Cableway Maintenance

Snow in Cape Town

 CBD Cape Town

 

Sutherland Weatherstation and a Braai

 

Jennifer Rush is in Cape Town

Jennifer Rush, one of music's most enduring names, is heading for South Africa! She will perform two concerts in Cape Town on the 26th and 27th April at The Cape Town Convention Centre. Fans will remember this dynamic performer with her potent voice for such memorable hits as 'Power of Love', 'Ring of Ice', 'Madonna’s Eyes' and 'Flames of Paradise', 'Never say Never', 'Ave Maria', 'Tears in the Rain' and many more. She’s an evergreen who has been going strong for more than three decades and shows no signs of slowing down. Asked about what fans can expect from her concerts, she replied: “I will be performing many of my hits. I will be bringing my own band and two back up vocalists with me. They too are very excited to be coming to South Africa. I actually asked my South African friends and their acquaintances which songs they think South Africa would like – aside, of course, from hit songs - and I think we have come up with a great song list, which will even include a few songs from the last CD, ‘Now Is The Hour.'" Both nights start at 8pm

Bellville Chicken Boot Sale

Cape Town Cruise departs

http://www.cruisecompete.com/vacations/departs/cape_town/1

Cable Car News Daily

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Table-Mountain-Aerial-Cableway/300841574176?ref=stream

Balloon Run acros oceaan

http://blog.getaway.co.za/travel-news/robben-island-balloon-run/

Constantia

I ♥ Cape Town

The New York Times has named Constantia as one of the 46 places to Go in 2013.

http://www.capetown.travel/blog/entry/constantia-makes-new-york-times-list

Cape Town Bakeries

http://www.capetownmagazine.com/cafes/Top-bakeries-in-Cape-Town/93_22_17249?utm_source=CapeTownMagazine.com&utm_medium=email&utm_term=NewsletterLink&utm_campaign=2013-01-16-W&utm_content=

Kaapse Klopse Minstrel Carnival

TWEEDE NUWE DJAAR !

The Kaapse Klopse (or simply Klopse) is a minstrel festival that takes place annually on 2 January, in Cape Town, South Africa. As many as 13,000 minstrels take to the streets garbed in bright colours, either carrying colourful umbrellas or playing an array of musical instruments. The minstrels are grouped into klopse ("clubs" in Cape Dutch, but more accurately translated as troupes in English). Participants are typically from Afrikaans-speaking working class "coloured" families who have preserved the custom since the mid-19th century.

Although it is called the Coon Carnival by Capetonians, local authorities have renamed the festival the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival as foreign tourists find the term "coon" derogatory.
History

One story goes that the carnival was inspired by a group of African-American minstrels who docked in Cape Town in the late 1800s and entertained the sailors with their spontaneous musical performances. The popular song "Daar kom die Alibama" (There comes the Alabama) refers to the ship that is believed to have brought them.

Another story goes that the travelling minstrels were actually white and painted their faces black – hence the painted faces seen today.

The majority of the troupes (169) are represented by the Kaapse Klopse Karnaval Association which is one of the break away Associations from the Kaapse Karnaval ("Cape Carnival") Association. In addition,the other break away organisation,the Mitchell's Plain Youth Development Minstrel Board represent a minority of troupes.

The carnival today
The festival begins on New Year's Day and continues into January. Festivities include street parades with singing and dancing, costume competitions and marches through the streets. While many troupes now are supported by corporate sponsors, many refuse and remain sticklers for tradition. The 2005 carnival was nearly cancelled due to an alleged lack of funding, while the 2006 carnival was officially called off for the same reason.
However, the troupe organisations subsequently decided to go ahead with the parade despite continued unhappiness over funding, and the festivities were opened by Western Cape premier Ebrahim Rasool on 2 January 2006.

