Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

:: Hout Bay :: Noordhoek :: Kommetjie :: Scarborough :: Cape of Good Hope :: :: Simon’s Town :: Fish Hoek :: Kalk Bay :: St. James :: Muizenberg ::



Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Hooked?







Hooked on football or hooked on fishing!? Whilst most South Africans, and without doubt our visiting fans, are completely hooked on football, there are some fans who have become hooked on fishing!

Wednesday and Thursday are rest days in the tournament. The next soccer feast starts on Friday 2 July 2010 when the Quarter finals kick off:
Holland meet Brazil in PE at 16:00
Uruguay meet Ghana in JHb, (Soccer City) at 20h30

Saturday 3 July 2010:
Argentina meet Germany at 16:00 in Cape Town
Paraguay meet Spain at 20:30 in Jhb (Ellis Park)

We recommended grabbing a rod and trying to catch some fish while the weather holds and you can have your own feast caught with your own hand. Forecast for Cape Town is rain free for the next 7 days (subject to change of course!) so conditions look excellent for getting out on the water. Why not try your hand at deep sea fishing or perhaps inshore fishing with Hooked on Africa Fishing Charters.

Hooked on Africa have been catching some BIG yellowfin tuna (75- 95kg). The tuna season usually runs from September to June but the great news is that the tuna are still running and the end of the season can be the best time to bag a big one! Most trips are headed out past Cape Point – so a great opportunity to see this famous natural landmark from the water and at a new angle!

A day out in the deep will long be remembered as it brings you in contact with one of the world’s toughest fighting fish as well as a diverse eco-system. It’s likely that in the warm water current you will see Albatross, Killer Whales (Orca) and Dusky Dolphins. Whale season has just begun so a good chance of seeing Southern Right Whales as well.

Snoek are the predominant fish available in winter and the snoek are running big time for the inshore trips. Snoek are an underrated game fish which move in huge quantities during the months of May – September so we can almost guarantee a catch. They are usually 15 – 20 meters deep and weigh about 5 – 7 kg. Even a novice can manage this!

Daiwa stand up rods with both Penn International and Shimano reels are supplied for conventional fishing.

Hooked on Africa are based in Hout Bay and their World Cup special is a per person rate at R1350 for the day. That’s great news as you don’t need a group to charter the boat!

Fishing Trips and Bookings can be made through Cape Point Route: info@capepointroute.co.za and as always subject to availability. Tel: 021 782 9356.

There are alternative options for fishing charters running from Simon’s Town so contact Cape Point Route for assistance or look at the Cape Point Route website for more details and other activity suggestions.

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities, Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Fishing Article Posted on Cape Point Route blogspot - July 2009

Images courtesy of Hooked on Africa (from their Facebook group)
1. Sean and Mike with some MASSIVE tuna- taken this June 2010
2. Beautiful Snoek Specimen- June 2010
3. More tuna fishing in June 2010
4. Dorado - all 13kg of it! June 2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

Cape Point Shark Adventure Tour






Some teams go home, some fans stay to explore.

After Friday 25 June, teams from Switzerland, Honduras, Denmark and Cameroon packed their bags and headed home as the Group stages of the World Cup came to a conclusion. We are now in the middle of the Round of 16 and the Korea Republic, USA, Mexico and England are joining the exodus from South Africa as they were elminated by Uruguay, Ghana, Mexico and Germany respectively. Despite the teams leaving South Africa we hope the fans decide to stay and play a little longer and take the opportunity to explore Cape Town and South Africa.

The Netherlands take on Slovakia in Durban today at 16:00 and Brazil face Chile at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in a South American clash at 20:30. Portuguese and Spanish fans are descending on Cape Town ahead of the European clash at Cape Town stadium tomorow evening and in the other Round of 16 Match, Paraguay take on Japan at 16:00 in Pretoria.

There are literally hundreds of things to do in Cape Town and it can be very difficult to select which tour or activity best suits the time you have available. Cape Point Route is always available to offer suggestions and give recommendations to enhance your experience in Cape Town. One of the most popular excursions is the visit to the most south-western tip of the African continent - Cape Point. One of the most popular activities is Shark Cage Diving. Now you can combine a visit to Cape Point and Boulders Penguin colony with an adventure of a lifetime - shark cage diving...

See details and itinerary below.

1 day Cape Point Shark Adventure Tour:
A full day adventure tour in Simon's Town, South Africa.

Experience It
08:30 Pick up from your hotel

09:30 Arrive Cape Point –Witness the majestic meeting of the two oceans. Breathe in the cleanest air and see the cleanest ocean. The area is of rich cultural and historical significance and includes monuments to early explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Bartholomeu Dias. Visit the curio shops and restaurants or relax.

11:30 Arrive Boulders Beach Penguin Colony – Home to 3000 Jackass penguins, so called for their hilarious braying. See these delightful creatures up close and personal in their own inhabitant.

12:30 Arrive Simons Town – Apex Shark Expeditions shop – Afternoon Shark trip
The sole focus of this afternoon trip is cage diving and surface viewing. Although you stand a chance of seeing the natural predation and breaching, this behavior mostly takes place in the early morning. We do on most days observe good numbers of sharks around the boat and this is a great opportunity for cage diving and surface viewing.

13:00: Meet crew at Simon’s Town Pier.
Guests are welcomed aboard and a full safety and weather briefing is given before departure.

13:15: Depart for Seal Island. (25 to 35 minute boat ride)

13:30 to 16:30: We decide the best spot to anchor up based on weather conditions and we attract sharks to our vessel. Once a shark approaches our boat, a bait is placed in the water to keep the sharks interested and around the boat for identification and viewing purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled. We do not use shark livers or any other attractants that have a negative impact on the environment and all efforts are made to avoid the sharks coming into contact with our vessel. If the weather conditions are favourable, i.e. good visibility and workable seas, the cage is lowered into the water for cage diving.

Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to the diver wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. So for those not wishing to dive they will still have excellent views of the Great White Shark.
Snacks accompanied by soft drinks, fruit juice, bottled water are available throughout the course of the afternoon.

