Travel SA Archives - Page 2 of 4

Truth Coffee Shop – Cape Town

March 14, 2016 by EnnisP Leave a Comment

A Coffee Roastery
To Remember

Cape Town’s Truth Coffee Shop was rated one of the world’s best by The Telegraph in February 2016, and it was rated alongside several serious contenders. The Best list was comprised of vendors found in the world’s most popular cities.

After visiting the coffee shop (36 Buitenkant Street), I do agree that Truth is unique, but I’m not sure “Best” is the right fit. Not because of any inherent flaws but because there are too many great coffee shops in Cape Town alone to call any one of them the “World’s Best.”

More accurate descriptors might be: Interesting, worth the visit, worth a second visit, worth repeated visits, memorable, clever, appealing, enjoyable and really great food, but “Best” really gives little detail about the shop and is more sensational than helpful.

How To Find It

Sorry but “Convenient” is another word that doesn’t fit. We found Truth easily enough on Google, first page, but then needed a Garmin to get there. It didn’t seem like it was “on the way” to anything. Certainly not on the way for a tourist.

I can’t fault them on that, though, since Cape Town can be a little tangled at times. You learn very quickly that Capetonians never throw old buildings away. Tight fits are common and, I must say, can be very interesting if not a little maddening. Even Garmin gets confused occasionally.

But, if you’re in Cape Town, get out your Garmin and navigate to Truth. We loved it and would happily visit again. Following is what we found.

Riviera Resort – Sea Point, Cape Town

March 10, 2016 by EnnisP Leave a Comment

Location, Location,
Location!

We recently stayed at the Riviera Resort (timeshare) in the Sea Point area of Cape Town. It was the week of March 4-11. The Cape Town Cycle Tour, which was the reason we visited Cape Town, took place on the 6th of March.

The weather was great the whole week and particularly nice on race day: Cool but not cold, Slightly breezy, sunny and generally very pleasant.

The Riviera Resort was just what we needed. It had a few bad points but it was mostly a great experience. We booked a four sleeper through RCI, but bookings can also be arranged through First Exchange.

Four Sleeper

Our four sleeper consisted of an open plan lounge-bedroom area that had one king size bed and a pull out sleeper couch.

There was a separate bathroom that had a bath-come-shower arrangement. The door for the shower extended half the length of the bath and swung free.

The kitchen had the usual appliances, which I won’t list other than to mention the stove/oven was counter top (microwave sized) and the fridge was half sized. That’s probably standard for a 4 sleeper and was fine for two. [Read more…] about Riviera Resort – Sea Point, Cape Town

Grading The 94.7 Cycle Challenge – 2014

November 17, 2014 by EnnisP Leave a Comment

1,496 Meters
Of Climbing

The 2014 rendition of the 94.7 Cycle Challenge was all about change.

Some of the changes were great and some not so much.

The biggest change was the location of the start and finish. It was moved off the normal route, which means the route had to change also. Only about 20 kilometers were affected but it created some anxiety for both old and new riders.

The location change was inevitable. The previous start/finish line was too constricted to handle the increasing number of participants. The congestion was maddening and dangerous.

The route change was also necessary but race organizers made a few choices we hope they’ll reconsider next year.

This was my third 94.7. I know what it was like last year and how it felt this year. My trustee Garmin even provided some helpful data to share.

Here’s how I graded the race. [Read more…] about Grading The 94.7 Cycle Challenge – 2014

The Big Leap: Moses Mabhida Stadium Swing – Durban

December 9, 2013 by EnnisP Leave a Comment

A Rush You’ll Savor A Long Time

Coming to Durban? Don’t miss the opportunity to take the big leap at Moses Mabhida stadium, the tallest swing in the world. It’s scary but what a rush!

Skip to 1m50s to see my jump.

The numbers to remember:

106 Meters (347 feet): the height of the jumping platform.
88 Meters (288 feet): the length of the jump.
220 Meters (721 feet): the length of the swing arc.
352: the number of steps to the jumping platform.

Looking down on the stadium in person gives the best perspective but the numbers are impressive.

Jump Procedure

I was impressed with the professional and friendly manner of the Jump personnel. The video shows it all but the procedure is:

You’re fitted with a full body harness in the Jump office.
You make your way from the office to the stadium arch.
You climb the steps to the Jump platform safely secured by a guide wire.
You are fitted with two safety wires before climbing down a short ladder to the Jump platform.
On the platform you are accompanied by two Jump managers who carefully connect you to the Jump cord – before releasing your safety wire – and gently guide you to the edge of the platform.
The Jump managers count “1, 2, 3, jump” and you leap into the chasm – after dispelling your one moment of doubt.
Once the swinging stops you’re raised to the Jump platform and reconnected to the guide wire.
Reverse the steps till you’re back in the Jump office.

You even receive a certificate proving you made the Jump and once framed, it gives you bragging rights for years to come.

You can see more great pics in the slider at the bottom of this page.

For address, contact details and directions read further. [Read more…] about The Big Leap: Moses Mabhida Stadium Swing – Durban

Suntide Illovo Sands – Durban South Coast, Amanzimtoti

May 8, 2013 by EnnisP 7 Comments

Beautiful Setting
Not So Appealing Surrounds

Just south of Amanzimtoti – near Winkelspruit – the Suntide Illovo Sands, a Holiday Club timeshare, is situated approximately 150 meters walk from the shoreline.

My wife and I made a midweek visit during the winter months – middle of June – and here is what we found.

The positives:

It is quiet, except for the sounds of the surf and the blowing of the wind. Very pleasant.
Units were neat, tidy, well maintained and self catering.
Grounds were clean and well maintained.
Our six sleeper unit had two bathrooms and two bedrooms. The 5th and 6th person were accommodated on beds in the lounge, beds that I could rest on.
Easily accessed braai units (BBQ’s) are located throughout.
All the usual timeshare services and amenities: daily house cleaning, game room, pool table, table tennis, an assortment of games, laundry, pool, TV and babysitting.
Every unit has beautiful views of the beach and ocean.
Personnel are friendly and professional.
The upmarket Galleria Mall within 12 kilometers drive.

Unfortunately, however, the negatives outweigh the positives, at least for me: [Read more…] about Suntide Illovo Sands – Durban South Coast, Amanzimtoti