seas” After months at sea what else would the sailors call it.
This is where Europe met Africa over 350 years ago.
Cape Town is in Western Province, one of South Africa’s nine provinces. It’s roughly the same size as England but with a population of 3 million.

Table Mountain is one of South Africa’s most famous images; it truly is awesome and provides a magnificent and celebrated setting.

It has beautiful historic wine estates and vineyards.
Robben Island was proclaimed a UN Heritage site in 1999. Nelson Mandela was its most famous inmate.
The Cape Argus Cycle Tour is the largest timed cycle race in the world.
Paarl just outside Cape Town is South Africa's third oldest town and home to KWV Cellars- one of the largest wine cellars in the world (covering 22 hectares).

Some of the World's best land-based whale-watching spots can be found in Hermanus just outside Cape Town.
The CT Scanner was invented by Capetonian Allan McLeod Cormack. He won a Nobel Physics Prize in 1979.
Then there’s the “Cape doctor” and the “Table cloth”.………..some locally well known wind and clouds.
It’s a great place to rent a holiday house or villa. You could be dining on a terrace under oak trees, swimming in a pool of your own, playing golf on fabulous courses around the corner or simply enjoying a standard of living unobtainable in Europe.

And Cape Town has the sea, the blue skies, the beaches, the mountains, the winding coastline, the restaurants and cafes, the parks, the shops, its unique culture and its people.

This article is from :
http://www.cpprop.com/news_cape_town_newlands_claremont_simonstown_constantia_bishopscourt_cape_town_villas_hout_bay_kommetjie_camps_bay_llandudno.html

Hello Cape Town

We did it, we finally got 8000 users, now we look forward to the next 70 000, and you can help....

Invite 10 friends to join, as this will help restart the fire and get Cape Town more fans.

How it works, every person who joins will show up on all there friends news feeds and thats how we go viral.

8000 invite 10 = 80 000

Thank you all and remember,

Cape Town Loves You!

p.s. Please read the wall as tourist are looking for info all the time.

Finger brings you a night of "rock n roll" to launch our new concept store on 71 Kloof Street.

Come dressed in 'TRUE ROCK STYLE' and celebrate the good times!!!

Party starts early Fri afternoon with special guests...

Starring the hottest Band - THE PLASTICS!!!

PIZZA, BEER & BRANDY/COKE for life Yeah!!

C Y A THERE!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4732844&op=1&view=album&subj=864710092&aid=176195&auser=845385314&id=845385314&ref=mf#/event.php?eid=38179085669&ref=mf

Then THIS is what you MUST do to list it here...

1. PLEASE JUST POST YOUR DETAILS ON THE WALL - But Send us an article to add to our UPDATE list and Southafricaguide.org

2. Send me ALL details of your endeavor by Facebook Message

5. Let the fun begin!

Here at the CAPE TOWN Fan page, we would like to give everyone the opportunity to be endorsed. We want to be CERTAIN that our members will be met with grace, charm, efficiency, value, hospitality, good manners and happy memories.

Thank you and hope you had a MARVELOUS weekend!

Hope you like the new rules...

Kevin

HI there...



I apologise for interrupting you, but I need to know if you are happy with my style of running this Page, as it has been called into question by the powers that be.

I will leave it up to you to decide by numbers whether or not you would like me to remain as Administrator, so please reply to this message either way, and I will tally up the votes/opinions in 24 hours.

Should the Group feel I should leave, I can only say that it has been my utmost pleasure to serve you, research for you, write for you and make you laugh (I hope!).

Thank you for making this Page SUCH a success and for allowing me to guide you through your Cape Town experience...wherever you may be on the planet.

Speak to you shortly, and thanks again for always being there!



James Costello

Email - jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com
Web - www.jamescostello.com
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405

Nando's Gardens
42 Kloof Street (corner Park)
Gardens
CAPE TOWN
Web - www.nandos.co.za
Tel - (+27) 21 426 0240
Hours - 09h30 0 23h00 (Mon - Thurs)
09h30 - 00h00 (Fri & Sat)
Delivery available at a small surcharge - (from R10)


So there you sit....in your backpacker / self- catering apartment / hotel suite / flat / commune / office after a gruelling day climbing Table Mountain / climbing over other people's baggage / climbing into and out of innumerable cabs / climbing out of the rose-scented tub / climbing over your roommate's dirty washing strewn in the middle of the hall floor (again!) / climbing the corporate ladder.

The thought of cooking at this point is about as attractive as trying to explain how you never ACTUALLY ever voted Republican...except for that one time in college...and he never called...

SO you pick up the hostel guide / area delivery menu / phone book / concierge and scan for something....juicy, tender, spicy, reasonably priced and deliverable.

Then you recognise a name from home! NANDO'S! Thankfully there is a moment where you just KNOW you won't have to endure Louisiana Fried Rat tonight...what's that number again?!

NANDO'S is a nationwide South African favourite, and yet is found in 30 countries! The most popular being the UK and Australia, according to Lawrence the Western Cape man-in-charge.

When I asked him about the prices of the chicken (R39-95 for a burger meal with side of your choice, 500ml Coke and your choice of Lemon 'n Herb, Mild Peri-Peri, Hot Peri-Peri or Extra-Hot Peri-Peri), he replied that their chicken is firmly marketed and aimed as an "aspirational brand" to the more discerning tier of the market.

I am quite happy with that statement. I like knowing that I am paying ever so slightly more but getting ever so MUCH more quality for my bucks. In all the time I have used this store on Kloof Street (since February 2, 2006!), I have yet to have an awful meal.

The chicken is flame-grilled, ridding it of most of the fat in the skin according to Lawrence and also imparting a truly scrumptious "BBQ" flavour. The act of grilling, not frying, also makes you sigh with pleasure unburdened by guilt. This is NOT Fast Food - the "quality is remembered long after the wait is forgotten" kind of thing...I prefer thinking of it as made-to-order real food.

You won't be eating anything old, dodgy, recycled, oil-laden or just plain icky here. There is no added MSG, no preservatives and no artificial colourants. All the products are trans fat free. There are nutrition statistics in depth on the website - down to the milligrams of sodium in a carrot! That is, after all, what you pay for - a well-balanced, freshly prepared-to-order, consistent in quality, pleasurable, tasty, scrumptious, not too-time-consuming meal experience that will not leave you moonlighting at the docks to pay for it.

[Why are health foods always so expensive as a rule?! Are thin people richer?! Or is it that the truly cheap food is really the worst for you - we shall examine this in this series in due course...!]

Speaking of things that are good for you, I was chatting to Aafiqa the manageress at the store, who has been working with Nando's for 8 years! She certainly has been good for this store. People smile behind the counter. There is not unbridled chaos at the till and my food arrived EXACTLY as I ordered it!

Do you know how hard that must be to pull off in a store that sells 120 chickens A DAY and is open 365 days a year for 11 1/2 hours minimum?! A daily miracle worker is definitely required!

I was left with the impression that she was hyper-efficient, a great believer in Client Happiness (NOT Customer Service...ick! How 1986 is THAT?!), and a Team Player.
She has worked with the owners of this and 3 other stores (it is not uncommon for mini-empires to spring up within a franchise!) since that fateful day when the call to catering arms was heard.

This particular store was boycotted by myself for 6 months during 2006, after several, shall we say, run-ins with the attitudes of the previous owners. Thankfully, the current owner, Nisreen, took over on 1 September 2006 to a sigh of general relief from all and sundry.

The place is now spotless. The orders are placed correctly. The food arrives timeously (but don't expect a burger-in-2-minutes syndrome here!). The people behind the counter know their products - not skipping a beat when asked about grilling options, side orders or Healthy Eating options (Spinach in the side?! Some corn perhaps?! Rice instead of fries?! How do you feel about juice instead of soda?!)

According to informal in-house statistics for this particular store, around 80% of the clients are locals - office folk, shop folk, church folk (a big church is located within spitting distance), backpackers, tourists and mom & the kids all frequent this haven for fowl.

I also had a word with the owner Nisreen. She was at pains to tell me that the NANDO'S chickens have the least HI - yes, I didn't know what it meant either. It stands for Human Interference. The birds are all grain-fed, and believe me, IT SHOWS!

I sampled a Chicken Steak & Fries Lemon ' Herb style (really! 220g of breast meat somehow sandwiched together....mmmmm) - R44.95- which I must declare was both well-done (I DESPISE pink meat) and yet tender. THAT is a miracle to pull off with chicken!

This was made all the more pleasant by the option of dining al fresco in their charming little outside area facing the frenetically busy streetlife.

After all that climbing, THAT'S a peri-peri nice way of ensuring you enjoy....wait for it....."poultry in motion"!!




James Costello

Cape Town
00h04 Tuesday 20 October 2008
Mobile (+27 ) 73 445 5405
Web - www.jamescostello.com

LIFE OUT THERE Tours
Liza Feldtmann
Email - adventures@lifeoutthere.co.za
Web - www.lifeoutthere.co.za
Mobile - (+27) 74 203 6200
[As currency is fluctuating WILDY at the moment, please contact Liza for an accurate Tour Price]


One of the main reasons I do not "swim" in the ocean is Mr. Steven Spielberg's fault.


In 1975, he adapted Mr. Peter Benchley's novel about a Great White shark terrorising a sleepy little cove called Amity into the No. 1 grossing movie up until that time - "JAWS".


Yeah, yeah....who amongst us hasn't terrorised a little brother or little sister in the pool while they are on a lounger by sticking our hand out the water like a fin and singing "da dum....da dum...dum dum dum dum dum...DA DA DUM!?" Oh, the joys of childhood (actually last week....ahem).


So it was a HUGE effort for me to wake up early AGAIN...2 mornings in a row....to go Great White Lawyer Cage Diving with Liza from LIFE OUT THERE.
[SIDE BAR - I work on the Net until 04h00 every day so I had 2 hours sleep...imagine feeling like a post-general anaesthetic patient while everyone else around you is drunk on a case of Red Bull. Each.]


So off we tootled in Liza's brand new Mercedes Veto bus...WITH AIRCON! Ah...air conditioning - one of man's greatest inventions; next to mobile phones, washing machines, hot water geysers and guilt.


We had what is quite the most splendidly scenic drive through the East Coast - zipping past wine country, apple orchards, the Overberg mountain range, sweeping vistas and shimmering horizons. It felt almost like Mars to me in my sleep-deprived state.


After refuelling the bus (and myself on take-out pizza, scones and milk - What?! I was STARVING! But holding out for the "big lunch" I was promised. Apparently the rationale is that one is less prone to seasickness on a full stomach. Whatever. Where's the buffet?!); we swept through the whale-spotting town of Hermanus and arrived in Gansbaai.


There are 8 (eight!) different companies offering Great White Lawyer Cage Diving...we were going to MARINE DYNAMICS.


What a beautiful building. All thatch and split-level tiled floors and cutesy-wutesy over-priced curio shops and a picture-skew (I have actually heard a TV continuity presenter announce "picturesque" thusly) outside dining zone.


So apparently we were to have Chicken Pie. It was truly the nicest Chicken Pie I have EVER had. Delicious. Moist. Succulent. Crispy pastry.


....um...about the size. Imagine an individual pizza. No, a brioche. No wait, a cupcake. No, actually, a canape. More like an hors d'oeuvre. An amuse-guele. A single-fork serving. A Rolo-pie.