17:00: Boat will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbour depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.

18:00 Arrive at your hotel

Price
R1999 per person

Includes
Transport
Cape Point entrance fees
Boulders Penguin Colony entrance fees
Great White Afternoon trip

Terms & Conditions
Price is quoted in South African Rands
Price is subject to availability
Full payment required 7 days prior to booking
Full cancellation fee applicable 7 days prior to booking.

BOOK NOW

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities,
Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the
CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA including Hout Bay, Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Scarborough, Cape of Good Hope, Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, St. James, Muizenberg.

Can't find what you are looking for? Please complete our Personal Planner form and we will advise you on Accommodation and Venues, as well as Activities and other Things to Do in on the Cape Point Route based on your interests.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Cape Town in Orange







WOW! Cape Town definitely turned orange last night (24 June 2010) with Dutch fans dominating the crowd and the city as thousands flocked to the stadium and surrounds for the Netherlands versus Cameroon match at Cape Town stadium! Cape Point Route has officially recruited the entire Dutch nation as CPR representatives!

As with the rest of the tournament so far I continue to be awed and amazed at the spirit in Cape Town and am so proudly South African. In our quest as hosts we have tried to meet and interact with as many nationalities as possible to welcome them and share the spirit of Ubuntu. It is heart warming to hear every single person enthuse about their experience and without hesitation declare their intent on returning to our city and our country, bringing back family and friends.

Netherlands beat Cameroon 2:1 in a match that wasn’t going to change the standings in Group E despite a gutsy performance from the colourfully clad Cameroon team – and their enthusiastic supporters. Japan beat Denmark 3:1 in the other Group E match and that result sees the Danes heading home with Cameroon.

Group E: Final standings
Netherlands – 9
Japan – 6
Denmark – 3
Cameroon – 0

Group F: Final standings
Paraguay – 5
Slovakia – 4
New Zealand – 3
Italy – 2

So with only Group G and Group H left to play their final Group stage matches today (25 June 2010) the scene is set for the round of 16 which begins tomorrow Saturday 26 June 2010.

Kick off for Portugal – Brazil in Durban is at 16h00 today
Korea DPR – Ivory Coast also kicks off at 16h00 in Nelspruit today

Chile take on Spain at 20h30 in Pretoria this evening
Switzerland face Honduras at 20h30 in Bloemfontein this evening.

OTHER MATCHES THIS WEEKEND.

Saturday 26 June 2010

Uruguay – Korea Republic at 16h00 in Port Elizabeth
USA – Ghana at 20h30 in Rustenburg

Sunday 27 June 2010

Germany – England at 16h00 in Bloemfontein
Argentina – Mexico at 20h30 in Johannesburg (soccer city)

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Cape Point Route goes Dutch






It’s MATCH Day in Cape Town and the city has gone Orange! Cape Point Route LOVES this as orange is our favourite colour. Cape Point Route welcomes all the Dutch & Cameroon supporters who are in Cape Town for the Netherlands- Cameroon game this evening at Cape Town stadium. The Dutch are dominating the fans with orange splashed all over the city and creating a “Koningingedag” in Cape Town. Kick off is at 08h30 pm at Cape Town Stadium.

The Group Stages of the World Cup are drawing to a close and we already know that 8 teams are headed home, sadly our very own Bafana Bafana amongst them. What we can verify is that the spirit of the South African national team has not been dampened by their exit from the tournament and the fans are cheering for the visitors!

Current Results:

Group A:
Uruguay – 7 (GD + 4)
Mexico – 4 (GD +1)
South Africa – 4 (GD -2)
France – 1 (GD -3)

Group B:
Argentina – 9 (GD+6)
Korea Republic 4 (GD +1)
Greece – 3 (GD -3)
Nigeria – 1 (GD -2)

Group C:
USA – 5 (GD +1)
England – 5 (GD +1)
Slovenia – 4 (GD 0)
Algeria – 1 (GD -2)

Group D:
Germany – 6 (GD +4)
Ghana – 4 (GD 0)
Australia – 4 (GD -3)
Serbia – 3 (GD -1)

In the remaining groups decisions will be determined in the next few days.

Group E:
Netherlands – 6
Japan – 3
Denmark – 3
Cameroon – 3

Group F:
Paraguay – 4
Italy – 2
New Zealand – 2
Slovakia – 2

Group G:
Brazil – 6
Portugal – 6
Côte d’Ivoire – 1
Korea DPR – 0

Group H:
Chile – 6
Spain – 3
Switzerland – 3
Honduras – 0

Upcoming matches are as follows:

Thursday 24 June 2010:
Slovakia vs Italy at 16h00 in Johanesburg – Ellis Park
Paraguay vs New Zealand at 16h00 in Polokwane

Denmark vs Japan at 20h30 in Rustenburg
Cameroon vs Netherlands at 20h30 in CAPE TOWN

Friday 25 June 2010:

Portugal vs Brazil at 16h00 in Durban
Korea DPR v Ivory Coast at 16h00 in Nelspruit

Chile vs Spain at 20h30 in Pretoria
Switzerland vs Honduras at 20h30 in Bloemfontein

Cape Point wishes everyone well and PAINT Cape Town orange tonight and all fans are welcome to paint Cape Point Route ORANGE from tomorrow!

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities,
Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the
CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

First whale spotted from CPR office!







It’s a gorgeous Cape Town day, the sea in False Bay is glassy and it was with great excitement that we saw our first whale from our office in Glencairn! So although some other whales have been spotted, this is our first sighting and it means that whale season has officially started.

Most of the whales that we spot are Southern Right Whales, though it is not uncommon to find humpback whales or occasionally Brydes whales. The Cape Point Route has some of the best land based whale watching in South Africa but it is a treat to take a boat into the bay to get up close and personal.

Whales are the giants of the sea and approximately the same size as 12 elephants! If you are lucky you may even experience some cool whale behaviour.
•Breaching – whale clears the surface with two-thirds or more of its body, often with a twisting motion! Amazing!
•Blowing – normal exhalation and inhalation pattern at the surface. Look for the spray!
•Spy hopping – whale rises vertically to a point where the eyes are above the water, then spins round to look at the area.
•Pectoral slap – whale rolls onto the side and slaps its pectoral (side) fins against the water.
•Lobtailing or tail slap - whale lifts its flukes (whale tail) out of the water and brings them down onto the water hard and fast. The sound can be heard for miles!

