The Bay Life - Issue 04 - February 2015

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FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE 04

the bay life The BAY Life is a monthly community lifestyle magazine focusing on the local people, places and events in and around The Friendly City, Port Elizabeth - South Africa.

FREE COPY

LOCAL TALENT Backstage with Wayne Kallis

TAKE A SELFIE and stand a chance to win!

Get your heart going

this Valentine’s Day Plus Outdoor Sports & Events + Recipes, Reviews, Community News & More www.thebaylife.co.za



THE BAY LIFE

CONTENTS

06

08

10

12

14

16

27

28

30

REGULARS

FEATURES

REVIEWS

06 CALENDAR What’s on in the bay

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09 BOOKS Reviews by Janine Nel

08 MY TOWN Favourite Things 10 PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB 15 RECIPES Helena’s South African Stew 22 LEGAL INSIGHT Divorce - What you need to know 27 TRAVEL & TOURISM Get Adventurous!

LOCAL TALENT Backstage with Wayne Kallis

16 INTERVIEW Port Elizabeth’s Couple of the Month 18 COMPETITION Healthy Skin with Optiskin

14 EATING OUT Raasoie - Ethnic Indian Cuisine 30 GET OUTSIDE Who will be crowned King of the Valley?

20 HEALTH & WELLNESS New Year, New Beginnings 28 GET OUTSIDE Get your heart going this Valentine’s Day

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THE BAY LIFE

EDITOR’S NOTE

PUBLICATION INFO PUBLISHER: Caz and Crew

info@thebaylife.co.za

EDITOR Caryn Smith

caryn@thebaylife.co.za

GRAPHIC DESIGN Freshfire Studio info@freshfire.co.za

SALES Steven Lancaster - Get Steve Mobile: 076 027 5280 Email: info@getsteve.co.za

CONTRIBUTORS Joanne Anthony Sharon Jessup Janine Nel Vanessa Prinsloo Caryn Smith Justin from portelizabethrestaurants.co.za Nicky Volker Derryn Lynn Fuller

ADMIN AND ACCOUNTS February, the month of LOVE. Keith and Carol Fourie, our couple of the month, have celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary. We take a glimpse into the lives behind these two well-known PE faces as they share with us how they met and their secrets to a happy marriage. If you are one of those couples who crave adventure, excitement and anything to kick-start your adrenalin, our informative article on what to do for the Valentine’s weekend will definitely get your heart going. As they say, roses may wilt but memories last forever. Angela Newton, past Rotary club president, talks to us about her involvement in the biggest charity organisation in the world, Rotary International. From the 4 year old kid

who helped her mom to hand out food parcels, to helping to raise £100 000 for an eye hospital, Angela inspires all of us to get involved within our community. If your New Year’s resolutions are now lying in a scrunched up ball in your dustbin, don’t worry. Sharon will encourage you to carry on, to fulfil your dreams, to reach your goals and to be the best YOU that you can possibly be. If you are single this Valentine’s Day, I dare you to be different. Celebrate yourself. Buy yourself those flowers and take yourself out on a date. And hey, the best thing is that you won’t have to share your chocolates with anyone.

Caryn

Caryn Smith

caryn@thebaylife.co.za

CONTACT NUMBER 084 375 0985

PRINTING Paarl Media The Bay Life is published by Caz & Crew Publications, Port Elizabeth and cannot be held responsible for any omission or errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise therefrom. Copyright The Bay Life & Caz & Crew Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or any part is prohibited without prior permission of the publisher.

& The Bay Life crew

IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Our contributing writer, Nicky Volker, sits down with one of South Africa’s most loved bands, Freshlyground, for an interview with Zolani Mahola, who grew up in New Brighton, in Port Elizabeth. This awardwinning band was reunited with Nelson Mandela Bay fans both at the Momentum one day international cricket game and the concert after the game on Sunday, 25th January.

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www.thebaylife.co.za


Granite Park Lodges ZIMBABWE

Granite Park Lodges is a little resort paradise consisting of four self-contained holiday lodges in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Set in lush, tranquil surroundings of unspoilt, indigenous vegetation and majestic granite kopjies, Granite Park Lodges is just 30 minutes from the Matobo National Park.

3 Laidlaw Close, Granite Park Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Tel + 263 9 285908/+263 9 469983 Fax: + 263 9 478369/+263 9 285908 Cell: + 263 733 406 319/+263 914 021 709 info@graniteparklodges.com www.graniteparklodges.com Find us on Facebook

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THE BAY LIFE CALENDAR

WHAT’S ON IN THE BAY 31 Jan/ 1 Feb 2015

7 February 2015

9 February 2015

King of the Valley trail Run Description: 5km and 12km trail run Where: Baakens Valley, Profiles Health Club Time: Registration 6am, race starts 07:45am Website: www.bigosports.co.za Find us on Facebook

Elgin Vintners Wine Tasting Where: Cork wine garden Time: 6:30pm Bookings essential 041 581 0924 Find us on Facebook

14 February 2015 Lady Slipper Farmer’s Market Herald Cycle Tour – Road Race and Mountain Bike Race Website: www.heraldcycletour.co.za

1 February 2015

The Food Shed Good food, Good time, Good vibe Venue: 16 Walker Drive, Sherwood Time: 5pm – 9:30pm Find us on Facebook

Where: Van Stadens Dutch Reformed Church, Old Cape Road, St Albans Time: 8am – 12pm

Discovery surfers challenge Where: Kwelera River, Yellow Sands, East London Description: 10km and 17,5km Beach run Website: www.surferschallenge.co.za

Metlife Mall/ Die Burger Valentine’s day run Aquelle Ocean Series Where: Hobie Beach Time: 9am Description: All disciplines run simultaneously so you choose which one you’d like to do on race day Website: www.oceanracingseries.com Find us on Facebook

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Lady Slipper Farmer’s Market Where: Van Stadens Dutch Reformed Church, Old Cape Road, St Albans Time: 8am – 12pm

Description: 5km and 10km road run, lucky draw prizes Where: Metlife Mall, Samantha Way, Kabega Park Time: 6am Entries: from R20 upwards, pre-entries available at Metlife mall, Die Burger and local sports shops or on the day.


THE BAY LIFE CALENDAR

WHAT’S ON IN THE BAY 14/15 Feb 2015

21 February 2015 Lady Slipper Farmer’s Market Where: Van Stadens Dutch Reformed Church, Old Cape Road, St Albans Time: 8am – 12pm

27 Feb – 1 Mar 2015 Garden Route 300 and Garden Route Lite, mountain biking Description: 3 Stages of mountain bike heaven, the ultimate ride or the alternative option Website: www.gr300.co.za

Bagshaw Bay Ultra

River Mile

Where: Pollock Beach Description: 5km, 10km, 50km road run Time: From 5am Entries: from R20 upwards, pre-entries available at local sports shops or on the day.

