INDONESIA - More than Bali by talktravelmag

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INDONESIA MORE THAN BALI DURBAN Beach Berg Battleﬁelds Bush

STELLENBOSCH South Africa’s Wine Country

’s S t i ’ r A T fo D N s ! A VE n r r a N u t e Ye CA L E R

E h N t V 4 TER RA

T S T E S W GE R A L Vancouver International Travel Expo September 28, 2019 Vancouver Convention Centre

East Exhibition Hall B • 11am - 5:30pm - Open to Consumers 10am - 11am - Open to Travel Trade

New for 2019

One-On-One Business Appointments with Qualiﬁed Travel Agents the evening of Sept. 27th Optimize your time by scheduling appointments in advance.

Reserve your spot today! First Come First Served for Prime Locations! Contact us now to obtain early-bird rates Steve Klein, Show Manager

steve@vitexpo.ca Direct Line 604-910-3204

Gina Hansen, CTC, ECC Publisher, Executive Editor

talk travel

MAGAZINE

2019 • ISSUE 5 • VOLUME 11 • TABLE OF CONTENTS

publisher@talktravel.ca Wayne Hansen, Publisher, Senior Editor editor@talktravel.ca

Features

Daryl Cooper, Asst. Editor editor@talktravel.ca

3. The Caribbean, One Region - 7000 Islands

Jana Schweitzer Graphic Design

janaschweitzer00@gmail.com John Kenchenten

4. Greetings from Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia

Video Editing/Production

4. Indonesia - More than just Bali

Rita Rong

6. Places to visit in Indonesia

editor@talktravel.ca IT Manager

rita@talktravel.ca Steve Klein

Associate Editor/Director Business Development

steve@talktravel.ca

9. Business Opportunities in Indonesia 10. Loyalty & Rewards 18. Durban Beach, Berg, Battlefields & Bush

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20. Stellenbosch, The Centre of South Africa’s Wine Industry 22. About Indonesia Food

THE CARIBBEAN, ONE REGION – 7000 ISLANDS When you think of the Caribbean, beautiful islands and beaches often come to mind, but did you know just how many you have to choose from? The Caribbean is filled with hundreds of beautiful islands, many of which make for great vacation destinations. Just a few that you will want to examine include the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Cuba. Rocked by music, rolled by change, lapped by turquoise water, blown by hurricanes – the Caribbean is not a place anyone could call static. It’s a lively and intoxicating profusion of people and places spread over 7000 islands (fewer than 10% are inhabited). But, for all they share, there’s also much that makes them different. Travel long enough in this region and you’ll soon discover there is no typical Caribbean. 3

GREETINGS from the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia On behalf of the Government of Indonesia, I wish to extend to everyone a warm invitation to visit Wonderful Indonesia. As Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, based in Vancouver, BC, our entire office here is available to assist with providing information relating to either travel and tourism or business connections in Indonesia. Indonesia, a vast and beautifully diverse country, is the largest archipelago in the world with over 17,000 islands scattered from west to east – a distance equal to that between Vancouver and Halifax. The climate offers warm, tropical weather year round. Everyone is familiar with Bali but it is only 1 of 34 provinces in Indonesia. We promote Bali and Beyond such as Borobudur Temple, Komodo Dragon Island, Bunaken and Wakatobi under water, Toba Lake, Tana Toraja, Orang Utan etc. The country is so huge and diversified that once you make one trip to Indonesia you will want to return again and again to fully appreciate everything the country has to offer. It is my hope that one day soon you will find yourself in Indonesia! Sincerely, Dr. Tuti Wahyuningsih Irman (Mrs.) Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia

INDONESIA –

– More than just Bali! The islands of the Indonesian archipelago are strung like beads across the equator. First time visitors will most likely head straight to Bali, that most legendary of islands, which offers an image of paradise: stunning scenery, gentle sarong-clad people and sunsets of legendary glory. But there are thousands more other islands in the vast Indonesian archipelago, some which are hardly visited. 5

A visit to Indonesia is a great adventure in waiting – it’s truly one of the last intrepid destinations left on the planet. The fourth most populous nation on earth has an incredible legacy of peoples, cultures and geography just waiting to be explored. Visitors after arrival will soon be tripping over pristine, white-sand beaches fringed by dramatic volcanic ranges towering over verdant green terraced hillsides and lush rainforests. A kaleidoscope of sea life including huge sunﬁsh, mantra rays, porpoises, turtles and blindingly colourful beds of coral await beneath the waves.