Ratanga Junction

Ratanga Junction Theme Park is located at Century City, Canal Walk in the suburb of Milnerton, Just 15 km from the city center of Cape Town. A world filled with adventure and thrills awaits you at the Ratanga Junction Theme Park. The Theme Park offers something for everyone - white-knuckle thrill rides for the more intrepid adrenalin junkies, kiddy rides and rides for the whole family and those who prefer to take their thrills in more manageable doses, boat rides and train rides, snake shows and bird shows, souvenir shops and restaurants.
It is mostly the rides that attract visitors to Ratanga Junction, and here there is something for everyone to enjoy. The most popular rides include the terrifying Cobra. Standing at a height of 32 meters, with twists and turns that topple your stomach and at speeds of close to 100 kilometers an hour, the Cobra is only for the ultimate adrenalin junkies. The Slingshot allows its victims to freefall for 30 meters when all that is keeping them safe from the ground is a harness and flight cables. The Monkey Falls is enjoyed by the entire family and has the highest log drop in the world at 18.5 meters. For those who are not afraid of a little water, or getting wet from head to toe, the Crocodile Gorge is the ride for you. Escape from the hard labor on the mines, by taking a ride in the Diamond Devil Run mine train that has no brakes and does not know how to slow down. For a trip through the dense unexplored jungles, hop onto the Bushwacker for a wildlife adventure. But the fun doesn’t end there. Children can enjoy the Kids Rides, Mini Golf, be entertained by a clown or have their faces painted anyway they want.

The food court, hidden in the Walled City, has various fast food outlets and restaurants to choose from. Ratanga Junction also caters for functions and special events. There are daily bird and snake shows and often live musical shows are hosted. With twenty-four rides and almost thirty attractions to choose from, Ratanga Junction Theme Park has it all. And while you sit and decide what your next adventure is going to be, the smooth sounds of Radio Ratanga will keep you humming and your feet tapping.

Gang Shoot The Movie

http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/gangs-shoot-movie-1.1432335#.UMdWjne3wek

Gangs shoot... movie

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Hollywood film bosses have hired Cape Flats ex-gangsters to play themselves in a new multi-billion rand blockbuster and also built a massive purpose-built set on the mean streets of Parkwood. Photo: Patrick Louw

Related Stories

• Oscar-winner lauds local peace plan

Cape Town - Hollywood film bosses have hired ex-gangsters – to play themselves in a new multi-billion rand blockbuster.

The hardened ex-cons will be starring alongside Hollywood superstars Orlando Bloom and Forest Whitaker in the film Zulu.

The movie is currently being filmed at various locations around the CBD.

But the Daily Voice has learned that movie chiefs also built a massive purpose-built set on the mean streets of Parkwood.

The notorious suburb has been buzzing all week as Tinseltown descended on the Cape Flats.

Crews spent a week building a gigantic set that mirrors a typical Flats neighbourhood – complete with fake DStv satellite dishes, aerials and sink houses.

V and A Waterfront Happenings

December entertainment at the V&A Waterfront

While away the hot summer days in Cape Town with shows and entertainment for all ages this festive season

Not just the Mother City’s oceanfront shopping mecca, the V&A Waterfront is also billed as Cape Town’s premium entertainment destination. This festive season, from Saturday, 1 to Saturday, 30 December 2012, expect free summer concerts, holiday-themed events and a kiddies’ programme that is guaranteed to keep the little tykes and toddlers busy while moms and pops shop ‘til they drop.
Besides the host of outdoor entertainment on offer, Christmas shoppers will also be greatly amused by the string instrumentalists and the roaming carollers who are bound to banish any ‘Bah-Humbug’ feelings with their renditions of all the well-known festive carols.
DECEMBER SUMMER LINE-UP AT THE V&A WATERFRONT
Celebration of Music (1 – 13 December 2012)
Look forward to a sensational summer sunset concert line-up featuring some of South Africa’s most popular up-and-coming musicians and bands – each playing either a 30-minute, 45-minute or one-hour set – who will serenade weary shoppers at the recently-revitalised outdoor V&A Waterfront amphitheatre. Give your feet a welcomed break from walking the aisles and relax under the African sky at this seaside shopping and entertainment hub. Admission to the shows is FREE.

• 1 December 2012, 6pm – 7pm: Melanie Scholtz and The Love Apples  
• 2 December 2012, 6pm – 7pm: Vicky Sampson 
• 8 December 2012, 6pm – 7pm: Larry Joe Live
• 9 December 2012, 6pm – 6:30pm: Jess Yallup
• 9 December 2012, 6:30pm – 7:15pm: Jack Mantis Band  
• 10 December 2012, 6pm – 6:40pm: Cherry Vinyl
• 10 December 2012, 6:45pm – 7:30pm: Nik Turner Band 
• 11 December 2012, 6pm – 8pm: Mamela / Urban Groove / 5 Levels Up
• 12 December 2012, 5:45pm – 6:05pm: Stan1
• 12 December 2012, 6:15pm – 7pm: Can Skylark
• 13 December 2012, 6pm – 7pm: Kevin Floyd Band

Table Mountain

Vote for Table Mountain

Table Mountain is now officially one of the New7Wonders of Nature! Join us at Grand Parade by 7pm this evening to celebrate this.

