Gullible's Travels
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
South Africa 2009: Wendy House
In South Africa sheds are known as Wendy houses and we decided we needed one on our terrace.
We have a couple of lovely shell-back chairs that have needed re-varnishing every visit and a barbeque which had rusted in the salty air. So a storage box to contain these and the sun loungers (and possible future bicycles) over winter seemed like a good idea.
We consulted the beach club regulations which prohibit extending your property without permission but did a free standing Wendy house really constitute a structure under the meaning of the rules? Anyway, it's not a Wendy house it's a "storage box", honest.
We decided to apply the adage "it is better to ask forgiveness that seek permission" and went ahead and ordered one from Tops Timbers at Bot River.
Being on the third floor presented some challenges. The floor and roof panels were too large to go up the stairs so had to go up the outside of the building! Then all the wall and door panels had to be carried up the stair well - no lifts.
We had specified a low roof to keep the sight-line close to that of the parapet wall but the Hennie of Tops Timbers had kindly made it taller so we would not have to bend as much to get the chairs in. When the thing was installed it was huge and at least a foot (30 cm) taller than we intended.
When we explained to Hennie he was the epitome of excellent customer service. He arranged for the lads to come the next afternoon, dismantle and remove the offending side panels. They took them back to the workshop, chopped them down and returned the day after to reassemble the now shorter Wendy house (sorry storage box).
It still looks massive but at least it is, mostly, out of sight.
And of course like my previous shed, Jabba [1], and current sheds, Arthur and Jackson [2], this too should have a name. And what better name than Wendy :-)
[1] http://www.mmenterprises.co.uk/blog/2005/10/jabba-shed.htm
[2] http://www.mmenterprises.co.uk/blog/2006/04/arthur-two-sheds-jackson.htm
In South Africa sheds are known as Wendy houses and we decided we needed one on our terrace.
We have a couple of lovely shell-back chairs that have needed re-varnishing every visit and a barbeque which had rusted in the salty air. So a storage box to contain these and the sun loungers (and possible future bicycles) over winter seemed like a good idea.
We consulted the beach club regulations which prohibit extending your property without permission but did a free standing Wendy house really constitute a structure under the meaning of the rules? Anyway, it's not a Wendy house it's a "storage box", honest.
We decided to apply the adage "it is better to ask forgiveness that seek permission" and went ahead and ordered one from Tops Timbers at Bot River.
Being on the third floor presented some challenges. The floor and roof panels were too large to go up the stairs so had to go up the outside of the building! Then all the wall and door panels had to be carried up the stair well - no lifts.
We had specified a low roof to keep the sight-line close to that of the parapet wall but the Hennie of Tops Timbers had kindly made it taller so we would not have to bend as much to get the chairs in. When the thing was installed it was huge and at least a foot (30 cm) taller than we intended.
When we explained to Hennie he was the epitome of excellent customer service. He arranged for the lads to come the next afternoon, dismantle and remove the offending side panels. They took them back to the workshop, chopped them down and returned the day after to reassemble the now shorter Wendy house (sorry storage box).
It still looks massive but at least it is, mostly, out of sight.
And of course like my previous shed, Jabba [1], and current sheds, Arthur and Jackson [2], this too should have a name. And what better name than Wendy :-)
[1] http://www.mmenterprises.co.uk/blog/2005/10/jabba-shed.htm
[2] http://www.mmenterprises.co.uk/blog/2006/04/arthur-two-sheds-jackson.htm
Labels: southafrica
¶ Permanent link: 5:37 PM 1 comments
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
South Africa 2009: Paarl
On this trip to South Africa we flew out on our wedding anniversary. Normally we go away for the weekend to celebrate, and so this trip we decided to do the same. Instead of going straight to the apartment in Hermanus we went to Paarl for the weekend, a winegrowing district that we had not previously been to.
Cascade Manor Hotel
The price of very ordinary B&Bs in Paarl itself decided us, or I should say Mary as my personal travel organiser, to go out-of-town and for the same price, have a much more luxurious accommodation. The Cascade Manor hotel was a delight. Parts of the building are over 200 years old, and it has recently been renovated and refurbished. It looks more like an Italian villa than anything else.
