That Blog

I told you yesterday about my recent run in with the local Do-Gooders and Nosey neighbours and how I was thinking about giving them something to genuinely complain about…well, I think I have the solution.

Admittedly, these little beauties will have to be reserved for wearing indoors as I fear that NOBODY could possibly take me seriously clip-clopping about town wearing them…but can you imagine living in the flat downstairs from a person who wears these??

These were designed by artist Roxanne Jackson and are called Hoof Heels. I think these might just drive Downstairs Neighbour completely and utterly BONKERS!!!

It seems that Hoof Heels are all the rage at the moment (perhaps other people are having Neighbour issues too??) because I happened upon another slightly different ones by designer Iris Schieferstein. I think these will DEFINITELY give the neighbours something to fret about!!

Even with the nice stiletto gun heel…NICE!!

Clip, clop, clip, clop…the ultimate nightmare for Downstairs Neighbour!!

We have known each other for a little while now and so I thought it might be a good idea to tell you a bit more about my life and share a few things that perhaps you don’t know about me. The first thing I shall share is that I live in an Old Age Home that is disguised as a really lovely old block of flats. When I rented my flat, the agent didn’t see fit to point out the fact that when I moved in, I would almost certainly be the youngest person in the block by at least one generation. I guess, the lesson learnt is, that when viewing potential places of residence, one should keep a look out for any evidence of nosey “curtain-twitchers” and zimmer frames!

The other characteristic of this lovely block of flats that the afore mentioned agent neglected to mention is that the garden is a veritable treasure trove for birdwatchers . Whilst I love the familiar call of the Hadeda or occasional cry of a Guinea Fowl as much as the next South African…I never realised that these birds and other very noisy varietals have been allowed to breed prolifically in the gardens of the block and seem to lead a very protected existence. When I say protected, what I actually mean is carefully guarded and exceptionally well cared for…to illustrate my point, let me show you Exhibit A – The Peacock Update. This little newsletter appeared in my post box shortly after moving into the block and served as an introduction to the family of Peafowl that roam freely in the gardens (names have been removed to protect the innocent).

Exhibit A - The Peafowl Chronicles

Updates similar to this appear pretty much on a monthly basis and I will share them with you some time in the futre…but you will be delighted to hear that despite his advancing years and receding tail feathers, Percy is still going strong. Have you ever heard the noise a Peacock/peahen makes? If not, I have attached a little sound clip for you to hear them (Click here to listen)…that often goes through the day and night. They also seem to have developed some kind of harmonising routine with the resident Guinea Fowl, Egyptian Geese, Dikkop and Hadeda population (did I mention it was a veritable treasure trove for birdwatchers??). The only benefit of din would be that the chorus of vuvuzelas that accompany all World Cup Soccer games really don’t phase me at all…

So…now that you are familiar with the fauna of the block, I shall now tell you about some of the residents. I have managed to keep to myself since moving in and have (fortunately) had very little to do with most of the residents…but what I can tell you is to Beware of Greeks Old Grannies carrying Gifts…they definitely have a hidden agenda. I discovered this when I was greeted by Downstairs Neighbour on Friday morning, bearing a gift. (It should be noted that whilst we normally greet each other and discuss the weather when passing in the passage, we have NEVER exchanged gifts). I was immediately suspicious and I was right…she was coming to give me a “talking-to” and thought she would soften the blow by arriving with a gift. It seems that my late night returns from various World Cup game viewings have not gone un-noticed in the Block and it seems, were waking people up. It would appear, that there was also some concern as to what exactly I was doing that was causing me to return home at such odd hours of the night (do old people not watch Soccer or remember that you might celebrate a result by having a drink or two after the match???)…so after much discussion, Downstairs Neighbour was appointed to come and chat to me about my “questionable behaviour” AND whilst she was having the chat, she also thought it appropriate to request that I refrain from flushing the loo after 9pm, as it wakes her up and causes massive distress…so much so, that she has been forced to take Rescue Remedy to calm her nerves. I was quite shocked…firstly that anyone thought MY night time activities suspicious enough to convene a discussion about, secondly that they then felt the need to discuss it with me, thirdly that a flushing loo could cause anyone enough distress that they would need to resort to Rescue Remedy!! Anyway, I  promised not to flush between hours of 9pm and 7am and assured them that after 11 July normality shall return and late night arrivals will be limited to weekends!!

