Travelmagsa_Issue_29

Issue 29 • 1 November 2016

Discovering the Cape

With CEO of Cape Town Tourism

Take to the Seas

Cape Town through the eyes of a local

Uncovering the Robertson Wine Valley

Tulip Mania and Futures Market

Travel | Tourism | Industry News | Food & Wine | Entertainment | Books 1

Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 29

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Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 29

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South Africa Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 29

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From the Editor...

Publishers Details: Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc, Johannesburg, South Africa

Our November issue takes you to my favourite place, Cape Town, and the CEO of Cape Town Tourism Enver Duminy shares with us the very best of the Mother City.

We also take a look at this City of plenty, through the eyes of a local, and take a cruise with Waterfront Charters. We spent a weekend in the Roberson Valley, and share this sacred place with you.

Publishing Editor: Justine Engelbrecht justine@findingfabulous.co.za • Cell: 074 440 8668 Contact for all Editorial & Advertising enquiries.

Editorial Design Concept, Production & Layout: Eye-4-Design • Eva Govender eva@eye-4-design.co.za • Cell: 071 059 8301 Contributors in this Issue: Penelope Jolliffe – CT Freelance Writer Fern Ostrowick – JNB Freelance Writer Nidha Narrandes – CT Freelance Writer’ Enver Duminy – CEO Cape Town Tourism Amanda Hardy – PR - Trafalgar

Uniworld boutique river cruise collection shares their 10-day Tulips & Windmills cruise from Amsterdam to Antwerp and the Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time cruise.

Explore Sideways has extended their amazing offer to TravelMagSA Finding Fabulous and Fern of the Vine readers to get an incredible R500 off any full day tour booked before 31 January, 2017 using the coupon code “fernofthevine.” This is a great way to spoil yourself or a loved one this coming season.

e n i t s u J e v o L

We hope you enjoy this issue.

If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20

Contents

e-Published 2016 © Monthly by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc. All rights reserved. Travelmagsa Finding Fabulous is registered by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA ISSN 2220 – 413X While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this 29th edition of TravelmagSA, no responsibility can be accepted for quality of goods and services supplied by advertisers and sponsors. The publisher accepts no responsibility for material submitted by any client for reproduction, in regard to all relevant laws and regulations.

Concept, text, covers and title of TravelmagSA is Copyright © and may not be reproduced by any process without the prior written permission of the publisher. The Publisher would like to thank all photographers, contributors, sponsors, advertisers and all parties involved for this exciting 29th edition.

On The Cover:

Lukimbi Safari Lodge

INSIDE FRONT COVER

Jozini Tiger Lodge 3 Fern of the Vine – Food / Wine / Travel 4 Discovering the Cape 7 – With CEO of Cape Town Tourism 8 – Take to the Seas 10 – Cape Town through the eyes of a local 12 – Uncovering the Robertson Wine Valley 14

Issue 29 • 1 November 2016

Discovering the Cape

With CEO of Cape Town Tourism

Take to the Seas

Cape Town through the eyes of a local

Uncovering the Robertson Wine Valley

International Travel 18

– Tulip Mania and the Future’s Market

Tulip Mania and Futures Market

Book Reviews 20 Theatre Back Cover

– Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Travel | Tourism | Industry News | Food & Wine | Entertainment | Books

click here to Book Accommodation on our website Read our Blog: www.findingfabulous.co.za for Latest Travel & Tourism News, Articles and Posts.

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Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 29

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tel: (035) 572 1020 | fax: (035) 572 1114 reservations@jozinitigerlodge.co.za | www.jozinitigerlodge.co.za Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 29

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Fern of the Vine – Food, Wine, Travel

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verywhere I go in the world and everyone I discuss wine with always raves about South Africa’s excellent white wines.

Of all our wines, probably the most well recognised and best loved is Chenin Blanc.

This humble grape may have originated in the Loire valley in France, but right here at the Southern tip of Africa we have sculpted it into a celebrity.

Chenin Blanc (also known locally as “Steen”) is the most widely planted grape variety in South Africa – accounting for around 18% of our vineyards.

In addition to this, South Africa has the most plantings of Chenin Blanc of any wine region in the world.

a year or two old or if you have the fortitude, mature it in your cellar. The back of the bottle will usually give you an indication of how long the wine will take to age. As a general rule whites can be matured for around 2-3 years maximum – occasionally longer, depending on the amount of time the wine spent in oak barrels. As wooded whites go, Chardonnay has always been the go-to girl, but trust me, oaked Chenin Blanc is chardonnay’s trendy hipster cousin.