My frank comments of "You must be kidding...I'll need at least two!" were met with vehement agreement by the waiter who promptly disappeared. I had to ask Natalie, quite possible the rudest, most vicious, most moody and frankly silly person (come on, how bright does one have to be to NOT annoy me?! Especially fatigued and starving?! Step AWAY from the Lion's cage....) I have EVER met in a Customer Service arena.


She actually pivoted on her Dr. Scholls and petulantly repeated "I have a bad attitude?!" to me in a high-pitched squeaky voice not unlike Gizmo in GREMLINS. It took immense restraint from me not to murder her with the ketchup bottle.


I was eventually presented with an apple, a banana, two small packets of crisps and a gravy boat of fries which I inhaled while watching Alison do the pre-journey briefing.


A word about Alison. Once in a REALLY blue moon, you meet someone who is passionate, competent, talented, interested, interestING, friendly, clever, engaging and expansive.
But enough about me.

Kidding!


Alison was all that. And more. She told me her PASSION (in capitals to try vainly to convey her extreme commitment and connection to these predators) has ALWAYS been for this King of the Food Chain. When other girls were playing with dolls, she was reading up about all things sharky. She quite entranced me even before our long chat on the boat (ship?! I never know...)


SO off we went all decked out in compulsory lifebelts and orange jackets (ick. NOT my best colour!) - 22 souls as tourists and Hein the divemaster / Guest Wrangler, Anthony the Captain (ahoy!), the American research assistant whose name escapes me, who was calmly eating a ham sandwich and drinking a soda whilst covered, and I mean COVERED, in fish guts standing next to a "Chum tank" which smelled like New Jersey in high summer on a deck listing crazily from side to side (see video!) so badly even I of the cast-iron stomach was glad for the 2 illicitly purloined seasickness tablets I had wolfed down, and Alison the walking, talking, smiling, welcoming encyclopaedia!


It is rare for me to be in a space with someone who knows more than I do about a given subject...we do NOT like feeling stupid. But Alison was more of the let-me-invite-you-into-my-world school of knowledge sharing.


Did you know 100 000 000 sharks are slaughtered A YEAR??!!


Mainly for Shark's Fin Soup - the fins can go for $100 each in the Far East. Also, South Africa was the FIRST country to legally protect the Great White Shark in 1991 and name it an endangered species.


It took less than 3 minutes for the first of 4 lawyers to circle and pose for the camera. People were going into and out of the cage (left at anchor from the early EARLY morning trip) like...well...tourists! Eagerness, fear, excitement, daring, camaraderie, cajoling, refusals, begging, backing out, demanding, boasting and even...crying with joy.


It was a delight to observe. NO, I did NOT dive...sorry folks! This body AIN'T built for skin-tight neoprene. Even though they said they had XX-X-L suits on board....the water was 15 deg C!


Shiver!


I chatted to Hein, quite possibly just the antidote I needed to Natalie-of-the-OLIVER-orphanage-lunch-scene-understudy. He was full of stories of the trips, facts about sharks (how can EVERYONE know SO much?!) and just the quietest, kindest person to make me feel relaxed. When I think about it, both Hein and Alison were enquiring personally after every passenger. How reassuring. And welcoming. And they do this EVERY DAY. Twice. How amazing they have this unbridled professional passion.


The wind picked up quite badly - one poor British woman donated her Rolo-pie to the Chum line in glorious technicolour. Apparently, people (grown, strapping men) have had to be carried, literally, off the boat (ship?! AAArgh!)


I went up to the Upper Deck where I shot the video you see on www.southafricaguide.org. It was so peaceful to just take a break from the lawyers and look out to sea. Imagining myself as Jack Sparrow....arrrr me hearties!
Ahem.
I digress.

After the everyone had at least 1 dive, and some had a repeat and posed for photos to be bought for Conservation donations, we decided to all return as it looked like the Chum line would be overFLOWING shortly.Talk about green around the gills!
TAKE MEDICATION BEFOREHAND, people!!!


Everything this company does is geared towards responsible eco-tourism. They have a number of projects they support, including tagging, penguin rescue through their sister company Dyer Island Cruises, care of oiled and injured seabirds, data collection and research, not to mention education of the local community and skills imparting.


I was NEVER so thrilled to see dry land as I was when we returned after 3 gruelling hours. I took the photo of Alison with shaking paws! We then trooped back to the house, to view the DVD (available for purchase - R350. A bit steep I'd say after the seasickness).


A set of hurried farewells and then a trip back to Cape Town via the local KFC in Hermanus - Liza was agog to hear details of my trip. How nice to know someone was waiting for you - 3 solid hours with only Natalie to talk to...shame.


I would not HESITATE to recommend MARINE DYNAMICS booked for me by LIFE OUT THERE....just make SURE you pack a picnic basket and disobey Mother & eat ALL morning to spoil your lunch!



Oh, and by the way - Mr. Spielberg called the mechanical shark in "JAWS" that never worked properly, caused immense trouble in the work environment and wasted everyone's time; BRUCE...after his lawyer.


Hey...come to think of it - I don't remember signing a General Release form for my likeness to be used on the DVD....hmmmm....I'd better call my shark!





James Costello


CAPE TOWN
23h45 Sunday 19 October 2008
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405
Web - www.jamescostello.com
Email - jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com

(Further photos available HERE - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2006931&id=1352205426)

LIFE OUT THERE Tours
Liza Feldtmann
Email - adventures@lifeoutthere.co.za
Web - www.lifeoutthere.co.za
Mobile - (+27) 74 203 6200
[As currency is fluctuating WILDY at the moment, please contact Liza for an accurate Tour Price]


One of the main reasons I do not "swim" in the ocean is Mr. Steven Spielberg's fault.


In 1975, he adapted Mr. Peter Benchley's novel about a Great White shark terrorising a sleepy little cove called Amity into the No. 1 grossing movie up until that time - "JAWS".


Yeah, yeah....who amongst us hasn't terrorised a little brother or little sister in the pool while they are on a lounger by sticking our hand out the water like a fin and singing "da dum....da dum...dum dum dum dum dum...DA DA DUM!?" Oh, the joys of childhood (actually last week....ahem).


So it was a HUGE effort for me to wake up early AGAIN...2 mornings in a row....to go Great White Lawyer Cage Diving with Liza from LIFE OUT THERE.
[SIDE BAR - I work on the Net until 04h00 every day so I had 2 hours sleep...imagine feeling like a post-general anaesthetic patient while everyone else around you is drunk on a case of Red Bull. Each.]


So off we tootled in Liza's brand new Mercedes Veto bus...WITH AIRCON! Ah...air conditioning - one of man's greatest inventions; next to mobile phones, washing machines, hot water geysers and guilt.


We had what is quite the most splendidly scenic drive through the East Coast - zipping past wine country, apple orchards, the Overberg mountain range, sweeping vistas and shimmering horizons. It felt almost like Mars to me in my sleep-deprived state.


After refuelling the bus (and myself on take-out pizza, scones and milk - what?! I was STARVING! But holding out for the "big lunch" I was promised. Apparently the rationale is that one is less prone to seasickness on a full stomach. Whatever. Where's the buffet?!); we swept through the whale-spotting town of Hermanus and arrived in Gansbaai.


There are 8 (eight!) different companies offering Great White Lawyer Cage Diving...we were going to MARINE DYNAMICS.


What a beautiful building. All thatch and split-level tiled floors and cutesy-wutesy over-priced curio shops and a picture-skew (I have actually heard a TV continuity presenter announce "picturesque" thusly) outside dining zone.


So apparently we were to have Chicken Pie. It was truly the nicest Chicken Pie I have EVER had. Delicious. Moist. Succulent. Crispy pastry.


....um...about the size. Imagine an individual pizza. No, a brioche. No wait, a cupcake. No, actually, a canape. More like an hors d'oeuvre. An amuse-guele. A single-fork serving. A Rolo-pie.


My frank comments of "You must be kidding...I'll need at least two!" were met with vehement agreement by the waiter who promptly disappeared. I had to ask Natalie, quite possible the rudest, most vicious, most moody and frankly silly person (come on, how bright does one have to be to NOT annoy me?! Especially fatigued and starving?! Step AWAY from the Lion's cage....) I have EVER met in a Customer Service arena.


She actually pivoted on her Dr. Scholls and petulantly repeated "I have a bad attitude?!" to me in a high-pitched squeaky voice not unlike Gizmo in GREMLINS. It took immense restraint from me not to murder her with the ketchup bottle.


I was eventually presented with an apple, a banana, two small packets of crisps and a gravy boat of fries which I inhaled while watching Alison do the pre-journey briefing.


A word about Alison. Once in a REALLY blue moon, you meet someone who is passionate, competent, talented, interested, interestING, friendly, clever, engaging and expansive.
But enough about me.

Kidding!


Alison was all that. And more. She told me her PASSION (in capitals to try vainly to convey her extreme commitment and connection to these predators) has ALWAYS been for this King of the Food Chain. When other girls were playing with dolls, she was reading up about all things sharky. She quite entranced me even before our long chat on the boat (ship?! I never know...)


SO off we went all decked out in compulsory lifebelts and orange jackets (ick. NOT my best colour!) - 22 souls as tourists and Hein the divemaster / Guest Wrangler, Anthony the Captain (ahoy!), the American research assistant whose name escapes me, who was calmly eating a ham sandwich and drinking a soda whilst covered, and I mean COVERED, in fish guts standing next to a "Chum tank" which smelled like New Jersey in high summer on a deck listing crazily from side to side (see video!) so badly even I of the cast-iron stomach was glad for the 2 illicitly purloined seasickness tablets I had wolfed down, and Alison the walking, talking, smiling, welcoming encyclopaedia!


It is rare for me to be in a space with someone who knows more than I do about a given subject...we do NOT like feeling stupid. But Alison was more of the let-me-invite-you-into-my-world school of knowledge sharing.


Did you know 100 000 000 sharks are slaughtered A YEAR??!!


Mainly for Shark's Fin Soup - the fins can go for $100 each in the Far East. Also, South Africa was the FIRST country to legally protect the Great White Shark in 1991 and name it an endangered species.


It took less than 3 minutes for the first of 4 lawyers to circle and pose for the camera. People were going into and out of the cage (left at anchor from the early EARLY morning trip) like...well...tourists! Eagerness, fear, excitement, daring, camaraderie, cajoling, refusals, begging, backing out, demanding, boasting and even...crying with joy.


It was a delight to observe. NO, I did NOT dive...sorry folks! This body AIN'T built for skin-tight neoprene. Even though they said they had XX-X-L suits on board....the water was 15 deg C!


Shiver!


I chatted to Hein, quite possibly just the antidote I needed to Natalie-of-the-OLIVER-orphanage-lunch-scene-understudy. He was full of stories of the trips, facts about sharks (how can EVERYONE know SO much?!) and just the quietest, kindest person to make me feel relaxed. When I think about it, both Hein and Alison were enquiring personally after every passenger. How reassuring. And welcoming. And they do this EVERY DAY. Twice. How amazing they have this unbridled professional passion.


The wind picked up quite badly - one poor British woman donated her Rolo-pie to the Chum line in glorious technicolour. Apparently, people (grown, strapping men) have had to be carried, literally, off the boat (ship?! AAArgh!)


I went up to the Upper Deck where I shot the video you see on www.southafricaguide.org. It was so peaceful to just take a break from the lawyers and look out to sea. Imagining myself as Jack Sparrow....arrrr me hearties!
Ahem.
I digress.

