ORIGIN!

Origin Music Festival is one of the highlights of my year, definitely! But then again, I am most certainly a trance addict to the point of insanity, my friends, new friends and all of the vendors at Origin will agree that my constant foot-tapping and swinging hips are a testament to my dedication.
Only R250 for a weekend pass to absolute bliss...
Unfortunately we were only able to set off on the second night, but we made our way there early on the saturday morning. I did find that the lack of reception was a breath of fresh air, and the welcome into the gates by a flower power hippies just heightened the excitement.
The venue itself, Helderstroom is absolutely beautiful! An oasis in the middle of craggy and dry hills, the abundance of trees and dams made for a beautiful spot. So we set off and erected the tent and immediately went for a bit of a wonder about, the Aztec inspired trance stage was magnificent and the crowds had already formed and were ready to go, so it was only a matter of inserting our home-made apple sour slash go-juice into our lumo-ed up bottles and we hit the dancefloor!
I was so pumped up for Avalon, that I barely noticed how tired I was, and after a short hour, we headed back to the tent, making some new friends as we went and then eventually settling at our tent again, for a short power nap.
Later....
The power nap worked wonders and sooner rather than later, we headed back to the dancefloor, AVALON, was in full swing! I was utterly blown away by the energy that this DJ extraordinaire was creating and we continued to trance the night away.

The DJ's kept on coming but at this point I must admit to being slightly 'sloshed' and losing all sense of time. Simply divine.
I can't wait for the next series of trance adventures, Easter Vortex to be exact? I hope to see you all there... I'll be in the Captains Hat, with a thing of papsak.

http://soundcloud.com/avalon-2/cosmic-relationships/   <---- Go and check this link out... NEOW!
http://soundcloud.com/avalon-official/he-basement-avalon-remix

G-Zis was Here

G-Zis was here.
Well, at Assembly.

Well, he turned my ear-drums into mush and then he decided to go ahead and try convert me to christianity.
Not that I have a problem with that at all, but you can definitely agree that most of the club was rather surprised to hear a blasting of baby-jesus music coming from the overhead speakers, heck! I think even the bloke that was fixing the speaking was shocked for a second.
But then came the bass.

The entire club went crazy with a break that actually has a similar sound to more European dub but hey, I didn't see anyone complaining! The sound was quite intense, and most of the people in the audience, myself included, as was my group of mates, were jumping wildly in the air, sloshing drinks... EVERYWHERE!
It was like a vodka-lime-water shower.
Mmmm... Vodka lime!

Here's a sound clip from last night for those of you that decided not to attend SYNW student night at the assembly and missed out.
Daddy Warbucks also just brought it all home in the end, making up for how bloody packed the club was.

This is a bio taken directly from their spot on The Assembly website as possible SYNW regulars..

"G-Zis is the DJ duo of Alex Fourie and Adriaan Louw. Already established in their own rights - Fourie as the keyboardist/trumpeter of Afrikaans indie band Foto Na Dans, and Louw as a prolific music photographer - G-Zis was formed as an outlet for their eclectic musical tastes for symphonic/melodic electro. Making their debut as the featured act of See You Next Wednesday in May 2011, G-Zis is set to ascend through the ranks as a DJ duo comfortable in any scene".

http://soundcloud.com/g-zis/xmas-rave-sokkie-mix

That song just pumped my up, I'm still a bit delicate, but I'm already getting ready for another SYNW.

Paulaner Brauhaus

Going to Paulaner Brauhaus during the week is definitely something that every Cape Town resident should invest in, the authentic German atmosphere creates a feeling of home for many of the foreigners situated in the Cape as well as create a perfect home for beer-lovers and enthusiasts.

 

Located at the V&A Waterfront, by the Clock Tower, the Brauhaus supplies everything gemrna that see in the movies, from home made giant pretzels to self-brewed beer on the premises, you can expect a fantastic night of sing-alongs and drunken promises.
I, personally am not the biggest beer drinker but from the multitude of my friends that don't stop raving about the taste special, where you get to sample some 6 local and foreign beers before getting to choose your preference. I did however, indulge in the schnitzel, the pretzel and the pork rack that were all equally delicious, but not when you're trying to maintain a healthy life-style.
Paulaner is a lot of fun, I had a great time and I look forward to their 'Oktoberfect' where drunk Germans around Cape Town join with those that want to sing and dance to German rock and folk music.

