Saturday was a busy day down in Camps Bay, with some kind of celebration/event going on. Something by the name of “Spring Tide” – resulting in hordes of youngsters over-populating the Camps Bay strip and beach.

The Muse, The Photographer, Eddie S and I decided to take some refuge in the bar at The Bay hotel. It’s a lovely, cosy little bar with great views – a favourite amongst the Camps Bay locals throughout the winter, and summer.

We got to the entrance and got blocked by a security guard who informed us that only hotel residents were allowed access to the hotel.

The Bay hotel – Camps Bay
Locals not welcome

“I beg your pardon?” I retorted, gobsmacked.

“Only hotel guests allowed. Hotel is full,” our security guard friend informed us.

“I can see inside the bar from here, it is completely empty. Are you joking?” I gave the guard the benefit of the doubt – perhaps we were being Punk’d.

“Instructions from management,” he went on.

I realised that perhaps this was the result of the crazy crowds on the beach that day and maybe a blanket instruction had been given to all staff. With this in mind, I thought a bit of communication was in order.

“No problem,” I said, “this makes complete sense. Could you just make a quick call to the manager from the phone in your security booth and let him know that we are local Camps Bay residents.”

I turned to our little crew and informed them that this is obviously a formality and is surely to do with the mayhem on the beach.

The guy came back from making the call and said, “I’m sorry, local residents are not allowed in the hotel – only guests.”

We stood there, gobsmacked. I didn’t know what to say. All I could muster was, “there must be a mistake – did you tell the manager we are locals, who support the hotel throughout winter, when there are no tourists? Can you check again..”

He made another call, came back and said the same thing.

I asked for the manager’s name.

Mario Gomes, is the name he gave me.

And so, Mario Gomes and The Bay hotel, we would just like to thank you for that. It is very interesting to note how you welcome us with open arms in winter and carry on about how special the Capetonians are to you. But then as soon as summer comes, you refuse to let us in to your hotel – with full knowledge that we are locals and supporters of your hotel. Twice.

Not to mention the amount of friends and family we have directed to your establishment in the past..

What a pity.

But let’s hear what the readers out there think of this. Do you think it’s right that The Bay hotel bans locals during summer, but then let’s them in during winter? Perhaps this is standard around the world? We’d love to hear your thoughts – please add to the comments section – below.

Portofino Restaurant opened one month ago in Cape Town. It’s where The Showroom used to be – next to Bloomsbury Luxury Cars and Harbour Edge. Maybe that is why they used the same font as Porsche cars in their logo.

I recall a launch of sorts (less than a month ago), with much fanfare and excitement. A new brave venture, during torrid times. A time, perhaps, that one should be trying that little bit harder to impress? In fact, one might even suggest “bending over backwards” as the order of the day. You know, something to help one stand out, as Cape Town restaurants are seen closing down left, right and centre.

Not for Portofino restaurant, it seems. As we recount a recent email exchange between a potential customer and the owner.

These emails are published chronologically, from start to finish. So, basically, you can read each one in order from TOP to BOTTOM.

*Customer’s name has been altered since original publication.

From: AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za    

Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 16:22

Subject: Website    Contact

Good Day,

We’re looking to make a booking for four people, tomorrow at 17:00 for an early business dinner— would this be possible?

Thank you,

AF

__________________________________

From: info@portofinoct.co.za>
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Monday, 5 Oct 2009 18:00
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi AF,

That’s fine. See you tomorrow.

Regards

Cormac

__________________________________

From:  AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za   
Sent: Tuesday, October 06, 2009 08:49
Subject: Re: Website   Contact

Hi Cormac,

Apologies, the dinner is only for Wednesday evening— is this a problem? If not, please put us down for 17:00 on Wednesday.

Also, will the full menu be available at 5 PM?

Kind Regards,

AF

__________________________________

From: info@portofinoct.co.za>
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Wednesday, 7 Oct 2009 19:54
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi AF,

On   behalf of all of our staff who came in early to make and serve your food (we normally open at 6.30 I would like to thank you for messing their day up and more seriously disrupting my afternoon nap.

