Where's Fudge?

Can you guess where this photo was taken?

Leave a comment if you think you know.

Travelling the World? Try Roomorama!

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle – It Feels Good!

We’re all for protecting our environment and recycle at home and work. Monday’s are our recycling collection days and this morning we got a flyer with our free recycling bags which prompted me to update the blog.

Cape Town is running out of landfill (dumping) spaces at a fast pace. Approximately 6000 tons of waste is dumped every day in the Mother City. 1 Ton of waste fills up a standard 3m x 2m room right up to the roof, so imaging 6000 of these rooms being filled with waste every single day.

By separating recyclable material from the rest of the waste greatly reduces the amount of dumping materials which fills up our scarce landfills.

Holland has a highly developed recycling practise that they recycle up to 90% of their total waste.

In South Africa, less than 20% of our recyclable waste is actually recycled.

Get Involved:

Please direct any queries regarding Recycling in your area to the below:

• Contact False Bay Recycling on telephone 021 – 703 4716 / 082 650 6380 / 021 -715 5919).

• Waste Mart (Athlone Industria 2) can also be reached on 021 – 691 6576 (speak to Quiyaam).

 

• Initiate a recycling program at work if you don’t already have one in place.

• Check out www.thinktwice.co.za for more information.

  

What can be Recycled (Yes Please – Recyclable Material):

• Paper: flattened and folded cardboard, any paper, newspapers, magazines, old letters, envelopes, books, coloured paper
• Glass: rinsed bottles and jars (it also helps if you removed the lid which can also be recycled)
• Plastics: Anything with the recycling logo, any bags, rinsed bottles, containers, coat hangers, lids, aluminium foil, any solid metal items
• Metal: rinsed food tins, cans and scrap metal
• Tetra Pak: foil-lined juice boxes and milk containers
• Polystyrene (Styrofoam): Food trays and packaging foam

What can’t be Recycled (Non-recyclable material):

• Paper: Paper cups and plates, blueprint paper, cigarette ends, carbon paper, waxed cartons
• Glass: Broken windows / windscreens / mirrors, glass kitchenware, light bulbs, crystal
• Plastic: Disposable nappies
• Metals: Electrical appliances, batteries, needles, aerosol cans or paint tins
• Organic Waste: Food scraps, garden waste, vegetable peels, wood (start a compost heap - it's great for the environment and your garden)
• Textiles: Old clothing, shoes, furniture

Other: Any overly dirty or contaminated items

Cape Point – Cape of Good Hope

Situated at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60 km south-west of Cape Town, lies Cape Point – a nature reserve within the Table Mountain National Park, a declared Natural World Heritage Site.

Covering 7 750 hectares of rich and varied local fauna and flora, visitors can expect buck, baboon and Cape Mountain Zebra encounters as well as over 250 species of birds.

Opening Hours (Summer):

Cape of Good Hope: 06h00 – 18h00

Flying Dutchman Funicular: 09h00 – 17h30

Two Oceans Restaurant: 09h00 – 17h00

Entrance Costs:

Cape of Good Hope Entry: Children (2 – 11) @ R 30 each, Adults R 85 each

Flying Dutchman Funicular – Child return @ R 20 (single @ R 15), Adult return @ R 47 (single @ R 37)

Important Notice: There is a late exit fee of R 500 out of the park. Please check out http://capepoint.co.za/rates.htm for more information on seasonal / yearly rates.

FREE ENTRY for a year for WILD Card holders. For more information call 0861 GO WILD (46 9453) or visit  www.wildcard.co.za

Main Attractions:

·         Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre (ideal for team building and conferencing for up to 24 delegates)

·         Rich, diverse ‘fynbos’ vegetation

·         Walks, hiking trails and picnic sites

·         Tidal pools

·         Game, bird and whale watching

·         Historical monuments and buildings

·         Shipwrecks

·         Viewing site from the old Lighthouse

·         Angling and diving sites

·         Flying Dutchman Funicular

·         Global Atmosphere Watch Station

·         Most south westerly point of Africa

·         Cape Point Lighthouse

·         Curio shop

·         Two Oceans Restaurant (www.two-oceans.co.za)

·         Accommodation (from R 440 per unit per night)

·         2-day Hiking Trail

Accommodation Options (Hoerikwaggo Tented Camps):

Rustic camps, situated in natural surroundings. Careful planning, exclusive use of invasive alien timber and innovative layout and design ensure minimum environmental impact.

