2oceans Vibe

Reports are coming out of France from every major news corporation in the world, following the third shooting within the last two weeks. The last shooting this last weekend targeted Jewish children, many of whom were shot point-blank range in the skull, as he picked them off – wearing a helmet and escaping every time on a black scooter. But the most warped of all? Looks like the guy had a camera strapped to his chest. Listen to this.. Continue Reading

Last week I told you a bit about Champagne’s history, and left you at around the 16th/17th century. I was going to try and take you all the way up to the present in this column. I then realised that this would not be possible in 100 words. So I shelved the pot-holed history of Bubbly. Instead I’ll give you a little bit more info about the best thing since sliced bread, toasters, butter knives, tea and honey put together.
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My extensive collection of sunglasses is well documented, and I can tell you right now, without hesitation, that this new pair of Persol “Steve McQueen‘s” from Sunglass Hut is EASILY one of my favourites. They are the epitome of ‘classic’ and the contrast of the light tortoiseshell frames against the blue lenses make me so tingly inside. I often need a little lie down after catching a glimpse of them in the 1964 Citroen 2CV rearview mirror, as I continue to gavotte from one cherry grove to the next, in and around the Luberon Valley of Provence.

Quietly enjoying the Persol Steve McQueen’s…

These Steve McQueen fold-ups will be hitting stores in July. But Persol are the brand of the moment so get yourself ANY pair of Persols at Sunglass Hut ASAP. Do yourself a favour and google Persol, then switch to Google images. Only the smoothest wear them… Follow the link to see how these bad-boys fold up.

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Courtesy of livingstylishlywell.com

One of the last few days of our month in the South of France, brought us to the most gorgeous little seaside town on the Med – Cassis.

Pic taken from PopYaCollar – (featured in Marie Claire)

Wikipedia tells us:

Cassis (French pronunciation: [kasi, kasis]; Occitan: Cassís) is a commune situated east of Marseille in the administrative department of the Bouches-du-Rhône in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southern France. It is a popular tourist destination, famous for its cliffs (falaises) and the sheltered inlets called calanques. The wines of Cassis are white and rosé, and not to be confused with crème de cassis, a specialty of Burgundy which takes its name from blackcurrants (cassis), not the commune.

[more here]

A friend of ours had a little yacht of sorts, so we took to the water!

Whilst PopYaCollar was more focused on the street fashion to be found in the perfect seaside gem (as she does), I was more interested in the beaches, yachts and schtoinking pads, plopped along the white cliffs of that particular part of the Med!

Check it out:

Wot’s this? A little hidden beach for the boys!

There were bigger yachts, but this little cutie caught my eye!

Now you’re talking my language!

They certainly are living the holiday over there – good work, people of Cassis!

Highly recommended if you’re ever in the area!

Catch more Cassis action and fashion trends from around the world (based in Cape Town) over at PopYaCollar.

And for a more thorough Provence experience, tune in at LivingStylishlyWell!

A few weeks ago I mentioned my excitement at the way macarons had become not only Cape Town’s favourite treat, but also our favourite gift! In an article entitled, The Cookie Connoisseur Cookie, I was admittedly ignorant as to the name of the little bundles of magic. Needless to say the 2oceansvibe community rallied round and the comments section exploded with descriptions and tales of origin and where the best places in Cape Town were to get them. Cue pack shot:

Now, before I go on (and following some considerable research), I would just like to clarify that although the spelling is similar, one should not confuse the macaroon with the macaron. The one we are dealing with is the latter.

If I may:

A macaron is a confectionery whose name is derived from an Italian word “maccarone” or “maccherone”. This word is itself derived from ammaccare, meaning crush or beat, used here in reference to the almond paste which is the principal ingredient.. It is meringue-based: made from a mixture of egg whites, almond flour, and both granulated and confectionery sugar.

The confectionery is characterized by its smooth, domed top, ruffled circumference, and flat base. Connoisseurs prize a delicate, egg shell-like crust that yields to a moist and airy interior. The French macaron differs from other macarons in that it is filled with cream or butter like a sandwich cookie, and can be found in a wider variety of flavors that range from the traditional (raspberry, chocolate) to the exotic (truffle, matcha tea).

That’s the one!

For more info (including history and variations) check out this macaron Wikipedia page.

So, given the above, and combined with the information given in the comments section of that original article, I’m sure you will agree that I couldn’t find myself in a better spot than my current location, Provence, to sample the sweet French delicacy.

If you ever find yourself in the Luberon Valley region of Provence, be sure to stop by this shop, in the village of Coustellet:

If you’re in Coustellet, you simply MUST pop in!