Please do us all a favour and don’t ever book a table at my restaurant again.

Regards

Cormac

__________________________________

From: AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 08:38
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi Cormac,

Before I respond to this email   properly, I wanted to make sure that you had been informed of my cancellation, that I had phoned in at 4 PM yesterday? We had a last-minute schedule change on behalf of the business associates travelling down from Johannesburg that I called in as soon as I knew about. The tone of your email, and it’s commentary, indicates that perhaps you had not been informed of this telephonic cancellation.

AF

__________________________________

From: info@portofinoct.co.za>
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Thursday, 8 Oct 2009 10:16
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Hi AF,

I had indeed been informed that you had canceled the table an hour before your booking time.

Tone remains the same.

Regards

Cormac

__________________________________

From: AF
To: info@portofinoct.co.za
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 10:57
Subject: Re: Website Contact

Cormac,

In response to your email, I’d like to first state that in no way was I aware that any special measures had been taken by the restaurant on behalf of our party of four— this was never indicated to me in the reservation emails, nor are your opening hours indicated on your website. Had I known that the chef and staff were going to come in specifically for our party, and that the restaurant only opened at 6:30 PM, I would have confirmed the booking, as our plans were open to change (as they did), and changing plans would have disrupted the restaurant. It was never my intention to inconvenience anybody at the restaurant. We were, in fact, working with government representatives and looking to show them a great new restaurant, but unfortunately due to schedule changes from their side, had to cancel our booking.   Unfortunately, this happens when working with out-of-town guests.

Your efforts to open the restaurant early on our behalf are certainly noted, and appreciated. However, your response to our unfortunate cancellation is very upsetting. Had we known the lengths the restaurant had gone to in order to accommodate us, your frustrations would have been more understandable. Instead, we were operating under the understanding that the restaurant was open for normal business for the time in which we made our booking, which is why I cancelled the reservation.   When I saw your email come through, I had thought that it was no doubt an email to say, “Sorry you couldn’t make it, but we hope to see you soon,” or something along those lines. Instead, what I found was a personal attack on myself, and my integrity. This is out-of-line. I had looked forward to trying out your restaurant, as I enjoy supporting new establishments in Cape Town, and your menu looked particularly intriguing.   In light of your email, however, I will not be going to your restaurant, and will be actively discouraging others from visiting your restaurant as well.

Moreover as one of the dinner guests for last night’s booking, the CEO of XYZ (altered) Fund Managers, Mr. JS (altered), has seen the correspondence between us, and will be following up in due course with his own thoughts on the matter.

Frustrations with restaurant patrons who are unreasonably demanding and inflexible are understandable; anger and hostility towards potential clientele over a reservation cancellation is simply unacceptable, as is your tone and sarcasm that have been used freely in your correspondence. Personal integrity is something that should always be maintained, both professionally and socially. Your correspondence to me lacks integrity altogether.

It’s a shame that you have taken a good restaurant concept and menu, and clouded it behind a wall of arrogant customer service where the restaurant patron is viewed as a nuisance, as an unwanted visitor.

Regards,

AF

__________________________________

From: >info@portofinoct.co.za>
Organization: Portofino Bar & Restaurant
Date: Thursday, 8 Oct 2009 11:22
To: AF
Subject: Re: Website Contact   

Dear AF,

I am a little bit puzzled by your remarks “I will not be going to your restaurant, and will be actively discouraging others from visiting your restaurant as well” I would have thought that my email was quite clear when I asked you not to book a table at my restaurant, obviously not so I will try again, Please do not book a table at my restaurant again.

I will try and contain my excitement and await the contribution from “the CEO of XYZ Fund Managers, Mr. JS” upon receipt I will pin it up in the bathrooms for customers purusal while they relieve themselves.

Regards

Cormac

You can close your mouth now.

Whilst I agree that there are two sides to every story, this is a straightforward black and white email exchange and the facts are there for all to see.

Why do people behave in this way? Why would you not take it on the chin and put on a brave face? Why the urge to create negative energy and conflict?