After the everyone had at least 1 dive, and some had a repeat and posed for photos to be bought for Conservation donations, we decided to all return as it looked like the Chum line would be overFLOWING shortly.Talk about green around the gills!
TAKE MEDICATION BEFOREHAND, people!!!


Everything this company does is geared towards responsible eco-tourism. They have a number of projects they support, including tagging, penguin rescue through their sister company Dyer Island Cruises, care of oiled and injured seabirds, data collection and research, not to mention education of the local community and skills imparting.


I was NEVER so thrilled to see dry land as I was when we returned after 3 gruelling hours. I took the photo of Alison with shaking paws! We then trooped back to the house, to view the DVD (available for purchase - R350. A bit steep I'd say after the seasickness).


A set of hurried farewells and then a trip back to Cape Town via the local KFC in Hermanus - Liza was agog to hear details of my trip. How nice to know someone was waiting for you - 3 solid hours with only Natalie to talk to...shame.


I would not HESITATE to recommend MARINE DYNAMICS booked for me by LIFE OUT THERE....just make SURE you pack a picnic basket and disobey Mother & eat ALL morning to spoil your lunch!



Oh, and by the way - Mr. Spielberg called the mechanical shark in "JAWS" that never worked properly, caused immense trouble in the work environment and wasted everyone's time; BRUCE...after his lawyer.


Hey...come to think of it - I don't remember signing a General Release form for my likeness to be used on the DVD....hmmmm....I'd better call my shark!





James Costello



CAPE TOWN

02h59 Monday 20 October 2008 Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405 Web - www.jamescostello.com Email - jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com

(Further photos available HERE - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2006931&id=1352205426)

DETOUR AFRICA
234 Long Street
Cape Town
Tel (+27) 21 424 1115
Web - www.detourafrica.co.za
Email - detour@detourafrica.co.za

R425 Tour Price
R50 Optional Extra Seal Island Cruise (Highly Recommended!)




It seems to be a rule of packaged tours, ESPECIALLY Day Trips, that you will either hate the Tour Guides or your travelling companions...or (shudder) both.


Visions of being cooped up in an overstuffed coach, with malfunctioning Air Conditioning in flamethrower heat, listening to Mrs. Diggs from Belfast telling you (for the third time that morning) how her dear sweet daughter, Anne, is "quite healed" from her episiotomy when the twins were born. And demanding you see the photos. In colour.


Now, I don't know about you, but I WAY prefer keeping my space until I have decided whether my travelling companions have watched "Deliverance" as a how-to movie, or the fresh-faced backpackers will suddenly morph into Natural Born Killers.


And the Guides! I have been subjected, in my travelling past, to Tour Guides who could barely grunt in their own language, let alone point out Historical Sites in English, or, even worse, those who thought Toilet Breaks were for "weaklings who do not know discipline!". Come back, Nanny...all is forgiven!


So it was with GREAT trepidation that I boarded the Baz Bus Day Tour on Thursday 16 October 2008 at 08h00. (Side Bar - I work on the Internet until 04h00 daily...I felt upon waking after 2 hour's sleep like I had been given a Roofy Colada on Spring Break and shaken awake by the Motel Owner 2 hours later. We are NOT a Morning Person).


Instantaneously, I was put at ease by Marinda, the AMAZINGLY outgoing, clued-up, friendly and professional guide. She came into the place I am staying and fetched me from Reception. A small detail that confirms the personal connection.


We collected 9 other folk from backpackers dotted around the city. 4 citizens of Los Angeles. 1 citizen from Germany. 1 from London. 2 from rural England. 1 from Holland (why are they ALWAYS so unfriendly?! Hyper-efficiency and peanut sauce on fries is one thing, but would it KILL you to SMILE o Dutch ones?!), and lil ol moi - born in Johannesburg, grew up in 17 different countries, but mainly Switzerland, UK and USA and fluent in 4 languages. And can't say enough in any of them!


We tootled off via Camps Bay under the SUPERB driving skills of Taliep - who later in the day, became the best Whale Spotter I have ever known! We were constantly given interesting side facts - did YOU know Camps Bay was a farm once?! And the BAY HOTEL stands on the site of the old homestead?! Or that the Cape had 2 British occupations?! I just LOVE those factoids...makes me even harder to beat in Pub Trivia!


We approached Hout Bay for the first of the Elected Activities and the ONLY thing not included in the price on the day - a tour by boat to Seal Island. I must mention here that the most impressive thing for me was the choices offered on the Tour. I have a metal plate in my leg, so strenuous activities are out for me - unless I develop a strong craving for hospital food. Throughout the day, we were all offered choices - do you want to cycle or go with the bus, do you want to hike or wait for us back here, do you want to see the penguins or read your book?! It was SUCH a relief not to be badgered into anything - no pressure was ever brought upon any of us, making us all very comfortable and accepted.


I totally enjoyed the Seal Island Trip - on a HUGE 120 seater boat (ship?!) with a Cape Minstrel band singing us off. And what fun! The seals were rather relaxed Cape seals - just chillin with my fish-breathed homies, yo. The scenery was stupendous. Towering cliffs, vast marine vistas and rollercoaster waves. Woo HOOO!!!


We then went into Simonstown (did YOU know the now-deceased legendary Navy dog JUST NUISANCE was conferred Officer Status to enable him to travel FREE on trains and help officers get home?! 20 points to me!), where I elected NOT to see the evil-smelling little creatures as I would NOT be having HAPPY FEET if I did. I waited in the bus, quite content to read and look at the street life. We then went off to view a panoramic vista on the road to Cape Point where we stopped and had DELICIOUS biccies and juice. We spotted 3 whales! Taliep gets the medal though - he saw every one first!


After arriving in the HUGE Cape Point Reserve, we all dismounted the bus and were presented with the bikes. I say we, of course, I elected to bus it. Everybody got a compulsory helmet and off they went! Naturally the Dutch dude far outcycled everyone - how DO Dutch mothers actually give birth in the saddle?! After we all met up at Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre, I wandered around the exhibition space run by the National Parks Board. It was clean, informative, not kitsch or "cute", had a little store for mementoes and a book on Snakes. There are 5 (YES FIVE!!!) venomous snakes in the park...we were told NOT to touch the bushes cos they may bite back - 3 minutes to death if not treated apparently! I was FREAKING! Then we were told the snakes will warn you with a hiss when you are too close - probably because they can't send a text with no thumbs!


We had a rather yummy summer lunch - fresh rolls, cold meats and salad. Not to mention juice and quite the nicest cup of tea fom the little store there! Mmmmm...such a great after-meal beverage. I'm totally with the British on this one.


We then went to the base of the mountain access car park. There is a funicular (vertical railway line - bless the Swiss!) up to the top or one can walk. I remained with Taliep while everyone hiked up the steps to the top and nodded off in the sun whilst resding my novel since I had already seen the Point - the most South-Westerly tip of Africa. But NOT where the two oceans - Indian & Atlantic - actually meet. That is 300 odd km's to the East - Cape Agulhas.


Then the group came down to the second hike to Cape of Good Hope - down a steep mountain to the sea level - and the ubiquitous "photo by the sign" opportunity. Yes...even I succumbed. I love being a Tourist in the place I am living - wherever that may be! It gives you a whole new light on your mundane, day-to-day energy. Makes you see things through a visitor's new eyes!


We then took off back to Cape Town and our Lodges, quite exhausted after being together since 8am! One quick stop at a farm stall for curios then off home; arriving back at 5pm in the City.


I was truly extremely impressed with both Marinda and Taliep on the job. They were kind, informative, human (I just LOVE it when people bicker - it's NOT fighting, just venting!), gentle, fun (I laughed for 20 minutes solidly during lunch with Marinda....damn she's hysterical!), THOUROUGHLY professional and very very accommodating.


I would personally highly recommend this Day Trip to anyone who wants a quick introduction to the attractions of the Peninsula in the hands of 2 very genial hosts.


It certainly made me feel more "SUMMER HOLIDAY" than "CARRY ON ABROAD"!




James Costello
Cape Town 23h30 Saturday 18 October 2008
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405

LIFE OUT THERE
Liza Feldtmann - "CEO & Memory Maker"
EMail - adventures@lifeoutthere.co.za
Web - www.lifeoutthere.co.za
Mobile - (+27) 74 203 6200



When I grow up, I want to be Liza Feldtmann.

Gregarious, intelligent, quick-witted, outgoing, savvy, diligent, easy to connect with, accommodating and genuine.

And that was just her website.

Over a dinner / afternoon tea / actually-it-was-supposed-to-be-drinks interview at Primi Waterfront (which I shamelessly and to my eternal chagrin delayed her by ONE HOUR for - and she kept telling ME to stop apologising!), it became evident to me that to have a Tour hosted by this dynamo would like being told that your ship had come in, your Bingo numbers were all in a row AND your credit card limit had been tripled...all in one day.

Her history reads like a how-to-prepare-for-everything special on Discovery Channel.
Hotel, Management and Catering Diploma in Cape TOwn.
6 months in a 4-star Preoria Guesthouse.
Chef in the UK at a trendy restaurant in the country - being made to peel potatoes in -5 deg C Winter weather OUTSIDE!
Reception at a Shark Cage Diving Operator in Gansbaai.

Well, if you can deal with Lawyer Cage Diving, people from Johannesburg are a snap.

Joking.

But really....she offers only 3 options on her website.
Land. Sea. Air.

Land is Day Tours to Winelands and the Peninsula by her personally in a new Mercedes Veto MicroBus. There are also West Coast, South Coast (Cape), Heritage and Township Tours, not to mention Hiking, 4 x 4 trips, Mountain Biking, River Trips and the eco-cultural coastal walking trail called the Oyster Catcher.

Sea is Sunset Charters, Deepsea Fishing Charters, Trout Fishing, Bay & Inshore Fishing & Caryfish Charter (season-dependent). Not to mention Diving Tours.

Air is Microlight rental and Paragliding. Not to mention Skydiving.

I'm already needing Valium.

I have been invited by Liza to go Lawyer Cage Diving tomorrow (look out for my review). Now let me be quite clear.

I do NOT like any ships smaller than the QE2. I get seasick watching Spongebob Squarepants. I need Rescue Remedy when somebody hums :...da dum....da dum...dum dum dum dum dum DA DA DA!!!"

And even I am going with her tomorrow. That is what you will experience when you hook up with Liza...a one-on-one Boutique Memory Experience (not just a TOUR!), tailor-made (she told me she would DRIVE with you to Johannesburg - 1400 km's! - to make SURE you found a good tour there) memory that will leave you feeling exhilarated, infused with a welcoming spirit and deeply connected.


JUST what I wanted to be when I grow up.




James Costello

22h27 Thursday 16 October 2008
CAPE TOWN, South Africa.
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405

So.....there you sit in your varsity dorm room / dreary office / lonely house / mundane lecture hall; staring out at a cold, bleak, desolate, sleet-covered landscape. Your spirits are as low as an outgoing President. You wonder if you'll EVER see the sun again.



Then, like a clarion call, somebody emails you about this AMAZING trip they took Overland in Africa from Cape Town. Wild tales of warthog stew, anti-malaria medication that gave morning sickness-level nausea, border crossings straight out of a movie, flash desert floods that made a Universal Studios ride look like "Smurfs on Ice", insurmountable mountains and lifelong travel buddies revive your flagging libido and make you search DESPERATELY for a way to also have a Photo Album on Facebook called "My Africa Experience".



