A Tourist in my own City!

Hello Dear Friends!

 

This holiday season I have decided to be a tourist in my own city and to do the "touristy" things that fades into the background when you are a resident.

 

I have been eyeing the Hop on Hop off Water taxi's canal cruise for a while and thought it was an excellent place to start!

 

It suited the budget for the time of month as well!  So, on Wednesday, The Mother City delivered one of those perfect summer days when she brags like anything!!!

 

My son and I drove into town, parked at the R10-00 parking at the Entrance to the V A Waterfront, walked across the lovely pedestrian bridge to the Convention Centre and awaited the arrival of our water taxi!!!

R30-00 per person, bought us a return ticket

    To visit the website for further details and tours on offer please click here

My camera decided it was not into doing touristy things and went on strike, but I did manage to coax a few pictures before it died!!!  Floating down the canal past some impressive real estate and faster watercraft had everyone gasping...

The last stop is at The One and Only Hotel where we were tempted to sit the whole day and stare at the view....

But, we had come to visit the newly opened Market on the Wharf and so, decided to add it to the holiday itinerary for another day.

 

 

The Hop on Hop off Taxi would be a lovely activity for kids as well. Interesting bits of information was also given in the commentary for which you are supplied with headphones.

 

You exit via the back of the Two Oceans Aquarium and what a magnificent day it was. Not a breath of  wind, Hurricane Gatiema safely stowed away for another day! We were on holiday and the Mother City was sizzling!!!

 

 

Unfortunately the Market was not fully operational and since we had worked up a thirst by now, we headed to Den Anker for a Beer tasting....

The purrrrfect pastime for a hot summers day...

The food was excellent, the beer were all declared winners and the service was superb!

 

Please click here for Den Anker's Home Page and menu details.

If you are a tourist, welcome to our Magical Mother City!!!

 

Thank you for your company...

Live the Cape Town Vibe!!!

 

Veronica

 

xxx

 

You may leave your comments in the comment box below, or follow us on Facebook in the sidebar of this blog or on Twitter @MotherCityMagic

 

 

 

"Don't be a drag, just be a Queen"!!!

Hi Friends

 

Last night I went of to walk the fan walk with all Lady Gaga's adoring fans!!!

 

My word, it was such a fabulous vibe and I had an amazing time snapping away at all the "Queens"

 

I don't think any words are needed except to quote...

 

"Don't be a drag, just be a Queen"!!!

 

Enjoy....

I took loads of photos!!

 

For the rest of the pictures please go to Mother City Magic's Facebook Page

 

Feel free to tag yourselves and caption the pictures!!!

 

You can also follow me on twitter @MotherCityMagic

 

Thank you all for allowing me to take your fabulous pics!!!!

 

You rocked !!!

 

Live the Cape Town Vibe

 

Veronica

 

xxx

 

Cape Town puts on her Party Clothes!!

Hi Cape Town Followers!!!

 

It's Friday!!! It's SIZZZLING in The Mother City!!!

 

We getting into weekend mode here at the Magical Tip of Africa...

 

What are you wearing to the party....

 

Cape Town Starts to dress up for Festive Fun and to receiver her visitors!!

The V & A Waterfront is looking Fab and Festive and ready to Party!!!

I could not resist a cocktail at my favourite spot to watch our Visitors take it all in and having a blast!

 

What are you all up to this weekend!

 

We have such a variety to choose from!!!

 

Are you taking in the City, the beach or an event?

 

 



Drop us a line or tweet @MotherCityMagic and tell us where you are loving our Magical City and Surrounding Winelands!!

 

 

 

Have a sparkling weekend!!

Have fun but stay safe!!!

 

 

 

 

Live the Cape Town Vibe!!

 

 

 

Veronica

 

XXX

 

Comments and what you up to, you can leave in the comment box below.. I am all ears!!!

 

Follow Mother City Magic on Facebook in the sidebar of this blog or on Twitter @MotherCityMagic

email ronnieclark@mweb.co.za

 

Waterford Wine Estate ~ Stellenbosch

Hi Dear Friends!

 

I have the wonderful privilege of living at the Start of the Durbanville Wine Valley's wine route, and right across the way from a wine farm!

 

So, I don't have to go very far to buy or taste wine, and just over the Tygerberg Hills is the rest of the wine route and of course, needless to say, I am a regular!

 

But, that most certainly does not deter me in any way from venturing further....especially if you consider that there are over 800 wine farms to get trough!!

 

So much wine and so little time!!

 

 

 

Both my kids studied at Stellenbosch University and of course, we were regular visitors to this beautiful historical student town! I am so very happy that my son will be returning to Stellenbosch for another year of studying!! It gives me an excuse to visit once a week and for us to explore more wine farms!! Hope he passes!!!

 

Now, it is hard to choose a favourite wine estate and actually, almost a crime!!!