Whale watching boat trips leave Simon’s Town harbour daily at 09h00, 12h00 and 14h30 and the trip lasts for 2 hours. It is advisable to book in advance, but please be aware that all trips are subject to weather conditions. Trip costs R800 per adult and R550 for children under the age of 12.

You can book you whale watching trip with Cape Point Route.

Read about the "permanent" whale tail in Glencairn here or our 2007 boat trip to Cape Point where we saw a huge pod of humpback whales.

Monday, June 21, 2010

The longest night!






Today is the 21st June and the Winter Solstice – making it the shortest day and the longest night of the year in the Southern hemisphere. It could quite possibly feel like the longest night of their lives in the Bafana Bafana team camp.

The final games of the Group stages take place from tomorrow the 22nd June 2010 and it’s crunch time with half the 32 teams heading back to their home countries by the end of the round. The games kick off with Bafana Bafana playing against France at 4pm and Uruguay play Mexico at the same time in the Group A games. As most South Africans are well aware, Bafana Bafana has a mammoth task ahead to get through to the Round of 16 but we are confident that will put up the biggest fight of their lives, with the country behind them 100%!

The situation is not a positive one on paper for Bafana Bafana but there is a chance that they can still make the Round of 16. It will be tough for sure but this is the World Cup and there have been more surprises and upsets than it would have appeared on paper at the start of the tournament. Home crowd advantage, incredible guts and spirit and a whole lot of luck could see a miracle happen. I am not a football journalist and I am not a football analyst but I am a fan and I am copying an article on iafrica.com that helped me make sense of the situation that Bafana Bafana find themselves in and the chances that they have to progress further in the Tournament. Click here for the original article with thanks!

We need (six) Miracles
Bafana Bafana still have hope. It’s slim, hell it’s less than that, but no matter how small the chance, the World Cup hosts still have an opportunity to qualify for the second round of the tournament on Tuesday when they face France.

The 3-0 loss to Uruguay, however, did little to help their chances and unfortunately for South Africans, the team needs more than a win against France to qualify… they need a big victory. And even if they do win big, it may not be enough if the Mexico-Uruguay result does not go their way.

So what do they need to happen on Tuesday? We bring you a couple of scenarios.

How they stand:
Uruguay currently tops the group on four points. Mexico sits in second place on four points (they are behind on goal-difference). France is third on one point, just pipping South Africa (also on one) on goal-difference.

What Bafana need:
Effectively, Bafana Bafana are competing with Mexico for second place in the group. If Bafana beat France, the latter are out. If Bafana lose, they too are out of the tournament.
So, Bafana Bafana have to beat France. But they also need to beat them by a healthy margin to catch up on Mexico’s goal difference (GD) as a win will draw them level on points, but not on GD.
Bafana Bafana currently have a GD of -3, while Mexico have +2.
This effectively means that Bafana Bafana must make up a goal difference of six. For example, if they win 3-0, Mexico have to lose 3-0 to Uruguay. If Bafana Bafana only manage a 1-0 victory, Mexico would have to lose 5-0 for the World Cup hosts to go through…

You get the picture, South Africa need a miracle to qualify for the second round.

But then, when you consider the meltdown in the France camp at present, we may have just been handed one. Now if only Mexico and Uruguay play ball...

If you would like to spend the longest night (or any other night) on the Cape Point Route please contact Cape Point Route for suggestions on accommodation, activities, attractions, restaurants, shops, tours or packages in the south peninsula. We also offer assistance for Cape Town and Beyond!

Good luck Bafana Bafana - our nation is behind you, Cape Point Route is behind you and no matter what happens we are proud of your efforts and the spirit ("gees") you have generated in our nation. We hope that the phsyical length of the night does not reflect your spirits this evening!

Images:
All Bafana Bafana images found on Google images!...But we liked them - remember that dance after the Tsabalala goal, the joy on the players faces and their positive, confident body language, how proudly we sang the national anthem on 11 June 2010? And the final image is outside the Cape Point Route office with that glorious Vuvuzela moment on the 9 June 2010 when we united together to support our team. Let's not forget!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Father’s Day ... & More Football







Father’s Day is on Sunday 20 June 2010 and whilst it is a day to honour fathers and all they do for their children, Father’s Day in South Africa 2010 is being a little overshadowed by football fever. The idea is to express gratitude to your dad for all his love and support, be it through spending time with your dad, having a meal together and giving a card or a gift or a treat!

If your Dad is a football fan (or even if he is not) he’ll probably want to watch some football and it would probably a good idea to know that there are 3 matches being held on Sunday 20 June 2010. Plan your Father’s Day activities accordingly and be aware that most restaurants will be screening the games live.

1. 13h30 Slovakia play Paraguay in Bloemfontein
2. 16h00 Italy play New Zealand in Nelspruit
3. 20h30 Brazil play Ivory Coast in Johannesburg at Soccer City.

Saturday 19 June 2010 also features 3 matches if you were planning to make a weekend of it for your dad!

1. 13h30 Netherlands vs Japan in Durban
2. 16h00 Ghana vs Australia in Rustenburg
3. 20h30 Cameroon vs Denmark in Pretoria

There are many restaurants on the Cape Point Route offering Father’s Day specials, but it is worth bringing your Dad down to the Cape Peninsula for a great day out and hanging out with your Dad in Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town, Scarborough; Kommetjie, Noordhoek or Hout Bay. The Cape Point Route is a great place for unique shopping so come south to look for a Fathers Day gift.