If shopping is your passion, then go no further than the major metropolitan cities of Indonesia. With high end labels from around the world, many of Indonesia’s malls can rival Europe and American with their collections. If fashion is not your style, try shopping at a traditional market where you can test your bahasa bartering on local produce, handicrafts or antiques. It just takes one trip and you will be planning your return visit to continue exploring more of what Indonesia has to offer the world.

Places to visit

With Indonesia being diverse with over 17,000 islands, you will be sure to find virtually anything that you may fancy for a holiday but there are a few must visit places that you should know about. Be it for leisure, shopping, culture, history, diving, trekking or nature, you can find these here in the list of the top 10 travel places in Indonesia.

Jakarta

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The capital of Indonesia, oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel here would not be complete without getting absorbed into the hectic and congested city. Once attuned you would be ready to take on the rest of the country. Jakarta is also a very important international airport hub for the entire Indonesia serving many airlines to everywhere in the world.

Yogyakarta

Explore the main street and the narrow valleys in search of silversmiths, puppet makers, street arts and food vendors, soaking in the culture, people and food of Indonesia as it has always been. Yogyakarta serves as a hub for historical and cultural Java, Indonesia, this is the best springboard for you to find the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. Bath in the remains of two great kingdoms of two different religion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Buddhism and Hinduism. 6

in Indonesia Mount Bromo

Do not miss out the majestic Mt. Bromo at Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, with active and dormant volcanoes to choose from. You may ride a horse or catch or rent a jeep all the way to the top and be in time to catch a sunrise.

Tana Toraja

A highland and the most popular destination in Southern Sulawesi, this cultural island in between mountains are simply unique. Engulf in its rich culture, traditional villages and fascinating ceremonies that would wow even those who thought they have seen it all.

Baliem Valley

Best place to explore the Papua area in Indonesia, you may find tribes, which are still practicing rites and ceremonies from ancient times in places among cool air, misty purple mountains and buzz of human activities. Trek and explore the lands of Lani, Dani and Yali tribes in this remote Papua.

Komodo National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia has the famous Komodo Dragon which is the largest living lizard in the world. You may even catch legions of flying foxes (large fruit bats) in the star-filled night sky.

Raja Ampat

Known as one of the best diving destinations in Indonesia and the world, Raja Ampat is estimated to host over 75% of worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coral species with more than a thousand coral reef fish fauna. It is definitely a diverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise and for those who love marine life.

Business Opportunities in Indonesia Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous nation. It has maintained political stability and is one of Asia Pacific’s most vibrant economies, emerging as a buoyant middle-income country. The country’s economic planning follows a 20-year development plan (2005 and 2025). It is segmented into five-year, medium-term plans, called the Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Menengah Nasional (RPJMN), each with different development priorities. The current medium-term development plan – the third phase of the long-term plan – runs from 2015 to 2020. It focuses on, among other things, infrastructure development and social assistance programmes related to education and healthcare. To strengthen the country’s investment climate and economic growth, the government continues to announce policy reforms intended to cut red tape and make it easier to conduct business.

Oil & Gas Indonesia (OGI) 18-21 September, 2019 held in Jakarta provides an opportunity for those working in the Indonesian oil fields to meet with local and international suppliers. The Expo is an exhibition focused on Oil and Gas Exploration, Production and Refining and showcases the largest exhibition of petroleum equipment in Indonesia.

Indonesia has huge economic potential. Well held views reflect Indonesia ever present optimism that it is set to become the world’s next economic giant.

For more information on either of these events contact:

How can one participate in this exciting growth potential? In September and October, 2019 there are two significant events happening where potential businessmen are invited to attend and participate: 9

The 34th Trade Expo Indonesia 2019, 16-20 October, 2019 in Tanggerang, Indonesia. The Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) is the largest trade exhibition in Indonesia supported by the government and private sectors. The Expo’s aim is to promote “Made in Indonesia” products and services to the global market. It is a B2B event where producers and manufacturers can introduce their export quality products to International Buyers, while at the same time the see and view the products offered first-hand.

