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Chintsa (Cintsa) Bay

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:02:10 +0100

At last I have been travelling again!

Beautiful Beach Cintsa

Surely a perfect place to visit in South Africa is the magnificent Chintsa (Cintsa) Bay on the Wild Coast of South Africa, which is approximately 42km from East London.

If like me, you love to be surrounded by beautiful hills and lush forests, with a stretch of golden sand, as far as your eyes can see, into which rolls the beautiful blue Indian Ocean, then this is the place for you.

View of Beach from Lodge

We enjoyed a family holiday at a beautiful lodge, where we also had the added bonus of a swimming pool, all meals made for us and were utterly and completely spoiled!

Paradise (www.crawfordscabins.co.za)

We also had some visitors passing by our window!

Monkeys

Some distance from where we were staying there was another Lodge and Backpackers facility which caters for the more adventurous and young at heart. (buccaneers@cintsa.com)

What to do: Long walks along the beach, horse riding, surfing, swimming, fishing and a Big 5 Game Reserve nearby.

Who-Is-Best-Looking-2011

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:38:18 +0100

Since it is almost Christmas, I thought I would have a little "bit of fun" on my Blog and give you `my take' on who in 2011 is a definite as regards Best Looking!

Female Category:

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Male Category:

Louis Theroux

Teenage Category:

Justin Bieber

Baby Category:

Baby Harper Beckham

I don't need clarification as regards my opinion, but who do you think qualifies?

Wengen - Part 2

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 16:01:42 +0100

If I could keep a "Secret Place" all to myself, it would be Wengen, in Switzerland, about which I have written before!

On this my Christmas Trip to Switzerland, I was lucky enough to venture there, albeit for a short stay!

After our arrival we sat at an outside restaurant, soaking up the sunshine, and happily purveying the magnificent view.

Walking around the area, Wengen is "picture perfect", quaint and beautiful, and that day the snow was soft and powdery.

Wengen Snow Scenes

The following day we journeyed by mountain railway to Kleine Scheidegg -

and climbed a short distance to overlook the Eiger North face -

Hopefully next time I visit, it will be a lovely, long stay!

Einsiedeln

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:32:49 +0100

It is awesome to visit cities, but it is so lovely to "head for the hills" anywhere, and in particular when it is in Switzerland.

Last week I made my "second ever" visit to Einsiedeln, which is known not only as a tourist destination for all year round sports activities, and ski areas, but also because of its Monastery.

The Benedictine Einsiedeln Abbey is considered one of the most important Roman Catholic pilgrimage sites in Europe. Since the Middle Ages, the Graces Chapel and a statue of the Black Madonna have been the centre-piece of the pilgrimage [Wikipedia].

The site of the Benedictine Einsiedeln Abbey is in a commanding position within the village, as befits the beauty and dedication required in its creation/rebuilding.

Christmas market with backdrop facade Abbey

As well as the facade and the Lady's Fountain, of particular interest is:

The Lady Chapel, rebuilt in 1816/17
The Black Madonna wearing one of her robes (her robe was white during my visit due to it being Christmas time)
view from central nave to the choir-room
the Christmas cupola
view from lower choir to the nave
upper choir of the abbey-church with altar of the cross

As part of the mass, it is so beautiful to listen to the chanting. No accoustics of any sophisticated sound studio, could, to me, ever emulate what is created against the backdrop of this sanctuary.

As on the occasion of my first visit, I purchased some candles which were imprinted "Maria Einsiedeln", together with cards photographing the Abbey's magnificence. Amongst such cards I have one of Pope John Paul II, praying in the area of Madonna of Einsiedeln.

We thereafter stepped out into the night, with the Abbey, and surrounds, lit up:

Afterwards, in the early evening, we explored the picturesque village, then headed (although we were day trippers only) towards Gasthaus Meinradsberg, where we sat in the cosy ambiance of the restaurant, enjoying coffee and gluwein. [ www.meinradsberg.ch ]

Pablo Picasso (1881 to 1973)

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 16:33:22 +0100

I was privileged this week to be able to visit the Kunsthaus, Zurich, where they are presently holding an exhibition of paintings by Pablo Picasso.

Self portrait of the Artist

Picasso's first museum exhibition was held there in 1932. Since the artist himself had chosen all of the works exhibited then, this constituted a revolution in the world of art. Less concerned with his blue and pink periods, the artist preferred his forays into Cubism and was vehemently committed to his current Surrealist production: in fact the portrait of his lover, Marie-Thérèse Walter, went directly from the easel into the Kunsthaus.

Frau in Hemd (Jeune femme en chemise), um 1905

70 of the paintings shown at that historic exhibition are making their way back to the Kunsthaus from the world's most renowned collections.

