2oceans Vibe

I have only really now woken up from the dream that was the three night stay I enjoyed with The Muse at Franschhoek’s most celebrated bastion, Le Quartier Francais .

At le Quartier Francais,
the wood is wrapped in ribbon..

They’ve just turned 20 by the way, so I wanted to tell you a bit more about my stay, as well as alert you to the pretty wild birthday offers they’re throwing around at the moment.

Yes, you heard me – wild!

I’ve already gaaned aan about how beautiful the place is and I very much doubt you weren’t aware about I told you before (here and here ). That is why I want to tell you about the little things . The little things that the other “5-star” establishments tend to miss. The little things that you and I wouldn’t even THINK of.

I particularly enjoyed being able to order breakfast to be eaten anywhere on the premises. I tested this to the limit and, short of serving me breakfast on the ceiling, nothing seemed to be a problem. I was also able to order whatever came to mind.

You can order if you want
Or you can dive into the ridiculously opulent buffet

“Umm, can I have lightly scrambled eggs with little pieces of bacon in it please.”

“Certainly, Mr Rotherham.”

“Oh, with a bit of chopped coriander inside that as well.”

“Certainly, Mr Rotherham.”

“And a grilled child’s finger on the side please.”

“Absolutely, Mr. Rotherham.”

“What?!?!”

“Just kidding, Mr Rotherham!”

Good one.

It was also a great pleasure to devour breakfast and head off for a little drive, only to find one’s car had been washed during breakfast. Very naughty, Themba!

We popped into a restaurant down the road (owned by LQF’s owner’s family) called Bread & Wine set on the Moreson wine estate. After sampling their tasting menu we were even treated by Andre to a tour of the wine cellar and vines. I made off with their Sauvignon and was very impressed with the Chardonnay – the pineapple flavours giving away the wine’s origin. You do know that a hint of pineapple is a good sign that a wine is from Franschhoek? I swear.

Back to our pad…at the Four Quarter Suites..

A visit to Bread & Wine actually forms part of these birthday offers I was mentioning earlier. You need to go and look at those. I’ve done the sums and there is betweenR5,000 and R9,000 added value per package.

They’ve got the 3 night “Dine-a-Stay” offer which includes accommodation, full breakfast, 3 course bistro dinner (my favourite chill out spot), 5 course tasting menu at Bread & Wine, 8 course tasting menu in the Tasting Room, gratuities included (!!) and complimentary room upgrade, on arrival, if available!

The outside section of the bistro

You MIGHT want to try the tuna starter..
I’ll mock you if you don’t

Or perhaps a quick film?

Come now! Do yourself a favour and check out their other offers (3 nights for the price of 2 etc.) on their website under Delicious Birthday Offers!

Then perhaps you can experience the little details; the little ‘extra miles.’

Like this post-it sticker I found on my bathroom mirror the one night (followed by a different one each night)..

They’re on the next level, seriously.

CLICK HERE TO TREAT YOURSELF

Thanks again, le Quartier Francais x

I don’t know about you, but my insides are spazzing out in anticipation for the inaugural annual Cape Town Tens competition taking place this weekend at Hamiltons RFC.

With this unique brand of rugby fever filtering into the veins of Capetonians far and wide, the boys obviously couldn’t wait to get the festivities going – starting TONIGHT! Yes, TONIGHT!

2oceansvibe characters and ex-Springboks The Outside Centre (AKA Rob Fleck) and The Character Formerly Known As The Loose Forward (Bob Skinstad) will be hosting a Cape Town 10′s and Super 14 Rugby Q&A at The Toad in the Village in Noordhoek, tonight at 7pm, including live bands, beer promo’s and loads more.

Fleck and Skinstad
LIVE at 7pm TONIGHT
“The Toad in the Village” Restaurant/bar
Noordhoek Village
Booking recommended 021 7892973

I don’t want to get you too excited, but there is quite a pungent rumour going around that Hugh “Blades” Bladen will be there as well. Say no more..

Then on to the weekend – there is not a single person that I have chatted to over the last week who is not going. Seriously – that includes both guys and girls. This is certainly hitting boiling point and the explosion is going to be nothing but fun in the sun – on AND off the field!

The final schedule has been announced – CLICK HERE FOR THAT and don’t forget to get your tickets. It’s pretty easy – you’re at an outlet virtually every morning of your life. Keep reading..

Tickets can be bought at the gate at Hamilton RFC on the weekend of February 7 and 8, but supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets beforehand to avoid disappointment on the day.

vida e caffé branches in Camps Bay, Green Point and Kloof Street will be selling Cape Town Tens tickets, so the next time you stop at your favourite vida outlet for your daily cup of coffee, make sure you purchase your tickets for the Tens at the same time.

Adults: R30
Students: R15
Kids under-12: Free

See you there and don’t forget that UK big band, The Lightyears will be performing as well. If you haven’t heard of them we’ll forgive you but suggest you brush up so as to avoid any further emboerrissment. CLICK HERE.

We featured an article last week, displaying The Photographer‘s entry to this year’s prestigious Queen’s Plate Photography competition – in search of the image that best displays the spirit and glamour of South Africa’s premier horse racing event.

Thursday, 5 Feb, 6pm
Wembley Square

The prize is a Leica M8 camera – valued at over R60,000. Jesus, hating that!