See more pics from the mountain this weekend: http://tablemountain.net/blog/entry/table_mountain_inauguration_weekend_twitter_pictures/

Cape Town's Southeaster

Top 10 Movies Filmed in Cape Town

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Posted by Capetonian in Cape Town Highlights, Cape Town News | 0 Comments and 0 Reactions

Cape Town is similar to Hollywood in many respects: both are close to the sea, located at the base of a mountain and full of beautiful people. But they also have one more thing in common – both are popular film locations.
Cape Town’s film industry is one that contributes greatly to the Mother city’s economy and international flavour, and it’s booming, with more and more productions being shot here every year. Hollywood blockbusters, such as Safe House expose the beautiful city to the world.
The recently built Cape Town Film Studios, which is the first Hollywood-style film studio complex to be built in Africa, with state-of-the-art support services. The building encompasses studio facilities, custom-built sets, a green room, sound stages, production offices and more, and being situated in Cape Town, its location is perfect for taking advantage of a moderate climate and a variety of stunning venues and outdoor locations.
So this week, we’re counting down our top 10 movies filmed in Cape Town.

1. Chronicle (2012)
   Three high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery. Soon, though, they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides. Starring Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, Michael B. Jordan.
2. Safe House (2012)
   A young CIA agent is tasked with looking after a fugitive in a safe house. But when the safe house is attacked, he finds himself on the run with his charge. Starring Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Robert Patrick.
3. Dark Tide (2012)
   A professional diver tutor returns to deep waters after 9 years, following an almost fatal encounter with a great white shark. The nightmare from the deep is still lurking – more carnivorous and hungry than ever. Starring Halle Berry, Olivier Martinez, Ralph Brown
4. Invictus (2009)
   Nelson Mandela, in his first term as the South African President, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Directed by Clint Eastwood With: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge.
5. The Last House on the Left (2009)
   After kidnapping and brutally assaulting two young women, a gang led by a prison escapee unknowingly finds refuge at a vacation home belonging the parents of one of the victims — a mother and father who devise an increasingly gruesome series of revenge tactics. Starring Garret Dillahunt, Monica Potter, Tony Goldwyn

Top Bakeries in Cape Town

Top bakeries in Cape Town

The creamiest cream cakes, the puffiest pastry and the most delicious, rustic sour-dough bread
There’s nothing like a slice of freshly baked bread with a knob of melting butter, or a naughty nibble on a puff pastry filled with rich chocolate. Tempted? If that isn’t enough to tantalise your taste buds, then the aroma of baking dough wafting from Cape Town’s bakeries is sure to make you throw caution to the calorie count.

Jason
Formerly known as Jardine Bakery, Bree Street’s hole-in-the-wall bakery serves the work lunch crowd their favourite sarmies - we swear by the chicken Caesar. Not only will the scent of freshly baked bread, pies and quiches beckon, but their New York cheesecake is one to be savored. Oh, and you haven’t lived until you try their famous bacon croissant.
185 Bree Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 5644
The Foodbarn Bakery & DeliThere is a real sense of “what you see is what you get” at this family-friendly, open plan kitchen. Bakers rise super early to bake fresh bread and prepare cakes, pies, biscuits, muffins and pastries. We loved breakfast at The Foodbarn.
Corner of Main Road and Village Lane | Noordhoek | +27 (0)21 789 2812
Caramello’sCaramello’s is, first and foremost, a bakery and their freshly baked, French baguettes go down a treat with gourmet cheeses and cold meats. The coffee shop spills out onto the verandah of the Lifestyle Centre; an ideal spot for people watching. A must-try is their fresh nougat—as soft as clouds.
Shop 16 | Lifestyle on Kloof | 50 Kloof Street | Gardens | +27 (0)21 424 8172