Where: Sundays River Description: Several Miles swims, a triathlon relay, 5km fun run and kids swim events Website: www.rivermile.co.za

Chilli festival Description: If you are feeling brave you can enter the famous chilli eating competition Where: Eddie Mac club, Victoria Park Time: 10 am – 5pm

19 February 2015

Bell buoy Challenge Where: Pollock Beach Description: The ultimate Indian ocean swim, 5km Website: www.bellbuoychallenge.co.za

22 February 2015

28 February 2015 Lady Slipper Farmer’s Market Where: Van Stadens Dutch Reformed Church, Old Cape Road, St Albans Time: 8am – 12pm

Addo Elephant trail runs Where: Addo Elephant National Park Description: 44km and 76km trail runs Website: www.trailadventures.co.za

XCO Cup series - Round 1 Chevrolet Warriors vs The Unlimited Titans Where: St George’s Park Cricket Ground Website: www.cricket.co.za

Back to Earth organic market Venue: African Sky’s, Theescombe Time: 9 am – 1pm Find us on Facebook

Description: The SA Mountain bike Cup Series is the breeding ground and battle field for future stars. Be sure to not miss out on racing at the sharp end at the first round taking place in Port Elizabeth. Where: Baakens Valley Website: www.xconationalpe.co.za

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THE BAY LIFE MY TOWN

FAVOURITE THINGS with Michelle Campbell What makes you feel optimistic about Port Elizabeth? Poor old PE and the Eastern Cape at large are so often the butt of many jokes and get a really bad rap nationally. In some ways, this has made its people resilient and I, for example, have to work 3 times harder than my counterparts in larger centres. But it also forces us to become creative and to never give up! We need to harness that resilience and make sure that we support one another in all spheres more often. If we work together as businesses, as government and business and we appropriate funds into the correct areas, we can achieve so much. PE’s time is still to come, but I feel we are reaching that point steadily. We are so close, we just need to keep moving forward positively. That makes me optimistic for the future.

Where are some of your favourite venues to book when doing events in PE?

When feeling sociable, where is your favourite place to go out for a nice cocktail?

I recently did a show at McArthur’s Pool and Leisure Centre and it was a beautiful summers evening with the ocean as a backdrop. It was very special and was very well received by all who attended.

Cubana has a beautiful deck overlooking the Indian Ocean. When I sit on that deck sipping a cocktail, my mind could easily be fooled into thinking it’s in the South of France or Malaga, or some other exotic destination. It is pure bliss, when the sun is going down to enjoy a tall cocktail with that view!

I have also always been very happy with the service from the Boardwalk when hosting events there, from a live show to conferences in the ICC. There are however many more out there who offer an excellent venue and great service. Favourite place to eat: Fushin is a regular of mine. Other favourites include Flava, Something Good, the PE Yacht Club and so many more. We are actually very spoilt for choice with great eateries in PE.

ABOUT MICHELLE: Michelle is a local publicist and an events organiser extraordinaire. A true philanthropist at heart, everything Michelle does is with the intention of giving back to the community. One of her many accolades include the hugely successful event held at McArthur’s Pool

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As this is the romantic month of February, where would you recommend that our readers go for a lovely Valentines experience? I think a couples retreat or spa experience is something lovely to share with your significant other. A great idea is to book into somewhere like the Radisson, share a lovely dinner, spa experience the following day and to top it all off with a delicious breakfast on the deck and a romantic stroll along the beach. Amore!

and Leisure Centre, which saw the internationally acclaimed band ‘The Parlotones’ draw a huge crowd. A conservationist and animal activist fundraiser, Michelle works with various organisations including the Green Scorpions. Currently residing in Port Elizabeth, with Michelle’s passion for the city, we look forward to seeing what future events will be coming to our shores.


THE BAY LIFE REVIEWS

BOOKS

Reviews by: Janine Nel MANAGER AT BARGAIN BOOKS IT’S CODE RED - ZAPIRO I couldn’t resist. I purposefully and unashamedly avoid watching the depressing news and reading the shocking paper because every year, at least once a year, Zapiro saves me from myself. As the collective voice of the people and super sharp observer of all things news-worthy, but more particularly, politics, Zapiro is acutely controversial in that he portrays in cartoons that which we could only dream of doing, he captures the crux and the emotion in a side-splitting way so that we as fellow observers,

(or in my case non-observer) can be enlightened and roar and cheer and be sick along with everybody else. He is the Robin Hood of humour. The joke’s on them! Zapiro has the last word. “It’s Code Red” deals obviously with Malema and his minions, the Prez and his unstoppable insatiable appetite for daft and fraudulent behaviour, and Olympic Gold Medallist for Emotional melt-down, Oscar and his illusory mind. Nothing short of brilliant. I’ll call him Sir Zapiro.

ISBN: 9781431420995 - R149

SWITCH ON YOUR BRAIN DR. CAROLINE LEAF Hang on to your resolutions, read this book and detox your brain! In this mind altering work, Dr Leaf explains how cognitive neuroscience and Biblical principal stands in the perfect relationship with each other. Each chapter starts with a piece of Scripture and a short version of its linked scientific concept. She then goes on to further explore new mercies, quantum physics, thought processes, free will, DNA and why it’s important not to be conformed to this world by yoking

all the bad thoughts aka bad energy we create and thus perpetuating a negative state of living. It is so mysterious and yet so obvious! A composition of pure science and untampered Scripture; her book and study is generously endorsed by people such as Joyce Meyer (Christian Author) and Bobbie Houston (senior Pastor Hillsong Church), as well as several world leaders in Neuroscience. It certainly enhanced my understanding of and appreciation for our Creator and His work.

ISBN 9780801016240 - R190

KATRYN VROU VAN DIE RICHTERSVELD – JAN HUISAMEN Tien jaar van Afrikaans lees boikot; en so tel ek toe vir Katryn Jonis op. Ek is nie seker wat ek intussen gemis het nie maar die pragtige roman het my so geïnspireer dat ek nie weer twee maande sal verby laat glip sonder om iets in onse taal te verorber nie. Katryn is ‘n formidabele heroine, ‘n vrou wat waaragtig vir die waarheid sal bly staan, selfs al sou dit haar dan haar dunne kleurling nekkie kos. Die karakters is fyn uitgedink en later blyk dit Jan Huisamen het dit nie alles sommer

uit sy duim gesuig nie. Katryn herhinner vir my aan Dalene Matthee se speel met woorde, soos ‘n loflied, ‘n storie met soveel deernis geskryf dit laat die trane rol op die regte plekke. Die vrou had ‘n geskiedenis, maar is vasberade om iets op te bou, en dan kom krap iemand met haat in haar slaai. Vir jare moet sy die bitterheid verduur, net om in ‘n slinkse komplot vasgevang te word sodat sy finaal kan gaan lê. Al wapen wat sy het is die heilige waarheid...

ISBN 9780798156462 - R195

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THE BAY LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo by NICKY VOLKER

Photo by CARYN SMITH

Photo by KAREN WILSON

Photo by SAREL VOS

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THE BAY LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE BAY LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB Send your photos to info@thebaylife.co.za for a chance to be featured in our next issue.