Vancouver (Consulate General of The Republic of Indonesia), 1630 Alberni Street, Vancouver, BC, V6G 1A6

604-682-8855, Fax: 604-662-8396 www.indonesiavancouver.org

Tel:

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ZEROING IN ON A LOYALTY PROGRAM THAT SUITS YOUR NEEDS

ith dozens of loyalty programs for Canadian consumers to choose from, how does one settle on the best option for them? Is there one best option for each shopper, or is it better to double-dip with multiple programs on each purchase?

Assessing your own shopper profile

According to loyalty industry insider Steve Allmen, Co-Founder and President of Loyalty & Co., the answers to these questions depend on your lifestyle, redemption potential, and the actual ability to mesh a program into your day-to-day habits. “Today’s programs include anything from simple ‘buy ten get one free models’, to cash back on a credit card, or collecting points to earn a trip. All of these have value, but if you want free groceries, a travel rewards program may not be the right one for you.” There’s also an understood value in concentrating your earnings. “Choose the best program and focus your spend there,” says Allmen. “In other words, have one program that earns you more, faster — instead of belonging to too many programs, earning very little.”

Rewarding loyalty requires a user-friendly approach

Regardless of the type of shopper you are, there’s one thing every program should offer — ease of use. “Loyalty programs thrive on positive experiences that their members have, but there are always some members who are not happy or were happy until the program devalues its rewards or benefits,” says Patrick Sojka, Founder of Rewards Canada. “A loyalty program that is convenient and easy to use must start by being easy to understand. Don’t make the earn-and-burn process complicated.” For brands looking to retain their customer base, an effective loyalty program goes beyond simply having shoppers sign up. Small changes to a program can go a long way in ensuring continued use over time, and a positive image for a brand. “Don’t have an encyclopedia of terms and conditions — too many rules make a program too complicated. For convenience as well, you want to be able to have a program that lets you earn the loyalty currency quickly and have lots of redemption options,” says Sojka. “Combine that with great customer service and you have a winning program.” Christopher Von

Senior Publisher: Carly Han Senior Business Developer: Nina Theodorlis Country Manager: Jacob Weingarten Lead Designer: Yeganeh Ghasemi Web Editor: Kaleigh McLelland Photo Credits: Marriott International Contributors: Mediaplanet, D.F. McCourt, Janice Tober, Melissa Vekil, Christopher Von, Brian Von Allmen All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve Maclean’s Magazine or its editorial departments.

Turn Your Bills Into Rewards paytm.ca

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POINTS FOR PAYING BILLS IS HERE AT LAST

Points for paying bills

Naqiyah Rampuri is the Director of Growth Strategy at Paytm. “We know that bills are something that every single person has to pay, whether it’s one bill or five bills. Generally, this means that you pay your bills either through your online banking portal or through the actual service provider’s website, but you don’t really get anything as a result of having to do something that’s a necessity, like paying for electricity,” says Rampuri. “That’s why we launched the Paytm Points

reward program — to give back to Canadians. It’s like getting a mini-reward for something that’s part of your everyday life.” Paytm is the only mobile app of its kind in Canada to offer reward points.

“

Not only are you getting possible credit card points, but on top of that, you’re getting the Paytm Points as well.

“

he loyalty and rewards industry may be a mature one but it’s not stagnant, with companies like Paytm acting as disruptors in the field. When Paytm Canada first launched its bill-paying app in spring 2017, Canadians took immediately to the innovative mobile app which lets them pay all of their bills from one easy-to-use centralized platform. The company, which believes in the importance of innovation, also launched a loyalty program about a year later to give users more bang for their bill-paying buck.

Pick a method to pay

Users can go onto the Paytm platform and set up multiple payment methods, and then pick a bill to pay by whichever method is preferred. “Customers can, for example, add a credit card as a payment option, and then pay their property taxes, cell phone, and utility bills with their credit card,” says Rampuri.

“Not only are you getting possible credit card points, but on top of that, you’re getting the Paytm Points as well.” Clients can also pay bills by linking a bank account to the platform and by uploading money into their Paytm account in person at a Canada Post outlet. Plus — there are no fees to use Paytm. Paytm Points are earned on a point per dollar basis. “For as little as 5,000 Paytm Points you can get a five dollar Tim Hortons e-gift card, for instance,” adds Rampuri. When you refer a friend, and they make their first $50 bill payment, you’ll both collect 5,000 Paytm Points. The mobile app has new features that make it even easier for users to see what stage a bill payment is in, to cancel a payment, and to pre-set bill payments in the future. Paytm Canada continues to revolutionize how Canadians pay their bills and are rewarded on a daily basis. Janice Tober Sponsored by

