Saturday, July 7, 2012

Cape Town, South Africa (Scarborough Beach, Chapman's Peak, Table Mountain, V A Waterfront & Mama Africa) - Vacation, Day 2

July 7, 2012

            I woke up this morning to the aroma of brewing coffee, fried eggs and an ocean view that was breathtaking! In the far distance was a rainbow…..I believe this is going to be a good day!  In my room, I can see off in the distance the baboons are coming down from the mountain. I quickly got dressed so I can go with Flo to walk the dogs down by Scarborough beach (about a 10 minute walk) while also getting a close but cautious look at the baboon family making their trek around the area in search of their food for the day. We came across the Baboon patrol whose primary function is to try to control the nuisances that the baboon cause by either searching the trash for food and even gaining entrance to unsuspecting resident’s homes in search for food!





            Later that morning, Bruce and Flo took me on a scenic drive along Chapman Peak Drive. The road takes you along the Hout Bay and the Atlantic seaboard. We stopped, took some photos and just embraced the moment while taking in this spectacular view. After about 30 minutes, we continued along until we pulled up below one of the 7th wonders of the world, Table Mountain.



            Table Mountain is popular for its profile; a flat –top overlooking the City of Cape Town, Table Bay and the Atlantic seaboard. There is a cable car that takes you from the lower cable station to the top of the mountain. There are also guided walks that also get you up the mountain but it takes between 1-3 hours. We opted to use the cable car instead. Once we were at the top of the mountain, we immediately entered one of the hiking paths to begin our exploration of Table Mountain. The viewpoints were breathtaking!  After about two hours, we decided that were hungry. Our next stop would be V A Waterfront.


            First, we grabbed a bite to eat at a restaurant called Mug & Bean which is known for their coffee, and then we walked around. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, commonly known as V A Waterfront is a port mall that is located at the foot of Table Mountain. We poked our nose into several of the shops and even stopped to watch a street show where the local talent sang and danced for tips.


            Later on we head to a place called Mama Africa located on Long Street in downtown Cape Town for dinner and some local entertainment. There was a local African  band playing called Marimba Vibrations. They were very talented musicians because they each would swap and play each other’s instrument and well as swap off singing lead. For dinner, I played it safe and ordered the spicy chicken wings, but Flo ordered the Game Grill which consists of crocodile, ostrich, springbok, kudu and venison sausage. I tried each entree and found it to be quite tasty.
                     


      After a long, fun-filled day, we headed to Bruce and Flo’s place. I was totally exhausted but anticipated what excitement Day 3 would offer in the Mother Land.

All the best,
GMarie

Friday, July 6, 2012

Cape Town, South Africa - Vacation, Day 1

July 6, 2012

       It has been a while since I have posted because I am getting ready to go on vacation. After nine months, I am on a well deserved vacation out and away from the "Kingdom"!  My first stop, for a week, is Cape Town, South Africa! I will be visiting with my neighbors, Bruce and Florence, who have moved there from Florida to set up their own chiropractic office. So at 1:30am this morning, my driver picked me up from my villa, and we were enroute to the Riyadh airport. Please, just imagine for a moment, the excitement, the anticipation, yet anxiety of visiting the "Mother Land"! Too many emotions happening all at once!

      Besides the strict baggage rules imposed on carryon bags, everything went smooth (i.e. on time departure, top notch service on Emirates Airlines and excellent cuisine). The flight time was 8 hours and 56 minutes. I probably slept for five of those hours since I didn't go to bed the night before my trip.

      The plane landed on time and it was raining in Cape Town. I didn’t have mobile phone service so I prayed that Florence was already at the airport. I made my trek to customs and retrieved my luggage from the baggage claim.

      I felt the chill in the air as I made my way toward ground transportation to look for Flo. Before I could begin to wonder where she was. I thought to myself that the last time I saw Flo was last year in September, on the day before I departed for the “Kingdom”. So it was like a breath of fresh air when I saw Flo’s beautiful face in the crowd! As we embraced, Flo greeted me with, “Welcome to Cape Town!” 


            .
           
     


      Before I left the airport, I purchased a SIM card for my mobile phone, exchanged my money for the South African Rand, then we were off to pick up her beau Dr. Bruce Harris from their newly opened chiropractic office called Westlake Chiropractic & Sports Injury Centre on Western Cape. Bruce is really good so check him out if you are ever in their neighborhood

All the best,
GMarie

Monday, July 2, 2012

Al Orouan Restaurant, The Ritz Carlton, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

           My friends and I wanted something different to do so we decided to visit The Ritz Carlton for lunch. We all know that the Ritz Carlton is known for its uncompromising service and renown lavish interiors, so we just knew that we were not in for nothing ordinary at this Ritz located on Mekkah Road near the Diplomatic Quarters in Riyadh.  

            The drive took about 40 minutes, but as we approached the Ritz, the vision was well worth the trip. The architectural design was amazing; like a castle or palace. The exterior included extreme grandeur and modern luxury with its water fountains and 600- year old olive trees from Lebanon. When we arrived inside, there was a spacious lobby with plenty of fresh cut flowers contained in crafted vases of all sizes surrounded by Arabian architecture and design.

            We were hungry so we headed for the restaurant. The restaurant, called Al Orjouan, is an all day buffet which features Lebanese food but also had a large assortment of international foods (i.e. seafood pastas, rotisserie chicken, sautéed vegetables). All of the dishes were located on a variety of stations that were very well presented, sure to please any pallet. The service staff flaunted quality with a capital “Q”. Once I filled my plate with some of enticing dishes, we sat, chatted and devoured every morsel!


            The Ritz….absolutely fabulous where it appears no expense was spared and definitely luxury at its best!

All the best,
GMarie