Thorfynns Restaurant at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek has a Sunday Roast special for Fathers Day for R85 per person. Reservations are highly recommended! Tel 021 789 8006

Café Roux, one of the restaurants at Noordhoek Farm Village in Noordhoek invite everyone to appreciate the special men in your life with a hearty breakfast or a wholesome lunch for Fathers Day...On the specials board we are going to do our delicious Lamb Pie with creamy mash and salad. Finish off with Fundi's awesome Chocolate Croissant Bread & Butter pudding. This dessert sells out every time...SO good on a winter's day. Me and Mr Brown will provide the music to entertain us into the late afternoon. Call 021 789 2538

At Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie, both the Blue Water Cafe and Free Range Coffee have just a few tables left. We are offering our full menu and specials on our Board. They don’t know what the specials are yet as they try to get the freshest ingredients possible! Cape Point Route suggests you book soon! Blue Water Cafe 021 7832007. Free Range Coffee Shop 021 7835048

The Cape Farmhouse Restaurant in Scarborough have such delightful treats, we are putting the whole lot down for you to check out! Yum Yum. Bookings on 021 780 1246

STARTERS
•Spicy lentil soup with coriander & yoghurt -35
•Farmhouse salad with mixed leaves, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, egg, avocado and croutons - 52
•Mussels with lime, ginger, basil, lemon grass and coconut milk - 45
•Snoek samoosas with relish and fruit chutney -40

MAIN COURSE
•Cajun line fish with rocket, avocado and bean salad and minted yoghurt dressing - 110
•Chicken a la King in white wine, thyme and cream sauce with poached leeks, carrots and potatoes - 85
•Roast lamb with rosemary jus, skordalia potatoes, pan-fried aubergine, slow roast tomato, roast peppers and courgettes - 98
•Samp and sweet potato rosti with mushroom, roast butternut, seasonal vegetables, red pepper coulis and lemon tahini dressing -78

DESSERT
•Homemade Malva Pudding with cream or ice-cream -38
•Lemon Tart - 35
•Chocolate Cake – 32


Keep the World Cup Flags Flying high, we are still supporting Bafana Bafana and we are still supporting this incredible event and we are still supporting our Dads! Happy Father’s Day! Cape Point Route is looking forward to another huge weekend – check out the World Cup Activities on the Cape Point Route in a previous blog.

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of accommodation, activities, attractions, restaurants, venues, shops, tours and packages on the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa. Call us for ideas and suggestions at the information office +27 (0)21 782 9356.

IMAGES:
1. Sally and her Dad (1973)
2. Sally and her Dad (2009)
3. Dad's at Noordhoek Farm Village
4. Ijs and Ole - Dutch dad and his son
5. Christophe with his dad and his kids - 3 generations of Frenchmen

Thursday, June 17, 2010

South African Lingo and “isms” you should know







South African “gees” is a little low today after the national team lost to Uruguay 3-0 last night. Gees is a word meaning “spirit” but there are many other South African –isms our visitors should know.

GEES has been clearly demonstrated over the past few days with vuvuzela blowing, flags waving, large smiles, singing and gesticulating. You’ll hear the word a lot – except possibly today! However South African’s are resilient and determined and the gees will return – after all we have stunning football stadiums, there is amazing football being played in them, all South Africans finally know the national anthem and sing it, languages from all over the world are being heard on our streets and we are hosting the biggest football tournament on the planet – successfully!

Here are some classic South African-isms and we hope the lingo guide will help you on your journey around South Africa. (thanks to Oliver Roberts on Times Live for the majority of the article).

AG (pronounced ach as in the German Achtung) – generally used at the beginning of a sentence, either to express resignation – as in “Ag well, I guess that’s just the way it is” – or to indicate irritation, as in “Ag no man! What did you do that for?”

BABBELAS (BUBBLE-US): Hangover. Usage: "Jeez, I had too many dops last night. I've got a hectic babbelas."

BLIKSEM (BLUK-SEM): If you're in a pub and you accidentally spill a beer belonging to a man with a thick neck, he may say: "Do you want me to bliksem you?" Don't respond. Just run. Run for your life. It's the Afrikaans word for hit or strike or punch.

BOET: Means "brother" in Afrikaans. An affectionate (though not too much) term for a friend. It's like saying "dude" or "buddy"."This guy is my boet!"

BRAAI (pronounced br-eye) - This is the popular South African version of a barbecue where meats such as steak, chicken and boerewors (boo-ruh-vorss) are cooked. Boerewors is a traditional spicy South African sausage made of beef or lamb and is also referred to as wors (vorss). Chances are that you will also be introduced to pap en sous (pup en sohss) at a braai. Pap is boiled corn meal, and sous is the sauce it is covered with, usually featuring tomato and onions. A South African might also indicate that he is feeling physically run down by saying "I'm pap." Translation: "I am feeling weak."

BRU (pronounced brew) - A term of affection used among men, meaning "brother". An example would be "Hey, my bru, howzit?"

CAR GUARD: Found in most urban areas, a car guard's office is the parking lot. He keeps an eye on your car while you're at the match, in the mall or at the pub. You're expected to tip him when you return to your car and it hasn't been stolen or broken into. No. That's a lie. You'll be expected to tip him even if it has.
CAR WORDS - South Africans put petrol in their cars, not gasoline. Trunks are referred to as boots, while hoods are called bonnets.

CHINA - To most people China is the country with the largest population in the world, but to a South African it can mean something entirely different. "China" is a term of affection meaning good friend, as in "This oke's my china". It is term used in casual conversation, and would not be appropriate in more formal surroundings.

DINGES (DING-US): An indeterminate, nondescript thing or term for an object whose name you've momentarily forgotten. Like this: "Please pass me my dinges there." "What?" "My dinges. I want to blow it." "You mean your vuvuzela?" "Yes, my vuvuzela."

DOF: Stupid.

DOP: If someone says "Do you want to go for a dop?" always say yes. It means you'll be going for a drink.

DOSS: Slang for "sleep". Usage: "Is it cool if I doss at your place tonight?"

EINA (AY-NA): Expression of pain, as in "ouch". Usage: "Ooh, looks like Rooney just shattered his pelvis. Eina!"

EISH (AYSH): Common term that denotes a wide range of emotions from joy and surprise to confusion and anger. When in doubt, use it.

