TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA A LETTER FROM AFRICA NR. 3 part 2

Unlike Elzette and I who have consistently been in touch with one another since the age of 11, Ronel and I lost contact many years ago and I was determined to go find out for myself if we have grown apart. I had the answer to that question, an emphatic no, within 10 minutes after my arrival in town. Upington is part of the Orange River wine route and follows the course of the river all the way from Groblershoop to Augrabies - a 350 kilometer journey to the Namibian border. My drive from De Aar to Upington delivered a few interesting "Koda Moment."   There were thousands of Social Weaver nests, on almost every other telephone pole, on my way to Upington; each of these nests housing approximately 300 to 500 birds. I also had to stop and snap a picture of the donkey cart with its one-eared dog passenger.

SOCIABLE WEAVER NEST IMAGE: NOLEEN KUTASH ©

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SOUTH AFRICA'S MASTERS IN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

Miska | Seychelles

This exclusive resort, spa and group of private residences, is situated on a dramatic peninsula on Mahe, the main island of Seychelles. The reception and leisure facilities form an amphitheatre overlooking the sea edge. The restaurant building is inspired by the huge granite boulders strewn along the site.

First Crescent | Camps Bay

A minimalist home commanding a 270 degree view of Lions Head, Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. All living spaces have a great connection to the covered or uncovered terraces.

The living spaces are highly transparent to take full advantage of the views. The architecture is notable for its use of cantilevers, linear arrangement and limited palette of materials.

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AN AUDIO VISUAL ON AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT

African Agora as urban generator The Agora was an open place of assembly in ancient Greek city states. This video by MartinKruger Associates shows how the Agora can again become a generator of development, specifically within the African context.
 

TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA'S NORTHERN CAPE

I AM TRAVELING IN THE NORTHERN CAPE THIS VIDEO WILL GIVE YOU A CLEARER PICTURE OF THE ROUTE I'M FOLLOWING; WILL POST "A LETTER FROM AFRICA NR. 3 PART 2" THIS WEEKEND.

FOR NOW SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY

TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA A LETTER FROM AFRICA Nr. 3

Hello My Dear Friends, 

I am back at base camp after an adventures journey through South Africa; crisscrossing from east to west and then heading all the way north to the boarder of Swaziland. There I met up with friends, and then we traveled back to the Cape via KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. I clocked 6,000 miles on my speedometer in approximately three weeks with stopovers in several exquisite places and here and there I rendezvoused with friends. My first sleepover at the Lord Milner Hotel 1883 in a place called Matjiesfontein.

LORD MILNER HOTEL MATJIESFONTIEN IMAGE: NOLEEN KUTASH ©

Everything in this quarter mile street (old town) is part of the Hotel. The bar is located in what use to be the town’s post office. The coffee shop is now located in towns former bakery, and the hotels reception area, use to be the old grocery store in town. So staying at the Lord Milner means you walk all over town to reach different parts of the hotel. It’s the tiniest place, I have ever seen and there is nothing besides the train station and the Lord Milner, not a thing as far as the eye can see. Dinner was served by candlelight and there was a dress code; men had to wear jackets and ties and therefore the ladies were all dress-up as well.  The old train station across from the hotel is now a museum and I spend hours nostalgically wondering around.

 

STATION MATJIESFONTEIN IMAGE: NOLEEN KUTASH ©

Matjiesfontein’s tracks are as busy as ever and even South Africa’s world famous Blue Train appeared, what seemed to be out of nowhere.  I was out and about at the crack of dawn taking pictures, and as I peered through my lens at the tracks right there in my viewfinder Select read more to continue.......

TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA A MAN LIVING WITH LIONS

TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA LUXURY PER EXCELLENCE part2”

You have been transported from the Safari Lodge in Madikwe Gamer Reserve to The Clifton in Cape Town, South Africa.  This property comprises of two separate private retreats, each available for exclusive use, and located side by side: The Clifton and The Beach House.  Then for the grand finale you'll see  - "Told U So," the magnificent yacht.  We will also reveal the name of the company that is responsible for all of this and will provide their contact information so you can visit them online.

CLIFTON BEACH 

 

THE CLIFTON 

The Clifton,” totals 11,600 sq ft. and consists of three levels accommodating up to 12 guests.  The top floor features two guest suites with breathtaking views of Clifton Bay. Located on the opposite side of the top floor is Molori Clifton’s spacious and elegantly appointed Presidential Suite with its own media room and study.  On the lower level of the Clifton there is an additional guest suite’ a modern spa offering a variety of spa services and steam room accommodating 12 guests, and a state-of-the-art gym; and cutting edge media room that seats 12.  All of the six guest suites and common areas in The Clifton are adorned with retractable glass walls, allowing for direct ocean views and endless natural light.
 

