Out and About

Aug

2020

Women Warriors and Me Time in Hout Bay

Its Women’s Month and Hout Bay Tourism Connect is asking you to join them in saluting the women who help the cogs turn for you to enjoy as you Discover Hout Bay, where you can experience a microcosm of South Africa in a seaside town steeped in history, cultural diversity with breathtaking views that encompasses the ocean and mountains.

Follow their social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter during August as they share about the women who help build what you get to experience in Hout Bay, a destination to Visit, Live, Work and Play.

You can also share your story of what you would spend as #MeTime as comments on their posts, especially after having to navigate life after these past few months of the pandemic, causing the world to go into lockdown. We’re sure that women have been instrumental in holding the “fort” playing multi-functional roles balancing home and work life at exactly the same time in the same space during this time. With things easing up and leisure travel being allowed its time to reward yourself and take care of your emotional and physical well being.

The women who have been doing this in Hout Bay should be saluted along with the many others out there and they’re asking you to help build a tribe as you support one another and fix each other’s crowns, as all strive to inspire and motivate. Share your story on their posts of how you have coped during this time and what survival tactics you have used.

We’re looking forward to seeing all the stories and ideas from you #WarriorWomen and what #MeTime you would like to experience.

For more info about Hout Bay, you can contact them at hello@houtbaycapetown.co.za

Nov

2019

Long March To Freedom

Long March to Freedom Sculpture Exhibition is now open at Century City.

There have been many that made a stand and their mark, and created an opportunity to bring forth a people that would be the result of the South Africa we have today.

Some mean more to others and some mean absolutely nothing to anyone and that’s the beauty of it all in that we have people from all walks of life that have contributed to the history of South Africa and thus having an attraction of this nature helps us to share, learn and grow. Through it all giving cause for celebration to all the people of our beautiful land.

“Quite long ago, my Forebearers extended a hand of friendship to the people of Europe when they came to that continent. What has happened to the extension of that hand only history can say.”

Watch this video by our friends from African Travel Crew who helped bring this story and attraction to us in more than just looking at statues of South Africa’s Heroes.

I was so happy when I got to learn about the exhibition coming to Cape Town after having seen the video originally because of working with African Travel Crew and helping to find stories of the gems of people of #IAMCAPETOWN to get a sense of what the kind of work it is we will be doing.

Listening to Dali Tambo, share the vision of how he came about the idea of this exhibition is just the kind of thing that helps us show that there is divine energy and that things will happen for the right reasons. The National Heritage Project Company started off the exhibition of life-sized bronze statues, Long March To Freedom celebrating South African Icons, in Maropeng at the Cradle Of Humankind. Read more about it here.

I look forward to many people heading to go see, learn, and share what their take out is on it all as part of the journey of growth as a people and country. Get your tickets at computicket and do tell us in the comments about your experience.

“Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Nov

2019

Best of Boogie at Artscape

What a fantastic, awesome, amazingly fabulous show Best of Boogie was at Artscape on Thursday night. We supported a Street Smart South Africa FUNdraiser to help raise funds for the office operations.

We loved the local twist by the hosts giving a really entertaining and great experience of life on the Cape Flats with music from the 70’s and 80’s.
There was great transition between songs and I actually knew every one of the songs.

I really enjoyed the dance moves burning up the stage by all the entertainers but especially the ever popular jazz piece by Ann Siroky and partner was such a vibe.

Beautiful voices and soulful plus upbeat lyrics had the audience go crazy with each song that was performed, singing along as if they were part of the show, the crowd was really diverse and it was wonderful how it brought the entire crowd together by music that everyone knew.

Each of the costume changes just added that extra touch of a great show, the live band and great lighting also brought everything together.

Usually I would not sing along or dance as I grew up with almost no music. The nostalgia of my high school days and school bus music had me singing along with every song throughout the show and I ended up dancing too which to me means the show was really of the best I’ve been to.
It’s a definite must see and will be on until 17 November at Artscape.

Nov

2019

#BootleggerSummer

This weekend past we were invited by THAT Network to Bootlegger Three Anchor Bay to check out the menu which included some new summer desserts and to specifically try their burgers.