Were you never told one story about how word spreads in Cape Town and how fickle its people can be? The way everyone knows everyone else, and if they don’t, they will know someone who does. Why would you risk behaving in this manner? Have you not heard the stories of restaurants opening and closing overnight after the community decides, en masse, to give it the “thumbs down?”

Clearly not. This is simply not how we behave.

God…the arrogance!

I did a little google for the restaurant name, and found this similar account on the Eat Out website.

Hmm..It seems we have a trend forming.

I simply don’t understand why you would go to the effort of spending money getting the restaurant out there with launch parties and marketing etc., if you’re not prepared to back it up?

Very interesting business technique.

So it’s over to you, 2oceansvibers – what are your thoughts on this little email exchange?

Courtesy of Olmeca Tequila, Pussy Natural Energy Drink, Cape Royale Hotel and 2oceansvibe. What’s more, the only beer being served was Jack Black beer and the only wine was De Grendel Rose. Just because.

All the professional behind-the-scenes pics are right here.

The boys…the boys!

You’ve seen that face somewhere before?

The venue – shame..

Get in, babba..

I could go on forever. There were many more pics and I thought I would put them in a sexy slideshow for you. They include MANY more beautiful boys and girls and bikini’s and even this week’s WeatherGirl.

By the way, the 2oceansvibe Show is coming out tomorrow..

CLICK HERE TO SEE A SLIDESHOW OF ALL THE PICS!!

pics courtesy anthony fox

Don’t be shy to use the term “ground breaking” as you take in an all-new feature here on 2oceansvibe, in the form of the “Cape Town Short Cuts!” (use fingers above head to indicate inverted commas).

This brand new concept takes you, the very beautiful 2oceansvibe reader, onto the streets of Cape Town. Watch and learn, as your hero, Seth Rotherham navigates his way through the quickest, sneakiest and coolest short cuts on the road – showing you ways to avoid traffic lights and traffic jams. Saving you valuable seconds and, yes, even minutes!

Wait for video box to load under this line. Then turn up sound and press play.

* slower connections are advised to pause and wait for video to load up fully before pressing play.

So there you have it!! Hope you enjoyed that and we’re looking forward to giving you the next edition.

Next time I might might even push the seats forward and take you into the back with me. Ooh… you naughty little monster!

I popped into Cafe Roux in Noordhoek the other day. I just love the place (even though they don’t yet stock De Grendel wine) because you never quite know what you’re going to get – be it the patronage and/or the surroundings.

Last Sunday, for example, featured what could only be described as “Aladdin’s Grandmother” getting carried away as the live music took her to new levels of amazingness.

You simply have to see this video, as she displays pole dancing skills you never thought possible for a fully grown mature woman.

*pause vid and let it load up fully before you play.

So there you have it. Amazing how a steamy sexual pole dance can blend so seamlessly into a family Sunday lunch at Cafe Roux. All this going on, as the kiddies play in the sand pit and pet the odd Shetland pony and pot-bellied pig on its way through.

I thoroughly enjoyed how the owner, Paul le Roux (the balding fellow with the white jumper) didn’t bat an eye, as he continued tending to the guests. Standard stuff around there.

Because professionalism is….and that’s…what I want.

This must be the find of the century! FINALLY, you can keep a beady eye on Cape Town’s traffic situation and possibly change your route and/or timing to suit. Just by going to THIS website.

Check this out, taken yesterday at 17h23, as you get onto the N2 next to the entrance to le Waterfront.

Your basic five o’ clock muffshow

They’ve also got cams on Hospital Bend, Eastern Boulevard and many more, including the Green Point Stadium! Check it all out here .

But wait, that’s not all! If you click in the next ten minutes, you’ll also get Camps Bay beach cams!! Oh yes – they’ve extended the “traffic” cams to Camps Bay beach as well. Allowing you, the sunbather, to see how hectique things are looking on a particular day. Also useful for those of you in the ‘burbs who THINK it might be winter, when in actual fact the sun is shining on “the other side.”

Today, for example, you WON’T be going to the beach..

Pretty sick!

I’ve added those links to the top of the left menu (just under where it says “HOME”) so you won’t struggle to find them in future.