Mary wine tasting at Laborie
As soon as we had checked in the first thing we did was get out and go for a wine tasting; we drove into Paarl for a tasting at Laborie. http://www.laborierestaurant.co.za/
Goat tower at Fairview
On the Sunday we did a wine tour with André of Four Seasons Travel (http://www.4csonstravelling.co.za/, email: 4csonstravelling@vodamail.co.za, Tel: +27 837 607 408) for a few more tastings:
Vergelegen wine estate
Monday it was a leisurely drive down to Hermanus taking in a couple more tastings and lunch at Vergelegen.We went via Tops Timbers to arrange for a man to visit to quote for a shed then on to Hermanus. We arrived in time to buy some electricity and supper for a quiet evening in. And so the holiday began :-)
On this trip to South Africa we flew out on our wedding anniversary. Normally we go away for the weekend to celebrate, and so this trip we decided to do the same. Instead of going straight to the apartment in Hermanus we went to Paarl for the weekend, a winegrowing district that we had not previously been to.
Cascade Manor Hotel
The price of very ordinary B&Bs in Paarl itself decided us, or I should say Mary as my personal travel organiser, to go out-of-town and for the same price, have a much more luxurious accommodation. The Cascade Manor hotel was a delight. Parts of the building are over 200 years old, and it has recently been renovated and refurbished. It looks more like an Italian villa than anything else.
Mary wine tasting at Laborie
As soon as we had checked in the first thing we did was get out and go for a wine tasting; we drove into Paarl for a tasting at Laborie. http://www.laborierestaurant.co.za/
Goat tower at Fairview
On the Sunday we did a wine tour with André of Four Seasons Travel (http://www.4csonstravelling.co.za/, email: 4csonstravelling@vodamail.co.za, Tel: +27 837 607 408) for a few more tastings:
- http://www.solms-delta.co.za/ - interesting ethical winery
- http://www.fairview.co.za/ - home of "Goats do Roam" and "Goat Roti" *groan*
- http://www.seidelberg.co.za/
- http://www.vnl.co.za/ - Vrede en Lust for lunch
Vergelegen wine estate
Monday it was a leisurely drive down to Hermanus taking in a couple more tastings and lunch at Vergelegen.We went via Tops Timbers to arrange for a man to visit to quote for a shed then on to Hermanus. We arrived in time to buy some electricity and supper for a quiet evening in. And so the holiday began :-)
Labels: southafrica, wine
¶ Permanent link: 7:11 PM 1 comments
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Wine tasting in South Africa
It will come as no surprise to our friends to learn that we visited a number of wineries for tastings. As always, very enjoyable to taste new wines and see new parts of the country.
Wine tasting at Morgenster
Lunch at La Petite Ferme
It will come as no surprise to our friends to learn that we visited a number of wineries for tastings. As always, very enjoyable to taste new wines and see new parts of the country.
Wine tasting at Morgenster
- www.morgenster.co.za - with olive oil tasting
- www.biltonwines.com - with chocolate tasting
- www.kanonkop.co.za - including a "lifestyle wine", what a peice of marketingese - which translates as "entry level quaffing wine"
- www.lapetiteferme.co.za - the best place to dine - book now!
- www.creationwines.com - gorgeous setting, we liked their SB's
- www.newtonjohnson.com - lunched there, Mary loved the Pinot
- www.zoetendalwines.co.za - the Mile is their flagship wine
- www.theberrio.co.za - lovely wines, had their cheese platter
- www.blackoystercatcher.co.za - newly opened tasting room and restaurant
- www.strandveld.co.za - southernmost winery in Africa
- www.iona.co.za - we had to go there because my Mum read about it and bought a bottle or two in Waitrose
Lunch at La Petite Ferme
Labels: southafrica, wine
¶ Permanent link: 9:59 AM 2 comments
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Fynbos Walk 2 - Fernkloof
The Western Cape appears well endowed with nature reserves one of which is right on our doorstep: http://www.fernkloof.com/. Following on from the success of our previous guided walk (Fynbos Walk 1 - Klem and the Three Sisters) we enquired of the local Tourist Information for a Hermanus-based guide to do the same here. Which is how we came to spend two hours will Billy learning a lot about local flora and fauna.
Billy
If you are interest in a guided tour contact Billy at
billy.hermanus@gmail.com, cell phone +27 (0) 769 673 606.
Tortoises have right of way
Mary at the crossroads
View down to the coast
We subsequently went back and walked most of the other paths ourselves and saw a fine variey of fynbos in bloom.
The Western Cape appears well endowed with nature reserves one of which is right on our doorstep: http://www.fernkloof.com/. Following on from the success of our previous guided walk (Fynbos Walk 1 - Klem and the Three Sisters) we enquired of the local Tourist Information for a Hermanus-based guide to do the same here. Which is how we came to spend two hours will Billy learning a lot about local flora and fauna.
Billy
If you are interest in a guided tour contact Billy at
billy.hermanus@gmail.com, cell phone +27 (0) 769 673 606.
