Excursion to the West Coast-Our first inhabitants pt1 - West Coast Fossil Park

Last week we were fortunate enough to be invited to experience who or what some of the original inhabitants of our land were.

Our first stop was the West Coast Fossil Park near Langebaan which is one of the richest fossil deposit sites in the world. In 1993 the area was established as a national monument after mining excavations revealed that the area was littered with fossils dating over 5.2million years.

Our guide was exceptional and drew us all into her world with enthusiastic explanations on what is found on the site and what it reveals to us about how the area looked millions of years ago...would you believe the West Coast was once a tropical forest and not the desert like image we see today and there were bears roaming around!

The fossil park is a fun day out for the family as there are walking trails of the park as well as biking trails (bikes can be hired at reception). 

You can bring out you inner "Indiana Jones" as you are taken to excavation sites as well as a hands on activity. There is a coffee shop on site site where one is able to purchase traditional Rooster Brood prepared fresh most days.
So instead of just driving pass those road signs the next time you on your way along the West Coast, make a stop at the Fossil park, you won't be disappointed...

One of the excavation sites

Inside one of the excavation sites

Can you guess who's fossil this is?

Our enthusiastic and passionate guide showing us how to find a frog bone

Save the Rhino

Last year we lost 668 rhino to poachers, in the last month over 32 rhino have already been killed, something needs to be done or pretty soon they will become extinct! Poachers kill rhino for their horns which they then sell to the black market where uninformed, uneducated people buy it thinking it has medicinal, mystical properties. Rhino horn is made of keratin, the very same thing human hair and nails is made up of and has no special properties, these people may as well be using their own hair and nails!

In a pledge to support the campaign against rhino poaching, Table Mountain National Park projected an image of a rhino and the Hawks anti-poaching number against the face of Table mountain last night.

The Hawks anti-rhino poaching helpline number is 071 348 8630

Upcoming events 28Jan-3Feb

The upcoming week sees a feast for all things cultural with 2 music festivals, 2 lifestyle festivals, sports and glamour on the cards.

The Stellenbosch Wine Festival, 25 Jan-3Feb in and around Stellenbosch. This is a 10 day lifestyle festival that includes a wine expo, sporting activities, cultivar experiences and separate winery activities.

The 10th annual Suidoosterfees will take place from Jan29-Feb3 at various venues in the city centre. Showcasing the "Kaapse" lifestyle, this Afrikaans festival includes everything from theatre and musical performances, art exhibits to historical tours.

This weekend, 31Jan-3Feb , the Up The Creek Festival will take place just outside of Swellendam. 30 bands and comedy acts will be taking to three stages which you can watch from the comfort of Terra nova or blissfully float along the warm waters of the Breede River.

Hamilton's Rugby club will be playing host the Castle Cape Town 10s Rugby Tournament on 1-2 Feb in Greenpoint. 90 teams will be taking part in this, the 5th anniversary of the tournament.

Elandskloof Farm, between Villiersdorp and Greyton will be hosting the Origin Festival, an electronic music festival which promises to bigger and better than before. So pack your sunscreen and bathing costume and enjoy 3days of techno trance.

Saturday, Feb 2nd, sees one of the biggest events on the Cape Town and Western Cape Calender....the J&B Met! One the most glamorous events on the calender, this year's theme is "Made to Fly" and this year's race is worth R2 million. to get you betting hats on (the glamorous one of course) and get down to Kenilworth Race Course on Saturday.

Markets - West Coast and Central Karoo

Last up on our journey through the markets of the Western Cape are the West Coast and Central Karoo regions, the two vast landscapes that create the border between us and the Northern Cape of South Africa.

The Cape West Coast, a region that conjures up visions of sleepy fishing villages and flowers for as far as one can see. The Central Karoo, an arid land filled with charm from a bygone era, it makes one feel as if you have stepped back into a Victorian Age.