INCREASING PERSONALIZATION IN LOYALTY OFFERINGS

As SVP of Marketing, Analytics and Insight, at Points, Derek Tufford helps global loyalty programs introduce increased levels of personalization into their loyalty offerings. Mediaplanet How has the demand for a personalized loyalty program changed the way industry leaders evaluate business success? Derek Tufford Personalization requires a reimagining of how programs deliver greater utility, meaningful rewards, and relevant communication. The required investment in data science, decision intelligence, and technology informs innovation, key business decisions, and profitability expectations. Success includes meaningful weightings in customer engagement, relevancy, innovation, utility, offer conversion, and ROI. MP What key drivers are needed in a program to successfully deliver the personalization that consumers are seeking? DT Personalization requires a customer-centric focus behind business decisions. Investment in data science and decision intelligence is crucial, as is a culture of experimentation to continuously optimize a program’s offerings. The key is a willingness to invest in delivering meaningful value to the customer, such as expanding earning and redemption opportunities. Sponsored by

MP What kind of challenges are overcome by developing an insightdriven loyalty program? DT Insight-driven programs enable smart, balanced business decisions that deliver profitable financial growth while meeting the needs of their best customers. They propel innovation, speed up decision making, and reduce risk thanks to testing and modelling. Perhaps most significantly, they identify the highest-impact areas of improvement to inform smart investment. MP How do you see the future of the loyalty industry changing in the next five years? DT The current revolution in analytics, behavioural science, and technology is powering a deeper customer connection — and giving consumers a greater voice. The empowered consumer demands enhanced program utility, greater everyday earn-and-burn opportunities, and more meaningful rewards. Programs that align to these evolving customer needs will unlock the greatest growth.

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TRAVELLING CAN BE REWARDING THIS SUMMER WITH MARRIOTT

hen Marriott International acquired Starwood Hotels in 2016, the hotel world became a better place for Canadian travellers. With more hotel brands — from economy to mid-scale, long-stay, luxury, and lifestyle options — as well as more hotel rooms and destinations, increased ways to earn and redeem reward points appeared seemingly overnight. The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program recently launched as a global travel rewards program to replace Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards. It offers more options for members who are looking to enhance their overall travel experience. This includes not only redeeming reward points for stays, but also memorable experiences and once-in-alifetime events.

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Personalization is the height of good hospitality.

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Moments make memories

Personalization is the height of good hospitality. The Marriott Bonvoy program lets members choose how they redeem their reward points. Perhaps it’s a dream stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Bali, a romantic getaway to Napa, or the chance to have VIP access to Grey Cup. Recently, Marriott International opened its 7,000th

hotel, meaning consumers have a plethora of choices when it comes to which hotel to book a stay at. And with the recent launch of Homes & Villas by Marriott International, guests can now book a stay in a six-bedroom villa in Italy or in an 18-century Irish castle that sleeps 17 as well. Whether guests are looking to celebrate a milestone or want a special property to bring together the whole gang, Homes & Villas offers plenty of options with over 2,000 luxury additions to the Marriott International portfolio. Knowing that travel is not only about fabulous hotel stays, the program also offers unique options for reward redemption. Looking to score VIP access to the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver? How about meeting Chef Wolfgang Puck during a dinner and kitchen tour at Spago in L.A. or enhancing your Instagram account by taking a photo with Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton at a Montreal Grand Prix event? Marriott International partners with companies such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mercedes AMG Petronas, the Kentucky Derby, and others to make sure members have direct access to the world’s best sporting matches, concerts, culinary events, and unique happenings. Smaller scale tours and activities are also available. Members who book directly on Marriott.com or on the Marriott mobile app always get the best rates available. The app has some added benefits, including letting members check on rewards status, manage an itinerary, chat with staff to ask that a forgotten amenity be put in their room ahead of time, or book a dinner reservation. Members can also head straight to their rooms with the mobile check-in and mobile key features available at many of Marriott International’s hotels.

