By Kerry-Anne Allerston
I KNOW it’s still January (or is it Janu-worry) and most of us were lucky enough to take some time off from the old grindstone, but was it enough? I guess it never really is. Some worked right through Dezemba and some saved those leave days for January because the festive session is their busiest time of the year. I’m talking hospitality, the arts, retail and a whole bunch more.
If you’re out there and needing a little break from life or a quick reset I may have you covered with a few fun ideas.
Want to channel your inner gypsy and escape to the country? This one’s for you.
Gypsy Life in Clarens might be the perfect setting to switch off your mobile devices and check into your very own wagon for the weekend.
Shane and Sandy will transport you to another world and you’ll leave feeling rested, refreshed and happy as a clam (or a gypsy).
The wagons, vans and guesthouse are all nestled amongst the trees and if you’ve ever been to Clarens you’ll know just how relaxing it is and so very beautiful.
There are park runs every Saturday morning and you can take the kids as well as the dogs. Easy breezy walks and much more challenging hikes for those who walk like they’re getting paid millions to do it, are also a great way to pass the time and take in the gorgeous scenery.
You can stroll through the picturesque town or even through the idyllic Golden Gate National Park.
Shane is the Gypsy King, but also a qualified massage therapist that can sooth your soul and rejuvenate your tired muscles (especially after those hikes you’ll be going on).
There’s a brewery, a bakery and restaurants to satisfy every palate, so you definitely don’t need to worry about anything while you’re away on your gypsy adventure.
Gypsy Life was created to enjoy the quirky, colourful things in life and to live a slightly alternative lifestyle while enjoying all the benefits of a romantic turn down service, bubbly on ice and so much more, if that’s what tickles your fancy.
All info is available on their website at www.gypsylife.co.za or you can email shane@gypsylife.co.za
If being a gypsy and living the van life isn’t your jam and you’re on the clock, maybe dressing up as a viking or even a unicorn could be more your speed. Fantasy Fayre:: The Bestiary is back at Rusty Hook in Honeydew and it’s all going down from 10am on Saturday March 1.
There are tons to see and do and it’s fun for the whole family.
You can join the Creature Quest and collect points throughout the event to be crowned the best of the best in the quest.
Meet unicorns and take selfies with mermaids, magical beings, monsters, winged beauties, other animals. Play Dungeons and Dragons, take your shot in the Hunting Grounds and compete for grand prizes in various games for all ages.
There will be magical munchies on offer for when you get peckish, cold ale which all vikings need and other tasty delights to gobble down.
Explore the marketplace and find treasures untold to take home with you too. Tickets and more info at www.quicket.co.za and you can search Alter Egos on all social media platforms.
Yes, it’s true. You can be a fish called Wanda. Take time out from your ‘real’ life and become a Mermaid. Yip, you can actually do that these days.
Mermaid Candice Storm is a pole dancer, yoga instructor and qualified NAUI Mermaid as well as a qualified Mermaiding Alliance Mermaiding Instructor. Izelle Nair, founder of Merschool Mermaid Swim School is a NAUI Skin Diving Mermaid Instructor, Mermaiding Alliance Mermaiding Instructor, Freediver and 500h qualified Yoga Educator too.
After completing the Mermaid courses on offer you will be qualified as a real Mermaid, professional Mermaid performer and underwater Mermaid model.
You can learn mermaiding, technical figures, breath hold techniques, water safety, anatomy, Mermaid modelling and how to perform in a Mermaid aquarium tank.
If you want a mini Mermaid you can take your budding young Mermaid along with you. They offer a Merpups class for 4-6 years olds.
Mermaiding for 7-12 year olds and 13 year olds to adults. Don’t worry- they also have mermaid tails and monofins for all ages and sizes! Looking to get your own glamorous tail then visit www.tidalwavetails.com. Paddle on over to Candice Storm Bakers page on Facebook for more info and give www.merschool.co.za a splash.
They’re at The Suite Life Center, 3 Forssman Close in Barbeque Downs.
SA Tunes of The Week
Jonny- I Hid A Universe Under My Coat
Selaelo Selota, DESIREE- Thrrr… Phaaa! (DESIREE Remix)
Daisy Arson - Your Anything
Arno Carstens - Nagblind
J’Something - Church Bells
Live Venue of The Week
SawubonaMusicJam
2199 Musingadi Street
Chiawelo
Soweto
0614173236
Founded by Lucky Thobela in 2012, this hidden gem that hosts musical performances across all genres.
It isn’t a club or a pub but Lucky’s actual residence and even though you’ll feel right at home there you can check into Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers down the road so you can jam all night long.
Live music at this vibrant establishment goes down every Tuesday, from around 8pm until 2am, and it’ll be well worth the trip wherever you’re coming from.
The decor is fantastic and some of the walls are adorned with iconic Soweto street artist SenzArt911’s works. You can enjoy a delicious meal at Lebo’s but you’ll need to book in advance and you can pop sawubonamusicjam into your google maps and Bob’s your uncle.
Poet, promoter and Afrozodiac founder Frans Karoo had this to say “SawubonaMusicJam is my favourite live venue in the country. It’s always a good vibe and every week is completely different. It’s original, authentic, affordable, very warm and friendly”.
Restaurant of the week
Arbour Cafe & Courtyard
64 St Andrew Street, cnr Wrenrose Ave, Birdhaven
010 753 2007
www.arbourcafe.co.za
This little spot is a French style café and it doesn’t feel like you’re in Joburg when you sneak into this local spot for a bite.
It’s hidden away and a quiet little place to unwind and snack on absolutely delish French inspired meals and drinks! The bottomless mimosas on a weekend might also help with that stress situation I was talking about earlier.
They do fancy galettes and crepes which are obviously their signature dishes but their brekkies are to die for and their Crispy Duck Confit is epic. The veggie options are plentiful and my favourites are the Forest Medley of Mushrooms Galette and the Caprese Baguette.
You can rent the space for special occasions in the evenings, they have tons of safe parking and they have DJs playing tunes every first Thursday if you want to pop by for a cocktail after work.