Cape Town – Page 36 – Notes from the Cape

Published November 26, 2010

I only drink Champagne…

I only drink Champagne when I’m happy
or when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it
when I’m alone. When I have company
I consider it obligatory. I triffle with it
when I’m not hungry and drink it when I am.
Otherwise I never touch it…unless I’m
thirsty. In victory you deserve it & in
defeat you need it! Lilly Bollinger

I spotted this on a wall in one of the bars in the German Club in Cape Town (The old Tafelberg Tavern). The club has just been bought by new owners, and some refurbishment is imminent, so this graffiti will most likely be painted over any day now. The side walls are covered in comments for the various patrons, and this particular poem took my fancy.

The quote is actually from Lilly Bollinger (as in the Bollinger Champagne family), but thanks to Shella for puting it up on the wall.

Here is another section of the wall. Don’t you love the car?

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Published November 21, 2010

Sushi @ Cape Town Fish Market

Last night I had a craving for fresh Sushi, so when Lois offered to take me out for dinner, my first choice was the Cape Town Fish Market in Tokai, which have wonderful and fresh Sushi.

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Norwegian Salmon

Now, the downside is that Lois is vegetarian and does not eat fish, so there is not a huge amount for her to eat there. A couple of years ago they changed their menu, and there was almost nothing for her to eat. But they have recently brought back some of the vegetarian meals, including the yummyvegetarian spring rolls, cooked in a very thin and crispy pastry. There are three in a portion, one of which Lois gave me. It was very good.

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Sushi at the Cape Town Fish Market (note this photo was not the free starter; it was one of the platters)

So I had the free mixed starter, and an extra portion of salmon, which went wonderfully with the Durbanville Hills Chardonnay that we were drinking. I followed with a piece of seared tuna (tuna is plentiful at the moment), braised on the outside, but completely raw on the insided. It was also very good.

Lois had the vege spring rolls, followed by a Greek Salad and baby potatoes with a lemon and garlic butter. She enjoyed them both.
The restaurant have a current promotion whereby if you buy any bottle of Durbanville Hills wine, you get a free mixed Sushi platter. I hope they keep the vegetarian options on the menu; it makes it a little easier for me to enjoy the fish :-)

You can find out more about the restaurant on their website.

Cape Town

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Published November 16, 2010

Disassembly of the Ferris Wheel

While I was driving to work this morning, I spotted this Ferris wheel being dismantled.

This reminded me of the thrill of going on the rides at the funfairs when I was a child; the excitement of the experience, begging my parents for money for just one more ride, and the pure indulgence of a day at the funfair. While the ferris wheel was also a little slow and stately, I always found the view from the top just a little scary, and I was just a little concerned what whould happen if it broke down with me at the top (thankfully it never did). It was always with a little relief that the ferris wheel would continue to turn and take me back safely to ground.

Considering that its primary purpose is to entertain children, it looked so sad and broken, sitting with half of its insides having being ripped out and unceremoniously packed into the trucks. But in just a few weeks, it will be standing in a new field. The circle once again complete, ready for another group of children to enjoy its rides, and to feel just a little worried should it break down.

By the way, here is a much more modern ferris wheel at the entrance to the Waterfront in Cape Town. It will be there for another couple of months.

Hisense Wheel of Excellence

Cape Town

cape town children ferris wheel

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Published November 6, 2010

Newlands Cricket Stadium

I was presenting at a training session at one of the meeting rooms in Newlands Cricket Stadium today, and I just happened to have my camera with me :-)

Here are two photos.

Click on the photo to get some of the detail (but it is really big)

The first is a stitched perspective of the stadium, and the second of the main stand.

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Published November 1, 2010

Warning: toads crossing

Sign seen on the road into Noordhoek. While it looks a little bizarre, it has real meaning. The Western Leopard Toad which mainly lives in Cape Town, is on the endangered list. However, they love crossing roads (probably because they breed in our gardens), and they keep getting squashed (especially in August which is breeding season).

So if you do happen to see one, please be careful. Even better move it across the road (in the direction it was facing please).

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Published October 31, 2010

Noordhoek Country Fair

Today is the annual Noordhoek Country fair. I had a meeting with a client of mine, and what better place to have a meeting than at the fair. The fair is a lovely place to spend a couple of hours with the family. They had plenty of great food and drinks (I bought some balsamic and habamaro vinegar which I am going to have on my fresh Tuna tonight.)

There are also horserides, live bands, presentations and crafts. The fair is held on Noordhoek common and all money from the door goes to various conservation and community causes.

Cds MG 1979

A giant puppet, made by the Masiphumelele community. She was controlled by about 5 people, providing independent movement of both arms, legs the the head.

Cds MG 1971