Photo by TERESA PRETORIUS

Photo by NICKY VOLKER

Photo by CARYN SMITH

Photo by NEL DE FRANCA

Photo by CARYN SMITH

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THE BAY LIFE LOCAL TALENT

By: Derryn Lynn Fuller Photos by Mike Barwood

INTERVIEW

Backstage with Wayne Kallis The words ‘music’ and ‘Wayne Kallis’ are interchangeable in our beautiful and windy city. For over a decade, Port Elizabeth has had the auditory pleasure of having this talented musician grace our stages, pubs and radio stations. Using his passion for music and intrinsic talents, he has added his own stamp on the already teeming pool of musical talent PE has to offer. We managed to tear Wayne away from his next musical project long enough to ask him some questions about music, Centrestage and pursuing music in the Bay.

When did you realise that you were meant to thrill the world with music? I have always been fascinated with music and I played the piano from a pretty young age. I suppose it turned from a fascination into an obsession roundabout 1995 when I discovered bands like Radiohead, Oasis and (oddly enough) Iron Maiden. I picked up the guitar and decided I was finally going to unlock the secrets of this little box. The guitar and singing became a big part of my identity and by 1997 I was completely obsessed with bands like Live, Metallica and Pearl Jam. Eventually I found my

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way from playing around campfires to getting paid to perform live and that was it for me. I never remember sitting down and deciding that music was what I wanted to do, I just knew after a short while that I didn’t want to do anything else.

What was the first song you learnt to play that you felt you had really mastered? One song that always sticks in my head is a Roxette song that was probably the first song I learned to play in its entirety. I think it is called “things will never be the same”. Obviously I had no female co-vocalist at the time so I sat strumming away in front of my cassette player by myself, fantasizing that I was performing in front of an audience. In terms of singing, Radiohead’s “Creep” had a high note I just couldn’t reach, so every day after school I would sit in front of the same cassette player and try and try until eventually I did hit it! I remember that being an amazing feeling.

There were many that helped me out in many different ways. Port Elizabeth is a tough town in terms of making music AND making a living. Anyone in this town who keeps on playing and improving themselves for the love of what they do while having to deal with the indignity of being a full time musician in PE inspires me, and also earns my respect. Also, the people who are out there slogging away and making original music - the toughest thing to sell in this town. That requires serious dedication.

How do you feel about being a Port Elizabethan and playing for audiences here? I love PE. It has the most unpredictable mix of enthusiasm and apathy. PE is loyal though, and I’ve always felt like there has been awesome support when I’ve needed it. I sometimes wish the crowds were a little hungrier for original music, but I guess that just means that we have to work a little bit harder!

What PE musicians inspired or inspire you?

Is there anything in PE that you just don’t experience in other towns?

When I was younger there were so many talented PE musos who were just out there doing their thing, and I tried to learn from as many of them as I could.

PE definitely has a sense of community you don’t find in other, larger cities. You know people and they know you. If they enjoy what you do then they are going to


THE BAY LIFE LOCAL TALENT come over and tell you so... and buy you a beer... And invite you to their house for a braai, haha.

What was the one moment in your musical career where you felt the most proud? The first time I ever heard a group of people singing my own song back to me. That kind of thing is surreal and mind blowing at the same time. Not to mention addictive!

How long have you been working for Centrestage and how does it feel when you finally master a specific show? I’ve been with Centrestage for about 9 years now. We’ve always prided ourselves on attention to tiny details and delivering quality entertainment too. That is a lot of balls to juggle at the same time. There is always a feeling when something that was just a pipe dream solidifies into something real and you just know you’ve nailed it or it’s going to work out just fine. Things just click into place and it’s a pretty great feeling when you know you’ve gotten exactly what you wanted to get across through to your audience.

Tell us more about your solo and other band work? I am recording and performing my own music all the time. It was originally under the name “Pistola” but lately I have been just using my own name. I enjoy a wide range of music and I think my own music reflects that by having too many influences to brand me as part of just a single genre. Performing my own songs is my major passion right now and I hope I am going to get as many chances as possible to do it!

Tell us a bit more about your charity show that you organise every year. I had been toying with the idea of doing something to bring a little Christmas spirit to underprivileged kids for a while and about 3 years ago I decided I would play an original show and use 100% of the profits to do just that. I really love Christmas time and I find it sad that there are kids who don’t get to feel that magic. It’s an amazing feeling seeing a massive smile break out on some tiny faces and to know that you helped put it there. I will do the Christmas show for as long as there are people out there who will buy tickets to watch it, and then maybe still one or two. Haha. It is incredibly fulfilling to know I can use my talents to give to those who need.

Any other goals that you have within the musical industry? I want to get my own music out and into peoples’ ears as much as I can. Buy my album! Watch my show! Obey my dog!

Finally, what would your message be to other PE musicians? PE can be tough, but the rewards are out there. Don’t give up and remember why you started playing your instrument and singing in the first place. We live in a beautiful town filled with amazing people... we need to keep being the soundtrack to that!

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THE BAY LIFE REVIEWS

EATING OUT

Review by: Justin www.portelizabethrestaurants.co.za

Raasoie - Ethnic Indian Cuisine On an overcast cool night during the December holidays, we returned to Raasoie to enjoy some lovely Indian food. Having not tried lassi before, I ordered one, choosing the sweet over the salted option. It is a very pleasant drink, similar to drinking yoghurt and most enjoyable. Our mains consisted of lamb vindaloo, prawn curry, garlic naan bread and jeera rice. The prawns had a slight after taste of the frozen variety, but the rest of the meal was delicious. The cumin rice, spicy lamb and garlic bread all complimented each other perfectly. Bold flavours, value for money and definitely one of PE’s favourite authentic Indian restaurants, sums up Raasoie.

CONTACTS: 79 Heugh Road, Walmer Telephone: 041 581 0333

READ MORE AT: www.sa-venues.com www.dining-out.co.za

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THE BAY LIFE RECIPES

THE AURORA SPECIAL CARE CENTRE RECIPE BOOK The Aurora Recipe book was recently launched and features local people and celebrities sharing their favourite recipes. The cost is R120 and is available from Aurora, their charity shop at 50 Westbourne Road and The 2 Fat Butchers in Walmer. All funds raised from the recipe book will go to the centre. We will be showcasing a few of these recipes throughout the coming year, but highly recommend that you go out and buy yourself a copy.

Helena’s South African Stew Image from www.whatsfordinner.co.za

by Helena Kolbe

INGREDIENTS : • • • • • • • • •

500g Neck of mutton, chops 20g Flour 5ml Salt 1ml Pepper 25ml Cooking oil 1 Onion, chopped 1 Green pepper, Chopped 375ml Tomato sauce 1 x 500g tin Baked beans

INSTRUCTIONS 1.

Melt butter and olive oil in a pan with the chopped onion.

2.

Brown the onion with rosemary

3.

Roll meat in mixture of flour, salt and pepper and brown in hot cooking oil

4.

Add onion and green pepper and saute

5.

Add tomato sauce to meat, cover and simmer until meat is tender, stirring now and then – about 2 hours.

6.

Add beans, heat through and serve (4 servings)

SIDE NOTE: Originally called “American Stew” in a 1975 Goue Vag (Golden Fleece) magazine of the SA Wool Growers Association. A friend who came to dinner one day enquired. I gave her the cutting. She looked up and said “I thought you said you used tomato sauce?”

