SCREEN GRABBERS
Transcription
SCREEN GRABBERS
INSIDE: fashion, food, home, television & travel pull-out Sunday Times Lifestyle Magazine February 28 2016 SCREEN GRABBERS Alicia Vikander and the new Oscar wave The dangerous art of the acceptance speech What will Chris Rock say tonight? Biggest magazine event! catch Justin Bonello at the Game stand. Gallagher Estate 4-6 March IN ASSOCIATION WITH FEBRUARY 28 2016 PAGE 3 { LS } CONTENTS 4 6 SNORING AND WEEPING Ndumiso Ngcobo sleeps his way to the top IT’S NOT WHAT YOU DO A-lister Jen Su shares the sweet smell of success 14 22 8 12 OSCAR CHASERS LS cover star Alicia Vikander is one of Hollywood’s newest, brightest young things THE GRAM TOUR See a different you on Instagram 28 34 HI, SEA Paul Ash rides the waves from Durban to Ilha de Moçambique on the MSC Sinfonia DEAD GIVERS Oliver Roberts on the dignity of body donors GOLD IN THEM THAR PLAINS Follow our map to the Karoo’s greatest treasures 40 44 FASHION FIRST Snapshots of Joburg’s snappiest street style … and how to get it BOTTLE CLIMBERS Would you spend a million bucks on a bottle of wine? 52 53 EAT MORE IN MAJORCA Where Michelin restaurants rub shoulders with tapas bars 46 49 NOTHING BUT THE BIRD Hein van Tonder does five delicious things to a chicken BOXING MATCH Rebecca Davis is knocked out cold by The Big Bang Theory; Matthew Vice presents this week’s TV guide MOVIES Sue de Groot reviews Room, starring Oscar favourite Brie Larson BOOKS Out of Africa comes an exuberant new short story collection 54 55 ART The best of the Cape Town Art Fair BLACK HOLES & WHY THEY MAT TER The Pedant Class & Your Stars LIFESTYLE EDITOR: Carlos Amato | FOOD EDITOR: Hilary Biller | MANAGING EDITOR: Sue de Groot | DESIGNERS: Keith Tamkei, Peta Scop, Gila Wilensky | SUBEDITORS: Anton Ferreira, Claire Robertson, Peta Scop | PROOFREADER: Helen Smith | MOTORING: Thomas Falkiner | BOOKS: Jennifer Platt, Michele Magwood | WRITERS: Oliver Roberts, Shanthini Naidoo, Lin Sampson, Leigh-Anne Hunter, Pearl Boshomane | PICTURES: Aubrey Paton | PA Rhina Matjila | ADVERTISING SALES: Debbie Thompson (011) 2803555 |FASHION EDITOR: Sharon Becker | ART DIRECTOR: Nicol Paterson |CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR: Sheena Bagshawe |BEAUTY EDITOR: Tessa Passmore | COPY EDITOR: Kholeka Kumalo | FASHION ASSISTANT: Khomotso Moloto | MANAGING EDITOR: Matthew McClure | ADVERTISING SALES: Tamsyn McCrow (011) 3409650| FASHION WEEKLY EDITORIAL: [email protected] |BEAUTY EDITORIAL AND QUERIES: [email protected] | HOME EDITOR: Hasmita Amtha | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Kerry Hayes | DESIGNER: Gila Wilensky | SUBEDITOR: Joy Capon | WRITERS: Janine Jorgensen, Esther Moloi, Shereen Lurie | ADVERTISING SALES: Marc Middlecote (011) 2803609, Christell Bisett (011) 2805450 | PUBLISHER: Aspasia Karras | COVER: Gallo Getty THE PERFECT CUT A L L J E W E L L E R Y 18ct Gold & Diamond Ring VALUE: R41 000 LESS 50% R20 500 PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 28 2016 { HUMOUR & LETTERS } I WONDER how many people saw the video clip released by the White House the other day. It shows President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama meeting a bubbly, energetic centenarian, Virginia McLaurin. The entire time Michelle Obama seems in awe of just how much energy 106-year-old McLaurin seems to have. All I was thinking the entire time was: “I bet she has that much energy because she has spent more than 35 years of her life sleeping.” I know, I know. But of course it’s true if she’s a “normal” human being who slept an average of eight hours a night most of her life. Of course, at her age it wouldn’t surprise me if she slept only four hours a night. Life is truly a cycle, ’I just got here! There’s so much to do! Sun City, Disneyland, the Eiffel Tower!’ isn’t it? When we’re children we expend inordinate amounts of energy trying to fight sleep. That’s why infants wail when they’re dozing off. It’s a sleep buzzer that means, “I just got here! I don’t wanna sleep! There’s so much to do: Sun City, Disneyland, the Eiffel Tower!” By the time you’re in a retirement village there’s a different reason you don’t sleep:“It’s almost time to check out. Why should I waste my last five years sleeping when I could be up drinking cocoa and playing ‘30 Seconds’ with the pretty little thing with a walker from Unit 13B?” And yet between the early years and the twilight years, we can’t wait to get to bed. We complain bitterly about not having enough sleep. We spend a fortune on sleeping pills. If you’ve ever logged on to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook between midnight and 5am, half the folks are bitching about this monster called Insomnia. The other half belong to the Sleep Police, asking daft questions such as, “Do you ever sleep at all?” without any sense of irony about also being up. The first time I discovered just how precious sleep was, I was 12 years old and I had just been shipped off to Catholic boarding school in Vryheid. Like everything else, sleep was rationed. At 9pm it was lights out and at strictly 5am you would hear the dreaded church tower bell go “Gong! Gong!”, closely followed by a portable, miniature version going “Tingleley!”. This bell was in the hand of our head boy, Cassius, who’d simultaneously chirp, “Wake up, sleepy heads! You think this is a hotel?” I used to have daydreams about seeing him just about to reach for that annoying sleep interrupter, standing there with a Stetson on my head, matchstick in the corner of my mouth and a 3.57 Magnum in my hand, going, “Do you feel lucky NDUMISO NGCOBO Heaven looks like this: zzzzzzzzz punk? Well, do ya? Go ahead — make my day”. One bitterly cold winter morning in Grade 9 my friend Zama Buthelezi was woken by the onset of hypothermia. His covers must have fallen off during the night. He covered himself and just as he was snuggling in, the tower bell sounded. As the then head boy, James, tugged at his covers I heard Zama go, “But I was robbed of sleep by the blankets!”, to no avail. I bet we’ve all experienced similar nights. You know those nights when you toss and turn all night? You keep your eyes closed tight in the hope that you can hoodwink your brain into believing that it’s asleep. At 1am your bed mate (and I’m not naming names here) starts snoring louder than a goods train bringing coal from Emalahleni. At 3am you hear the dogs howling at the moon. At 4am you hear one of the kids go to the bathroom, return to bed and immediately start snoring and you curse the lucky bugger. At around 5.45am, you doze off into the most beautiful, deep sleep. And then the alarm clock goes at 6 because it’s time to prepare the wellrested kids for school. The flip-side is, of course, those nights you sleep so peacefully that you wake up thinking it must be 6 o’clock only to discover — yippee! — it’s 4am and you have another two hours to go. I bet there are people reading who just cannot identify. Everybody surely knows those irritating people who can sleep on demand. I went to school with a guy called Vuyo who could sleep any time, anywhere. One morning the fellows lifted his bed with him sleeping on it and dumped it outside in the forecourt of the dormitories in -3°C weather. All he did was cover his head with his blankets and continue purring contentedly like an overfed Siamese tomcat. But I know one situation that turns even the worst insomniac into a bona fide sleepyhead: university exam time. During that two- to three-week period, as soon as you sit down at your study desk, your head just wants to rest on your arms. I remember walking around like a zombie fantasising about how, as soon as I wrote my last paper at noon, I’d be going straight to bed. Come the day, I’d be that guy playing snooker and guzzling Castle Lagers until 4am. I cannot wait until I’m 106 years old and I don’t need to sleep more than five hours a day. This sleeping my way through one-third of my life is not fun. Recently, after a typically difficult, insomniac night I finally dozed off around 6am. At 7.30am I was woken by a missed call from the fellow who does the garden. I got up, got dressed, went to open for him, chatted to him for a while about pruning the bushes I cannot wait until I’m 106 and I don’t need to sleep more than five hours a day next to the bathroom window, handed him the gate remote and went back to bed. Two minutes later, I