Spend your summer with Marriott

Marriott International is celebrating summer by offering members more savings until Labour Day. Two of the hotels included in the promotion are also two of the newest additions to Marriott International’s expanding portfolio. In Toronto, The St. Regis hotel is everything a luxury property should be: It’s sophisticated, inviting, and has decadent dining and drinking options on hand. On the 31st floor, the hotel boasts the opulent LOUIX LOUIS restaurant and lounge. The grand twostorey-high lounge features a burnished gold long bar and is an homage to Toronto’s great distilling past. As you drink in the views over Toronto’s skyline, you can drink one of the many dark spirits the bar has in storage, over 500 in fact, one of the largest collections in North America. The Residence Inn Calgary Beltline, opened this March, and is the largest Residence Inn in the world with 390 suites. Modern and stylish, this hotel can be a home-away-from-home for a few days or longer-term stays in one of Calgary’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. Built where the former Alberta Boot Company once stood, this 33-storey hotel soars above the city and offers western-style design details such as the cowboy (and gal) boot stitching in each suite’s bed headboards. Guests at the hotel have prime access to Calgary’s biggest cultural spots like the Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary Tower, and Studio Bell. Wherever your travel plans take you this summer, let Marriott help ensure the experience is packed full of memorable moments. Janice Tober

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WEEKEND MORE This summer, experience more of Canada with Marriott Bonvoy™. Get out and experience the great outdoors or take a city break. Book today through Labour Day to lock in the best rate, and earn and redeem points in hotels and resorts across the country.

RATES FROM $154 A NIGHT

BOOK NOW AT MARRIOTT.COM

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CANADIANS LOVE LOYALTY PROGRAMS:

AND CANADA’S BIGGEST LOYALTY PROGRAM IS LOVING THEM BACK

n February of 2018, two of Canada’s most popular consumer loyalty programs, Shoppers Optimum and PC Plus, merged to create a new market-spanning offering: PC Optimum. Under this new program, roughly half of all Canadians are earning and redeeming points at thousands of retail outlets across the country. “It was a massive undertaking to combine two of Canada’s largest loyalty programs,” says Jim Noteboom, Senior Vice President of Loyalty & Analytics at parent company Loblaws. “With the conversion, we wanted the onboarding process to be as easy as possible for the consumer. So, if you were, for example, a Shoppers Optimum plastic card holder, it would be as easy as tap-tap in any Shoppers Drug Mart or Pharmaprix to walk out with your new PC Optimum card enabled and all your points transferred. And now you’re part of a larger program with so many more locations where you can earn and redeem.”

Customer-based and customer-driven

Noteboom emphasizes that customer demand drove every part of the process, with customers themselves originally indicating how valuable merging the two programs would be. One significant customer-driven initiative was a partnership expanding the PC Optimum program to all 2,000 Esso and Mobil stations coast-to-coast. “consumers told us that food, health, and beauty were a big part of their day-to-day spending, and that fuel was another large category they would be excited to see included,” Noteboom says. “Since August, we’ve seen over 6 million PC Optimum members fill up and earn points at Esso and Mobil.” As the program has evolved in the year since the merger, there has been a particular

Jessy Zita Senior Director of Loyalty & Subscription Services, Loblaws

focus on choice and personalization when it comes to rewards. “We’re rolling out many new things, from member pricing to personalized pricing to continuity offers,” says Noteboom. “We’re focusing on how we bring value to the consumer and trying to stay as close as possible to what excites them, all while bringing more fun into the experience.”

The inside track: taking your points to the next level

In late 2018, Loblaws wanted to see if Canadians were interested in taking their points even further, and the PC Insiders program was rolled out nationwide. Noteboom characterizes it as “a loyalty program on steroids.” PC Insiders is a subscription-based service targeted at the most savvy consumers. “For either $9.99 a month or $99 a year, members get a multitude of benefits, starting with 20 percent back in points on the products that are important to families, and they skip the fees when shopping online and at PC Express,” explains Jessy Zita, Senior Director of Loyalty and Subscription Services at Loblaws and head of the PC Insiders program. “Members also get special offers throughout the year through the PC Optimum app, and annual members get a $99 travel credit as well as a curated box sent to their home once a year.” As a first-of-its-kind program, there were some questions as to which demographics would be most interested. It turns out that the answer was all of them. “We knew that this would be

a hit for families with young children, as diapers, formula, and organic food can be really expensive,” says Zita. “But the program is for everyone, and we’re seeing that people at all life stages are recognizing the value and becoming PC Insiders. For example, we’re seeing single urban dwellers signing up just for the free shipping and PC Express.” As a paid service, Loblaws has gone out of their way to make the value proposition for Canadians as transparent as possible. “We have a calculator tool on our website so that customers can do the math themselves and see how much value they would get out of the program,” says Zita. “For some people, that math is very easy. If you have a child in diapers, PC Insiders will more than pay for itself within a few months. Or, if you travel and book even one trip per year, the $99 travel voucher just about covers your whole cost and everything else is gravy.” It’s no secret that Canadians love loyalty programs — Loblaws research has shown a staggering 85 percent satisfaction rate among PC Optimum members. It therefore shouldn’t come as a surprise that so many are joining the PC Insiders program to maximize their points and optimize the rewards they receive from the daily shopping that they already do. D.F. McCourt