Biography – Helena Kolbe Our beautiful boy John-John was born on 8 October 1984. What a joy. We soon realised though that all was not well. It was established that he was severely handicapped. We were fortunate to be told about the wonderful Aurora. We were all immediately taken into the arms and hearts of everyone there – teachers, helpers and parents of Aurora children. We became involved in fundraising when our centre was still in 3rd Avenue, Newton Park. I ran the book stall at the fete, and also had book sales from the back of our bakkie at just about every boot sale or other fundraising events all over the

“Well, yes. That is so” I said “But the recipe says tomato juice?!” So there you go. I misread the juice and used sauce instead. (I tried the recipe with juice once to make sure – it just didn’t make the grade)

city. John would do a lot of carrying and fetching, as well as taking care of John-John while I was out and about. There was also no end to the letters I sent out with a view to collect donations. At the same time I wrote many a letter and spoke to many people (also in various government departments) to raise awareness of Aurora and the care for the handicapped in general. Now these activities were mostly in my area of “can do”. We were transferred to Cape Town in 1993 and returned to Port Elizabeth at the end of 2010. Our John-John sadly passed away shortly afterwards. But here I am now taking part in another Aurora fundraiser – the recipe book.

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THE BAY LIFE PEOPLE

INTERVIEW

Port Elizabeth’s Couple By: Nicky Volker of the Month

Married in October 1983, Carol and Keith Fourie continue to enjoy their 32nd year of marriage. Keeping in with the romantic Valentines month of February, today we feature this well known Port Elizabeth couple to talk about life, love, trials, tribulations and happy times. I joined the delightful Carol and Keith at the popular eatery, Bocadillos, situated in 6th Avenue Walmer. Carol, a well known socialite in Port Elizabeth, always smiling and radiant, arrives in her signature black, with black streaks intermingled in her blonde hair and tattoos indicative of the inner ‘rock chick’. Her love of music, particularly the heavy metal genre, is one of her greatest loves, her face lights up when she talks about it. This passion is obvious if one browses her facebook page, and she makes the perfect addition to the Centrestage team as their part time social media ‘GrassRoots’ PRO. Keith Ian Fourie is the successful restaurant owner of Silver Cloud and Carolina Spur Steak Ranches. Previously from Cape Town, and from an Afrikaans

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family, his cousins could not pronounce Keith. Because of his name , they used his initials which formed his nickname “KIF” which is what he is still fondly called by his friends and family, and his holding company is called ‘KIF Investments’.

So Keith, why the food industry and the Spur specifically? Tell me more? Well I’ve been involved in the food industry my entire life. I initially worked for Freddy Hirsch and was transferred to Cape Town to open a branch in Newcastle. I met the MD of the Spur there, monitored his concept and bought a franchise in Gauteng in 1984 and that’s how it all began.

So what brought you to Port Elizabeth? This is where I found a partner to run a Spur.

What were your thoughts of Port Elizabeth when you first came here?

I found it to be an incredibly friendly coastal city. At the time Ford was pulling out and it was rather doom and gloom here. I decided to take my chances. The people here were fantastic and vibrant and I loved the schools. I recruited all the head girls, prefects and head boys and got them to work for me. We opened up Silver Cloud Spur and grew from strength to strength. I had high powered, dynamic people working for me then that are all now turning 50! Their daughters and sons have all visited us too!

Fascinating story Keith! Carol, let’s talk about you. I’ve seen in previous articles that you have been referred to as Port Elizabeth’s favourite socialite. How do you feel about that title? I have no idea how that came about! But I do put it out there. I think a lot of people do the same thing socially, but I enjoy putting it out there on social media. It all began before Facebook. There was a website in PE called My PE. There were


THE BAY LIFE PEOPLE

forums where you could express your views. There were different threads and subjects. Because I had a passion for Centrestage and knowing all their shows, the passion started there. I was asked to be a moderator because people were always asking questions. People felt Centrestage belonged to them. I got to know the team and that’s where it started. I created their events etc and that’s how it began. I started worked with Dan Patlansky, Albert Frost and it grew from there.

So tell us about the first time you both met? Keith, with a naughty smile, responds: Carol was out with a hooker… a Western Province rugby playing hooker and I wasn’t too fond of the leopard print leotard. Carol: Well I thought he was arrogant and I didn’t like moustaches. I thought he was bombastic. It definitely wasn’t love at first sight! I was sitting at my boss’s table and I didn’t think Keith would be interested in me anyway. My date was getting louder and louder. Eventually when we did chat, our first conversation was about music, and I do feel that this mutual interest and love is what brought us together initially.

32 years is an incredible milestone, and you both clearly enjoy life. What can you tell our readers that you attribute to your happy marriage? Keith: The ability to communicate and share your passions. To understand your differences but to embrace and celebrate the overlaps. Communication is key and people tend to give up too quickly. Women are very independent and are too quick to say “I’m outta here”. The key to the survival of a marriage is that it’s an extension of friendship. Before you throw in the towel, focus on

the friendship. Somewhere along the line you need to think…’how do I take it from here to make it work?’ It’s so important to have a shock absorber. Once you’ve let out your frustrations you can let go. You have to be mindful and respectful of your partner and your partner’s emotions. When you hurt a person, you have no chance of recovery! Carol responds laughingly: Yes, all of that and… I’m a very tolerant person. Keith: And let me also add…we are a couple that does things together all the time. Going out without Carol would feel wrong to me! It’s also important to focus on what makes you stronger. We’ve had our set of challenges in life. Carol had two problematic pregnancies and the babies did not survive, so yes, we have had serious tragedies, but we’ve also had our blessings. We have our two children now, Jonty who is 22 and Casey who is 26.

Thank you for sharing that Keith. Carol, how do you handle conflict? Carol: We shout it out, make a noise and sort it out!

So Keith, what is the most romantic thing you have ever done for Carol? Keith: Well, I’ve given her 27 years of maternity leave! But on a serious note, we aren’t really that romantic. But I do things that create social activities for Carol and I’m always there with her, enjoying the opportunity to see her enjoyment. Carol: Keith is extremely generous, thoughtful and he’s very nurturing and an amazing care giver.

Carol, where would you recommend that couples go to for a fun Valentine’s experience?

Carol: We love going to Ginger for a quiet meal. We also enjoy Flava and Le Med’s food is always delicious.

Keith, your recommendation to the romantic couples out there? Keith: Well, I look at my son’s happiness with his girlfriend. They are full of the joys of life and they are such free spirits. Their most romantic thing…they work it out for themselves. They slept on her mother’s roof and built a campsite up there, looked out at the sea and at the stars and saw the moon rise. I’d recommend exactly that!

On the issue of relationships, what would you like to end off with on that topic, Carol? In terms of how they can strengthen their relationships? Carol: They must look at the beauty of the rose, enjoy the fragrance and go with that!