was woken up by a missed call from him. He was still outside waiting for me to open for him. The getting-up sequence had occurred in my dreams after I’d fallen asleep again. LS E-mail [email protected] On Twitter @NdumisoNgcobo LETTERS PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL The model (SRI or IR3010) and serial number can be found at the rear of the heater as highlighted below. WOMAN’S MAN’S MAN Ndumiso Ngcobo’s column “So I’m coming out — of the cave” (February 21) refers. At last! A “real man” that can admit to enjoying chick flicks. My husband of 41 years, who is the epitome of a man’s man — rough-and-ready farm boy, rugby player of note in his younger years, etcetera, has always preferred watching romantic comedies to “skiet and donder” movies. I have always considered myself truly fortunate that my best friend is happy to watch my movies with me. — Liz Finlay De’Longhi SRI and IR3010 Flue-less Gas-fired Heaters SRI - 30321, 30221, 31021, 45022, 50422, 50423, 50923, 51823. IR3010 - 25220, 31021, 31121, 50723. Defect: Gas leakage where PVC hose is inserted into regulator nozzle. Hazard: Risk of fire, explosion and suffocation. What to do: Stop using the heater. Close it off at gas bottle tap. Call the contact centre to arrange a free repair by a specialised technician. J0382 CONTACT DETAILS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tel: 0860 10 55 56 (share call number) Email: [email protected] (requesting info or to be called back) www.delonghi.com/en-za/customer-care (for FAQs) SOUTH AFRICAN IMPORTER: Delonghi South Africa (Pty) Ltd 1295 Clubhouse Street, Maraisburg, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa. Tel: +27 11 474 0153 ISSUED: 13/01/2016 This includes all De’Longhi gas-fired heater models SRI and IR3010, sold between 2013 and 2015, with following serial numbers: CATHARTIC ART Percy Mabandu’s piece on Mandla Mlangeni “Sound of Survival” (February 21) was a fine piece of writing, and reminded me of all the other children of SA’s struggle — orphaned or exiled — who have excelled in the arts. Jann Turner, now a top movie director in the US, is the daughter of the activist Rick Turner, who was assassinated in the 1970s. The New Yorkbased rapper Jean Grae is the daughter of Abdullah Ibrahim and Sathima Bea Benjamin, while the LA rapper Earl Sweatshirt is the son of the poet Keorapetse Kgositsile. There are probably other examples. It seems political trauma can inspire a creative life. — Hlubi Gama MISSING PRINCE What have you done with Prince Valiant? I have been following the Prince since I could read — I am now 66 years old — so have read more than a couple of episodes. Please give back the Prince and reconsider the format of the various subsections. — Barry Snow, Midrand ý Editor’s note: Our apologies for the loss of Prince Valiant — due to space constraints we cannot publish the strip in our new format. But fans can continue to follow the saga online at comicskingdom.com/ prince-valiant. Write to [email protected] WITH DIAMONDS PAGE 6 FEBRUARY 28 2016 { SOCIALITE } set her mind, again, to fitting in. “I’m what you call a banana. Yellow on the outside, white in the middle.” Visiting the post-cultural revolution China of the ’80s, on the other hand, she felt like a “freak Martian”. Her piano recital in Shanghai was flawless. “And then it ended and there was silence.” Shocked, she ran off the stage in tears. Many times she was berated for her outbursts — a major loss of face for her family. “Today if you meet me . . . you can be sure you’ll get . . . a cheery smile . . . even when I want to burst.” She does not want to disappoint her dead father, who was a successful doctor. “I believe his soul is up there watching.” Last year Jen Su nearly died from uterine fibroids. “The non-stop bleeding” presented a quandary: what to wear to the South African MINI-mini-skirted Jen Su teeters into the Joburg coffee shop juggling a tower of drycleaned couture outfits. “Peta says I can keep the sparkly dress,” she says on the phone (stores practically beg her to wear their clothes). “I a-ttend five events in a day eas-ily,” the socialite and red-carpet reporter tells me, enunciating each syllable in that way some Americans have when addressing nonAmericans. “I had to turn down a private dinner with Prince Harry. I do. Not. Stop.” Jen Su is as groomed as a show horse (I picture her lying very still at night so as not to smudge her makeup). I have dried butternut from baby’s breakfast in my hair. “When you’re looking good, people assume you are somebody,” she says. I venture that perhaps the title A ‘I don’t want to ruin it for myself by instantly telling people I’m married with two kids’ ‘I had to turn down a private dinner with Prince Harry. I do. Not. Stop.’ of her book, released last year, From Z to A-lister: How to Build Your Personal Brand, might unsettle us Clisters. She waves a manicured hand. It’s just a “figure of speech”, she says. “Never overlook the little people. Photographers, car guards, assistants.” Tinseltown is a moral quagmire. She’s had to fend off “A-list celebrities, even a female A-lister, who wanted to kiss me in the toilet. I admit there was a certain thrill about a world-famous hot actor whispering his hotel room number.” You’re telling me. The number of times I’ve had to fend off Angelina Jolie in the ladies’ room. Sometimes she refers to herself in the third person. “Jen Su”, a carefully conceived brand, is militant about helping others create their own. It’s More. Important. Than. Ever. “Think of yourself as McDonald’s,” she says. “Do you want to be the most popular restaurant? Do you want to have high quality food? Big portions?” Can we really base our happiness on something as transitory as fame? “There’s nothing wrong with a bit of me, me, me,” she says. It’s not narcissism. What she most enjoys is the “platform” that notoriety gives her to do charity work. “I love this country.” Some of her best friends are South African. Does it seem a bit futile that one can dedicate one’s life to building the perfect McBrand, and people don’t like you anyway? “People love to hate,” she says. It’s only natural, she says, to envy her glamorous YOU SCHMOOZE, YOU CAN’T LOSE Socialite Jen Su tells Leigh-Anne Hunter about the frenetic life of an A-lister Photograph: Moeketsi Moticoe lifestyle. “What girl wouldn’t want to play dress-up every night?” There’s a bit of melted cheese on the corner of her mouth. It’s the most endearing thing about her. But maybe I’m just riddled with envy. “I land and I’m already running off to do a photo shoot,” she says, devouring her sandwich. “It’s hard when you’re in the A-list game and trying to keep it up all the time.” Her hobby: “I like to sit quietly in the dark.” South Africans are as mean about self-promoting people as we are about wussy wallflowers. Truth is we’re just as vain. We just haven’t made it our job. “She’d attend the erection of a stop sign,” some have said. Jen Su: “I laugh it off. Every event has brought me opportunities. What have they been doing? Drinking in the corner until they pass out. You don’t have to be average. You can be excellent.” She stabs the table with a perfect nail. As a child — a “nerdy kid in glasses and braces” — she practised piano for six hours a day until her fingers bled. “I had this desire for accomplishment and perfection. By the time I was eight, I was memorising the most complex piano concertos.” Now she uses her “Prestik brain” to memorise VIP lists. Yes, “there is some enjoyment” in going from class nerd to the social pages. She started her career as a Taiwan pop star, under the heel of a draconian grooming school. Friends died of cocaine overdoses. The “constant need to look good” — “I have good karma with models, mainly because I am no competition” — and fit in with the fast crowd led to eating disorders. “All I wanted to do was put on my black plexiglass vest and silver rollerball shoes, and get the hell out of there.” Her family emigrated to the US, where Jen Su was raised in a Philadelphia burb. “Everybody was like, who’s this Chinese family moving in? There was this concern.” She Music Awards that wouldn’t reveal the blood stains. Finally, she settled on the green dress. “Luckily I made it through the red carpet without a hitch.” She has strategies to stay ahead. “I don’t want to ruin it for myself by instantly telling people I’m married with two kids,” she says. “Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. You’ve got all these single 20-yearolds competing for the same jobs. [And] cyber-bullies attack your family.” Her sons Sammy and Michael (13 and 10) live in China because she wants them to learn Mandarin. “It’s very difficult. I miss my kids.” She pauses, looks at the table. She’s experienced “heavy depression”. She says it’s a result of the “humiliation” she experiences every time she is uprooted to follow her corporate bigwig husband (for whom she converted to Judaism). She talks about getting onto “The List” in every country that she lives in as if it’s scaling Everest. “The hardest part was going from A-list to Z-list and back and forth. I thought, ‘Am I mad to do this?’ ” She sighs. “When my husband said we’re moving to South Africa, I cried.” When she arrived she was told: “I don’t know where you’re going to find a job. There are no Chinese faces on TV.” Her five events a night (she has her outfit for the next one in her car boot) keep depression at bay. “I’ve thought about my own funeral and how I would want to be remembered, what music would be played.” She’ll make sure it’s perfect. LS FIVE THINGS TO CATCH ý E-mail event dates to [email protected] Pretoria & Limpopo Ballet Korean youth ballet Brooklyn Theatre, Pretoria, March 1 & 2; Ballet in the Bush at Legend Gold & Safari Lodge in Limpopo, March 4 & 5 Featuring star dancer Leroy Mokgatle with the Art of Motion company and the Korean Youth Ballet Stars. Highlights from ballet classics include La Sylphide and Don Quixote. Bookings 012 460 6033/012 443 6700. Cape Town Theatre The Kingmakers The Fugard Theatre Studio, February 23 - March 19 Louis Viljoen’s award-winning “pitch black” political comedy follows a group of oppositionparty strategists as they attempt to place a neutral party member in contention for leadership. Starring Pierre Malherbe, Rebecca Makin-Taylor and Brent Palmer. R130-R150 Computicket. Joburg Art From Giyani to Alexandra – the journey continues Circa Gallery, March 3 - April 16 Early in the conceptualising of the exhibition, Phillemon Hlungwani made an extraordinary decision: he resolved to make two versions of each work with the exhibition in the Cape being a mirror image of the Gauteng show. The etchings are hand-coloured by the artist and printed by Pontsho Sikhosana. Durban Music T.I. Durban Botanic Gardens, March 11 The hip-hop sensation and multiple Grammy award-winning artist will perform tracks from a variety of his Studio Albums. T.I has collaborated with Jay Z, Rihanna, Robin Thicke, Lil Wayne, Lady Gaga, Drake and Kanye West. Bring a picnic basket. R350-R1 450 Computicket. Wakkerstroom Festival Wakkerstroom Music Festival March 18 - 21 The hills come alive with classical music for the sixth consecutive year of the festival in this picturesque town, which this year includes an art exhibition and classical ballet performed by the Youth Dance Company Tshwane. Online bookings are open at wmfestival.co.za. For details, [email protected] THE COPPER SALMON With great taste comes great taste. The Singleton of Dufftown is a smooth, single malt whisky that celebrates the ones who do things differently, the ones not afraid to do things their way, the ones who swim upstream. It’s in this philosophy that we have found our method for making a whisky that, above all-else, tastes great. That’s why we’ve partnered with Les Da Chef and Negritude. Two men who understand that the best of times lie in interesting experiences. They have come together to create an amazing sensory experience using their own style and personal taste. With Les Da Chef carefully crafting this month’s African inspired menu and Negritude lending his unique artistic design, these two maestros will bring the originality of The Singleton of Dufftown to life. LES DA CHEF’S MENU WILL GIVE YOU A RARE AND AUTHENTIC AFRICAN TASTE EXPERIENCE. UNIQUE COCKTAILS BY DOM DE LORENZO WILL R E I N V I G O R AT E Y O U R TASTE BUDS. N E G R I T U D E ’ S L AT E S T DESIGNS AND HIS FLAIR FOR ART WILL EXPAND YOUR SENSES. Join us at The Copper Salmon at The Sheds on 1 Fox Street, Johannesburg and experience the art of #MadeOfTaste. OPEN 12H00 – 17H00 EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY. HOURLY DINING AVAILABLE AT R150 PER HEAD. INCLUDES THREE-COURSE MEAL AND THREE SIGNATURE COCKTAILS. TheSingletonSA #TheCopperSalmon #MadeOfTaste Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18. Drink Responsibly. PAGE 8 FEBRUARY 28 2016 { OSCARS } T HE envelope has been opened, the winner is at the microphone, and the world is watching. It’s amazing how terribly wrong the next three or four minutes at Oscar ceremonies can go, and remarkable how often actors — paid to sound convincing when reciting other people’s words — can seem disastrously fake when delivering their lines, or forget who they’re meant to thank, or just don’t know when to stop. The sheer duration of these monologues has become such an issue that a new ruling requires nominees to list who they wish to thank in advance, so that the winner’s list of names will scroll up on screen rather than using up valuable stage time. Finding the right formula to sail through, and not be the one everyone cringes at on YouTube the next day, has defeated many a beloved celebrity, but by no means all of them. Here we present our guide to the dos and don’ts of Oscar acceptance speeches. Do Self-deprecate winningly Sandra Bullock, Best Actress, 2010 The film was The Blind Side, a fairly gross critical punch-bag. Bullock, riding a season of “we love Sandra Bullock in general” momentum, knew how to turn the situation around on stage. “Did I really earn this, or did I just wear y’all down?” were her first, perfectly chosen words; the day before, she’d also had the wit to show up at the Razzies, collecting her worst actress award for All About Steve and pretending to be mighty cross about it. There was warmth and sincerity to the speech, too. “This is a once-in-alifetime experience, I know,” she said, and had sweet things to say about mothers, especially her own, Helga — a mention bringing her right to the brink of Gwynethstyle waterworks, but she fought them off. Spontaneously make out with Halle Berry Adrien Brody, Best Actor, 2003 Brody might be the only one on this list who delivered a legitimate shock on the night: prior to him SHORT AND SWEET: Elizabeth Taylor with her Oscar for best actress in 'BUtterfield 8' in 1961 Picture: GETTY IMAGES How to give the perfect Oscar acceptance speech Sincerity and wit make for happy podium moments, but ego, incipient hysteria and guff serve only to keep YouTube fired up the next day. By Tim Robey fuel the following year, when he was handing the best actress trophy to Charlize Theron: before opening the envelope he whipped out a breath-freshener spray. Show them some class Colin Firth, Best Actor, 2011 “I have a feeling my career’s just peaked,” announced Firth, cupping the award for The King’s Speech. If you ever need lessons in how to downplay a moment of great professional achievement, barely looking any more ruffled than someone at a supermarket checkout, Firth’s your man. Pausing often for dramatic effect, he spoke of “stirrings in the upper abdominals, threatening to form winning, discussion was all about Jack Nicholson in About Schmidt or Daniel Day-Lewis in Gangs of New York. There was no doubting Brody’s own delight — the 29year-old bounded on stage like an elated puppy, and planted a big smackeroo right on the lips of a very sporting Halle Berry. This had the instant effect of eclipsing anything he actually said. It was the kind of goofy, off-the-cuff moment the Oscars always needs more of, and it gave Brody great themselves into dance moves”, while standing just as stock-still as Firth always does. Add his checklist of thank-yous to everyone who’d ushered him to this point — including a gracious nod to A Single Man’s director Tom Ford, who’d got him nominated the year before — and it was a masterclass in suave humility. Steer clear of politics John Wayne, collecting for Gary Cooper, 1953 The shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy’s anti-communist witchhunts hung over the 1953 ceremony. Cooper wasn’t present to accept his second best actor Oscar, for playing the beleaguered sheriff in High Noon, so his old buddy Wayne stepped up to collect, despite his public