CLICK HERE to see The Photographers entry : “Winning Moment”

Yes, you heard me, the greatest rugby player in the world, All Black flyhalf and living God, Dan Carter is in the house! This will be great news for girls and boys alike. As you know, it is perfectly acceptable, as a straight man, to have a man crush on Dan Carter. That is the level he is at. Seriously, it’s fine. Ex UCT First XV captain, The Insurance Broker, for example, is quite open about his love for Carter.

Check this out from the Cape Town Tens website (get there):

The Cape Town Tens continues to break new ground, with the organising committee revealing that All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter – the world’s best rugby player – will serve as the event’s ambassador.

Carter (picture courtesy of Dave Wainwright Photography), like fellow All Blacks player Kees Meeuws, will form part of the management team of the adidas/Sports Illustrated Legends team, which will be competing in the premier league of the Cape Town Tens – joining former internationals Leon Lloyd, Eddie Evans, Matt Phillips and Willie Lose in the star-studded selection.

“I’ve heard plenty about this format of the game and that’s a big attraction for me – watching a new brand of rugby and, of course, meeting a whole bunch of new people in a great city,” Carter told www.capetowntens.com ahead of the tournament, which is to be held at Hamilton RFC on February 7 and 8.

“Cape Town is one of my favourite cities, so it’s great to be going there on a more social level for once,” he added.

“My involvement with adidas and the launch of the new Torpedo X-treme ball is another reason that I’m making the trip, but it was also hard to say no to a weekend of sunshine in Cape Town – it’s pretty cold back in France!

[read more here ]

This event has hit the next level in a big way. Just the other they got full backing from The World’s Number One Mayor, Cape Town’s mayor, Helen Zille! CLICK HERE for that.

REMEMBER TO GET YOUT TICKETS ASAP.

Tickets for the 2009 Cape Town Tens will go on sale at vida e caffé outlets in Cape Town from Tuesday, January 27, with tickets prices set at R15 (for students) and R30 (for adults) a day.

Of course, Cape Town Tens tickets can also be bought at the gate at Hamilton RFC on the weekend of February 7 and 8, but supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets beforehand to avoid disappointment on the day.

At just R30 a day for adults and R15 for students (kids under-12 are allowed in for free – plus there will be special entertainment for them that weekend), tickets are expected to fly!

vida e caffé branches in Camps Bay, Green Point and Kloof Street will be selling Cape Town Tens tickets, so the next time you stop at your favourite vida outlet for your daily cup of coffee, make sure you purchase your tickets for the Tens at the same time.

vida, who are also sponsoring the veterans league at the Cape Town Tens, will have a stall at Hamilton’s on the weekend of the CT Tens, with all players able to purchase a ‘cuppa’ at discounted prices.

Ticket prices summary:
Adults: R30
Students: R15
Kids under-12: Free

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO, NEWS, PLAYERS, HOTTIES
AND LOADS MORE FROM THE CAPE TOWN TENS WEBSITE

I thoroughly enjoyed this pic by The Photographer. The image is made up from a number of shots taken on the day and merged together to form, what I think, completely encapsulates the vibe of the day.

Click pic for hi-res image.

The Queen’s Plate 2009 “Winning Moment”
Click here

Sick!

To see pics of angels and their fashion highs/lows on the day. Click here.

Before we chat about that, I thought I should just mention that this year’s Coke Fest (now called CokeZero Fest ’09) is featuring Oasis as its headline act. That’s right. You heard it here first. Other bands on the bill at this stage include Snow Patrol…and the Dirty Skirts.

I know. Pretty rad.

Now check this out… our boys have been nominated for Best Group Award in the upcoming MK Awards 2009 and they need YOUR friggin’ vote to get them the award that is rightfully theirs, Goddammit!

(Our Alaskan readers should know that “MK” is our local Music Television Channel (Channel 324)).

So please, right now, BEFORE you take another bite into your Vida e Prego Roll, cast your vote in the following ways:

SMS: Send “group5″ to 33676 (R1.50 – limited to 5 votes per day)

Mxit: Login to cast your vote (limited to 1 vote per day)

Click here to see their video “Can’t Remember Your Name” which is a song about an overweight female stalker who won’t leave them alone. (I basically came up with the whole thing).

I’m kidding.

But seriously, if you vote more than once, every day, it is guaranteed that this will be best year of your life, sexually, ever.

Seriously.

Now support our boys and GET VOTING!

ps. the band has promised that they will thank each of you, individually, in their acceptance speech.

It would be somewhat out of line not to mention some of the angels on display at last Saturday’s 148th running of the Queen’s Plate.

Slightly off the mark in black, rather than blue and white,
the ever stylish Gina Athens did particularly well with this short knitted dress.
Hat and shades combo also gets the thumbs up.

The Cowley sisters, Michelle and Lisa.
Dangerously hot, as usual.
(Wind machine not included)

Stunning in white!!
The girls know when to show a bit of leg.
Roxy Louw making the most of her tan.
Good, I like that.

Jeannie D – sexy as ever
Naughty, with no blue.
But bending the rules seems to work for this little mischief.

Cute, to the power of Minki

Tracy McGregor sans bra
I have absolutely no problem with that.