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TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA LUXURY PAR EXCELLENCE Part 1

When I lived abroad and felt homesick I longed for Africa’s soul; the bush (were we go on safari) represents that part of South Africa's essence to me, whiles Cape Town is its heart. 

"If I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me? Will the air over the plain quiver with a color that I have had on, or the children invent a game in which my name is, or the full moon throw a shadow over the gravel of the drive that was like me, or will the eagles of the Ngong Hills look out for me?" 

 From OUT OF AFRICA by Isak Dinesen (1885-1962)

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TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA COME SEE FOR YOURSELF

TO ALL FASHION FORWARD WOMEN – HOBO’S FOR YOU

When I asked Hannes Willers, if he was a fellow Afrikaner, he responded with an emphatic; “Yes, I am Afrikaans, and grew up in Kimberley, the diamond capital of the world.”

I have always been intrigued by the process of how people go-about choosing their specific career/s.   In the case of Hannes it was pretty strait forward; he knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue a future in fashion.  According to him, “it’s the little things that matter the most.”

INVEST IN SOUTH AFRICAN ART - AUGUST AUCTION 2011

Charlotte Burns, in a September 2010 article for The Art Newspaper, reminds us that “art appeals because it is tangible, can be traded in any currency, and comes with kudos—collectors cannot hang stocks and shares on a wall to show their friends. Art may be particularly attractive now because of the uncertainties of the stock markets, big currency fluctuations and the looming specter of inflation in some major countries, and deflation in others”.

 Irma Stern (South African 1894-1966)

YOUNG ARAB

 

Painted during her return trip to Zanzibar in 1945, Irma Stern’s Young Arab, lot 425, (R10 000 000 – R15 000 000) headlines the Johannesburg Stephan Welz & Co (Pty) Limited auction being held at 13 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg on the 16th August 2011 at 18h30.  Follow on page 2

RECORD BREAKING SOUTH AFRICAN ARTIST IRMA STERN'S WORK ON VIDEO

South African Times
Article:  24 March, 2011 - 14:39

SA Art – Stern's Arab Priest fetches record price at auction

Irma Stern's work Arab Priest reached a record price of £3,044,000 – some £600,000 above her last record made at Bonham’s October 2010 sale where a painting titled 'Bahora Girl' sold for £2.4m (R26.6m) at their March South African sale this week.

Four new records for South African artists fell at Bonham’s sale of South African Masterpieces in London on 23rd March, with an Irma Stern, 'Arab Priest' at £3,044,000 (R34m),



an Alexis Preller, 'Garden of Eden' at £748,000 (R8.4m), a Gerard Sekoto, 'Yellow Houses' at £602,400 (R6.7m) and a Francois Krige, 'Basotho Village' at £90,000 (R1m).
Pre-sale estimates for the record breaking paintings were:
Irma Stern, Arab Priest, £1.5m to £2m
Alexis Preller, Garden of Eden, £500,000 to £700,000
Gerard Sekoto, Yellow Houses, £200,000 to £300,000
Francois Krige, Basotho Village, £50,000 to £80,000

Stay Tuned Will Announce Next Auction In Follow-Up Post  

TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA A LETTER FROM AFRICA Nr. 2 part 2

We arrived in the charming town of Prince Albert founded in 1762; the village has many preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings, 13 of which are National Monuments.  Kyleen and I headed strait for Mai's Guest House owned by a charismatic - yes, you guessed it, lady called Mai.

MAI'S GUEST HOUSE IMAGE: NOLEEN KUTASH ©

I was told that three of my former colleague’s, all flight crew members from South African Airways, happens to run the most popular restaurant in town called the “Karoo Kombuis” (kitchen). I asked Mai to make us a dinner reservation under an assumed name, for I wanted to surprise them. 

