Friday, May 27, 2011

Good Food and Wine Show 2011


The Show is a sumptuous, indulgent day out for the entire family

The Good Food and Wine Show treats gourmands and good-life devotees to the most sensational Show to date, from 26th to 29th May 2011 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The Good Food & Wine Show is the only gourmet exhibit to consistently bring international celebrity chefs and the best local talent together under one roof. Complete with cooking classes and performances for children, visitors can take a break from their normal routines and savour a day full of entertainment, inspiration and indulgence.

Highlights include Chefs in Action Theatre are sponsored by Samsung and in association with AFROX Handigas, Carlton and the Cape Grace Hotel. Tickets are limited, cost R350p/p and advance bookings at Computicket is strongly recommended.

Get Fresh Hands-on Cooking Workshops are sponsored by BBC Lifestyle and in association with DSTV and Woolworths. These workshops are conducted in small groups of 12, so you can get personal attention from our celebrity chefs while preparing their personal recipes with the freshest, highest quality ingredients supplied by Woolworths. Email kate@gourmetsa.com to participate in the demonstrations, that include access to a fully equipped workstation, recipes, an apron and ingredients.

Interactive Theatres include Health and Wellness Theatre, The Amarula Outdoor Experience, CBeebies Little Cooks Zone, Taste of Cape Town and On Your Marks, Get Set, Cook.

Katy Ashworth from CBeebies I can cook will be involved in the children’s programme for the duration of the Good Food & Wine Show and will be demonstrating in the Samsungs Chefs in Action and the CBeebies Little Cooks Zone. She is a major hit with the kids and has become a major draw card for the Show.

Browse hundreds of stands where you can taste, watch and purchase everything from homemade delicacies and boutique wines to your brand new state of the art home appliance.

The Good Food & Wine Show is when Cape Town’s love of food and wine comes to life, so join in.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Cape Town

This is Why I Love Cape Town

South Africa is getting increasingly popular for international internships because this country offers great opportunities for young and curious people. The dynamic of the people and the diversity of cultures make an internship in South Africa a unique experience. South Africa is a land of possibility and growth, where open and ambitious travellers will find many adventures and opportunities.

Cape Town´s Lifestyle

I am an intern in the Mother City, but my internship was not the only reason for visiting Cape Town. I´m a big South Africa fan and I really enjoy staying in South Africa because I love the attitude of the friendly people. The countryside is beautiful and there is a lot going on in Cape Town´s nightlife. The population of young people, who enjoy living in this cosmopolitan city, makes it an incredibly vital place.

My 10 Favourite Things to Do in Cape Town:

Cape Town´s geographical position surrounded by mountains and two oceans offers plenty of activities. Depending on the weather you could either go hiking, climbing, surfing or hang out at one of many beautiful beaches close to town. My favourite activities around this magnificent Town are:

1. Surfing one of the many brilliant surf spots on the Cape Peninsula

2. Hiking up Lions head in the evening and having a little picnic on the summit, while marvelling the sunset

3. Hanging out at the bars on Kloof Nek and enjoying South African beers with friends

4. Wine tastings at one of the famous wineries around the Western Cape

5. Going to the movies at Labia, which is the oldest cinema in Cape Town

6. Windsurfing at one of the windiest places in the world

7. Having a typical South African Braai with a juicy ostrich steak

8. Listening to African electro music in the Waiting Room, Long Street

9. Vistiting the Two Oceans Aquarium and watching the man in the grey suit!

10. Admiring the new paintings at the Association for Visual Arts on 35 Church Street

Apart from working in online marketing in Cape Town, I enjoy the early surf sessions before work, meeting a lot of friends and just experiencing the great lifestyle of Cape Town. There is so much to see and discover in this intermittent City. If you´re interested in doing an internship in Cape Town I can definitely recommend this [internship portal]. Capeintern offers free links to a database of companies allowing you to establish direct contact with them for an internship. I applied for a placement in online marketing and SEO in Cape Town and never looked back.


Windhoek Berg River Canoe marathon


Countdown!
There are only 48 days to go until the 2011 Windhoek Berg River Canoe marathon

This is the year that we are privileged to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Berg River Canoe Marathon. For this honour, we owe tribute to the founders, Willem van Riet and his dad,”Oom” Willem.

...When I asked Willem how this crazy idea came about, he responded: “Ek wou ontsnap van die stad en my omgewing en toe ek daardie eerste keer op die Bergrivier roei het ek ontdek presies wat ek gehoop het om te ervaar. Die hoë walle dig begroei met bome, het my laat voel asof ek in die wildernis is. Dit was die begin van alles!”
Relaxing on the patio one day after tripping the river down to Velddrif in 1960, Willem was discussing this new love of his with his dad. One of them then made the crazy suggestion of organising a canoe race from Paarl to Velddrif. As they became more excited about the idea, the wheels were put into motion to have the first race in 1962. They had no idea that the race would grow into one of the epic events on the local sport calendar.

Since then, we have witnessed a few significant changes to the river. New bridges and weirs have appeared but the biggest change is the Misverstand dam that was built to supply the West Coast with fresh water. The “old timers” will remember this shallow section, which is now covered by the dam. In more recent years, we were thrilled when the Berg River dam was built, as the new dam now facilitates a more consistent flow throughout the winter.

The impact of these changes is such that the nature of the river has also changed, creating new obstacles and fresh challenges that only the Berg can offer.
Now, in 2011, the race itself remains as tough as ever. But there are minor changes! To add to the challenge, this year we will finish 3.5km downstream from the Velddrif bridge. Port Owen is a much better venue and will enable us to welcome all of you in special fiftieth fashion, thanks to Windhoek Breweries.