Wooded whites like to be served a little warmer at around 11°C – too cold and you will dull those concentrated intense flavours imparted by the oaking. The wood is going to elevate the Chenin’s characteristics to another level. Added to the usual tart fruit flavours you’ll find richer notes on the mid-palate. Butterscotch, vanilla, toasted almonds, sweet spices, lemon curd, crème caramel or toast. The mouthfeel will also be creamier and feel “heavier” on your tongue. That earthy flinty note coupled with that brisk acidity gives you a fresh, palate-cleansing finish.

Due to its high yielding vines and versatility, Chenin was planted in great numbers by our first viticulturists. It is used for everything from distilling brandy to adding bulk to white blends and making our world famous noble late harvest dessert wines. Chenin Blanc had a bad rap in the past for being a cheap low quality wine, but over the past few years, our winemakers have been working hard to change Chenin’s image and it’s paying off. Because so many of our Chenin vines are so old, we can craft wines of great depth and intensity of flavour. Quality has improved dramatically and now the whole world is clamouring to get their hands on top quality South African Chenin Blancs. You will find an extensive variety in your local supermarket or liquor store in a wide price range. Prices start from as little as R25 a bottle and go up to a few hundred Rand plus at the very top end.

However, even though some of these expensive wines are excellent, a R30 to R40 bottle of unoaked Chenin Blanc can be the perfect everyday summery quaffer.

If your mouth is not watering with wine lust by now, then you need to have your heart restarted. The great thing about Chenin is that she’s a real foodie. One of the most versatile varietals, Chenin pairs beautifully with a wide variety of fare.

Young, zesty unwooded Chenins are the perfect partner to all kinds of seafood – fish, shellfish, scallops, calamari, sushi and oysters. Next time you have fish and chips or seafood pasta, this is the wine to drink. Serve with hors d’oeuvres like fish pâtés or an old fashioned shrimp cocktail – Chenin loves avocado – or mild cheeses like goat’s cheese or cream cheese and fruits like apples and pears. Light meals like chicken salads, risotto (wild mushroom risotto would be my choice) or anything made with asparagus, peas or yoghurt go beautifully with Chenin.

Unoaked Chenin is the most popular style. These wines are young and refreshing with a fruit forward style and made to be drunk immediately - which is excellent news if you’re anything like me and are too impatient to wait for a wine to mature. Serve ice cold at around 8°C which is around fridge temperature. Chenin’s bouquet is heavenly! Whiffs of fruit basket – pineapple, nectarines, apricots, tangerines, pears, passion fruit, and melon or tart apples. Expect also honey, ginger, orange blossom or even some fynbos notes.

On entry, the palate should have a bracing acidity which is a perfect foil to the rich fruity mouth-filling flavours. Taste profiles will range from tropical and stone fruits to granny smith apples with an underlying sweetness of honey or caramel which Chenin is well known for. Hints of chalky minerals provide a clean finish.

If you really want to impress your dinner guests, serve an oaked Chenin Blanc. Oaked wines are made to age – less so for whites - so either buy a bottle that is already about

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If you are serving richer dishes with creamy sauces then a weightier, velvety wooded Chenin Blanc puts her hand up (wearing her hipster, multi-coloured crochet cardigan, and skinny jeans.)

Meat like pork (roasted pork belly with apple sauce), veal, lobster and roast chicken tick all the right boxes and if you’re thinking of having turkey with cranberry sauce for Christmas lunch this year – a good South African Chenin Blanc is the winning combination. Roasted root vegetables carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes and butternut are perfect side dishes to serve with your meal. A medium-dry Chenin which is a tad sweeter is wonderful paired with mild fruity curries. Cape Malay curries, bobotie and of course creamy Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala (not strictly Indian but we all love it!), butter chicken or chicken korma.

I am confident that by now you are salivating at the thought of a chilled glass of Chenin Blanc standing gracefully beside your plate jam-packed with something delicious. You’re welcome. My job here is done. If, however, you’re far too slothful to even think of cooking, just chill your little Chenin Blanc and enjoy on its own, al fresco, watching the sunset.

That’s just what I’m doing. Until next month – Cheers!

Fern of the Vine – Food, Wine, Travel

Take the Wine Route Less Travelled with this fabulous offer!

Get off the beaten track and experience the South African winelands like never before.

Feeling jolly yet? I know you don’t need reminding, but Christmas is just around the corner! We all have that one person in our life who is impossible to buy a gift for but fear not, for glad tidings I bring! Do they love travelling, awe-inspiring scenery, excellent food, adventure, romance, surfing or wildlife and most importantly – do they love drinking wine? If the answer to any of these questions is a resounding “Yes!” then your gifting dilemmas are over!

Explore Sideways has extended their amazing offer to TravelMagSA Finding Fabulous and Fern of the Vine readers. Get an incredible R500 off any full day tour booked before 31 January, 2017 using the coupon code “fernofthevine” Look no further - this is the perfect way to spoil a loved one this Christmas and, if not someone else, why not spoil yourself? There is a tour for everyone!

