Its the weekend!!!

The wekeend is here again.... Relaxing in the warm South African sun

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Beautiful green lawns stretch across this land with the magnificent view of the Eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is ranked as one of the most beautiful botanic gardens in South Africa. Don’t miss this one whilst visiting Cape Town.

Kirstenbisch Botanical Gardens

Fun facts about Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens:

• On every Sunday afternoon from the end of November until the beginning of April, open-air music concerts take place at Kirstenbosch.
• Kirstenbosch offers guided club car tours of the garden every day.
• As an alternative to eating at one of Kirstenbosch’s restaurants, one can also buy a picnic basket from Silvertree Restaurant or the Kirstenbosch Tea Room and have a picnic in the Garden.
• Kirstenbosch offers wonderful hiking trails up Table Mountain
• Kirstenbosch’s New Year’s Eve concert is one of the biggest events in Cape Town on 31 December.

Horse-riding in Addo Elephant National Park

One of my favourite hobbies is horse-riding... Did you know that the best way to explore Addo Elephant National Park is on horse-back?

Experiencing nature first-hand while learning about the fauna and flora in the area and not to mention; horse-riding is fun on its own.

So next time you here, saddle up and let the cowboy in you out.

source http://www.africa-discovery.com

Garden Route Sunrise

This photo was taken today at The Garden Route Game Lodge. 

Its true what they say "Every cloud has a silver lining"

Wouldn't you rather be here?

Imagine how amazing this must be?

Electrical Storm over Durban

Photograph by Justin Klusener

False Bay

Photograph by Michael McSweeney

Recipe: Cape Malay Curry

 Ingredients:

Cape Malay Curry

• 2 kg boneless mutton shoulder or 2 kg boneless lamb shoulder
• oil
• 4 onions, peeled and chopped
• 2-4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 piece fresh gingerroot, peeled and crushed
• 14.79 ml Cape Malay curry powder or 14.79 ml mild curry powder, of your choice
• 4.92 ml ground coriander
• 4.92 ml ground cumin
• 2.46 ml turmeric
• 1.23 ml salt
• black pepper
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 250 g dried apricots, soaked in warm water and drained
• 2 bananas, peeled and sliced
• 29.58 ml tomato paste
• 50 ml wine vinegar
• 250 ml meat stock
• 44.37 ml apricot jam
• 44.37 ml natural yoghurt

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot or saucepan.
2. Over high heat, fry the onions and garlic, stirring continuously. Add the ginger, curry powder and all the spices and continue stirring for a minute. Season to taste with pepper and add the salt.
3. Reduce heat slightly. Add the meat and fry it until it is browned on all sides. (This may be easier if you remove the onions, garlic and ginger mixture and set them aside, then return them to the pot after the meat is browned.).
4. Add the vinegar and stock, plus all the other remaining ingredients (except the apricot jam and yoghurt). Cover. Reduce heat. Simmer over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is tender, approximately 1 1/2 hours for lamb and 2 hours for mutton, maybe a little longer.
5. Stir in the apricot jam and the yoghurt a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve this curry with yellow rice and a variety of sambals and atjars.

Recipe Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/bo-kaap-cape-malay-kerrie-south-african-cape-malay-curry-289231#ixzz1yy9CgkK6

Picture Source: http://food.sndimg.com/img/recipes/28/92/31/large/picAkIQDV.jpg  

Home to the African Penguins

Boulders Beach in the Western Cape is home to the African Penguins. 

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach was started in 1983 and one of the very few mainland Penguin colonies.
The sea is great to swim in and the big boulders scattered on the beach provide shade and protection. 

Visiting the Penguins is a fun activity for the whole family, spend some time viewing and learning about the history and importance of conservation of these beautiful African Penguins. 

African Penguins, Boulders Beach

Tip: plan a trip with a few extra hours to spare and visit the small historical town of Simonstown. Simonstown has a lot to offer from whale watching to streets filled with history and heritage. Something you might not know is that their best time is during winter, I know right. Reason being they are part of the few small towns who are North-facing and they surrounded by magnificent mountains so well the rest are wet and windy, Simonstown is perfectly happy in the sun. 
  

Simonstown, Western Cape

If you have never been to Simonstown then I suggest you make a plan to visit this secret town situated between the mountains with magnificent views of the Giants of the Sea, our whales.

How precious

My ride on the Gautrain

My first time on the Gautrain was quite an experience. I caught the train with my mom, sister and little daughter. 

