I love following 52 week and 365-day challenges and I love cheering people on to stick to it. But more often than not those I follow start one on the 1st of Jan then drop out around the halfway mark. (Except Megan, who even posted in hospitals and planes, nothing stopped her from completing 365beauty tips it was bloody awesome) Others start drawing challenges and boy do they start strong. Then they get lazy and it all goes out the window.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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?
With a car, it is not far
The Rendille boy pleaded with us to go to the “foor” (animal camp) to fetch a warrior bitten by a snake. “Where is it?” “Oh, with a car it is not far! Remember the old site of the Saale village? Just near there,” he replied. That gave us an idea of where to go and how long it would take. We would be home before dark.
Whether you celebrate it or not, Valentines a thing. We were silly enough to get married on Valentine’s day and now have to have that cliche follow us around for eternity. If you complain about the concept of Valentine’s day or if you go all out to show someone how much you love and care, Valentines is rolling around soon and I have the PERFECT non-date date idea for you and your partner.
GO WALK A DOG (and stay for a picnic)
The days are heating up and the holidays are almost here. It’s BUBBLY season and I want to fill your glass by sending you to enjoy the finest MCCs (& Champagnes) Franschhoek Cap Classique festival has to offer.
UP FOR GRABS
1 set of 4 tickets for Saturday, 3 December
1 set of 4 tickets for Sunday, 4 December
A hidden gin bar in the middle of an Orange Orchard. YES PLEASE.
This spectacular find is the newest addition on the same property as one of my favourite restaurants in Harties, Silver Orange Bistro. I saw a mention of the new Tapas and Gin Bar on their Facebook Page and had to go investigate. I mean, good gin in the Westrand? ABOUT TIME. (Technically not Westrand, but it is west of Joburg so it counts)