dislike for the film, written by avowed communist (and blacklistee) Carl Foreman. In private, Wayne thought High Noon was “the most un-American thing I’ve seen in my whole life”. To his eternal credit, he ducked away from point-scoring on stage and delivered a very dry address about envy. “I’m gonna go back and find my business manager, and agent, and producer, and three-name writer,” he said, “and find out why I didn’t get High Noon instead of Cooper. Cause I can’t fire any of these very expensive fellows, but I can at least run my 1930s Chevrolet into one of their big black new Cadillacs.” Deadpan unbeatably through your best joke Daniel Day-Lewis, Best Actor, 2013 Day-Lewis, the most feted male film actor of his generation, could have kept things very simple for his third best actor win, in Spielberg’s Lincoln, but he had Be Elizabeth Taylor Elizabeth Taylor, Best Actress 1961 A near-fatal brush with pneumonia, an emergency tracheotomy weeks before the ceremony, a town on tenterhooks: the story of Taylor’s ill-health in the lead-up to her first best actress win is more legendary than anything in the film she won for, BUtterfield 8, the tragic tale of a Manhattan call-girl. And Taylor’s tremulous acceptance was an even better performance than the one she turned in for the film, convincing everyone in the crowd they’d done absolutely the right thing to give her the prize, and it had the all-important virtue of brevity. “I don’t really know how to express my gratitude for this and for everything,” she began. “I guess all I can do is say thank you. Thank you with all my heart.” And walked off. one delightful riff concealed perfectly up his sleeve. He was receiving the award from Meryl Streep, best actress the year before for The Iron Lady, and started with earnest thanks, even a hint of moisture behind the eyes. “It’s a strange thing,” he went on, turning slightly in Streep’s direction, “because three years ago, before we decided to do a straight swap, I had actually FEBRUARY 28 2016 ROCK HARD How will Chris Rock deal with the Oscar whiteout? WHEN Chris Rock hosted the 77th Academy Awards there were five black nominees — Jamie Foxx (nominated twice), Morgan Freeman, Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo — prompting Rock to call the show the “Def Oscar Jam”. Wonder what he will call tonight’s all-white-nominees event? Rock had other targets back in 2005, including “Spider-Man” star Tobey Maguire (“Clint Eastwood is a star, OK? Tobey Maguire is just a boy in tights.”) and the been committed to play Margaret Thatcher.” No one saw it coming, least of all Streep, and everyone laughed, most of all Streep. Trust us, it’s plain sailing through the rest of your speech after a coup like that. There’s a reason DayLewis has three Oscars, after all. Don’t Offer everyone surprise sex Robert Benigni, Best Foreign Film and Best Actor 1998 Loving your fellow man is all very well, but it’s grim when Oscar winners assume their coronation was the result of some global popularity contest. Benigni clambered over half the rows in the auditorium when Sophia Loren read out his name for Life Is Beautiful, performed a ridiculous series of frog-jumps up the steps, and wore us all out before he’d even uttered a word — and that was even before he won for best actor as well. “I want to be rocketed by the waves of your beauty,” he told Loren, before going even more Italian with the metaphorical overload — was it an ocean or a hailstorm of generosity before him? Was everyone’s love really a mountain of snow? He declared he wanted to “be Jupiter, kidnap everyone and make love to you all” — a bit much, no, Roberto? Infectious enthusiasm is one thing, but let’s not convert it into an STD. { OSCARS } prolific Jude Law (“He’s in everything. Even the movies he’s not acting in.”). His long-winded rumination on “The Passion of the Christ”, culminating in a lame punchline about Jude Law being able to get into clubs more easily than Mel Gibson or Jesus, horrified Oprah Winfrey, and Time magazine named Rock one of the top 10 worst awards-show hosts to date. Hopefully he will be funnier this time, but it is unlikely he will be more diplomatic. Rock has not given away any of the subjects at which he will be taking aim tonight, but he did tweet a photograph of himself in a white Nasa spacesuit, captioned: “Getting my outfit ready.” LS the Kevin Kline comedy In & Out (1997). Go overboard with the hubris James Cameron, Best Director, 1998 Everything was going just fine in the early moments of Cameron’s speech — you wouldn’t exactly call it inspired, but he ticked off all the necessary thank-yous to cast and crew members, gave a hearty shout-out to his parents, and even got a laugh gesturing sheepishly out of the auditorium to wherever Leonardo DiCaprio was stewing over his lack of a nomination. In a trice, it all came crashing down with Cameron’s closing gambit — you can almost see it in his eyes, the knowledge that he’s about to make an almighty fool of himself, but nothing was stopping him now. “I’m the king of the world!” he yelped out, Leo-style, compounding a painful lack of grace with the fratboy whooping sounds afterwards, as he thrust his Oscar skywards. Rewatching now, it’s a peek-through-yourhands moment of purest hilarious, cringing horror. TWENTY-SOMEBODIES The dust-storm swirling around the Academy Awards has not dimmed the glow of Hollywood’s newest ingénues, all hoping for gold tonight. Sue de Groot introduces the three young graces Alicia Vikander Brie Larson The dark-eyed Swede on our cover, now 27 and dating Michael Fassbender, planned to become a ballet dancer but won her first best actress award (Sweden’s equivalent to the Oscar, a beetle statuette called a Guldbagge) for Pure in 2009. Since then she has played Anna Karenina (after the part was turned down by Saoirse Ronan), mastered Danish to play Queen Caroline Mathilde in A Royal Affair, become a robot in Ex Machina and a half-witch in Seventh Son. She is nominated for best supporting actress for her role as painter Gerda Wegener in The Danish Girl, although the “supporting” bit is mystifying given that her fiery performance almost eclipsed co-star Eddie Redmayne’s. Larson is the youngest student to date to have attended the American Conservatory Theatre school in San Francisco (she was six). Now 26, Larson has notched up a long string of acting credits while simultaneously pursuing a music career — she won her first recording contract with Universal Records on the strength of a demo tape at the age of 13. She is the odds-on favourite to win this year’s best actress Oscar for her wrenching performance as escaped captive Joy Newsome in Room (see review on page 52). Crumple entirely for four minutes Gwyneth Paltrow, Best Actress, 1999 Paltrow is credited with bringing pink back into fashion with her Ralph Lauren taffeta gown, but one thing she did not bring back into fashion was crying like a Saoirse Ronan She is 21 and her name is pronounced “Seersha”. She was born in the Bronx in New York, grew up in County Carlow, Ireland, and received her first Oscar nomination at the age of 13 for her role as Briony Tallis in the 2007 film adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel Atonement. Punters predict a close race between Ronan and Brie Larson for tonight’s best actress Oscar. Ronan is nominated for playing Irish immigrant Ellis (pronounced “Ay-lish”) Lacey in the film adaptation of Colm Tóibín’s love story Brooklyn. Out your old drama teacher Tom Hanks, Best Actor, 1994 Anyone who thought Philadelphia was a wee bit overwritten needs to get a load of Hanks’s first best actor speech, which makes the film’s script sound like Hemingway. “The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels,” he declared at the end about those lost to Aids, before gilding the lily with some guff about the “healing embrace that cools their fevers, clears their skin”, and the “simple, selfevident, common-sense truth made manifest by the benevolent creator of us all”. It was a textbook example of trying too hard. He’d already gone off the deep end by celebrating his old teacher, Rawley Farnsworth, as one of the “finest gay Americans” he’d ever known — a surprise to everyone in Farnsworth’s home town of Oakland, from which he’d concealed his sexuality for years. This unplanned outing inspired PAGE 9 baby right the way through one’s Oscar moment. In