Just looking out for you.

[you lean forward and give me a peck on the cheek]

Oooh! Thank you, my baby!

[thanks george]

Got this little pearler last week. I want you to see it. It’s really special.

Stunning!

Hi Seth,

I hope your Hollywood adventures are going swimmingly! The cold, wet weather has returned to Cape Town this week – but I’m counteracting the appalling weather by contributing to the South African red wine sales, so it’s not all bad.

Some time back I sent you a pearler of an image which I found in Woodstock – the Obama “Yes We Can” Haircut. Ring a bell? I was on my travels again with a colleague around the city last week and after leaving Wembley Square we made our way towards Buitenkant Street. The car was brought to an abrupt halt when I noticed a message that had been spray painted onto a wall pointing towards a window. It was too beautiful not to be photographed.

And Seth – notice how the crack dealers are now aiding the SAPS in “cracking” down on crime. Its so beautiful how, only in Cape Town, one can sell crack to those who truly need it but then always voluntarily make yourself available to the Po-Po. No hidden agendas.

I love this city.

Come home soon Seth!

Best wishes,

Kate R

God, I love that kind of stuff. Reminds me of that one on Ocean View Drive. Have you seen it. Someone sprayed something like “crackhouse” on the side of the house. It’s still there I think, on Ocean View Drive, near Glen Garriff (send pic on your way to work tomorrow if you know it).

So ja, crack houses aren’t just for Woodstock – the Atlantic Seaboard digs them as well.

Charming.

UPDATE:

It seems this little crackhouse is actually next to Wembley Square in Town/Gardens and it really is a crackhouse.

I love that kind of shit!

[thanks kate, thanks margs]

I get a lot of stuff from the 2oceansvibers out there – stories and pics of things happening around Cape Town and earth in general. Car crashes, fires, funny people, funny things – stuff like that. Some I use, some I bin. You see, I only like the good stuff.

An example of the good stuff would probably be this little vibe spotted recently on the N2 just outside Cape Town – at about 120 km/h.

Hello hello, what do we have here?

Awesome!

That’s a fine example of the kind of stuff that “makes the grade” as it were..

Hey, have you checked out TaxiJam? It’s cool – check it out.

[thanks ashley]

I am writing this from a café somewhere in Paris as The Muse downs another glass of rosé and the waiters eyeball me, wondering when exactly we will be ordering dinner (I’m going for the fish). That said, this is going to be a quick one.

But an important one, nonetheless.

It’s to do with this little guy:

I call it “Le Table Mountain”

You will fondly recall the last time we chatted about this, when I wrote you an article entitled “TABLE MOUNTAIN UP FOR NEW 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD.”

To recap:

South Africans have until July 7 to vote for Table Mountain in the global race to name the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The country’s most famous mountain needs an injection of votes to secure its spot as one of the world’s top wonders.

The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced in January 2009 that Table Mountain was one of 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries to have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Well would you believe it, Table Mountain has reached the number 7 spot in the New 7 Wonders of Nature rankings. The beast of a rock has climbed 22 places in less than one month. Thanks to extensive media support and an Election event, the mountain is now a top contender (being in the top 11 in its category) for inclusion into the next round.

South Africans must continue voting to keep it in the top 11. Voting ends July 7, 2009.

So that is what we are here chatting about right now. We simply MUST all get on board and make this happen. Come on, gang – it’s VERY EASY to do.

Follow these instructions (local AND abroad!):

Since Table Mountain was announced as an official nominee in January this year, supporters have only been allowed to vote online. Now, with the introduction of telephone voting, more Table Mountain fans can show their support for the Cape’s most recognised icon.

Table Mountain supporters can choose to dial an international telephone number, type in Table Mountain’s three-digit code and hang up. Standard international telephone costs apply.

You can cast your telephonic vote by calling 0041 77 312 4041. After a short message, you will be asked to key in your nominee’s three-digit code. Type 332 for Table Mountain. Once you hear a thank you message, you can hang up.