Explore Sideways offers a bespoke collection of Sideways tours that are outfitted for discerning and curious travellers seeking unique experiences and unforgettable moments. There is a ‘fabulous’ tour for everyone whether you’re a high-flying wine connoisseur seeking out the best of SA or you’re a family looking for fun and adventure, they have a spectrum of activities, sights and tastes! All tours are ‘Sideways approved’ and what this means is that the Sideways team brings years of experience from both the wine and events industry, allowing guests insider access to exceptional artisan wineries, culinary delights, barrel tastings, and access to private estates and gardens. They treat every private day tour as a personalised event and consider everything, even down to the perfect seat in each tasting room. Whether you’re a sip-savvy surfer or a discerning wine connoisseur, they have an accredited guide that cannot wait to share in your passion, and show you the incredible sights of South Africa.

Founded in 1679 by the Governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel, Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s oldest and loveliest towns. Boasting stunning oak-lined streets, historic buildings and gorgeous scenery, Stellenbosch is also globally recognised as being one of the premier wine growing regions in the world – home to some of the most prestigious wine estates in the country.

Best of Stellenbosch Wine Region

With Explore Sideways’

full day tour, get an inside look into this town, celebrated throughout history for its wine, food, people and culture. Sip on stunning wines surrounded by the dramatic mountainous landscapes. Let them take you off the beaten track and into some of the hidden gems that make this region a bucket list item for any visitor to Cape Town.

Start your day with a stroll through the cellar at Jordan Wine Estate while tasting their soil-centric wines. Then taste more award winning wines and learn how baroque music is played to the vines at De Morgenzon. Sip on Stellenbosch estate wines while you stroll through the on-site art gallery and rugby memorabilia centre. Next, check out the estate grown Tapestry Gardens, home to a variety of indigenous South African plants and fynbos. End the day with a chocolate and wine or olive and wine pairing sitting in a tasting room perched above the Stellenbosch valley.

Rate Includes: Pick up and drop off from your accommodation in and around Cape Town, private guide/driver, vineyard tour, 3 wine tastings, 1 wine and chocolate/ olive pairing experience.

Rate Excludes: lunch and optional visits.

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Fern of the Vine – Food, Wine, Travel If you are a wine enthusiast, you will know that South Africa has some heavyweight big name wine estates which produce fine red wines, many of which have becomes icons, not just locally, but internationally as well. We also have our own unique South African grape variety – Pinotage. Bred by Professor Abraham Izak Perold, first professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University back in 1925, Pinotage was made by crossing the two French grapes Cinsaut (known in South Africa as hermitage) and Pinot Noir. Some of our wine estates are experts in the making of Pinotage and produce wines of excellent quality. Join Explore Sideways on a full day tour to discover the wines and wineries that have contributed to the distinct heritage of the South African wine industry – celebrated for full bodied, top quality red wines.

On The Big & The Bold – Red Wine Tour, start by tasting the awardwinning Rubicon red blend at Meerlust. This is followed by Pinotage tasting at Kanonkop (on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains in Stellenbosch) and wine tasting in the cobwebbed cellar of Muratie. Finally, enjoy a Cabernet tasting at Rust en Vrede (chosen by President Nelson Mandela to be served at the Nobel Peace Prize Dinner, first red wine listed in the Top 100 Wines of the World.) Stock up on these award winning wines to enjoy at home.

Rate Includes: Pick up and drop off from your accommodation in and around Cape Town, private guide/driver, vineyard tour, 4 wine tastings at heritage estates.

Rate Excludes: lunch and optional visits.

To take advantage of this unmissable offer, simply e-mail: info@exploresideways.com or call them on +27 (0) 21 201 6424 and quote “fernofthevine” to enjoy the incredible R500 discount. www.exploresideways.com

LOCAL TRAVEL

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LOCAL TRAVEL

Discovering

the Cape

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Discov e ring t h e C ap e

Discovering

Enver Duminy, CEO - Cape Town Tourism

the Best of Cape Town with Enver Duminy, CEO at Cape Town Tourism

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isitors to Cape Town are spoilt for choice – but this isn’t a bad thing, it just means that no matter your tastes and the kind of experiences you enjoy while travelling, you’ll find plenty of interest. The best part is that the Mother City is always in the process of reinvention: you’ll never visit the same place twice.

The creative world is abuzz with speculation about how the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is going to appear once it has been completed, and, indeed, the entire Silo District at the V&A Waterfront is going to add an entirely new facet to the attraction. That’s only happening later in 2017, so, in the meantime, visitors will be exploring what’s already up and running.