However, whilst trying to block out the cries of Penelope and her brood whilst trying to sleep off the effects of a few too many glasses of wine on Friday night, I got to thinking about how much noise I could possibly be making as a Singleton Girl, living alone, not in possession of any major surround sound or home theatre equipment and due to the barren nature of the Man-scape, certainly not entertaining any gentlemen callers…and decided “WTF!!! These old people are just being ridiculous and if they think that is a noise, I will show them a noise…I am going to get a vuvuzela AND a kuduzela and use them A LOT!”.

Although, not sure what medication Downstairs Neighbour will need to resort to if I do that…I dare say it may have to be slightly stronger than homeopathic!

I shall keep you posted on how my strategy works out!!

Well, I think by now you have worked out that That Blogger is pretty excited about the World Cup and all related festivities. It is here and we love it!!! Will Middle Earth EVER be the same again?

So, for today’s SWC fun…check out the latest in the Lord of the Rings series…awesome stuff!

(Thanks to The Bruv)

You may or may not be aware of this guy. He has become pretty well known for the brilliant e-mails that he writes. He wrote the brilliant Spider e-mail and the brilliant Party in Apartment 3…amongst a load of others. Anyway, the latest tirade is about a missing cat and it is sensational!

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From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster

Hi
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.

This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.
Thanks Shan.

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From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,

That is shocking news. Luckily I was sitting down when I read your email and not half way up a ladder or tree. How are you holding up? I am surprised you managed to attend work at all what with thinking about Missy out there cold, frightened and alone… possibly lying on the side of the road, her back legs squashed by a vehicle, calling out “Shannon, where are you?”

Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.

Regards, David.

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From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster

yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.

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From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,

I never said I don’t like cats. Once, having been invited to a party, I went clothes shopping beforehand and bought a pair of expensive G-Star boots. They were two sizes too small but I wanted them so badly I figured I could just wear them without socks and cut my toenails very short. As the party was only a few blocks from my place, I decided to walk. After the first block, I lost all feeling in my feet. Arriving at the party, I stumbled into a guy named Steven, spilling Malibu & coke onto his white Wham ‘Choose Life’ t-shirt, and he punched me. An hour or so after the incident, Steven sat down in a chair already occupied by a cat. The surprised cat clawed and snarled causing Steven to leap out of the chair, slip on a rug and strike his forehead onto the corner of a speaker; resulting in a two inch open gash. In its shock, the cat also defecated, leaving Steven with a foul stain down the back of his beige cargo pants. I liked that cat.

Attached poster as requested.

Regards, David.

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From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.24am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?

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From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,

It’s a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.

Regards, David.

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From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.

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From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,

Having worked with designers for a few years now, I would have assumed you understood, despite our vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don’t come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window. I am willing to overlook this faux pas due to you no doubt being preoccupied with thoughts of Missy attempting to make her way home across busy intersections or being trapped in a drain as it slowly fills with water. I spent three days down a well once but that was just for fun.

I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.

Regards, David.

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From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.59am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say Lost.

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From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

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From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.

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From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww

Dear Shannon,

I don’t have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend’s cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter, I kept the cat in a closed cardboard box in the shed and forgot about it. If I wanted to feed something and clean faeces, I wouldn’t have put my mother in that home after her stroke. A week later, when my friend came to collect his cat, I pretended that I was not home and mailed the box to him. Apparently I failed to put enough stamps on the package and he had to collect it from the post office and pay eighteen dollars. He still goes on about that sometimes, people need to learn to let go.

I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.

Regards, David.

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From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww

Thats not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.

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From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww

I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says “I haven’t seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?” you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.