Table Mountain soared to number 5, but now sits at number 7 in the New 7 Wonders of Nature global rankings, rocketing 22 places from its previous position of 29 two weeks ago. It needs an injection of votes to remain in the top 11. It is now officially ahead of legendary mountains such as Mount Everest, K2 Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro.

To qualify for the next round, Table Mountain needs to be ranked in the top 11 of its category – mountains and volcanoes – which has 36 fellow nominees. Table Mountain is currently ranked seventh out of 36. Other categories include seascapes, lakes, islands, ice formations, waterfalls and forests.

“We are thrilled that the New7Wonders committee has organized a telephone voting service as it allows all those with no internet access to vote,” said Sabine Lehmann, CEO of Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Calls to the New 7 Wonders Swiss mobile voting number will cost R3.29 a minute in peak times (7am – 7pm) and R2.92 a minute off-peak (7pm – 7am).

The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced in January 2009 that Table Mountain was one of 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries to have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

 

 

The New 7 Wonders of Nature will be determined by votes from the public. South Africans and fans from outside of our borders can show their support for the Mother City’s majestic mountain by visiting www.votefortablemountain.com or calling 0041 77 312 4041 (press 332 for Table Mountain) and casting their vote.

Voting to select the top 77 sites (11 per category) runs until July 7 this year. Thereafter a panel of experts will select the 21 finalists (3 per category) – these will be announced on July 21 when the third and final phase of voting will begin. The official New 7 Wonders of Nature will be revealed in 2011.

Over 100 million votes were cast in 2007’s first-ever global election for the New 7 Wonders of the world. More than 1 billion votes are forecast in this 2nd global election. To cast your vote for Table Mountain visit www.votefortablemountain.com or call 0041 77 312 4041. Contact the Cableway on 021 424 0015 for information.

I thoroughly enjoyed the line, “It is now officially ahead of legendary mountains such as Mount Everest, K2 Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro.”

Hah!

Smell you later, K2!

“Sorry, Kilimanjaro, what did you say?” [cups ear, struggling to listen] “I can’t hear you because our Greatest Mountain in the World badge is making too much noise!!”

DO THE RIGHT THING, TEAM, AND CAST YOUR VOTE NOW!!!!

Oh my God! Look at this! We do not have all the info at the mo, but what we do have are these pictures and the report below.

Photo from Life Is Savage
(Courtesy of Grant Hood)

Photo courtesy of @heinkoen

This, from News24:

Cape Town – A container carrying potentially harmful chemicals washed up on Camps Bay beach on Thursday afternoon, according to Disaster Risk Management.

The owner of the container, whose name has not been confirmed, has been tasked with removing it, Disaster Risk Management’s Charlotte Powell said.

A crane was on its way and Hazmat teams, the police, disaster risk management staff and the fire department were also on the scene.

Police spokesperson Inspector Bernadine Steyn said it was not a criminal matter and no case had been opened.

According to Powell and News24 users on the scene, the tank contains a form of Cresol, a chemical used to make disinfectants and household cleaners, amongst other things.

While exposure to the chemical at low levels is not harmful, it can cause irritation and pain when breathed, ingested or touched.

[more here]

Wow! It’s ALL happening!

I enjoyed this from Life Is Savage : A female onlooker describes the object as a massive metal cylinder surrounded by rusty metal beams..and she swears she saw something emerge and run into Caprice and order the 2 for 1 Dreamy burger special..

We are standing by for more info..

Until then, here’s the song “TOXIC” by Britney Spears:

If you have any more info, please add it to the comments section under this article. And, if you have any other pics – send ‘em in at editor@2oceansvibe.com with the subject “Don’t you know that you’re TOXIC!”

[thanks dave, thanks harps]

Some of you will recall the incredible story reported by the BBC and the Guardian (here) with regards to the teenager who drew a massive 60-foot penis on the roof of his parents mansion in West Berkshire. He wanted to see if it would be picked up by Google Earth.

His parents found out about it when someone in a helicopter spotted it and sent the pics in to the British press. You can read about that here, but for now I have something else for you. Something quite similar from home. From the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town to be precise!