GATVOL: Literally means "hole fill" in Afrikaans. Means you've had enough of something that's making you angry. Usage: "Boet, I'm gatvol of this ref's bad decisions." Again with the harsh "g".

HOWZIT - A traditional South African greeting that translates roughly as "How are you?" or "How are things?"

HUNDREDS: Normally repeated twice in a sentence as in "Hundreds, bru, hundreds." It expresses either total agreement with what someone has just said, or confirmation that your life is all good (eg: "How are you?" "Ah, hundreds, man, hundreds"). Can also be used as a way of simply saying yes.

IS IT?: Actually pronounced "uzz ut" or as one word “izit” It's a casual way of saying "Oh really?" or “is that so?” Usage: "Dude, I saw Messi coming out of a ladies toilet yesterday." "Uzz ut?"

JA-WELL-NO-FINE: Nobody really knows what this means, because it doesn't really mean anything. But we like saying it.

JOL: Party. Can be used as either a noun or verb, as in "That was a lekker jol" or "I went jolling last night and ended up in Fabio Cannavaro's hotel room. It was great."

JUST NOW: An indeterminate amount of time. If a waiter says "I'll be with you just now", it could mean anything from five minutes, to 10, to never.

KAK (KUK): Literally "shit". Popular uses include "What a load of kak" and "Don't talk kak".

KE NAKO! Meaning “it’s time”. This term has been popularized by the start of the much anticipated football tournament happening in South Africa.

LADUMA: Celebratory exclamation when a goal is scored. For best effect, try to hold the "u" for as long as possible on one breath, so that the "ma" comes out as a desperate choke. Laduuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.ma.

LANK: Beyond cool is lank cool. Also means a large amount of, as in "There were lank vuvuzelas at the game last night."

LEKKER (LAKKA): Great, awesome, amazing and used to describe anything, as in “lekker dinner last night” to “the game was lekker hey?”

MAMPARA: Idiot.

MZANSI: Popular term for South Africa. Best describes our country's gritty energy and loud African spirit.

NOOIT (NOYT): Expression of disbelief or disdain. As in "Aah, nooit! There's chewing gum on my seat!" or "When I saw Khune being red carded, I just thought 'Nooit, bru!'"

NOW-NOW: Not to be confused with "Just now". Now-now is a much smaller indeterminate amount of time. Hmm. Don't worry - you'll get it.

OKE,OU - A colloquial reference to a man, similar to "guy", "chap" or "bloke". For example: "Do you know that oke?" The word "ou" (pronounced oh) can be used interchangeably.

PHUZA (POO-ZA): A drinking session. "Phuza Thursday" is a noble tradition in South Africa. Try to uphold it while you're here.

ROBOT: When you're asking for directions and someone says: "Left at the third robot," it is not because our streets are overrun with menacing cyborgs made by Japanese scientists. No. A robot is simply our word for traffic light.

SHARP-SHARP!: Okay. This is a complicated one. An expression of agreement. Or a greeting. Or a way of saying goodbye. Or a way of saying "Okay, sure." Or a way of ... forget it.

SIFF: Gross, disgusting. "Check, that guy is picking his nose." "Siff, boet."

SKINDER, SKINNER (pronounced skinner) - Gossip, as in: "Hey china, have you heard the latest skinner?" Someone who talks behind someone's back is known as a skinnerbek. Example: "Jislaaik bru, I'm going to donner that skinnerbek for skinnering about me." Translation: "Gee my friend, I'm going to hit that guy for gossiping about me behind my back."

STRUESBOB (pronounced s-true-zz-bob) - "As true as God", meaning it's the gospel truth. An example is: "I decided to bet just R10 on Brazil winning and struesbob I won R2 000."

ZHOOSH: Very fancy. A word normally utilised by well-kept women with French manicures who will never, ever understand the off-side rule. Use the word if you must (it feels nice in the mouth), but aggressively avoid these women.

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of accommodation, activities, attractions, restaurants, venues, shops, tours and packages on the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa. Call us for ideas and suggestions at the information office +27 (0)21 782 9356.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Happy Birthday Zakumi on Youth Day 16 June 2010








16 June 2010 is a public holiday in South Africa to celebrate Youth Day. Whilst it may feel as though South Africa is having a month long festival, due to the small soccer event taking place in the country, Wednesday is actually the only public holiday in the month of June and July 2010.

South Africa will no doubt be celebrating their football team, Bafana Bafana who play Uruguay in a Group A match. Zakumi the official mascot for the World Cup Football tournament also celebrates his birthday on the same day – Happy Birthday Zakumi!

For those of you who don’t know – Zakumi is a teenage leaopard with spiky green hair and is never seen without a football! Zakumi means South Africa and Number 10. Za – represents the country code for South Africa and Kumi is a Swahili word meaning 10. His personal motto is “Zakumi’s Game is Fair Play” and his mission is to turn the World Cup tournament into a memorable party whilst showing visitors the warmth of South Africa and her people.

It is no real coincidence that Zakumi’s birthday falls on Youth Day in South Africa. Youth in South Africa form an important part of our society and Youth Day is a commemoration of the youth activists who died in the Soweto Uprising of 1976. We think Zakumi’s message and adventurous spirit resonates for all South Africans as he connects with people of all colours, religions, creeds and languages as a true South African ambassador.

On the Cape Point Route we honour our youth all year round, and pride ourselves on being one of the top family friendly destinations in South Africa. The Cape Peninsula has often been dubbed as Cape Town’s “playground” offering activities for the whole family to enjoy. In the youth kingdom of the Cape Point Route there is something for every kid – young and old!

Both Noordhoek Farm Village in Noordhoek and Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie have great kids areas and kid welcoming restaurants. Noordhoek Farm Village is running daily 2 hour craft workshops for kids during the World Cup period and they have regular Saturday morning activities for free between 10h30 – 12h30. Dunes in Hout Bay and Southern Right Hotel in Glencairn also offer a football friendly environment for parents and kids!

Family friendly beaches abound for kids and whilst the weather might be a bit chilly, the kids can still get a lovely run on the beach or as an alternative wrap them up warmly and go look at the rock pool near Dalebrook beach to find sea urchins and limpets! Search for sea shells, fly kites, build sandcastles!