It is always such a pleasure to chat with the ‘KIF family’. You both clearly have a passion and a taste for life. In closing, where do you both see yourselves in 10 years from now? Keith: We enjoy people for a passion for life. If we look at our circle of friends, they all have a passion for life too. Everything of the same, and more of the same! I also want to train and educate the people that work for me to give them a feeling of self worth and respectability. That’s what I really want to do. Carol: I have made a pact with my friends, the “Strumpets”…we will all go to the same old age home, and we’ll rock it out! At my age, I’ll be rocking in a chair, not on stage, but we’ll be rocking it out all the same!

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THE BAY LIFE EDITORIAL

HEALTHY SKIN with

Optiskin

Specialising in skin rejuvenation, Optiskin strives to help you achieve optimum skin health, using innovative, non-invasive products and technology. Your skin is a living, breathing organ, constantly influenced by external and internal factors such as temperature, wind, what you eat and drink, stress, the products you apply, hormones, sleep and exercise to name but a few.

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We believe that by working together and using the correct regime for you, optimal skin health is achievable.

latest technology with a new in-motion technique, ensuring a quick, effective and virtually pain free hair removal.

Various treatments are available ranging from facials and Botox treatments to massages, manicures and pedicures and waxing. But the treatment that interests me the most is the laser hair removal. The Harmony Lite laser is the first of its kind in the Eastern Cape. It uses the

So if you are tired of having to shave, wax or pluck unwanted hair, take the first step to permanently eliminate unwanted hair and contact Optiskin today.

041 819 7310 or 082 578 3054


THE BAY LIFE COMPETITION

COMPETITION! Take a selfie with a landmark and stand a chance to WIN! 3 PRIZES UP FOR GRABS:

- A Facial for February - A Rejuvenation peel for March - A SERIES of laser hair removal treatments

TOTAL VALUE OVER R3000! Send your entry to info@thebaylife.co.za or post it to www.facebook.com/TheBayLifePE and you could see yourself in print! terms and conditions apply

READ PREVIOUS ISSUES ONLINE!

the bay life

The BAY Life is a monthly community lifestyle magazine focusing on the local people, places and events in and around The Friendly City, Port Elizabeth - South Africa.

www.thebaylife.co.za CAZ&CREW | 19


THE BAY LIFE HEALTH & WELLNESS

By: Sharon Jessup BOOT CAMP ACADEMY SOUTH AFRICA

New Year & New Beginnings

MOTIVATION

A new year will always begin at the end of the previous year – guaranteed. And although we’re into February already, in my experience, most people (myself included) really only start their “new year and new beginning” in February.

I want to raise a few questions you should ask yourself: 1.

2.

3.

How do you take advantage of this fascinating fact that at the beginning of each year you get a new, blank page? A page that is waiting for you to fill it with your dreams, aspirations and goals? How many times do you find yourself filling this blank page with old and irrelevant ideas from last year? Are you using an ineffective approach / life philosophy from previous years?

2. Try new things:

This is one of the major tools that will allow you to grow and develop. The best way to make a new year better than the previous year is through selfexamination.

Who doesn’t want to “collect” new experiences? Whether it’s a new job, a new spouse, a new hobby, a new car or a new holiday destination – the beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to make a change and gain new experiences with which you can build the history of your life.

Self-examination allows you to review the past year and answer questions like: •

What did you do better? / Where did you succeed beyond your expectations?

What did you do wrong and what can you learn from it? / Where did you fail?

Who do you have to thank?

Who do you need to forgive and to whom should you apologize?

Such experiences can be spiritual or material, they can be large or small. These experiences are the things that make a new year a GREAT year.

3. Try old things once more: Sometimes the difference between success and failure is just trying one more time. A new year brings a different perspective.

“It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.” - ROBERT H. GODDARD

Answering these questions will help you become more aware of content that you pour into YOUR new year. A new year always brings new opportunities, as well as old opportunities we already forget.

Here are some opportunities that I strongly recommend:

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1. Self-examination:

What special things do you remember from the past year?

Where you stand in terms of realizing your goals and dreams?

These are important questions that you may want to follow up throughout the year. Remember, self-examination is your history and if you don’t study your history, you’re bound to repeat it.

Here is a great quote by Robert H. Goddard: “It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow”. There’s a chance that things you thought were impossible for you last year, are definitely possible now! A new year can bring a new approach. A new year is a good opportunity to “attack” a stubborn challenge; a new year is a great opportunity to change your approach and attitude.


THE BAY LIFE HEALTH & WELLNESS

4. Keep in touch: We all have a friend we haven’t been in touch with for a long time. There are many reasons for this, and we shouldn’t beat ourselves up about it. But the New Year is a special period of time in which you leave the reasons aside and move into action. Call that person and set up a coffee date - it’s an excellent way to re-establish the connection and a great way begin the year!

5. Set new goals: Setting goals is as important as breathing oxygen. It focuses you and gives you the strength to continue in spite of the uncertainties and difficulties – whether your goal is to get fit, lose weight, become financially “free”, or anything else. Many successful people will tell you that setting goals is one of the main reasons that make you get up in the morning with a smile on your face, even when the

situation is not that good. The beginning of the New Year (immediately after the self-examination) is the perfect time to set yourself some new goals. Boot Camp Academy SA has JUST launched our new wellness program that will assist all our clients to do JUST THAT! The wellness program covers every aspect of wellness and setting wellness goals – from your physical wellness (fitness, health and nutrition), to work-life balance, spiritual and emotional wellness and so much more!

In summary then: There are many things that can and should be done with the arrival of a new year, and this article merely touches on some of the most important ones. But if you make sure to take advantage of the opportunities every year – there is no doubt that every New Year will take you one step further toward your success.

I’d like to end this with the following thoughts: •

Don’t wish for things to be easier – wish to be better.

Don’t wish for fewer problems – wish to have more skills.

Don’t wish for less challenges – wish for more wisdom.

Don’t be afraid to fail – be afraid to not try.

You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep rereading the previous one.

Remember that there are always new beginnings in our lives, every day is a new beginning, so breathe deeply and start again.

I wish you a year of success, a year of fulfilling your dreams, reaching your goals and being the best YOU that you can possibly be.

Boot Camp Academy SA will be there every step of the way to assist everyone to make 2015 their best year ever, and then build on that in the future. See: www.bcasa.co.za

Mobile: 076 722 3782 • Fax: 086 5806320 www.bcasa.co.za CAZ&CREW | 21


THE BAY LIFE INSIGHT

by: Joanne Anthony

DIVORCE

What you need to know GROUNDS FOR A DIVORCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

a) the parties have not lived together as husband and wife for a continuous period of at least one year immediately prior to the date of the institution of the divorce action.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN DIVORCE PROCESS

Dissolution of marriage and grounds of divorce.

b) the Defendant has committed adultery and that the Plaintiff finds it irreconcilable with a continued marriage relationship

A divorce action is instituted by the issuing of a summons. You can divorce in either the Regional Court of the Magistrate Court having jurisdiction in your area or in the High Court.

A South African marriage may be dissolved by a court by a decree of divorce and the only grounds on which such a decree may be granted in terms of the Divorce Act are: a) the irretrievable break-down of the marriage as contemplated in section 4; b) the mental illness or the continuous unconsciousness, as contemplated in section 5, of a party to the marriage.