Come to Cape Town? Come hungry!

Cape Town has been chosen as one of the Top 10 cities in the world for travellers in 2017, according

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to Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel campaign.

The travel authority announced that Cape Town is going to be the second-most sought after place to visit in the world.

With two major international awards relating to the restaurant and bar environment – Best Food City and Best City for Restaurants and Bars, 2016 (via Condé Nast Traveller Awards) this year, the global gourmand has everything to watch out for. The best-known restaurants such as the Test Kitchen have a long reservation period, but the sheer range of venues across the city makes up for this.

A visitor can eat out twice a day for two weeks and not come close to sampling a fraction of what’s on offer, in styles ranging from South African traditional to exciting fusion.

Discov e ring t h e C ap e V&A Waterfront - Hillary Fox

Cable car with Lion’s Head in background - Deon Gurling CTT

Kirstenbosch Galileo open air festival - Troy Davies

The city also caters for Halaal, Banting, Kosher and vegetarian diets. Food is something visitors associate with tourism, and we have it all. The humble Gatsby and the eponymous braai are must-have experiences. Wine tourism is an experience all on its own – with many happy tourists trampling out the vineyards and enjoying wine and chocolate tasting sessions under the Oaks.

While the CBD has plenty to see and do within walking distance, particularly the buildings and museums documenting our national heritage, the suburbs each have their own quirky charm, as do the townships and smaller neighbourhoods. Visitors should check with locals what they’d recommend – everyone has their own favourite spot to hang out.

You should not miss the chance to take the Table Mountain Cableway or the ferry out to Robben Island Museum, but

Chapmans Peak - Hillary Fox

there are lesser-known experiences: a diamond tour, or a kayak trip around the coast to visit the penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach. If researching this all seems a little daunting, we’ve found that a search using #lovecapetown on different social media channels shows what people are enjoying in real time. It’s a great way of tracking positive reviews and some stunning images capturing the heart of tourism around the city.

Want to see, smell, hear and experience more?

Take a walking tour or a bicycle tour. Both will take you closer to the action and help you to walk off the fine dining.

The stunning sunsets the city enjoys will turn any visitor into an amateur photographer, as will the endless coastline, the valleys, hills and mountains and the natural vistas encountered at every turn. The best of Cape Town is what each visitor chooses it to be, but do make sure you return to discover even more of our hidden gems.

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Take to the seas with Waterfront Charters Cruise and Dine Experience and Penn JollifFe.

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slight breeze whipped my hair, as we stepped onto the catamaran Serenity, the day was grey and overcast, but there was no rain and the conditions were perfect. The anticipation was contagious, and the ambience extremely jovial as everyone boarded and found a place to sit or stand.

I noticed a group of ladies nearby were all dressed up as sailors, they were celebrating a kitchen tea, and the bride-to-be was excited. There were couples sitting on the bow of the catamaran, not from Cape Town, and you could tell they too were eagerly looking forward to the trip out of the Cape Town V&A harbour. The crew was all set, they dropped anchor and off we motored. It was fabulous watching busy harbour life from a different view

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point - boats busying themselves to go out into the ocean, catching the last glimpses of the sun, and people bustling around the waterfront enjoying the restaurants and the surrounding views.

The crew came around and gave us glasses of sparkling wine, and as we turned and headed out into the ocean, they brought us blankets. The early evening water was a bit choppy, but we felt completely comfortable, and fortunately no one was soaked by the bigger waves, which did cause a great deal of laughter. Serenity took us between Robben Island and Signal Hill on the mainland; from this vantage point one had an incredible view of the setting sun, the majestic Table Mountain, the city and its surrounds. It was truly beautiful, especially when the sky

Discov e ring t h e C ap e started to turn a beautiful orange - yellow hue blending with the grey clouds. Suddenly there was a commotion of clapping and congratulations were being shouted; a guest had just proposed to his girlfriend, old-fashion styled, down on one knee, and everyone became quite jubilant.

Quite a celebratory evening and definitely the perfect setting to celebrate those special moments.

The sky on the return leg turned a gentle gold, providing the perfect photo opportunity for everyone. Guests had started to relax and conversation brought everyone closer together – locals, guests from The Netherlands, and some Vaalies. (Cape Slang for people living in Johannesburg).

The trip was over all too soon, but the night was not yet over: as we proceeded through the V&A Waterfront, past a number of exclusive stores and indulgent restaurants, until we came to our dinner venue of choice – Meloncino, the traditional Roman food restaurant that we had chosen for our ‘Cruise & Dine’ experience.