Great spots include:
• World of Birds in Hout Bay (Africa’s largest birdpark) and make sure you don’t miss the Monkey Jungle,
Cape Point Ostrich Farm near the entrance to Cape Point
• The ever popular Scratch Patch at Mineral World in Simon’s Town – where the kids can scratch for a bag of tumble polished gemstones from a patch literally covered in gemstones.
• Slangkoppunt Lighthouse in Kommetjie is another hit with the kids as they climb to the top of South Africa’s tallest cast iron lighthouse.
• The boat trip to Duiker (seal) island in Hout Bay is a fun excursion to see the Cape Fur Seals.
• Take a train ride from Muizenberg (train currently stopping at Fish Hoek with bus service to Simon’s Town). Try the Green Rail and Ride or Southern Line Hop-on Hop-off ticket.
Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town - penguins are there all year round and the kids and adults love them!
Cape Point Nature Reserve - look for the shipwrecks, the animals and ride the Flying Dutchman funicular to the old lighthouse.

For the slightly older kids try:
Surf lessons in Muizenberg (the kids get wet suits & don't feel the cold!)
Walk with baboons (take a warm jacket)
• Sea kayaking (when the north west wind blows the sea is usually calm in False Bay and the kayak departure point at Simon’s Town)
Inshore fishing from Hout Bay.
• Sunscene Adventures at the Cape Farmhouse has a mid –year holiday camp in Scarborough for Gr 2 – Gr 7.

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of accommodation, activities, attractions, restaurants, venues, shops, tours and packages on the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa. Look out for our family packages or call us for ideas and suggestions at the information office +27 (0)21 782 9356.

IMAGES:
1. Zakumi - Official mascot for the World Cup 2010
2. Kids enjoying the football festival at Noordhoek Farm Village
3. Family fun at Noordhoek Farm Village
4. Snake and Reptile park at Imhoff Farm (Photo c/o Imhoff Farm)
5. Inshore Fishing trip with kids (Photo c/o Hooked on Africa)
6. Kommetjie sunset (Photographer: Lucia Sugden)

Monday, June 14, 2010

The Black and White of it....





The 2010 event has begun and WOW what a weekend. The black and white of this major event may ultimately lie with the winning and loosing teams but Cape Point Route is living the colour through the spirit and the flags and the vuvuzelas and our support nation wide of Bafana Bafana.

Fans have been delighted with some fantastic football all over South Africa and they have soaked up the carnival atmosphere that has been evident on every street corner with an increased intensity in and around the stadia on match days. But practical issues, results and fixtures are still being requested so in this blog some of the black and white stuff in facts – weekend results, world cup matches this week and the stadium etiquette – what you can and can’t take into the stadium!

WEEKEND RESULTS:

1. South Africa vs Mexico (1:1)
2. Uruguay vs France (0:0)
3. Korea Republic vs Greecs (2:0)
4. Argentina vs Nigeria (1:0)
5. England vs USA (1:1)
6. Algeria vs Slovenia (0:1)
7. Serbia vs Ghana (0:1)
8. Germany vs Australia (4:0)

WORLD CUP MATCHES DURING THE WEEK ENDING FRIDAY 18 JUNE 2010:

MONDAY 14/06/2010

1. Netherlands vs Denmark: 13h30 in Johannesburg – JSC
2. Japan vs Cameroon: 16h00 in Manguang/Bloemfontein
3. Italy vs Paraguay: 20h30 in Cape Town

TUESDAY 15/06/2010

1. New Zealand vs Slovakia: 13h30 in Rustenburg
2. Côte d ‘Ivoire vs Portugal: 16h00 in Nelson Mandela Bay/ Port Elizabeth
3. Brazil vs Korea DPR: 20h30 in Johannesburg – JEP

WEDNESDAY 16/06/2010

1. Honduras vs Chile: 13h30 in Nelspruit
2. Spain vs Switzerland: 16h00 in Durban
3. South Africa vs Uruguay: 20h30 in Tswane/ Pretoria

THURSDAY 17/06/2010

1. Argentina vs Korea Republic: 13h30 in Johannesburg – JSC
2. Greece vs Nigeria: 16h00 in Manguang/Bloemfontein
3. France vs Mexico: 20h30 in Polokwane

FRIDAY 18/06/2010

1. Germany vs Serbia: 13h30 in Nelson Mandela Bay/ Port Elizabeth
2. Slovenia vs USA: 16h00 in Johannesburg – JEP
3. England vs Algeria: 20h30 in Cape Town.

STADIUM RULES & CODE OF CONTACT:

Very simply put one cannot take weapons into the stadium, no camera or technical equipment that will be used commercially, no food (as food is sold there); no alcohol, no drugs, no bottles or cans; no large objects, no umbrellas & no pets!

Here are the details as found on the FIFA website: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/stadiumcodeofconduct.html

Entry to the stadium:

Stadium Visitors and Accredited Persons shall cooperate with the Authorities, by:
a) producing a Ticket or an Accreditation and, as requested by the FIFA World Cup Stadium Authorities, proof of identity; and
b) submitting to inspections, body checks and removal of items that are prohibited to use, possess, hold or bring into the Stadium on Match days

Prohibited Items:

Unless otherwise authorized by the FIFA World Cup Authorities in writing, Stadium Visitors and Accredited Persons are not permitted to use, possess, hold or bring into the Stadium the following Prohibited Items:

• No weapons.
• No bottles, cups, jugs or cans.
• No recording of sound images or footage other than for private use.
• No alcohol or drugs.
• No racist or xenophobic material eg t-shirts or flags.
• No entering the pitch or area around the pitch.
• No banners or flags larger than 2m x 1.5m.
• No promotional or commercial material.
• No umbrellas.
• No motorcycle helmets.
• No food or drink.
• No gas, spray cans, corrosives or anything that could cause fire.
• No fireworks.
• No standing on seats.
• No excessive noise; megaphone, hooters or gas powered horns. Vuvuzelas are allowed. Kuduzelas are not allowed.
• No selling of goods or tickets.
• No animals.
• No transmitting or broadcasting of sound, pictures, descriptions or results of the events via the Internet or other forms of media.
• No objects which could compromise public safety.
• No big objects which cannot be stowed under the seat.

