Cape Town Blog

March 27, 2009

Cape Town Jazz Festival

Filed under: Cape Town, Future Events, Live Preformance and Theatre — Bradley Voges @ 12:00 pm

CT Jazz Festival

Cape Town Jazz Festival

10th Annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has grown into a hugely successful international event since its inception in the year 2000. Attendance figures have increased from the initial 14 000 to 32 000 in the last nine years.

Melodytrip has ranked this proudly South African event as No.4 in the world, outshining events such as Switzerland’s Montreaux Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland.

The festival’s winning formula of bringing more than 40 international and local artists to perform over two days on five stages has earned it the status of being the most prestigious event on the African continent.

Known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the festival which will be in its tenth year when it takes place on Friday 03 and Saturday 04 April 2009 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Once again Cape Town international Jazz festival will thrill loyal and new fans with world class music.

For more information visit Cape Town Jazz Festival

13 reasons to visit Cape Town

Filed under: Cape Town — Charl Norman @ 11:44 am

cape-townImage by neilsingapore

The second largest city of South Africa and the southern most city of the mighty and timeless African continent, Cape Town is a place of many marvels. A journey to this modern city takes you back into nature’s lap to your complete surprise. There are so many wonders that are waiting to thrill you to bits, so many adventures to excite you and millions of sights and sounds— almost overwhelming. Other than the great heritage, the city’s culture and the amazing architecture, here are 13 reasons to visit Cape Town.

1. Meeting of the mighty Indian and Atlantic Oceans

cape-of-good-hopeImage by zug55

cape-of-good-hopeImage by Michel van den Burg

Few top notch cities in the world lie at a stone’s throw away from the merger of two great oceans. And with the vast temperature differences of the Indian and the Atlantic oceans, you can expect great diversity as you enjoy a very rare sight indeed. A trip to the Cape of Good Hope offers you sights and sounds you will never forget.

2. Swim with the penguins at Boulders

simone28099s-town-beachImage by ifijaysimone28099s-town-beach-1Image by teachandlearn

The popular beach near Simon’s Town is known for the colony of friendly African Penguins that take shelter here. Just a small trip away from Cape Town, you can not only get friendly with the clever little guys, but also take a swim with them. Unlike in the case of being caged and going underwater to meet a shark, this is a lot happier, pleasant and a far less tense affair.

3. Go back in history at Robben Island

robben-islandImage by fihliwe

robben-island-prisonImage by maanskyn

Used during the apartheid days to hold political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and the late Walter Sisulu, this iconic former prison is not just a spot of extraordinary historic significance, but also a beautiful little ride for nature lovers as well. For many, the soothing half day ferry ride symbolizes the struggle for equality and a fight against discrimination… Robben Island merits a special spot anyway you see it.

4. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

cape-town-waterfrontImage by slack12

cape-town-waterfront-1Image by troopa

Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain and in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbor, the waterfront that attracts over 20 million tourists each year is a great place for having fun, dining, shopping and just enjoying flat out in every way that you can. If you wish to party loud, then this is the place to hang out. With scenic views of Table Mountain, historic buildings, museums and even a chopper ride for those interested, this is all about living it up in a classy way!

5. Bo-Kaap

bo-kaapImage by exfordy

The part of Cape Town which was once a settlement for mainly Muslim descendants of slaves from South-East Asia, the region presents for an awesome walk through its colorful streets. It offers a glimpse into its unique and vibrant culture. An hour long walk through the Bo-Kaap is both a treat for your eyes and your stomach as you will find some real delicacies on its crowded streets.

For all 13 reasons go here

March 26, 2009

221 WATERFRONT

Filed under: Food and Wine — Charl Norman @ 2:20 pm

221 WATERFRONT is an exciting contemporary international restaurant and cocktail bar located at the site of what was Morton’s on the Wharf, the most exclusive address at the V & A Waterfront.

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The designers have created an unparalleled ambience, revealing breathtaking views of both Table Mountain and the working harbour from every table in the restaurant. A soulful feel has been created featuring fireplaces that will during the winter months, create a warm welcoming environment.

The menu is a result of extensive research and development by Executive Chef Katerina Alexandris and her team which include two international Sushi Chefs. It features a fusion of foods from across the globe. The accent is on flavour and the presentation, awe inspiring. The menu has a variety of interesting unique dishes and will satisfy a diversity of tastes.

I’ve been to the restaurant a couple times and have always enjoyed myself. The sushi is delicious, the steak is scrumpteous and the service delightful, I would recommend this place to anyone. Although not cheap, it’s worth every penny, whilst you sit and look out towards the docks and the sea.

Fe and I went through on Saturday night, starting with some sushi, followed by peppered steak and then a couple drinks in the lounge area, the night was most delightful.

Live the life style!