West Coast

• Riebeek Valley Country Fair, the last Saturday of every month, 9am-2pm, Town Square, Riebeek Kasteel for local food, crafts and music.
• Riebeek West Fresh Funky Market, 1st Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm, Kasteelberg Trading, Voortrekker Road, Riebeek West.
• Groenrivier Food and Craft Market, Sundays, 10:30am-4pm, Groenrivier Farm, Riebeek West. Food, crafts and live music on offer.
• Camphill Market is help the 1st Sunday of the month at Camphill Village from 11am-4pm. food , plants, jewellery and crafts on offer while a marimba band keeps the festivities going.
• Malmesbury Organic and Handcraft Market, is held on the last Saturday of every month from 9am-4pm at the Roman Catholic Church.

Central Karoo

• The Laingsburg Farmers Market , the last Saturday of the month, from 9am-11:30am. Food, crafts and flowers are available.
• The Prince Albert Farmers Market, see link for more information.

*Markets pop up everywhere and close down without notice, whilst this list is extensive, it is by no means everything on offer and does not guarantee the market is still available. 

Events 21-27 January

Saturday passed saw the  Attakwas Extreme Mountain Bike Challenge taking place. An annual event, this year in its 6th edition, the race started in Oudtshoorn and ended at the Great Brak River.

This Thurday, January 24, Wesgro in partnership with Frontier Advisory will be hosting Africa Outlook 2013 at the Taj Cape Town. Speakers will looking at the opportunities present for African and foreign companies in sub-Saharan Africa as Africa continues to grow as an emerging and frontier market. 

The Cape Town Tattoo Expo will be taking place from 25-27 January at Cape Town City Hall and has become one of the biggest lifestyle festivals of its kind in Africa.

The Delheim Start of Harvest Festival, 26 and 27 January at Delheim Wine Farm, Stellenbosch. The Famous Grape Stomp is one of the biggest events of the festival, which includes live jazz, a picnic buffet as well as a cellar tour.

The evening of the 26th and 27th of January, Dirtopia will be hosting its Delvera Hi-Tec Full Moon Hikes in Klapmuts.

Markets in Garden Route and the Klein Karoo

The Garden Route and Klein Karoo, 2 contrasting landscapes, the "Eden" of SA and the semi desert, but some of the most beautiful places on earth nonetheless.

Klein (Little) Karoo

• In Ladismith there is a market called Ladismith's Own Street Market, visit the link for more details.
• Du Rust has a Farmers & Craft Market, call Du Rust Tourism +27 44 241 2109 for information.
• Oudtshoorn has many arts and crafts markets where you can also feast on delicacies of the region (fancy a crocodile steak?). Contact Oudtshoorn Tourism  +27 44 279 2532 for more information.
• Uniondale Market, see the link for details.

Garden Route 

• The Goods Shed Flea Market, open daily, an indoor flea market in Bland Street, Mossel Bay, see the link for times as they vary.
• In George, opposite the Garden Route Mall, one will find the Outeniqua Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8am-2pm.
• The Pink Tree Market, a quarterly market in George with arts, crafts and foods, visit the link for dates, times, location and any other details.
• Friday Night Market at Milkwood Village, Wilderness. Musicians, food, crafts and other goods are available weekly from 4pm-9pm.
• Wild Oats Community Farmers Market from 7:30am-11:30am in Sedgefield on Saturdays.
• On Saturdays at Scarab Village in  Sedgefield you will find their Craft Market from 8:30am-12:30pm.
• Market on Main, Plettenberg Bay, a variety of foods, arts and crafts are on offer daily. See link for times as they vary.
• Kurland Food Market, The Crags, Plettenberg Bay. Sundays, 9am-2pm, where you can get farm fresh good and fresh produce.
• The last Friday of the month, you can get your fill of Afrikaans and South African favourites at the Kranshoek Food Market from 6pm.
• Saturdays in Harkerville, between Knysa and Plettenberg Bay, the Saturday Market sells natural and organic gifts from 8am-12pm.
• Fisanthoek Farmers Market at Harkerville is open daily from 7am-7pm with local products as well as plants on offer.
• The Montessori School in Knysna host a Friday Craft Market from 4pm-8pm. Local crafts as well as delectable foods are available.
• The Deep Forest Craft Market operates daily at the Knysna Quays.

