| Cape Town South Africa - Insider advice for the independent traveller | Taking the Waters |
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My Cape Town |
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Gradually I found that, rather than dreading the next assault, I was beginning to anticipate it with a small amount of glee. ‘Bring it on!’ I shouted as the next wave reared up in front of me and, spinning myself around, I rode the surge in to the shore.
Yes it’s true. I was swimming, sans wetsuit, in water that had seen nothing more than icebergs on its way up from the Antarctic. It had taken me a good six minutes of teetering on the edge and then easing myself in girlishly but now I was feeling more alive than I had since, well, the last time I’d braved a dip in these waters.
It was Christmas Day and years ago I had decided it was important to swim in the sea on this one day of the year if none other. Frankly, having made the move to the southern hemisphere, the ‘normal’ traditions of Christmas were out and we decided we must establish new traditions for the future. This was my contribution. And I discovered an enormously beneficial side effect to what Neill still regards an act of folly.
Christmas Eve had been a fun evening with a group of friends in Kommetjie. It wasn’t intended to be a hugely boozy affair, but as a long balmy afternoon tipped into a golden sunset and a soft evening, “just one more” became the chorus of an increasingly hearty song. The following morning I had sat through the ripping open of Christmas stockings with a fixed smile and a thudding head but now, after a good frolic in the waves at Llandudno I felt as young and carefree as a ten year old as I skipped, laughing, out of the water. There are millions (probably) of dollars spent every year on the search for the perfect hangover cure and yet, people, a dip in the sea off Cape Town is all it takes.
So next year don’t worry about stocking up on liver salts and aspirin, and save yourselves the hassle of a huge roast lunch and entertaining the in-laws. Invest in a ticket to Cape Town instead. It reaches the places other Christmases can’t. Bring on New Year!
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Guest House of the Month |
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Shepherd’s Land Country House
Two en-suite rooms + one two-bedroom wing Even in an area of outstanding beauty, The Helderberg Nature Reserve is something special. Bordering this reserve is Somerset West, one of the southernmost towns of the winelands, and the closest to the beaches.
The hosts at Shepherds Land, Paul and Marjolein, hail from the Netherlands. They make a point of keeping a relaxed atmosphere, pointing out that their own house shares the grounds with the guest house. They are often to be found playing with their children in the garden - leading the way for their guests to feel equally comfortable.
Breakfast is normally served out on one of the terraces, according to just how much shade is needed from the morning sun, or in the lounge at the open fire during the cooler winter months. There is an honesty bar in the red TV lounge, and guests also find a complimentary bottle of wine in their rooms on arrival. With just four rooms, this is a place that works equally well for get-away-from-it-all honeymooners, or for families or a group of friends travelling together.
With Erinvale golf course on the doorstep and a further 6 courses within a 20km radius, Shepherds Land has put together an enticing 10 day Golf & Dine package including green fees, car hire, dinner at top restaurants in the area, wine tours and spa treatments. Rates start at R 12 500 pps.
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Upcoming Events |
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Highlights for January, selected from WhatsoninCapeTown.com - the indispensable guide to all that's happening in Cape Town. For a full list of what's on in the next few months, go to 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!
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION
CAPE MINSTREL CARNIVAL
CRICKET: SOUTH AFRICA v. WEST INDIES
ELTON JOHN IN CONCERT
BALLET: GISELLE
MEGA MEDIA EXPO
CRICKET: SOUTH AFRICA v. WEST INDIES
PRIME CIRCLE @ PAUL CLUVER FOREST AMPHITHEATRE
J&B MET
THE LEGACY OF MANDELA FILM FESTIVAL
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As each one hit I felt myself black out for a millisecond.
Shepherds Land Country House is not only a stone’s throw from the nature reserve, but within a short drive from its gates it is possible to reach Vergelegen, one of the most beautiful vineyards in the country; Morgenster, famous for its olive oils; and many golf courses, the closest being the stunning course at Erinvale. From here the rugged slopes of the Helderberg mountains wind their way down to the warm waters and popular beaches of Gordon’s Bay.
The house itself has a Cape Dutch feel, with large cool rooms and stone floors. Décor is minimalist, with large splashes of vivid colour and an emphasis on contrasting textures. A formal garden of lawns and rose beds sits at the front of the house, with a more playful garden at the rear. To the side is the pool area, with lush banana trees and reeds and bushes creating a tropical atmosphere for the natural-shaped pool.
Bars, restaurants and shops: 5 mins drive
