The Soap Girls

On Sunday past, I decided to take a drive along the Atlantic Seaboard to enjoy the coastline. The weather was perfect for such a casual drive and I took it to the limit and maybe a little beyond. All of Clifton's splendid beaches were full with the locals enjoying the sun and sipping on their favourite bevies. Camps Bay was buzzing and people were generally having a great time. This theme of happiness, joy and pleasure continued all the way to my first stop in Hout Bay. I thought it would be a good idea to chill at the harbour and get myself some Fish and Chips. When in Hout Bay, the only place that can assure you of the finest Fish and Chips is Mariners Wharf. There is nothing complex about their food, its simple, its fresh and the taste is absolutely divine. I had Hake, Calamari and Chips with loads of lemon.

Strangely, the harbour wasn't particularly busy but as the norm would have it, the Soap Girls were there like they have for many years. Whilst enjoying my meal, I watched these Soap Girls and tried to listen to what was going on. So, after my meal, I decided to chat with them and thought it was time to find out more about these two youngs girls who intringued many locals and tourist for a number of years. I remember meeting them some time ago when they were much younger and initially thought they were twins.

The Soap Girls are Camille and Noemie De Bray aged 15 and 17 respectively. They started selling their homemade soaps at the harbour 6 years ago. Their mom makes these delightful soaps for them. They dress alike and speak at the same time to all their customers whilst trying to sell their soaps. Yes, they speak together at the same time and say exactly the same things. I guess the 6 years that has past has given them sufficent time to master their dual speech approach to sales. They are at the harbour EVERYDAY and can hardly be missed. On weekdays they head out to the harbour after school with their baskets filled with soaps and walk around for a few hours trying to sell some of their products. People visiting the harbour gather around them with interest because these two girls are certainly not shy and have a pleasant way with everyone.

These girls are going to make a success of everything they try because they are fun and they have enthusiasm. They have their own website http://www.thesoapgirls.co.za/ and email thesoapgirls@mweb.co.za. They are also very proud of their mom who works very hard to turn out charming soap blocks and she is also a mom with a heart of gold. The soap girls donate part of their profits to various charities and that alone is a gesture that has to be applauded. Hout Bay Harbour will never give you the same look and feel without The Soap Girls. The next time you're in town, take some time to pay them a visit and remember to enjoy the local fish and chips at Mariners Wharf.

On My way back from Hout Bay, I stopped at The Twelve Apostle Hotel for something to drink. As usual, I enjoyed every moment of it and headed home feeling completely satisfied.

 Later this week I will be writing about the Cape Royale Hotel and another new trendy spot, Doppio Zero. For now, take care and live like you're dying.

iKids

We often think of kids to be "wet behind the ears" and ignorant for most parts of their childhood. Yet we are so wrong. The modern world of today welcomes children to a whole new world of their own. These beautiful people are miles ahead of us at any stage of our lives. When it comes to technology and I mean every aspect of technology ranging from cell phones, iPods, DVD's, musical intruments, laptops or genereal PC's, navigators, etc, children find themselves teaching adults more than a thing or two. Fashion, travel destinations, music, movies, trends, brands, Hollywood's latest gossip, etc are just some of the other areas where children of a modern age are only too familiar with. As the world has developed and progressed, so have the offspring of mankind.

What we at times find lacking in these children are the traditional values and beliefs that were instilled in the children of yesteryear. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing and I suppose opinion will be divided on the matter. Either way, whatever allows for a happy and successful life should be commended. I came across a letter that a bright 13 year old girl wrote to her teacher in appreciation of his work. Here is what she wrote;

"Sir, thank you for everything you have done for me, the class and our school throughout this year. I thank you immensely for teaching me more than what is in my books. Sitting down to write this letter has made me realise that I'm not working to my full potential. It also had me thinking I have less than 3 months left before high school and I should pull up my socks or its another year in grade 7.

So, I'm making a promise to you and me that the work I deliver from now on will only be my best. You told me I can be at the top of grade 7 and as from today, I'm going to change my attitude towards my school work and strive to be at the very top.

Thank you and please enjoy this day and get the best out of it"

Michaila Wilson

Grade 7S

Sea Point Primary

Cape Town

Wow! A wonderful letter with great sentiment, a sense of appreciation and self realisation. I assure you, I would never have thought about doing something like this when I was 13. Michaila aka Miki is a delightful 13 year old who loves reading, watching her favourite movies over and over again, she runs 5km's everyday as part of her excercise regime, cooks some of the best pasta I've eaten, bakes her own muffins, plays hockey for her school and has taken her pet hate subject Mathematics and turned it into one of her favourites. She is well spoken and has great manners. She is an exceptional 13 year old that will make any parent proud and has certainly made her mom Sonja very proud. I think the world of Miki and she is my favourite child in the whole world. Well done Miki, I am certain you will continue to prosper.