Jo-Ann Strauss
Ice cool – Spot on, as usual.

Don King with the champ

Umm, did you not get the memo, my angel?

Your basic hat fuck-show

Adorable

Tan lines, girls. Tsk tsk, naughty..

Phone down during photos, my love..

A stunning day had by all.

Well done to all the organisers.

See you next year.

Kisses x

It’s getting closer and closer (four more sleeps to be exact) to Cape Town’s most glamorous and exclusive social event – the 148th running of the Queen’s Plate! And what a brilliant date they have set! Not too close to New Year, but enough time to gather our senses, get some R&R, top up our tans, and come out in force on Saturday the 10th of January!

The 2009 Queen’s Plate horse race
South Africa’s most prestigious and historic event..

As mentioned before, to miss this event would be nothing short of social suicide. This is the real deal, with real celebs and nothing but class, glamour and beautiful people. High School Fashion Show designer, Gavin Raja, is replaced with the likes of Ralph Lauren, Prada and Saville Row; whilst plonk and unrefined colloquialisms find themselves sidelined, allowing for fine wine and smatterings of French conversation.

I did mention our new property in Provence, didn’t I?

And I haven’t even mentioned the ACTUAL racing! The details of which can be found here. In brief:

The 2009 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate will see the continued rivalry between SA’s two greatest thoroughbreds – the extraordinary Dancer’s Daughter and the illustrious Pocket Power, the latter having consecutively won this race over the past two years. He will be chasing his record-breaking third consecutive win. The two last met when they dead heated at the Durban July and this rematch will be the most anticipated racing battle in years.

[read more here]

Fine cars, fine wines and fine people.
What more do you want?

I’ll see you there, darling!

CLICK HERE for more information,
tickets, corporate packages etc.

UPDATE: It’s all happening! Dancer’s Daughter is sitting out of the main race. SUCH DRAMA!

Read more here and see you on Saturday!

I tell you, it’s been a few years since I did New Year at The Mount Nelson. The last time was a bit of a blur but, funnily enough, it came up in conversation this week. The Fabrics Guy and I agreed that the last one got a full 10 out of 10, I asked the good people at the “The Nellie” to send me through a breakdown of any events they had planned. They did. My God! It’s a FEAST of excitement!

“The Pink Lady” let’s her hair down for New Year’s

Very much in tune with their continued alignment with the younger hipper population, the one that caught my eye was the New Year’s Bash in The Ballroom. Now, whilst The Mount Nelson and The Ballroom might lend itself to something overly grand, you can be sure that the theme of “Funky Old School” and “Smart Elegant” dress will ensure an evening that is anything but! No doubt lavish (as only The Mount Nelson knows), the reassuring price tag also suggests that no stone has been left unturned!

Entertainment includes Musician / DJ Jacques Lagesse and things kick off at 19:00 / 19:30 on December 31. The menu is nothing short of SUMPTUOUS and the price is R1,250.

They have two other New Year events with alternate pricing plans, including one in the Cape Colony (R1,650, formal, with four piece band) and one in The Oasis Restaurant (R295 / R125 for kids with extensive New Year’s eve buffet).

For reservations please call 021 483 1948 or email restaurantreservations@mountnelson.co.za

I remember a girl friend of 2oceansvibe being ever so slightly scorned at the emotional neglect dealt to her by 2oceansvibe’s “The Kitesurfer.” We had ploughed through a bottle of bubbly at Karma the one night and time came for me to exit. A tad tipsy, she said unto me (with her fingers snapping in the air), “And you go and tell The Kitesurfer that he can go and chase the phillies at the J&B Met, because THIS thoroughbred ain’t hanging with the kids, I’M AT ROYAL ASCOT BABY!!” (as she sank the last of the champers in her flute).

THAT, my friends, is the difference. And THAT is where the L’omarins Queens Plate comes in. This is not just a horse race, this is probably South Africa’s most prestigious and historic EVENT, period! This is South Africa’s Ascot..

On Saturday, 10 January 2009, Kenilworth race course will be transformed into a setting where elegant fashions, vintage cars, fine wine and the country’s top thoroughbreds take centre stage.

The Queen’s Plate 2009

Just to fill you in, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate is one of SA’s premier horse races over 1600m and a weight-for-age contest in line with the world’s most prestigious Grade 1 events – with a stake of R1 million. The historic horse race was first held in 1861 in honour of Queen Victoria. When she died, the race became the King’s Plate up until the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1953.

You get the picture? This is the REAL DEAL. There is a dress code, for example: “Both Ladies and Gentlemen are required to dress in a manner appropriate to a smart occasion adhering to the dress code BLUE AND WHITE. Ladies are encouraged to wear hats (you gotta love that!) although this is not compulsory. Gentlemen are requested to dress in a suit or jacket. Casual wear such as t-shirts, jeans, shorts and sports attire are strictly forbidden.”

And I bloody well hope so! This is not a country fair! This is the Queen’s Plate, for goodness sake. Please, NO riff raff! God, I can’t wait to see the angels on the day. There is something quite wonderful about girls dressing up for a proper classy do like this. Walking around with straight backs, talking nicely and minding their manners – but meantime they’re absolute ANIMALS when the sun goes down!

Sorry about that.