all fairness to the overcome star, who has got a lot of stick for this speech over the years, she seems humbled and truly grateful, and it’s touching at times to watch her so helplessly overpowered by emotion — the tears start the moment her name is read out, and continue as she lists every last member of the Paltrow clan, including her late cousin. It’s just cumulatively a bit exasperating that she couldn’t have pulled it together a little more. No one looks their best when blubbing quite this unstoppably. — © The Daily Telegraph, London SA’S HOPE (SORT OF) WITH its jaw-dropping battle scenes, “Mad Max: Fury Road” is tipped to sweep the technical Oscars tonight. And its director, George Miller, credits his wife, South African-born editor Margaret Sixel, pictured, for its success. Sixel, who grew up and studied in Australia, is up for best achievement in film editing, after already winning a slew of awards including a Bafta and a Critics Choice. Miller, who is up for best director for the movie, says Sixel brought a distinctive eye to the film. Sixel and Miller developed a working relationship (as well as a personal one) after meeting on the set of an Australian miniseries. She edited his previous films “Happy Feet” and “Babe”. For “Mad Max: Fury Road", Sixel was given 470 hours of footage to edit, which she worked on for two years to distil from them the film’s 120 minutes of mayhem. Miller says Sixel’s role was amplified by the lack of dialogue to drive the story: “The film was like a massive Rubik’s Cube to put together, and she was able to pull it off.” — Nadia Neophytou DISCOVER YOUR SKINCARE SOLUTION GARNIER Buy any 3 Garnier products and get the cheapest one free*. L’ORÉAL SKIN CARE Buy any 3 L’oréal Skin Care products and get the cheapest one free*. EUCERIN Buy any 3 Eucerin products and get the cheapest one free*. ELVIVE Buy any 3 Elvive products and get the cheapest one free*. NIVEA Buy any 3 Nivea products and get the cheapest one free*. PONDS Buy any 3 Ponds products and get the cheapest one free*. Your 6 months’ interest-free (if your account payments are up to date) account card gives you access to a world of shopping at any of the 18 TFG brand stores: Foschini, @home, @homelivingspace, American Swiss, Charles & Keith, DonnaClaire, DueSouth, Exact!, Fabiani, Fashion Express, G-Star Raw, Hi, Luella, Markham, Mat & May, sportscene, Sterns, Totalsports. Merchandise only available at selected Foschini stores while stocks last. *Offer excludes special offers and is available until 13 March 2016. Account queries: 0860 576 576 or 021 938 7666. Cosmetics information: 021 938 1662. E&OE. PAGE 12 FEBRUARY 28 2016 { SNAPSHOTS } THE GRAM TOUR I See A Different You are a Joburg-based production and ideagenerating company, created by Neo Mashigo, Vuyo Mpantsha, Justice Mukheli and Fhatuwani Mukheli. They use social media to present their editorial work, commercial work and ideas. From an editorial shoot for True Love magazine’s denim range, shot in Chiawelo, Soweto. Vuyo sitting between two shacks. There may not be much light, but it beats the darkness. This image of the ‘I See A Different You’ team was inspired by the Xhosa amakwrala, who wear these suits after leaving initiation school as men. It shows how we’re walking away from boyhood into manhood as a fully independent production and idea-generating company. 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GAME Vouchers are not redeemable for cash or as payment on an instalment sales agreement. Gift vouchers are not included in prepaid deals. R195 once-off connection fee - Available on new and upgrade contracts. All contract deals are subject to signing a new 24 month Cell C contract. Terms and conditions apply. Original ID document and proof of residence required for new contracts. For more information, full Terms and Conditions and coverage details visit cellc.co.za, ask a consultant in-store before purchase. Dial 147 or visit cellc.co.za to find out more Certain handsets are only compatible with the Cell C network. PAGE 14 FEBRUARY 28 2016 { ANATOMY & MUSIC } UNDER A SHROUD: Wits medical students at the cadaver dedication ceremony, held each year in honour of those who have donated their bodies to science W E tend to forget what’s under the skin. We’re interacting with one another all the time, passing each other in the street, loving some, making love to others — that actual wanting of someone else’s body, the desire for it. Bodies with skin and nails and eyes and hair. We are defined by this skin, by having this renewable sheath that covers everything that goes on inside us and makes us recognisable as human. Then suddenly the strange surprise when we see a model of the skeleton or page through a book showing our muscles and organs. As formed beings, we work and sleep and laugh and run and cry and have memories, we’re structured and featured, but all the while we’re also these biological entities, processing and metabolising, decaying. All the secret administrations of our inner-body, this autonomous thing that we carry with us forever, concealed from the very owner’s view. This morning I’m in a room with about 40 dead bodies. They’re covered with white plastic sheets but even if you didn’t know they were bodies you would know they were bodies because of that unmistakable gradient from head to toe, the way you’ve seen your lover or your child asleep beneath a duvet. There are several fans in the room, spinning at full pelt. This is to cover the smell of formaldehyde and other chemicals that get used to stop a dead body doing what it wants to do. But the fans aren’t really helping. It’s a strong smell, but it’s not terrible. If anything it’s kind of clean. It’s what the smell actually means that brings on a little coldness, a sprinkle of nausea. This is called a dissection hall. The way of all flesh At the start of each academic year, the School of Anatomical Sciences at Wits University holds a ceremony to honour those who have given their bodies to science. Oliver Roberts attends and feels the stillness Photograph: Raymond Preston Dissection. Dissect. Something about the double-esses is like an incision, s for slice, ect for the weight of flesh, then di. On the walls are artsy anatomical diagrams, probably to try and ease the anxiety, to remind you that you’re here because bodies are interesting. There’s a drawing of a skeleton at some sort of podium, his bony hand resting on another skull, pondering. Row upon row upon row of fluorescent tubes on the ceiling, buzzing. There really are a lot of fans. On tables. Bolted to the wall. The bodies lie on metal beds (or Today is probably the biggest lesson they’ll have. Your teacher is dead tables?) that are slightly aslant and have a drain by the feet and a bucket beneath because embalming can’t get every drop of fluid out. Today is just one day for me. I get to wear a lab coat and pretend I’m some kind of professor because I’m too old to be a student so people are looking at me like I must be part of the faculty. SULA IZINYEMBEZI Sibongile Khumalo T HE first time I heard Sibongile Khumalo perform live, I was scoffing a French polony sandwich and washing it down with Oros. It was one of those dreadful days when “growing up in a musical family” wasn’t a catch-phrase answer in an interview. It was on this hot day somewhere in the then Transvaal ONE TRACK, MINED Today is just one day for me. But for the second-year medical students starting to stream in now, it’s a year, it’s the rest of their lives. Collectively they’re known as ANAT2020 — anatomy, class of 2020 at the School of Anatomical Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand. Today they’re going to take the Anatomy creed and sign the Anatomy Register before they commence dissection. They cover the faces of the dead with a sheet for the first couple of weeks until the students get used to the idea of the body actually belonging to a human. The students keep coming in. Today is probably the biggest lesson they’ll ever have. Your teacher is dead, that’s what. For a whole year this person right here, with their ever-so-slightly plasticine edge and half-open eyes, is going to be lecturing you. You don’t want to look at the face for the first few weeks. The first students that come in head straight for the walls. They stand with their backs pressed against the walls to create as much distance as possible from