Tortoises have right of way
Mary at the crossroads
View down to the coast
We subsequently went back and walked most of the other paths ourselves and saw a fine variey of fynbos in bloom.
Labels: southafrica
¶ Permanent link: 3:48 PM 1 comments
Monday, January 12, 2009
Seven Day Forecast
If anyone wondered why we bought an apartment in South Africa look at these weather forecasts:
London a week of rain every day; Hermanus a week of sunshine every day.
If anyone wondered why we bought an apartment in South Africa look at these weather forecasts:
London a week of rain every day; Hermanus a week of sunshine every day.
Labels: southafrica
¶ Permanent link: 10:17 PM 2 comments
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Eating the zoo
The first time we went to SA we saw "trio of venison" on the menu. Although we like game we gave it a miss thinking it was deer cooked for three different ways. Only afterwards did we discover it meant three different beasts. This trip I have dined on eland pie, kudu steak, ostrich burger and the best ever springbok steak not to mention carpaccio of warthog.
Carpaccio of Warthog
The food and wine is ludicrously good value. On our previous trip we saw a wine we knew and liked on a menu at 55 ZAR. A fair price for a glass (GBP 3.60) we thought until we realised it was for a bottle!
Between Christmas and New Year we went to the best hotel in town - the 5-star Marine Hotel and went for the tasting menu. Absolutely fantastic. Mary reckons the Springbok was the tastiest meat she has ever eaten. And all at a fraction of what is would cost in London.
TASTING MENU
Norwegian Salmon Tartare Coronet Caper Creme Fraiche, Cucumber Joup
- Villiera Tradition Brut NV
Tian of Prawn, Basil and Tomato Prawn Mousseline, Avocado Cream and Horseradish
- Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Ballottine of Guinea Fowl and Foie Gras a la Grecque Vegetables, Pear Chutney and Brioche
- Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2007
Chicken and Shitake Mushroom Consomme Coriander Dumplings, ,Choy, Spring Onion
- Monis Medium Cream Sherry
Oven Roasted Loin of Springbok Pomme Fondant, Caramelised Onions and Cherry Venison Jus
- Beaumont Pinotage 2006
Passion Fruit Sorbet Rooibos Spoom, Lemon Jelly
Assiette of Pavilion Desserts
- Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2004
ZAR 550 (GBP 36.67) for food and wine per person!
The first time we went to SA we saw "trio of venison" on the menu. Although we like game we gave it a miss thinking it was deer cooked for three different ways. Only afterwards did we discover it meant three different beasts. This trip I have dined on eland pie, kudu steak, ostrich burger and the best ever springbok steak not to mention carpaccio of warthog.
Carpaccio of Warthog
The food and wine is ludicrously good value. On our previous trip we saw a wine we knew and liked on a menu at 55 ZAR. A fair price for a glass (GBP 3.60) we thought until we realised it was for a bottle!
Between Christmas and New Year we went to the best hotel in town - the 5-star Marine Hotel and went for the tasting menu. Absolutely fantastic. Mary reckons the Springbok was the tastiest meat she has ever eaten. And all at a fraction of what is would cost in London.
TASTING MENU
Norwegian Salmon Tartare Coronet Caper Creme Fraiche, Cucumber Joup
- Villiera Tradition Brut NV
Tian of Prawn, Basil and Tomato Prawn Mousseline, Avocado Cream and Horseradish
- Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Ballottine of Guinea Fowl and Foie Gras a la Grecque Vegetables, Pear Chutney and Brioche
- Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2007
Chicken and Shitake Mushroom Consomme Coriander Dumplings, ,Choy, Spring Onion
- Monis Medium Cream Sherry
Oven Roasted Loin of Springbok Pomme Fondant, Caramelised Onions and Cherry Venison Jus
- Beaumont Pinotage 2006
Passion Fruit Sorbet Rooibos Spoom, Lemon Jelly
Assiette of Pavilion Desserts
- Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2004
ZAR 550 (GBP 36.67) for food and wine per person!
Labels: southafrica
¶ Permanent link: 10:00 PM 0 comments
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Fynbos Walk 1 - Klem and the Three Sisters
Just back from three weeks in South Africa and catching up on some retro-blogging. The main thing we did was get to know the locality: lots of walks along the beaches and in the local nature reserves plus trying some new restaurants and wineries. Dirty job but someone has to do it.
As part of the Kleinmond Fynbos Festival they advertised a walk in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. So we turned up and were the only takers. We did a five hour walk up 634 m (2080 ft) to the Three Sisters ably guided by Klem Dunstan.
Klem and Mary
Flowers in the Fynbos
The flora was particularly amazing plus we had the added bonus of this lizard chap.