The day will provide not only superb racing (we’ll chat about that in a second) but also play host to some of South Africa’s finest bands and DJ’s including Louise Carver, Arno Carstens, Goldfish and Shaun Duvet. Sick!

Goldfish

Arno

Louise

Now, just to bring you up to speed, let me fill you in on the ponies. Earlier this year, a capacity Greyville crowd witnessed race favourite Pocket Power and Dancer’s Daughter slug it out in a nail-biting sprint to the post for a thrilling finale to the Vodacom Durban July . In the end Pocket Power, could not be separated from Dancer’s Daughter. Judges were left scrutinizing the “photo finish” before declaring a dead-heat, only the second dead-heat in the race’s 112 year history.

The 2009 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate will see the continued rivalry between SA’s two greatest thoroughbreds – the extraordinary Dancer’s Daughter and the illustrious Pocket Power, the latter having consecutively won this race over the past two years. He will be chasing his record-breaking third consecutive win. The two last met when they dead heated at the Durban July and this rematch will be the most anticipated racing battle in years.

It’s going to be nothing but awesome. Nothing but class. For a change.

The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate will take place on Saturday, 10 January 2009 at Kenilworth Race Course. If you do not go, you are incredibly uncool. FACT. Tickets in the picnic area are R30 (R10 of which goes to charity) and includes a R20 betting voucher. Entrance to the premier admission are priced at R200 (Jameson Gold Style-Lounges). Tickets are available at Computicket.

CLICK HERE for more information,
tickets,corporate packages etc.

Make sure you’re there. Trust me, this is THE event.

I attended the much anticipated Cape Town 10′s launch at The Grand, in Camps Bay on Thursday evening last week. It was everything I had dreamed of, and more. Especially when I saw Roxy Louw arrive with Hollywood superstar, Christopher Walken.

“I got this watch..”

Ok, it wasn’t Christopher Walken, it was actually ex-Springbok, Rob Louw. Forgive me, but I’m sure you’ll back me anyway. I remember asking Rob on another occasion, which Hollywood actor he had been told he looks like.

“None,” he replied.

“What about Christopher Walken?” I enquired.

“Oh ja,” he said, “I have heard that one before.”

Aha – sweet vindication…

www.capetowntens.com

Jokes aside, the Cape Town 10-a-side Rugby organisers, Bob Skinstad (The Character Formerly Known as The Loose Forward), Rob Fleck (The Outside Centre) and Ronnie Rutland, put on a magnificent evening, organised, quite obviously, by Marina and The Little Black Book team.

The launch was one thing and the hotness of the angels in attendance was another (we’ll get to that), but for me I’m pretty excited about the actual tournament in February next year. Dubbed the “J&B Met of Rugby Tournaments” we should expect something the likes of which has never been witnessed in Cape Town before.

“The rugby itself will be a sideshow, compared to the social side of things,” Skinstad was heard saying.

I bet, now let’s check out some of those angels.

Potato farmer, Michelle Cowley,
poses with swimsuit model, Carl Gorgens

Absolutely fine

My God, Jeannie D has shed a fuckload

Fleck and Skinstad recall their heyday

Nix and Robin

Mazza and G

Roland Schoeman and Gen

Cute

Dirty Skirts frontman – Jezzabelle

The tens trio – Rob, Ronnie and Bob

Ok, I think that’s enough now.

For more photos from the launch, plus everything you need to know about the event, including how it works, the venue, entering your team and more, CLICK HERE.

Whilst Martin Johnson is probably still reeling from the pounding he got on Saturday, it seems rugby in England has managed to excel in other forms.

Remember in August when I told you about the inaugural Rugby Expo? Ja, well it happened – and it was a RAGING success by all accounts.

With 2oceansvibe’s Inside Centre massively involved in the undertaking, Rugby Expo provided fifty exhibitors with the chance to showcase themselves to nearly a thousand delegates over the two days and it’s clear from their feedback that it has proved an invaluable opportunity to developing their businesses further.

The conference side of the event was very popular and included
the likes of Ian Mccheeghan, John Allan and Dan Lyle.

Over the two days thirteen conferences took place, debating a range of hot topics from the world of rugby, which involved some leading panelists from the sport and business world. The likes of Dan Jones (Head of Sport Business Group Dottie) discussed rugby as a growing global business, Peter Wheeler (CEO, Leicester Tigers Plc) discussed the migration of players, Greg Thomas (Head of Communications, IRB) discussed what rugby needed to do to become an Olympic sport and David Butler (Marketing Director Honda Racing F1) gave his thoughts on building a brand profile.

Andy Steggall, Sky Sports News Presenter said: “We’ve talked a lot about sponsorship and rugby’s USP, but Rugby Expo’s USP has without doubt been the blue chip line up of guests in the seminars – first class minds that debated all the important pieces on rugby, demonstrating that Rugby Expo is not just a trade show.”

Alec Shepherd, Managing Director Rugby Expo, said: “With around a thousand people through the doors over the two days, it’s been a magnificent achievement for an event of this type in its first year. The feedback we’ve received from exhibitors, delegates and panelists has been exceptional and it is clear to us and to all that attended that rugby needs this event to help build on the commercial foundations of the sport. We will take the success of this year and build on this for next year’s event and for the years to come. “

If you have any further questions please contact Rugby Expo (Greg West) on 07870 685559 or visit the website at www.rugbyexpo.com.

