I drove out to Bloubergstrand this morning with my camera. Located 20 km North of Cape Town, this area never gained the acclaim or investment that the city’s Atlantic Seaboard did, despite its incredible natural beauty and unsurpassed view of Table Mountain.
Whilst taking in the beautiful misted views of ships on the ocean, wind in my hair, sand on my feet, cyclists and runners dashing by, I came to a realization. A realization that personally, despite the sea of development that is the road from Cape Town to this piece of Blouberg paradise, I would rather find myself living a windswept life on this coastline. A West Coast girl at heart.
On Thursday afternoon I joined a group of travel industry professionals for a helicopter flip over Cape Town, some networking and a whole lot of generously served snacks, drinks and entertainment.
Our hosts were NAC Makana Aviation and Signature Life Hotels and when the invitation arrived in my mailbox a few weeks back, it took me about 5 seconds to process the idea of a “helicopter flip” and another 10 to say ‘Yes Please’. What a treat for a sky lover. Especially considering that I had only flown in a helicopter twice before; once over the Goldfields Mines in the troubled ‘90’s and another time rather recently, over the magnificent Victoria Falls. It was time to get my helicopter on.
The other reason for my great enthusiasm was that the two companies hosting us are both fabulous and highly respected. Signature Life for their wonderful selection of properties around the country, and NAC Makana for being THE place to book your helicopter flights, be it scenic or corporate.
These are some of the photographs that I took whilst I was up in the air. It was truly wonderful. Thank you both for the wonderful much appreciated opportunity!
Through the glass, Table Mountain and the city below.
View back towards the V&A Waterfront and Table Bay.
Green Point Stadium and Granger Bay Harbour and the Radisson Hotel.
The Sea Point Promenade and Swimming Pools.
Like most girls and many boys I love shoes and late last year I bought a pair of amazing hand-made black leather brogues that put a bounce in my step and a rather silly grin on my face. I’d seen them in the window of MeMeMe in Long Street, and ordered a pair to fit. They delight me. But were they enough, could I stop there? Of course not.
I found out that their creator was in Long Street, an artist and shoe man - we needed to meet.
Some research and few questions later, I had his name and knew that he operated from the African Women’s Trading Market, Long Street. I had to meet Diomande the Leather Man one pair was just not enough.
What was prevalent on arrival at their small downstairs shop was the accumulated skill and talent that Diomande and his brother have. Craftsmen for sure, their main focus is on shoes, handbags and belts. The array of colors and styles overwhelmed me, as did their charm and willingness to create something unique for me. Alice can keep her Wonderland, I had fallen into Shoe-Heaven.
I finally decided on a pair of punch-holed pumpkin colored brogues. My feet were measured about and across, my details taken and a promise of a three day turn about left me confident I’d be stepping out in style that weekend.
On collection of my most perfect Pumpkin Shoes - sigh - I took some pics and gushed with enthusiasm as I promised to spread the Diomande shoe-heaven word. I’m doing so right now. Before you next splash out on a pair of boots or shoes, do yourselves the great favor of visiting Diomande to discuss what he can offer you.
Their motto is “It starts with your footprint”. I’m encouraging you to support Local Craft and leave yours there … The experience and the shoes will mark your world.
Not sure if you know the Edgar Broughton Band, or their song Evening Over Rooftops, but it is a firm favorite of mine and I can’t find myself elevated and taking in the views off any city without the words coming to mind. Yesterday was no different as I looked across our beautiful Mother City and sang to myself whilst taking in these living views …
The air was thick like honey Looking from the room. The room had open windows To let the springtime through. Evening stood by watching At the side of summer’s promise …
The smoke hung on the skyline, The city fell in silence. The sunset ripe and mellow Was the light to write some thoughts by …
Three birds flew off a building, Standing proud against the sky, Many more flew with them, Spiraled upward like laughter, Faster harder, They rose up in a column, Hundreds upon hundreds, And twice that many wing speed, Four miles across, Stretched a million miles high …