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We’re focusing on how we bring value to the consumer, while bringing more fun into the experience.

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Jim Noteboom Senior Vice President, Loyalty & Analytics, Loblaw

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READ, RELAX, REPEAT. Summer is the season to kick back and relax. Whether you’re going to a cottage or heading to the beach, the longer summer days are a perfect opportunity to read anywhere, anytime. With screen time increasing across Canada, it’s important to find fun ways for the whole family to unplug — which is why Indigo is encouraging children to read with the IndigoKids summer reading program.* From May 13 through July 28, Indigo plum® members receive one stamp for each kid or teen book purchased in store. Once a total of eight stamps have been collected, members can redeem up to $10 off their next in-store purchase of any kid or teen book or toy. Whether you’re encouraging your child to read for pleasure or buying your book-loving teen the hottest new fiction novel, the IndigoKids summer reading program can help your child take the next step in their reading journey.

Read and redeem this summer

Reading is a richer experience when you’re a plum member. The Indigo plum program is free to join and lets you earn five points for every dollar spent. Points can be redeemed in-store and online, so your next summer read can be on your doorstep with the click of a button. As a member, you also receive personalized recommendations and offers for both you and your kids, as well as access to exclusive events, contests, first peeks at sales, and invites to private shopping events. Melissa Vekil Check out this summer’s must-reads below and visit indigo.ca for more information on being a plum member.

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DURBAN Beach, Berg, Battlefie Story and photos by Steve Klein Durban is located on the east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Along with neighbouring small towns it forms the metropolitan municipality of eThekwini, one of the largest municipalities on the Indian Ocean coast of Africa. It is an ethnically diverse, cosmopolitan city of nearly 3.5 million with British, Indian and Zulu influence in their unique culture. There are many reasons to visit Durban. Among them, some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, Drakensberg - the Mountains of Dragons, Historic battlefields of the Anglo-Boer War and the Anglo-Zulu War, and of course the abundance of wildlife, all within a few hours drive.

winter and 28 degrees in summer. That makes a nearby beach a necessity and Durban doesn’t disappoint. The waters of the Indian Ocean are warm. With half a dozen beaches, each unique, there is a place for every beach activity. Surfers can catch some great waves, sun worshipers can work on their tan, families can safely search for shells and build castles in the sand. In places paved walkways, scenic piers and parks are great for sunset strolls or passing an afternoon with a good book in the shade of big beach umbrella. The iconic red and white lighthouse at Umhalanga Rocks north of the city can be seen from kilometres away.

While in Durban be sure to take the time to visit a traditional Zulu village where you can learn about Zulu history, watch traditional dance and sample traditional food and drink.

There are beaches for water sports, beaches for swimming, and beaches for volleyball and other beach sports. Slightly less accessible but therefore not so busy, an almost endless series of beaches stretches to the north. And if that’s not enough, many more options are available for 160 kilometres south.

Beach

Berg

The average high temperature in Durban ranges between 22 degrees in

through KwaZulu-Natal, coming within 200 kilometres of Durban. Most likely named “Mountains of Dragons” because the sharp peaks resemble the back of a dragon, the tallest peak reaches close to 3500 metres above sea level. Archaeological evidence indicates that the area has been inhabited as far back as 100,000 years ago. The lower slopes of the mountains are lush but above 2500 metres they are treeless grassland.

The aptly named Drakensberg Mountains span 1000 kilometres and run 18

number of multi day routes are also available. Hikers will see spectacular scenic landscapes, wildlife, and in some locations, ancient rock art.