Posted by Chris Mills

March 18, 2009

Table Mountain fires

Filed under: Cape Town — Tags: , — Charl Norman @ 7:27 am

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Residents were evacuated from their homes on Wednesday morning as firefighters continue to battle the fires on Table Mountain in Cape Town, Disaster Management services said.

Spokesperson Greg Pillay said people from University Estate, Walmer Estate, Urban Edge of De Waal Drive, The Towers and Vredehoek were requested to leave their homes for safety.

“Approximately 60 evacuees are currently being accommodated at the Good Hope Centre where medical crews are on standby.”

“At this stage no property has been damaged and the fire crews are battling to bring the fire under control as a result of strong wind conditions,” he said.

Pillay added that the fire first started in the vicinity of Rhodes Memorial.

“Strong winds resulted in the fire spreading rapidly around the mountain to Vredehoek.”

“Fire & Rescue Services deployed 29 fire engines, 90 firefighters who are being assisted by 45 fire-fighters from the South African National Parks and volunteers of Disaster Management,” he said.

According to Disaster Management two helicopters are also on standby to assist with aerial support at first light.

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Image credits – 1 2 3

March 10, 2009

Chevelle night club

Filed under: Clubbing — Tags: , — Charl Norman @ 3:18 pm

chevelle night club photos

Situated in the cosmopolitan Harrington Street, Chevelle is the quintessential club in Cape Town. As the latest addition to Cape Town’s bustling night-life, this chic and sophisticated venue offers the finest all round clubbing experience for locals and discerning travelers alike.

Created by Cape Town’s leading club entrepreneurs, Chevelle is best described as a super club. With no expense spared in creating the four full-service bars or plush VIP areas – complete with exclusive tables and private booths – Chevelle is what Cape Town’s party scene has been waiting for.

Made up of a multitude of levels each boasting their own unique offering, Chevelle caters something for everyone. Guests can book the intimate 10-seater Crow’s Nest, a tucked-away table between the Courtyard and the suave Rose Room or enjoy the view from the VIP mezzanine booths, which over look the action happening in the Temple.

Music at Club Chevelle ranges from trip-hop and funk through to progressive house and uplifting commercial dance on the main dance floor. Described by owner Garan Reck as “an out of the ordinary experience”, the club features the very best in South African DJ’s, world class acts, live music and visual experiences.

To become a Chevelle Club member, you have to be chosen. Only those in the know make the cut and although applications are available, make sure your references are up to scratch. As a member you will enjoy many privileges including, access to the private rooms, membership credit facilities, exclusive tables and a Chevelle ring to certify your membership.

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March 9, 2009

Cape Town Argus 2009

Filed under: Sports and Outdoor — Tags: — Bradley Voges @ 2:27 pm

“Wind plays havoc at Argus – Sport24.co.za

Cape Town – Winds of up to 60km/h wreaked havoc at the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour on Sunday, collapsing tents and scaffolding.

A woman broke her arm when the breakfast tent at the start of the race collapsed with her inside, said joint operations manager for the event Brad Geyser. She had since been taken to hospital to have the broken limb set.

Geyser said: “The wind did a lot of damage. We didn’t expect it to be this strong.”

The start of the race itself was delayed 54 minutes because of the wind, with wind speeds of 40km/h measured at Chapman’s Peak and 60km/h elsewhere on the route, he said.

Scaffolding erected at the Allan Gray building, near the finish line, collapsed, crushing three cars, but injuring no-one. A tent at the finish line also came down.

Most of the structures erected for the race at the start and finish lines had to be taken down because the wind was so severe, said Geyser.

The Greenpoint stadium construction site, where most of the hospitality tents were erected in sandy ground, became a “dust bowl” which the fire department had to water down, he said.

Geyser said heat was not a problem during this year’s race, because the wind had a “cooling effect”.

In some areas there was such a wind chill factor that cyclists had to be warned not to stop.

In one of the nastier incidents, a woman cyclist hit the tar face first in the Perdeberg, breaking both collar bones and sustaining scratches on her face.

Another cyclist’s ribs were crushed when he came off down Chapman’s Peak. A doctor on a motorcycle immediately attended to him and he was taken to hospital right away.

Although 35 000 cyclists entered this year, only 25 600 started the race, said the organisers. The wind had resulted in much slower times than usual, they said.”

I too took part in this years Argus Epic. I was meant to start at 08.42 but due to the delays only got going closer to 10.00. I’m sitting here at my PC with very sore legs and odd sun tans but a generally satisfying feeling that I completed what is going down as the toughest Argus ever. The excessive wind as well as the addition of Boys Drive to the route certainly made for different prospect compared to the past 3 tours that I’ve taken part in. Well done to all those that completed the race… Next event on the calendar is the Two Oceans half marathon.

For a good overview of the race have a look at the following link: photo slide it includes pics of Matt Damon who also completed the race.

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