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My Cape Town

OK – I confess, we do get winter in Cape Town.  In the last couple of weeks it must have rained at least twice and the temperature at night has plunged to as low as three degrees.  But even the weather succumbs to Cape Town’s laid back attitude.  As I write this, I am sitting in the sun under our lemon tree, thermal vest long since discarded.

So what has Cape Town been up to this last month?  While South Africans were getting thrashed overseas in the rugby and cricket, they were doing rather well back at home.  Surfers flew in from all over the world to take part in the Red Bull Big Wave Africa – an annual event when the waves at Dungeons off Hout Bay can tower up to 10 metres. All three top places were scooped by South Africans.  Nutters all, but we’re proud of them.

And we had Manchester United flying down to take on the two top South African teams in the Vodacom Challenge. They were beaten (hee hee) in the final by Kaizer Chiefs (no, not the band).  Giggs and Scholes were the only ‘names’, but no doubt Sir Alex is hoping to familiarise his boys with the sound of vuvuzelas and ululations before the World Cup is hosted by South Africa in 2010.

The Wives and Girlfriends had the chance to take in the Nokia Cape Town Fashion Week at the International Convention Centre (ICC).  It was HUGE this year, with 42 shows in two halls and over 38 000 eager spectators.  Fashion is definitely taking an African twist – watch this space. 

Personally, I’ve been discovering just what good theatre there is to be found in Cape Town.  With the sundowner season briefly interrupted, Cape Town theatre has once again rolled up its sleeves and produced some world-class shows. 

There was an international line-up at the Vodacom Funny Festival, but the biggest laughs were got by two Capetonians – Marc Lottering (right) and Riaad Moosa, neither of whom should be missed if you get the chance.  That was at the Baxter, a hugely impressive theatre hidden away in the southern suburbs and frequented by a wonderfully diverse crowd of students and, well, grown-ups.

The Artscape on the Foreshore has been hosting the London touring cast of Mamma Mia.  Abba Greatest Hits (you know, the one with the four of them sitting on the park bench) was one of four tapes we had in the car when I was a child. Like so many others, I wanted to be Agnetha when I grew up, so I was thrilled to be offered a seat right near the stage and the orchestra, where the music shimmied up through my boots and vibrated every bone in my body up through my beaming smile to my crocheted hat and scarf combo (actually not that last bit).

But the best show was at the Theatre on the Bay, a small, friendly venue with a great bar just a sandy-footed stroll from the beach at Camps Bay.  I confess to an alarming crush on Morten Harkett of A-ha in my youth (stay with me here). I think that Cito Otto may have the ability to inspire women across Cape Town into just such a frenzy.  He is all man and totally divine, and therefore an excellent choice to play the lead in Jesus Christ Superstar. Those tattoos appealed to me in a way that would not have been appreciated by the nuns at my school.  And bless him, he’s never acted before - his day job is as the frontman for one of SA’s top rock groups, Wonderboom.  Hallelujah what a find, and what an excellent show altogether.

Oddly enough, Jesus Christ Superstar was the second of the four tapes I remember from childhood.  The third was the Muppet Show Cast Album.  It is unlikely that Kermit and Miss Piggy will be heading this way soon, but as luck would have it I was able to see the characters from Sesame Street (here ’Takalani Sesame’) at the Baba Indaba (Baby Expo) at the ICC. They may not have starred alongside such superstars as Raquel Welch and Rudolf Nureyev, but Kofi Annan and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have both been guest stars, which is more than good enough for me.

The fourth tape of my childhood car journeys was the folk soulstress Nana Mouskouri.  Her songs reduced my mother to tears every time and, by default, us four children in the back seat.  It doesn’t look like she’s coming to Cape Town any time soon but frankly, that’s fine.  We’re busy enough – just look at that long list below! 

Daisy

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Villa of the Month

This elegant pad exudes exclusivity. Artfully designed to maximise space and light, it is also able to adapt to the needs of its occupants, whether as a location for a trendy party or a tranquil retreat.

