South Africa Here I Come

By Doug

Sep

9

With the approaching winter coming on I think about the all too needed winter get away that will be necessary by Jan or early Feb. I like heading south of the equator where it is summer while we freeze in winters snow and ice. Other years have included trips to South America: Argentina Buenos Aries and the Pampas were very memorable and Brazil was a blast dancing a parting late into the hot tropical nights and days of sunning by the beach. Last year was Australia but this year I am thinking of something a little more exotic. Some where like Cape Town. So I am looking into Cape Town South Africa hotels and accommodations for my upcoming trip out o the winter. It is the short day, the cloudiness and the dismal weather that makes me need to plan this annual get away for the winter to somewhere I can get the promise of summers returning one day to where I live. In South Africa I want to go tot the wine country. Tour some wineries and sample the wines that the South African wineries have to offer. Other than that I don’t have or want to make any other plans. Simply an arrival date a departure date somewhere to stay and that is it. The rest of the time I will be laying it by ear. No plans schedules or stresses on my time to me in general. Relaxing will being order and sunning to bring up the mood. i like to keep everything else as a though and idea so I don;t have to feel pressured to make a schedule or meet time frames. Walking along the beach without any time restraints sounds like a winner of a day to me and what could be more relaxing and recharging any way.

Earth Temple in Cape Town

By Doug

Aug

27

I came to Cape Town to visit a dear friend of mine, who insisted I come and see how these architects transformed her home into a more sustainable, earth friendly home. She wanted me to stay in her newly remodeled home, but no matter where I go, I always prefer not to put my friends out, so I made reservations at one of the top Cape Town hotels, hoping this would not offend my dear friend. It did not, as a matter of fact, she was waiting for me in the lobby as soon as she found out I had arrived. She was that excited to show me her new way of living in South Africa.

The drive took about an hour, she lives just outside of Cape Town on some pretty prime property. During our drive this gave her the opportunity to tell me about the process of her remodel and the firm she hired to do it. The architects core philosophy is to create holistic architecture. This intrigued me, I never thought about our living area could be holistic. They integrate living spaces with the natural environment. They honor the site with taking a tremendous amount of care and time to get connected with the land itself. They identify its characteristics, both on the energetic plane and the physical plane. That sounded weird to me, but my dear friend continued. She told me that the architect firm took a journey into the history of the land and its spiritual ancestors. They even engaged in conversations with the native folk of the surrounding land and connected with the ancestors on an esoteric level. I asked my friend if she was being duped, but she just smiled at me and told me that I will eat my words once I see her place.

She told me what the architecture that manifested as a result of their nurturing harmonised with nature and man. They created synergy by integrating the natural elements with contemporary features. Therefore, they created a healthy space of mind, body and soul. This all sounded so laughable to me, but as we approached her land and her home. My jaw dropped, goosebumps raises on my skin. I was totally taken by what I saw. I can’t show you a photo, but a photo would barely describes just how wonderful it felt to be here on her land and in her home. My dear friend had to hold me as she walked me around the grounds and through her home. I felt like time had stopped, I felt at home, a oneness and at peace. Earth Temple Architects philosophy is by far the most amazing concept I’ve ever experienced.

Norman Catherine, Cape Town Artist

By Doug

Aug

20

When traveling to Cape Town, luxury hotel accommodations can make the trip from lovely to heavenly. With only the finest of amenities, our hotels are stunning examples of grace and stature. Treating yourself to a truly decadent experience can invigorate the mind and the senses, and no better place to do it than in the beauty of South Africa, with its rich land and gorgeous sea. Our luxury hotels offer the best in both hospitality and contemporary design. You’ll also be perfectly connected to the world at large with state of the art technologies and in-room entertainment. The dining here is also exceptional, featuring local and international recipes created by world class chefs. Your stay here will leave you rejuvenated, and ready to explore the city.

Cape Town is very lively, and rich in culture. With the long and troubled history in South Africa, there are many sights that have great interest for all the members of the family. There is also a thriving art scene, with a stunning array of galleries and museums. If visual art is particularly appealing to you, then chances are very good that you’ll run into works by one of Cape Town’s most pre-eminent artists, Norman Catherine. His use of everyday material to create unforgettable works of painting, sculpture, and mixed media are almost iconic in the world of African art generally, and South African art specifically.

Norman Catherine was born in East London in 1949, and his work features prominently in South African art exhibitions, and is also shown at an impressive number of international galleries, and is featured in many exhibitions of public art around the world. He began painting in oil on traditional canvas as well as bone and other found objects. By the 1980s, his signature style was already well-established. The visceral humor and splendid use of color make the work of Norman Catherine enormously distinctive. The subject matter is often based in the history of South Africa, and suggests allegorical and metaphorical representations of certain metaphysical truths. His stunning work is unforgettable, and worth watching out for.