I knew someone who had a basset hound that had its hind legs removed after an accident and it had to walk around with one of those little buggies with wheels. If it had been my dog I would have asked for all its legs to be removed and replaced with wheels and had a remote control installed. I could charge neighbourhood kids for rides and enter it in races. If I did the same with a horse I could drive it to work. I would call it Steven.

Regards, David.

_______________________________________________________

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Please just use the photo I gave you.

_______________________________________________________

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

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From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.

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From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

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From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to make photocopies of it.

_______________________________________________________

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

_______________________________________________________

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Fine. That will have to do.

Even though we didn’t qualify last night, we still beat France and we still have a lot more soccer to enjoy. We have achieved so much as a nation, that we cannot stop now.

Click on this link to view something really inspirational and special (it has sound too) SA – It Does Not Matter

Watching this just gave me goosebumps all over and made me feel so proudly South African. We won in so many ways!!

Well done South Africa!! You are awesome! I am so proud of you!!

KE NAKO!!!

(Thanks Steve)

Remember I told you about the awesome weekend away for That Blogger and friends to the Agulhas Wine Festival? Well, it looks like it is time for another out-of-town adventure to go and do some Whale Spotting at the De Hoop Collection Whale Weekend.

You may not know this, but That Blogger was part of the semigration from Gotham City (aka Jozi), so the sight and novelty factor of a real Whale that isn’t disguised as a Metro policewoman and is actually splashing about in the ocean is truly exciting one!!

Metro Cops...Closest thing to a Whale in Jozi

We were lucky enough to spot 3 whales when we where there for the Wine Festival, but by all accounts, the whales have arrived en masse and it is a sight to behold. I can only assume it is because the Whales knew that the Whale Festival was taking place this weekend and so made sure their travel arrangements got them to De Hoop in time. Whales…they are clever like that you know?!

If the weather isn’t ideal for sitting on beach for too long, fear not…there are awesome log fires in the cottages that lend themselves perfectly to red wine and a good book and if you feel like learning a bit, there will be a leading whale authority staying there this weekend who will happily share expertise and stories.

Come on…you know you want a weekend away…so why not head to De Hoop Nature Reserve. There is everything from tight budget accomodation to some pretty luxurious spots (check it out here) and if you head there during June and July, you will get 25% off your booking (Tell them That Blog sent you). Come on…get booking!! I will tell the Whales to hang around for a while longer if you can’t make it this weekend

Call 0861 33 4667 or e-mail info@dehoopcollection.co.za for bookings.

The clever gals at Habits have come up with a Soccer shirt with a difference and That Blogger will definitely be sporting one of these little numbers for the next game. Don’t you just love the jumbled letters…a bit like some of the game results of this World Cup!!

Get yours from Habits in Claremont or available on-line at www.habits.co.za

Incidentally, if you are concerned that your shopping might interfere with game viewing…fear not, Habits is screening the games on a flatscreen TV and will be serving De Grendel wine to calm your nerves.

In the aftermath of the devastating drop-out of our Mighty Bafana Bafana from the Soccer World Cup, I didn’t think I would be able to find anything that could possibly put a “smile on my dial”…until I spotted these magical words “Brandon Flowers has released a solo album” whilst perusing the interweb.

On the off chance you don’t know who this genius is, Brandon Flowers was the lead singer of one of the greatest bands of our time…The Killers. Remember them? Came here last year, did a concert at Val da Vie…awesome concert spoilt by possibly the worst traffic jam in living memory. Yes, that was The Killers. Anyway, the lead singer has gone and done a solo album and one of the songs…Crossfire…has been leaked to the world.

According to those in the know on the interweb (obviously as trustworthy as the tabloids) this is not the end of the Killers…just a hiatus for the band. They are hopefully going to be recording a new album soon.

Anyway, Listen to it right here on That Blog (Crossfire)

I love it, what do you think of it???

Apologies to all That Blog followers for the problems you may have encountered yesterday and today with the site. it looks like all is sorted now and hopefully your That Blog experience will be uninterrupted in the future.