Its enviable location one road back from the beach provides the advantage of particularly impressive views while still being within walking distance of Bakoven’s pretty little cove. Bakoven itself is a small, exclusive area just to the south of Camps Bay, the main beach of which is a 10 minute walk along the coast road.

The main living area of the apartment is reached via stone stairs from a remote-operated garage at street level. A wall separates the lounge area and fireplace from the kitchen and dining area, yet slide-away glass walls mean that all of the interior blends seamlessly with the remarkably private large deck and plunge pool. Stunning views of the sea and mountains are virtually unrestricted from almost any area of the apartment.

Chic décor and furnishings complete this stylish home which is always in hot demand.

3 mins walk from nearest beach
10 mins walk from Camps Bay beach, shops and restaurants
25 mins from Cape Town Airport
10 mins from Cape Town centre

The Penthouse is still available for October and November at R 3 500 per day.

Contact me for more information -

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Upcoming Events

Top shows, flowers, rugby, wine, mtb, boxing, flowers, music, exhibitions, comedy, kites, soccer, festivals, whales, cricket, parties and flowers....

KIRSTENBOSCH WINTER WARMER CONCERTS
7 May - 29 October
Cape Town's top musical talent will be performing in the warmth and comfort of the Silvertree Restaurant at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on Sundays this winter.
www.nbi.ac.za

WE WILL ROCK YOU
25 July - 10 September
32 Queen hits in one show. What’s not to love?
www.artscape.co.za  

CHILLI FIESTA
31 July - 5 August
Cape Town's Hottest Route.  A celebration of the chilli by the city’s restaurants, coffee shops and communities.  A sizzling cauldron of Cape cuisines and cultures.
www.chillifiesta.co.za

VODACOM TRI-NATIONS RUGBY AT MARIMBA RESTAURANT
2 August, 5 August, 9 September
An opportunity for Springbok fans to watch the matches in the company of David Campese, Nick Mallett, Robbie Fleck, Corne Krige and Robbie Kempson.  Booking essential, with proceeds going to the Players Fund.
www.complete.org.za/events/upcoming%20events/upcoming%20events.htm

STELLENBOSCH WINE FESTIVAL
3 - 5 August
More than 100 top Stellenbosch wine producers showcase their wines.
www.wineroute.co.za   

STARS OF BALLET MOSCOW
4 - 6 August
Following the huge success of their last tour, the Stars of Ballet Moscow return with a new programme celebrating the music of Rachmaninov.
www.artscape.co.za

STELLENBOSCH MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE
5 August
A thrilling new Mountain Bike challenge that will coincide with the Stellenbosch Wine Festival.  The routes will include 60km, 30km and 15km distances.
www.mtbchallenge.co.za

LAILA ALI FIGHT
5 August
Muhammad Ali's daughter Laila, currently undefeated as the world's super middleweight champion takes on Gwendolyn O'Neil of Guyana, ranked third in the world, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. 
www.AliAfricaFight.co.za

10^th HERMANUS WINE AND FOOD FAIR
10 - 12 August
Nominated as one of the 10 best wine festivals in South Africa, with 50 South African wineries represented.
www.wine-village.co.za or www.overberginfo.com/wineandfoodfair

21ST NEDBANK CAPE WINEMAKERS GUILD CAPE TOWN SHOWCASE
17 August
An opportunity to join the Cape Winemakers Guild for an informal tasting of over 70 exclusive wines.
www.capewinemakersguild.com

RMB WINEX CAPE TOWN
30 August - 1 September
The premier public event on South Africa's national wine calendar, drawing thousands of wine enthusiasts every year.
www.winex.co.za

V&A WATERFRONT SPRING FLOWER SHOW
30 August - 3 September
A celebration of the miracle of nature with garden exhibits, show gardens, floral art and art exhibitions.