Well, I can honestly say that after having searched for 5 (yes, FIVE weeks!) to find YOU the best, personal company to make these dreams real, I have settled on a winner. Detour Africa was started in 1999 by Shawn, who is "the Mayor of Long Street!" - he had a bar business on Long Street when it was so unsafe even muggers had bodyguards.



Detour Africa has continued despite the huge changes and challenges in the Tourism Industry over this time. People now expect, and can find "Africa easy" with just a click of a mouse....after all, how did you find this article?! We share information MUCH more readily now...which means that if a company sucks, we tell ALL our friends and they tell their friends and then suddenly Mrs Chang in Uzbekistan knows NOT to eat at the Wisconsin McDonald's!



So it is a great relief to see that Detour has continued to thrive with its High Street-style Travel Store, offering mainly Overland Safaris WAY up into Africa, not to mention Wine Tours, Cape Peninsula Tours and Township Tours to the Day Trip market. But it is the Safari and Overland segment that Detour considers its cornerstone. Australian backpackers, Scandinavian interns & students, Korean vacationers, Brazilian party animals and American experience-seekers flock to Detour in their droves.



Much of this is due to Shawn's attitude. After having spoken to him about his love of the people, animals and natural beauty of Africa, even I wanted to go on an Overland. I mean, seriously...can you see me on an Overland?! I moan when Room Service is not all night. My idea of roughing it is only taking one hour to get ready and then having takeaway intead of sit-down for lunch, I need CPR when the cellphone signal on my mobile is down to one bar.



But I digress.



It is violently clear to me that if you put yourselves in the hands of Detour Africa, with their one-stop information sourcing, booking and credit card payment website, you WILL be taken care of.



But don't take my word for it. Google "Detour Africa Shawn" on your laptop in your res / your office / your kitchen / your cell / your isolation tank. The resulting entries will make you bunk your lectures, skip the office, leave the house, escape the job and hightail it to Cape Town.





In other words, I highly recommend you take a Detour!





James Costello
CAPE TOWN, 00h04 Thursday 16 October 2008.
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405
Email - jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com

Hey there!!!

Just a quick note to WELCOME you and give you some news about CAPE TOWN Fan Page!
(*Oh, and a HUGE SHOUT OUT to our most prolific commentators and contributors to CAPE TOWN page - Joy, Meg, Karl, Anthony, Anne & Jayson! Thanks for the energy you guys! LOVE your work!!!)

1. We now have 5 879 active fans (5 743 yesterday), joining at a rate of up to 134 NEW members every day (Thursday October 9). On that day, we had 46 PHOTO VIEWS from 5 491 Total Fans.

2. DID YOU KNOW that there are Reviews I have written in the archives?! CLICK HERE
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readupdates.php?id=10054107275
to view them.
You are invited to comment, feedback and give your opinion ALWAYS!

3. Due to the large number if Daily Wall Posts, I am going to respond in ONE post as much as possible - so please look for your NAME IN the post for my personalised response.

4. If you have a business or service you wish to add or inform people about, PLEASE do NOT just put up the details on the Wall! I PERSONALLY experience EVERY restaurant, hotel, video store, bank, tour company or whatever here; so you may rest assured I PERSONALLY endorse the businesses mentioned.! The protocols for submission are to be found HERE
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=82638260407.

5. I will ALWAYS comment on your comments myself - feel free to ask me ANYTHING!! Recommendations, travel tips, where to get a good haircut for your dog, what to wear on a Day Trip...anything!

6. As far as FRIEND REQUESTS go, PLEASE feel free to request me (JAMES COSTELLO) as a friend. My answer will, again, ALWAYS, be YES!!
You are also free to send me a Private Facebook Message if there is something I can help you with.

7. My Mobile (+27) 73 445 5405 is ALWAYS on - feel free to ring me if you need to! Just remember - I am usually unavailable in the mornings (South Africa is Greenwich Mean Time + 2 hours!).

Whew.

Any other questions?!! Post them on the WALL for a speedy response!

Oh yes, and PLEASE go check out www.southafricaguide.org for further information, recommendations and queries.


Welcome again, everyone, to the MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY on the planet!


James Costello

ADMIN - Official Facebook CAPE TOWN, PORT ELIZABETH, DURBAN, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA & CHRISTMAS pages.
Contributing Editorial Partner - www.southafricaguide.org
Email - jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice - Restaurant
End of New Church Street (opposite RELISH)
Tamboerskloof
Cape Town
SOUTH AFRICA
Tel - (+27) 21 488 2555
Web -www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-fire-and-ice.html
Email - gm@fireandicehotel.com






So I told you on Friday that I only ever send people I love- I mean REALLY love (not love your work! love) - to 2 places in Cape Town.

This is the other one.

This hotel is so cool, even I feel hot in it.

The place oozes originality - the bathrooms are unisex and SO trendy EACH one is decorated differently. One is a construction site on the roof, one is an outhouse, one is a jazz tribute, one is a stage with spotlight and one is...well...sexily decorated. Go look.

There is a "Coughin' Room" for smokers where you sit on a coffin (geddit?!), stare up to your own graveside complete with well-dressed Capetonian mourners, and buy your cigarettes from a tombstone.

As a non-smoker, I just had to start. I now sound like Louis Armstrong on e.

Kidding.

The restaurant has a pool IN the room. No, I mean IN the room. It's called an aquarium pool - one whole wall of the restaurant IS the wall of the pool....in glass.

Remember Hugh Hefner's MERMAIDS-IN-THE-TANK concept?! Like people swim past you while you nibble on "Cheesy Cheese Burger" (see photo) - 200g of grain-fed beef burger (R72) filled with blue and Swiss and gratinated with Camembert, served with fries-in-a-cone a la Amsterdam and tomato chutney or lemon wasabi aioli (DAMN my egg allergy!).

There's beef wherever you look. Or fish...but hey, who am I to judge?!

This place is so vibrant, I chose to have my 38th birthday party here on 14 December 2006. Jamie Oliver sachertorte made with Cadbury's Dairy Milk served on long plates decorated with my friends' names piped in chocolate and accompanied by Turkish Delight and Ginger ice-cream.
The theme was "Gloriously Tacky".

I didn't have to change.

I go there whenever I feel low, unappreciated, angry, sad or homicidal (once a week minimum). I have always been made to feel welcome and valued there, greeted by name and the managers (dressed JUST like all other staff with first names on their badges and no designation - how egalitarian) have routinely come over to check if I am happy.
And they have acceded to some of my more bizarre requests.
See, I NEVER order off the menu.

Ever.

I always want a 300g Fillet steak, marinated in Coke and served with a mushroom duxelle and sweet potato .
Except that is already on the menu here - for R110.

Or a side salad constructed with 2 rounds of cucumber banded together & filled to the brim with shredded spinach, melon balls, tangerine segments, bean sprouts, shredded apple, garlic and shaved Parmesan (see photo).
Mzwaki constructed one for me today.

Or a sweet potato and butternut burger (R55) served with eggplant marmelade and dhania (coriander/cilantro) cream for my vegetarian mate.
Done.

Or what about a Sweet Fudgenator dessert (R35) - a sticky, sweet sponge pudding dripping with caramel and fudge served with cream/ice-cream.

I can FEEL my dentist smiling.

Speaking of which - EVERYONE smiles here.EVERYONE. Especially the chefs - Jason, Precious and Mzwaki - whom you can watch at work in the hibachi Zen open kitchen.

According to Anton, the General Manager, it's because they only hire people who will live the brand and be on the same page.
The staff are no Southern Sun, Inter-Continental, Hyatt stuffy where they need a bank statement from you before they deign to say "Good morning".
Oh no.

Here, they start out with "Hey James....where've you been?! We haven't seen you for (insert EXACT amount of days since I was last here!)".

Uncanny.

But cool.

And kinda...Cape Town.








James Costello

ADMIN - Official CAPE TOWN, PE, JHB, DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA pages
Contributing Editorial Partner - www.southafricaguide.org
Email - jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405

PRIMI Wharf, PRIMI Caffe
Shop no. 7226
Victoria Walk
V & A Waterfront
Cape Town
Tel - (+27) 21 419 8750
Fax - (+27) 21 421 6036
Web - www.primi-world.com
Email - va@primi-piatti.com

I only ever take people I love, I mean REALLY love not "love your hair, hope you win!" love, to 2 places in Cape Town for lunch or dinner.
This is one of them.

Let me tell you why. I have NEVER, and I mean NEVER had a bad meal EVER in a Primi Piatti.

The food is ALWAYS, always consistently good. The portions are large enough for South African rugby-playing men to take home leftovers.

In 2 bags.

Seriously. Even the coffee comes in Soup Bowl size with enough caffeine in it to keep Amy Winehouse awake.
At an awards ceremony.
For Show Dogs.

But it's the passion I come there for. The cues come from the Executive Chef for ALL Primis, Patrick, who is based at this, the flagship of the group, Primi Wharf. Anything you eat at one of the 32 Primis on the planet, he oversaw. The man spent 2 hours (2 hours!) talking to me about food. Not just food. Cuisine.
I felt so invigorated I could even have gone to see a live band.

Well, at least not thrown any rotten fruit. Much. Ahem.

This is a man who was Elton John's Private Chef.
Who was flown once a week by his Venezuelan restaurant partners to New York to pick up any supplies he wanted - no expense spared.
The man who used to be the Executive Chef of the old President Sun 5-star Hotel in Sea Point.

He created things like Chicken Liver Pasta (see attached photo) done in a creamy FRESH Napoletana, butter, garlic, chilli and olive oil sauce (R48).
Pizza Con Pollo with an Italian tomato base (specially designed for Primi retaurants in Italy and to be found NOWHERE else), broccoli and marinated grilled chicken (R52).
A Chocolate Nemesis - flourless Lindt Swiss chocolate mini-cake (see photo) drenched, swamped and tsunami'ed with Creme Anglaise (R30 for 2).

Drool.

After observing how landmarks such as MAMA AFRICA, CAPRICE and MR PICKWICK'S operate, I understand something about successful Cape Town restaurants now. The only ones that make it are all things to all people.

Take this Primi for instance. It is 1000 square metres. That's a nice mansion. In Bel Air.

But inside there is Primi Pods - a kids section with a dedicated child minder, Primi Caffe - a deli-like cafe where you can make your own sandwich, have coffee and cake or use the 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi to harangue the office ("WHAT?! You lost the Kleinschmidt contract?! Do you know how hard I'm working?!" ....slurp), a Cocktail Bar with "chill" (aaaarrgggh! I HATE that word!) space where you can down a "Jam Jar" strawberry, mango, orange or litchi flavoured 750ml BIG GULP-sized cocktail filled with Light Rum , Dark Rum, Cane & Vodka (R42) and the Main Restaurant with 270 degree views of Table Bay.

You can even see the next elections from here.

It is a breakfast bar, a cocktail lounge, a family restaurant with a kids zone, a deli, a coffee bar and a truly delicious eatery.

How many heads was that again, Medusa?!

After chatting with Andrew, the Operator, I was left again with the lingering impression that all the Primi staff went through a rigorous almost-brainwashing-like training regimen.
EVERYONE is brand loyal, they all smile, my plate was cleared by the barman and the owner, Francesco, has been known to mop the floors on one of his 18 hour days.