The service received from our waiter was impeccable from the beginning, when he brought our starters of mouthwatering mussels, ‘Zuppetta di Cozze in Bianco’ and ‘Insalata di Grappolo d’oro’, tuna salads and the delicious ‘Fagottini di Pollo’ a creamy chicken dish that melted in the mouth. All the above complemented by a superb dry white wine, and then the finale, the decadent ‘Torta Strepitosa ai 3 Cioccolati’ baked cream pasticciera!

can dine at any one of the three chosen restaurants and experience the varied and delicious cuisine.

Visitors and locals can choose from cruising on yachts or powered vessels: the brand new sailing catamaran Serenity One; a classical twin masted sailing schooner Esperance; or for the power option, the fun cruiser based on a sturdy trawler design, Southern Cross. Each one offers a different cruising experience. A lunchtime cruise or a sunset cruise can be enjoyed with some of the Cape’s finest sparkling wines, complemented by the dining experience, as an appetite is always developed when out in the fresh sea air. Whether you enjoy gourmet Mediterranean seafood, mouth-watering steaks, scrumptious pizzas and fresh leafed salads, Meloncino, The Greek Fisherman and City Grill will delight your palate.

Waterfront Charters cruising vessels can be booked for any occasion - parties, office functions, wedding celebrations, or just a quiet romantic cruise for two - and they will assist in planning your perfect experience. A perfect way to make special memories in Cape Town.

All in all it was a truly ‘Fabulous’ evening and a Cruise and Dine Experience we would love to do again. Cruising on one of Waterfront Charters sailing and powered vessels is a great way to end the day, before dining at Meloncino, The Greek Fisherman or City Grill, three renowned restaurants in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. The Cruise and Dine combination offers visitors and locals the opportunity to experience the beautiful views of Cape Town city, majestic Table Mountain and Robben Island offshore.

Once the cruise has returned to the V&A Waterfront, one

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Cape Town Brendon Wainwright

through the eyes of a local

A place where memories are made with Penelope Jolliffe.

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ah, Cape Town, a place that some of us dearly like to call home, while others call it a ‘home from home’. Those that come to visit, always return as its diversity in offerings, and contrasting beauty draws people from all around the globe.

In one day, you can travel around ‘The Mother City’, and you will be able to see everything. To get a birds eye perspective of this incredible peninsula, from the top of Table Mountain - a National Heritage Site - once you have either hiked up one of the gorges, or taken the cable car

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up, there is the view of the city below on the one side, and on the Twelve Apostle’s side, there is the panoramic vista that overlooks Camps Bay and The Atlantic Ocean.

Take the popular drive around the peninsula, from the city through Camps Bay to Hout Bay, and over the famous Chapman’s Peak with its incredible mountainous views, all the way to Cape Point the most south western corner of the continent. While there, for breath taking views of the South Atlantic, take a 585 meter ride, 87 meters high up the Flying Dutchman Funicular.

Discov e ring t h e C ap e Travelling onward, visit Simons Town and stop and see the Cape Penguins at Boulders Beach, as they huddle and waddle around the beach, and swim in the ocean amongst the enormous boulders – a definite must see, Cape experience. Enjoy sunset drinks and dinner at one of the local restaurants, take a stroll around the home to the SA Navy, or visit Kalk Bay, Cape Town’s trendiest and quirkiest village on your way back.

Just when you think you have seen it all - you realise that this is just the beginning as you journey towards the lush wine lands of Paarl, Stellenbosch or Somerset West, set around the Hottentots and Helderberg Mountain Ranges.

Be prepared to taste some of the best wines in the world, and savour food that only the Cape Winelands restaurants can offer. Franschoek is also worth the journey, with its French food and wine influences.

There is nothing better than sitting in lush green vineyards, sipping on a delicious pinotage, whilst enjoying the views of the majestic Table Mountain range in the distance, as the sun slowly sinks behind it, leaving shadows on the land, as you reminisce on the day’s events.

If the sea and beaches are your reason to come to the Cape, it is definitely going to be fun in the sun! The soft white sands of the Cape beaches are inviting, and offer a great day at the beach. If you are a swimmer or surfer or love to kite surf, jet ski, water ski, SUP, windsurf or even go fishing, whatever watersport takes your fancy you can find a place to enjoy these activities.

When the moon comes out at night and dancing takes your fancy, the City Centre has a night life of which it can be proud. Long Street is famous for both clubs and pubs and restaurants. If you prefer something a little fancier there are exclusive restaurants from which to choose, and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront has restaurants that can satiate any palette.

Shopping till you drop! Cape Town is known for its beautifully designed malls, Canal Walk, TygerValley Centre, V&A Waterfront to name a few, where ever you choose to go, this is a shopping paradise. If its markets you love, the Waterfront has much to offer, as does the night market in the Hout Bay harbour and GreenMarket Square in the city bowl.