Increase the gradient a bit, mate
– then you won’t be smiling.

That’s not what I heard you say, mate

Good Times

Congratulations, guys. Looking forward to the continued success of this annual event.

I was running a tad late this morning after The Muse threw a slight curve-ball. It was 10 o’ clock and I had a TV-show meeting at 11. There was a chauffer booked for 10h30, which would deliver me to Eurojet Scooters on Buitengracht Street (my scooter, “Libby,” was ready to be fetched, with a brand new back tyre) and I still wanted a quick bite to eat.

I fell out the lift and headed towards one of the restaurants, waiting for a member of staff to appear (usually bowing). “Michael” appeared out of nowhere, noticing I had shit to do.

“Are you ok, Sir?” he asked.

I read his name badge and gave him my thoughts, “Michael, this is the story. I have a meeting at 11. I have a scooter to be fetched beforehand and a car booked to take me there at 10h30. It’s 10h10 now and I am wondering if God is able to produce some eggs and grilled tomato for me?”

“Where will you be, Sir?” came the reply.

No umming and arring and confusion. No negativity. NOT EVEN A FUCKING “YES.” You see, he has gone FURTHER then “yes” – YES IS A GIVEN – he just wants to know WHERE. That is the concern at the moment. “WHERE,” not “IF!” It’s a whole new level – somewhere The Grand Restaurant in Camps Bay should think very seriously about sending their staff for training. You know, to add some service to “compliment” the food.

I pretended not to be impressed and said I would be at the pool.

“And an orange juice, please,” I thought..

[I have come across two Michaels. This Michael should not be confused with the Michael on the front desk who managed to outsource a set of Boule at 17h00 on Saturday. There is a shop in Tygervalley Centre that stocks them, by the way - should you need.]

Back to Michael and the breakfast…

I shit you not, the food arrived in 7 minutes – which is EXACTLY how long it COULD take you to make eggs and grilled tomato – you know, IF you were trying to break a record.

A Guiness World Record – and no-one knew..

I devoured the breakfast, realising that time was now in MY hands.

10h30 came and I proceeded directly to the front entrance of the Cape Grace Hotel. Before I even stepped out into the lobby, Lance appeared next to me, walking at exactly the same pace. Almost like those people that drive alongside cyclists, giving them supplies, like water and thick skin.

“Your car is ready, Mr. Rotherham,” he confirmed.

Now I don’t know how the fuck he knew that I was the guy or how things work here. It’s almost like the Truman show. Whilst I am quite aware that the hotel is full, it honestly feels like it’s all about me. A notion that I am, naturally, quite fine with.

Seriously, it’s actually bordering on amusing and outrageous at the same time. I am tempted to suggest that they are downstairs the whole time, strategising on what I might want next and ensuring that every member of staff is 100% in tune with my MIND – let alone what I have actually UTTERED.

Off I went to Eurojet to get my scooter:

Lance – BMW 7 series il chauffer.
(And part-time motivational speaker)

Service was becoming a bit of a theme in my brain, as I asked Lance about his time at The Cape Grace. God, it was unstoppable, as he went on about how awesome his job is and how he has been here for 15 years and how he feels it is HIS sole purpose to make everyone’s Monday better.

I am NOT making this up. And yes, I checked for cameras..

I fetched my scooter, sideswiped Vida e, and headed off to the meeting. Which was very positive, thanks for asking.

I stopped by The Safe house to check up on Mavis, who (as you can only imagine) was VERY relaxed on the sofa with a toasted sandwich and a cup of tea in her hands (WWE wrestling on the TV – naturally). We negotiated her new leveraged pay structure, which allowed for random thumb-suck family death grants, as well as the continued “turn-a-blind-eye-to-chilling-out” understanding and no-rules wrestling TV viewing allowance. I left on the scooter with some essentials, including the Vanity Fair, my red jeans, De Grendel Rose and another six pack of Jack Black (the Jack Black which was pre-stocked in my suite’s kitchen fridge has already been klapped) and some pot.

Back to home base..

Chilled

I gathered myself in my R12,500 a night (off season) 2-Bedroom Luxury Suite at Cape Town’s Cape Grace 5-star hotel. Now, whilst two bedrooms may seem a bit over the top, it is clear that senior management understand the necessity for a study (albeit king-size en-suite).

The master bedroom – for recreation

The study – for “work”

And so the day went on. I spent the rest of the afternoon next to the pool, drinking whisky and fielding sms’s; filling up various time slots for the rest of the week. It’s looking like a good lineup.

Pools to the left of me

Yacht basins to the right..
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you..

So that is where I chilled – with the iPod on random.

Tracks next to the pool included:

Queen – Under Pressure
Joss Stone
Tupac
Beatles – Help
Kriss Kross – Alright
Thelma Houston – Don’t Leave Me This Way
INXS – Devil Inside
Dirty Skirts – You’ll Be Amazed
Jamelia – SuperStar

And, of course, Michael Jackson – Heal The World.

Chat later..

