Monday Mumbling

So it's been a week since I started my new job and so far, so good. It's been a bit of an adjustment: getting up so early, battling traffic and having to conform to corporate life - I miss being able to work in my pajamas! But that said, I like that I'm doing something new, and so far I'm really enjoying the perks of working for a magazine. And I LOVE working in Cape Town. At lunch time, I make an effort to get out of office - even if it's just to go for a walk. The offices are in a busy part of town, so there's lots on the go. Last week, I took a walk down Long Street and every now and then I walk to the Lifestyle Centre on Kloof. There are so many interesting little boutiques and inviting coffee shops in the area. I'm going to have to try them all out!

Anyway, my new routine of getting up at the crack of dawn has left me a little dazzled, and my brain is feeling quite fried. So I won't waffle on too much. I'm actually supposed to be tackling some (much-appreciated) freelance work right now, but my brain cells aren't co-operating, so I'm blogging instead before going to bed. I'll tackle the freelance stuff tomorrow night - even if it means a late one. 

I really wanted to show you a pic of a cupcake I was given today. Now you know how I feel about cupcakes! LOVE them! Then this morning, out of the blue, the fashion intern gave us all one of these beautiful cupcakes! Gorgeous! I felt so guilty eating this little work of art so  I took a pic before devouring it. Isn't it absolutely divine?!?!?

And before I go, how cute are these mouse pads?!? They're by Marimekko and I think they are so fab! I'm really bored with my dull, run-of-the-mill mouse pad - I've love to swap it for one of these. Though at $19 (about R140), that's not going to happen. But still. Cute! 

Okay, signing off now...
x o x o

Loving the Beautiful Game

With only days to go before the opening ceremony this coming Friday, South Africa is on the brink of one of the biggest parties ever. The 2010 FIFA World Cup is here and we're ready! 

It's been a long road... SA cracked the nod six years ago and ever since there have been countless controversies and frantic construction. As I've said before, I was cynical when we won the bid, because I felt that as a country, we should focus our attention on health care, the education system and correctional services before pouring billions into a sporting event. I still feel the same way but all the same, it is was it is and so why not embrace it? It's created countless employment opportunities, 'forced' the government to upgrade our shoddy transport system and roads and it's also created a tangible sense of national pride. Everyone's excited about hosting the World Cup and we're getting ready to welcome visitors from all over the world. 

I reckon many football tourists will be surprised at what they find when they arrive here. Sorry guys, you aren't likely to spot any lions or giraffes on the airport runways. And leave your stab-proof vests at home - you won't be needing them. South African cities are like any other - not crime-free but if you keep your wits about you, you'll be fine. In between watching matches, I hope you take time to enjoy other stuff SA has to offer: beautiful scenery, fantastic food and world-class wine. And don't leave without going to at least one braai. It's winter here at the moment, but I reckon you'll find the weather quite alright. Joburg winters are sunny, dry and cold whereas Cape Town has warmer winters though they are generally a lot wetter. Bring T-shirts and warm jackets. 

Above all, enjoy your stay in South Africa! We've been working hard to make the World Cup an unforgettable experience and I'm sure you won't be disappointed! Welcome to my home - hope you have a lekker time!

Cape Town Stadium

Another tough day in Africa

On Wednesday evening I got to go sailing - a first for me. Seriously! Could there be a more beautiful setting?!?! Table Mountain in the background and a crisp sea breeze to cool what had been an extremely hot Cape Town day...

 (Note the new stadium in the background there)

Breathing deep

It's been a pretty miserable couple of weeks. Work is toxic, my piggy bank is broken and I been sinking into a pretty nasty abyss of a funk. Before I head for the nearest bridge, I thought I'd make the effort to remind myself of all the good stuff that's around, even if sometimes, it's hard to spot at first.

Part of that process involves being pro-active and so at long last, I've given my little blog a make-over. It's still a work in progress as I'm not 100% happy with it yet, but it's a start. Anyway, since last I posted something, I've been away for the weekend, eaten at some amazing restaurants very much off the beaten path, been on a complete bender with a buddy that nearly resulted in alcohol poisoning (yes, my liver and I are very ashamed) and I've had close encounters with city squirrels. (The cute and fluffy kind.) I'm going to bombard you guys with details of all the above over the next couple of days (perhaps not the bender evening though) but in the meantime, here a couple squirrel pics.

I came across these little guys while in Cape Town's famous gardens the other week. They're very people-friendly and happily munch peanuts out of your hand while keeping a wary eye on scavenging pigeons.

More tomorrow...