Irretrievable break-down of marriage as ground of divorce A court may grant a decree of divorce on the ground of the irretrievable breakdown of a marriage if it is satisfied that the marriage relationship between the parties to the marriage has reached such a state of disintegration that there is no reasonable prospect of the restoration of a normal marriage relationship between them. It is not sufficient to simply state that your marriage has broken down irretrievably – you would need to provide the motivating factors / reasons that the marriage has irretrievably broken down: 1.

Lack of meaningful communication;

2.

Counselling has failed;

3.

Intimacy has terminated;

4.

There have been incidents of domestic violence

5.

Constant arguments;

6.

that the other spouse has vacated common home and refuses to return;

7.

Spouse has commenced an inappropriate relationship which Plaintiff finds unacceptable for the continuation of a normal marriage relationship.

Section 4 (2) of the Divorce Act lays down three circumstances which a Court may accept as evidence of irretrievable breakdown of a marriage and these are that:-

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c) the Defendant has in terms of a sentence of a Court been declared a habitual criminal and is undergoing imprisonment as a result of such sentence. In terms of section 4(3) of the Divorce Act the Court has discretion to refuse to grant a divorce order and can insist that the matter is postponed or even dismiss the Plaintiff’s action for divorce if the Court is of the view that there is a reasonable possibility that the parties may become reconciled through marriage counselling, treatment or reflection. The Summons also must contains the averment that further marriage counselling and/or treatment will not result in a reconciliation. This evidence must be led at Court even in unopposed / uncontested divorces. The Court must be satisfied that the marriage has in fact irretrievably broken down and that there is no prospect of the continuation of a normal marriage, before a final divorce order will be granted. The parties must also show the Court that they have made every effort to save their marriage and that their attempts at counselling have failed or that one of the parties refuses to go for marriage counselling.

The first step in the divorce process is that you need to serve a Summons. A divorce summons must be served personally on the defendant by the sheriff of the court. In a divorce action a court has jurisdiction if one or both parties are: •

domiciled in the area of jurisdiction of the court on the date on which the action is instituted; or

ordinarily resident in the area of jurisdiction of the court on the said date and has/have been ordinarily resident in South Africa for a period of not less than one year immediately prior to that date.

There are two types of divorces, the contested or opposed divorce and the uncontested or unopposed. An uncontested divorce is where the parties are able to achieve an agreement which would be documented in a Deed of Settlement. This is the most cost effective option for all parties concerned. An unopposed divorce can be finalized in as little as 6 weeks. If a divorce is opposed it may take between 1 - 2 years, but the majority of opposed divorces settle before they go on trial.

Where the parties live together again after the issue of Summons, it does not automatically terminate the divorce proceedings.

your divorce is uncontested;

your divorce is not complicated;

you have been married for a short period of time;

If the reconciliation after a few months is seemingly unsuccessful, they can proceed on the same Summons. Where a divorce action which is not defended is postponed in order to afford the parties an opportunity to attempt reconciliation, the court may insist that the action be started again from scratch, on the date of resumption thereof, by any other magistrate/ judge of the court concerned in terms of section 4(4) of the Divorce Act.

you don’t have substantial assets to divide;

there are no disputes regarding any children; and/or

you are prepared to do all the admin yourself.

Generally the Pension Fund / Provident Fund is the largest asset in the divorce next to the marital home. The clause relating to the allocation of the Pension


THE BAY LIFE INSIGHT Fund in a divorce Settlement Agreement must be drafted by an attorney who specializes in Divorce Law. The Pension Funds are incredibly strict about wording and they will not hesitate to reject a claim if the clause is not correct which will result in substantial costs being incurred for the client for the matter to be redrafted and resubmitted to court. Section 7(7) of the Divorce Act provides that a person’s pension interest or interest in an annuity fund will be taken into account for the calculation of their estates. The interest is deemed to be an asset in their estate, even though it is not yet payable. The important relevant provisions that deal with the allocation of unaccrued pension benefits to a non-member spouse upon divorce are contained in the Divorce Act and in the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956. (Financial Services Laws General Amendment Act changes Living Annuities and divorce) If couples are married or in a civil union in community of property, each partner will have a claim against the other’s pension fund. The claim will be for half of the pension interest on the date of

divorce. Where couples are married out of community of property with the accrual, the spouse’s pension fund value will be taken into consideration in order to determine the value of his/her estate for purposes of the accrual calculation only. There is no claim against the Pension Fund where couples are married out of community of property without the accrual. The definition of “pension interest” is to be read as including the after-tax withdrawal benefit ( as defined in the rules of the preservation fund) that would be payable to a member if he or she had opted to take a total withdrawal benefit as at the date of divorce. The value of a pension interest is determined by definition in the Divorce Act read with the rules of the particular Pension Fund. A Retirement Annuity is not a “policy” and cannot be ceded. A divorce is a technical process which involves a number of critical issues which must be documented carefully. Parties must be cautious with DO IT

YOURSELF divorces – specifically where children are involved or where there are significant assets, retirement annuities or pension funds, it is always advisable to seek the assistance of an attorney with family law experience or to involve a qualified third-party mediator, so that a detailed and proper settlement agreement (and parenting plan, if necessary) can be drafted and agreed. Fixing drafting errors or trying to resolve what parties thought would be the case and now is not after divorce when it is not contained in the Settlement Agreement can end up being a nightmare for all concerned and a costly legal exercise. It is always in everyone’s best interests to consult with a lawyer when getting a divorce. If the parties are settling – the settlement agreement should be drafted correctly to prevent any future issues and this drafting should be done by a properly trained legal professional, preferably a divorce law specialist. For more information – please visit www. anthonyinc.co.za or call 041 5825150 for a consultation. Joanne Anthony Incorporated is located at 9 Bird Street, Central, Port Elizabeth.

Specializing in Family Law and Divorce Law Joanne Anthony is a Divorce and Family Law Attorney in Port Elizabeth and was admitted as an attorney in 2000. Joanne is a practicing attorney in the High Court, who specializes in Family Law and Divorce Law at Anthony Incorporated. As a Family Law expert, Joanne is the lecturer for LEAD (Legal Education and Development) for the Law Society of South Africa for Matrimonial Property Matters and Gender Law. Joanne is also the chairperson of the South Eastern Dispute Resolution Association as well as the Vice President of the local South Eastern Cape Attorneys Association. Joanne Anthony is also a member of the Family Law Forum for the Cape Law Society.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE INCLUDE: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Divorce Law Family Law Divorce Mediation Parenting Plans Parental Responsibilities and Rights Custody (care and contact) of children Antenuptial contracts Unmarried father’s rights Domestic violence matters International divorce law Maintenance Adoption

CONTACT DETAILS: Office: 041 582 5150 / 48 • Fax: 041 582 4920 • Mobile: 083 207 6250 • Email: joanne@anthonyinc.co.za Address: 9 Bird Street, Central, Port Elizabeth • www.anthonyinc.co.za

CAZ&CREW | 23


THE BAY LIFE COMMUNITY

By: Nicky Volker

INTERVIEW

Rotary’s Angela Newton Rotary is an international service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services and to encourage high ethical standards. There are numerous clubs in Port Elizabeth and they are actively involved throughout the year on projects in the community. Today we chat with Port Elizabeth’s very own Angela Newton, past club president, and active Rotarian for 19 years. She is also the ‘Paul Harris Fellow Recognition’ recipient, due to her phenomenal work in the Port Elizabeth community. Angela chats with us today about one of her

biggest passions - her involvement with Rotary International and community based projects. Angie, as she is more commonly known amongst her friends and family, grew up in Port Elizabeth and is hugely passionate about this city. She joined Rotary in 1995 and in doing so, was the youngest female Rotarian in Africa. After completing her B.Com Law and honours in business management, her career aspirations took her to the UK, where she proceeded to continue with her Rotarian commitments as a Rotary club member for rotary clubs in the UK and Ireland.