I have always had AMAZING service when I have been attended to by Andrew or Mike (the manager who now heads up the NEW Primi Sea Point).
They are the kind of folk who are delivering your next coffee as you take the last sip of your current one.

The perfect place to take those I love.


So...what are you doing for dinner?!




James Costello
Cape Town 01h12 Saturday 11 October 2008.








[Picture is of Andrew the operator....operating!]

Hey there!!!

Following on the germ of an idea from a VERY good friend of mine, I have hit upon a GREAT IDEA for our space here!

He mentioned that it would be so convenient and professional if there was a system of CONSTANTLY checking on the places I have reviewed to see if their standards were consistent over time with what I wrote - since obviously I cannot be in all places at all times, and that the integrity of my recommendations here at CAPE TOWN would thus continuously be maintained.

This is where YOU come in!

PLEASE go into the places I have reviewed and have dinner, or a drink or a dance at Caprice or Tiger Tiger and get back to me through the Wall here or, if you prefer privacy, message me on jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com.

I really need YOUR help to make sure all the standards are being maintained across the board...otherwise how on EARTH can we ever call ourselves a WORLD CLASS CITY?!


Speak soon!!!!


James Costello
ADMIN - Official Facebook SOUTH AFRICA, CAPE TOWN, PE, JHB & DURBAN pages
Contributing Editor - www.southafricaguide.org
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405.

PS Also...feel FREE to give me feedback on any experiences you may ALREADY have had! Cheers!

Hey there!

Due to our immensely successful Facebook ADS campaign AND your inviting ALL YOUR FRIENDS; our membership is growing at a rate of 152 NEW people A DAY to reach a total of 5 321 Fans as of 00h38 Thursday 9 October!

I would encourage you to please come back and visit, drop us some photos and videos, ask for some (free!) advice or just respond to a note - the RECOMMEND A RESTAURANT needs YOUR input!

Speak soon hopefully!



James Costello
ADMIN - Official Facebook CAPE TOWN, PE, JHB, DURBAN Pages.
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405.

The Dubliner
251 Long Street (nearest corner Buiten)
Tel (+27) 424 1212
Web - www.thedubliner.co.za


It is almost impossible to stroll through Cape Town's Party Central, Long Street, and not somehow end up at this iconic bar.

As Bourbon Street is to the Big Easy, the Leidseplein is to Amsterdam and Christopher Street is to New York, so Long Street is THE destination for late-night owls looking for a roost and perhaps a field mouse!

It started out as a Fine Dining restaurant years ago called Kennedy's - the kind of place you had to have a signed note from your mother and 3 references to get into. Plus you had to be dressed like an undertaker.

Dave, the owner with 25 years bar industry experience, took it over 3 years ago come this February.He has worked in bars since he was 15 - Ireland, Manhattan and Boca Raton (Boca?! Dollink! What..are you meshuga to want to go to there in this verkakte humidity?!) - before deciding upon Cape Town...a city he describes as "...a cool place to own a bar in!"

Dave immediately scrapped the aforementioned draconian dress code for a far more casual ideology - shorts in a bar? In trendy Cape Town? AND wearing beach sandals? At night? You better believe it!
He then set the Dubliner up as a 7-days-a-week-LIVE-music Destination Venue.

There is NEVER a Cover Charge at the door and again, I firmly believe that one should allow the patrons to decide what the acceptable dress code is. I have seen a couple of Swedish backpacker oops-I-had-nothing-else-to-wear-do-I-look-silly-in-this-Thai-sarong fashion victims, but very rarely!

It is a space that has many faces to cater to many tastes.

It is a live music bar, an Irish pub (with occasional impromptu Lord of the Dance-style improv!), a burgers and steak restaurant where you can have a quiet meal at 6 pm and a vibrant, funky spot where you can party until 4am! There is also a VERY cool and trendy lounge upstairs where you can stretch out in gentleman's library-style surroundings and have a proper conversation with your friends without coming home hoarse.

Oh, and the WHOLE BUILDING is smoking...really. The entire bar has a special license for smokers as it used to be a Cigar Bar.

I am normally to be found near the door.

They have 7 - yes seven!- beers on tap here. Castle, Guinness (they're one of the biggest single outlets for Guinness in the Western Cape), Kilkenny, Pilsener Urquell, Stella Artois, Foster's and Peroni.
And they have a veritable plethora of alco-pops for German female interns...or field mice, as they are more commonly known.

The food is really, REALLY good value for money. Even the kitchen closes daily at 2am at no extra charge, which means no more snacking on reheated Alsatian sausage meat from the dodgy street vendor.

You know how it is - you stumble out of the bar, rather merry, and fixate upon one thing. Carbohydrates.
Doesn't matter where they come from. At this point, you are quite willing to sell Grandma up the river for a hot dog. You end up, however, with an extremely suspicious sausage-inna-bun (apologies to Mr Pratchett & CMOT Dibbler) that is exquisite at the time, but eventually, like all late-night pick-ups, reveals its true identity in the morning. Talk about Coyote Ugly.

No chance of that here! They have a "Snack" platter for R50 (approx $5.70) which comes on a DOUBLE-SIZED plate laden with fries, sausages, chicken strips, chicken thigh skewers, HUGE fluffy onion rings, spring rolls AND 2 sauces.

Oliver would NOT have asked for more.

As we have established in previous articles, I detest live bands with a passion bordering on the vicious. I find it completely unfair to be subjected to an acned youth emoting vociferously whilst displaying angst Freud would have thought inappropriate.
All while I am trying to impress a lady friend whose eyes invariably wander over to the spray-on jeans-clad youth with lascivious intent.
But enough about me...

I ONLY drag people to ONE place in Cape Town EVER - Gabriel the one-man band on a Monday at Dubliner. He is an awesomely funny, talented, spontaneous, crowd-working, lyrical entertainer whose sheer energy makes me feel...well....happy. And my guests too. Even the barn owl in the group.

And isn't THAT what a night out with your mates is all about?!



James Costello
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405
Email - jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com
Web - www.jamescostello.com

Cape Town, 03h54 Wednesday 8 October 2008.

CAFE CAPRICE
37 Victoria Road
Camps Bay
Tel (+27) 21 438 8325
Web - www.cafecaprice.co.za

When I was young, back when the earth was cooling, I fell in love with the beat. The Disco beat. Michael was King, Madonna was Queen and Prince was confused.

The beat became my touchstone. The best friend always available to me to feel better when down. The confidante to lean on in duress. The pal to accompany me when I went out on the town.

Sadly, some people said the beat and I were "out of touch" and "old". I didn't care! I had found my Soul Mate - Disco.

Then, the beat left me suddenly one Sunday when I was 17 for a new partner, rap, and broke my heart. I have loved other music since, but in my heart, Disco is still my prima donna. I thought I would never see her again.

Then, quite by chance one Sunday when I had first arrived in Cape Town in February 2006, I was at Cafe Caprice when who should arrive but Disco! She looked amazing! Her Michael was digitally remastered, her Madonna was MP3-ed and her Prince was now Symbol! We danced and danced and danced and promised NEVER to leave each other again.

What a Feeling.

So it was with great joy that I returned once more to this, the absolutely DEFINITIVE party spot in Camps Bay and arguably the whole of Cape Town last night. I mean, come on, it opened on April 17, 2001!

I am now starting to understand how Capetonian institutions are created.
They literally become everything to everyone all the time.

Take Mama Africa (see update Thursday 2 October 2008) as a comparison. Just as it is impossible to define what AFRICA is, it is foolhardy to attempt to mail down what Caprice is.

It is a Breakfast Cafe, Beach Bar, a really delicious and reasonable Restaurant (with deli-style hamburgers, tapas, steaks, nachos and sandwiches), a Nightclub with an interior dance floor and amazing beach views, a Cocktail Bar (you MUST MUST MUST try Chris the Head Barmen's latest invention of a HAZELNUT CAIPARINHA...I almost had to be resuscitated from sheer unadulterated mouth orgasms...twice), a "local pub" for residents, a trendy and fashionable pavement cafe a la Miami Beach, a Sports bar, a model bar a la FTV, and a Tourist hangout. Sheesh.

And the clients! I have seen grandma, grandpa, corporate account holders and their clients (odd how the dynamic between businessmen entertaining prospective clients and streetwalkers and their johns is eerily similar!), rugby jocks and their cheerleader girlfriends (do they EVER eat? and how much hairspray can one person safely consume? that's why they never smoke...fear of another HINDENBURG disaster), supermodels and their agents shelling out R600 (approx $74) for a bottle of Moet cos alcohol is non-fattening (?!), superstar actors and their entourage elbowing me out of the way at the urinals, visiting American rappers stalling their rented Ferraris when they drive away (darn that right hand drive!), neighbourhood locals worth million dressed in ratty cargo shorts that look like the dog ran out of sofas to chew and visiting German backpackers trying vainly to hook up with a Djembe drummer.

Not to mention the Men's Health male models and their equally gorgeous FHM female counterparts.

Only here, they're your barmen and waitresses. I am not kidding. It is like walking into a casting call for an MTV REAL WORLD series. I do not have body image issues, but when I see myself standing next to an employee of Caprice, I always feel like Miss Piggy on a date with Brad Pitt.
Who's actually sitting at Table 40, just by the way...damn, American men are short.

So how does a place like this last?!

I mean, surely, you cannot be all things to all people all the time purely because people do not know at ALL what they want from one moment to the next.

Apparently you can.

You just give them good food (try the AWESOME Sweet Chilli Tapas Prawns and the INCREDIBLE chicken spring rolls..So good - skip the crumbed mushrooms though! Oo..and you must try the burger with mozzarella and pesto and the burger with brie & cranberry. Drool...!), good cocktails (try the Hazelnut Caipirinha...yes I know I mentioned it before but it is like liquid sex!, or the Honey Margarita - I suggested they call it a BEE-garita. They didn't laugh...), good vibes (Hey Mr DJ..put a record on...I wanna dance with my baby!) and good prices (R25 ($3) for a cocktail?! In Cape Town? On the Camps Bay strip? At night? Long Street has more expensive places!) and finally great service (which i received in abundance from managers Jordan & MJ and Head Barman Chris...who came to my table to see if I liked the Mojito he made IN PERSON.
BEFORE he knew why I was there!)

That Dave still calls in frequently during the night to check that the management and Guests are happy and that the vibe is happening makes the place feel like someone's lounge that you're a guest in, and not the trendiest nightspot in the City - especially on a Sunday; their signature night.

Jordan and MJ went out of their way to accommodate me - even going as far as to share their Service Ethos with me - both uncannily similar, and both spot on. People, they both said, ARE the most important mix in the EATertainment trade. Both the staff treatment and the Guest ethos.
If either one is out of whack (the staff feel fearful and unhappy to be working under tyrants, or the Guests feel like walking wallets out to be fleeced), thenthe entire dynamic falls apart.

But there are some places that get it right.
Both Mama Africa and Caprice do.

They are both staffed by very cool people making people feel very cool.

As Jake the incredibly down-to-earth Barman replied when I asked him what the client mix in percentages was between tourists and locals on any given night -
"Do people from Johannesburg count as locals?!"


How cool is THAT?!


Oh...and as for Disco and I?!
We have a date.
Tonight.
At Caprice.