Battlefields The KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields Route is the largest concentration of historical battlefields in the southern hemisphere. Over a period of about 70 years, eight wars helped shape South Africa into what it is today. The route can be travelled with guides or self drive. Time permitting you can visit more than 50 battlefields and more than a dozen museums.

elds, & Bush Abundant rain fall feeds streams and rivers, creating scenic waterfalls, including the world’s second highest waterfall, Thukela Falls measuring 947 metres from top to bottom. The lower slopes are home to White Rhinoceros, Black Wildebeest, baboons, and many different types of antelope. Close to 300 species of birds can also be seen. For hikers there are trails ranging from several hours to half day, and even some dawn until dusk treks. A

The British, Boers, and Zulu all fought each other at some point and there are museums presenting every side of every conflict.

Bush The “Big Five” were so named because they were the most dangerous years ago when hunters pursued the game on foot. If the hunters did not kill their prey, these were the five species that most likely would kill them. The Big Five are elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, leopard and lion. With some luck and a skilled guide they can all be seen in parks and game reserves within a few hours of Durban. Hippo, crocodile, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, impala, hyena, warthogs, kudu, springbok, monkeys and more than 400 species of birds can all be seen during your early morning or late afternoon game drives. In private game reserves there is a wide variety of accommodation options ranging from the more rustic to luxury. Luxury hotels with spas, lodges and tent camps are all available in the middle of the bush where springbok and kudu might be grazing within a few metres of your deck. Electric fences keep the elephants, buffalo and rhino out of the compound but occasionally big cats will come exploring, which is why you are not allowed to use the outdoor shower after dusk, and

you are always accompanied by hotel staff when coming from or going to your tent. To see hippo and crocodile visit iSsimangaliso Wetland Park, an estuary fed by many of the region’s rivers. An afternoon river cruise departing from St. Lucia will almost certainly take you past herds of hippos keeping cool in the water, and you will likely see a crocodile sunning on the beach. To learn more about South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, and Durban, visit www.southafrica.net or www.zulu.org.za or

www.visitdurban.travel

Stellenbosch The Centre of South Africa’s Wine Industry Story and photos by Steve Klein

The South African wine industry can be traced back to 1659. In 1652 the Dutch East India Company had established an outpost at what is now Cape Town. Grapes were planted to help sailors ward off scurvy as they plied the spice route. The first bottle of wine was produced 7 years later. The town of Stellenbosch was founded 340 years ago about 50 kilometres east of Cape Town on the Eerste River. At the time the South African wine industry was already 20 years old. Today the region is considered by some to be the centre of the industry. Along with the Paarl and Franschhoek valleys, they make up the larger of South Africa ‘s two main wine regions. Stellenbosch is named after the founder, Simon van der Stel who was governor of the Cape Colony in 1679. Water from the Eerste River was diverted to Mill Street where a mill was built. The

town grew quickly and within 3 years became an independent local authority, and 3 years after that had jurisdiction over 25,000 square kilometres.

About 100 years ago the Stellenbosch University was established and today, among other things, it is known for its research into viticulture.

The first grapes in the Stellenbosch region were planted in 1690. With hot, dry summers and cool wet winters the climate was similar to the Mediterranean. Add to that the rich, fertile, well drained soil of the valleys and lower slopes and it was not long before the Stellenbosch region became the centre of South Africa’s early wine industry.

In the early years producers focused more on quantity than quality. By the early 1900s more than 80 million vines of high yield grape varieties produced so much low-quality wine that it overwhelmed the market and much of it was dumped into local streams and rivers. Depressed prices and questionable quality led the South African government to establish KWV, a wine growers cooperative. The KWV restricted yields and set minimum prices. This encouraged growers to plant recognized, proven varietals and to use farming practices that resulted in lower yields of higher quality wine grapes. The restricted production also meant that many growers diverted their 20

grapes to the production of brandy and fortified wines, making South Africa among the world leaders in that category today. In the mid twentieth century the South African wine industry suffered another blow as much of the world boycotted the country due to its apartheid policies. When apartheid ended and the market opened up, the industry took a major leap forward as winemakers from around the world brought new technologies and well-known varieties such as Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon to the country. 21

The KWV was privatized which meant that winemakers had to become more competitive, relying on the quality of their product rather than guaranteed sales through a government run cooperative. Sophisticated, discerning international markets propelled the best wines forward resulting in an overall improvement in quality.

The Stellenbosch Wine Route is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Western Cape, representing more than 200 growers and wine producers. The route allows visitors the opportunity to try a wide variety of South African wine in more than 150 tasting rooms and an ever-growing number of restaurants.