Amongst those:

Mandolin and Guitar

I personally chose a print to purchase of:

Pichet, coupe de fruits et feuillagel, 1931.

Before attending this exhibition, in my ignorance I did not really understand much of his work, but this visit was really interesting, surely an education for me and I duly "stand corrected".

I purchased a small calendar, where I can each month enjoy and remember some of his works. Amongst my very favourite was :

Maternité, 1905

The exhibition is on until 30 January 2011 and I thoroughly recommend a visit -

www.kunsthaus.ch

Royal Madikwe - The Untamed Jewel of Africa

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:34:54 +0100

Do you really, really want to totally spoil yourself when visiting South Africa, or perhaps you are South African and wish to entertain friends (or family) in a royal and lavish way!

Royal Madikwe (accessible by road - three and a half hours by car; or one hour by air - with daily charter flights from Johannesburg) provides a unique and exclusive safari residence in the heart of South Africa's game-rich, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve.

We were fortunate to experience such "heaven" at a family get-together!

Sole and exclusive use is given to each reservation, whereby we enjoyed not only the private luxury bush residence, but our own area in Africa - each Lodge overlooking a waterhole which teemed with wildlife.

At the Lodge Waterhole

As we entered our own suite, an elephant and several zebra sauntered by our window - such comfort and luxury, yet so closely able to view the animals.

                    The Zebras

The main Lodge is on two levels faces the watering hole; and each surrounding suite has its own elevated game-viewing pool and deck. The Royal Suite is the epitome of luxury and is also on two levels, with even a TV lounge and library, as well as its own dining room and kitchen.

If we had not been so busy on game drives from 5.30 am in the morning and out again at 4.30 p.m., I could happily have just enjoyed the ambiance and surrounds of our suite.

            On the Game Drive - Majestic Lions

                  On the Game Drive - Rhino

Royal Madikwe accommodates up to 14 guests on an exclusive basis only and also accommodate personal nannies, butlers, and pilots travelling with guests.

Early morning and sunset game drives are in an open vehicle, led by an experienced ranger and tracker. Guided bush walks can also be arranged.

Royal Madikwe also offer:

- a riveting celestial safari;
- guided photographic safari;
- ranger skills training; and
- traditional African dancing lessons;
- pampering outdoors massage treatment;
- day trips to Gabarone (45 minutes by road);
- Sun City (15 minutes by air - 2 hours by road)

They welcome children of all ages -

Leisure activities for children include -
- special Bush Baby Safaris
- arts, crafts and jewellery making lessons; - animal spotting, treasure hunts; and
- popular bush baking sessions

It is not surprising that the helpful staff are so obliging and friendly, but there came a point where we had to say farewell - and they gathered together and sang so beautifully to us.

               A beautiful farewell song

Oops! Thud! I am now back home, and have just had to "come down to earth"!

Till the next time - (sigh!)

We booked through HillsofAfrica.com

Monchique - Perfect for Pre-Wedding Pampering

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:09:17 +0100

I had a dilemma. We were hosting out of town guests from overseas at a Sunday (couple of hours prior to lunchtime) wedding - which venue was quite some distance from our home.

Normally all the ladies could "take off" to the hairdressing salon at the many shopping centres and malls near Johannesburg. A Sunday morning, however, can be a little different - everything opens a tad later; and in any case the number of ladies came to six which could have been problematic; also one was a bridesmaid and had to be in attendance early.

From the moment I contacted Monchique Guest House & Conference Centre, situated in the Muldersdrift area, I was greeted by the amazingly helpful Jenny Sounes,. From then on I only had to lift up the phone, she would quietly listen to any additional requests which I put to her (and I had quite a number), as well as the obvious booking of accommodation, and she would add any helpful advice she thought fit.

I can honestly say the moment we all arrived at the Guest House, she efficiently took charge of our many requirements and it was a case of really starting to totally relax and enjoy the "lead up" to the "Big Day"!

We had booked our room from the day before, which had a lovely balcony, and all the ladies were able to be attended to in comfort, prior to their own rooms being available.

Monchique - The Family Room

The accommodation Monchique provides is a choice of seven luxurious individually-decorated, en-suite, double bedrooms, all located in the thatched homestead surrounded by beautifully-landscaped gardens. They also offer conference facilities which cater for up to 35 delegates.

Each room is equipped with T.V., a hairdryer, air-conditioning or fan, under-floor heating, tea and coffee stations. Two suites have open fireplaces.

We had a lovely get-together around the cosy bar in the evening, and a light lasagne supper arranged for us in the beautiful dining area.

Things to do:

Archeological sites of the Cradle of Human Kind
Lion and Rhino Parks, where game drives can be arranged
Horse Riding
Ngwenya Glass and Craft Market
The Wondercaves
Botanical Gardens with black eagles and waterfalls

The next morning we enjoyed a relaxing Breakfast outside on the Terrace.