James Costello


Administrator
CAPE TOWN Official Facebook Fan Page
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405
Email - jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com
Skype - jamescostello
Saturday 4 October 2008.

Hi! I've kept 5 tickets back for CAPE TOWN fans for my show tonight...the first 5 people who call 0734455405 and leave a VOICE message saying "CAPE TOWN ROCKS!" will get them. Please leave your mobile number AND name clearly! You'll be called back if you won...Bless! James Costello -ADMIN Official Facebook Cape Town page

MAMA AFRICA
158 Long Street (nearest street Pepper)
Cape Town City Centre
Tel - (+27) 21 424 8634
Web - www.mamaafricarest.net


...and now we come to a difficult review for me.

I am not traditionally a fan of "Africa" - themed places as I feel they almost always tend to either be rat holes; or (shudder) "Disney-veld" super-sanitised and heavily edited theme parks specifically created to please Americans who have been led to believe EVERYONE wears traditional dress in South Africa EVERY day, there are lions, tigers and bears (oh my!) in the streets and the water from the tap is more dangerous than a Republican President.

Hmmm.

I find it hard to even imagine what an "African" restaurant should be...Congolese? Ethiopian? Sandton? Johannesburg? Mozambiquan? Libyan? These are all cities and countries on the continent...surely it is IMPOSSIBLE to nail down what "Africa" is - especially since the latest DNA tests prove through the Y chromosome that EVERYONE is from Africa. Germans, Canadians, Thai, Bolivians, St Barts'ans, Iranians, Finns and Latvians.

Michael Jackson is still from Mars.

So how do you make an environment where tourists will see the "African experience" they SO desperately legitimately want and YET locals won't be put off either by the high prices or snooty attitudes of the help?!
Remember - the Table Bay Hotel was expressly built in Cape Town at the Waterfront ONLY to cater to tourists...thus eclipsing the "cosmopolitan" sensation Cape Town is world famous for. That is what "cosmopolitan" means - everyone's invited.

So off I trotted to Mama Africa last night under duress to do this review...PURELY because it is nigh impossible to say you have "done" Cape Town without at least having had a drink at this 13-year old Capetonian institution.

What a shock. The place was vibey (I mean REALLY vibey - even BEFORE the band in the video below started playing!), the staff were extremely outgoing and friendly - especially Amos the Door Host, Mark the Manager and Harry the PR/Web Liaison/Sommelier/Guest Relations Officer/Table Clearer!

I was presented with a Starter Platter that could easily have eradicated hunger in an entire province. Delectable Snoek (a gamey local smoked fish), Kudu Biltong (dried smoked and cured meat shaved into coin-sized chunks), Game Kebab (Crocodile - tastes JUST like chicken!), Springbok (does NOT taste like defeat!), Homemade Vegetable Samoosas (triangular pastries the size of biscuits not unlike a Spring Roll), Mini Vetkoeks (a doughy, oil-fried doughnut-like dumpling), Homemade Raisin bread (AWESOME!) and a Cold Chicken Curry (very very mild...DEF not a 2 roll-er!)

As I was nibbling (okay..okay..wolfing unashamedly) the starters, I struck up a conversation with the couples on either side of me. BOTH from Europe (UK and Ireland on Left and Germany on Right). BOTH been in the city for less than 1 day. BOTH read about the place in a book. BOTH on vacation for 1 week or less and BOTH loving it! Talk about your stereotypical visitor demographic! I was terribly pleased to note that the couples thoroughly, and I do mean, thoroughly endorsed the place, the street, the city, the airport and even the drippy weather! They hated the taxis though....surprise! (see my Post Sept 11 - CAB COMPANIES AND TRICKS TO AVOID!)

It was soon after that the band started.

Now let me quite upfront. I am NOT a fan of Live Music. Seeing some self-important prats prance around on stage whilst lip-synching the words to a forgotten No.1 or even worse...subjecting me to their I-loved-but-lost-but-am-not-bitter-at-all--really original lyrics set to the tune of cats being castrated does NOT thrill me. Why are they always long-haired?! Why do they always pout in what they think is a sexy manner?! Why does the drummer always look like he just escaped from a reformatory?!
And why must I pay for this?!

HOWEVER, at Mama Africa, after 13 years, they have a solution...
1. Diners are charged R20 per person Couvert to eat to cover the band.
2. Drinkers pay R10 on entry to be in the Bar also to cover the band.
3. They hire talent. REAL talent. People who not only love what they do but also want you to feel as passionate, involved, blessed, joyous, entertained and just plain happy as they are. The evening's justly-celebrated band was ABAKHAYA. They have been making memories since Mama Africa was still a puppy. And, boy, do they have something! Imagine Afro-Cuban forged with Marimba forged with Bobby McFerrin.

I was carried along. Happily.

It is also prudent to mention that I was coincidentally privileged to chat with the very group EVER to play on the stage on Opening Night all those years ago - the Rivertones. They told me the place is EXACTLY like it was way back when...when it was designed for locals to come and experience the feel of the continent.

It is only LATER that it was discovered by tourists mainly due to its music and authenticity. This was new information to me - I thought it was created to service the tourism niche!

Shortly thereafter, the Main Course "taster" arrived. All 2 full-sized plates of it.

Oy.

Talk about a platter! Zimbabwean Dovi (Chicken served in a Peanut Satay-like Sauce....scrumptious), Game Potjie (a sort of slow-simmered, heavy, aromatic Stew...VERY rich and juicy and chewy!), Lamb Curry (DELICIOUS! It was more like a Sunday Stew than a Curry...the meat literally fell off the bone!) and the aforementioned Chicken Curry (not my favourite since I was now addicted to the crocodile!).

I was chatting during dinner to Mark the vegetarian Manager (Imagine!). Out of the last 13 years of operation, he was there from the beginning for 10 years and just returned a year ago. The place used to be 3 shops and was amalgamated into one space. Everything has been a communal effort to create EATertainment - an all-encompassing multi-sensory experience expressly designed to forge cast-iron full-spirit memories.

Artists have made the wall coverings, murals, animal lamps, even the Coca-Cola bottle chandelier (really! Go check it out under GALLERY on their site!) from scratch. Everything is original, created from an idea in the heart. And the folks who made it clearly loved their work.

I was shown a book called "CAPE TOWN - a poem" done my a marvellous Michaelis School of Fine Art student called Julia. Beautiful illustrations, amazing artwork, stunning collages and breathtaking photography.
How many restaurants have you been to lately where you can buy a book of the City?! And they will let you proof-read it while you wait for your food?!

I can truly say that of the 3 "Africa" - themed eateries on the strip (one poky and the other pretentious), THIS is definitely the one to visit.

It is edgy, energetic, eclectic, exciting and engaging.

Just like Africa herself.




James Costello

Administrator - Official CAPE TOWN Facebook Page
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405
Web - www.jamescostello.com
Email - jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com
Skype - jamescostello

MR PICKWICK'S
158 Long Street (nearest corner Leeuwen Street)
Cape Town City Centre
Tel - (+27) 21 423 3710


I have just had a most pleasant and refreshing experience at the above-mentioned establishment.

Having lived in Cape Town for the last 2 1/2 years; most of which was spent in an apartment 1 block from Mr Pickwick's, I thought I knew the place intimately.

The atmosphere at this veritable institution of Cape Town I felt declined over the time I knew it - mainly due to the way they made you feel in the space. It used to a biohemian chic establishment one went to for a groovy shake and wedges while discussing weekend plans.
Personally, I want to feel as if I am in a safe, comforting, pleasing, relaxing environment - kinda like CENTRAL PERK in "FRIENDS"!

This is most certainly NOT what my impression of Mr Pickwick's became over time.
I ended up literally crossing the street to avoid most of the staff working there; the majority of whom seemed to be intent on discussing their extraneous drug usage and dealer comparisons in front of me whilst I was reading the daily paper and sipping on a coffee.
NOT exactly conducive to a pleasant experience I can tell you!

HOWEVER, I strolled into the space tonight on a whim and was met for the second time by the NEW owner, Barry and his partner Aydin.

They could not have gone further out of their way to make me feel at home. I actually felt like sending my friends there for hospitality lessons!
They fetched and carried and ferried cups of tea incessantly. Turns out Barry, as he said in his own words "...was born in a manger" but had to leave when his mother could not afford the payments (seriously, he said this!). Apparently, he then was shipped off to Uzbekistan where he had an His meanderings led him to Cape Town, a city he describes as "magnetic". He fell in love with the scenery, majesty, and let's be honest - the exchange rate for British Pounds in most favourable!kebab machine accident and fell in love with the catering industry.

On a slightly more accurate historical note, his background (too comprehensive to list in detail here) spans 25 YEARS in the hospitality industry - and includes such luminous names as Cunard (including 6 months on board the NEW Queen Mary), Hilton Hotels, Silverski, Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton. Wow.

It shows.The place has LITERALLY been scoured, bleached, sprayed, scraped, wiped, brushed, swabbed and mopped clean. Surgically clean. I mean you could literally eat off the floors - what a nice change from the previous "laissez-faire" attitude of the previous owner towards hygiene. I even included some jokes about it in my show it was so awful!

The menu has been skillfully re-designed. Old favourites the locals (and MANY tourists!) knew and loved for years have remained - smoothies, milkshakes (Peanut Butter Bomb!), Footlong Sandwiches (with wedges!), Malva Pudding (a delicious sponge-like vinegar pudding served with HOT custard!) all made the cut.
New favourites-in-waiting were presented to me for tasting - Macaroni & Cheese like Mama made (with Yummy Onion Gravy!) & Curry PIE (yes, PIE!). They were truly scrumptious - especially the Onion Gravy - tasted JUST like red cabbage...very rich and smooth and tangy.

Barry told me he plans to be here "for the long run"...BEYOND 2010. He has plans to make the Upstairs Section (yes there IS an upstairs - used to be a storeroom!) into MRS PICKWICK'S - a bar / lounge / work space (the place has FREE yes FREE Wi-Fi) where functions can also be held and you can just "chill". AND it has a tentative opening date of 2 weeks from now!

The decor can most accurately be described as "gypsy chic" and the music...well I am not a fan of the music. Check it out in the video attached below! Apparently, there is NO other place in Cape Town that plays it. It appears to be a mixture of trance, house, garage, jungle, drum-n-bass and hip-hop.

They turned it down for me.

I will CERTAINLY be going back there as it just 2 blocks from where I am staying now. But really I will be returning because they made me feel...special.

BEFORE they knew I write for you.

Try it.You are guaranteed a dining "experience" you will remember - or, in my case, re-embrace like a forgotten friend!



James Costello

Administrator
CAPE TOWN Official Facebook Fan Page
Mobile - (+27) 73 445 5405
Email - jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com
Skype - jamescostello
Tuesday 30 September 2008

Hey there!

How YOU doin' this very cold and wet Monday in Cape Town?! If far away, how is the weather treating you there?!

I added the POLL application yesterday to find out what you, as a FAN of CAPE TOWN, want from the site.
Unfortunately, it would appear that theis is malfunctioning and just loading a blank page...

Please just come back tomorrow to http://apps.new.facebook.com/opinionpolls/poll.php?pid=1222650825&uid=1352205426
and cast a vote OR just respond to this message!

What do YOU want to see more of on this site?!!!
More restaurant reviews? Car hire deals? Nightlife recommendations? More about taxis, currency exchange, day trips?
Or do you think the site is fine as it is?!