All tented camps bay communal ablution facilities, hot water, large communal kitchen / dining area, and are fully equipped for up to 12 people. Guests must provide their own bedding.

There are 4 very affordable accommodation options (From R 440 per unit per night) on Table Mountain National Park. These are set out below:

Orange Kloof Tented Camp – a forest experience – tented camp set in an ancient Afromontane forest of Orange Kloof. The silence is overwhelming and offers restricted access.

Silvermine Tented Camp – explore the mountain – pristine fynbos. Explore Silvermine’s outdoor activities – hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and swimming

Slangkop Tented Camp – relax next to the ocean – just 100m from the sea, this tented camp is ideal for watching sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.

Smitswinkel Tented Camp – close to the point – set in a flowering gum plantation, visitors can experience trips to Boulders Beach, Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. En-suite bathrooms and private kitchenettes are featured.

For more information please call +27 21 422 2816, email hoerikwaggobookings@sanparks.org or visit www.tmnp.co.za

Disclaimer: Cape Point Partnership, it’s directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any consequences of any injury, damage to or loss of property from any cause whatsoever sustained by any person or legal entity while present on and / or utilising out amenities.

Cape Town Weather Forecasts

I'm trying to get a good weather report going on the blog at the moment - it'll take me a while to figure this out though.

In the interim, please use the following link for Cape Town Weather via Weather Underground (http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/68816.html)

Their weather stations are probably the most accurate I've ever used.

For a full report on South Africa's weather, go here: http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=south+africa

#capetownweather

#wunderground.com

#southafrica

Constantia Uitsig Summer Skies Package

Constantia Uitsig Hotel introduces an exclusive two night romantic getaway which includes a sunset flight over the Atlantic Seabaord.

Summer Skies Package:

A romantic two night stay in a Victorian Room including a full farm breakfast and Amarula and Tomes Chocolate turndown.
A 45 minute Atlantic Seaboard sunset flight over Constantia Nek, Hout Bay, 12 Apostles, Camps Bay, Greenpoint Stadium, Table Mountain and the City Bowl with Aguhlas 360. Enjoy a bottle of Constantia Uitsig Methode Cap Classique while taking in the view.
A half day tour of Constantia Valley's vineyards with Cape Uncovered Tours ending at Constantia Uitsig with a tutored wine tasting, a picnic lunch and a bottle of Constantia Uitsig Sauvignon Blanc.
1 Dinner voucher to the value of R 200 per person redeemable at any of the renowned restaurants at Constantia Uitsig.
Complimentary upgrade subject to availability.

Rates: 1st December 2011 to 31 March 2012: R 9000 per package for two persons. 1st April 2012 to 30 September 2012: R 6000 per package for two persons. Subject to availability.

The Peech Hotel Wine Festival - 10 March

The Peech Hotel, an eco-boutique hotel situated in the chic suburb of Melrose, Gauteng will be hosting its first Wine Festival with participating estates: Waterford, Jordan, Springfield, Bouchard Finlayson, Badenhorst, Silverthorne, Thelema, Villiera, Klein Constantia, Rijks, Southern Right, Hamilton Russel, Ashborne, Guardian Peak, Rust en Vrede.

Join us for an afternoon of wine tasting & food in the grounds of the Peech Hotel.

Date: Saturday, 10 March 2012
Time: 12h000 - 16h00
Cost: R 100
Entry: Advance booking is advisable
Parking: Planet Fitness or Birdhaven

Book via email (robert@thepeech.co.za) or call 011 - 537 9797.

You can also view this beautiful property by using Web Ref. 402 on www.theholidayzebra.co.za

Looking for December Holiday Accommodation in Cape Town?

We still have a few options available for your holiday accommodation in Cape Town, and the rest of South Africa.

Email your enquiries / requirements to info@theholidayzebra.co.za

Or Call Jason on +27 722 88 3366

December Holiday In Noordhoek

Large 10-Sleeper Beach House in Noordhoek (10 night minimum)

Situated within walking distance of Noordhoek Beach, restaurants, and a coffee shop is this large and spacious 5 bedroom double storey home.

 

Chapman’s Peak Drive is 2 minutes drive away and the city centre is approx. 30 minutes away by car.

The Constantia Wine Route, Fish Hoek, Cape Point, Simon’s Town and the penguin colony are all in close proximity.