So we’re about two weeks away from the final day of Mo-vember. For those of you who have JUST this minute come out of a coma, we (and thousands of SA males) are growing our moustaches for the month of November (Mo-vember) and will compete in a day of bowls at The Fresnaye bowling club on the 31st.

www.mo-vember.co.za

In conjunction with Supersport’s sports/lifestyle show, Luv Sport, our team, “2oceansvibe Luv Sport” will be competing and we’re going on a fund raising drive.

Here are two recent moustache update pics. One is of 2oceansvibe Character (and one of the organisers behind Mo-vember), The Good Doctor , and the other (
extreme close up, for maximum effect) is of Iron Mike, one of our 2oceansvibe Luv Sport team members for the Mo-vember bowling day.

2oceansvibe’s The good Doctor
Sporting a little BEAUTY!

Iron Mike
He walks alone..

Awesome! And you may have caught mine in all it’s glory yesterday.. Finally, I feel like a REAL man.

Now we must remember that this was not merely a scheme devised to piss your chick off, this is a very real fund raiser and it concerns your balls (or your boyfriend/husband’s balletjies).

Please show your support and drop off some cash (very easy – very quick – all online – see below) which all goes to CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa). The Mo-vember initiative has been put together to raise funds for male related cancers. Yup, like the balls..

So please, show us your support by donating whatever amount you can, online, right now. If you don’t, there is a good chance that you or a loved might lose their balls.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE FUNDS TO CANSA
RIGHT NOW – ONLINE – SAFELY AND SECURELY

Please note instructions on that NEXT screen. Our team name is 2OCEANSVIBE LUV SPORT.

After a stunning meal at The Grand in Camps Bay on Friday night (with emphasis on the food, rather than the service) and a solid toot at Caprice, Saturday’s weather followed through without effort. A stunning day was had at The Entrepreneur’s pile, as we indulged in some surf and turf spectator action; with the Springboks beating Scotland on the telly, and the Volvo Ocean Race heading off to India – live from the Atlantic Ocean, right in front of us.

FINE!

Very kak

Robben Island and the Volvo Ocean yachts
The luxury motor yachts were not a part of the race..

Today brought a surprise courier package in the form of a huge pile of brand new Playstation 3 games, which included Guitar Hero III. My God, I nearly wet myself as I opened the package. It seems a local game distributor, Megarom , has picked up on the lunch time rock madness afternoon we had at M&J’s place a few weeks back. I’m just waiting for a second guitar and a PS3 console to arrive and God only knows what will go down.

Excalibur
..has arrived

I showed The Muse what had arrived and she wasn’t quite sure..

“Oh,” she mumbled, verging on a wobbly. “So does this mean that you and G-Man are going to get stoned all day and play video games?”

It appeared that she was not using the filter system.

“Probably,” I replied, as I chose some cool stickers to put on the one guitar.

It can’t be easy for her. I mean, I AM 17 days into growing my moustache for the month of Mo-vember. I ran into The Guru today, whose ‘tache (“Taj”, if you’re Indian) is also coming along very nicely, I must say. So much so that he noted, “I am not growing a moustache any more, I now have a moustache.”

Touché!

Seth’s ‘tache – coming along nicely
Click here to find out more about Mo-vember

Other than that I think we’re in for loads of fun in coming days and weeks – not least of which is the fact that I’ll be moving into The Cape Grace 5-star hotel for a week from Saturday. Gifts and trinkets can be delivered to the main desk from the 22nd to 29th of November. Lunatic angels will be restrained at the door.

Cape Town’s glorious Cape Grace hotel
Seth’s 5-star residence

Yes, that’s right. One of the World’s most famous and finest 5-star hotels have asked if I would like to make it my home for a week. I graciously accepted the invitation. With full spa available, yachts, pools, bars, restaurants and a chauffer carting me around, I’m sure I’ll be FAR more productive!

I trust the cutest little angels will be shifted on the main desk over that time.. And, er, Nigel, maybe a bottle of Veuve on ice in the room, to get us started?

During Mo-vember (the month formerly known as November) I’m growing a Mo. That’s right I’m bringing the Mo back because I’m passionate about tackling men’s health issues and being proactive in the fight against prostate and testicular cancer.

So not only do you get to support a worthy cause, but you get to humiliate me at the same time. You can only imagine the countless conversations of yes, um, I know it is a moustache, but…..!

Seth’s moustache.
Currently.

To donate to my Mo, visit the www.mo-vember.co.za website and click on support a Mo. There you will see my name (2oceansvibe) and the latest update of the money I’ve raised. Then all you need to do is follow the link to the CANSA website, choose Mo-vember from the drop down menu, click send a message to CANSA, and enter in my name so that CANSA can keep track. And Mo’s your uncle.

www.mo-vember.co.za
Grow a moustache today!
And your bird can’t moan, because it’s for a good cause!

The money raised by Mo-vember is used to raise awareness of men’s health issues and donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). CANSA will use the money raised to fund research, increase awareness of the importance of early detection and improve the support networks for those affected with prostate or testicular cancer.