Gautrain Platform

The Stations are user friendly and there is always someone to assist you if you get lost or not sure what to do. 

Once you have out money on your Gautrain Card, you swipe and walk to the Platform where you will catch the train. Throughout your trip, there is always information on where you going, where the train is stopping and if you swopping over to the train to the OR Tambo International Airport.

My trip started at the Gautrain Hatfield Station.

Once the train arrived the excitement was incredible.

We boarded the train and took our seats and off we go.

Inside the Gautrain

We stopped by Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand, Marlboro and my stop was Sandton.Once we stopped in Sandton, you go up the escalators and exit the station. 

Midrand Station

Nelson Mandela is not even a 5minute walk from the station. There are several taxi services outside which offer assistance and transport in and around Sandton.

If you visit the Gauteng area make sure to catch the train, its a definite must.

Visit their website: www.gautrain.co.za

Drakensberg Cave Accommodation

Did you know that you can actually sleep in a cave while visiting the Drakensberg?

Yes you read correctly. You can book your cave for the night and experience the scenic beauty in a new way. 

How awesome must that be to spend the night in a cave while listening to the crickets outside. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Drakensberg Mountains

 

Would you do it?

Gautrain

Have you caught the Gautrain yet? 

 

Comment with your experience below.

Recipe: Beer Bread

Another perfect addition to the typical South African braai (BBQ) would be Beer Bread. 

Beer Bread

Beer Bread

Ingredients:

750 ml flour
5 ml salt
15ml Baking Powder
2 ml Bicarbonate of Soda
30 ml brown sugar
340 ml bottle of beer (your favourite beer)

Method:

Preheat oven to 160 degrees Celsius.
Mix dry ingredients
Pour in the beer
Mix to form a stiff dough – Do not over mix!
Put the dough into a well greased loaf tin.
Bake for 60 minutes

 Try it out and let me know how it tastes :) 

Picture source: http://travelblog.portfoliocollection.com/FeaturedImage/beer-bread31.jpg

Recipe source: http://www.south-african-homeschool-curriculum.com/south-african-bread-recipes.html

Zebras

Congratulations Cape Town!!!

New York Times has voted Cape Town as one of the Top Ten Hippest Cities in the World.Not only has Table Mountain been added to the 7 Wonders of the World but Cape Town was voted as Design Capital of The World 2014. Pretty impressive!

Cape Town, Western Cape

Cape Town at Night

Recipe: South African Queen drink

I think the name says it all....

South African Queen Recipe

Ingredients:

250ml Coconut Cream

2 litre Ice cream (preferably vanilla)

1 litre Pineapple Juice

500ml Malibu Rum

  

 Directions:

1. Blend vanilla ice-cream and pineapple juice. 

2. Add coconut cream and Malibu Rum, blend well, then poor into tall glasses. 

3. Serve with a sprig of mint.

 

Let me know how it goes!!!

Source: http://www.idrink.com/v.html?id=38390

Recipe: Springbok Shooter

In celebration for the weekend's arrival, I have added recipes of cocktails and shooters for today. 

Named after the National Rugby Team, the Springbokkie is a common shooter in South Africa.

Here is the recipe to make your own:

Springbokkie

Ingredients:

1 part Creme de Menthe 

1 part Irish Cream

Directions:

1. Poor one part Creme de Menthe (or similar liqueur) into a shot glass; 

2. Slowly add Irish Cream (or Amarula, Cape Velvet Cream, Advokaat, Baileys) to shot glass, 3. Using the back of a spoon to ensure that liqueurs don't mix. 

Enjoy!

Recipe source: http://www.thecreativepot.net/2010/06/springbokkies.html

Hello weekend!!!!

After a long week there is nothing better than waking up on Friday and knowing its the WEEKEND!!!!!!

Enjoy it

Source: http://ilovecoffee.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Bring-on-the-weekend.jpg

Typical South African Slang

Visiting a country can be very intimidating if you don't know the "slang". 

I have added typical "slang" words used:

1. Gogga means bug, insect, creepy crawly thing.

2. Laduma is popular at soccer (football) matches when someone scores.

3. Robot means Traffic Light

4. Chow means to eat

5. Miff is used when something is gross

Tekkies

6. Tekkies is what we call Running Shoes

7.  Ayoba is an expression of excitement

8. Nè? means "Do you know what I am saying?" or "You understand?"

9. Babelaas means hangover

10. Chommie/chomma is a way to call your friends. Can also be spelt as tjommie.

Any that you think is worth adding? Comment below

Top 10 Reasons to Visit

I found this quite interesting to read. According to the southafrica.net website; the Top 10 Reasons to visit South Africa are:

1. Affordable

During these tough times, who doesn’t want an affordable holiday? In SA, you can even afford luxury and have spending money for shopping and other treats!