We can learn so much from the children around us and in our lives. When babies are born and as they grow up, they force their way into your life and as they grow older, you have to force your way into their lives. It is an important component of what makes family life.

Take care and remember to live it like you're dying

For The Love Of Life

There are days in a persons life where you just want to give up, not worry about anything, not bother to leave home and try to dwell on your life. It happens to all of us from time to time. In many instances, we have people to call on just to help us feel better. This only becomes a problem when it happens regularly or everyday.

To survive life in its current format, we need some sort of tonic, some motivation and just some hope. Seems easy but its not. You have got to have a dream to have a dream come true. It astounds me how many folk live life with no goal or dream in place. I call it everyday living which makes for a mundane existence. Getting up in the morning without any motivation is one of the most daunting things that could happen to any of us. We question our existence and our worth.

The tonic arrives in many forms and this could range from your partner in life, your kids, your family, your ambitious thoughts, your friends, your holiday, drinks with friends, going for a run, eating out, shopping, your faith, etc. There is always a tonic around to lift your spirits and sometimes you just have to look around a little harder. Dedicating our lives to something worthy is admirable but if it doesn't make you happy, it will leave your soul feeling empty. There may come a time in your life where nothing matters but one particular aspect of your life or one person in your life. No matter what it is, as long as it gives you hope and a feeling of being needed, wanted and loved, you will be just fine.

The greater majority of the commercial world is dedicated to providing us with some joy in our lives. Restaurants, Pubs, Holiday Resorts, Nature Reserves, Delivery Services, Chain Stores, Designer Stores, Taxi Cabs, etc, etc are industries that exist for our well being. Yes, everyone of them are out to make money but,there is nothing wrong in that.

Yesterday I spoke of Bravado an lets take them as a typical example. I had a brief chat with the owner Brett yesterday and popped in to get a feel of the evening vibe. Here's a company that in the midst of a global recession decides to invest in a very pleasurable restaurant. This happened not long after another hot spot called Bravo closed a few months earlier. This left a huge gap in the market where quality restaurants are concerned. Now that Bravado has opened and its only been two months, people have forgotten about Bravo and are enjoying the delights of Bravado. Every effort is made to ensure the customer leaves completely satisfied after visiting Bravado. When you visit a place that gives you this sort of satisfaction, remember it could be the tonic you were looking for. Visit Bravado for an experience that you will remember fondly. To make a booking call them on +27 21 433 1496. Take care and live it like you're dying. Cheers

Bravado

On a gloomy Wednesday, I decided to have some breakfast this morning at a place called Bravado in Green Point. It is a new spot along the Atlantic Coast but I assure you, I will be there again. I enjoyed the setting, vibe and more importantly, the food. I spoke to some folk that have been there more than once and they too confirm my sentiments. Bravado is located at the corner of Main and Upper Portswood roads in Green point and is very close to the new World Cup stadium.

I didn't have too much time to peruse the menu, partly because I was way too busy eating my tasty breakfast. They seem to be very popular amongst the locals and like I said in a previous posting, You go where the locals go. The social vibe is great, food even better and yes, great value for money. Try it out sometime.

For more informaton about the Twelve Apostles Hotel, please visit their website and get a feel of what I described to you yesterday. I will be spending some time in the non- Metro areas of the Western Cape and I will find some hidden gems to share with you. What a life, enjoy it whilst you can and live it like you're dying. Cheers

The Twelve Apostles Hotel

Since Posting my article titled Cape To Cairo, I have received many queries in a very short space of time regarding The Twelve Apostles Hotel. I have spoken with the Manager Jeremy about obtaining more information for my blog. In fairness to all, I would like to give you more detail but precise detail. This hotel is truly unrivalled in Cape Town and you will be delighted by what it has to offer. I didn't mention the heavenly spa situated in the hotel but upon your visit, you will discover the complete offering of such a wonderful place. One of my favourites. Stay tuned for more details. Cheers

Cape To Cairo

We often yearn to travel the world but don't often enough know where to start. The modern day traveller tends to lean towards Europe or the West for that matter. These decisions are influenced by what we read, see and hear about such places. Its become almost trendy to be in modern places, developed countries and generally in countries we perceive to be superior to our own.