Did you know:

Prostate Cancer:

” It is estimated that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives.
” Prostate Cancer is the leading cancer in males and more than 4000 men are diagnosed yearly with prostate cancer in South Africa.
” Males over the age of 50 should have yearly screening

Testicular Cancer:

” Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy of males aged 15 – 35 years
” The incidence of testicular cancer is on the increase

In both Prostate and Testicular Cancer, early detection and treatment significantly improves the outcome

Mo-vember culminates at the end of the month with a lawn bowls competition at the Fresnaye Bowls Club. This is the opportunity for all of us that have grown our Mo’s in support of CANSA to show of our growths and bowling prowess in style. Please support us on the day. There will be a bar, DJ, food stand, sponsor stands and a CANSA stand where you can learn more about Prostate and Testicular cancer. If you would like to register a team of 4 for the bowls, visit www.mo-vember.co.za . There are only 28 teams allowed on the day so register early to avoid missing out.

Thanks for your support.

More information is available at www.mo-vember.co.za

Also visit our facebook group, Movember South Africa, for some up to date pics and general banter on the hairiness front.

Mo-vember is proud partners with The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

Sponsors proudly associated: Converse, Dermalogica, Phillips, Wellness Warehouse, Grand Daddy Hotel, Bang Bang Club,Portobello Restaurant, DJ Toby 2 Shoes, Rabbit in a Hat Communications, I Concept Web Design, Elevation Media

I’ve never been to the Diemersfontein Wine Farm before and, given that it was the first of it’s kind, I had never before indulged in the Woolworths Wine Festival. And what a treat it was!

Positioned next to the town of Wellington and owned by Woolworths co-founders, The Sonnenberg Family, the farm is one of the most picturesque settings I have ever come across on the Cape Wine Route. My God, it was glorious! We took it in as we meandered along the lake.

The Woolworths Wine Festival at The Diemersfontein Wine Farm
The radio controlled ducks came in handy

There was much on the go as we hastily took in our surroundings, grabbed a goody bag (equipped with some Woolies crisps, biltong, nuts and wine glass) and got to work, tasting the multitude of wines on offer. With this short time away from 2oceansvibe’s beloved De Grendel wine, The Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc got a double thumbs up, as we got comfortable at the champagne and oyster bar.

Stunning!

We tasted (downed) The Steenberg Sav in this very tent.

The word “lush” could be used.

The Muse and I were the first to scope out and position ourselves next to the swimming pool with a dozen oysters and a bottle of Krone sparkling. And, I tell you what, it does wonders!

You know. For all sorts of things..

That’s what I’m talking about

The sexual energy of the oysters was felt by everyone.

A cougar, spotted at the watering hole.

Yes, you’re absolutely right, that is a cougar right there. Along with the comprehensive wine sales area, eating courtyard and live music, it was just another one of the attractions that added to the success of the day. Seriously, tick all the boxes : 30 degrees, plenty shade, no wind, live music, gorgeous setting, swimming pool, wine, oysters and cougars on the prowl – what more do you want?

Indulgence was the order of the day. I wouldn’t say I got completely vrot, but I certainly haven’t felt so content in quite some time.

It’s like a refined and sophisticated Rocking The Daisies!

Congratualtions Woolworths, you nailed it. This is definitely one for the annual calendar.

See you next year!

The Volvo Ocean Race is an around the World sailing challenge that happens every three years. It is a MASSIVE undertaking with nine or 10 legs in total and takes over nine months to complete. And they’re in Cape Town in a couple days time! They will undergo repairs and the sailors get rest until the 15th of November when the yachts will leave Cape Town for the second leg of the race to Kochi in India. The race ends next year on the 27th of June in St. Petersberg.

Pay attention, because this is a BIG deal!

The best of the best.
Top Gun on water..

The current race started in Alicante, Spain, on October 11, 2008 and includes, for the first time, stopovers in the Middle East and Asia. This latest route covers nearly 39,000 nautical miles and is expected to reach a cumulative TV audience of 2 billion worldwide.

And let me tell you a couple more things. These guys suffer drastic sleep deprivation and, with a main meal of freeze dried, they loose between eight and 12 kg’s per leg of the race! They suffer radical extremes in temperatures from -20 degrees to 45 degrees. They brave ridiculous seas (waves up to 100 feet and 110 km/h winds) and sometimes sit for days twiddling their thumbs. They don’t shower, shave, brush their teeth and only change their base layer about every 5 days. The race has seen the death of 3 sailors so far.. This is the Everest of sailing, my friends.

But enjoy this – there are eight South Africans sailing in the Volvo Ocean Race and on Kosatka (Team Russia) there are two; Cape Town’s very own Mikey Joubert and Camron Wills! It must be pretty awesome rolling into your home town on one of these puppies!

Kosatka, with two Cape Town boys on board!

The V&A Waterfront (where everyone except Partners accept American Express cards) is almost ready for them and it looks like all the bases have been spread out of the waterfront. Opposite Quay Four is “The Volvo Dome”, where you can watch footage from the boats….and next to Ferrymans is the Volvo Marquee…which will be open to the public soon. There is the Red Puma Container where you can buy awesome Puma Racing Clothing/Watches/Shoes…etc…

The sailors have been at sea now for 18 days……They are expected to arrive between the 2nd and the 4th of November and the last boats should be in late Sunday or even Monday…

Welcome home!
Thanks! Great to be back! What’s been happening?
Well, the Springbok emblem was vomitted on.
What?
Nothing, Howz the race been?

Now I’ve done my research and those in the know tell me that the best place to see them arrive will be the Clock Tower side and Quay Four side. The finish line for the first leg will be marked outside the harbour by committee boats.