the bodies. The later you are, the greater your chance of having to actually sit right near one of the bodies, sense its mass and gravity. at a choral competition. At that age I thought such competitions were a dreadful way to spend one’s weekend. I still do. Needless to say, I was not in the most receptive of moods when Khumalo appeared for a showcase performance. Through no fault of her own, it has taken a tremendous amount of time for me not to associate her music with soggy sandwiches, boiled eggs and chocolate éclairs. Everyone is trying to make conversation. Stuff about what happened at some pub on the weekend or how so-and-so was seen kissing so-and-so in the halls or where is he or she, no she must have dropped out. People are giggling even, possibly at a nervous quip but probably at nothing. Anything to cover up what’s in front of them because what do you say in a room full of dead bodies? You don’t talk about it. I mean, the dead here, they’re already invisible. They’ve got to do this. A ceremony for those who have not only ‘Think about their beauty and the fact that they were created so perfectly’ died — that’s one thing — but have agreed — requested — to be embalmed and placed on a metal slab with a bucket underneath so that they can be opened up and examined, have things extracted from them, all the in-built perfection of their fibres and nerves divided and scrutinised. For a whole year they’ll lie here, in this room, covered then I am glad that I persisted. Sula Izinyembezi on Khumalo’s latest album offers both consolation and a reward for my efforts. To this day, my mother has not completely forgiven me for not being able to sing. It would be nice if, on her next album, Khumalo could address this issue on my behalf and for all of those who grew up in choral music families but have to lip-synch at family gatherings. — Setumo-Thebe Mohlomi uncovered, complete then incomplete. At night the fans will stop and all those tubes of light will be switched off and they’ll all of them lie in the dark, uncontrollably static, strangers sharing one another’s deaths in the quiet. At the end of the year the families get the ashes. This morning, people keep saying, “It’s just a shell. It’s just a shell.” Also, “The smell’s not as bad as I thought.” All those slopes beneath the white plastic sheets. Head-to-toe. Toe-to-head. Then we rise. Silence for the procession of the med faculty as it enters the room. Silence for the first time and now you can’t avoid it. Total silence for two minutes. “Without these bodies, without these cadavers that we are honouring today, your studies of medicine and anatomy would not be possible.” Professor Maryna Steyn, head of the School of Anatomical Sciences, is speaking. “Please take time to think about the body in front of you and all the bodies in this hall. Think about their beauty and the fact that they were created so perfectly. Never forget that these individuals were once living, breathing individuals; that last year, by the time you were probably writing your mid-year exams, many of them would still have been walking the streets, sharing loves and laughter, sharing lives with their families and having loved ones that will miss them dearly.” The cadaver is their first patient. They must be covered when they’re not being worked on. Most of the people in this room are not even 20 years old. When you’re 20 you think you can’t die. Steyn tells the students it’s an opportunity to explore their own humanness. Then the students stand and collectively read The Student’s Creed. “I stand humbly before the bodily remains of those who will enable us to complete our journey of learning and exploration,” it goes, “and solemnly declare that I will at all times respect their dignity and value their contribution to my professional development.” So many voices that the air vibrates a little, a final touch of movement in the stillness unending. • For information on body donation go to www.anatomysa.co.za or http://www.wits.ac.za/anatomicalsciences/become-a-bodydonor/ Oven and Hob Box Set BdYZa/987%%& HZi^cXajYZh/dkZcbdYZa/97D)+( 6 ZcZg\ngVi^c\-&ldkZcXVeVX^in Bjai^"[jcXi^dci]Zgbd[VcdkZc =dWbdYZa/9=9(.)IdjX]8dcigda 9jVaXdd`^c\odcZ:aZXigdc^XhZchdgh 'nZVg\jVgVciZZ '.'.%* was 6999 range 6499 10/2016 Valid from Saturday 27 February to Sunday 6 March 2016 each 34l Microwave Oven with Grill 62l Electronic Microwave Oven 32l Electronic Microwave Oven BdYZa/9BD()( B^ggdgÃc^h] &%%%L HiV^caZhhhiZZaXVk^in B^ggdgYddg 8dbW^cVi^dcXdd`^c\ 'nZVg\jVgVciZZ &,*.*( BdYZa/@BA+'7 8dadjg/h^akZg &'%%L&%edlZgaZkZah 9^\^iVaY^heaVn HeZZYXdd`^c\YZ[gdhi (%hZXdcYfj^X`hiVgi 'nZVg\jVgVciZZ 6kV^aVWaZjedcgZfjZhiViE^ZiZgbVg^ioWjg\dgdca^cZ '+)%). 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VITAL SERVICE FOR SOUTH AFRICANS - The introduction of the AidCall 24/7 service, provides a vital link to the members of our community who may feel worried about security, live in isolation, have a high risk medical history, or are concerned about slipping or falling in their home and need to know that help can be summoned should they need it. STL 28/02/16 There for you when no-one else can be There for them when you can’t be Call us on 0800 911 247 For a FREE brochure or further information or visit www.aidcall.co.za KAROO RETAIL: FIND YOUR HIPPIE PLACE Enjoy an all-inclusive^ cruising holiday with the specialists Deal of the week Portuguese Island & Ilha de Mozambique 40% on MSC Sinfonia er 2016. Departs Durban, 11 Novemb Island, Ilha de HIGHLIGHTS Portuguese . Mozambique and Durban service and WITH 24 hour dining & room s. port taxe Interior from Barcelona to Venice 7 nights 7 nights INCLUDES DRINKS on Norwegian Epic Departs Barcelona, 2 October 2016. HIGHLIGHTS Naples, Pompeii, Rome, Florence, Cannes, Barcelona and more. SAVING 7 nights Mediterranean Wonders BONUS CAN3034 R7890 * CAN2778 on Vision of the Seas® Departs Barcelona, 30 April 2016. HIGHLIGHTS Cannes, Rome, Amalfi, Catania, Venice and Barcelona. Ultimate drinks package worth $570. Interior from BONUS R13690 R15995 R14490 * Call direct 0877 40 5052 Open 7 days a week 7 nights on Costa Deliziosa, 1 night stay. Departs Venice, 29 May 2016. HIGHLIGHTS Bari, Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini, Dubrovnik and Venice. Saving of R3000 PLUS a Cheers drinks package. Interior from Interior from We are the Cruising Specialists. Every port, every ship, every cabin. Cruise Free Guarantee. Free after-hours assistance. Flights + 8 nights on MSC Armonia Departs Rome, 13 May 2016. HIGHLIGHTS Genoa, Marseille, Mahon, Cagliari, Valletta, Messina and Rome. All cruises include meals & entertainment on board. CAN2824 Turkey, Greece, Croatia Flights + 7 nights CAN2920 2nd passenger receives 50% discount off the cruise fare only (already included). * Western Mediterranean BONUS Book with * CAN2909 Interior from cruiseaboutRSA CruiseaboutSA R23050 cruiseabout.co.za * *Cruise prices are per person sharing unless otherwise specified in South African Rand and are subject to limited availability. Advertised prices include any discount mentioned already. Book and pay before 4 March 2016 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices vary per cabin category and are subject to change until payment is made in full. Cruise line rules and regulations apply. Certain cruise lines reserve the right to charge a fuel surcharge at any time should the need arise. All prices subject to currency fluctuations. Prices do not include airfare unless specified. Airfares where specified are ex JHB with limited seat availability, quoted per person, include approximate taxes and apply to economy class tickets except where stated. Prices correct at time of going to print on 24 February 2016 and are based on specific departure dates. Ask your cruise consultant for more details. Visas and travel insurance are excluded. E and OE. Please refer to cruiseabout.co.za for more information on our Cruise Free Guarantee. ^ All cruise deals include all meals, selected drinks and entertainment on board. MSC RAND STRETCHER DEALS SAVE UP TO MSC RAND STRETCHER DEALS 50% R AND STRETCHER DEALS AN AFFORDABLE ESCAPE FROM JUST R3000 PER PERSON The Rand may have fallen, but that doesnt mean your local holidays are a thing of the past. MSC Cruises has introduced the Rand Stretcher deals for an affordable escape from just R3000 per person and kids cruise free. This is a limited offer