What is sad though is that we forget about the rest of the world and the beauty that exists elsewhere in the world. Take Egypt as an example, everyone knows about the famous Pyramids and the History of Egypt but the history people tend to follow is what is generally common amongst anyone who has been to school. Places like Luxor and Alexandra don't come to mind for many travellers. I have been blessed to have lived and visited these hidden gems. Alexandra in particular has immense historic meaning to Egypt's existence and is engulfed by beauty that only nature can provide. Luxor on the other hand has become one of the faster growing cities in the world and modern day development has now included a luxurious Hilton Hotel on the banks of the River Nile. These places are a far cry from Cairo, the great capital of Egypt. Cairo offers us the best of all worlds, modern, ancient, rich, poor, "middle class", etc. The history of Egypt is intriguing enough to keep us glued to the details. What many folk don't realise is the impact Egypt has had on the history of the rest of the world including the likes of Rome. Had Marcus Antonius not fell in love and married Cleopatra, Rome would not be Rome as we know it today. An Italian friend of mine, Vincenzo tells me that had Cleopatra's nose been a tad longer, Marcus Antonius would not have married her and there would have been no attack on Rome. I mean really, her nose! Would he have fallen in love with her?

Places like Egypt may not be everybody's cup of tea but I assure you it is certainly one of those places that you just have to visit before you die. Travelling the world is an education on its own and I encourage you to travel as often as you can. The state of the world's economy has grounded many travellers in recent months, however, look at visiting some unusual places at very good value. The most expensive aspects of travelling is your air ticket and accommodation but if you shop around you will be guaranteed some good value to help save you money. Eat where the locals eat and chat to people in the know about local hot spots.

If you visit Cape Town, treat yourself to a drink of any sort at the Twelve Apostles Hotel in Camps Bay. They have the Leopard Lounge that offers the luxury of a life time at very good value. An uninterrupted view of the Atlantic Ocean and the comforts fit for a King. On the first floor, you will find a very neat restaurant with some of the best sea food dishes in town. The service and setting of this Hotel is unrivalled in the Mother City. The Table Bay Hotel is situated in the bustle of the V&A Waterfront and here you will find the best Cheese Burger and fries in Cape Town. Everything about this hotel exudes class and quality. Michael Jackson was one of the first to stay at the Table Bay when it opened many years ago.

If you plan to settle in Cape Town, visit the Dogon Group to help you purchase your dream home. The owner Denise has set the trend where property sales is concerned. The brand of her company is associated with class, elegance and uniqueness. You will often find their black cars driving about the Atlantic Seaboard with real purpose. I am not sure of much of the history of The Dogon Group but they certainly stand head and shoulders ahead of any other property sales companies in South Africa. I will try to meet with Denise to find out more. In the mean time, call them or visit their website to view their gems. I will also try to get you some photos.

Now you have some interesting things to look up on the net. I am now going to have some breakfast and take on the day. I feel like driving a Porsche today, hmmm. Take care and remember to live like you're dying.

Shoppings Rare Finds

Amongst every important aspect of day to day living, a rare find in this modern world is great service. I have returned home after being away for about 4 months and I am sure you can relate to the discomforts of being away from home. The first week or two is usually good but reality sets in soon after and that longing or wanting to be back home creeps in.

Whilst away, I had to fend for myself in every aspect of my life, including the one I dislike the most, shopping. The hussle and bustle of shopping doesn't appeal to my sometimes impatient character but it has to be done at times. I have had some real horrible service experiences from retailers, restuarants, etc and this happened in the midst of a recession. What crazy fools those folk were not to be bothered with service delivery. Truworths was no doubt the worst when I walked in to buy a bottle of cologne for myself. Whilst in need of some assistance, their staff continued to a discussion about their private lives for all to hear, including the waiting customers. I left after a brief call to the store manager, never to return to that store or any Truworths store.

Foschini on the other hand provided a smooth sales and service delivery and even when I needed to exchange my purchase without proof of purchase, they did the very basics exceptionally well and helped me with great pleasure. I have never rated this Foschini Group previously because I cannot remember having a need to shop at their stores. It was only a few weeks ago that I discovered they own one of my favourite stores, Due South. Now, here's time when I can display immense patience because they stock good quality merchandise. I remember spending a little fortune at one of their stores a few winters ago. They are not cheap but you just have to pay for quality and you won't find the entire country dressed in their gear. After my great experience with the Foschini Group, I have a very high regard for them and the manner in which they carry out their business plans. I can say the same for chains like Nando's, Giovanni's in Green Point Cape Town and The Twelve Apostles Hotel in Camps Bay. Subsequent to my complaint about Truworths, I received a few calls from their senior management, one asking if I would promote their brand on my website and blog in return for payment. It won't take much to figure out my reply to that. Never means never with no exceptions.

I will continue to highlight interesting aspects of my daily experiences with you on this blog and please feel free to send me your comments and ideas. Tomorrow, I will write more about my travels around the world and about the places of interest that might tempt you to live your life like you're dying by enjoying every moment of living your dream. Cheers and Take Care