Lizard in the Fynbos
View of Sandown Beach
If you are interested in a local guide Klem's contact details are: klem@cybersmart.co.za, +27 (0) 832 980 654.
Just back from three weeks in South Africa and catching up on some retro-blogging. The main thing we did was get to know the locality: lots of walks along the beaches and in the local nature reserves plus trying some new restaurants and wineries. Dirty job but someone has to do it.
As part of the Kleinmond Fynbos Festival they advertised a walk in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. So we turned up and were the only takers. We did a five hour walk up 634 m (2080 ft) to the Three Sisters ably guided by Klem Dunstan.
Klem and Mary
Flowers in the Fynbos
The flora was particularly amazing plus we had the added bonus of this lizard chap.
Lizard in the Fynbos
View of Sandown Beach
If you are interested in a local guide Klem's contact details are: klem@cybersmart.co.za, +27 (0) 832 980 654.
Labels: southafrica
¶ Permanent link: 6:18 PM 1 comments
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Furnishing the apartment 3
So I took the easy option and snagged the photos that Mary had already selected from our advert on http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p96973. The apartment is only 57.5 m2 but the terrace is a whopping 64 m2.
Everything you see in these photos was bought in the mad shopping spree that was our visit. And I do mean everything down to the bag of pegs in the bathroom and the washing up bowl in the sink. Plus, of course, the scatter cushions as well - it's a girl thing <rolls eyes>.
So I took the easy option and snagged the photos that Mary had already selected from our advert on http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p96973. The apartment is only 57.5 m2 but the terrace is a whopping 64 m2.
Everything you see in these photos was bought in the mad shopping spree that was our visit. And I do mean everything down to the bag of pegs in the bathroom and the washing up bowl in the sink. Plus, of course, the scatter cushions as well - it's a girl thing <rolls eyes>.
living room and kitchen
front view living room
terrace view towards mountains
view from kitchen
bedroom 1
bedroom 2
bedroom 3 (single bed)
bedroom 3 (2 beds)
Labels: southafrica
¶ Permanent link: 8:22 PM 2 comments
Friday, March 28, 2008
Hermanus Apartment on YouTube
As well as taking lots of photos of the apartment I took a couple of mini-videos with my camera:
The Living Room
The Terrace
If you want to see photos visit our ad on http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/
As well as taking lots of photos of the apartment I took a couple of mini-videos with my camera:
The Living Room
The Terrace
If you want to see photos visit our ad on http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/
Labels: southafrica
¶ Permanent link: 9:16 AM 1 comments
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Our first braai
We ate out the first couple of nights and then decided we had to eat as the locals do and christen our 'braai' which is Afrikaans for barbeque. Out on our terrace we had barbequed ostrich burgers and boerewors, a spicy long sausage. Washed down with an excellent local wine.
We have a picnic table up on our terrace that Mary spotted and liked at a local furniture store but we decided sadly it would be not be possible to get it up the stairs and through the apartment. It was solidly built and did not dismantle. Next thing I knew four lads turned up to give it a go even though we had not ordered it. As luck would have it the four of them were able to grunt it up the stairs and, by taking *both* doors off their hinges, squeeze it through the apartment with millimeters to spare. Mary was a happy bunny.
We ate out the first couple of nights and then decided we had to eat as the locals do and christen our 'braai' which is Afrikaans for barbeque. Out on our terrace we had barbequed ostrich burgers and boerewors, a spicy long sausage. Washed down with an excellent local wine.
We have a picnic table up on our terrace that Mary spotted and liked at a local furniture store but we decided sadly it would be not be possible to get it up the stairs and through the apartment. It was solidly built and did not dismantle. Next thing I knew four lads turned up to give it a go even though we had not ordered it. As luck would have it the four of them were able to grunt it up the stairs and, by taking *both* doors off their hinges, squeeze it through the apartment with millimeters to spare. Mary was a happy bunny.
Labels: southafrica
¶ Permanent link: 4:22 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Furnishing the apartment 2
Saturday as soon as the fridge was delivered it was back to Tafelberg Furniture to finish off the shopping. And boy did we shop. The third bed, a truckle, a three piece suite, four bar stools for the breakfast bar, bedside cabinets and assorted housewares. All to be delivered Tuesday.
By the time we got back it was late afternoon and time to get ready for the evening meal.
The next three days can be briefly summarized: Mary shopped, I decorated. Ten hours Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday till 2 was painting the ceiling and walls of the living room and smallest bedroom. It looks so much cleaner and fresher.