Until recently most of South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production has been white wine but Stellenbosch in particular is becoming known for its reds, led by Cabernet Sauvignon, but also including Pinotage, Merlot and Shiraz. White wine production in the Stellenbosch region is mostly Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.

Take an organized tour, or allow an hour or more for each cellar you visit. A wine and cupcake pairing and a brandy and chocolate pairing are fun ways to experience some new tastes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to allow a few days, and even then, you will only see a small part of the route. And be sure to have a designated driver! A walking tour of the town is also an important part of your visit.

After 360 years of learning, struggling and improving, South African wine is now recognized as world class, award winning wine.

To learn more, visit

www.stellenbosch.travel

Talk Food

ABOUT INDONESIA FOOD Indonesian food is one of the most vibrant and colourful cuisines in the world, full of intense flavour. Over the centuries many different races have visited and left their stamp on the cuisine – Indian, Chinese, Arab, Portuguese, Spanish, English and Dutch. There are many regional specialities, but wherever you are in Indonesia, most meals, including breakfast, are based around rice. Literally meaning “fried rice”, nasi goreng is considered the national dish of Indonesia and can be found everywhere from street hawker carts to dinner parties or restaurants. It is a meal of stirfried rice spiced with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), shallot, garlic, tamarind and chilli and accompanied by other ingredients, mainly egg, chicken, prawns or salted dried fish. Sambals are also a cornerstone of the cuisine and these chilli-based condiments may be either freshly made or store-bought. There are many types of sambals, all of which combine a variety of chilli peppers with different combinations of spices, fruits or vegetables. Indonesians believe in giving a “kick start” to their palate with the heat of chilli and the sour crunch of pickles, so meals generally comprise rice, sambal and pickles with small amounts of meats, seafood or vegetables, often in curry form. People eat either with their right hand or with a spoon and fork. Some of the intense flavour in Indonesian food comes from very sweet and sour ingredients – such as the thick sweet soy sauce called kecap manis, which is used in countless dishes. The sour notes in the cuisine come from tamarind and lime and the aromatics from shallots, ginger, galangal, pandan, turmeric, lemongrass and lime leaves. Two foods adored by Indonesians are tempeh – fermented soybeans usually found in block form that are high in protein and fibre – and krupuk, or deep fried crackers, made from prawn, seafood or vegetables, which are eaten at the start of a meal. Because of the humid climate and volcanic soil, tropical fruits, vegetables and spices are found in abundance. Dried spices such as coriander seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon quills, cumin seeds, cloves and nutmeg are used every day in many dishes and each curry has a number of dried spices as well as fresh herbs. Desserts are some of the most exuberant in South East Asia, especially the favourite “eis cendol” which features shaved ice, tropical fruit, coconut milk and pandan flavoured “worms” made from mung bean flour. To learn more about The Taste of Indonesia in Vancouver visit www.kuliner.ca 22

The 34th Trade Expo Indonesia 2019 16-20 October 2019 – TANGGERANG - Indonesia

Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) is the largest trade exhibition in Indonesia supported by the government and private sectors. The Expo’s aim is to promote “Made in Indonesia” products and services to the global market. TEI will display all Indonesian products starting from the industrial sector, mining, agriculture and also handicrafts. TEI is a B2B (business to business) event where producers and manufacturers can introduce their export quality products to International Buyers, while at the same time the Buyers can see the products offered by the Producers first-hand.

EXPAND YOUR MARKET

Reach with the Best from Indonesia The 34th Trade Expo Indonesia 2019 presents numerous carefullycategorized products, encompassing Manufacturing Products, Strategic Industry Products, Creative Products & Services, Furniture, Food & Beverage Products, Craft and Lifestyle Champion Products.

VISITORS

Will be offered the best quality and premium export products and investment opportunities divided into 8 zones, waiting for you to Discover the Remarkable Indonesia.

NETWORKING & EDUCATION

From seminars, talk shows, to business matching and everything in between, Trade Expo Indonesia offers visitors all the opportunities to be connected and updated.

Admission – is FREE but Pre-Registration is recommended. Visitor Pre Registration is available online at www.tradexpoindonesia.com Visitors from British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories register at Consulate General of Indonesia, contact Tri Astuti/Economic Section:

tri.astuti@indonesia.vancouver.org (Special Arrangements)