I am fairly sure that some time in my school education, some well-meaning teacher tried to teach me cross stitch. Now I could just kick myself that I didn’t pay more attention…little gems like this don’t come along every day and you really need to be able to capitalise on them when they do…unfortunately, I was clearly more interested in the latest developments in Loving (you may recall that was the soapie of the day) to focus on cross stitch and now I will have to let this opportunity pass me by.

Whilst perusing the British tabloids today, I discovered a link to a PDF file of a Wayne Rooney cross stitch pattern. Honestly, can you think of a better way to remember the excitement and drama of World Cup 2010 than to have your very own Wayne Rooney scatter cushion??? No seriously, is there in fact a footballer that would go better with your beautiful carefully selected St Leger and Viney sitting room decor than Shrek aka Wayne Rooney?

The newest trend in home decorating

So, for those of you that did actually pay attention in Needlework Class…good luck and get stitching!!

(I really tried to find gems like this about our own Bafana Bafana, but it seems that the Poms outstrip the Bafana Bafana fan base when it comes to memorabilia like this!)

[Source: The Guardian]

I was sent a link to this great music video the other day and have subsequently seen it on a couple of other fab Cape Town blogs.

I just love this video and thought that just in case you hadn’t seen it yet, you might want to check it out…

Doesn’t it just make you want to live in Cape Town??? Oh wait, I do…Lucky Me!!! Long may that last!!!

That Blogger and friends managed to tear themselves away from the Soccer for an evening and headed off to the Chef’s Warehouse & Cookery School for an evening with the unbelievably talented, award winning Luke Dale-Roberts from La Colombe. May I remind you that La Colombe has just been voted 12th out of the top 50 restaurants in the world by the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards. I think you can safely say that Luke knows his way around the kitchen!!!

I do enjoy cooking and eating A LOT, but have to say that I realised fairly early on in the demonstration that I was probably just there to watch a Master at work rather than pick up any menu ideas for my next dinner party. Food that Luke prepares is an absolute taste sensation, as well as a total visual treat…and I am not sure I have the patience or the time to try and pull that off on my own!! I suspect that it might be INFINITELY less stressful and possibly even cheaper to go and enjoy the meal at La Colombe rather than try and prepare it myself (especially if the Winter Special is on!!) Nevertheless, it was a wonderful evening and on the off chance I ever want to dedicate many hours of my life to preparing something spectacular for friends or family…I do have the recipes!

These were the culinary delights that we were treated to through the evening:

Carpaccio and Seared tartare of Springbok or Venison, Black Pickled Celeriac, Semi Dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and Baby Marrow Cannelloni, Basil Mayo, Pine nut and Lemon Thyme Gremolata.

Next up was a Tiger Prawn and Grapefruit Salad with warm Vanilla and Parsnip Puree.

and then to finish off it was the unbelievable medley of desserts…Chocolate Collar filled with Vanilla Creme Catalana and Caramel Foam, Mini Apple Tart Tartin and Salted Caramel Popcorn.

Each course was paired with an amazing wine and so it really was a true epicurean experience. My only complaint about the evening was that the portions were really not very big and so some of the group were still a little peckish by the end of the evening. Other than that, it was incredible…such wonderful food and wine and learning something too!!

Chef’s Warehouse have a few other courses that they will be running and they look awesome. There is the Artisan Baking Course that runs for 6 weeks, then the Imported Wine tasting evening and the Champagne evening. Click on the links to read more about them. These really do sound awesome and I think the wine and champagne evenings would be a great thing to do with a bunch of friends. Book now!!!

So, first there was designer glasses frames and now we have gone one step past that, to designer eyes. Now, you can get contact lenses with the ‘CD’ logo etched in alongside gold flakes…because everyone knows nothing brings out your inner vampire like unnatural eye colors!!

The contacts have a ‘CD’ logo etched on the left side and a gold strip covering the entire right side. There’s also what appears to be a black rim surrounding the circumference of the contact. Am hoping that the wearing of designer contact lenses doesn’t limit you to mascara that makes your eyelashes go all clumpy like that though…not a GREAT look!!