CLANWILLIAM WILD FLOWER SHOW
30 August - 6 September
An exhibition of over 350 wild flower species in the Flower Church, a historical building. Certain species in this district, such as the Snow Protea, are found nowhere else in the world.
www.tourismclanwilliam.co.za

CAPE TOWN 10TH INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
3 - 24 September
South Africa's biggest comedy festival, featuring the world's leading stand-up comedians alongside South Africa's best.
www.comedyfestival.co.za  

CALEDON WILD FLOWER SHOW
8 - 10 September
The largest Wild Flower Show in the country, from the region with the greatest variety of species in the world.

HERMANUS WILD FLOWER FESTIVAL
14 - 17 September
Another wild flower show.
http://fernkloof.com/festival.mv

DARLING WILDFLOWER SHOW
15 - 17 September
Yup, and another.
http://darlingwildflowers.co.za/wild_flower_show.htm

TABLE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
16 September 
A 35km trail run on Table Mountain through cool indigenous forests with mountain streams, slopes of fynbos and awesome vistas. Relay options available for entry level participants. Wild flower gazing optional.
www.adventureworks.co.za/Sports%20Events/index.html   

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL
16 - 17 September
The skies above Muizenberg will flaunt a fantastic visual display as kite enthusiasts from around the world congregate in this seaside suburb.
www.capementalhealth.co.za/kite.htm

SIMON'S TOWN PENGUIN FESTIVAL
16 - 17 September
A festival catering for cultural, environmental, historical, adventurous and holiday interests. 
www.gosimonstown.com

AFRICA AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE EXPO   
20 - 24 September
Africa’s largest aerospace, defence, and security exhibition is an international event including two public days with an air show and an exhibition.
www.aadexpo.co.za

HOMELESS WORLD CUP
21 - 30 September
Now in its fourth year, this international event is to be hosted by Cape Town and will see teams from no less than 48 nations taking part.
www.streetsoccer.org / www.bigissue.org.za

HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL
22 - 25 September
Every year, from July to December, thousands of Southern Right Whales migrate to South Africa to mate and calve in the bays. The town of Hermanus offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the world, and the festival includes the world's only "Welcome Whales Wave", a human chain of 4 000 people.
www.whalefestival.co.za

STELLENBOSCH MUSIC FESTIVAL
27 September - 7 October
Combining classical and traditional music with art exhibitions, workshops, master classes and community projects.

CAPE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
29 September - 1 October
This annual exhibition covers the full profile of Outdoor and Adventure products and services from South Africa and its neighbouring countries.
www.outdoorexpo.co.za

WORLD AMATEUR TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
14 – 29 October
Amateur golf’s biggest international event.  Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson, Michael Campbell, Annika Sorenstam and Kerrie Webb all participated before turning professional.  Who will be next?
www.worldamateur2006.co.za

180º CEDERBERG MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPERIENCE
20 - 22 October
The most prestigious 3-day stage race on the South African mountain bike calendar.   Set in the breathtaking terrain of the unique Cederberg Wilderness Area, the route traverses stunning mountain passes, river-crossings and dusty jeep and technical single tracks.
www.180mtb.co.za

SAA CAPE TOWN FLOWER SHOW
26 - 29 October
Not wild flowers this time, but an outdoor gardening experience with inspirational show-gardens in picturesque surroundings. The event provides a marketplace to see and buy gardening products and services and hosts a forum for lectures and demonstrations.
www.capetownflower.com

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL FAIR
27 October - 5 November
The largest fair in Cape Town, with exhibitors from many countries showcasing furniture and fashion.

THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE
4 November
A unique, challenging and spectacular mountain and city run across Greenmarket Square, Devil's Peak, Table Mountain and Lion's Head, returning to the square after each peak. Fun and challenging but not for the faint hearted.