Common Sense Conduct inside the Stadium:

All Stadium Visitors and Accredited Persons shall, at all times during their stay in the Stadium, conduct themselves in a manner so as not to offend, endanger the safety, or unnecessarily hinder or harass other Stadium Visitors and/or Accredited Persons.

All Stadium Visitors must occupy only the seat indicated on their Ticket and shall access it only via the designated entrance unless otherwise directed by the FIFA World Cup Authorities. For security reasons and to avert danger, Stadium Visitors shall move to seats other than those allocated, whether in the same or another section of the Stadium, if instructed to do so by the FIFA World Cup Authorities.


All access stairways and emergency exits must be kept clear at all times to the best possible extent.

All Stadium Visitors and Accredited Persons are requested not to drop litter, packaging or empty containers, but to dispose of such items in the appropriate litter bins inside the Stadium.

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. In any case smoking will be prohibited in the Stadium stands and in the area around the pitch.

Furthermore, unless otherwise authorized by the FIFA World Cup Authorities, Stadium Visitors and Accredited Persons shall not:
a) enter the pitch or the area around the pitch;
b) stand on seats in the spectator areas or unreasonably obstruct the view of other spectators;
c) throw objects or liquids of any kind, particularly in the direction of another person or in the direction of the area around the pitch or the pitch itself;
d) start a fire, let off or launch fireworks, flares, smoke powder, smoke bombs or other pyrotechnics;
e) engage in conduct which expresses racist, xenophobic, cause, charity or ideological concern related views, which could impair the enjoyment of the Event by other spectators, or detract from the sporting focus of the Event;
f) act in a way which may be interpreted by others as provocative, threatening, discriminatory or offensive;
g) offer for sale or sell goods or Tickets, distribute printed material or make collections;
h) create any threat to the life or safety of oneself or others, or harm anyone else in any way whatsoever;
i) cause damage to anyone or anything at any time;
j) climb on or over structures and installations not intended for general use, particularly facades, fences, walls, fencing, barriers, lighting masts, camera platforms, trees, masts of any kind and roofing;
k) restrict or impede circulation, footpaths and roadways, entrances and exits to visitor areas and emergency exits, or obstruct or interfere with zones open to traffic;
l) access areas (e.g. function rooms, VIP and media areas, etc.) which are closed to the public or for which access is unauthorised (except with proper access passes);
m) write or paint on or affix anything to structural elements, installations or pathways;
n) relieve oneself anywhere other than in the toilets, or litter the stadium by discarding objects such as rubbish, packaging, empty containers, etc;
o) record (except for private purposes), transmit, or in any other manner disseminate over the internet or any other media, including mobile devices, any sound, image, description, or result of any event taking place within the Stadium, in whole or in part, or assist any other person(s) conducting such activities; commercially exploit any photographs or images taken within the Stadium;
p) engage in other activities which could compromise public safety and/or harm the reputation of the Event, as assessed at the sole discretion of the FIFA World Cup Authorities and/or any other legally-authorized persons.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Launch of the Flying Dutchman Funicular







There is so much action in Cape Town! The first game at the Cape Town Stadium is TODAY 11 June 2010 at 20h30. Bafana Bafana is playing at soccer city in Johannesburg at 4pm and South Africa is having a national party! Cape Town is ready to welcome all our visitors. There is nothing like a major deadline to get things spruced up and finished off, upgraded and cleaned!

Cape Point Route was privileged to attend the launch of the Flying Dutchman on Tuesday 8 June 2010. “The Flying Who? The Flying What?”, I hear you ask.

“The Flying Dutchman” is the funicular at Cape Point, which apart from offering visitors an exciting and novel method of travel, saves visitors a long uphill walk from the car park to see the old lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views.

The Funicular was named after the Legend of the Flying Dutchman – a ghost shop that haunts the coastline of the Cape Point Route. As legend has it, the Flying Dutchman was captained by a Dutchman, Hendrik van der Decken, and was headed home from Batavia (now Jakarta) to Holland in 1641.

As van der Decken approached the Cape, stormy weather shredded the ship’s sails and waves flooded the deck. The captain had rounded Cape Point on several occasions previously, but this time, a terrified crew implored him to turn back. He refused to submit to the elements and lashed himself to the wheel, swearing that he would sail around Cape Point, even if it took him until Doomsday.

One version of the story goes that an angel appeared on the deck and the enraged captain drew his pistol and shot her. Van der Decken’s wish to round the point was granted that night, but he and his crew were doomed to sail these waters for ever more.

Over the past three-and-a-half centuries a ghostly sailing ship, that glows red in the night and has a mad, bald captain, has been sighted by a number of mariners.

Those who have seen her say she lets down row-boats that approach with ghostly men aboard, desperately seeking a Good Samaritan to take their letters back home, where they haven’t been for more than 300 years. But those who entertain these approaches are doomed…

Aside from the legend – Tuesday was a special day at Cape Point and a fun filled event. There was a tasty breakfast at the Two Oceans restaurant with entertainment from the Two Oceans Restaurant staff choir who were fabulous with some songs they had written themselves! Goosebump stuff.
Keynote speakers were:
• Mr Solly Fourie (PGWC)
• Ms Wanda Mkushulwa (SAN Parks)
Both captivated the audience with interesting and relevant topics to the tourism industry as well as long term economic development and protection of our national resources – people and landscape!

A traditional sobrage marked the official opening of the Flying Dutchman and guests went for a ride in the new Flying Dutchman to the top lighthouse, where the highly talented Masiphumelele school choir entertained guests as the Sangria flowed.

The funicular, which transports visitors up the steep slope to popular lookout points just below the lighthouse, was upgraded at a cost of R6-million, and now boasts a new body, safer braking technology and bigger windows that allow visitors a 360 degree view throughout their ride. The new system has been designed to minimise the funicular’s carbon footprint; with low solar powered batteries charged by photovoltaic panels while in transit, the new Flying Dutchman is more environmentally friendly than ever.