Added to this, Windhoek Breweries have boosted the prize money for the team event. Since this was announced, the top guys have been organising themselves into teams causing the buzz that is out there as a result. This new initiative might just be the most exciting development in the history of the race which will differentiate it from all other canoeing events around the world.

On the starting line this year, one can only try to imagine what emotions, and memories will be experienced by Willem van Riet, Jannie Malherbe and Fritz Rauch, who finished their first Berg’ in 1962 fifty years ago. It will be absolutely amazing to see these guys finish in Port Owen where they will get the salute that they deserve.

Kom geniet die Kaapse gasvryheid. Bly oor by die oornagplekke en kom luister na al die stories en staaltjies om die kampvure van die baie ou “Bergies” wat vanjaar terug sal wees om die 50ste te vier.

Ervaar die kameraderie en maak dit een om te onthou!

Andrè Collins

Thursday, May 12, 2011


For the Kids at Noordhoek Farm Village

The children take centre stage…

Soak up country charm under shady oaks. At Noordhoek Farm Village you will find shopping, art, wine, dining and accommodation for routine relaxation or special occasions.

Noordhoek Farm Village is an ideal destination for friends, family or visitors. Numerous lifestyle services, a well-equipped tourism office, regular events, a children’s playground and open space make this farm village one of Cape Town’s top attractions. Child and pet friendly!

Noordhoek Farm Village is the only place you and your kids should be on the weekend - with the variety of children’s activities, why would you want to be anywhere else?

Every Saturday from 10:30 - 12:30 you can expect to find anything from puppets, face painting to crafts and magic shows.

Sat 14 May 2011: Storybook Adventures

The story corner will host a day of stories and kids will help act out the adventures with story games during story time. Fun and interactive learning for children.

Sat 21 May 2011: Wintertime Crafts

Celebrate winter by bringing your kids to make winter crafts to honour the season – think snow, snowmen, warm and cozy crafting! Kids will learn creative and motor skill development whilst having fun.

Sat 28 May 2011: Winter Magic Show

Relive the magic with our magician’s crazy tricks, sleight of hand and the power of illusion! Fun, excitement and appeal will fascinate the kids with an enthralling magic show – all with a touch of winter magic! Balloon tricks and face painting will also be available.

The Bandstand is fully enclosed and protected from the elements, so kids will stay warm and dry.

Date: 14 May 2011
Time: 10:30 - 12:30
Venue: The Bandstand
Location: Noordhoek Farm Village | Cnr Main Rd & Village Lane | Noordhoek
Price: Free







Friday, May 6, 2011



Taste of Cape Town is back!

Yet again this remarkable festival will bring together the city's most acclaimed restaurants and carefully selected exhibitors to attract 20 000 of Cape Town’s most dedicated and sophisticated foodies. This year the Cape’s most extravagant food festival will be held at the spectacular Green Point Cricket Cl...ub. From Thursday the 5th to Sunday the 8th of May, the Cape’s top restaurants and chefs will be serving a stunning selection of sample-sized signature dishes to Taste of Cape Town visitors.
Riding high from the hugely successful Taste of Cape Town 2010, this amazing food festival promises to be the culinary event of the year. Taste of Cape Town brings together the city's finest restaurants, award- winning wineries, premium drink brands, niche food exhibitors and fantastic entertainment.
For more information or accommodation contact riverlodgebackpackers@gmail.com or call +27 21 448 0526

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Net Prophet

Take the most innovative / successful / creative / ambitious thinkers and entrepreneurs in the Internet space, and ask them to share their stories, ideas and predictions for the future in a format that is fresh, relevant and engaging. The result: Net Prophet.

Net Prophet is South Africa’s biggest technology start-up event, and forms the largest gathering of tech entrepreneurs, VC’s and tech enthusiasts on the continent. Delegates come from all over the country to be inspired by presentations from both local and international innovative technology entrepreneurs and thought leaders.

Net Prophet was started in Cape Town, South Africa by the RAMP Foundation – a non-profit entity created by the RAMP Group, as a means of social investment within the local Internet based economy.

With government backing education and development in the areas of science and technology, RAMP Group recognised the need to build a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in the area of web-based business, essentially aiding those with the right aptitude for ‘Making business $sense of the Internet’. The name Net Prophet was decided on as it would give credence to the quality of our local industry leaders (as an added bonus, it doubles as both ‘Prophet’ and ‘Prophet’ when spoken of).

The conference is free to attend, but delegates need to register beforehand in order to attend.

When: Thursday, 12 May 2011
Where: Pinelands

The Cadiz Freedom Swim

Swim from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand: The Cadiz Freedom Swim is considered to be one of the toughest, most extreme long distance cold water sea swim races in the world - 7.5km across the famous Robben Island channel, known for its bitterly cold water (+/- 13 to 14 degrees) and strong, unpredictable currents.

The Cadiz Freedom Swim raises funds for the Vista Nova School for children with special learning needs, based in Cape Town.

The race begins from the shores of Murray's Bay on Robben Island, and ends on the beach in Big Bay, Bloubergstrand.

When: Saturday, 07 May 2011
Where: Bloubergstrand

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Charity Golf Day at Royal Cape

The Cape Kidney Association will be hosting their annual charity golf day on Friday 06th May 2011 at the Royal Cape Golf Club in Ottery. The cost per four ball is R1600.00 and promises to be a wonderful day. Wet holes are available for sponsorship and prizes would be welcomed.

Founded in 1885, the Royal Cape Golf Club is South Africa’s oldest and most exclusive club featuring a course with narrow fairways lined by trees. The Royal Cape Golf Club is in the southern suburbs of Cape Town, a 15 minute drive from the city centre and from Cape Town International Airport.

When: Friday, 06 May 2011
Where: Wynberg