Features:

2 x King bedrooms (both with en-suite bathrooms)

1 x Queen bedroom

2 x Double bedrooms

1 x Additional bathroom

Fully equipped kitchen (gas hob, double electric oven, dish washer, washing machine, tumble dryer)

Spacious and comfortable lounge

Full DSTV Satellite TV

Outdoor deck with bbq facilities and beautiful sea views

Solar heated swimming pool

Secure driveway parking for two cars

Alarmed and armed response

Bathrooms are beautifully appointed and guests enjoy the added comfort of a solar heated salt water pool set in the small private garden.

The property is available for holiday rentals (minimum of 10 nights) from 1 December 2011 – 15 January 2012.

The rate is R 5000 per night (R 50 000 minimum).

For enquiries, contact Jason on info@theholidayzebra.co.za or mobile +27 722 88 3366.

To view this option on our website, please use Web Ref. 507 on www.theholidayzebra.co.za

Airline Ticket Prices

I've been wondering what to blog about for a while now. So much has been going on lately that finally I made time to get the blog updated.

I got the shock of my life the other day. A friend told me he'd pay roughly R 14 000 for a round trip ticket from Nebraska. He wouldn't be travelling alone, so that rounds up to close on R 30 000.

That might be during our Peak Christmas / New Year period, but then once they get here, they'd need accommodation. Camps Bay is the prime tourist destination. So they'd look at paying about R 2000 a night for a one or two bedroom apartment. Lets say they stay for 10 nights. That's R 50 000. For 10 nights accommodation and flights included.

Then our guests need transport. They decide to rent a smallish sedan at say, R 300 a day. That's a total of R 3000, excluding their fuel costs.

Spending money? I'd want to bring about R 1000 a day personally. So that's another R 10 000 x 2 people.

This leaves me with a total of R 73 000 for 2 people.

Or about US$ 10 000 per person for return flights, self-catering accommodation and spending money.

www.farecompare.com

www.theholidayzebra.co.za

Cape Town Festival of Beer: 25 - 27 November 2011 in Cape Town

South Africa’s largest festival of beer is back and this year’s celebrations will be even bigger and better! The three day festival celebrates all things beer, with world class brewers, local micro breweries, awesome local entertainment, great food and activities.

Brewers from every corner of the globe and from all over South Africa will be taking part. Some of this year’s confirmed breweries include; Camelthorn, Darling, Bavaria, Corona, Carling Black Label, Napier, Jack Black, Paulaner, Mitchells, Castle, Fosters, Erdinger, Liefmans, Oettinger, Cobra, Tiger, Singha, Duvel, Maredsous, Valentines and many more.

The event will run from Friday 25th November to Sunday 27th November at the Hamilton’s Rugby club, Green Point.

The festival will include; beer tastings, beer sales, lucky draws, brewing demos and competition, kiddies entertainment area, food stalls, braaing competition, Springbok test screening , top live entertainment and much more.

Public tickets are on sale for: Day pass R60, 2 Days R100, 3 days R120.

Kings Table: Entrance and table for 10 plus an individual draught tap per table, 30L keg, branded mug, personal fraulein service - R2500

Corporate package: Entrance over all 3 days, 10 beer vouchers, tastings, designated table with allocated seating, voucher for a meal, event shirt and beer mug – R500 per person

VIP tickets: Access for all 3 days, branded mug and cap, 6 SAB and 4 exhibition beer vouchers, voucher for a meal – R500 per person

E-mail them for Kings tables, Corporate and VIP tickets.

Vote for NATURE. Vote for Table Mountain

Table Mountain is in the running to become one of the New7Wonders of Nature, but this South African attraction is falling behind!

The New7 Wonders will be announced on November 11, 2011 and we need your help to ensure our place in the history books.

Vote for Table Mountain online ,via MXit or via SMS as often as possible. SMS “Table” to 34874. Each SMS costs R2.

You can also vote via Facebook.

Vote for Table Mountain

Like our Facebook Fan Page

It's been long overdue but our Facebook page is up and running.

And we're looking for more Likes :)

For updates on Cape Town and the rest of South Africa, like our page and you could win a case of Noordhoek Wines

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Holiday-Zebra/105220079587295

Idyllic Natural Surroundings

Offering travellers luxury accommodation with up-market furnishings and the lifestyle conveniences of a modern home.

With air-conditioning, secure off-street parking, business and conference facilities, restaurant, swimming pool and gas barbecues, this hotel will surpass all your needs, whether it is for business or pleasure.

