Our "African Experience"

At Marco's Restaurant in Cape Town,22nd August 2006

Our August network meeting and launch was once again a great success with over 70 people attending.

We had African music and then three African Drummers to welcome our guests. Proteas were part of the decorations on our tables and African designed table clothes. The atmosphere was wonderful, every one enjoying themselves.To read More.........

After the welcome by Elaine and Teodora we started our morning with a fashion show by Ali Adam Couture. They had 5 models wearing the most beautiful outfits.Nothing is impossible for this wonderful talented African Designer. Please visit him for your next Dinner party or Grand Ball. He is located in De Waterkant. For more information contact Alternative Tourism

We then had a small taste of the SA National Circus School doing a father and (3 years old) son clown act, much to the distress of Mother clown. This unusual performance was enjoyed by all and we wish them a successful season. If any of our members would like to have them perform for your Christmas Party please contact them direct. See our Website.

During our lunch we had soft back ground music from light jazz to traditional, African and modern music played by three guitarists from Magic Touch Band. For more information about this remarkable group, who supply music for all occasions. Contact Elaine.

Delicious Butternut-Curry Soup, various meats, salads and beautiful home made bread and butter were served by the Staff of Marco's Restaurant. In addition excellent wine from our two wine gentlemen and coffee flowed all morning.

Marco's a restaurant for all occasions. They play soft African back ground Music, the food can be African, or Western. Marco is a 5* Chef, who was Executive Chef at the Sandton Towers, Johannesburg.He prepares all the food and the service is 5 star too. His wife Bongi does all the marketing and is also involved with the managing of this 220 seater establishment. They are open for Lunch and Dinner. Over week-ends they have a Live Jazz Band supplying music for listening or dancing. Contact: Bongi 021- 423 5412

We had Johan Pieterse Assistant Wine Maker from "Matuba Wines" from Paarl doing a wine tasting and telling us about their wines. They are the only wine makers to put their wine in a square bottle, guaranteed to turn any dinner or lunch into a special occasion. They create wines to suit any accasion, palate and lifestyle. They have two ranges to choose from: Vineyards Specific and Premium Select. Tel: 021 860 8840

Matuba Vineyards Specific: Shiraz Viognier, Chardonnay Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc

Matuba Premium Select: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc

After him we had Alford from" Wine for U" telling us about the various wines they export overseas.

Our meeting ended after 2.30pm with members still doing networking.

Afrikaans Experience

Afrikaans is some 300 years old, with its roots spanning three continents - Europe, Africa and Asia.

It is the mother tongue of nearly 6 Million people today and it is spoken by many South Africans as a second or thrid language.

Come discover more about thie unique South African language and meet the people of diverse cultures who speak it - from the Cape Flats to Namakwaland. - All of this at the Afrikaans Language Museum

The Afrikaans Language Monument - the only monument in the world that celebrates its language and its roots.

Our "African Experience"

At Marco's Restaurant in Cape Town,22nd August 2006

Our August network meeting and launch was once again a great success with over 70 people attending.

We had African music and then three African Drummers to welcome our guests. Proteas were part of the decorations on our tables and African designed table clothes. The atmosphere was wonderful, every one enjoying themselves.To read More.........

After the welcome by Elaine and Teodora we started our morning with a fashion show by Ali Adam Couture. They had 5 models wearing the most beautiful outfits.Nothing is impossible for this wonderful talented African Designer. Please visit him for your next Dinner party or Grand Ball. He is located in De Waterkant. For more information contact Alternative Tourism

We then had a small taste of the SA National Circus School doing a father and (3 years old) son clown act, much to the distress of Mother clown. This unusual performance was enjoyed by all and we wish them a successful season. If any of our members would like to have them perform for your Christmas Party please contact them direct. See our Website.

During our lunch we had soft back ground music from light jazz to traditional, African and modern music played by three guitarists from Magic Touch Band. For more information about this remarkable group, who supply music for all occasions. Contact Elaine.

Delicious Butternut-Curry Soup, various meats, salads and beautiful home made bread and butter were served by the Staff of Marco's Restaurant. In addition excellent wine from our two wine gentlemen and coffee flowed all morning.

Marco's a restaurant for all occasions. They play soft African back ground Music, the food can be African, or Western. Marco is a 5* Chef, who was Executive Chef at the Sandton Towers, Johannesburg.He prepares all the food and the service is 5 star too. His wife Bongi does all the marketing and is also involved with the managing of this 220 seater establishment. They are open for Lunch and Dinner. Over week-ends they have a Live Jazz Band supplying music for listening or dancing. Contact: Bongi 021- 423 5412

We had Johan Pieterse Assistant Wine Maker from "Matuba Wines" from Paarl doing a wine tasting and telling us about their wines. They are the only wine makers to put their wine in a square bottle, guaranteed to turn any dinner or lunch into a special occasion. They create wines to suit any accasion, palate and lifestyle. They have two ranges to choose from: Vineyards Specific and Premium Select. Tel: 021 860 8840

Matuba Vineyards Specific: Shiraz Viognier, Chardonnay Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc

Matuba Premium Select: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc

After him we had Alford from" Wine for U" telling us about the various wines they export overseas.