Please enjoy this vibe on Newlands Avenue, near to Forries.

The global massive penis joke continues..

Aaah ja [wipes eyes], that’s quite special. Far more detailed, you’ll notice, compared to the very symmetrical penis drawn by the boy in West Berkshire (here).

I don’t think it’s too rude.

As I said in the last article, Boys Will Be Boys..

[thansk mike]

Do you remember the other day I featured (here ) that picture painted on a wall in Cape Town of the “Simunyes?” You know, the African style ripoff of The Simpsons?

Let’s get a quick recap of that.

The eSimpowenis

Well, either way, I got an email from Eric at Springleap who told me the image was actually called “The eSimpowenis ” and was the winning design from their August 2008 competition on springleap.com (they run a design competition every 2 weeks, and the winning voted t-shirt is sold online and in stores).

Anyway, he directed to their website and I bought the T-shirt!!

Check, check, check it out!

My new T-shirt!
CLICK HERE TO GO TO IT ON THE WEBSITE

I know! Pretty cool hey?

I’ve subsequently been chatting to the owner and he agreed to a special little deal just for YOU. Quite simply, all 2oceansvibe readers will get R50 off their first purchase at Springleap.com.

All you have to do is use the coupon code “ThanksSeth” (case sensitive) when you buy your T-Shirt (any T-shirt) from their website.

Click here to go to their website.

Click here to go straight to the eSimpowenis T-shirt page.

Got it?

Good.

Enjoy it.

That’s right, future World Number 1 surfer, South Africa’s very own Jordy Smith (currently number 6 on the ASP World Tour) is in town for the O’Neill Cold Water Classic (here) which is running from 20-24 June. This happens to be the first WQS event in Cape Town in about twenty years.

Jordy Smith is in Kommetjie on Monday

For those of you who don’t know, our very own Jordy Smith (website here) is 21 and is already ahead of where Kelly Slater was at that age (they share the same birthday, 11 Feb, btw). This guy is often referred to as a freak of nature and is blowing people’s minds all over the world.

The most recent mind-blowing vibe took place within the last week in Mentawais (you know where that is, right?) and shocked surfers around the world when he landed a “Rodeo Flip.” When I first heard about this I didn’t know what the fuss was about, as The Muse and I pull off Rodeo Flips the whole time at The Safe House.

But then I saw this video on TheBombSurf.com.

WATCH VIDEO of Jordy Smith
Landing a “Rodeo Flip”

Oh, ok, I see what you mean now. Pretty sick!

So anyway, back to the vibe. Jordy Smith will be doing a signing session at Roddy’s Kommetjie Surf Shop on Monday the 22nd at 16:30. Surfers and non-surfers alike are urged to grab this opportunity by the balls to meet him and get a signed poster from the future world champ.

I wonder if Jordy will be able to get a pic with The TBG while he’s in town… I very much doubt Kelly Slater has managed to pull off thatone!

I’m not sure who took this panoramic aerial photograph of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Green Point stadium, but they did a very good job.

Thought you might enjoy it.

Click pic for hi-res version.

CLICK HERE FOR HI-RES CAPE TOWN PANORAMIC IMAGE

Jeepers, that is impressive!

Shame, very kak place we live in.

[thanks erica]

UPDATE: Just received word that the photo was taken by city photographer Bruce Sutherland. Check out his website here – http://silverskypix.wetpaint.com/ (thanks phatz)

Gee whiskers! I don’t know if I should tell everyone that I cracked a mention in this month’s Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Editor’s Letter, or if I should keep it quiet so no one finds out I bought the mag before I heard about it!

Not that you can blame me for buying it. Try this cover out for size..

Cosmopolitan Magazine – June 2009
Featuring Scarlett Johansson

Cosmopolitan editor, Vanessa Raphaely chose this month’s Letter From the Editor to let off a bit of steam about men…. in general. Kicking off with this line:

“Why are you always so kak about men?” asks Mathew, The Guru’s sidekick, who has settled into the best spot in the TV room.”