Angela, tell us about your highlights during your many years as a Rotarian? Well, I remember a definite highlight was when we raised £100 000 for an eye hospital by arranging a fundraising dinner in the UK in 2004. Another incredible memory for me was climbing Kilimanjaro for the Khayalethu Street Children’s Haven in Port Elizabeth. We successfully raised £4000 in doing so.

Wow, that’s really impressive! Please tell our readers exactly what Rotary is all about, and what it means to you?

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It’s the biggest charity in the world. It is truly an incredible thing to be part of a community where people are like minded and you get a synergy of this like minded community that is over a million strong. It is a place where one can go to benefit your community with this amazing powerhouse behind you - with the machine that is the Rotary foundation. It is honestly phenomenal to conceive what is possible.

Who was your inspiration to join and become such an active person in the community? Since I was little, my mom always made us aware of community. I remember being four years old and my mom and a friend would take food parcels to the poor and they would take me along. Some of you may remember Samantha Bunce who needed a liver transplant in Cambridge, UK. When my mom found out about Samantha’s story, she immediately made it her mission to assist the family to get the money needed for the operation, which she did and the operation was a success. This also resulted in the surgeon travelling with Samantha to obtain an understanding of the operation, and this proceeded to result in further success stories here


THE BAY LIFE COMMUNITY

locally. This was such a huge inspiration to me of selfless deeds.

What memories have particularly stood out during your years working with other Rotarians that would interest our readers who may wish to become part of this global organization? I had a scary situation once which occurred shortly after I moved to the UK. The position that I had applied for fell through. The president of our rotary club was a saint of a lady called Elaine. She approached me and saw something was wrong. What had happened was that my accommodation had fallen through, it was around the time of September 11th, so all the companies were on a head freeze and I had just arrived there with a one way ticket. I had no place to live, no way home and no job. She took one look at me, offered me accommodation, meals and a temporary position until something became available for me. I will never ever forget the kindness of Rotarians and I continue to see it all the time in the work that I do with them in Port Elizabeth.

“Save a Pet’, “Kleinskool Community Outreach” and “The Rhino Foundation”. We also assisted the Cheshire homes in Cleary Park. The residents there had very limited space and we extended their outside area by 42 square meters with an expanded ability to turn their wheelchairs and easier outside access. From money raised, we put in new paving, shade cloth, scented plants like rosemary and they can now enjoy fresh air and sunshine. These people have no financial support and rely so much on charity. For them to just get out and look at the birds, it was a hugely rewarding experience to be a part of with Rotary. Rotary focuses on humanity, not only people but all of God’s creatures.

going on. Like our club’s face book page www.facebook.com/RotaryPEWest and contact Steven Lancaster, our current Rotary president. His email address is 1000steven@gmail.com or he can be reached on +27 76 027 5280. It is really only an hour a week and you will learn about all of our projects and get as involved as you chose to be. It’s very project specific so you can decide what you wish to participate in. We end off our chat with Angela allowing me to sample some of her delicious home grown organic products which she grows in her own garden and makes in her kitchen. Ranging from basic pesto, blueberry preserve, chutneys to liqueurs. This sure is one talented lady!

If someone wanted to become a Rotarian, how would they go about it and what words of wisdom would you like to impart to them from your experience?

We wish Angela all of the best with her new business ventures, and I hope that you, our readers, feel as inspired as I am to continue to support and get involved with this amazing community of Port Elizabeth!

We have weekly meetings which they could attend to learn more about what is

To read up more on Rotary, visit their website www.rotarypewest.org.za and like the Facebook page.

Photo by Fredlin Adriaan for The Herald

Most Port Elizabethans have heard of the Tree of Joy. That is one of Rotary’s projects. Please tell us more about that and other projects that you have enjoyed working on? The Tree of Joy is a wonderful initiative which 50 charities benefit from in the local community and this includes babies from 9 months to the elderly at 90 years old. It all begins again at the end of the year. From the efforts put in by the Rotarians and the generosity of the public, over 3500 people receive a gift at Christmas time. We also have our yearly wine auction from which money raised goes to

CAZ&CREW | 25


THE BAY LIFE TRAVEL & TOURISM

Culinary Tour of Ireland 11 Day Self Drive Tour (B&B)

WHAT’S INCLUDED: •

Return flights to Dublin from Cape Town including airline levy

Guinness Storehouse

Jameson Heritage Centre

11 days car hire

Butter Factory

Services Included

English Market

10 nights accommodation in 3/4* hotels

Ring of Kerry

Full Irish breakfast daily

Dingle Peninsula

This self-drive tour can be designed to accommodate entry & exit through alternative routes

Bunratty Castle and Folks Park

Burren Smokehouse

Aran Islands

Lockes Distillery - only small pot still whiskey distillery remaining in Ireland

Highlights (does not include entrance fees)

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Duration: 9 Nights Validity: 1 Jan to 16 Mar 2015 Departs from: Cape Town

9 Nights from only R15 971 pp Vanessa: 041 360 7861 Email: vanessatnt@telkomsa.net Cell: 083 457 9004 or 082 312 6541


THE BAY LIFE TRAVEL & TOURISM

By: Vanessa Prinsloo TRAVEL

Get Adventurous!

This month I thought I should feature a bit of adventure travel for those who like to get active while on holiday and not just sit on a tour bus – a whole different way of experiencing a country! There are so many things you could do – from hiking to cycling, river rafting and kayaking – the possibilities are endless. But very importantly, before embarking on any adventure or active tour, there are a few things to keep in mind. You don’t need to be exceptionally fit for some of these tours but you need to choose an option that will be equal to your level of fitness and the time you wish to spend on your activity. Also – very important - make sure that your travel insurance that you take out will cover you for the type of activity/ activities that you are going to take part in. Trekking adventures are great – there are many of these available, for example trekking Kilimanjaro, Patagonia , Mont Blanc in Europe, Inca trails in South America , Morocco and the list goes on. Just remember that the air is a bit thinner the higher you go up the mountains so you need to go slowly. The more time you give yourself to acclimatize to it, the better. You will have some gear as well for these kinds of trips, but mostly on well organised tours the majority of your gear will be carried for you - although you may have to carry a small backpack

on your trek. Then there are also cycling tours which are a fantastic way to see a country at your own pace – or if you prefer something a bit more challenging, there are also cycling tours with a nice fast pace. On all these tours, you will have a tour director or a local guide who will be able to assist you along the route and explain the history and details of the area as you go. On most of these tours you won’t have to take your own bicycle with you or cycling equipment either, but you are also free to bring it if you like. Just remember that on most airlines a bicycle is seen as excess luggage, and if it does not weigh in as part of your free checked luggage, it can be a costly piece of luggage to take with you. Each airline has its own costing on bicycles, so my advice would be to check with the airline/agent first about taking your own with you. It may just be worth using the tour’s one as it might save you your well earned money. Not to mention, lots of hassle. Also, when on cycling tours, these tour operators will normally take your baggage separately, and ahead of you to the next overnight accommodation. So you won’t have the added effort of trying to balance a heavy bag on your bicycle! There are lots of tours worldwide for cycling – from Tuscany in Italy to Burma and Thailand to Costa Rica and Panama.