Our journey through the marketplaces of the Western Cape will be ending with the Karoo and West Coast next week...

*Markets pop up everywhere and close down without notice, whilst this list is extensive, it is by no means everything on offer and does not guarantee the market is still available. 

Markets in the Overberg

The Cape Overberg is famous for its Whales and the best shark-cage diving in the world.

• Hermanus Country Market, delectable treats, fresh produce, crafts and healthy living awaits you at this weekly market on Saturdays, 8am-12pm at the Hermanus Cricket Grounds.
• Hermanuspietersfontein Farm hosts their Food and Wine Market on Saturdays from 9am-1pm at their farm in Hemel en Aarde Village, Hermanus.
•  The Fisherman's Village Market at Lemms Corner, Hermanus, every weekend, 8:30am-3pm.
• The Onrus Craft Market, the 1st Saturday morning of the month, De Wet Hall, Onrus.
• Fernkloof Farmers Market , an organic produce market, Saturdays 7:30-11:30 behind the Montesorri School in Hermanus.
• In the town of Greyton, the square is a buzz with fresh produce and hand made goods at the Greyton Saturday Morning Market on Saturdays, 10am-12pm.
• Stanford hosts The Stanford Morning Market, Saturdays, 10am-12pm and The Stanford Evening Market, the last Friday of the month from 6pm.
• The Caledon Hotel, Casino and Spa host the Caledon Millstone Market, the 1st Saturday of each month from 10am-2pm in the gardens next to the hotel.Hand crafted items and delectable treats are on offer from the Overberg, Helderberg and Overstarnd areas.

Next our journey will take us to the Cape West Coast....

*Markets pop up everywhere and close down without notice, whilst this list is extensive, it is by no means everything on offer and does not guarantee the market is still available. 

Markets in the Winelands

The Winelands is known as the the culinary, and as the same suggests, wine capital of South Africa. There is an abundant supply of fresh goods markets offering the best produce the region has. 

Whilst Somerset West is not technically part of the Winelands region, it has been included in this list.

• Country Craft Market at Southey's Vines, Main Road, Somerset West is held the last Saturday of the month (not during the winter months) from 8am-1pm.
• The Market Place at Hathersage Farm is a local goods market in Somerset West. Delectable treats and crafts are available on the 2nd and last Saturday of the month from 9am-2pm.
• Monkey Town Organic/Craft Market, every sunday, 9am-3pm. Quality hand-crafted goods and wholesome foods are on sale.
• Moddergat Organic Market at  L'Auberge is a small weekly organic market, nestled between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, on Saturdays, 8am-1pm.
• The Hearth Fair is a collection of artists, designers, crafters as well as local producers and fresh goods suppliers in Stellenbosch. Visit the link for dates and locations.
• Stellenbosch Waldorf School hosts a Organic Farmers Market every Saturday from 8am-12pm.
• The Stellenbosch Slow Foods Market, every Saturday, 9am-2pm at Oude Libertas.
• Spier host a Craft Market daily from 10am-6pm with some of the best contemporary and african crafters on offer.
• Blauwklippen Wine Farm in Stellenbosch host a weekly Family Market on Sundays from 10am-3pm. Fresh produce, home-made products and crafts, plants as well live music and entertainment are available.
• Woodmill Lifestyle Market, Friday evenings, 5:30pm-10pm, Vredenburg Road, Stellenbosch. An enjoyable evening out for the family with music, food and crafts on sale.
• Slaley Social Sunday at Slaley Wine Estate, Stellenbosch is a small farm market on the last Sunday of the month, 9am-2pm. Food, wine, crafts as well entertainment to keep the kiddies busy.
• Laborie Wine Farm in Paarl plays host to the Lazy Days Market on Saturdays from 9am-1pm. "Fabulous wines, delicious, well-priced food, oodles of space and friendly, welcoming, helpful staff." 
• Franschhoek Village Market is held at the Dutch Reform Church on Saturdays from 9am-2pm. There are local foods and crafts on sale.
• The Aphrodisiac Shack in Villiersdorp host the Moonlight Market the 1st Friday of each month (Oct-Apr) from 6pm with the aim of giving local producers a platform to showcase their products.
• Pure Boland's Farmers Market at Brandewacht Estate in Worcester supports local farmers, crafters, bakers and florists at its market.(see link for dates and times)
• Windmeul Winery in Wellington host the Windmeul Farmers Market on the 1st Saturday of the month from 8:30am-12:30pm. Local foods and discounts on wine are on offer.
• Montague Village Market is a lifstyle market held on Saturdays at Euvrard Park, 8:30am-12:30pm.
• The Robertson Farmers Market, Voortrekker Road, every 2nd and last Saturday from 9am-12pm. Local produce and home-made delicacies are on offer.