Just send me a little note and I will use the power of democracy to make it happen for you...

Have a smashing Tuesday chaps!

Jamie
Administrator - CAPE TOWN Facebook Fan Page
www..jamescostello.com
(+27) 73 445 5405
jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com

Do YOU have a business/service you think will benefit people in CAPE TOWN - be they residents or visitors, both foreign or domestic?!

Then THIS is what you MUST do to list it here...

1. PLEASE DO NOT JUST POST YOUR DETAILS ON THE WALL - I have had to remove 4 such rude posts already!
2. Send me ALL details of your endeavour by either Facebook Message - find me under ADMINS on page - OR by email to (jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com).
Include ANY AND ALL CHARGES/TAXES/LEVIES and/or discounts people may be expected to be confronted with.
3. Call me on (+27) 73 445 5405 to set up a chat either in person OR by Skype (jamescostello) if you are far away!
4. Let the fun begin!

Here at the CAPE TOWN site, we are VERY picky as to whom we endorse. We want to be CERTAIN that our members will be met with grace, charm, efficiency, value, hospitality, good manners and happy memories.

Thanks people and hope you had a MARVELLOUS weekend!


Jamie Costello

Administrator for Facebook CAPE TOWN /
Contributing Editor (www.southafricaguide.org)
Cape Town, 03h39 Sunday 28 September 2008

Hey!

Following on from the success of last week's show with Facebook Fans, I am GIVING AWAY 2 FREE TICKETS each to the first 5 people who call me on (+27) 73 445 5405 and say "CAPE TOWN ROCKS"!

If you miss out on the FREE TICKETS, the regular price is R65 BUT Facebook Fans of CAPE TOWN like YOU will pay only R30 for additional tickets IF YOU CALL ME and PRE-PAY in advance...but hurry people as the venue only holds 32 folks!

The show has been running since FRIDAY 10 Feb 2006 and is 100% IMPROVISED COMEDY based on YOUR feedback!

Bless!

Hi all...

I am truly sorry that the "Wine Tour" review I promised, after receiving many requests for something to do when visiting Cape Town, has not been posted. Here's why..

Of the 8 companies I called to get the information for you, i only spoke to a human in three. One said they would call back and never did. The second, Daytrippers, said, and I quote "I know nothing about the Internet. I will have to let my daughters look at this". She never called back.

The third, African Story Tours, in the person of Bruce, said he would be delighted to have me on a Tour and that he was, quote "...always interested in Educational opportunities and New Markets" unquote.

After he did not get back to me yesterday, I called him today and was told, quote "I do not want anything to do with your Facebook group. You have created quite a negative (?!) stir in the industry by calling people. Whenever I deal with the Internet, I only deal with professionals..which you are not" unquote.

Before we go any further, I must tell you that this is how I have done ALL my reviews...

1) I have PERSONALLY either eaten in the restaurant OR stayed at the Hotel/Lodge in question.
2) I have ONLY revealed my identity as Administrator for this Group and Contributing Writer for [www.southafricaguide.org] AFTER experiencing the service just like you would.
3) NO MONIES NOR CONSIDERATION have been accepted by myself to influence ANY opinions I have about the establishment. It is all my own take on the events as I experienced it.
4) I have also NEVER hidden the fact that I am an actor and standup comic (see Welcome Note under NOTES), and that my character, Sister Mary James, has been the major endeavour I have been known for
[see www.sistermaryjames.com], since this is actually how this Group's creator, Kevin Kolesky. met me.
5) I receive NO FUNDS for my input here, nor do I receive a stipend or gratuity. It is ENTIRELY a Labour of Love!

Having said that, AT NO TIME did I solicit monies from ANY Tour Operators for their inclusion to our Group. I do NOT receive ANY ongoing consideration for my endorsements and can give you ABSOLUTE ASSURANCE that this site is not a "promotional tool" for businesses.

If this is the feedback I as a reviewer am getting from the Capetonian industry, I can only IMAGINE what you must have experienced here!
This is why I am ONLY directing you to places where I KNOW you will be happy and taken care of and treated as special people.

This group is a forum for the shared memories, recommendations, impressions, advice and ideas all of us have and have had for the city and people of Cape Town.

Having said that, if ANYONE knows a sane, decent, kind and caring TOur Operator who WANTS to be listed here because they do good work; PLEASE tell them to call me on (+27) 73 445 5405....

Happy Friday everyone!

Jamie Costello
www.jamescostello.com

Hey!

Check out the new Discussion Topic on the Cape Town Page - MY BEST SECURITY ADVICE for VISITORS!

Please login and drop a comment...anything you feel would enrich the safety and security of people living, working, visiting and enjoying the city...

Cheers for the support and speak soon!

Jamie

Hey!

The first 10 people that call me on (+27) 73 445 5405 and say "CAPE TOWN ROCKS!" will EACH receive 3 tickets for my show tomorrow night in Sea Point...

Get calling and let me entertain you!

James

Penthouse on Long
112 Long Street, Cape Town
Tel - (27) 21 424 8356
1 x 20 bed dorm (don't be put off - the room is HUGE!)
6 x 8 bed dorms - Africa (thorn bush in lights!), Hearts (girls only!), Zebra, Cosmos, Moroccan
1 x 3 bed Family Room
3 x Double En-Suite Rooms - Purple Nights (Gypsy chic!), Orange (SO hip!) & Hearts and Stars!
Internet
Laundry
Pool Room
Bar
24 hr Security
DVD player
TV
Nigella Lawson-type trendy kitchen
Roof Garden
Convenience store on street level

I have just been privileged enough to find a true gem in the heart of Cape Town.Noelline, Jayson and Clinton have opened up this priceless treasure just 3 weeks ago...and what a place!

It is the entire 6th floor of a downtown office block converted into living space for 79 people! You'll just LOVE the quirky design elements - thorn bushes embedded in the light fixtures, fake vines trailing down from the ceiling in the kitchen and faux Leopard fur coverlets strewn on the Dorm beds in the "Africa Room" to name but a few. The design is so tasteful, one can easily believe the the nearby Gay Heartland of De Waterkant influenced the space!

Everything is new, functional, clean, well-thought out and everyone is just SO friendly! Within 14 mninutes of arrival, I was already invited to a communal dinner - SUCH a nice change from the usual "dorms there, showers here, lock the door on yer way out" school of Capetonian hospitality - excluding the Zebra Lodge and the Green Elephant of course!
They also have a BRILLIANT idea - 4 SELF-CONTAINED bathrooms with a shower, loo and basin EACH! No more "army barracks" ablution block...shiver.

The design ethos make you feel as if you are in an MTV Production - possibly REAL WORLD or CRIBS...it's that nice. There is even a ROOFTOP GARDEN with KILLER views - a PERFECT BBQ spot!

Upstairs, they have a whole floor dedicated to the Common Room with a Pool Table and "Starting Point" Bar...this includes the TV and DVD area. Unfortunately, they did not have any external aerial when I arrived - no tv! I had to be resuscitated twice but then remembered my DVD Collection in my bag. I just LOVE tv. It's cheap, friendly, obeys your command (remotes RULE!), always available (except when some blockhead is watching sport!); and moreover, it makes you feel safe and cocooned. But enough of my issues....!

You'll just love it here - I would HIGHLY recommend it for anyone who wants to be 2 blocks from ALL the happening Long Street nightlife YET able to sleep peacefully. There is a 24 hour Security person on duty downstairs and 24 hour Reception when you step off the elevator AND you have to be buzzed in. Talk about security - Osama would feel safe here!

Plus, they are ridiculously cheap - R100 for a brand new bed in a brand new dorm with brand new sheets in a brand new backpackers...now that's what I call Value-for-Money!


James Costello
Tuesday 23 September 2008.

43 Station Road, Observatory, Cape Town.
Mon - Sat 12h00 to late.
Tel - (+27) 21 448 5898 / +27) 76 386 8535 to book.
Catering, Function Space, Take-out available.
FULL BAR!!

DID YOU KNOW that Indian food has surpassed pizza as Britain's no.1 take-away choice?!
And when you visit the NEW Cafe Hot in Observatory, you will see why.

Everything is fresh, piquant, spicy (not overpowering!) and the ambience is...well...just like visiting a friend at their house!
The staff and owners, Hitesh and Manju, are convivial, welcoming, approachable and really, REALLY good at making you feel like you are important.

I am SO tired of being shown to a table in a South African restaurant by the Varsity-dropout-working-under-the-heel-of-the-vindictive-manager syndrome....you KNOW – you arrive, all full of joy and expectation KNOWING it will be just the same as last time, but hoping it won't. The food is passable (except for Spur), the ambience is ok (although reminiscent of Hell's Waiting Room – why do they ALWAYS think RED lights are “classy”?), and yet...and yet...you leave feeling cheated.

That is because your expectations were NOT met...not even close. An evening out is supposed to be FUN, ENGAGING...meeting new people whilst nibbling handmade delectables in a provocative setting. Why do we take people we want to like us out to dinner?! Why not cook for them?!

I'll tell ya why...cos we want to market ourselves to them. So we “hire” a Public Relations Team (i.e. Restaurant!), whilst plying them with tasty morsels in a devilishly primal way. Thus we are hoping that the potential mate or even good friend we are treating will see us in a better light (see? They took us RIGHT to the table without waiting in the queue!), how valued we are to others (see? The OWNER came over to ask how I am!), how well-known we are in the city (see? The waiter greeted me by name AND knew my favourite drink!), and how clever we are (see? They processed my card AWAY from the table cos my credit is FINE.....”crosses fingers”)!

All this just to find out if dinner is the 2nd last thing on the menu...hint hint!

Well, if you have someone special YOU would like to impress/seduce/treat, I would HIGHLY recommend Cafe Hot.

It is JUST like walking into an intimate (ONLY 60 seats!) movie set of a restaurant. You are welcomed like an old friend, escorted to your perch and fussed and fretted over....without descending into John Cleese obsequiousness.

Then the food arrives....gracious! I am not a fan of Indian food, but even I was blown away. My father could eat curry that scoured out your intestines like Drain-O. Me?! I balk at the “Zinger” coating at KFC!
But no fear...you do not have to sweat..literally! You will be expertly guided through the proceedings like a day trip for German tourists.

I walked in quite by chance after a dinner engagement elsewhere and ended up spending an hour just chatting to folks at the bar! Truly, it is JUST the place to come to in order to relax, unwind, and even...entice!

James Costello
Monday 22 September 2008.

In South Africa already?!

Need to call home to England, US, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland?!

Just phone 084 198 0001 when IN South Africa and follow computer prompts to connect to the planet...how CHEAP is this?! I tried it and it WORKS!

It uses VOIP technology to route the calls over the Net...use it quickly before the Post Office closes it down people!

James Costello

Hey there! If you own a backpackers, car hire company, transfer service, restaurant, clothing store, nightclub, day trip provider, (in fact, ANY business that makes our lives and our visitors happier, safer, better fed, or just plain well-rested!), then follow these steps should you desire a mention here! ...1) Facebook message me privately (I'm listed under ADMINS here), or call me directly on my mobile (+27) 73 445 5405. 2) Have a DETAILED description of your service or business ready to email. 3) We'll make a time to meet in person or on Skype if you're far away! PLEASE do NOT just post your details on our Wall...I've had to remove 3 already! Anything further I can do, please contact me on (jamescostelloproductions@gmail.com)...have a SMASHING yet cold and rainy Friday! James

Hey all!