 

But, if I combine my love for all things Provencal ( I am a closeted Francophile!!!) Chocolate and Wine... Well then Waterford Wine Estate is a regular on my "To Do" List!

 

Is that enough of an explanation?

I love the architecture!!

 

You can opt to take the Wine Safari to explore this beautiful farm on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains. Click here for details

The fragrant lavender drive is where my taste bud's perpetual state of anticipation hits a high!!! But, I always have time to pause and admire the urns, being an urn addict one has to pay one's respects!

 

Gasp in delight as I enter the twirly gates ....

 

 

 

What a beautiful scene!

This was during autumn and I had the pleasure of accompanying a tourist from Geneva and she was suitable enchanted, before we had even had a single sip!

 

 

 

 

One has to engage all the senses and build anticipation....

 

 

 

 

Such a relaxed, yet opulent ambiance!

 

The Wine and Chocolate pairing is a flavour sensation that I simply can not resist! I imagine few can!!

I realised that I had not taken any photos of the wine??? Oh dear!!!

A very good excuse to return!!!

 

 

The Pecan Stream Sauvignon Blanc is a personal favourite. The Waterford Family Reserve ~ Heatherleigh is simply luscious and of course The Jem, their Flagship Red is sensational to my taste buds!

 

You can view the Tasting Menu here

I look forward to my next visit!

Thank you for your precious company!!!

 

Live the Cape Town Vibe

 

Veronica

 

xxx

 

Please leave your comment below, or drop me an email at ronnieclark@mweb.co.za

 

You can follow on Facebook in the sidebar of this blog or find me on twitter for a natter @MotherCityMagic

Grand Cafe and Beach ~ Granger Bay ~ Grand and Glam!

Hello Dear Friends!!

 

Cape Town put on her best this past weekend and I was stuck at home!!

 

No Swartland Revolution for me, No Elgin Open Gardens, only work, work ,work!!

 

Ahhh well, you can't have it good all the time, but hey it gave me time to write this....

 

Life's a Beach Party....!!!

 

I recently had the pleasure to introduce a friend to The Grand Cafe and Beach in Granger Bay, just adjacent to the V&A Waterfront. It is always such a thrill to see someone's reaction, when they have not been here and had no clue that it existed! So, the pleasure was all mine in the end!!

The mixture of relaxed beachy vibes which transforms into a perfect sundowner spot and then into a seductive dinner date is simply irresistible!

 

 

Add to that ... a bistro menu, Parisian cafe chairs, blingy chandeliers, gorgeous candelabras, sand, sea, yachts, cocktails, a view of the Stadium, Table Mountain peeking out, charming waiters and voila ... it is hard to leave and go home! Oh, and a shop to browse as well. My son always makes himself at home in front of the Grand piano to tinkle the ivories, and no one minds one little bit.

We visited when Cape Town was still trying her level best to shake that relentless winter. I had booked a table outside as it was a warm summer's day, and of course any newcomer, would want to take in the beautiful scene. But, as the mist rolled in, we were chilly and I asked to move inside. They happily  accommodated even though the restaurant was quite full!

As you can see, a relax to the max spot!

 I just love this retro vibe of the beach bar .... and here it blends into the pink hue of the sunset...

My dinner date was in raptures and I was delighted!

 

The seductive interior has a wonderful ambiance, with glittering over sized chandeliers, atmospheric candelabras adding to the romantic setting and a wonderful play list of music completes the enchantment.

I love the bar counter made up of fireplace mantels!

My friend was also very happy to hear he could bring his daugters for an afternoon and indeed I have visited many times on a weekend when families arrive.

 This little guy is just about to liberate the ice bucket for some action in the sand....

It has something for everyone! Whether you arrive to sit on the dock of the bay sipping your martini to watch the world cruise by....

 

Lunch...

 

Sundowners....

...or Dinner

 

The Virgin Mojito I had, since I was the driver, is one of the best I have had and I have tried many who have failed miserably! This one was a winner! My dinner companion had a Big Dipper and declared it to be anything but a dip! He feasted on the T-Bone steak with chips and was suitably impressed. Now,when I see Bouillabaisse on any restaurant menu, I find it hard to pass up the opportunity to try it!! This one was great,  and as you know there are many variations of Bouillabaisse, and we could debate for hours the content, but I always take it as the chef's choice, and I liked this one!

 

Nicholas, our waiter was utterly charming and attentive. Thank you!

 

It was a wonderful evening, in a decadent setting and we left, feeling well taken care of and happy.

 

Grand Chic definately meets Retro Romance...

 

If you are new to Cape Town it is a must for your Mother City Magic's Bucket List!

 

 

For further details of the The Grand and Beach Cafe please Click Here

 

The Contact number is 021 425 0551

 

Live Well, Live the Cape Town Vibe

 

Veronica

 

xxx

 

 

 

Thank you for your precious company. You may leave your comments below in the comment box. You can also follow along on twitter @MotherCityMagic or on my Face Book Page Mother City Magic ~ please Click Here