Cape Town is a city extraordinaire! Capetonian’s will touch your hearts, smile and laugh with you, and help you create memories worth treasuring.

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Uncovering the

Robertson Wine valley – the rustic cousin‌ with Nidha Narrandes Nidha Narrandes recently visited the Robertson Wine Valley, and believes she has found that sacred place - a place to swirl, sip, savour, relax - and repeat.

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Discov e ring t h e C ap e

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f there is any reason to visit the quaint towns in the valley, it would be for the people who graciously opened up their homes, hearts and wines to spoil our palettes. Mostly, people go there for the wine, but that would be second on my list. You never forget great hospitality, and that is why it is firmly my number One. After all, what would great wine be without amazing company to enjoy it with, and the spectacular two-hour drive from Cape Town, is my number three.

Robertson wine valley remains a beautiful secret on Route 62, nestled between the Langeberg and the Riviersondered mountains, and the locals are quite happy to be the rustic cousin of the busier, more popular wine valleys of Stellenbosch and Franschoek.

Eight must visit attractions in the valley Marbrin Olive Farm The area serves up some of the best olive oil in the country.

I must admit that after my visit to Marbrin Olive Farm I have become somewhat of an olive oil snob. No more of that overseas stuff for me, local has won over my tastebuds.

Tripadvisor listed the farm as the number 1 activity in the area, after an olive oil and tapenade tasting session with the very passionate Clive Heymans, I totally understand why. I have never tasted the freshness of olives in olive oil before and one scoop of Marbrin olive oil (there are varying

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Discov e ring t h e C ap e intensities) engaged my senses fully. Their balsamic vinegar is as amazing in flavour, but then they brought out the truffle olive oil and I became a firm supporter of their entire range. The balsamic reduction is a winner too, I am not sure you are meant to eat it by the spoon, don’t judge me.

Fraai Uitzicht A gourmet food and wine pairing at Fraai Uitzicht is a must. Each sublime course was expertly paired with wine from their vineyard. It was the natural, unforced simplicity of ingredients and grapes that created a sensual meal. The Chiang Mai chicken noodle soup paired with the Syrah 2013 is still etched in my memory. Fraai Uitzicht provides a complete guest experience - wine, dine and stay.

Kleinhoekkloof Wines and charcuterie Owner and winemaker Theunis de Jongh and his wife Ronel packed up their lives in Pretoria and relocated to Ashton to shape their dream of owning and making wine.

Theunis is passionate about charcuterie and makes the

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most salivating parma ham, bacon and salami. Ronel tells a funny story of how they serve their Merlot Rose with bacon and eggs. “Our family thinks we are crazy until they taste it. It really is an all day wine. We always surprise people who stay over with some wine with their breakfast, it just works,” says Ronel. Crisp and refreshing, the Merlot Rose 2014 is unusually dry, according to the De Jonghs this is their dark horse wine. It is not quite what you expect.

Kranskop Wines Watching the sun descend on the grapes and disappear at Kranskop Wines was breathtaking. There is a viewing deck that allows you to sip on your vino while taking in the splendour of the vineyards. Winemaker Newald Marais lights up when he talks about wine, his passion is palpable. An unusual Viognier 2012 makes up part of his wine selection and the taste is a revelation. Paired with spicy food, the Viognier has a fynbos aroma with peach and almond tones. The Kranskop range are unique in their flavours, it must have something to do with Marais years of experience.

Discov e ring t h e C ap e Excelsior Wines Excelsior offers a unique experience, by allowing you to create, bottle and label your very own blend. It is an empowering experience, one that makes you believe that you too can do this professionally. Not! The bottling station sits over a dam; test out the sumptuous reds and blend your very own bottle. The popular Graze restaurant is perfect for family outings, there is a fun play area for the kids, surrounded by rolling green lawns and horses. The bed and breakfast has an old farm house feel to it, with the luxuries of wifi and a ‘bear’ breakfast. If you visit the valley you just must stay at Excelsior.

Tanagra Boutique Distillery Wow! That lemon grappa blew my socks off.

After much wine tasting, it is a nice change of pace to try something a little different.

Tanagra has expertly blended wines, but their grappa and liqueurs are phenomenal. Grappa is traditionally distilled from grape skins and fermented fruit, which gives it the distinct flavouring. The orange liqueur is a winner. Too many shots of the grappa, and you won’t be able to drive, which might not be the worst thing, Tanagra offers a guest house to lay your grappa filled head.

Lord Wines Picture a picnic laid out in the middle of a sloping vineyard. Cheese boards, flowing wine, good company and nature. An interesting winery, Lords is modelled on the cricket stadium in London. Cricket crazy owner Jacie Oosthuizen is clearly not only passionate about the game, he is creating world class wines too. Maybe it was the sun, or maybe it was the Chardonnay 2015, that caused a deliriously whimsical afternoon of fun. This is a sure fire way of spending a fabulous afternoon.