Our meeting ended after 2.30pm with members still doing networking.

3rd Educational Day in the Oudtshoorn Area

After a wonderful breakfast at Nyaru Game Lodge we set off with Jauckie, our Tourist Guide on our way to Oudtshoorn, via the Robertson Pass from Mossel Bay. About 30 kilometers from Mossel Bay we picked up David van Niekerk who was going to be our Tour Guide to "The Hell".

We stopped at Oudtshoorn which is situated in the Klein Karoo, to pick up some supplies for our trip over the Swartbeg Pass. About 19 Kilometers before Prince Albert we turned-off for our descent into "The Hell". The Swartberg Pass was completed in 1886-1887 from North to South. 2,7km from the summit you get the turn-off to Gamkakloof, also known as "Die Hel". (This is a daunting road of 57km and is not recommended unless you are determined to explore more deeply into the mountains.)

The drive down into the valley takes approximately 2hr.35min. as you wind your way down. The last 2 .5km you drop over 835metres, to enter this Garden of Eden via the Elandspass. Here there is fruit in abundance, which was sundried and taken out of the valley by traders.To-day they are still producing sundried fruits which are sold in Woolworths and other super markets.

For many, many years these farmers had no facilities such as Doctors (who had to fly in from Oudtshoorn) or modern technology. They were literally cut off from the outside world.

The first families settled here in 1830. They entered the area on donkeys and used the "ladder" route which is still to-day situated on the farm Kleinberg, which the livestock inspectors and traders used as access to the Kloof before completion of Elandspass in 1962. The whole area used to be home of the San and Khoi - there are various rock paintings in the caves to remind one of these people.

The entire Valley was declared a National Monument in 1997 and was restored to its original design.

After arriving in the Hel, which does not have Hotels, Supermarkets or the corner cafe, we made a braai in the picnic area.

It was so tranquil and beautiful. All the families who lived there many years ago, have moved away except for the original one.

We were honoured to meet Annetjie Joubert who still owns the house and land that belonged to her great, great Grand Parents.

She now a days has a small shop where she sells preserves, sun-dried fruit, and serves a light lunch in a Lapa. She has electricity and the only telephone in the area. The old school house and various old homes have been taken over by Nature Conservation and is now available for week-end over-night stays or longer. They are now Self-catering cottages. You have gas or lamp light, no electricity. Through this little valley is a small stream which provided the farmers with water for their crops of fruit and vegetables,. known as the Gamka River which has its source in this valley. The valley is well known for its figs, apricots, cherries (in Wit Blits) and of course for their mampoer (distilled brandy made from the fruit in the Valley) plus wheat. For

more information on this wonderful jewel in the heart of the Klein Karoo

contact us on +27 21 4332226

After leaving "The Hel" just before dark we made our way to Prince Albert to sleep over at Weltevrede Guest Farm. More about this small town hidden in the Klein Karoo with many surprises, in our next post.

An aerial shot of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

Educational to Mossel Bay

We were fetched by our Water Taxi at 8.30am to have a wonderful Breakfast and be in time for our Elephant Ride on Tsotsi and Sam who are 20 and 25 years old respectively. They have also starred in one of our South African Movies called "Kringe in die Bos" (meaning Cicles in the Bush) Botlierskop was the first Game Lodge to offer Elephant rides. This was a wonderful experience to travel on these gentle giants. We of course had to take our time as they move slowly, and make no sound as they travel through the bush stopping now and then for a drink from a fresh mountain steam or nibble on some stray grass along the way. Our elephant handlers/guides were very informative regarding the elephants. One can also have a longer walk and have a picnic on route when you have time on your hands. Unfortunately, we had to leave Botlierskop and the elephants as we had to be back by 11.00 for our next venue.

Jauckie Viljoen from "Meet the People Tours" was waiting for us when we got back to camp. We were then taken to the Mossel Bay Boutique Spa Hotel. This is a very special venue for Wedding Couples. So those of you who have wedding bells ringing soon, book now because you are going to have a wonderful time. They offer all the amenities that a Spa can offer and you are also on the Beach Front at Mossel Bay, where you can go for long walks and enjoy the ocean.

The next stop was right next door to the Diaz Beach Hotel where Denise Lloyd their Marketing Manager took us on a "Cooks Tour"of their Hotel. The Hotel is ideal for Holiday makers, Family, Business people and Corporate Functions or Conferences. There again you are on the Beach Front which provides everything for you to relax and enjoy the unpolluted fresh air.

We were then taken to the Kingfisher Restaurant at the Point for coffee and here one can have delicious Seafood meal while watching the waves rolling onto the beach.

You once again have lovely open spaces and can walk to the Harbour. After that we visited the Khoi Village and Restaurant,right on the Point overlooking Mossel Bay and the ocean. Time was of the essence but we will be going back there again the end of August and will give you more information.

Then Jazzbury's was the next stop. Here in an old Stone House you go back to the Jazz Era and enjoy food from yester year an all South African Cuisine. We were served "Waterblommetjie"Soup, Bobotie and Yellow Rice with Pumpkin Fritters and fresh vegetables, finishing off with Sago Pudding and Custard. The menu was so large, we did not know what to choose so left it to Cecile,who is the owner. The range of puddings, were mind boggling...... Everything looked so delicious and tasty.