The Bootlegger Coffee Company restaurants are well known for their coffees but their delectable menu is enough to make it an option for a good meal too. They are quite family friendly and this store is the only Halaal one in the country, if not the continent.

We spent a leisurely evening taking in the buzz and figuring out what to drink and eat. The menu is great in that they serve breakfast all day and also relatively well priced and the service and food are good.

We started off with milkshakes, to cool down from the days activities and also because we first needed a little bit of a treat. Eddy had the peppermint crisp and the toasted Bootlegger banana bread which was quite different and although the idea of mushy cake is not nice to think of it was actually quite nice and flavorful.

We opted to go for burgers which were not what we usually would have. A no-bun beef burger with soft poached egg and tomato relish was actually quite delicious with a side of sweet potato chips and there was a spot saved for decadent dessert where the bun would have gone. The new Kentucky Style Chicken burger with southern fried chicken, shredded lettuce, mayo and hand-cut chips hit the spot for Eddy.

Before dessert we decided to ensure all of the burger was washed down with the most popular soft drink for Cape Town being a Coke which is Eddy’s fave and their Fresh Juices are a good alternative to the soft drinks and number seven was just the right one with pineapple, apple, fresh turmeric and ginger. Refreshingly good for the senses.

We got to chat to some of the people who were also invited and that allowed us some breathing space to get ready for the dessert. Someone opted for plain vanilla ice cream, but the salted chocolate and peanut butter cookie could not be passed at all, smooth silky spoonfuls of deliciousness with just the right texture of a well flavored cookie was the perfect way to end off the night.

Overall we had a good experience and evening and look forward to heading back with some friends so that we can try out some of the other things on the menu. I particularly liked the sound of the Buddha Bowls and think I might need to just have another fix of the same dessert.

If you have been or do go let us know in the comments what you think and what you had and also what your fave dessert option would be.

Aug

2019

Burn The Floor at Baxter Theatre

Thought you saw smoke around Baxter Theatre last night, don’t worry there was no fire only the heat from the dancers setting the stage on fire with their exquisite choreography for Burn The Floor The Rebel Tour with their last leg in South Africa of this World Tour.

[Image courtesy of Burn The Floor photo gallery]

You too can enjoy the feet tapping and stomping moments by getting your tickets now at Webtickets or Pick n Pay, only running till 17 August at Baxter Theatre in Cape Town.

We were awestruck with the sheer agility and energy from an amazing cast of dancers, vocalists, and musicians and did not want it to end at all! Every bit of the show is such a pleasure to watch and is a definite must-see.

These Rebels of The Ballroom will be sure to bring more than your Grandma’s Ballroom and ignite a passion of energetic feelings in you, so be sure to book now, you will not be disappointed at all.

[Image courtesy of Burn The Floor photo gallery]

Jul

2019

Soetes & Soup 2019 at Deetlefs

Being invited to celebrate Soetes & Soup in the Breedekloof Wine Valley by Deetlefs Wine Estate has become the annual winters day out to the Winelands of Western Cape and this year we took some friends along.

Next year we think we need to organise some of the tour operators to do some varying packages as well to get more people to enjoy what we have been for the past few years.

[Image by Deetlefs Wine Estate]

The festival is a two-day showcase of the wines of the area, with entertainment for all and some interesting and good soups along with of course the beautiful wines available at the farms you visit. We get to spend the entire day as a VIP group at Deetlefs and really enjoy the vibe and setting.

Popular snacks beside the drinks and soup at Deetlefs included hannepoot ice lollies, jelly shooters, roosterkoeke and vetkoeke with a choice of fillings; cheese and jam, chicken mayo or curry mince. There is also a hydration station selling bottled water and a coffee truck too serving hot caffeine fixes. This ensured we were kept energetic to do fun things with balloons and wine.

Deetlefs ensures that some amazing entertainment is available for us spending the day there and the buzz all around is just so awesome. We have really enjoyed the music by the ladies from Blackbyrd the past few years we have been going. This year Axene had the beats flowing with some lovely tunes such as; Dancing On My Own | Callum Scott, Speechless| Axene and Need You Now | Lady Antebellum.

We had a really great time and thank the Deetlefs team for inviting us and making sure that everyone had a good time, so much so that it was a stage smashing moment in the end.

