Discover Johannesburg

Tourists are hearing about South Africa more and more these days but mostly they hear how beautiful Cape Town is or how hot Durban is or how wild our bush camps are but I think very little people think about Johannesburg as a tourist destination.

Better known to locals as the shorter version of Jo'burg or as the slang word of Jozi, Johannesburg has a lot to offer and I am making it my mission this year to discover the city that I have worked in for almost 20 years and that I truly call home.

Recently I came across, quite by accident I may mention, some really great websites about Johannesburg and was horrified to know that I didn't know about some of these places even though I work a few blocks aways from them!

One such great website is: www.todoinjoburg.co.za

There you can discover such interesting things such as information on Exhibitions in the city centre, Art works that give the old buildings a bit of glamour as well as where to go what to do and where to eat. There are such interesting articles to read and a way to "Discover Gold in the city of Johannesburg" (todoinjoburg.co.za) 

The next website is www.pastexperiences.co.za

This website is unique in that it offers walking tours of the Johannesburg area. Their tag line is after all "Unique Johannesburg Inner City and Soweto Tours and Events and Archaeological Tours" (courtesy of their website). Check them out for what can only be a fun day out.

A very wise women once said to me " we seem to take our vibrant Jozi for granted....go for it, babe, be a tourist in your own city!" and that's just what I plan to do this year. So thanks for that gem Mrs U.C.

So, for any of you who live in this great city that never sleeps, go out there and discover why Johannesburg can be right up there with the best cities in the world and why we should encourage tourists not to just land at OR Tambo airport as a doorway to another South African destination but to linger a little in Jozi and have some real fun!

Till next time,

Cheers....

Wayne

Turning 40!

So, on the 04th February I'll be turning 40! OMG! I nearly freaked out there until I realised what turning 40 has done for me.



Having a milestone birthday really does make one reflect on a life that you have already lived and what is left of the life you still have to live. Some say that turning 40 is the turning point, the time when you reach the peak and everything after that is a downward spiral, or the start of the end of your life.



For me it has been like a rebirth, a kick in the butt to get off my backside and do, do, do! Ive changed my lifestyle from a very unhealthy one to living healthier. I quit smoking in 2012 and started exercising and living healthier and believe me I have never felt better. In fact you can feel young again by simply making some lifestyle changes. I actually feel bad when I over indulge or don't exercise and those things now make me happy rather than irritated that I have to do it. Yes unfortunately I was not blessed with a great metabolism!


Also Ive used the opportunity of making some dreams a reality and I will be travelling to Italy this year! It has been a dream of mine forever and now is the time to make it a reality, I'm as excited as a small child on their way to their first amusement park!  I've also resolved to make a plan to travel overseas at least once a year, funds permitting of course, even if it's just to a great city for a few days.

Trust me, turning 40 is great! It's the start of the rest of your life, you have all the experience to make your life wonderful. I also started this year with a new positive attitude and this helps to make you a happy, healthy person and turns 40 simply into another number that means nothing unless you let it.




Someone said "Life begins at 40" - trust me, in my case I will make sure that this is definitely the case! It's in my hands. I can either be devastated by it or choose to make this the start of the rest of my life. Guess which one I choose?




So here goes to a life filled with new adventures, acting like a teenager with the knowledge and experience all teenagers think they have but now I really do! Here's to living like a soul reborn, like a body reshaped, like a mind free to roam the world. Here's to living and enjoying and grabbing things with both hands and here's to making dreams a reality and crossing off those things on the bucket list.

I still feel 28 anyway, never aged since then and that's how I will continue to live my life!


I'm turning 40, BRING IT ON!!!!

Cheers,

Wayne

VIP Club

As you all are aware I'm a bit of  a brand freak and combined with my love for fine things at great prices I often look out for great bargains on branded merchandise.

I recently came across the perfect website if branded Sunglasses and watches are your thing (as it is mine) at ridiculously reduced prices.

Brands such as Tom Ford, Gucci, Ray-Ban, Diesel, Guess, Burberry, Armani, D & G, Detomaso, Carrera. The list just goes on an on with discounts of 50% or even more off on the iconic brands.

They often have sales and even give additional amounts off regularly.

So if you are in the market for some awesome shades or watches, check out www.vipclub.co.za




 This is an absolute must visit website for great bargains, check them out.

Cheers,

Wayne

Fine things make me happy

So, from previous blog posts I'm sure you can all tell that I like the finer things in life and it extends from my car to my clothes to my eye wear (see previous post) and even to fragrances.

Speaking of fragrances..... I try out fragrances at least once a month but probably closer to three times a month! I absolutely love great fragrances by great brands and mostly one whiff is enough for me to say whether I like it or not.

One such amazing fragrance that I just discovered a few weeks ago is the new-ish fragrance by Dolce & Gabbana named simply "The One". For me it definitely was "The One". It is, in my humble opinion, such a versatile fragrance which I have worn both during the day and at night and I find it absolutely delicious for a special occasion or even just a lunch at a trendy spot in the sun.

It has the most amazing staying power and I have put it on very early in the morning only to take one last whiff of the fantastic scent as I'm about to hit the sack after a late night.

I recently found the perfect gift box at Dischem Pharmacy for an amazing price, better than most retail stores for just the fragrance and it came with two 'free' gifts too. What a bargain! Check out www.dischem.co.za

Dolce & Gabbana 'the one' beautifully packaged from Dischem pharmacies nationwide.

Try it out and let me know what you think, your better half will love you for it. It also makes for the perfect Christmas gift, but you'd better rush as you haven't much time to get your hands on this amazing gift before the holidays or just get it for yourself and its the gift that keeps on giving.

Till next time,

Cheers,

Wayne

Summer time, and the living is classic luxury

So its Summer and it was seriously time for me to get some new updated shades for the harsh African sun.

I wanted something that suited me but if I was going to spend a pretty penny I wanted something classic, timeless and always fashionable that can be worn with everything.

So, naturally I set my mind on the classic Ray-Ban Aviator style. So this past weekend I happily set off to the mall and found Sunglass Hut housed within Edgars and almost instantly found the pair that I wanted. The sales lady was exceptional, did the necessary amount of flattering and soon I was just about convinced.

I did try a few other varieties of Ray-Ban and even tried some other brands but I just could not get the one's I originally picked out of my mind. It wasn't long and I took these which I think compliment me completely, suite my face and will last a lifetime.

A true classic in every sense of the word.

I absolutely love my new sunnies. Check out www.sunglasshut.com/za or  www.ray-ban.com/southafrica for your own pair of the "Legend".

True Legend Ray-Ban's - "Legends Live for 75 years"

I prefer the lighter lens and these are brown shaded which go perfectly with the gold metal frames. So excited with this amazing purchase.

Thanks to Sunglass Hut SA for the great service and to Ray-Ban for making classic eye wear that protect, make a fashion statement and last forever.

Cheers,

Wayne

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

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