That Blogger is not completely sold on this new fashion item to be honest…We are all for non-permanent ways of playing around with your look, but branding your eye ball? Is that not taking things just a smidgen too far. Can’t wait to see what the designers at Louis Vuitton and Gucci can do to improve on this…LV is not known for making things subtle and understated, so the Battle of the Eyeball is bound to be an interesting one!!

Have you noticed that at the end of some matches, the teams swap shirts? Well, if you haven’t, it is definitely something worth hanging around for. Perhaps, try not let The Bloke flick over to the other sports channel to see what is happening in the golf/rugby/cricket as the final whistle goes and see what wonderful things transpire on the field.

Anyway, ahead of the Portugal vs Ivory Coast game this afternoon, I thought you might be interested in a little glimpse of what the shirt-swapping exercise could hold for you. Do you remember I showed you those delightful pictures of Cristiano Ronaldo? Well, our favourite Portuguese soccer player is getting his kit off again…this time he is doing it for Armani. The new Armani advertising campaign is about to be launched and guess who their poster boy is?? Yip, Cristiano himself.

A thing of beauty isn’t he??

"I can't believe she has put THOSE clothes out for me to wear"

"You're great! My last girlfriend hated me lying on the couch when I got back from a training session"

Alas, with the nasty cold spell that seems to have gripped the country, I am not sure anyone is going to be too keen to whip their shirt off, but well worth hanging around for after the final whistle…just in case.

Kick off is at 4:00pm today. Enjoy!

[Images courtesy of Armani]

That Blogger has returned from an awesome weekend up country. The Opening Game is something that I will remember forever…in fact, probably, for many years after I have lost the full function of my sense of hearing as a result of the amazing sound of all those vuvuzelas gathered in one place! Well worth it though, the day was incredible!

Anyway, I was told about these beautiful art prints and thought you might be interested in buying something really special to remind you of this awesome time in our country. Obviously, that furry soccer ball hat that you bought outside the Stadium will always remind of you this special time, but perhaps you are looking for something a little more classy…or that you can have out on display ALL the time! A selection of local and international artists were invited to create works that celebrated art and soccer. Each print is numbered and come with a signed certificate of authenticity. (Click on the pics to see them enlarged)

There are loads more beautiful pictures that can be viewed on the FIFA™ Website, but these were just some of my favourite ones.

You can chat to Suzie Copperthwaite on +27 83 468 0363 or e-mail suzie@artlogic.co.za if you want more info about the artworks.

That Blogger is actually on tour at the moment…well, if you call heading up country to Jozi “On tour”. Yip, I am lucky enough to be heading to Soccer City to watch the Opening Game live!!

Anyway, I would never forget my lovely readers and always have their best interests at heart…that is why I thought I might mention a great special you might want to check out.

The über cool, Planet Bar at the Mount Nelson Hotel is getting into the World Cup Spirit…yes, they too can feel it!

There very talented team of mixologists (you may know them as barmen) have come up with a series of awesome new cocktails. With exciting names like ‘Italian Glimpse’, ‘Golden Goal’, ‘Berlin Martini’, ‘Slovenian Tea’, ‘Benny’s Kick’ and ‘Hemingway Special’, the thirteen cocktails sound as exotic as their ingredients, and are bound to get you into the swing of things!!!

Also, it is a well know fact that SERIOUS A-LIST celebs luuuuuuuuuuuuurrrve the Mount Nelson and the Planet Bar…so why not print out your list of WAGs and set off for a snifter or two.

We are on the eve of the most monumental sporting event the continent has ever seen and the country is abuzz with excitement!!

I headed to Ye Olde V&A for a spot of retail therapy yesterday and was just astounded by the amount of foreigners shopping up a storm and taking photos of completely random things (spotted a couple taking a photo of the escalators…is that to show folks back home how advanced we are here in Deepest Darkest??). Anyway, I realised that it was quite possible that there were WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) of some of the Soccer Stars walking amongst the happy shoppers and that I wouldn’t know them if I tripped over their Gucci shopping bag…so have decided to compose a little photo line up of some of them and thought it might help you too…as I always say, That Blog is here to help you!!

