Category: this is south africa

Bathing Bishop

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We went to Intaka Island Nature Reserve this weekend, and it’s something I’d completely recommend to families with kids. Ours (and their friend) loved the boat trip, loved climbing on the old steam engines and enjoyed the walk through the reserve. Although they also got into ticking the birds and other animals we saw off their list, the whole sitting quietly and still and watching thing wasn’t for them so much. Perhaps that’s why I didn’t get many decent photos or perhaps I’m just looking for an excuse. Anyway, in a very average collection of pics, at least this one of a Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix) bucked the trend a little.

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Maybe I need to go back again with a little more time and a little less child – there were some amazing birds there: Reed Cormorants, Purple Heron, Pin-tailed Whydahs and even a Little Bittern and chick, (which I didn’t quite get to see but spoke to a lady that did).

That’s almost the same, right?

Loadshedding Schedules – November 2014

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Latest information and schedules for:

Areas directly supplied by Eskom  

Cape Town Loadshedding Region Map
Cape Town Loadshedding Schedule (from November 2014)

Ekurheleni Metro

Ethekwini Metro

Nelson Mandela Bay Metro

Tshwane

PSB in CPT

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I can’t believe it. I pop across to the UK for a couple of weeks and the Pet Shop Boys decide to make an appearance in SA.

“Cheers guys.” “Thanks for that.”

The “Pioneers of synth-pop and global music icons” are over here in December headlining the Sónar Cape Town and Johannesburg festivals (15th & 16th December and 12th December) before doing a standalone concert in Durban on the 19th.

I’m not here for any of them. Gutted. I think it would have been an absolute must.

On the plus side, Kasabian and the Inspiral Carpets are on while we’re over in the UK, so that might ease some of the pain.

Further 30 Seconds to Mars delay

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After American rockers 30 Seconds To Mars postponed their South African concerts from June until November, many of us thought that the 163 day delay was quite enough.

Apparently not.

Computicket – specifically “Racine Jardine | Cancelled Events” (shame – how rubbish must her job be? Why not just promote her to ‘Harbinger of Shattered Dreams’?) – have been in touch with more distressing news for 30STM fans:

Good Day Valued Patron

Please be advised that “30 Seconds To Mars” taking place at the Grand Arena Grand West  on 23/11/2014 will now be at 19:30 and NO LONGER at 19:00.

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us at 0861 915 8000.

[cue gasps of horror from those assembled]
[at least, from those who assembled at 19:00]

Yes. You read correctly. There will be another 30 minute delay (on top of the 234,720 minutes we’ve already had to wait) until we get so see Jared et al. on stage in Cape Town. And that half hour was deemed worth an email and an SMS to each and every ticket holder.

Well, thanks for telling us, but I’ve yet to see a band appear on stage at their appointed time anyway, so now I’m expecting them to turn up at 8ish. In the meantime, I guess I’ll just have to grab another couple of pre-performance beers.

New Cape Town zipline sounds like fun

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This sounds like a lot of fun:

Come 1 November 2014, and Cape Town will have its very own ‘foofy-slide’ zipping over the national heritage area on the southern side of Table Mountain near Constantia Nek.
It hangs up to 155 meters above the tree canopy below and stretches over 2,3km. The longest zipline cable on the route is 470 meters.

“Table Mountain” Ja. OK.
But already, I am twitching with mounting excitement.

And, in even better news for fat people, this is an all-inclusive ride – you can join in too:

The cable can carry up to 16 tonnes and will be tested with a 3 ton weight block before opening to ensure the experience is both thrilling and safe for sliders.

If you weigh more than three tonnes, you’ll probably either need to make special arrangements with the owners first, or set up a chain of poorly-rated B&Bs and a hypercritical website all about local eating establishments. Your call.

The new zipline is set to open on November 1st, and they’re already taking online bookings here. And when you pay up, here’s a taste of what you’re in for (Pro Tip: if you don’t understand Afrikaans, just look at the pictures):

 Sign me up!