Apocalypse Cape Town

30 days of shopping left before Mayan apocalypse

With just 30 shopping days left before the world ends in accordance with an ancient Mayan calendar, many holidaymakers are leaving Gauteng early to beat the pre-apocalypse rush to Cape Town. Meanwhile, the Education Department has announced it will “go out with a bang”, inflating Matric marks by 45,000%.
The discovery of the calendar, and that it stopped on December 21, 2012, prompted millions of people to assume that the world would end on that date, rather than that the Mayan astronomers had run out of space on their big circular rock, or had gone for a tea-break and had forgotten to finish.
However, South Africans are preparing for the worst, many saying that the Mayan apocalypse was foretold by Nostradamus, a prophecy which is clearly audible if you play ‘Sugar Man’ by Rodriguez backwards.
This morning, consumer advisor Zara Rippov urged shoppers to be on the lookout for pre-apocalypse bargains.
“Just because a giant demigod with the head of a snake and the feet of an eagle is going to rise up out of the sea and obliterate us all, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the best deals,” she said, adding that sales of 2013 diaries were currently “sluggish”, and that shoppers should try to haggle prices down.
Cape Town residents say they are not particularly worried about the end of the world, as they experience an apocalypse every December when visitors from Gauteng start arriving.
“It’s pretty much straight out of a Mayan prophecy,” said resident K.P. Oake. “These creatures arrive and start stomping around your city: boiled red like lobsters, gigantically fat, with nasty pork-sausage toes bursting out of flip-flops, wearing Springbok jerseys and board-shorts instead of real clothes. Utter obliteration will be kind of a blessing, really.”
Meanwhile, the Education Department has confirmed that it will announce this year’s Matric marks on December 22, a day after the end of the world.
“We’re setting our Inflate-O-Marker to 11 this year,” said spokesman, Teechaz Pett. “It’s going to be so nice not having any whiny DA killjoys around to question why every single learner in the country has achieved 43 distinctions.”
The ANC has also confirmed that Jacob Zuma is looking forward to the apocalypse.
“He’s going to be riding it out in his bunker at Nkandla,” said an aide. “We’re under strict instructions to keep him limber and hydrated in case he needs to repopulate the planet afterwards. He’s been practising these last few years, and he’s pretty stoked.”

CPi At StreetModz Velodrome

 Our good friend Werner from CPi Chiptuning with his 320kw Golf 6 GTi.

Cape Town Train

Day Trips

Trips on the lines of the Cape Peninsula

If you are looking for something different to do with family, friends or even on your own, why not take a steam train ride on one of the day trips run by Atlantic Rail?
Our train consists of wooden bodied vintage coaches dating from 1922 to 1938. One of the coaches is a lounge car with a full cash bar service. The steam locomotive we use is a Class 24 steam loco built in 1949.

We run regular day trips around the peninsula. This scenic route winds along the rugged coast of False Bay with the waves crashing on the rocks below, through villages scrambling up the steep slopes and along the beautiful coves and beaches.
The train leaves Cape Town and travels between the famous Newlands rugby and cricket grounds to Muizenburg. Traveling on to False Bay where the view of the ocean is spectacular. The railway line skirts the rocks as it travels through the quaint village of Kalk Bay, then snakes through Fish Hoek and Glencairn, finally coming to an end in Simonstown with a view of the naval dockyard.
Passengers are free to go to the beach, grab a bite to eat or stroll through the town.
The train returns along the same route back to Cape Town.



Upcoming Trips

21 October 2012	Cape Town to Simon's Town
4 November 2012	Cape Town to Simon's Town
18 November 2012	Cape Town to Simon's Town
2 December 2012	Cape Town to Simon's Town
16 December 2012	Cape Town to Simon's Town
30 December 2012	Cape Town to Simon's Town

Sunday, 21 October 2012 - Cape Town to Simon's Town (return)
Departs Cape Town:	10h30
Arrive Simon's Town:	12h30 (approx)
Departs Simon's Town:	15h00
Arrive Cape Town:	16h40 (approx)
Duration:	5½ hours
Price:	R220 - Adults R110 - Children (3- 12yrs)
Atlantic Rail will be running a trip from Cape Town to Simon's Town (return) departing Cape Town at 10h30 and later departing Simon's Town at 15h00 for the journey back. If any guests would like to be dropped off or collected at Kalk Bay station, then they must stipulate this when booking. This cannot be arranged on the day of departure as it has to be planned into the running time table, so let us know early. Prices are R220 for Adults and R110 for Children 3 to 12. BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL info@atlanticrail.co.za and 021 556 1012 (office hours) to book!