This must be one of the best South African Cuisine Restaurants we have visited in a long time and is a must for your overseas visitors. Very easy to find as it is situated in the Main Road near the Point.

After our delicious meal we were taken to Burack's for Coffee. In our next letter I will tell you more about this particular visit.

We then proceeded to go to the Diaz Museum. This is a very large Museum and stretches over a vast area. They had a replica of Diaz's Boat where you are taken on a tour, many fresh indidunous flowers were on display which were beautiful. In their garden they also have planks for the blind which we thought was very thoughtful, as some places forget the blind are also interested in South African History and its country. We would recommend a visit to the Museum when in Mossel Bay.

Our Final stop for the day was at Nyaru Game Lodge a few kilometers outside Mossel Bay. There we stayed over for the evening in a lovely Chalet. On arriving we were taken on a Game Drive and saw many animals such as Zebra, Kudu, Waterbuck, Impala,

Antelope, Giraffe etc. Also visited their Cheetah Camp. The vegetation at Nyaru was very interesting as is has the Cape Fauna and Flora and also the Karoo Fauna and Flora. It was very green and beautiful.

Our supper consisted of Kudu Sosaties, Wildebeest Sausage, Chicken Sosaties, vegetables, chips and salads. Afterwards we had Coffee and Chocolates. At Nyaru they have a lovely swimming pool and electricity is supplied by Generator. This reminded us of the time we were also living out in the country on the river banks in the Eastern Cape. Sometimes is was very useful having a generator. When the town nearby had no electricity, our neighbours would come and cook there Sunday meal at our home during the Christmas Holidays when the town could not coupe with the influx of visitors.

Besides the Generator there were also Gas lamps and candles. A pleasant night was had as we could listen to the generator chugging along till someone switched it off and we could only hear the night sounds, which lulled us to sleep..............

Of Wine, Woman and Olive Oil Meeting

at Hildenbrand Wine and Olive Estate in Wellington on the 18th July 2006.

The cape vineyards are scattered with beautiful homes and cellars, new oil barrels and shining stainless steel tanks - all items money can buy...............

But atmosphere and feeling --- now that required a woman's touch.

Reni Hildenbrand, an ex-German, architect and self taught creator of fine red and white wines, olives and olive oils, has followed her childhood passion for winemaking and has created something special at Klein Rhebokskloof, home to Hildenbrand Wines and Olive Oils, Wellington. It took a tragedy - the untimely death of her husband in Johannesburg in 1988, to finally make the move to the country life.

Klein Rhebokskloof was a property in much need of repair when she bought in. Being creative and tenacious, she took

the 300 year old historic buildings and transformed then into a place of working efficiency yet retained the charm and timelessness of the farm. To help pay the bills, she started Klein Rhebokskloos Guest and Country House, the first Guest House in the district.

Quality is of the essence for Reni, including her time. Wine is not only about its taste, but about its place of birth, the hands that nurtured it through the process from grape to wine and the memories of tasting it with its creator.

In the early days on the farm in 1991, a time when the farm had to be restored, from the cellar to vineyard, it was not easy and she had to face the reality of the male dominated farming world. Her introduction left her questioning the gentlemanly virtues of farmers, when on arrival, they found their new neighbour to be a petite, female and a

"buitelander". When attending meetings, she was addressed as "Meneer" even though she was a "Mevrou" and could not speak Afrikaans.

When buying the farm, olive trees were already planted on it. (an interesting factis that the first olive trees planted in South Africa were planted on this farm) Not being a persons to let opportunities go by, Reni decided to put the olives to good use. After spending some time in Tuscany, she tried her hand at making olive oil. To-day HIldenbrand olive oil if sought after by olive oil fundis across the country. Reni is a certified olive oil taster. Her first book "Olives and Oils in South Africa" was launched in October 2003.

She also produces a large variety of Red and Wine wines such as Chardonnay Barrique, Chardonnay unwooded, Chenin Blanc, Semillon and Sleepless Nights (a new baby, aNoble Late Harvest and sill be released in 2006)

Rose Wine - Shiraz Rose Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique, Cabernet Sauvignon Unwooded, Shiraz, and Malbec (a berry sensation. Raspberries and blueberries explode in your mouth with gracious acidity and full body to round off this taste wonder).

A visit to this wonderful Wine farm or a stay over on a working farm is a must for all visiting the Western Cape Wine Area.

Charter Flying

We're going to make our first post on our blog about our Charter Flights.

It's a personal passion of one of our Directors: Elaine Corbett. And soon we're going to be posting all her credentials to give you a better idea of the services that they offer.

For now, we'll show you some photographs of the Aztec Aircraft which is one of the aircrafts that they use to fly to the Game Lodges etc.

Alternative Tourism also has a contract with Botlierskop to fly to Mossel Bay.

For more information and bookings call Elaine - +27 73 140 9700

or at +27 21 4332226

email: elaine@alternativetourismsa.co.za

(click on thumbnails to see larger images)