The one about the first double bass lessons for 2007

Mfundo and Odwa had their first bass lessons for 2007. The lessons went well despite the three month summer break. It was a real pleasure to start teaching again and I wouldn't give up teaching these kids easily. Mfundo should be able to enter for Royal Schools Grade III or IV this year. Odwa has the oppurtunity to start music theory lessons to help him to read music better.

Mfundo stands to the left of the bass and Odwa on the right. The two little bass fans in front live next door and came rushing over as soon as we started. If anyone has a half or quater size bass lying around, please let me know.

The one about the windy Windworx concert

I haven't posted for a while. Work has been hectic and we've been gymming like mad in the evenings.

We had our first Windworx concert yesterday afternoon. It was a combined open air band/picnic festival at the Nelson's Creek Wine Estate. The University of Stellenbosch Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Marimbas from the Frank Peters Centre perform for an audience sprawled on the lawn. The concert pretty much sucked because the wind blowed our stands and music all over the wine estate.

Before the concert Abraham and I had lunch with Hannah and her family at Boschendal. Hannah is one of my oldest, best and dearest friends. The Boschendal buffét is an amazing culinary experience and one that I hope to repeat soon. Hannah and Braamie passed out even before the concert started...

I am visible in the first picture (courtesy of Adeleida).

A is for apple

My dad visited on route to Bloemfontein. We visited the new children's bookstore (A is for apple) on Kloofnek Street before dropping him off at the airport for his flight with Mango (a steal at R259). Coffee is served on the veranda with a view of Table Mountain and the Chocolate House. They provide crayons at each table and, as the tables are covered in paper, I sketched an alien and a fancy girl with a balloon. Apparently they throw wonderful birthday parties - even for adults.

The one about Kyoto garden sushi

Drinks at Alba - dinner at Kyoto garden sushi. Lovely setting, pricy food. I really like the ambiance (what a gay word!) of this new restaurant on Kloofnek bend. Again, the bathrooms are fab (is this becoming my new thing - checking out restrooms?) The owner served all the tables. He's unable to find waiting staff because he didn't like the attitude ("..like they are doing you a favor ". This is quintessentially Cape Town, dude.

PS: The fashion accessory in the bottom photo was sponsored by Tamara.

The one about the sale at E(xc)lusive Books

Sale items will not be refunded, reserved or discounted. One sentence to say it all.

The one about Phalaborwa Airport

Flying to Limpopo is better than driving to Limpopo - especially from Cape Town. After crash landing in a north-west-southernly direction, it was time for me grab that little white bag in the seat pocket in front of me. The aiport is fascinating: (1) there is no front door (2) there are no arrival or departure lounges (3) there are no X-ray scanning equipment - this means that your hand luggage is unpacked and that your are frisked (4) there is a pond surrounded by metal animals (a giraffe drinking, a leopard leaping, and two baboons) (5) the bathrooms are FUN. The taps are rocks and the water spurts from the concrete slab decorated with big glass marbles. Although all airports in South Africa have been declared smoke-free buildings, patrons at the departure area/coffee shop are welcome to puff away. Perhaps smoking decreases nausea - I will let you know...