2.  Natural Beauty

South Africa’s scenic wonders are legendary. From Table Mountain to God’s Window, our mountains, forests, coasts and deserts will feast your eye and lift your spirit

3. World-class Facilities

Whether you opt for Afro-chic or authentic Africa, you’ll find it easy to get around, find a comfortable place to stay, have a great meal, connect.  

4. Adventure

South Africa is the adventure capital of the world. With over 130 adventures and counting, there is something for everyone from mountain walks to shark cage-diving!  

5.  Good Weather

In sunny South Africa, our great weather invites you to enjoy the outdoors, play golf year-round and take advantage of the nearly 3000km coastline

6. Rainbow Nation 

The Rainbow Nation celebrates all its African and immigrant cultures. Find out how friendly our people are whilst you try your tongue at 11 official languages!

7. Diverse Experiences

Go almost anywhere in SA and experience the ultimate combo of nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, heritage and vibe – you’re spoilt for choice, so pack it in!

8.  Wildlife

Warning! Watching wildlife is addictive. First you start with the Big Five in so many ways, then whales, penguins, meerkats, wild dogs, birds, dung beetles

9. Freedom Struggle

 Discover a nation’s struggle for freedom whilst following the footsteps of Mandela, Hector Pieterson and many other celebrated revolutionaries. It will touch and inspire you.

10. Responsible Tourism 

In SA you can travel with care as you explore our protected areas, contribute to social and conservation projects, buy recycle art and stay green. 

Source: http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/za/top-10-reasons-to-visit 

Hot Air Balloon rides

Ride at Sunset

Magaliesberg near Johannesburg

Over Hartbeespoort Dam

South Africa Vineyards

Source: http://blog.kumkani.com/index.php/2011/03/04/south-african-wine-leads-the-way-2/

White Shark Projects

Great White Shark

I'm sure everyone will agree with me... When you look at the beautiful waves and clear blue water of the Ocean somewhere in you mind the horrific image of Jaws pops up. That's exactly my thought pattern.


The White Shark Project came and paid us a visit. We learnt all about Shark Cage Diving and honestly I think I will be jumping into the cage if given the opportunity. 

They offer magnificent opportunities to cage dive with the beasts of the sea. 

Visit their website: www.whitesharkprojects.co.za


The reason it is called The Great White Shark is the white underbelly with the grey top.It is the perfect disguise as the white underbelly blends with the sky and the dark grey blends in with the rocks and water. 

Great White Shark leaping out of water

Did you know?


They can grow up to 6m (18ft). Can you imagine how huge that is?

The Great White Shark does not feed off humans. They mistake humans for Seals that's the reason once it bites, they do not continue to feed as we do not taste good to them.



The Great White Shark has a fingerprint? The Dorsal Fin is unique in each shark. 

My honest opinion when it comes to Sharks, sure they scary and huge but it is a wild animal and should be treated as such.

Would love to be sitting here right now

Paarl, Western Cape

Source: http://www.curiouswines.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/paarl-south-africa.jpg

Baby Giraffe smiling

Recipe: Milk Tart

Nothing screams South African like the delicious melktert (Milk Tart). A definite favourite in the South African cuisine.

A very easy recipe and the end product will be mouth-watering - promise.

Milk Tart

Ingredients

• 45 g butter, melted
• 200 g white sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 145 g cake flour
• 5 g baking powder
• 2 g salt
• 5 ml vanilla extract
• 950 ml milk
• 3 egg white
• 10 g cinnamon sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Coat a 9 inch deep dish pie plate with vegetable oil cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolks and beat until light and fluffy. Sift in the cake flour, baking powder and salt, and stir until well blended. Mix in the vanilla and milk. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks using an electric mixer. Fold into the batter. Pour into the prepared pie plate, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top.
3. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Continue to bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set when you gently jiggle the pie. Serve hot or cold. 

 

Recipe source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/south-african-melktert-milk-tart/detail.aspx 

Image source: http://browniegirlblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/milk-tart-41.jpg  

Image source: http://www.100cafestreet.com/milk-tart-recipe/