Just a quick heads-up...had to burn 4 cd's and print from Nero Cover Designer today. Called Postnet (+27) 21 448 5975 & spoke to Ronel. Explained everything I had to do - she said it could all be done and quoted me the following....
1 x cd - R 6.00
Burning of cd (to be done by her as I was not allowed to) - R10.00 PER cd.
Colour prints - R5.50 per page.

Thus, each CD would cost me +- R31.50!

Nevertheless, went in and started to wait (why can Capetonians NEVER serve more than 2 people in a store at the same time?!....especially with closing time 29 minutes away?!)

Eventually got her attention...started the process only to find out THEY DO NOT SELL ANY COVERS with the cd's at all! You just get the cd in your hand!

Expressed HUGE outrage and was promptly barked at like a dog by a man WAY WAY behind retirement age IN FRONT OF other guests as if I was 4 years old! Was told "if I had asked the correct questions, I would have been told not to come!"

Ran out to local store - they had cd's NEXT DOOR on special at R3.99 EACH in covers...closing time now 5 minutes away!
Eventually only burned one cd and did my colour prints

Found an AMAZING Internet Cafe up on the top level of Pick 'n Pay Centre in Main Road Observatory - obz.com! (+27) 21 447 8228.

Was helped through the whole process by Fritz - he even exchanged pc's for me as only 2 had Nero on to burn as requested. I mean these guys were constantly asking me if everything was ok, if I was happy with the service etc etc. The place is HUGE and VERY well equipped - each and every pc has headphones, mic, Skype and there are 15 pc's so no waiting!

AND SO CHEAP!!! R10.00 for 60 minutes!!!!!
Compare and contrast Postnet where I would have paid...get this...R5.00 for first 5 minutes and 50c per minute thereafter! 60 minutes Internet would have been R 32.50!!! And I would be paying to be abused by a miserable old cantankerous, adult-diaper wearing grandpa!

SO SHOP AROUND PEOPLE!!! It really does pay..

PS I wonder if it makes any difference that the guys at obz.com are variously from Ghana and the Congo; whilst the ancient one at Postnet MOST CERTAINLY was South African.

Funny how this country recently showed the world how HIDEOUSLY xenophobic it is.... AND YET the victims are still gracious, kind, caring, hard-working, concerned with Customer Satisfaction and just so pleasant and happy to be working.....makes you think, doesn't it?!

James Costello

Hey everyone!!

Should you come to Cape Town and need a taxi, ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS check the fare beforehand.

I have been using Intercab (+27) 21 447 7799 for 2 1/2 years and was rather surprised to be ripped off last night.

Unlike other cities, there is NO governing body nor organisation to oversee taxis. Fares are variously R8 per km , R9 per km, up to R11 per km. Flag fall is anything from R2 to R5 per fare AND there is also a "minimum" fare of R20 with the cabs...NONE of this is however printed on the doors!

I had to take a cab last night from Observatory to Rondebosch (+-5 km's), which should have cost R50. However, as we left our Lodge, we were VERY shocked to have the driver TURN OFF the meter and call the base for a price! Turns out the fare is R120 to travel 5 km's!! You apparently have to pay for the driver to drive BACK to the city after he drops you!!! NONE of this was mentioned on the phone nor as we entered the cab. And you can rest ASSURED he will stay in the area he dropped you at your expense waiting for the next fare!

Please be very very careful when selecting a taxi here (airport to city should be MAXIMUM R250)....rely on your Hotel Concierge or Guest House Manger and get the Mobile number of the specific driver when he drops you off to call him directly when you wish to return.

PS We got a cab back at 4am for R50....with a meter!!

Green Elephant Backpackers and Lodge

Are you into responsible tourism?! Want to leave somewhere better than you found it?! Tired of rude, incompetent, vicious hostels where you feel like a walking dollar/pound/Euro/Rand sign?!
Then THIS is the place for you!

EVERYTHING, and I do mean EVERYTHING, is designed with the express intention of making a positive difference in the lives of the Guests, the environment, and the planet at large.

The pool table proceeds go towards the school fees of a staff member's child. The heater in the lounge area as well as the jacuzzi spa bath are both powered by gas. There are many different trash bins for recycling purposes and all the stall toilets on the Main Floor flush with waste water from the washing machine (get used to flushing via pressing a light switch!)

But most of all, and the reason this is my choice for a space to stay in Cape Town, beyond the fact that it is 14 years old and has survived the vagaries of volatile tourism markets, is the staff simply cannot do enough for you. They go out of their way to accommodate you – arranging take-out to be delivered, covering your bed with fresh linen at 4pm when I woke up feeling rather ill and inviting me many times to join them in ordering pizza from nearby Roots (R30 per pizza happy hour 17h00 – 19h00)! They go out of their way to make you feel safe, valued, important and welcome. Dale Carnegie said in “How to win friends and influence People” (1953), that the SINGLE most unmet need of human beings is to feel special.

Well, they certainly do that here. I first stayed here shortly after my first...ahem...breakdown/through in my healing path in 1997...the cleaning staff STILL remembered me in 2008; right down to calling me by their special nickname for me – Jamesy! How incredible is that?!

In the intervening time, the owner, Robin, has gone all out to minimise the carbon footprint of the establishment; not to mention hiring some of the nicest and most genial folk I have EVER encountered in a Lodge. Mercia and Martin, the hostel's married managers, and Vuyani (whom I met shortly before his well-deserved sabbatical to Canada), are quite simply the solution to your travelling fears. They are gracious, informed, efficacious, accommodating and exude want the Dutch so accurately call “gezelligheid” - hospitality.

You know how it is – you arrive usually at 05h10, alone and rather fearful at the airport (still under construction entailing marathon-like walks simply to exit). You run the gauntlet of the semi-dodgy taxi drivers and their touts attempting to hustle you into a cab. You finally find one that actually has a working meter and safety belts and then calmly and lucidly give your backpackers address. They then either tear away at breakneck speed to your destination, or drive leisurely via Bangkok and Boise. This, all the while whilst you are watching the fare tick up like the national debt of Ecuador.

When they finally do deposit you at the hostel, you are panic-stricken that you may have to find alternative accommodation whilst feeling so sleep-deprived that you could cheerfully vote Republican all over again.
Then, you check into this haven, and I do mean, haven in the Bohemian student suburb of Observatory. You are welcomed literally with open arms, led past the gorgeous rock pool and Jacuzzi, express checked in and given the lightning fast tour (they know you want to shower the airplane grime off!).

You are invited to a complimentary cup of coffee (SO good after wading through Customs and Immigration staffed by cretins who failed Village Idiot 101); and jump into the HOTTEST showers I have ever had. Even the shower heads, although low-flow, pump out a decent quasi-New York pressure.

Then, you dump your laundry into the ridiculously cheap washing machine (detergent supplied) and settle down with Lonely Planet and Let's Go! However, somewhere along the way, your intuition kicks in and you simply ask Vuyani or Mercia or indeed the other guests where to go and what to do. They even organised a pizza night for everyone (create your own in the upstairs oven!) and spur-of-the-moment Jacuzzi foam parties (R25 to stay-as-long-as-you-like!). I was even moved to baking impromptu flapjacks-but-I-was-going-for pancakes one night.....imagine sitting around the kitchen table with almost strangers sipping piping-hot coffee and munching fresh,hot flapjacks smeared with real cinnamon-crushed sugar and melted Nutella hazelnut chocolate paste....mmmmm. It's just that kind of place.

However, should you wish to explore, you are located 48m from one of the Main Arterial Routes into and out of Cape Town (translation – cheap and easy to get ANYWHERE). It is entirely possible not to leave the are for up to 3 days, although I did that whilst I was feeling rather low!

The guests range from British Medical interns, German female tourists (rowr rowr!), a smattering of locals on vacation or simply on a break, Americans starting their “African experience” - (why must EVERYTHING American be an experience? Why? You don't hear French tourists say...”I wont to 'ave ze full afreekan hexperience...where do i find ze lions?!”), Canadians desperately explaining they are NOT from Milwaukee and one lone Japanese tourist who never looks up from his Sidekick-like PSP (probably designing a skyscraper while you watch “Ugly Betty”).

All in all, I would HIGHLY recommend this space, having again just moved in to stay for a bit of R and R. It is central, safe, clean (SO clean – environ-friendly bleached EVERYTHING!!), hospitable and gracious.

Oh, and they also have satellite tv....guess where I was mostly to be found?!

Cape Town
Monday 8 September 2008.

Green Elephant Observatory, Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA.
Phone - (+27) 21 448 6359
Email – greenele@iafrica.com

Hey!YOU are cordially invited to LIVE IMPROVISATIONAL STANDUP COMEDY THIS FRIDAY NIGHT @ 33 South Boutique Backpackers, 48 Trill Road, Observatory! You get 1 FREE ticket just for reading this entry AND all your friends pay only R40 (instead of R65) each! BUT you MUST call 073 445 5405 to book ASAP....only 8 seats left folks! Bless!

Hey there! Just a quick question...what would YOU like to see here on the Cape Town page?! Some ideas-a BEST AND WORST customer service in Cape Town section where YOU can rant AND rave about service you've received (and help us all make better choices based on your experiences!), day trip suggestions to out-of-the-way spots BOTH Guests and Residents would enjoy, safety and security tips, fun historical facts, discounts on goods and services for all Facebook CAPE TOWN members, funny stories that REALLY happened etc etc! It's YOUR city...YOU decide! Bless!

Yo Happy CT People!

304 invite 10 = 3040 Heeeeee we Did it!!!

We did it Finally! 3040 fans for Cape Town! Man did that take long! So the deal is simple get this Fan Page rocking! If you want to become a admin please email us and tell us why you think you would make this Fan page better!

So again please keep inviting friends x 10! and this Fan page will rock!

Next Update 30400 Fans!

3040 invite 10 = 30400
30400 invite 10 = 304000
304000 invite 10 = 3040000
3040000 invite 10 = 30400000 Kool ...

Please Invite Friends! Start Forum Topics Add Pics and Vids. Go Wild!

Lets Promote Cape Town as The worlds Best Holiday Destination.

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Last Update Below

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Ok Cape Towners...
Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 8:28pm
This Fan page is starting to grow nicely. 304 Fans for all of Cape Town is MIN tho, so please take 5 min to share to your friends, so we can start getting you more info on the happenings in Cape Town!

C T LOVES U ;)

304 invite 10 = 3040
3040 invite 10 = 30400
30400 invite 10 = 304000
304000 invite 10 = 3040000
3040000 invite 10 = 30400000 Kool ...

Please Invite Friends! Start Forum Topics Add Pics and Vids. Go Wild!

This Fan page is starting to grow nicely. 304 Fans for all of Cape Town is MIN tho, so please take 5 min to share to your friends, so we can start getting you more info on the happenings in Cape Town!

C T LOVES U ;)

304 invite 10 = 3040
3040 invite 10 = 30400
30400 invite 10 = 304000
304000 invite 10 = 3040000
3040000 invite 10 = 30400000 Kool ...

Please Invite Friends! Start Forum Topics Add Pics and Vids. Go Wild!

Hello Cape Towner's

Ok there are only 20 fans, lol YOU need to help please! Invite some friends, and lets get this page buzzzzing!

Thanks

Cape Town