All and all, a great place to spend some time with friends.

The Body Shop

The Body Shop has got to be one of my favorite places to go and get some essentials, the constant smells spilling from the shop onto the outside porch is simply heavenly and I do so enjoy the open mosturiser that you can have a quick glance at.
I went ad decided to treat myself to some well-earned hand moisturizer that will showcase my signature strawberry scent. I tend try and find different and unique smells to wear as I simply cannot wear the generic stuff off the counter if everyone else is.
The pint-sized hand lotion is strawberry adorable and is half finished, already a hit with the boyfriend as he prefers nice smelling but not too heavy on the nose.

You can get this sweet little thing for a decent price and for a nice bargain, you can even try and have a look at their summer 50% discount sale.

My little tip: I buy the Strawberry home fragrance, only R50 and then use that as perfume, only one or two drops and you're sorted for the whole day. Those of you who are reading this and who know me, you'll attest to how perfect it is, subtle and so delightfully delicious smelling.

Mungo and Jemima in Long Street

Mungo and Jemima on Long Street is the perfect place to skip away to on the pretense of a coffee break.
Along the right hand side of the road, it's easy to miss this little gem, but when you're like me and you're on a mission to find a perfect summer cozzie, you will go out of your way to find those spots.
I walked into to the (thankfully) airconditioned little shop and immediately noticed that the theme from them for this summer is that subtle clothing is all the rage, with delicate pastels and some interesting hair pieces, you can find some day/night outfits all in one go.
Whilst I oh, so infatuated by these outfits browsed, something quite colorful caught my eye, a charming one piece that had some gold embellishments and a chain to join the low cut front together.
Now normally nothing screams "Persian nightclub owner" like a gold chain across a red top, but this whole costume screamed, oh rather showed class and elegance.

With a peacock motif the outfit really does just call to me, and lo and behold, I am now carrying a signature Mungo and Jemima bag with the promises of a beach day.

When I turned around towards the back of the store, I saw some cute hairbands that had a 1920's flair to them, the hipster inspired to need to add to everything excessively didn't stop here, yet these pieces are cute and detached, perfet for a variety of outfits and bound to be beautiful all on their own.

My personal favorite being the little silver, sparkly bow.

All and all, the shop is well priced for the quality of clothes that it provides, but don't hope for it to be something that won't empty that little purse of yours.
I love the clothes, love the designers and I will most certainly make it a go-to spot for my summer shopping must-haves.

Dizzy's in Camps Bay

Found in a corner in Camps Bay, Dizzy's is a gem in the rough. A haven for students, consisting of a Tuesday Night Karaoke special where a R20 entrance fee can help you (with the aid of reasonably priced drinks) remove all inhibitions and you can sing that old Madonna song you buried away with the old microphone/hairbrush.

The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with a cosy pizza oven in plain view and some naturalistic décor design that creates a great vibe, you’ll find yourself in the watering hole of the student, and Camps Bay resident with new friends made after the first beer.

Owing to Camps Bays nightlife going more up market, and thus more expensive, Dizzy's is a perfect night out for those on a budget that want a good meal and a drink with mates.  You can expect to find an average Draught costing R20 and their famous thin-base pizzas from an upwards of R60 per. 