Jul

2019

DRIZZLED – WINTER MUSIC & FOOD FESTIVAL 2019

Oh, It’s the most wonderful time of year. For it’s the super cool and super fab winter twin sister of Sizzled summer music and food festival. Drizzled is Cape Town’s First Original Winter Music festival.

Launched in 2018, This year they’re doing it differently and changing the game forever! With an aim to change a culture that has an under-represented woman in the music community. In solidarity and on the eve of Women’s month an all-female line-up has been curated to spotlight the City’s most vibrant selectors and music artist to headline Drizzled 2019. Yep, they’re kicking off Women’s month early to honour our woman. This is more than an event, it’s a campaign to let you know woman are out there and they too can do what guys can do, #SoMuchBetta.

That’s right lovelies, come indulge in amazing gourmet street food and get down to a plethora of music genres featuring SA’s freshest underground hip hop, house and electronic music artists.

Drizzled on Youtube

DATE: Sunday 28 July 2019
VENUE: Mason’s Press, Woodlands Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
TIME: 12pm – 10pm

#SoMuchBetta Main Stage:
– Portia Luma (House)
– JAY ME (House/Disco)
– GinaJeanz (Hip-Hop/Future)
– Dj-Cea For-tuin (Hip-Hop)
– Miss BEX (Hip-Hop)
– TINY T (Hip-Hop)
– Kixi (House)
– Fizz & Shai-A (House)

Outdoor Connect Stage:
– Shady CT (Live Hip-Hop)
– HoodShed(Live Neo Soul/Hip-Hop)
– Diggaz
– Jean-Pierre Julius
– John Slingers
– Myrim Khatib
– Neil Gain
– Nigel Jaxx

Chefs:
– Tacos Locos
– 58’more Bites
– NAKED pizza
– Bali Food Truck
– Street Chef’s
– Food Rockets

ALL TICKET SALES SOLD VIA Computicket
– Phase 1: R100 (Limited)
– Phase 2: R150 (Limited)
GET TICKETS: https://tinyurl.com/y3s8hcgl

Tickets can be purchased online or at any Checkers stores nationwide. Please note our age policy: Regrettably no person’s under 21 may enter.

Jun

2019

Shark Cage Diving with Marine Dynamics

Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai as an activity on the Cape Whale Coast in the Overberg Region is a bucket list item for us and we are so thankful and lucky to have had the opportunity to experience it with Marine Dynamics.

Though starting out the day way earlier than is usual for us we were out just before 7am to go get our registration and briefing done and getting ready to head out to the launch harbour of Kleinbaai where the shark cage diving tours leave from.

It was an educational and adrenaline experience of note and we have some pics to share with you about it. There will be more info to come as we share more soon about the interesting and amazing work being done by various responsible tourism businesses and their efforts in educating and conserving the natural and cultural heritage in their destination.

Slashfin the Marine Dynamics shark cage diving boat

These gulls were extremely excited and flew behind the boat as we entered the area we were going to experience the amazing Great White Shark

I realised why the birds were so excited because the chum used to create a scent trail to attract the sharks meant food for them

How is that for a first time viewing a big beautiful smile

The first group in the cage were extremely blessed to have had the shark come up this close.

Being this close to an apex predator was somewhat scary but more exciting and a recommended experience to include on your bucket list and at the same time contribute to conservation efforts especially through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.

Part of the experience is to learn more about the work being done with businesses who have been finalists and winners for the Africa Responsible Tourism Awards at World Travel Market Africa who we have partnered with as part of the efforts for Responsible Tourism and collaborations being set up with Travel Massive Cape Town and Better Tourism Africa. So watch out for more of our blogs that we will be sharing about this.

Jun

2019

Pilgrimage with a Purpose

Sometimes the connect part of the name Cape Tourism Connect makes so much more sense when we’re reminded of the times when the actual connection is made.

About 5 years ago I introduced Cape Camino to Melanie Burke a long time friend who I share a birthday with and so much more since we first met. We both believe that things happen as and when they should. So it was inevitable that the connection with Gabrielle and Melanie would result in something special and so as the Chairperson for StreetSmart South Africa, Melanie got the ball rolling to have all Cape Camino legs covered over a period of five years as part of fundraising efforts for StreetSmart South Africa. I personally participated in at least one of these fundraisers as I thankfully was available and in Cape Town at the time.

