Cape Town South Africa - Insider advice for the independent traveller

The Art of Possibility


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Ideas to make your trip to Cape Town a cut above the average holiday.


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CLICK TO READ WHAT DAISY WROTE ABOUT:

Simon's Town Boat Company

Food & Wine Pairing

Polo Farm

Taste of Cape Town

Greenpoint Stadium

The Design Indaba

The J&B Met

Christmas in Cape Town

Excellent Township Restaurant

International Kite Festival

Newlands Cricket Ground

Riding in a Jet Boat

Cape Town Comedy

Flying in a Huey

Diamond Tour

Greenpoint Market

Driving a Ferrari

A Trip on a Luxury Motor Yacht

Diving with Sharks

Riding in a Sidecar

Taking a Champagne Cruise

Abseiling down Table Mountain

Travelling with a baby

Robbie Williams and co.

Riding Harleys

Parents in tow

Winter in Cape Town

Riding on Noordhoek beach

The Old Townhouse

Whales

Driving in Cape Town

My Cape Town

Coals to Newcastle, ice to Eskimos... teaching Capetonians not to take themselves so seriously. Hmmm, someone should have told Ben Zander that his Rule Number 6 is a slam dunk in this neck of the woods. After all, this is ‘The City that Never Quite Wakes Up’.

But then again, maybe that is why a motivational speaker should be so welcome here.

Motivational speakers. Hmmm – the cynical forcefield starts to hum as the mind pictures a manicured, coiffured person of suspiciously orange hue, fresh from a successful run on the Shopping Channel.

Happily enough, Ben Zander is cut from rather finer cloth. He’s not even American (sorry Americans, but you know what I mean). Admittedly he lives in America, but that’s because, amongst other things, he happens to be the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra.

Keynote speaker no less than four times at the World Economic Forum, this extraordinary man is on a mission to inspire the world to embrace what he calls ’The Art of Possibility’.

He certainly inspired me. Despite an unnerving amount of audience participation which would normally have me under the chair with agony, the cynic in me was undone by his boundless energy and humour as he leapt about the stage, pretending to be a 5 year old Jacqueline du Pré or demonstrating the freedom of expression of ‘one-buttock piano playing’. Life is all made up, he says, so let’s make it fun.

And what is this near-septuagenarian himself inspired by? South Africa. Every country has its problems, he says. “Canada is very cold. England is very crowded. And Australia is unbelievably boring.”

At Parliament with the Speaker, Baleka Mbete

But South Africa he describes as “a vibrant, passionate, engaged and innovative country”. It has enormous issues at stake and the world is watching. But look how far it’s come in just a few years. South Africans have shown that they are willing to grapple their own problems, to make mistakes and to learn from them. And Zander loves it. One of the key lessons he expounds is, when you make a mistake, to throw your hands in the air and say “How fascinating!” Try that next time you are on the golf course.

Of course the conductor of an orchestra is not the best person to talk about leadership. Conducting, as he himself confessed, is ‘one of the last bastions of totalitarianism in the civilised world’. But the key to the role, as with any role in life, is to awaken the latent possibility in those around you – to make their eyes shine.

So I’m thrilled to think that I have a head start. My mission is to bring people to Cape Town and I know that, once here, it will be very easy to make their eyes shine. What? You haven’t been yet? “How fascinating!”

Daisy

www.capeconcierge.co.za

There's a chance that Ben Zander and his partner, Roz, may be back in Cape Town in December. In the meantime you can look out for their book, The Art of Possibility, published by Penguin Books. There was a nice story of their trip here when Archbishop Tutu asked Roz to sign his book. Roz was a bit perplexed. She asked him "What do I put? I can’t just write 'To Desmond’." To which he said, "Why not? It's my name."

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Villa of the Month

VillaLara
Llandudno, Cape Town

3 bedrooms + studio flat

"I like to eliminate clutter to encourage compositional lines. I like foreground interest to draw your eyes to the hero of the picture whether it is a person or a
tree, a mountain or a threatening sky. I am not a reportage photographer; I am
a romantic. But always I try to create a tension... [a] `je ne sais quoi' that for me makes or breaks a picture." Chris Simpson, photographer

From the moment of entering the front gate of Chris Simpson’s house in Llandundo, a guest feels like ‘the hero’ of one of this world-renowned photographer’s dazzlingly beautiful compositions. Each room, each area is as uncluttered and composed as his pictures, and it is almost impossible not to pause at the threshold of each room in order just to soak in the new vista.