It was there that we discovered what must be some kind of safe haven for macarons, as they sprang up all around us – rows and rows of colours and flavours, the likes of which you could never imagine. And I’m very sure of that, just you wait and see..

Your garden variety French macarons

Ok so those are your normal sweet variety – a large range, I’m sure you will agree. From lemon and pistachio to caramel, chocolate and strawberry – they were all there.

But that’s not where it ended. They had savoury as well.

No spice! They had a whole section which included escargot flavour (yup, snail!), salmon, cheese, tomato, chocolate/foie gras (no spice), tapenade and more!

Check it out:

You can see the flavours written on the labels
Salmon and Fromage (cheese) closest to us

We were a little hesitant when it came to these more extravagant flavours and the idea of savoury vs sweet was quite tricky to get our heads around!

That said, we thought we would try one and maybe try another the next time we were in the village. So we went for the cheese and chowed it when we got outside.

I can now report that it was one of the more horrific experiences of my life and I strongly advise everyone to stick to the sweet macarons! I couldn’t possibly imagine what the snail and salmon ones taste like and I’m sure I will never know.

The shop owner was slightly confused as to why I would be posing in front of the display. I couldn’t quite find the correct French to describe, “I’m a blogger from CapeTown who recently wrote about macarons and am now doing a follow-up article!”

Come here little boy, I have some sweeties for you!

And that, my friends, is the end of that!

True 2oceansvibers who are also following 2oceansvibe on Twitter, will know that we indulged in some pigeon for lunch the other day in Menerbes – South of France. It was my first time eating such a small bird (insert supermodel joke here) and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Here we have our neighbours, Jean-Pierre and Genevieve, showing us how it’s done!

The imported NoMU poultry rub comes in handy

I should add that they weren’t your usual pigeons that you find loitering around the Grand Parade. They’re a lot smaller than that. You can check them out before we plucked them here (caution – dead birds!). Be sure to check out the rest of the stream of pics here. Or follow us directly on Twitter here.

What does this have to do with a pelican eating a pigeon, you ask? Hah! Just you wait and see!

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My beautiful babies,

Daddy has snuck out of town for a month. I know I should have told you properly before I left, but if I had done that, you wouldn’t have let me leave. Everyone knows that an “Eagle Claw,” when performed by a model, is infinitely stronger than a Pit-Bull’s lock jaw. I couldn’t risk that, after all, Provence needs me too.

Yes, you heard me.. Provence. Or “Menerbes,” to be precise. To fill you in even further, Menerbes is in the Luberon Valley region of Provence. We have a sweet spot there and it’s about 20 minutes drive from Avignon.

Don’t judge me

So I flew from DF Malan to Amsterdam’s Schiphol (sounds like poephol – what a lag) airport, and then on to Marseilles airport. Yes, that’s in France – the same place where very short men are allowed to rule the country and bang Rolling Stone hand-me-down supermodels at the same time.

Then it’s 50 minute drive to Menerbes. Here’s a bit of background:

So much has been written about Provence and its villages that it is tempting to list what you’re NOT going to experience in Menerbes.

You’re not going to find hordes of tourists tramping up and down the tiny cobbled streets and peering into your windows; nor will you sight a souvenir stall selling t-shirts and other tacky memorabilia. Traffic is very limited (for residents only) due to the narrowness of the roads and there is almost no parking available, except for a car park located on the edge of the village.

There are no fast-food shops and only one, tiny fruit and vegetable store. A butcher and a bakery make up Menerbe’s entire food shopping complement.

Market day is on Thursday and well worth a visit – it is located in the public parking area, close to the bouledrome.

Menerbes is famous for its beauty, as well as the fact that Picasso’s lover Dora Maar lived there for 42 years. Her residence has been restored to its former grandeur and there are also a few art galleries you may wish to visit during your stay.

The village churches are definitely worth seeing, including a 12th Century chapel located on the edge of the town and Saint Hilaire Abbey just 3.5km away. There is also the fascinating truffle museum and wine-tasting centre (Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon), and corkscrew museum (Musée du Tire-bouchon).

However, it’s the view and the atmosphere that make Menerbes one of the most special places in Provence. Look one way and you are afforded panoramic views of the Luberon Valley, glance over your shoulder to take in the majestic Mont Ventoux. The valley is scattered with spaghetti-like threads of farm roads weaving patterns through the vineyards, cherry tree groves, irises, lavender and poppy fields – the classic delights of Provence laid out at your feet.

Menerbes has three restaurants ranging from mid-priced traditional fare, ‘cheap and cheerful’ meals and a spectacular terrace/bar.