This is how the Karoo Kombuis operates; the three of them share a home and everyday at 5pm (except Sundays,) their “stoop” (porch), dining room and kitchen become the Karoo Kombuis Restaurant.  Kyleen and I sat outside on the “stoop” and on the opposite side of the narrow street were the house/restaurant is situated, you have a full-on-view of this.... "select read more"

  Prince Albert In The Karoo

PRINCE ALBERT IMAGE: NOLEEN KUATSH ©

PRINCE ALBERT IMAGE: NOLEEN KUATH ©

TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA'S LANZERAC ESTATE

It’s time for an aperitif and we’re heading to Stellenbosch founded in 1679 by the Governor of the 

Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel, who named it after himself  Stellenbosch means "(van der) Stel's forest."  It's situated on the banks of the Eerste River ("First River"). It’s  only a 30 minute drive from Franschhoek.  We’re going to pay a visit to one of my favorite places on the wine route, the Lanzerac Hotel & Spa, a member of Gatsby International Hotels & Resorts. This is a 300 year old wine estate; set on 155-hectare, with a historical manor house. After the images be sure to select the "read more" option.

TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA WORLD'S FASTEST ZIP LINE

TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA EAT AND DRINK IN STYLE

Let’s eat I’m starving after spending countless hours at the “Franschhoek Car Museum.” Those cars where just indescribable! If you missed the post, you can find it here under my “car category” or in “archives”. Before we continue I need to apologize to my readers and the residents of Francshhoek for having misspelling the name of their town in “Vintage Cars South Africa”.

Pierneef á La Motte the name of the Restaurant, situated on the spectacular wine estate of “La Motte” right here in Franschhoek, is where we going to dine tonight (they're not open every night).  And if we rush, we may even get a wine tasting in before the tasting room closes.  So without further delay, feast your eyes on the scenery, and I’ll see you on page 2 of this post. Where I’ll continue with excerpts from Chris von Ulmenstein’s review, as well as more images of the restaurant, food and award winning wines.

HANDBAGS ARE A GIRL'S (NEW) BEST FRIEND

Back in 1953, when Marilyn Monroe sang "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" in the movie "Gentlemen Prefers Blonds", woman did not have the "love affair" with handbags they have today.  Now don't get me wrong girls I understand our passion for those shine stones, after all, I am a South African woman and diamond mining is a big part of our economy.  However, I'd venture to say that handbags (purses as they are called in America) have become our "new best friend".  

So today we are going to view some mighty fine handbags made in South Africa by one of our top producers.  And oh, yes they have other fine products as well.  I’ll post a link to their website at the end of my post so you can feast your eyes on the rest of the collection.

These products are made from only the finest leathers, originating from the very best tanneries.  Each product is produced according to precise specifications and time honored methods.

(1239)
Style: Mod Shop
Crafted from Nile Crocodile belly skin (also available in Ostrich Skin) Features natural handle fittings allowing the natural texture and definitions of the leather speak for itself.  The bag is sealed with a zip across the top and like all Via La Moda creations features luxurious leather lining on the inside. An exterior zip at the back gives access to frequently used items. 

 

SIZE MATTERS JUST ASK CHINA, MEXICO, AND USA

And 14 of the other countries that all fit into Africa - A little lesson for those of us who have forgotten our geography lessons of late.    Visit True size of Africa and here you can view all the facts. 

DESIGNER SHOPPING TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA

I live up to my promises ladies this is just for you.  Shopping in South Africa.  Let's start off with some amazing products featured by Carla Antoni, and the super cool thing about Carla is; she "gives back" to the community.  A portion of the proceeds go directly to The Lunch Box Fund  This fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a daily meal for extremely poor and at-risk school children in South Africa.  These children, if properly nourished in body and mind, have the potential to change their lives for the better.

A fragrance by Tammy Frazer, Size: 65 x 65 x 142 mm.  A primal and confidently sexual scent containing “Afro”disiac properties and mysterious undertones. Beware, it could lead to thrillingly dangerous temptations. 

More about Tammy Frazer; she is the granddaughter of Graham Wulff, inventor of Oil of Olay, Frazer follows in his footsteps single-handedly launching her personally handmade perfumes in haute parfumeries in London, Amsterdam, Rome, Toronto, and Cape Town.

VINTAGE CARS TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA

Cannot write a blog in good conscious, without including something for the alpha male adventurist and his never ending quest for performance; thus automobiles came to mind.   Now girls let’s sit tight and let the boys enjoy this ride because we’re going shopping next time I meet you here. 

In South Africa we love motor cars as much as our foreign visitors.  Therefore I’m going to suggest you stop at the Franschoek Motor Museum.  They have a collection of vehicles exceeding 220 - ranging from a 1898 Beeston motor tricycle to a 2003 Ferrari Enzo supercar - and more than 80 exhibits will be on view at any one time, displayed in four de-humidified halls with a total floor area of 2700 m², and presented in chronological order.  The museum is situated on the most photographed wine estate in all of South Africa called L’ormarines in the picturesque town of Franschoek, in the Western Cape Province.  Hence, you’re assured of getting triple the bang for your buck.

TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA A LETTER FROM AFRICA Nr. 2 part 1

Hello Everyone,

I hope my 2^nd newsletter finds all of you happy and healthy.  Life is still great in Somerset West South Africa.  Kyleen, (my daughter) departed for the good old U.S. of A. yesterday after a 3 week adventure vacation in South Africa.  It was a very sad goodbye indeed for neither of us wanted the vacation to end.  Our time together was non-stop packed with adventure, explorations and plenty of laughs and a few disagreements in the mix.  My mother, sister, Kyleen and I rented a small home in the resort town of Hermanus (see image below) approximately an hours drive from Somerset West.

Sunset Hermanus image: Noleen Kutash ©

Between my sister and I we knew so many people there, and in typical South African hospitality, we were invited to someone’s home for a “braai” (barbecue) 8 out of our 10 day stay. The other two nights we were out and about in town partying-it-up with friends. At the end of our stay Kyleen and I were ready for our next adventure the Garden Route and back via “Route 62” through the Karoo

DURBAN 2020 OLYMPIC BID

With less than two months to go before the cut-off point on September 1, the question becomes, will Durban end up throwing its hat into the Olympic ring.

© Hongqi Zhang | Dreamstime.com

IT WAS a national display of ‘We Can Do’." This was the reaction of one senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) member to Tuesday’s stunning opening ceremony to the 123rd IOC session, held at the Durban Playhouse, with an impressive list of dignitaries including the newly married Prince Albert of Monaco. 

NICK BRAND BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

Nick Brand

PROUD TO BE AN AFRICAN

TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA A LETTER FROM AFRICA Nr. 1

My Dearest Friends,

It has been a roller coaster ride all the way from Newport Beach California to South Africa and by now most of you might have heard that I was deplaned in Dakar. Delta Airlines made an error and Cole (my dog) could not arrive in S.A. in the cabin, he had to be checked in cargo. And so I was escorted of the plane like a terrorist, and spent a day and night in the capital of Senegal. All on Delta’s expense and it turned out to be a worth while stop over. Unfortunately, when I arrived in S.A. Cole was now manifested as coming from Dakar instead of Los Angeles, and they wanted to quarantine him. That is when I lost it, needles to say I left the airport with him in my arms, no quarantine. I was to put it bluntly one very peed off woman by then. My welcome home in Somerset West was wonderful, and my lovely mother nursed me back to health, for I picked up a bug on board, and was sick in bed for a few days, dead tired and jet lagged. Anyway, with all the unpleasantness behind me now, I love being home (Image of the Strand 10 minutes from my mother’s place) an endless stretch of beach where I walk every morning with Cole.

Somerset West Image: Noleen Kutash ©

My photography course was a major success, but boy… oh boy… it was not for sissies we worked from 5am till 10pm non stop for 5 full days. The location was called the Heaven & Earth Valley

THE HAMILTON - BOUTIQUE HOTEL

 

The brief entailed the creation of a boutique hotel with the comforts of home, and where all the functional requirements of the most demanding business professionals are addressed during their stay; space efficient design is key in order to maximize the use of a relatively small site.

AFRICAN DESIGN M'AFRIQUE BY MOROSE

There is an image, an idea of Africa that lives deep in human imagination. Its form often transcends the power of the word and its profile lies under layers of conscious retrieval. It is alive within each one of us on a primordial level, inexplicable yet undeniable. Maya Angelou

AFRICA FURNITURE AND DECOR PHASES AFRICA.COM

THIS IS A WEB ALBUM AND YOU NEED TO CLICK ON THE THUMBNAIL IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW SOME OF PHASES AFRICA'S PRODUCTS.  PLEASE BE PATIENT FOR IT MAY TAKE A FEW SECONDS TO DOWNLOAD.  ONCE YOU HAVE DOWNLOADED THE IMAGES YOU CAN CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT.  ALSO YOU CAN SELECT THE ARROWS ON EITHER SLIDE OF THE ENLARGE IMAGE FOR A SLIDE SHOW OPTION INSTEAD OF GOING BACK TO THE MAIN PAGE EACH TIME.  SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE SHOW.  Or visit our

website at http://phasesafrica.com

SNAKE IN THE SUITCASE PRANK