The house is a gallery of Chris’ work, in particular his African portfolio. The effect is enormously striking, yet avoids being overwhelming due to the meditative quality of the compositions which dictate a supremely peaceful and reflective atmosphere throughout. The house also happens to be superbly comfortable.

Secure and secluded, VillaLara is perched right on the edge of the fabulously beautiful little cove of Llandudno, with two of Cape Town’s most stunning sandy beaches within a stone’s throw. Looking West over the Atlantic and backed by mountains the cove is particularly renowned for its awesome sunsets. Needless to say the house is orientated to make the most of the enviable views and abundance of clear, natural light.

With at least five distinguishable outside areas, each perfect in their own way for breakfast, or lounging in the sun, or meditating, or having sundowners or dinner with friends, this is very much the perfect retreat. And the inside is just as welcoming. Spacious and airy with a large fireplace and a gourmet kitchen, there really are any number of places in which to make yourself comfortable according to your mood.

Upstairs are the three bedrooms of the house – the en-suite master bedroom and two smaller bedrooms which share a bathroom. Connected to the house by a series of steps is a self-contained flat, perfect for travelling companions who may appreciate a little space – a couple with a baby perhaps, or a nanny.

With staff on hand to cater to every whim, and the soothing sound of the sea lapping at the rocks below, each of the five senses is lulled into submissiveness by the beauty and tranquillity of the house, and the inexplicable pleasure of being a part of it.

Nearest bars and restaurants: Hout Bay or Camps Bay – 10 mins drive
City Centre: 20 mins drive
Nearest beach: Sandy Bay - on doorstep

Rates at Villa Lara are R 17 000 - R 21 000 per day including staff and complimentary bar.

Contact me for more information.

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Upcoming Events

Highlights for September, selected from WhatsoninCapeTown.com - the indispensable guide to all that's happening in Cape Town. For full details and more events, check out the website. Upcoming events include festivals, shows and fairs; music, theatre and dance; cricket and other sporting events; comedy and concerts and exhibitions; celebrations of wine and whiskey, flowers and freedom... bring it on, Cape Town!

Click here to contact me and find out how you can subscribe to my weekly information service.

FORTY YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP: SA NATIONAL GALLERY 1968 - 2008
to 28 September
The Friends of the South African National Gallery mark their 40th anniversary with this celebratory exhibition of selected works of art presented to the Gallery’s collections over the past four decades.

OUT THE BOX FESTIVAL
to 6 September
This annual festival of Puppetry and Visual Performance includes puppetry, theatre, dance, live art, comedy, workshops and film. Shows take place daily and every evening.

CAPE TOWN OPERA SEASON: MOZART'S DON GIOVANNI
to 6 September
The famous opera inspired by the legend of Don Juan, the notorious ladies' man. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

LORD OF TEH DANCE
to 6 September
Touring the globe non-stop for years, this troupe of high kicking dancers and energetic fiddle players has entertained millions. Now it's our turn.

A HANDFUL OF KEYS
to 20 September
Two men at two grand pianos give a dazzling display of pianistic virtuosity and hilarious impersonation. A performance of constant surprise, intelligence and wit, with a repertoire ranging from Bach and Beethoven, through the kings of soul Ray Charles and Fats Domino, to the queens of showbiz Elton John, Freddy Mercury and Liberace.

FLAT STANLEY INTIMATE AND UNPLUGGED
5 September
Cape Town's chart-toppers, fresh from their tour with Californian band Counting Crows, have recently been awarded a 2008 SAMA nomination. Tonight they present an intimate, unplugged set of their best-known songs.

DARLING VOORKAMERFEST
5 September - 7 September
Performers from South Africa and abroad stage shows in front rooms of the Darling residents’ houses - music, singing, dancing in township houses as well as in the mansions.

CAPE TOWN PROPERTY SHOW
5 September - 7 September
A showcase of South African real estate as well as properties in Dubai, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and the UK.

CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW EXHIBIT COMES HOME
5 September - 14 September
A chance to enjoy the display that won both a gold medal and the President's Most Creative Award at the 2008 Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show in London. Aptly entitled “The Heat Is On”, it displays the dramatic effects of climate change on our unique fynbos biosphere.

OPEN GARDENS
5 September - 14 September
Amble through the beautiful gardens of the Cellars Hohenort and enjoy tea and scones on the veranda. All proceeds go to St Luke's Hospice.

THEATRE: MY FAIR LADY
5 September - 21 September
Based on George Bernard Shaw`s Pygmalion, this is the musical rags-to-riches tale of Eliza Doolittle, a poor Cockney flower seller who is transformed into a Duchess by the irascible Prof Henry Higgins.

CLASSIC CAR RACING
6 September
As the racing season winds down, classic car enthusiasts and drivers give their all to secure top honours in this category which remains a favourite among the race followers.

WINE, ART AND JEWELLERY AUCTION
6 September
An annual auction to raise funds for the many charitable causes, mostly involving children, supported by Paarl Rotary.

ZIMFEST 2008
6 September - 7 September
An humanitarian fundraising music event with some of South Africa's best loved bands including Freshlyground, The Dirty Skirts, The Rudimentals, Ike Moritz and Coda. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to refugees and asylum seekers from Zimbabwe.

LIVEALIVE COUNTRY LIFE FESTIVAL
6 September - 7 September
An annual celebration of good food, great culture, relaxation, peace and pleasure.

BIRD WATCHING AT DELHEIM
7 September
Participants help members of the Cape Bird Club to identify the many bird species on the farm.

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
9 September - 19 September
The annual festival enters its second decade with a line-up of great comedians from all over the world.

WINEX 2008
10 September - 12 September
The premier public event on South Africa's national wine calendar, drawing thousands of wine enthusiasts every year.

JOHNNY CLEGG: HEART OF A DANCER
12 September - 13 September
'The White Zulu' is one of South Africa's best loved celebrities across ages and cultures. In this show he examines the role of dance in his career and how certain songs were shifted towards choreographic presentations for live performances.

RUGBY: CURRIE CUP
13 September
Western Province v. Falcons.

THE CRAZY STORE TABLE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
13 September
This 35km trail run around Cape Town’s world-famous mountain is one of South Africa’s premier off-road running events. Competitors run through indigenous forest, cross mountain streams and pass through the pristine Orange Kloof area.

FULL MOON PICNIC ON PAARL MOUNTAIN
13 September
Bring a picnic or prebook a basket.

CAPE ORCHID SOCIETY SPRING SHOW
13 September - 14 September
A magnificent display of different orchids, with orchid plants and related items on sale.

GOURMET BBQ
14 September
An informal wine tasting, followed by a three-course meal in an area renowned for its spectacular wild flowers. Snacks and children's food also included.

HERMANUS WILD FLOWER FESTIVAL
18 September - 21 September
Floral displays, gardens, indigenous plants for sale, craft stalls, teas and lunches. Look out for the free shuttle bus in the main road opposite the market square.

SHIRAZ AND ART FESTIVAL
20 September
The beautiful Riebeek Valley celebrates its Shiraz heritage and the work of its many local artists. This year the theme is ‘Mediterranean Market’.

AFRO/EGYPTIAN OPERA GALA DINNER
20 September
A night of music, food and wine with some of the performers from Cape Town Opera's forthcoming productions of Aida and Poet & Prophetess. Guest of honor Dr Mamphela Ramphele, special guest appearance Sibongile Khumalo.

KATIE MELUA
24 September
One of the UK's biggest selling female artists, Melua will have just turned 24 before this performance to her many South African fans.

HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL
24 September - 28 September
Celebrate the peak of the whale-watching season in a town with the best land-based whale-watching in the world.

NEDBANK CWG AUCTION
27 September
A chance to bid for rare and unique wines specially produced for the Auction by the members of the Cape Winemakers Guild.

PINOTAGE ON TAP
27 September
This renowned annual party this year features performances by the James Stewart Experience, Plush, Gently Scar’d featuring Carice and the African sounds of Siyeza. The food and drink have a distinct chocolate theme.

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