We were made so welcome, I would not hesitate to recommend Monchique, its beautiful surrounds, and friendly and helpful staff.

My Favourite Photograph

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 08:11:34 +0100

There are so many beautiful photographs taken all over the world by those who are truly gifted and which encourage us once more to set off on our travels.

Sometimes, however, the picture becomes more personal than that, where you are not only enjoying the scene in question but there exists a quality which catches your imagination, so much so, that you want to retain the view and transplant it into your "sanctuary" into your "home".

Such a picture is this, for me. The photograph was taken in New York by my daughter - and to me is so unlike the New York that we all perceive - the city that never sleeps - the hustle and bustle of the subways - the huge tall, tall buildings and amazing retail stores - restaurants, apartments and financial centres.

What has been captured - the eeriness of the early morning mist, the mixture of the old and new - the yellow taxis and the horses and carriages (from a bygone era) - the peacefulness and tranquility - I find it very attractive. It is my favourite photograph which I share with you.

Pro-Activity, Having Pride, Being Conscientious and Diligent - The Lost Ingredients of Life ...

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:10:50 +0100

My father had a wonderful "work" and "life" ethic. It had nothing to do with numerous dynamic degrees, years of studying, spoon-fed college courses, or wealth!

Very simply put, it is the difference in life between being "duh" or "taking charge"! In "being interested" or "wrapped up in your own importance" or simply believing "that you serve no purpose in life".

We cannot all be high flying attorneys, business(men) or business(women), CEO's of companies - but that is not to say that our job in life, no matter how mediocre or small it may seem to others, has no importance in the day-to-day experiences of others.

To be greeted by a smile, a word of encouragement (or sympathy), by a shop assistant, a street vendor, by a work colleague, can make a huge difference to one's day.

Every emphasis nowadays is on "achievement" and "celebrity" - in so many instances on undeserved notoriety - and so little on day-to-day acts of simple kindness or pro-active activity.

In this era of consumerism, which we are all a great part of - perhaps it is time to pause a tad, and take stock of what is actually happening.

To the outside world in general our task or job in life, our stature, may not appear important or of great significance - but the pleasant smile and greeting of the concierge, the taxi driver, bus or train driver, can make a huge impact on the onlookers who briefly pass by for but a minute, in their daily lives.

Pro-activity

When one makes a telephone call to that important individual - who happens to hold a highly respected position of CEO, attorney, or newspaper editor - and who is presently unavailable - if you are his (or her) personal assistant or secretary, you may not feel that you have an important role to play to the caller. In your response "He will be back on [.......] day" (as happened to me, for example, today when I had an important query and an urgent requirement) - how much harder would it have been for the lady who had answered the call, on behalf of the important person I had sought, to have given me her assurance that:

- as soon as her boss returned he would have been given the message;
- the letter I (urgently) required would be drafted in readiness for his return to office; and
- she would call me as soon as the letter was signed by him for my collection.

As a PA events which occur are, in many cases, repetitive. I know for a fact that this was this case in my requirement. If you wish to have an excellent salary, you must earn it. Be pro-active and not only will you gain your Boss' respect, give reassurance to those with whom you make daily contact, but you will also be noticed at the next "salary review".

So whether your "day job" is driving that Bus or Train, selling the Daily Newspaper at a street corner, take pride in you - yourself - and in your outlook in life.

It is time for the present world to realise this - and to stop highlighting those who have not earned our respect, and who continually disappoint us with their misdemeanours!

My African Nickname

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:23:02 +0100

Hubby has always had a nickname for me, due to my large brown eyes!

This name in English is a Galago (Bush Baby)
In Afrikaans - Nagapie
In Swahili - Komba
In Tsonga/Shangaan - Nwana Kahina
In Tswana - Kgajwanamasigo
In Zulu - Nhlathini umntwana
(courtesy www.southafrican-wildlife.blogspot.com )

He uses "Nagapie" with me which, as in so many Afrikaans words, is so expressive and cute!

A Galago is any of six species of small tree-dwelling primates found in forests in sub-Saharan Africa. Galagos are grey, brown or yellowish brown animals with large eye and ears, long hind legs, soft woolly fur, and a long tail.

Smaller forms like the bush baby are particularly active and agile in the trees.

On the ground they sit upright and move by jumping with their hind legs.

Their diet is a mixture of inspects and other small animals, fruit and tree gums.

They have remarkable jumping abilities, including the ability to jump up to 2 metres vertically.

After a gestation period of 110-133 days, young galagos are born with half closed eyes and are initially unable to move about independently. After a few days (6-8) the mother carries the infant in her mouth and places it on branches while feeding. (via Wikipaedia)