Paul Rene MCC There is something truly special about people who invite total strangers into their home for a sunday morning bubbly tasting. Henk and Monica van Niekerk are exceptional hosts and their love for what they do shines through in their label, Paul Rene MCC. It took several years to get the bubbly to your fridge, but once you open up a bottle and savour the taste, you know it was worth the wait.

Paul Rene Mcc Brut is a welcome addition to the brand. It packs a celebratory taste, isn’t that what bubbly is for after all. Monica graciously opened up her art room and taught

us how to print screen material over a glass of perfectly chilled bubbles. It is the warmth of their love, that shines through in everything they touch.

There are so many unique experiences in Robertson Wine Valley, so it’s best to visit for a week and take in all it has to offer. There are guesthouses, hotels and self-catering accommodation that start from R400pp, which is a bargain for what you get to experience. Your stay is anything but dull. With a river meandering through the towns, there are boat cruises to while away your day, or vineyard picnics for a change of scenery. A little quieter, a lot friendlier and with a little more dirt on the tractor wheels, Robertson Wine Valley’s secret is out - it’s an amazing holiday relaxanation (relax-destination). www.robertsonwinevalley.com • Tel: 023 626 3167

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I nt e rnational T rav e l

Tulip Mania and the Futures Market River Duchess Lobby

W

hen you think tulip an immediate image of a beautiful, brightly coloured and perfectly shaped flower comes to mind. Your second thought is likely to be of Holland, land of a million tulips, a flower that once ruled their economy. The gorgeous tulip has even deeper roots, actually originating in Turkey before making its way to the land of windmills and Dutch masters.

The tulip has long been revered in Europe, after its introduction in the mid-1500s. In 1593 the Flemish botanist Carolus Clusius successfully cultivated the bulb and planted them extensively in his garden. Much to his disappointment he had to continually replenish his plantings as the bulbs were soon stolen and the garden raided. The golden age of the tulip had begun.

The tulip was much sought after for its unusual appearance.

The range of colours varied from solid reds, yellows, purples and whites to multi-coloured with white streaks

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and the rarest tulip of all, the ones with yellow streaks on red, brown or purple flowers. The tulip became a status symbol.

Tulip mania was to reach its peak in the 17th century with what can arguably termed the world’s first economic bubble. Much like the Silicone Valley dot.com tech bubble where millionaires were created and destroyed overnight, the tulip economy had the same effect. They held an incredible fascination for the Dutch and ruled the economy from the elite right to the poor.

One particular transaction on record shows 40 pounds of tulips selling for 100 000 florins. To put this in perspective a tradesman would take home earnings of 150 florins a year while a ton of butter cost 100 florins. Sometimes the

I nt e rnational T rav e l tulips didn’t even change hands. Bulbs were traded up to ten times a day without someone taking delivery. Fortunes were gambled on what the tulip would eventually become, making this the very first Futures Market in the history of money trading.

Sadly the market was not destined to last. The tulip as a means of economic success fell out of favour and the inevitable crash happened.

The Netherlands is still home to this incredible bulb and travellers can see them in all their glory at Keukenhof Gardens. Come Spring time in Europe a visit to Keukenhof in Holland is a must. Set on 32 hectares of land expect to see more than 7 million bulbs with a total of 800 different varieties of this gorgeous flower.

Discover the springtime splendour and stunning beauty of The Netherlands onboard a Uniworld Boutique River cruise ship. Priced from R47 200 per person twin share enjoy a 10-day Tulips & Windmills cruise from Amsterdam to Antwerp on either the River Duchess, the River Queen or the River Princess. Wander through the picture-perfect villages of Veere, Hoorn and Enkhuizen, and the enchanting outdoor Zuiderzee Museum. Uncover the rich treasures at Amsterdam’s world-class museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Take in the dazzling skyline of Rotterdam as you cruise through the bustling harbor and drift along the canals of Bruges. All along the way, you’ll savor Dutch delights and Belgian treats as you sail the aquatic highways and byways of two amazing countries shaped by water.

The cruise includes accommodation in a river view stateroom with full board, a visit to four UNESCO World

SS Maria Theresa Exterior

Heritage sites, onboard local entertainment, Signature Lectures, excursions and more.

Alternately travellers can choose to cruise from Belgium to Holland (and vice versa) between March and April 2017 on the 8-day Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time cruise which is priced from R44 200 per person twin share on a full board basis with transfers on arrival and departure days. This includes the seven night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the River Ambassador taking in Brussels, Antwerp, Maastricht, Cuijk, Schoonhoven and Amsterdam. This also includes excursions by fully hosted English-speaking guides, visits to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and so much more.