All and all, located just behind the Pick ‘N Pay on Victoria Road in Camps Bay, I’m going to give it a 7/10  rating for a great atmosphere, well priced and delicious food and position. On a Student Budget, an 8+/10  for well priced entertainment in relation to location and the night you’ll have. Even if just seen as that delightful sundowner spot…

Blue Rock

Blue Rock is a quarry that was long ago pumped full of water and left to the amusement and in the hands of kitesurfers, wakeboarders and adrenaline junkies for them to unite and create an incredible area where for a R35 entrance fee you can make your way down a dusty road to paradise.
A few friends and myself decided to make it our weekend mission, the venue itself being a smooth 45 minutes out of Cape Town towards Somerset West

But when we got there it was simply fantastic! Even though you may pay R200 for rental of a wakeboard for about 2 hours, I can absolutely guarantee it was worth it.
The 'cable' runs on a pulley system that tows you around the quarry, as you feel the slack and tensing of the cable you learn to tune yourself into the various hurdles and obstacles, such as those too weak to hold on, and have a blast.
I tried my hand at the knee boarding, and lo and behold! I bailed. Absolutely miserably, but thanks to my supportive posse, after a few more shouts I managed to make half a circuit before succumbing to the pressure and heading back to the relaxing braai area where multiple bottles of beer had been cracked open.

There is also a place where you can go and order some very basic things, a toasted sandwich or a burger, and a delicious selection o ice-cream is also at your beck and call.

I'm going to say that I had a wonderful time with friends and the price I paid was well worth the short escape!

The Old Biscuit Mill

So... On Saturday I decided to take a little tour of the Biscuit Mill, family was down from Johannesburg and so they wanted to go to a truly Capetonian venue.. Biscuit Mill it is then!
As we struggled to find parking, the hordes has already flocked to where the delicious smells hailed, and it was all we could do to not sprint through the front gates and into the main area.

 

First we went to the Mushroom Kebabs, an assortment of mushrooms on a sticks that are coated with an oil marinade and put on a little braai until they reach delicious perfection! The next stop was to the Macaroons, which was a bit of a task owing to the multitude of people, but these little elbows of mine were a perfect match for the crowd and 4 Macaroons (vanilla, coffee and x2 chocolate) later, my wallet was only R20 lighter and we were on our way again to the smoothie bar.
Anything from mango and orange to a pomegranate smoothie that will have you crying out for more, we had to use all of our willpower to pull ourselves away and then head across to where there was a crowd around a ginormous paella pan that could have fed an entire infantry!
The paella, as you may have now immediately understood, was divine.

The Old Biscuit Mill does not only have food however, if you exit the main food area, you come across a tent that is the housing for a vast collection of vintage and locally designed clothing (being a definite source of some of my wardrobe) and  some little bits and pieces.
The NEW chocolate factory that shows you all the info on how and why they do things to chocolate to make it as delicious as it is...

The Biscuit Mill has something for everyone, food, drink, good conversation, clothing, everything.
I try to go there whenever I can and for as long as I can, just beware that there are likely a few thousand other people thinking exactly the same thing.

Pickwicks in Long Street

When you walk into Mr Pickwicks in Long Street, you immediately feel an edge.
The bright yellow exterior points to an out of place black opening, the door leads to a narrow entry way and well, a small sense of claustrophobia is experienced, this all during my last lunch break, but as soon as you get over the various assortment of chars and sardine sized lower level, you immediately go to the shining display, which houses pastries as well as an assortment of other goodies.
BUT WAIT!
That is merely the beginning for my sense of smell, the menu handed to me as I climbed up to the higher level of the establishment, a beautiful view of Long Street, I saw to my amazement, the vast collection of milkshakes!
Everything from liquour milkshakes, laced with amarula and heaven knows what other higher level prcent alcohol, to the plain double thick chocolate, or cookies and cream. I decided to be a bit naughty and be experimental, with a 600ml Amarula milkshake, and a few pieces of oreo thrown into the mix.
That first sip... Disbelief.
The second... An epiphany.
The third sip being my taste buds having gone to heaven, reluctant to come back, regardless of my constant attempts to bring myself back to reality.

Even though this restaurant has milkshakes that are so reputable people drive for miles to get them, one can be very very certain that an experience like this is highly affordable and highly enjoyable, this being the first in a multitude of trips to Pickwicks that I will make over the course of life.
Don't expect to be treated like a princess though! The staff are direct and to the point, an admirable trait, but the burgers, milkshakes and assorted other goodies don't just pas you by, be prepared and be happy.
Dear readers, I do hope you enjoy!