The boats will undergo repairs and the sailors get rest while they are here and the fleet is off again on the 15th of November to there next destination Kochi in India.

Ericsson4 is leading the fleet ahead of Puma at the moment and if you go to www.volvooceanrace.org you can find out LOADS more.

The racing village is open from the 3 until the 15 th of November.

Get involved, this only happens every three years. At the rate you’re going, you won’t be around for the next one.

Fatty.

To buy your own yacht, without sails, don’t be shy of popping your nose into Boating World… mm mm they have some beauties!

Oh, and be sure to check out the Puma boat at www.pumaoceanracing.com which was built by Sean Carkeek from Cape Town. Hmm… Carkeek… I know that surname…

[thanks jules]

A couple of weeks back I told you about Newbie Bowls, the lawn bowling phenomenan engulfing Cape Town. In particular, I mentioned the tournaments they put together at The Glen Country Club above La Med in Clifton.

Well… I couldn’t resist and ended up going to see for myself.

Wow! I can get VERY used to this sport. To begin with, the fact that it is a genuine “sport” really tickles me. That means that I can go around saying that I still “play a bit of sport.” But then, what I’m really doing is chilling in my shorts and a T-shirt, with a drink in my hand, listening to music and mucking about with my mates in the sun! On actual LAWN!

Surely that’s a good day to spend the day on the Atlantic Seaboard?

Check out this 2oceansvibe TV report:

CLICK HERE if that doesn’t play
(Please note Youtube is struggling on the Firefox “platform”.
If you have no sound, then try it through Internet Explorer)

Pretty sick! I must say I was blown away and will definitely be putting a crew together.

But that’s not the only vibe they go for, apparently Newbie Bowls is an ABSOLUTE HIT when it comes to private parties, teambuilding, birthday parties, bachelor parties etc. Hmm, I’m visualising some pretty crazy stuff… Enough!

CLICK HERE to check out their website and be sure to keep an eye out on Luv Sport which could be featuring them soon!

Following my recent article about Mavis and the Woolworths Earth Friendly Range of products, I have received a number of messages from loyal 2oceansvibe readers informing me of the first ever Woolworths Wine Festival on the 8th and 9th of November.

It sounded nice, but then nice quickly turned to awesome when I heard there would be a champagne and oyster bar at the festival! Now you’re talking my language! That’s when I decided to do some research for you and stumbled upon a R1,000 prize that is up for grabs.

I got in touch with the Woolies PR department, and this is what I got:

Woolworths Wine Festival
At the Diersfontein Wine Estate

Taking place at the beautiful Diemersfontein Wine Estate, near Wellington just 45 minutes from Cape Town, it promises to be a fabulous opportunity to taste Woolworths wide range of wine and enjoy a chat with the winemakers and the Woolworths wine team.

With a plethora of wines on show from easy-drinking everyday wines to Woolworths celebrated reserve wines, there’s bound to be something for every taste and every pocket. Some of the more intriguing include “Festive Bubblies”, “Perky Pinks” and “Sassy Sweets”. Many of the wines will be available at special festival prices.

Woolworths renowned wine master Allan Mullins (apparently this guy is a LEGEND), will host wine blending sessions, and some of the 27 stands will feature food & wine pairings.

In addition to a champagne & oyster bar (guaranteed to be one of the most popular spots at the festival), there will also be plenty of delicious Woolworths food available to enhance the wine tasting experience, as well as live entertainment with Cape Town’s hottest Afro-Fusion band, CODA, heading the list. They’ll be joined by other local artists.

The festival will run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday and will be an ‘adults only’ affair, as no under-18s will be admitted.

While Woolworths promises that there will be plenty of parking available, a nice touch for those who would prefer to leave the driving to someone else is that a shuttle will run between Cape Town and Diemersfontein throughout the festival at a cost of R 150 return. The pick up points and times are as follows:

” Waterfront: The Clock Tower Entrance – 09:50/18:00
” Northern Suburbs: Canal Walk – 10:15/18:20
” Southern Suburbs: Kenilworth Centre 09:30/18:45

Oh my God – too stunning for words!

I popped into the Kloof Woolies to have a peep at the range of wines that will probably be included at the Woolworths wine festival.

A smidgen of the wines to be featured
at the Woolworths Wine Festival

I don’t want to even BEGIN to tell you what they’ve got in those fridges, but I should tell you about a little competition not many people know about. Listen CLOSELY, because this is a FACT..

The Woolworths PR department informed me that if you email your unique festival ticket numbers (after buying them from Computicket ) to the Woolworth’s marketing team’s co-ordinator at jackie@liquidlingo.co.za you will stand in line to win R1,000 worth of Woolworths wine. FACT!

Very naughty!

Now I can’t tell you exactly which wines, but I can tell you that their range is EXTENSIVO! And R1,000 of any wine is pretty damn remarkable, if you ask me! As I said, the competition hasn’t been widely publicised, so you’ve got a pretty good chance of winning. So get your Woolworths wine festival tickets and email your unique ticket number to jackie@liquidlingo.co.za and get more than you bargained for!

Tickets for the Woolworths Wine Festival on either Saturday the 8th or Sunday the 9th of November are limited and available from Computicket at a cost of R150 each – so book soon to avoid disappointment.