From the Winelands we journey to the Overberg...

*Markets pop up everywhere and close down without notice, whilst this list is extensive, it is by no means everything on offer and does not guarantee the market is still available. 

Cape Town Markets - Northern Suburbs & Surrounds

Cape Town's Northern Suburbs have some of the more "scenic" markets, set on wine estates with sweeping views of what makes this city one of the best, you are sure to find something that pleases even the fussiest of foodies.

• Durbanville Craft Market, held the 1st Saturday of each month from 8:30am-2pm at the Rust en Vrede Estate.
• The Meerendal Farmers Market takes place on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9am-2pm at the Meerendal Wine estate in Durbanville. A wide selection of food are on offer as well entertainment for the kids.
• The Doilie Market, a creative crafts and home-made products market at D'Aria Estate, Durbanville.(see link for dates and times)
• Willowbridge Slow Foods Market is held at Willowbridge lifestyle centre, every Saturday from 9am-2pm.
• Bothasig Holistic Fayre, held the 2nd Saturday every month at the Bothasig Hall 10am-3pm. With all things esoteric and mystical on offer you are sure to lift you mind, body and spirit.
• Century City Natural Goods Market , the last Sunday every month in the Central Park from 9am-2pm. Food, crafts, clothing as well as entertainment for the kiddies are available.
• Elkanah Schoolyard Market at Elkanah House High School in Table View on the last Saturday of every month from 9am-1pm. "With a mouth watering selection of fresh foods, stunning arts and crafts & a hint of Parisian flair"
• Milnerton Flea Market, Cape Town's market for bargain hunters, a wide variety of items as well as foods are on sale every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from 8am at the grounds along Marine Drive(R27).
• Market of Eden, Saturdays, 10am-3pm at Eden on The Bay, Blouberg. Arts, crafts and good is available a stone's throw away from the beach.

With Cape Town completed, next we shall head to the Winelands...

*Markets pop up everywhere and close down without notice, whilst this list is extensive, it is by no means everything on offer and does not guarantee the market is still available. 

Events this week

Everything seems to be winding down and everybody is getting back into the swing of things, this means that the morning and afternoon rush hour traffic is well on its way to recovery as well as early morning drop offs as the schools re-open on Wednesday. This weeks events are fairly quiet, but the weekend brings some excitement...

Madame Zingara will be bringing her Theatre of Dreams back to its home town. This year it is being hosted at the V&A Waterfront parking lot (you cant miss it), starting from Wednesday, 16 January and running through to the end of June. Be sure to book early, as it sells out pretty quickly, to avoid disappointment. 

The Langebaan Downwind Dash will be taking place on Saturday, January 19, on the Langebaan beach.The race is open to windsurfers, kite board riders, catamarans, stand up paddle boards,kayaks and sailing dinghies. Registration will take place from 11am on the beach.

The Classic Car & Bike Show, 19-20 January, Timour Hall, Plumstead. Hosted annually by the International Police Association in order to raise funds for various charities. If cars is you thing, be sure to drop on both days as those cars on display Saturday (modern and future classics) will be different to those on Sunday (vintage).

Dirtopia will be hosting 24 Hours of Oak Valley at the Oak Valley Estate in Grabouw on 19 and 20 January.