The journey is coming full circle or shall we say an infinite loop as per the idea of the Cape Camino and symbol we were introduced to in the shape it forms across the Cape Peninsula. Cape Camino has grown and prospered over the years and it’s amazing to see how much energy and experiences have been discovered and uncovered by all who go on this journey. Besides the Street Smart fundraiser there are some other legs or routes I have done as well and it’s been an interesting experience. I will be covering some more about this in another blog.

This blog is about the Street Smart fundraisers for 2019, of which Melanie is personally doing one as part of her own journey one step at a time. Read more about her embarking on her personal pilgrimage with a purpose on the Camino Francés in Northern Spain, where she will be walking a 120km to help to raise awareness and R50 000 for the upliftment of homeless children in South Africa. To pledge your support and donate towards the fundraising click here.

Looking forward to seeing Melanie’s target amount being reached and exceeded and also waiting to hear all about her experience when she returns.

Feb

2019

Oxygen | Afrika Ablaze 2019

Ask someone whose land is this where poetry fails to capture the grief of loss and love, of tied up tongues, speechless, stumbling around in dirt and dust amongst fallen cradles with bloodied identities… where conversations fail to explain how some live watching strangers build walls around a mountain stream that once quenched thirsty souls…~ Glenda Jones

Ayana/Afrika Ablaze Dance Company is poised to present their latest and possibly one of their most challenging productions to date. Audiences can expect to be riveted to their seats by a compelling dance/drama performance.

The MASTERMIND: Highly acclaimed theatre maker, Glenda Jones, has once again written a script of brutal honesty that has all the makings of a brilliant and captivating production.

The ARCHITECT: Head Choreographer, Danielle-Marie Jones, is currently doing her Masters in Theatre & Performance (UCT). Jones, a recipient of the meritorious achievement award in the Performing and Creative Arts will once again be stunning crowds with her alternate, creative and innovative style.

“This was dance theatre at it’s very best” ~Marilyn Anderson, 2018

The DREAM TEAM: A team of outstanding actresses; Melissa Haiden, Bianca Mannie; and Nicole Bester will nurture the cast. Acrobatic Movement Coordinator, Chad Smith, and the dance team will once again be spinning their magic with OXYGEN as witnessed in the company’s highly reviewed 2018 production, When Cranes Cry.

“The quality and message of the show is world class” ~Derek Ronnie,2018

The ENGINE ROOM: Expect amazing levels of creativity from creative Directors Rikki Lee& Cindy Solomon, Marketing Director – Gino Solomon, Operations Manager – Natasha Beckett, Stage Managers – Kelly Gilbert & Desmond Roos, Backstage Manager – Cindy Solomon, Wardrobe – Sandra Floris, Logistics – Nawaal Gallant.

“The world needs more of this. Well done, Afrika Ablaze” ~ Chad van der Westhuizen, 2018

The INCREDIBLE CAST: Bianca Mannie, Nicole Bester, David Mwamba, Chad Smith, Danny Jones, Quisha Dawood, Lauren Jacobs, Edwill Meyer, Lindiwe Le Brasseur, Achaia Beukes, Robyn-Dee Van Neel, Davante Donjeany, Wade Segers, Ntando Mtsi-Sithole, Shane Rudolph, Zeah Jeaven, Jazmin Lee Prins, Thembelihle Shinga, Sage van der Vent, Tyra van der Vent, Jenna Luruli, Cassey Reines, Amahle Mtoto, Asange Nobhakada, Sara Daniels, Jada Daniels, Zara Lee Gorridon, Sade Adams, Che-lin Floris and a brand new additional cast of performers who successfully made it through the 2019 OXYGEN auditions.

“I think Afrika Ablaze should do a world tour!” ~ Simone Momplé, 2018

Out and About

Women Warriors and Me Time in Hout Bay

Long March To Freedom

Best of Boogie at Artscape

#BootleggerSummer

Burn The Floor at Baxter Theatre

Soetes & Soup 2019 at Deetlefs

DRIZZLED – WINTER MUSIC & FOOD FESTIVAL 2019

Shark Cage Diving with Marine Dynamics

Pilgrimage with a Purpose

Oxygen | Afrika Ablaze 2019

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