Uniworld’s European cruises are all-inclusive and new for 2017 is the 24-hour room service offering and concierge services. All ships sailing in Europe offer ship-wide free Wi-Fi, all meals onboard, included gratuities, unlimited beverages, a variety of dining experiences, wellness on the water through onboard yoga, TRX training, complimentary bicycles, Nordic walking sticks and exercise classes.

Guests also have complimentary access to PressReader which offers favourite newspapers and magazines direct to mobile devices whilst travelling with Uniworld.

www.uniworld.com

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I nt e rnational T rav e l LUX* Resorts and Hotels helps people celebrate life by delivering consistently on the promise of a different kind of luxury; hospitality that is Lighter Brighter. Star ratings are all very well but we do more than tick boxes in the way conventional resorts and hotels do.

Traditional classifications may hint at excellent service and first-rate facilities but it’s the surprises, together with the spontaneity and sincerity of our team members that inspires so many of our guests to keep coming back. Since luxury means different things from person to person, we focus on perfecting the priorities.

So share in our experiences with our Reasons to Go: Start the day with our special blend of coffee, connect mind, body and soul with the LUX* Me approach to wellbeing, indulge in the bursting flavours of our home-made ice cream or explore the grounds and find our message in a bottle, holding a surprise just for you.

Island Light Holidays • 011 770 7821 info@islandlightholidays.co.za www.Luxresorts.com

boo k r e vi e ws Knowledge Encyclopedia Animals ISBN 9780241228418 / R330.00 From the wings of the almighty albatross to the deadly facts of the great white shark, Knowledge Encyclopedia Animal! Transports you into the jaw-dropping, heart-thumping, pulse-racing world of the animal kingdom.

Exploring everything from habitats and ecosystems to senses and respiration, Knowledge Encyclopedia Animal! Is easy to follow and full of fun facts for kids. Bursting with amazing 3D images, the animals are brought to life, from the tiniest of crustaceans to the mightiest of mammals, in a brand new, all-encompassing animal expedition.

Knowledge Encyclopedia Animal! Allows you to take a closer look at the ever-evolving world of your favourite animals and is perfect for children aged 9 and up. Get ready to bring the animal kingdom to rip-roaring life!

Wildlife of Southern Africa ISBN 9781775843535 / R300.00 This long-standing, trusted field guide to the wildlife of southern Africa has been comprehensively updated and now includes distribution maps. It describes over 2,000 plants and animals, each accompanied by accurate illustrations in full colour. This book has been a trusted field companion for many years. Comprehensively updated, it now features range maps for most groups. The chapters are colour-coded for easy reference, and diagnostic features appear in bold type within the descriptions. Each chapter is written by a leading expert in the field.

All the main plant and animal groups are covered: • Lower invertebrates • Spiders and other arachnids • Insects • Freshwater fishes • Frogs • Reptiles • Birds • Mammals • Grasses, sedges, ferns and fungi • Wild flowers • Trees 20 Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 29

boo k r e vi e ws 500 Low-carb Dishes ISBN 9781432307608 / R150.00 Being healthy shouldn’t mean missing out on the foods that you love. 500 Low-carb Dishes is a comprehensive collection of breakfasts, snacks, packed lunches, mains, sides and sweet treats to delight at every meal. You will be amazed at the number of recipes that can be easily adapted to fit in with your needs. Lose weight and improve your health with 500 delicious low-carb dishes that will show you how to find innovative ways to cut down on sugar and carbs, while still indulging in tasty treats and satisfying meals.

2017 School Diary / Skooldagboek

MapStudio brings you a fully bilingual School Diary for 2017. Available for boys and girls.

MapStudio’s 2017 School Diary offers: exam timetables, astro facts, a birthday calendar, time tables and so much more.

These diaries give great information as well as “did you know” facts. Suitable for learners of all ages as well as schools and educational institutions.

R79.95 per copy. Available at all leading book stores and online www.mapstudio.co.za

Two Lucky Readers can WIN a Boys or Girls Diary.

Email your name and address to justine@findingfabulous.co.za

LMB Euroseals Brake And Clutch Components is a local South African manufacturer of premium OE quality replacement brake and clutch components. Products include clutch kits, flywheels, brake and clutch cylinders, seals, pistons and bearings. Applications for all passenger, 4x4, off road, light and heavy commercial and mining vehicles. We are based in Johannesburg, but deliver and supply shops all over Southern Africa.

MBT Automotive (Pty) Ltd 7 Kruger Road, Strijdom Park Randburg, 2064 South Africa

Tel: +2711 791 2946 Fax: +2711 791 2948 www.mbtautomotive.co.za Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 29

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Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 29