This is a 24 hour mountain bike relay event where the aim is to complete as many 11km loops of the track as possible in the 24hour period. Stalls offering food, drinks and gear will be available for the duration of the event, as well as camping facilities.

Be sure to visit one of the many markets on offer in the Western Cape, the northern suburbs and surrounds will be going up with our next post.

Cape Town Markets - Southern Suburbs & Surrounds

Today is the Southern Suburbs turn, from Rondebosch to Hout Bay, there is no shortage of markets for any taste.

• Rondebosch Craft Market is held the 2nd Saturday of every month, 9am-2pm, at the Rondebosch park in Sandown Road.
• The Rondebosch Village Market is a small market held on Saturdays, 7:30-12pm, outside the Rondebosch Library with a variety of organic produce and hand-made crafts.
• Starlings Cafe in Belvedere Road, Clarmemont, hosts a Urban Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 4pm-6pm.
• The Montebello Design Centre in Newlands plays host to Mielie Organic Food Garden Market, Fridays, 9am-1pm(except public holidays). Fresh veggies are available, picked in the morning at the Food Garden in Khayalitsha.
• The Constantia Waldorf School hosts 2 markets; the Organic and Biodynamic Community Market on Fridays, 11am-3pm (not during school or public holidays) as well as a Night Market on the last Friday of the month during the Summer. 
• The Doilie Market, a creative crafts and home-made products market in Constantia at Little Stream.(see link for dates and times)
• The Kirstenbosch Craft Market at the Stone Cottages, opposite the Botanical Gardens, happens the last Sunday of every month (except during Winter) from 9am-3pm. Local crafts and food delights are sure to please.
• Earthfair Food Market, Saturdays 9am-2pm and Wednesdays 3pm-8:30pm at South Palms Centre in Tokai.
• Porter Estate Produce Market, 9am-1pm, Chrysalis Academy Grounds, Tokai.
• The Jolly Carp Organic Market in Sasmeer Road, Retreat. Saturdays, 10am-3pm with fresh organic produce on offer.
• The Larder Cafe hosts a food market normally held on Thursdays from 11am-1pm at their premises in Diep River, 99 Main Road.
• The Triangle Square Market operates on various days at Cavendish Square(Claremont), Blue Route Mall (Tokai), Dean Street Arcade(Newlands), Sun Valley Mall(Noordhoek) and Longbeach Mall(Fish Hoek). The market is a community initiative that provides a platform for purveyors of fine foods, farmers and organic merchants. 
• Blue Bird Garage Food and Goods Market  at 39 Albertyn Road, Muizenberg, Fridays, 4pm-10pm.
• Bay Harbour Market at the end of the Hout Bay Harbour (next to Fish on The Rocks), every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (check link for times). An eclectic mix of art, crafts, fashion , food and entertainment are on offer.
• The Lions Craft Market, in its 25th year is a Hout Bay staple. Every Sunday, 2pm-5pm, at Village Green, a wide array of local arts and crafts are available.
• Hout Bay Organic Market, Thursdays 9am-1pm, 41 Victoria Road. Fresh organic produce for a healthier you.
• Cape Point Vineyards hosts the Noordhoek Community Market on Thursdays from 4:30pm-8:30pm, where locals have a platform to showcase their goods.
• The Khayalitsha Craft Market operates Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm, at the St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church in Harare, Khayalitsha.

*Markets pop up everywhere and close down without notice, whilst this list is extensive, it is by no means everything on offer and does not guarantee the market is still available. 

Next up...Cape Town's Northern Suburbs and surrounds

Cape Town Markets- City Centre & Surrounds

There has been a trend in recent years where consumers are returning to the purchasing ways of old, so i decided to compile a list of the various markets (that has seemed to spring up in every nook and cranny of our fair province). We shall start of off with Cape Town and expand to the 5 other regions of the Western Cape.