that has been extended to the 4th of March 2016 with a limited number of cabins available. MSC R AND STRETCHER DEALS MSC Flamingo MSC Shore Excursions DATE NTS ITINERARY INSIDE FROM OUTSIDE BALCONY FROM FROM 07 Mar '16 4 Durban, Maputo & Portuguese Island R 3 100 R 3 500 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT R 890 11 Mar '16 3 Durban, Portuguese Island R 3 000 R 3 400 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT R 730 14 Mar '16 4 Durban, 2 days at Portuguese Island R 3 100 R 3 500 18 Mar '16 7 Durban, Portuguese Island & Ilha Mozambique R 5 800 R 5 800 18 Apr '16 4 Durban, 2 days at Portuguese Island R 3 100 R 3 500 DATE NTS ITINERARY INSIDE FROM OUTSIDE BALCONY FROM FROM 25 Mar '16 3 Durban, Portuguese Island R 6 500 R 6 500 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT R 730 28 Mar '16 4 Durban, Maputo & Portuguese Island SOLD OUT R 8 200 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT R 890 01 Apr '16 3 Durban, Portuguese Island R 4 800 R 5 100 SOLD OUT On request R 730 04 Apr '16 4 Durban, 2 days at Portuguese Island R 6 200 R 6 200 SOLD OUT R 8 700 R 890 08 Apr '16 3 Durban, Portuguese Island R 4 450 R 4 450 SOLD OUT R 8 100 R 730 11 Apr '16 4 Durban, Maputo & Portuguese Island R 4 650 R 4 750 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT R 890 15 Apr '16 3 Durban, Portuguese Island R 3 900 R 4 100 On request SOLD OUT R 730 R 4 000 SUITE FROM R 4 350 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT R 4 000 MANDATORY CHARGES R 890 R 1 160 R 4 350 R 890 SUITE FROM MANDATORY CHARGES New Improved Portuguese Island 2016-17 SEASON OPEN FOR SALE! BOOK NOW & SAVE UP TO 50% DATE Introducing myChoice Dining OUTSIDE BALCONY FROM FROM SUITE FROM MANDATORY CHARGES R 8 600 R 8 600 R 955 R 8 385 R 8 385 R 955 R 8 050 R 8 050 R 785 R 16 700 R 16 900 R 1 290 R 23 000 R 27 000 R 34 500 R 38 000 R 1 550 ITINERARY 05 Dec '16 4 Durban, Maputo & Portuguese Island R 5 650 R 5 650 12 Dec '16 4 Durban, 2 days at Portuguese Island R 6 000 R 6 200 16 Dec '16 3 Durban, Portuguese Island R 6 200 R 6 500 19 Dec '16 7 26 Dec '16 11 Durban, Reunion & Mauritius 06 Jan '17 3 Durban to Cape Town R 3 300 R 3 780 R 4 700 R 4 800 R 785 13 Jan '17 2 Cape Town, No Where R 2 795 R 2 800 R 3 250 R 3 550 R 605 Durban, Portuguese Island & Ilha Mozambique R 12 250 R 14 000 15 Jan '17 5 Cape Town, Walvis Bay & Luderitz R 5 600 R 5 850 R 7 300 R 8 350 R 1 040 23 Jan '17 4 Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban R 2 900 R 3 300 R 4 200 R 4 600 R 955 27 Jan '17 2 Durban, No Where R 2 150 R 2 400 R 2 900 R 3 200 R 605 Contact your nearest ASATA Agent or 087 075 0882 INSIDE FROM NTS msccruises.co.za All rates are per person based on 2 people sharing a 2 berth cabin and subject to availability, foreign exchange and fuel cost uctuations. Rand Stretcher deals offer applies to selected departures. All cruise offers are capacity controlled and offering selected cabins at a specic price in line with MSC Cruises Dynamic Pricing Policy. KIDS CRUISE FREE: Up to 2 children under 18 years, sharing a I2 or O2 cabin category with 2 adults, for Suites 2 children under 12 years & for balconies 1 child under 18 years, only paying the mandatory charges. 50% discount is capacity controlled and applicable to selected departures. Above cruise fares exclude mandatory port, service and insurance charges: listed above. Single supplement applies and multiple berth cabins carry a surcharge. Promotions are not combinable with each other, but are combinable with MSC Voyagers Club discounts (except for Tandem).ST&Cs apply. E&OE. VOICES February 28 2016 21 Accidental Tourist With rooms rented by the hour, love hotels are ideal for some much-needed nookie NICKY FURNISS APAN has a unique perspective on matters of the heart. In fact, romance is so revered there that the Japanese celebrate not one but two Valentine’s Days a year. On February 14, men get spoilt by their lady loves with gifts of chocolate. Though many hope for a honmei-choco (chocolate of love), most men will at least receive a giri-choco (courtesy chocolate) to ease the sting of singledom. These acts of kindness also have a strategic purpose because come March 14, or White Day, it’s the women’s turn. Such is the sense of propriety in Japan that, should you have received a Valentine’s Day gift, it would be shameful not to return the favour a month later (clever girls) — white chocolate, marshmallows, jewellery and white lingerie being the traditional gifts of choice. Often the term sanbai gaeshi (triple the return) comes into play, which stipulates that the reciprocal gift should be worth at least three times the value of the original gift. Clearly we have much to learn. But when it comes to displays of love and affection beyond the buying of chocolates, things get, well, a little sticky. While many a Japanese man is completely nonchalant about openly salivating over graphic manga (cartoon) porn mags while J PIET GROBLER Love in Japan riding packed trains, many of my friends lamented the notoriously slow romantic advances of the Japanese male. After all, who has a month to wait to hold hands? This physical reticence doesn’t apply to hostess bars, however, where men pay copious amounts of money to women, whose sole purpose it is to serve them drinks, laugh at their jokes, praise their intelligence/virility/looks and generally pretend to be thrilled to bits by their clumsy flirtations and drunken karaoke ballads. For those “courtesy chocolate” man, this one was interested in only one thing — her underwear, which he promptly “knicked”, along with photos of her. Even before she realised she’d been robbed, her panties and pics were probably already packaged and headed to the seedy underbelly of Tokyo to be sold in a vending machine. There are those who get it right, though, and for young lovers in Japan, the next biggest holiday after Valentine’s Day is Christmas. While New Year’s Eve in Japan is a solemn occasion, when people recipients who simply can’t get their romantic acts together, there are also “kitten” restaurants, where you can get a little cuddle time with something small and furry. Alternatively there are also “hug” restaurants where you can exchange chaste hugs with other lonely hearts in need of a little human interaction. Others get their romantic endorphin rush in other ways. Like the chap who broke into my friend’s apartment, not once, but twice. While her electronics may have tempted a different kind of spend time with their families and pay their respects to their local temples, Christmas is revered as a day for lovers to, well, get it on. I’m not sure how the church would feel about that. And in a country where accommodations are cramped at best and often shared with many generations of the same family, the solution for some merry lovemaking is to check into your nearest love hotel. With rooms rented by the hour, discreet staff and an even greater collection of vending machines, with all sorts of tools and toys of the trade, love hotels are ideal for some muchneeded nookie. They also serve a useful purpose for those of us who will travel three hours to the nearest big city for a night out, and need a place to crash for a few hours before the first train home the next morning. It’s beneficial to have brushed up on your Japanese sexy lingo prior to a visit, however, otherwise you may have the unfortunate occurrence of renting a room for some shut-eye only to open the door and find not carpets and a bed but rather a metal grid on the floor and nothing but a dentist’s chair! Romantic root canal, anyone? — Nicky Furniss is the Senior Editor at TCB Media Oh, snap! Kaletso Phiri sent us this picture, taken on a family trip to the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls near Livingstone. He writes: “I was determined to get a picture that had the falls and the rainbow in the same frame — easier said than done! After many failed attempts, we got it right. The frustration might have been beginning to show on my face but inside I was totally ecstatic.