The hotel is situated on the secluded banks of the Knysna Lagoon in the midst of enchanting woodland gardens. The area offers an abundance of outdoor leisure activities such as fishing, swimming, boating or bird watching while Knysna is only minutes away where guests can enjoy a wide variety of shopping malls, restaurants, pubs and historical attractions.

The hotel offers a range of luxury waterfront accommodation from 24 Studio suites, 20 one-bedroom suites and 26 two-bedroom suites.

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, select DSTV bouquet and telephones.

Facilities offered include a laundry, room service, internet access, business centre services and 24-hour reception.

There are 4 conference rooms that can accommodate groups of 10 to 200 and tailor-made packages to suit your needs.

To view this option on our website, use Web Ref. # 174 on www.theholidayzebra.co.za

For enquiries, email info@theholidayzebra.co.za or call Jason on 072 288 3366.

Reducing your carbon footprint

Control your weeds:

Following these suggestions will help you control weeds in your garden. You will have fewer and fewer weeds each year that you follow these tips:

1. Get rid of weeds BEFORE they go to seed
2. Hand pull grassy weeds while they are still small, before the root system is too well established.
3. Pour boiling water, or straight white vinegar, will kill many weeds
4. To kill weeds in your driveway or pavement, boil half a gallon of water and add a quarter cup of salt and half a cup plus 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Pour onto the weeds while the water is still hot (remember that boiling so much water uses a lot of energy).
5. Once weeds have been removed, they can be composted. Most can be put straight onto your pile.

Electric lawnmower:

Many petrol / diesel / gas mowers are full of greenhouse gases.

A number of older or poorly running mowers create more pollution that many cars. Rather use rechargeable electric mowers which give you almost an hour of mowing time per charge. There are a large number of ‘greener’ options available now.

Starting a Compost Pile:

You can reduce the amount of wate you are responsible for, help wildlife, add fertility to soil, increase plant health and crop yield. Composting is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Home composting is simple. Throw your kitchen and garden waste in a pile and allow it to rot down with no management, but to keep it tidy, use a wooden or plastic bin, or put up two sides to the heap. A successful compost has moisture but isn’t waterlogged. It has air but it isn’t drying out.

Mix or turn your compost pile to help break up compacted layers and adding air.

Noordhoek Taxi service

I call Noordhoek "Cape Town's backwater" and "the lentil curtain" for a number of reasons. There's lots to do here, like watch the waves/horses/birds, look at beautiful scenery, find a time and place that suits you, but getting there can sometimes be a long schlep if you don't have transport.

Recently I found a Noordhoek taxi service that delivers!

24hrs, 7 days a week.

I use taxis in the city centre all the time, but now I have the service in my neighbourhood too, and they've made my day, month and year! Thank you.

Call Noordhoek Taxis on 071 234 7021 for a reliable service.

Or email them: info@noordhoektaxis.co.za

Buy vodacom airtime or data online

I don't know how long this site has been around but if you're a Vodacom subscriber like me, and you're regularly  making trips to a vodacom store to get data or airtime - try them (you'll need internet banking too):

www.vtime.co.za

I've used them twice now with no glitches.

International Nelson Mandela Day – 18 July 2011

Nelson Mandela, humanitarian hero, beloved grandfather of the Rainbow Nation and its children, is turning 93 on 18 July 2011.

In the spirit of Nelson Mandela, everyone in South Africa and the world is asked to set aside 67 minutes on 18 July – Nelson Mandela’s birthday – to making their community a better place. For the first time, in 2011, an entire week is being set aside to create ‘Mandela Moments’. What will you be doing?

South Africa’s Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile has announced that from 11 to 18 July, everyone in South Africa, from parliamentarian to private citizen, is being called upon to uphold Madiba’s principles and volunteer 67 minutes to projects that will help uplift the lives of others.

Even before the week has started, the first reports of people’s projects started to appear in the news. In Soweto, a young boy chose to share his birthday with local children from a nearby orphanage.

The 67 minutes represent the number of years Nelson Mandela selflessly gave in service to his country.

Any group planning a Nelson Mandela Day activity is welcome to post it on the website www.forgood.co.za

People are being encouraged to donate time, money or resources to deserving causes.