• Village Market at Cape Quarter every Wednesday and Saturday from 10am-3pm (Organic food, fashion and entertainment)
• City Bowl Market on Hope Street in Gardens, Thursdays, 4:30pm-8:30pm & Saturdays, 9am-2pm (Food)
• Earthfair Food Market on upper St. Georges Mall, Thursdays, 11am-3pm
• The French Market at 155 Loop Street on Fridays, 10am-2pm & Saturdays at the Old Biscuit Mill 9am-2pm. (French foods)
• The Simple Pleasures Market in the Company's Gardens, Sundays 10am-4pm (Food, fashion, arts and crafts, entertainment)
• Market on The Wharf at the V&A Waterfront, Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30am-7:30pm (Fresh food)
• Life.Style and Eco Fair at Gardens Commercial High School, every 3 months (Feb, May, August, November) visit the site for more info on this holistic fair.
• Market at The Palms, The Palms Lifestyle Centre, 145 Sir Lowry Road, hosts the Platteland Market with fresh food from the West Coast as well as the Lock Stock  creatives market every Saturday, 9am-2pm.
• The Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock, Saturdays, 9am-2pm (Food, fashion, furniture, arts and crafts, entertainment)
• The Only on a Sunday Market at Zula Bar, Long Street, 10am-4pm (Local goods and entertainment)
• Greenmarket Square, one of Cape Town's oldest markets, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. Intersection of Longmarket and Shortmarket Streets in the City centre. (Local goods)
• Red Shed Craft Market at the V&A Waterfront, Monday-Sunday, 9am-9pm (arts and crafts)
• Church Street Antiques Market in the city centre, Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm
• Green Point Flea Market in the main parking area of Cape Town Stadium, Sundays, 8:30am-5pm
• Pan African Market at 76 Long Street, Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm
• Adderley Street Flower Market in the City centre, Monday-Saturday, 7am-8pm
• The Bo Kaap Food and Craft Market, the 1st Saturday of every month at the Bo Kaap Civic Centre in Wale Street.

*Markets pop up everywhere and close down without notice, whilst this list is extensive, it is by no means everything on offer and does not guarantee the market is still available. 

Next...Southern Suburbs and Surrounds

Happy New Year, now time to get back to the grindstone...

Surviving an apocalypse, being  blown away on New Year's Eve and playing the real life version of dodge ball, I'd say 2013 is already shaping up to being an exciting year.

By now everyone should have realised that they were not buried under an asteroid,  floating the inner depths of the earth, paddling for dear life in an endless ocean, wondering the confines of an alien spaceship or whatever else conspiracy theorists and doomsday advocates dreamed up. Once that had worn off, everyone started gearing up for that time of the year were anything goes, New Year's Eve...

Whether you decided on a "restful" night home with family and friends, taking part in SA's favourite past time of Braaing, taking in the carnival atmosphere of the City or partying the night away at the many parties and festivals, you were sure to quite literally be blown away on NYE as the Cape Doctor decided to celebrate with us.

As the hangovers passed, and you realised stocks were running low, one had to brave the scores of tourists that descend on our beautiful province(and why wouldn't they?), and take to the various malls, which aren't short on entertainment to tickle anyone's fancy.

But now, its back to the grindstone for us working folk, and the back to school shopping is a plenty (much to the kids dismay). These are the events to look forward to for the coming week:

Tuesday, January 8, Bafana Bafana will be taking on Norway at the Cape Town Stadium in an international friendly as part of their preparations for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. Please make use of the extensive public transport available. Park and Ride's will be available in Hout Bay, UCT, Gardens, Table View as well as the Foreshore.

Saturday the 12th of January, Kenilworth Race Course will be hosting the 152nd running of the Queen's Plate sponsored by the L’Ormarins Wine Estate. Don your best white and blue (the dress code is strict!) and enjoy a day out at the races, rubbing shoulders with the finest thoroughbreds in South African racing.

The Total Sports Challenge, 12 Jan, starting at Gordon's Bay beach front and ending in Kleinmond, it is said to be "the most comprehensive multi-event on the planet," with 7 disciplines, including; Surf Ski, Swim, Road Bike, Road Run, K1 Canoe Paddle,Mountain Bike and a Beach Run. Registration is on the 10th of January at the River Club in Observatory.

The Cape Minstrel Carnival will continue at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, January 12th.

Have a Happy 2013!