[read more here]

Yes, you’re spot on – it’s a joke

Shame

Sorry, I forgot to mention that the mayor of the town is Yves Rousset-Rouard, who happens to be the man who gave the world the Emmanuelle films. He basically found soft porn. He also happens to own the Corkscrew Museum museum.

“Emmanuelle” – created by the mayor of Menerbes..

I would like to add that you shouldn’t worry or panic at all. Seriously, nothing will change on the website. All it means is that you won’t be able to touch my actual flesh. Truth be told, I’m actually trying to ween you off my flesh. You’re too old to have a doodoo, anyway.

I’m going to answer your next question before you ask it. YES, 2oceansvibe Radio will carry on as usual! I will be broadcasting live from Provence, just like we do every Friday morning 08h00 to 09h30. That’s how goddamn wired and hi-tech we are! I managed to fit all the 2OV Radio equipment into my new Thule wheelie bag – which means you will be getting the same high-quality sound and awesome vibes comin’ right atcha!

The new Macbook Pro and Thule wheelie bag
Easily the best wheelie bag I have had in my life!

Would it be showing off to tell you, in the same breath, that the Macbook Pro in the pic above is actually brand new. That’s right, my friends, it is the new Apple MacBook Pro 15″ 2.66GHz. I haven’t had a chance to make love to it yet, but I have a feeling that mood will be just right tonight..

Find the right Apple Mac for you – go to Digicape right now. They take special care of 2oceansvibers.

I must tell you that the metal detector guys at DF Malan and Schipol airport weren’t quite sure when the bag went through the X-Ray machine. I don’t know what it looks similar to, on the X-Ray, but the okes got really worked up. Then they opened it and the oke tuned me, “Are you a DJ?”

And I was like, “Ja, I’m a DJ.”

Which is hilarious, ‘cos I’m not. But I couldn’t exactly tell him the truth, that I am a global symbol of awesome vibes and smooth sexual flavours, which sometimes gets beamed over the internet. They wouldn’t have digged that.

Speaking of weening off, I have had to ween myself of De Grendel for the last few days, as there was no more room in my luggage. So I’m onto to the Provence Rose wine for the next month.

It’ll have to do!

To you..

So here’s to you – don’t think I don’t miss you. I do. I’m basically bleeding inside.

Just remember,

I love you

xxx

ps. you can read up about daily life in Provence on my dad’s blog – www.livingstylishlywell.com

I tell you, there is never a dull moment in Provence! Luckily, with the proximity of the Menerbes bastide to the likes of movie Director, Ridley Scott’s house, we are able to pick up on news that might otherwise have slipped through the net!

Take, for example, the woes of Ridley, who has now lost a SIXTH court battle with his neighbour, over the noise and smells made by the neighbour’s chickens. And now they want to build an egg-packing shed as well – my God!

This, from the Politics section of “The French Paper” :

Poor thing, makes his millions, hides in France and gets attacked by chickens!

Be sure to keep your finger on the Provencal pulse through the eyes, ears and fingers of LivingStylishlyWell.com!

[thanks mum]

My folks are going pretty ballistic in France. The pool house must, naturally, be ready for The Muse and my arrival in June.

A suitable alternative to the view from The Safe House

French men operating adorable machinery

Our place (named Bastide Les Amis) is in Menerbes, which is a part of the Luberon Valley (forms part of the Tour de France, I might add). You’ll remember the movie A Good Year with Russell Crowe? Ja, it was set in the same area. The film was directed by Ridley Scott , who lives in Menerbes, funnily enough.

Take a little stroll, why don’cha?

A little bakery for the team!
“Aah, make it deux croissants, my good man!”

Phil Collins is spotted from time to time at the local market and Princess Caroline and the scrumdiddlyumtious Princess Charlotte also have a house in a neighbouring village.

Oh, and what’s MORE, The Surfer’s mum lives down the road!

It’s quite nice, all of it.

Oh, I should make mention of the fact that the mayor of Menerbes is a fellow by the name of Yves Roussel-Rouard. He produced the entire Emmanuelle series of films. Yup, he basically FOUND soft porn! What more would you want from your mayor!

Aah, bonjour!
Let’s “put another shrimp on the barbie!”

Anyway, the point of this article is to highlight their website. So follow their journey, as they renovate the “bastide” and attempt to unpack a truck the size of your office!

CLICK HERE for LivingStylishlyWell.

ps. a bit of background to the content of the site for the newcomers : my sports mad dad was originally a school teacher and after various positions found himself as International Marketing Director of The Clicks Group for a number of years. He came up with the Clicks Clubcard and other clever things like that. The most loyal readers will know all about my mother – the Yorkshire Terriers, the 1,000 antique porcelain dolls etc. Couple that with a killer business CV and you’re looking at one smooth operating ship in the South of France!