Don’t know what to do? Here are a few things to choose from that will make your 67 minutes count:

• Go shopping for children’s toys, games, books, clothing, or go through your cupboards at home. Put one or two bags together and drop it off at a Children’s Home.
• Volunteer to serve food to homeless children. Alternatively, assist with starting a school vegetable garden at a needy school.
• Donate books to libraries
• Mentor young people
• Clean and green public spaces
• Assist work-seekers with job interview skills
• Clean a wall of graffiti
• Take a meal to a security guard
• Take flowers to a nurse
• Take home-baked goodies to a police station
• Write an encouraging letter to someone who does a lot for a little recognition
• Play an instrument or sing at an old age home
• Donate blood
• Signup at www.cheesekids.org.za or donate R 5 to their cause by sms’ing cheesekids to 37585
• Made a donation to the Nelson Mandela Foundation (www.nelsonmandela.org.za)
• Volunteer at a children’s charity and paint a wall to brighten up their day.

Make every day a Mandela Day.

Tell us what you’re going to be doing in your 67 minutes by leaving a comment on the blog.

Eco-Boutique Hotel in Chic Suburb of Melrose, Johannesburg

The 16 rooms are spread over the hotel's one acre garden and blend chic design with the latest technology.

The hotel features a bistro, champagne bar and boardroom. Described as 'contemporary, edgy and Afrocentric' by Conde Nast Traveller and nominated as South Africa's leading boutique hotel for the last two consecutive years, this is the ideal hangout for trendy travellers in the hunt for something out of the ordinary.

The hotel has a sustainability policy that includes eco-friendly solutions like solar water heating and grey water recycling, attracting business and leisure guests alike.

The centres of Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose Arch are all within ten minutes of the hotel.

Accommodation:

Offering sixteen bedrooms and suites located in the main house and gardens.

Garden Rooms:

These rooms overlook the lush landscaped gardens. They are designed for living and working with separate business and relaxation areas and a private patio or balcony. Indigenous African furnishings, crisp white sheets and Nguni skins give the rooms a natural feel.

House rooms:

Originally bedrooms in the old residence of the property, these rooms retain their Oregon wooden flooring. Designed to be spacious and fully modernised, they have living and working spaces. They can be adjoined across a landing for families or private groups..

Garden Suites:

The largest rooms at over 60 m2. They feature over-sized bathrooms and an open-plan bedroom & living space. Designed to allow simultaneous sharing of a work and relaxation space, the rooms have an espresso machine, and a hanging pod chair with views over their private patio or garden. Solar geysers and grey water recycling ensures the rooms are a key part of the hotel's sustainable strategy.

Each room features:

32" LCD TV

Free Wi-Fi

iPod SoundDock

'Raindance' Showers

Molten Brown products

Individual AC

King or twin beds

Work area

Laptop safe

Bistro & Champagne Bar:

The bistro is headed up by Greg Jardim, the head chef, and Robert Chifunyise (wine buyer). Recently renovated to have sandstone floors, deep leather couches and a walk-in wine cellar, the bistro is now becoming known for its regular wine evenings.

The Bistro's aim is to use locally-sourced suppliers and ingredients that are as organic as possible. Herbs come from the kitchen garden, the coffee is fair trade & 100% organic; lamb & beef is from 100% pasture-fed meat.

The Bistro is open Monday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open to the outside public.

On Sundays, the Bistro offers a breakfast and brunch with unlimited cap classique (South African sparkling wine), included for overnight guests. Outside guests are welcome to partake in this offer at R 150 per person.

Meetings and Events:

There are four rooms available which offer ideal venues for hosting meetings, events or private dinners.

The boardroom can seat up to 25 delegates and has a projector, screen, AV equipment and DVD. It can also be converted into a private dining room for lunches or dinners.

The library is ideal for small, discreet meetings seating up to five.

The wine cellar offers an intimate space for private dinners.

The bistro is also available (at certain times of the day) for private functions. It can seat up to 45.

Outdoors and Exploring:

The hotel has a swimming pool in the one acre garden and loungers and hanging chairs for relaxing. Tours can be arranged to Johannesburg's attractions: Township tours of Soweto and visits to the Apartheid Museum (http://www.apartheidmuseum.org/) & Constitution Hill (http://www.constitutionhill.org.za/)

Features:

16 Rooms and Suites

In-House bistro

Swimming pool and gardens

Boardroom and conferencing facilities

Library

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Gym (private access to adjacent Planet Fitness Gym)

Back-up generator and water system

Eco-friendly water, energy and design solutions


For enquiries and up-to-date rates, please contact info@theholidayzebra.co.za or call +27 722 88 3366.