Today all the furniture arrived and the place is transformed from a messy disaster zone into a very smart apartment. Now it is off to Mediterranea for a nice meal to celebrate. The other to bedrooms can wait till christmas for their lick of paint.
Saturday as soon as the fridge was delivered it was back to Tafelberg Furniture to finish off the shopping. And boy did we shop. The third bed, a truckle, a three piece suite, four bar stools for the breakfast bar, bedside cabinets and assorted housewares. All to be delivered Tuesday.
By the time we got back it was late afternoon and time to get ready for the evening meal.
The next three days can be briefly summarized: Mary shopped, I decorated. Ten hours Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday till 2 was painting the ceiling and walls of the living room and smallest bedroom. It looks so much cleaner and fresher.
Today all the furniture arrived and the place is transformed from a messy disaster zone into a very smart apartment. Now it is off to Mediterranea for a nice meal to celebrate. The other to bedrooms can wait till christmas for their lick of paint.
Labels: southafrica
¶ Permanent link: 4:50 PM 0 comments
Monday, March 17, 2008
Furnishing the apartment 1
We landed at Cape Town airport at 9am to be met by Ronel of Percy Tours. By 10am we were in Tafelberg Furniture at Somerset West looking at beds. Having bought two queen size beds and bedding it was off to Hermanus and the estate agent to pick up the keys.
At the apartment it was a case of drop off the luggage and into town to buy the bed linen. Then back to the apartment to take delivery of the beds. Impressive same day customer service.
Then it was back into Hermanus to buy a kettle and a fridge for delivery the following morning at 9am. By then the shops were closing so it was back home to make our bed.
We drove into town for a meal in the fish restaurant at The Marine Hotel; the first place we dined on our first visit to Hermanus. Then home to fall knackered into bed.
We landed at Cape Town airport at 9am to be met by Ronel of Percy Tours. By 10am we were in Tafelberg Furniture at Somerset West looking at beds. Having bought two queen size beds and bedding it was off to Hermanus and the estate agent to pick up the keys.
At the apartment it was a case of drop off the luggage and into town to buy the bed linen. Then back to the apartment to take delivery of the beds. Impressive same day customer service.
Then it was back into Hermanus to buy a kettle and a fridge for delivery the following morning at 9am. By then the shops were closing so it was back home to make our bed.
We drove into town for a meal in the fish restaurant at The Marine Hotel; the first place we dined on our first visit to Hermanus. Then home to fall knackered into bed.
Labels: southafrica
¶ Permanent link: 1:48 PM 3 comments
Thursday, January 24, 2008
SA Trip 8: Epilogue
Now it can be told. We liked South Africa so much we bought an apartment in Hermanus, Western Cape, at the Hermanus Beach Club an hour and a half's drive from Cape Town.
"Hermanus has the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Southern right whales visit Walker Bay from June through to December and can be viewed from aboard a boat, an airplane or the shore. Hermanus is home to the world's only Whale Crier who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted along the central sea route." - http://www.hermanus.co.za/
It was an impulse buy. We had not gone out with the intention of buying a place but we loved it so much we had a giddy turn and decided to expand our property empire.
Part holiday home, part pension plan. The idea is to holiday there for a few years and when we retire, or down-shift, to spend the (European) winters down there.
The money went off to the lawyers yesterday and the apartment will be ours at the end of February. We go out over Easter to pick up the keys and fit the place out - a long way to go for a shopping spree. Our is the one circled in the aerial photo.
The apartment in not huge (two and a half bedrooms, one all-purpose living /dining / kitchen room) but the terrace is larger than the whole apartment!
Now it can be told. We liked South Africa so much we bought an apartment in Hermanus, Western Cape, at the Hermanus Beach Club an hour and a half's drive from Cape Town.
"Hermanus has the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Southern right whales visit Walker Bay from June through to December and can be viewed from aboard a boat, an airplane or the shore. Hermanus is home to the world's only Whale Crier who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted along the central sea route." - http://www.hermanus.co.za/
It was an impulse buy. We had not gone out with the intention of buying a place but we loved it so much we had a giddy turn and decided to expand our property empire.
Part holiday home, part pension plan. The idea is to holiday there for a few years and when we retire, or down-shift, to spend the (European) winters down there.
The money went off to the lawyers yesterday and the apartment will be ours at the end of February. We go out over Easter to pick up the keys and fit the place out - a long way to go for a shopping spree. Our is the one circled in the aerial photo.
The apartment in not huge (two and a half bedrooms, one all-purpose living /dining / kitchen room) but the terrace is larger than the whole apartment!
Labels: southafrica
¶ Permanent link: 1:21 PM 3 comments