I have also included a little photo of the blokes they hang out with…just so you can carry on the good work you have been doing on familiarising your self with the stars!!

Nothing says “I love Soccer” quite like a R20-million life-size soccer ball encrusted with 900 carats of white and black diamonds set in 18 carat white gold.

If you don’t love Soccer to the tune of R20m, the good news is that there are eight crystal replicas that will be on sale throughout the country for R8000 a piece at Shimansky stores. Proceeds from the sale of these little trinkets will go to charity.

Not really sure what I would say if I was presented with one of those R8000 beauties…other than to quote one of my favourite movies “This is going STAIGHT to the Pool room”. Please note, I am not even bothering to say what I would say if someone presented me 2,2kgs of diamond encrusted soccer ball…but I think you could safely say that if I was presented with 900 carats, you could safely assume that the State of the Man-scape had changed considerably!!!

Picture Source: The Times

That Blogger plus the Touring Party headed off to Robertson this weekend to investigate the legend of the Wacky Wine Weekend.

Whilst there is no denying that there are some awesome wine estates to be visited in the Robertson area, I am not entirely sure that this is the weekend to do a significant amount of farm visiting. A lot of my enjoyment of a wine tasting comes from chatting to the wine maker or at least a knowledgeable staff member about the estate and the wine on offer…this is pretty tough to achieve on the WWW. There are a LOT of people at each farm and it is difficult to talk to the staff about what they are offering for tasting.

Whilst we definitely had a good weekend and much fun was enjoyed with the Touring Party…we may do things a little differently next year.

Firstly, we will do the out-of-town farms on the Saturday. Scrumming against a multitude of drunk students to get a sample of wine is not my idea of fun at a winetasting. Friday and Sunday were really pleasant experiences, but the chaos of Saturday should be avoided by heading to the estates that are a little out of town and less well known.

Secondly, we will stay closer to Robertson. We booked a little late and ended up staying nearer Worcester. A lovely B&B…but you really don’t want to travel 50km home after a wine tasting (even with a designated driver)

Thirdly, we will do more self-catering in the evenings. The (very limited number of) restaurants in Robertson cannot deal with the onslaught of the WWW and are best avoided. Rather cook a great meal at your self-catering spot and then head out for the evening after that…or better still, enjoy some of the fine wine you purchased during the day.

Forthly, Arabella on the Saturday night is HECTIQUE…brace yourself! If you are ready for it and if you are keen for a some chassis shaking, you will keep your wits about you (or at least one member of the group does!!) and a healthy sense of humour and only then a good time will be had by all.

Fifthly, do the responsible thing and assign a DD (designated driver) per day. It makes for a far more enjoyable experience knowing that you have at least one person getting you safely around each day.

Lastly, don’t go with any major expectations other than to have a great time and to enjoy some really fantastic wine!!! With that in mind…you will have a great weekend!

So I read it in the tabloids (and it must be true if we read it there…) that Shakira has arrived safely at OR Tambo and is settling in to life in Jozi ahead of her big performance on Thursday night at the Opening Ceremony of the Soccer World Cup 2010.

Don’t you just love the nice inclusion of the substantial police escort that she needed to get through the throngs of fans at ORT?

Is that one gun on the man’s hip not enough to keep an ardent Shakira fan at bay??

I also noticed the practical travelling footwear that she chose for the trip… Although, I am guessing that she wasn’t travelling in the part of the plane where the footwell would be completely chockers once she had kicked those off and swapped them for those nice nylon socks (you know, the ones with no heels?). Am also thinking that if she did spend the night in those skinny jeans…it wasn’t a comfortable trip.

I am really hoping that the man with the gun in this 2nd pic is the same one as in the previous shot, as I would be VERY disappointed to think that more than 1 heavily armed police man was necessary to protect her from her fans and paparazzi!

Anyway, She is here, IT is almost here…can you feel it??

(Source: The Daily Mail)