Gem of a town

The road to Riebeeck-Kasteel dips and rises, winds around the mountains and then when you come around the last bend - the town lies peacefully in the valley. Loads of pretty houses, tiny little tree lined roads and the glamorous old-world Royal Hotel all add to the charm of this town about 40minutes outside of the Mother City.

The first time I entered this town, it was actually me getting lost on the way to Tulbagh. It was the middle of the night, so we literally just passed through after some help from the locals.

There are loads of little eateries to choose from, as well as quaint shops to buy anything from scatter cushions to embroidered napkins, dresses to garden accessories.

Two weeks ago we headed north once again and found the town bustling on a Saturday morning. Parking was actually hard to come by!

Across from the Royal Hotel there is a little gem - a row of buildings with restaurants, shops and even a brewery. At the back of these buildings you'll find Bar Bar Black Sheep. We sat down for brunch and immediately ordered coffees to ward off the cold.

I do believe that any restaurant, coffee shop, bar or deli can (and should) be judged on their coffee. The speed at which it comes to the table, temperature (why oh why do some people serve tepid coffee?) and taste. Maybe it was the cold and hunger, but at least I was not disappointed.

Then their was the grub. It was difficult to choose, because everything on the menu sounded yum! I settled on the French toast, served with bacon, strawberries and pomegranate pips. Oh - let me not forget the green figs and cheese inside the french loaf! Plus syrup of course.

I woke up the next morning dreaming about that plate of food - no jokes.

Riebeeck-Kasteel is the perfect destination for a day trip from Cape Town. You'll love the ride there, and there is loads to discover in the town.

Around this time of year I always need a break. It's going into that final stretch towards December, when work gets more and more unbearable. There are no more long weekends to look forward to, so you really need to make the most of those 2 days every week. So, get in your car on a Sunday morning and just head out of town. I don't know if it's the fresh air or the charming surrounds - but it sure does work to make Monday morning more bearable!

Time Flies....(and so does my property)

I realised with a shock that it has been almost a month since my last post. Sorry!

Things have been a little crazy (I say that a lot). We had not one, but two, break-ins at our offices some time ago. Off all the things they got away with, the most horrific discovery was walking in and seeing an empty desk. My empty desk. Where a big computer and flat screen used to sit and wait for me, every day. With over 4 years worth of work, for 2 businesses. Countless clients, countless projects and campaigns....all gone.

It's been a nightmare trying to get back on track. But luckily, living in South Africa, everyone can relate. I've had to phone client's and say "You know the last quote I sent to you? Yes, the one you OK'd? Can you please email it back to me!!"

People have been telling me that I've handled the whole situation remarkable well. (They don't know that I go home at night and cry for an hour just at the thought of all the work waiting to be done). My motto through all this mess has been "It doesn't help freaking out, just get on with it."

When I saw this poster design, I had to giggle.....

Amen.

At the beginning of a New Year it's always good to reflect on the past 365 days that made up 2010. All in all, it was a really busy year for me, at most times a little manic. I'm hoping this year will be more ordered and calm.

But with all that happened in 2010, at the very least I can say "It did not kill me!!".