A couple of years ago a “G&T” was something people in old movies drank and most likely the only gin brand you could name was Gordons.
5 things to buy the average traveller for Christmas
A gift guide for the traveller girl who doesn’t like receiving gifts.
It’s no secret that I am not a fan of Christmas. In fact the older I get the more I actively dislike it. I don’t put a tree, I don’t decorate anything. For one, I go home to Cape Town for Christmas. But I genuinely dislike the idea of decorating and then having to take everything down again. I am not particularly religious and do not feel connected to that aspect of the whole festive thing. I sound bitter, I know. But I promise I am quite happy. I think getting gifts makes me extremely uncomfortable.
I get immense joy from giving things and I don’t tend to wait for Christmas or Birthdays to give people little things or do or plan something really cool for them.
Say KUNJANI to my day job
“if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life”
I agree, but I also don’t. I love what I do for a living (even though it is very hard to explain it to people) But I have also never worked harder in my entire life. I have never worked longer hours, learned more, managed more and I have never felt more accomplished.
I have touched on what I do but never really explained it. I am Lydia Afonso and I am the Ops Manager for Kap Vino Estate, Kunjani Wines. (And accommodation and restaurant). Oversee all operations of the estate, from the wine-admin to the running of the day to day all the way through to exports and the accommodation and venue hire. I do, well, a little of everything with the help of an amazing team.
Just over 2 years ago, a friend (who also works in the industry) sent me a tweet with a link to a new wine they found. The USP was “A wine made by men, for men” and I was too intrigued not to pick up the phone and hear if it was for real. Turns out it was and it was actually being run by an AMAZING woman. I asked her if she was crazy with a slogan like that. It was actually an export brand and she was dying to change it.
Fast forward 6 months and I found myself saying yes to opening up a “small, intimate wine tasting” that will never serve food.
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE MOTHER CITY
GB GREEN LYDIA – WHAT TO PACK FOR THE MOTHER CITY
There are few places on the planet that combine progressive innovation and world-class entertainment with the backing track of an African rhythm; where culinary bliss is rivaled only by some of the most beautiful vistas imaginable. This is Cape Town, and it is one of the world’s most exciting destinations. To get the most out of it, pack well so that you are comfortable while you shop, taste wine, explore historical sites, and indulge in some of the prettiest beaches and finest restaurants in South Africa.
Here are some top packing tips for the Mother City:
Summer Clothes
Cape Town summers can get really hot and sunny. So, in addition to a range of cool clothes, always wear sunglasses, sunscreen and, preferably, a wide-brimmed hat. These are also fabulously glam, so you’ll fit right in. Remember, Cape Town is the trendy home of some of the top fashionistas in the country. It also has a number of beaches; including the spectacular Camps Bay and Clifton beaches, which have all of the white-sand-and-turquoise-water essentials for the perfect summer vacay. So, your luggage will need to include:
- Cotton sun dresses
- Shorts / minis
- Cotton palazzo pants
- Tees and vests
- Bikinis or full costumes
- Sandals
Winter Clothes
As hot as the summers are, winters can get chilly in Cape Town, especially at night. It’s best to layer your outfits so that, as the crisp morning air lifts and the day warms up, you can just remove a layer or two. Some winter essentials include:
- Jeans (skinnies work well as they can be transformed into something a little more formal for evenings)
- A hoodie and a wind-breaker
- A raincoat
- A formal jacket
- Jumpers or jerseys
- Tights
- Long-sleeved and short-sleeved tops
- Umbrella
- Comfy boots
- Sneakers
- Warm PJs
Toiletries
Cape Town is well-equipped and most guesthouses and hotels have all of the essentials. Still, any traveller should have a few basic essentials to make their stay in South Africa even better. These include:
- Bug spray or mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Headache tablets
- Antihistamines
- Anti-nausea tablets
- Any chronic medication (including a copy of the script)
Other
Of course, you can’t prepare for everything, but here are some helpful extras that will leave you feeling more prepared:
- Camera (with extra memory cards)
- Plug adapters
- Chargers for phones, cameras, tablets and laptops
- All your documentation (driver’s licence, passport, ID book, and so on)
- A travel and map app on your device to help you to get around
- Comfortable walking shoes
Packing well could be the difference between having the time of your life and being really uncomfortable. Cape Town is special; it’s a destination that will stay with you forever. Make sure that you’re comfortable and have everything you need so that you can sit back, relax and really savour its magic.
Blog post in association with SA Venue
Hot Air Balloons
I once saw a bunch of hot air balloons being inflated in a field in Bath, in the UK. It was the clearest day. Not a cloud in the sky right in the centre of Bath in Victoria Park a whole bunch of air balloons were slowly being inflated. Eager passengers waiting in anticipation for the basket to just-just lift off the ground for them to jump in.
Africa is calling!
How fortunate are we to live on this gorgeous continent? We have SO many exciting places to explore and experience without ever jumping the pond.
Too busy to travel
Things get busy, you know? the past few months have been up and down in all sorts of ways. Up’s in moods, laughter, new challenges, and planes. Downs in health, workload, family things (who doesn’t have a family crazy enough to write a book about) and most importantly, a lack of adventures.
But I am the average traveller, and who has time (and money) to travel ALL THE TIME? I sure don’t.
Piccolo Mondo dinner dates made easy
Can you remember your last time you went on a first date?
Do you remember the awkward silences? The questions you asked and got “yes” or “no” replies for? We have all been on a date where you are kinda into to the person but you can’t seem to get the conversation to flow. You touched on what you do for a living, the brief “my hobbies include” bit and then you spend 20 minutes looking at the menu, deciding whether you should order a salad and glass of water or just be yourself and order a steak and a glass of wine.
Well, stop freaking out about date number two because I got you covered.
Introduction to SA brandy
A few weeks ago I was invited to learn about Brandy, with Distell. Look I knew Brandy was quite the process to produce, but I didn’t know it was such an art. Nic Holdcraft presented the day and everyone hung on every word he said. This short course is for the Brandy appreciator as much as it is to get to know the product.
Admittedly I was not the biggest fan of Brandy, I found it a bit harsh to drink neat. But it is amazing what education can do. By being taught to add a tiny drop of water to the glass of brandy it made it SO much more palatable and I was able to taste distinct differences between the different types.
This course is open to the public and I highly recommend it. This is SA after all, what is more South African than Brandy and biltong?
I went to PE for a day and fell in love
You know how you meet someone and it just works? It’s like your lives are in sync. You speak the same language, but more importantly, it is the kind of friendship that never requires you to explain any thought, feeling or action. because the other person just gets it.
I found this in someone whom I had never seen in person. Yup, Twitter friends are real.