GREAT WESTERN CAPE BIKE RIDE
4 - 12 November
Nine days pedalling through some of the most picturesque locations in South Africa, visiting game parks, wineries and spas.  Anyone can enter, and a bike is provided to ride and keep.
www.greateventcompany.com

OPERA: COSI FAN TUTTE
11 - 17 November 
Mozart’s witty and sophisticated comedy is a magical combination of marvellous music and sparkling dialogue - are women as faithful as they say and are men as innocent as they claim?
www.capetownopera.co.za

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
16 November - 7 December
World famous conductors and soloists present a feast of music at various venues.
www.capephilharmonic.org.za / www.artscape.co.za

CAPE TOWN WORLD CINEMA FESTIVAL
17- 21 November
A festival of world cinema with African film at its heart, this takes place at the same time as the Annual Sithengi South African Film and Television Market.
www.sithengi.co.za

INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
10 - 12 November
The 10th Cape Town International Dragon Boat Festival encompasses 2000 years of tradition and involves beautifully painted boats and spirited drummers.  Various international races are planned.  All proceeds go to charity.
www.dragonboat.co.za    

INTERNATIONAL CRICKET: SOUTH AFRICA V. INDIA
26 November
India, in South Africa for a full summer tour, take on the Proteas in a One Day International at Newlands.
www.homeofsport.com/cricket/countries/details.aspx?id=3

KIRSTENBOSCH SUMMER SUNSET CONCERTS
Sunday evenings November 2006 – April 2007
A chance to drink wine and picnic in one of the most spectacular concert venues in South Africa, the stage framed by the backdrop of Table Mountain.
www.nbi.ac.za

5^TH CAPE OLIVE FAIR
8 - 9 December
South Africa’s largest gathering of olive producers offers a delightful combination of olive oil, olives, wine, Mediterranean food, and festivity.

WAVESCAPES SURF FILM FESTIVAL
8 – 13 December
A showing of the best international and local surf films following the popular revival of big screen surf movies around the world. Venues will include outdoor screenings on the beach using South Africa's first inflatable cinema-sized screen.
www.wavescapes.co.za

CAPE ARGUS SANLAM CYCLE TOUR
10 December
Cape Town’s second largest cycle tour offers a choice of 118km and 72km routes through scenic winelands and is also the final seeding event for the Cape Argus Pick & Pay Cycle Tour 2007.

CAPE SUMMER SHOW
14 - 23 December
The biggest event on the Western Cape calendar, with over 700 exhibitors, live concerts, restaurants, beer tents, an amusement park and adventure zone.
www.capeshow.co.za

GUGULETHU RECONCILIATION DAY RUN
16 December
A unique township running experience celebrating National Reconciliation Day by combining athletes of all cultures..

MOTHER CITY QUEER COSTUME PARTY
16 December
First held in 1994, Cape Town's annual MCQ Costume Party prides itself in bringing together all the various "queer tribes of Cape Town" for a grand summer bash. 
www.mcqp.co.za  

GOOD HOPE FM / VODACOM CLIFTON BEACH CHALLENGE
17 December
Clifton’s trendy 4th Beach plays host once more to this challenge featuring strength, speed and fitness contests between celebrity Springbok rugby stars and the Clifton Beach lifesavers. 

CAPE TOWN MINSTREL CARNIVAL
31 December 2006 – 2 January 2007 TBC
Cape Town's biggest and most raucous carnival sees the city celebrating the advent of the New Year with numerous festivals, competitions and extravagant parades.

SPIER SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL
December 2006 – April 2007
The annual summer program at Spier celebrates a proudly African line-up, presenting a diverse variety of performances.
www.spierarts.org.za

INTERNATIONAL CRICKET: SOUTH AFRICA V. INDIA
2 - 6 January 2007
The Third Test series at Newlands.
www.homeofsport.com/cricket/countries/details.aspx?id=3

SHAKESPEARE AT MAYNARDVILLE OPEN-AIR THEATRE
18 January - 17 February 2007
An annual event, inspired by the productions in London's Regent Park. On warm summer evenings many theatre-goers begin the evening by picnicking in the park before the show begins.

INTERNATIONAL CRICKET: SOUTH AFRICA V. PAKISTAN
26 January – 30 January
Having taken on India just two weeks before, now the Proteas face Pakistan in the Third Test series at Newlands.
www.homeofsport.com/cricket/countries/details.aspx?id=3