And off she went about her various pet male peeves; from the way they smell to the fact that they don’t get pregnant. It’s pretty hilarious and you’re gonna have to buy the mag to read all of it. But what I will give you for now is the second last paragraph where she gave Daddy Cool a mention.

Check it out:

Seth Rotherham is Vanessa Raphaely’s weakness
FACT

Aah, Vanessa, if you were here right now I would hold you so close to my body you’d think you were back in the womb.

And you know it’s true! My love for the Raphaely sisters is well documented (here, among many others) and I must say I’d be hard-pressed to choose between the two.

Mmm.. Julia..

[drifts into a day-dream filled with fields and meadows and lavender-lined pebbled lanes - Chris Rea's "Julia " playing in the background]

Whoah! Sorry about that. I’m getting ahead of myself and I think it’s time to go!

Before I sign off I just want to add that this month’s edition includes viewing for both men and women. Like this story, for example:

I know!

What is that guy doing to that woman’s leg? Cosmo is OFF THE CHARTS at the moment! I should make mention of the fact that the very same article even features some inside sex info from Colin Moss. No, I am not spicing you!

It’s pretty radical. Check it out. Then also click HERE to check out their website.

And a big kiss to you, Vanessa.

MWAH! X

[squeezes bum, lowers shades to reveal eyes, winks]

Please don’t say I don’t think of you! I was pretty impressed with this and thought it might appeal to the homesick ex-pats over there in London. Especially seeing as it features one of those unique South African flavours – Rooibos tea.

So not only will you be scoring freebies, you’ll be doing a good thing too! You see, this Rooibos tea producer (Royal-T) has pledged to donate all profits from it’s UK sales to a South African Children’s orphanage called Mama Lumka (www.mamalumka.org.za).

I found out how it all works, as well as some interesting facts! Like the fact that you can contact Royal-T and have them SEND FREE TEA TO A FRIEND!

Check this out, from Royal-T:

Rooibos Tea is a herbal bush tea exclusively found and grown in South Africa, and has the fastest growing number of sales compared to any other herbal tea cultivar available in the UK.

The reason for this is people seem to like the benefits of this tea:

• Rooibos tea is (naturally) caffeine free and only has half the tannin of ordinary tea

• Rooibos contains essential minerals and unique powerful antioxidants that can help with anti-aging and can have anti-inflammatory properties

• Naturally contains Polyphenols that can help protect the body from damage done by free radicals

• Can relieve digestive problems, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and constipation. It also can have a calming effect and alleviate irritability, insomnia and depression.

• Rooibos can help reducing cancer-associated changes in damaged DNA cells

• 100% Organic, completely pure and is steam sterilized

• Tastes not too dissimilar to normal tea.

Royal-T Rooibos uses the highest grade pure Rooibos available and is available nationwide now at all Costco stores and even offered at the same price as in South Africa (99p per pack of 40 tea bags).

To help educate people about the benefits of Rooibos and help the Mama Lumka orphanage, we have created a dedicated Twitter (www.twitter.com/rooibosT) and Blog (www.royalrooibos.com )
for the UK market.

Very cool. And how about this – For the launch they are also running a special offer till the end of July 2009 where anyone in the UK can win £100 and get free tea sent to a friend, or choose to donate the tea to the children’s orphanage charity.

More here at the Royal T website

I investigated what needs to be done and it looks like all you need to do is take a picture of yourself with Rooibos Tea and email it with your name and a contact number to win@royalrooibos.com.

They will pick one picture randomly at the end of July 2009 and send the winner £100 cash. All the pictures sent in will be displayed in a gallery on the website.

For more info or for pictures please email chris@huddlemind.com.

For competition details go to www.royalrooibos.com/campaign.

A frothy phenomenon unique to Cape Town’s Sea Point Promenade, are the lager-like foam blowholes; the result of the pressure from the ocean waves blasting through a series of storm water vents positioned on the lawns.

A stunning visual treat, slowly becoming more of a drawcard for the tourists flocking to these shores.

Photo courtesy of Chris Malcolm

This is clearly not the purpose of the drains/holes, as they are meant to be used the other way around. A process often mimicked by the local inhabitants cruising the Beach Road..