The Flying Dutchman takes 35 people per ride.
Price per adult is R43 return and operates between 09h00 and 17h00.

IMAGES:
Thanks to Portfolio collection and Cape Point Route
1. Flying Dutchman funicular
2. Beautiful Cape Point
3. Hands on the Flying Dutchman
4. Cathy Alberts (Cape Town Tourism) ; Andre Kearns (SAN Parks); Shayne Brownlie (Cape Point Route)
5. Nikki ; Hapiloe Selloe (Thebe Tourism); Sally Grierson (Cape Point Route)

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Making Sense of Cape Town







It’s almost time! It’s really here. Friday is Kick Off date and the excitement is palpable all over Cape Town. Today we blew our vuvuzela’s and hooted in support of our National side- Bafana Bafana. Our cities and airports, our train stations and even our funicular at Cape Point have been upgraded as South Africa shows its readiness to host this incredible football tournament. What an amazing country we have and we are so thrilled to be hosting visitors from all over the planet! Wow! Our endeavour is to make every visit as easy as possible and a memorable experience that will be talked about for years to come in every corner of the globe.

Being proudly Capetonian, Cape Point Route thinks that Cape Town is a simple city to navigate and explore so it is sometimes with amazement that I hear visitors announce their confusion. So here is our attempt to demystify the city of Cape Town for our guests and make sense of the city so that it becomes a straight forward destination.

Think of Cape Town as an upside down triangle. At the top of the upside down triangle there is a flat mountain. (Capetonians call this Table Mountain for obvious reasons). At the base of the mountain is the city centre. The pointed bit at the bottom of the triangle is a steep cliff with jagged rocks – we call this Cape Point – because it is pointed and at the bottom of the Cape!
To the left of the triangle is ocean – the Atlantic Ocean and to the right is more ocean – False Bay. In the middle is a mountain range (called Table Mountain National Park). As you head eastwards (and just off the triangle) you will come across vast wine estates and this area is called the winelands – which are easily accessible from the top or the bottom of the triangle!

There is basically one road running down the left side and one road running down the right side. (When you get closer to the city centre you have a top road (M3), a middle road (M4 or Main Road) and a lower road (M5 – a highway).

That’s it in a nutshell – a mountain facing north with a city centre at its’ base; a jagged point at the bottom and ocean on either side! Not very complicated really!

Cape Town city centre is arguably the most well known hub with all the big city action – from restaurants to nightlife, from museums to the Cape Town stadium.

We think that the Cape Point Route (the pointy triangular bit) is the coolest. Down in the south we have baboons, we have seals on an island on the left and seals on an island to the right - and a few geat white sharks! We have penguins in the bottom right and in season we have whales all around the coast.

The Cape Point Route is diverse, bohemian, with vibrant energy, barefooted folk, big smiles and untapped energy. The towns on the Cape Point Route are seaside villages with a friendly welcome that lie between the mountain and the sea. We hope you will visit us and hang out with the real folk and not merely drive through on a speedy day tour from the city centre.

Hout Bay has a lively active harbour, gorgeous swimming beach, spectacular mountain peaks, a sociable village centre, loads of activities (World of Birds, Mariner’s Wharf, Boat trips, fishing, hiking, museums and art galleries, a Sunday craft market and Imizama Yethu township).

Chapman’s Peak Drive is a spectacular road that connects Hout Bay to Noordhoek.

Noordhoek is Cape Town’s rural treasure, famed for its long white sandy beach, vast wetlands and ancient mikwood forest. Noordhoek Farm Village is the heart and soul of Noordhoek and Cape Point Vineyards is the area’s wine estate and open for tastings and sales 7 days a week.
Kommetjie and Scarborough are renowned for their beaches, surfing and birdwatching. Kommetjie is distinguished by it’s lighthouse but look out for Imhoff Farm on the way – a historic Cape Dutch homestead with a multitude of activities. Nearby Masiphumelele and Ocean View are diverse communities that reflect Cape culture. In Scarborough it is worth stopping at Cape Farmhouse which doubles up as a live music venue.

Simon’s Town is South Africa’s third oldest town, where penguins and the Navy share sand and sea. Simon’s Town has history, museums, characters, colours, boats and beauty. Visit the penguin colony, stop at Mineral World and Scratch Patch, hang out at the Simon’s Town waterfront, visit Just Nuisance statue on Jubilee Square, take one of many boat trips or try sea kayaking!

Fish Hoek has a family friendly bay where early morning swimmers (all year round) greet traditional “trek” fisherman and water sport enthusiasts encounter Southern Right Whales. This is also the commercial hub of the Cape Point Route for shopping and banking and supplies. Stroll along Jager’s Walk, golf at Clovelly Country Club, go hiking up Elsies Peak or visit Peers Cave – an historic stone age cave site.

Kalk Bay is a fishing village where trendy diners mingle with bohemian artists. Hikers stroll down cobbled streets and surfers ride waves past great colonial mansions of “Millionaire’s Mile”. Hang out at Kalk Bay Harbour especially when the fishing boats come in with the catch of the day. Take the water taxi to Simon’s Town, shop, eat and browse. Catch some theatre or walk to St James beach – well known for it’s coloured bathing boxes and safe tidal pool.

Muizenberg is a hot spot of surf culture in the Cape and is also home to grand architecture, fascinating museums and an annual kite festival. Visit Dalebrook Marine Reserve for a rock pool safari, hike up the mountains to the Kalk Bay caves or simply use the Muizenberg – St James walkway for a stroll along the Ocean Front. Westlake Golf Course is a panoramic 18 hole course.

Cape Point Route offers a wide range of Accommodation, Activities,
Attractions, Restaurants, Venues, Shops, Tours and Packages on the
CAPE PENINSULA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Hout Bay; Noordhoek; Kommetjie; Scarborough; Cape of Good Hope; Simon’s Town; Fish Hoek; Kalk Bay; St. James; Muizenberg

If you can't find what you are looking for then please complete our Personal Planner form and we will be happy to advise you!