Monday, November 19, 2012

Stress Relief

Hi All,

Sorry, I haven't posted in a few days but I desperately needed some time out from the rat race that is Johannesburg traffic and the stress of work. So, I took a week off and drove to the beautiful Eastern Free State town of Clarens, South Africa.

What a gorgeous part of the world this is and should the opportunity ever cross my path I will most definitely want to live there some day.

I stayed at a B & B right at the entrance to this beautiful town called The Courtyard Cafe. It was absolutely exceptional, great service, fantastic breakfasts and the host Jane is one of those people that the minute you meet her you feel as though you have known her forever! I was travelling alone and it was never a problem for this gracious hostess.

I stayed in Apartment number 2 which is a one bedroom, with a lounge, kitchen and bathroom with shower with the most fantastic views from a private balcony. Other alternatives are available, check out the following links for more info. www.wheretostay.co.za/the-courtyard  
www.safarinow.com/go/TheCourtyardCafeClarens
The Courtyard Cafe - right behind the Phatt Chef Restaurant


A giant extremely comfortable bed that you just want to spend the whole morning in


Comfortable lounge and mini-kitchen area


View from the balcony of Apartment number 2 - yes those are horses and geese on the farm beneath the mountain. Food for the soul!


The Cafe downstairs offers the most delicious breakfasts, wonderful coffee and fantastic service and, if you are lucky, some engaging conversation from hostess Jane Ball. My favourite breakfast was the delicious poached eggs, so good I had it twice in a row!

The also have a bakery on the premises (try the sublime Lemon merangue or cheese cake, delicious!) and they make their own breads, croissants etc. The smell alone will drive you down from your apartment to try the delicious baked goods. This place is fully serviced and well worth a stay for absolute relaxation and rest. Walking distance to the shopping mecca that is Clarens.

As for Clarens itself, this is a beautiful mountaineous town that takes your breath away and immediately ensures you relax and soak up the surrounding scenery and fresh air.



Go for a hike to admire the beautiful scenery around this gorgeous town with lots to offer. From shopping, restaurants, white water rafting, the beautiful and stunning Golden Gate Highlands National park. The town has a lot to offer to the weary traveller and well worth a vist or even better stay permanently.

Oh and if you can get some cherries, this is cherry country after all.


Delicious fresh cherries, available almost anywhere in the town of Clarens, in season of course.

I had a wonderful time and really this little beautiful town has stolen my heart. I absolutely cannot wait to go back and would love to re-locate there permanently some day.

One never knows, the posibilities in life are endless if you want something bad enough you'll work hard in getting it.

Have a good day all and please, please get to Clarens some day soon.

Cheers for now,

Wayne

P.S. Please comment and let me know your thoughts, comments or suggestions.

www.clarens.co.za
www.clarenstourism.co.za
www.infoclarens.com

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

36 Man

While browsing the Internet I came across quite the find for the South African man, or quite frankly the worldwide man too.

From the people who brought you 36Boutique for women's fashion and which every man bemoans for not having a similar site now comes 36Man! Find them at www.36man.com

They still seem bit new because there really isn't much on it at the moment but it has a great look and will surely have a great future for the fashion conscious man in South Africa. I think this is just what most me want. A click here, a click there and your stuff is delivered in the post. Rather clever really.

Ok so I personally do love the thrill of the find and shopping up a storm but hey there are those among us that do not venture into a mall. So guys there really is no excuse for wearing you matric jeans still even though you are in your 30's. Please for the love of fashion check out 36Man.com.

Looking forward to some retail therapy myself.


Cheers,

Wayne



Monday, November 5, 2012

Shoes, shoes and more shoes!

So today I made a startling discovery.

While walking in the city centre of Johannesburg in search of a leg stretch, fresh air and a much needed break from the office I came across the 'Edgars Shoe Gallery'. A brand new concept store just for shoes and I think (although I may be under correction) that its the first of its kind in South Africa.

Major Brands are represented such as Polo, Aldo, Converse and that's just for the men. Its in Kerk Street in the Johannesburg CBD and quite a find. Until the 15th of November you can save R100 if you spend R400 or more. That's extremely easy to do, believe me! www.edgars.co.za

Dozens of brands of shoes - if shoes is your thing get to the new "Edgars Shoe Gallery" now!

Should I buy a few pairs I will post pictures of them here. I'm now stuck in that moment when you simply dont know which to buy and at this stage I absolutely cannot buy them all. There's definately one pair of Polo sneakers that has my name on it.

Guys (and Girls) let me know what you want to read more about. Fashion is my thing but I can talk about anything you want. Let me know. I'll put a poll up and in that way you can let me know what your thing is.

Cheers,

Wayne