For travellers who like a little bit of everything when it comes to being active on holiday, the ultimate is a multisport tour. This will typically include white-water rafting, trekking, mountain climbing and mountain biking all in one tour. Places that you could visit for this kind of an adventure would be Costa Rica, USA’s National parks or Alaska, or even more surprising: China! Once again, the tour will include someone making sure your luggage arrives at your end destination for the night before. That way you can concentrate on getting the most out of your hiking, biking, climbing and kayaking experience that day. So for the more active and adventurous travellers out there, the tours and possibilities of what you can do and see on your next holiday are endless! There are also marine tours which include tours on small ships, exclusive yachts and catamarans where you can dive and explore. There are also family tours where the whole family can join in and explore places like Tanzania, Thailand, Europe and more, all with age appropriate activities to cater for everyone in the family. There are even tours where you could rent out a villa or go on a French river barge or community homestay in the Amazon. Nothing is impossible! So for your next trip, why not try something completely out of your comfort zone and GO ACTIVE!

CAZ&CREW | 27


THE BAY LIFE GET OUTSIDE

RELATIONSHIPS

Get your Heart Going this Valentines Day!

By Derryn Lynn Fuller Everyday should be an opportunity to shower affection upon your significant other, but that one special day, dedicated to love and affection is always the right time to go big. This is the time when all the shops are burgeoning with heart shaped

Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure

chocolates, large, cuddly teddy bears proclaiming how much they love you and helium filled balloons sporting every romantic themed message you could dream up. Valentines Day is upon us again and now is the time to show your partner just how special they are to you. However, the prospect of matching bathrobes, a deep tissue massage and an endless stream of champagne whilst you share a box of those chocolate hearts is not every couple’s idea of the perfect Valentines day. Roses may wilt but memories last forever. This article is for those couples who crave adrenalin, excitement and the opportunity to share a fun-filled adventure with their loved one. So romantic adventurers, look no further – here are your plans for this Valentines weekend! Living in the Bay is ideal – we have every comfort and opportunity to socialise in the bustling hub of the city but when we crave a break from our busy lives and wish to get back in touch with nature, we need only travel a few hours to find ourselves in a foliage filled paradise. There are so many exciting opportunities for an adventurous break but we will be giving our suggestions for your Valentines weekend. Tsitsikamma, which means ‘place of abundant water’, is often referred to as the ‘garden of the garden route’. It is a forest filled paradise where trees, as old as time itself, tower above you, allowing for pools of sunlight to break through, highlighting the lush, green foliage. This area is also a treasure trove of fun and exciting adventures for couples to partake in, whilst also experiencing the natural beauty of our coast.

Phone: 082 578 1090 www.tsitsikammaadventure.co.za

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After a relaxing drive up from our windy city, your weekend should start off with a visit to the world’s highest bungy jump bridge with Face Adrenalin. You will have the opportunity to


THE BAY LIFE GET OUTSIDE view the Bloukrans River Valley in all of its majesty as you jettison yourself from the bridge, really getting the adrenalin going on your first official Valentines activity. To celebrate Valentines Day weekend, you and your partner will have the opportunity to get the endorphins going at half the price. So this is without question, your first stop on your weekend’s adventure! After you’ve tested the laws of gravity at the Bloukrans bridge, visited the gift shops, perhaps purchased a commemorative video and stopped by the restaurant, you can move along to the next leg of your journey.

“We love because it’s the only true adventure.”

Face Adrenalin +27 (0) 42 – 281 1458

www.faceadrenalin.com Telephonic Bookings Essential Bring Advert to take advantage of Valentines Day Special

Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure 082 578 1090

www.tsitsikammaadventure.co.za R375 pp but if you bring with our publication you will receive the discounted rate of R315 pp

Untouched Adventures www.untouchedadventures.com R399 pp book online

- NIKKI GIOVANNI

The Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure Zip line allows for a unique, panoramic view across the Tsitsikamma river as you sail back and forth through the natural greenery of its beautiful forests. From the safety of your harness above, you will have the opportunity to glide over majestic waterfalls with your partner, taking in the glorious beauty of nature over the 40 minute trip. Then after you’ve had the unique experience of sailing through the trees together, you can take to the water. This adventure will be a two to three hour excursion through the Tsitsikamma National Park exploring the Storm’s river gorge. An intricate and exciting trip through its steep cliffs, mysterious caves and long, deep pools, starting off on kayaks and eventually switching to inflatable lilos as you make your way further into the picturesque gorge. After a day filled with such adventure, you’ll probably want to end off with some luxury – maybe partake in some of that earlier mentioned champagne – and Tsitsikamma offers a wide variety of accommodation ranging from self - catering chalets out in the forest to more luxurious hotel rooms with room service. So if you are a couple who crave the thrill of adventure, this weekend is for you – most importantly, is it the opportunity to spend time as a couple doing the things that you love. Have an amazing, romantic and thrilling Valentines weekend!

CAZ&CREW | 29


THE BAY LIFE GET OUTSIDE

OUTDOOR

Who will be crowned King of the Valley? By: Caryn Smith

Big O Event Management presents a trail running event on the 7th of February in the middle of Port Elizabeth on the Baakens Valley trails. This event will allow athletes the opportunity to see what amazing trails we have hidden in our beautiful city.

the race organiser, and I was amazed by this gem right in our backyard. Baakens Valley runs right through the heart of PE, with a network of trails crisscrossing the valley. The most popular starting point is at Profiles Health Club, where this event will take place.

This is the second trail running event organised by Big O Event Management, after the highly successful Big 9 Turbine trail run in November last year.

Participants can enter either the 5km (R100) or 12km (R140) trail run. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 males and females in each distance. Online entries close on the 4th of February at midnight,

I walked parts of the route with Chris,

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but you can enter on the day as well. Registration and late entries open (add R30 to entry fee for admin) at 6am. The race starts at 7:45am. Jumping castles, music, a lucky draw and marvellous food and coffee stalls will keep you entertained, so bring the whole family along for a day out and about in the trails. For more info visit www.bigosports.co.za or find them on Facebook.


THE BAY LIFE GET OUTSIDE

CAZ&CREW | 31



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