“ — Kaletso Phiri Want R500? Send your fun travel pics (at least 500KB) to [email protected] and give us a few postcard-style lines about your trip and the shot. If we put you in Travel, you win the cash! QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson EDITOR Paul Ash CONTACT Tel: 011 280 5121 email: [email protected] DESIGNER Vernice Shaw SUBEDITORS Elizabeth Sleith, Peta Scop PICTURE SOURCING Aubrey Paton PROOFREADER Helen Smith COVER Dirk and Sonja van Rensburg of the Republic of Rusticana, Calvinia SOURCE Chris Marais ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Debbie Thompson, National Sales Business Manager. Tel: 011 280 3555 email: [email protected] SUBSCRIBER HOTLINE 0860 52 52 00 JOHANNESBURG TO HONG KONG: FULLY INCLUSIVE RETURN FARE FROM JOHANNESBURG TO: R841 FROM CAPE TOWN TO: INTERNATIONAL ROUTES ARE FULLY INCLUSIVE RETURN FARES FROM DURBAN TO: R4 501 R7 034 R7 815 R6 496 R9 029 R9 810 R5 986 R8 519 R5 622 R9 499 R6 985 R7 617 R11 494 R9 334 R7 107 R10 984 R8 434 R1 339 R6 275 R4 701 R8 274 R6 696 R7 764 R6 186 ALL-INCLUSIVE ONE-WAY SPECIAL FARES. JOHANNESBURG TO: R704 R818 R8 864 BOOK NOW! EARN VOYAGER MILES! Voted Best Airline in Africa for 13 consecutive years. Best Staff Service – Africa for the 4th time. R9 363 R9 539 R9 363 Go to flysaa.com, call +27 11 978 1111 or contact your local travel agent to book. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: *DOMESTIC ROUTES One-way Fares: Between Johannesburg and Cape Town/Durban/East London/Port Elizabeth: Sales and travel period until 30 June 2016. Fares must be sold at least between 21 and 28 days before departure. Changes permitted anytime at a charge of R342 per change #. Cancellation: Anytime airfares are non-refundable*. **INTERNATIONAL ROUTES Return Fares: Harare/Kinshasa/Entebbe/Victoria Falls/Lusaka/Brazzaville/Luanda: Sales and travel period until 30 June 2016. Dar es Salaam: Sales period until 31 March 2016. Travel period until 31 December 2016. Changes permitted anytime at a charge of R400 per change #. Cancellation: Anytime airfares are non-refundable*. Hong Kong: Sales period and travel period until 30 June 2016. Changes permitted anytime at a charge of R1 500 per change #. Cancellation: before departure 50% cancellation fee. After departure no refund. All fares are subject to availability and change due to currency fluctuations. SA Airways reserves the right to, at anytime, change and/or discontinue these special fares and conditions without prior notice. # Subject to same seat availability. *Any unused fuel levies and/or regulated taxes are refundable. There is a service fee of R100 on domestic tickets and R250 on international tickets for new bookings made via our Call Centre. This service fee will be waived for Voyager Gold, Platinum and Lifetime Platinum members. LOCAL DESTINATIONS 22 February 28 2016 A COOL KAROO TREASURE MAP CARNARVON — If you’re a windpump fanatic in search of that rare full-size tail, ask anybody here where to find Leon Swanepoel, the Water Doctor of the Karoo. He might sell you an Aermotor tail, but if you want to really get him going, mention your deep love of the Climax windpump. And for goodness’ sake, don’t call it a windmill. SUTHERLAND — Pop in to the local farmers’ co-op, the Woolworths of the Karoo. You see that bottle of udder cream on the third shelf to the left of the two-tone shirts? Insiders will tell you udder cream is fantastic for chapped hands. And if you buy any item of clothing or footwear bearing the name of Jonsson, know that you will be wearing it for many years to come. The stuff is as hardy as hell. PHILIPSTOWN — Ask the guy at Merino Motors where you can get a decent draadkarretjie — a wire car. See if you can get your kids to drop their mobile devices for a morning and race each other up and down the driveway instead. WILLOWMORE — Apart from a friendly reception, a good cuppa joe and a heart-shaped omelette, Sophie’s Choice is where you can load up on an assortment of oddities, including panpipe-playing cherubs and chandeliers. ILLUSTRATION: SIHLE MTSHISELWA perfecting island holidays for more than 60 years y o u r m a u r i t i u s be. holiday here. now. Rates are per person sharing and include: Return airfare ex JNB Approximate airport taxes Return transfers Breakfast & dinner daily Kids Club daily for 3-12 years Free land & motorised water sports per brochure 7 nights 20% saving on land package from 1 child U6 shares + eats + flies free at Le Mauricia and Le Canonnier from 1 child U12 shares + eats + flies free at Le Victoria from 15% saving on spa treatments 5% saving for Repeat Guests R18 530 R18 530 R20 470 le mauricia le canonnier le victoria superior Upgrade to all-inclusive from R565 per adult per night call your Asata travel agent or Beachcomber on 0800 500 800 [email protected] www.beachcomber.co.za Valid for travel 23 May – 24 June 2016. Land package saving is included. All-inclusive rate applicable to Le Mauricia & Le Canonnier; enquire for Le Victoria rate; Repeat Guest Saving is applicable to a second stay within 18 months or 5th visit and more. Conditions apply to the spa discounts - enquire for details. Taxes payable on free air ticket for children. Rates are subject to availability and rate of exchange. Due to the volatility of the rand please use this ad as a price guideline, call for updated pricing. Terms & conditions apply. LOCAL DESTINATIONS February 28 2016 23 koeksuster from some dusty main-drag coffee shop. For lovers of road trips and retail therapy, there’s nowhere Yet treasure hunting in the Karoo is all about knowing where better than the Karoo. Here, those with time on their hands the good things are. CHRIS MARAIS highlights some of the and a willingness to get their hands dirty are guaranteed to come away with so much more than just a cappuccino and a best stops on a badass, fun-filled retail-therapy road trip. NIEU BETHESDA — Of course, the main attraction here is Helen Martins’ mad museum of mosaic and concrete sculptures, the Owl House. Across the dirt road from her old house, though, you can buy replicas of her weirdly wonderful sculptures. There’s at least one woman there who claims the sculptures are made by her sons, relatives of Koos Malgas, who helped Martins build her wacky originals. Then stop at The Karoo Lamb, for a pair of very special Petrusville slippers — silicon-soled wonders made of wool felt, they are perfect for the “shoulder seasons” of autumn and spring. Luxury for the tootsies. GRAAFF-REINET — Ring the old brass bell at Reinet Antiques, a restored house now packed with a mix of true antiques and downright peculiar collectibles. If you see owner Eira Maasdorp, ask her to show you the oldest fruit cake in the Karoo — perhaps the world — which was baked in 1902 to celebrate the house residents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Maasdorp stumbled across it, and photos of the couple, in the attic while she was renovating the house. MIDDELPOS — This is where you do your boerboel dog shopping. Ask for Koos van der Merwe, who will take you on a kennel tour and tell you: “A boerboel will run all day with you next to your horse. Then on the way back home, it will catch a scrubhare for your supper. And that night it will guard your wife and children.” CALVINIA — At the Rustic Art Shop, offer owner Dirk van Rensburg cash for his glorious Springbok Tobacco enamel sign and he’ll change the subject immediately. If you’re lucky, you’ll emerge with a discounted Oom Daan’s Pie — “guaranteed to not give you heartburn”. WILLISTON — In what people call The Hard Man’s Karoo, the Williston Mall is not what city folk might expect from such a name. Actually, this once dusty backyard space in the middle of the desert has been morphed into a place of humour and funky shopping by its owners, two utterly lovely eccentrics and outsider artists to the core, Pieter and Elmarie Naude. Stop here to savour the best milkshake north of the Huguenot Tunnel and have a delightful browse. BEAUFORT WEST — Die Spinwiel Antieks is the Karoo’s Cave of Wonders. As you walk in, you’ll see a regulation antique shop. But as you go further, it suddenly becomes a massive museum to the popular culture of yesterday’s Karoo. It’s said they have more Mazawattee tea tins here than anywhere in the world. Toby jugs, jukeboxes, enamel signs, miniatures, a barber’s chair and even an ancient Polyphone gambling machine that once graced the foyer of the Fraserburg Hotel. In the back courtyard, you’ll find the Street of Old Petrol — a fully reconstructed Atlantic filling station, opposite its Shell counterpart. Look, here’s the Caltex White Rabbit and the Trek Quagga. Now from R18 600 SOMERSET EAST — Knock at the back entrance of the former Catholic church, which has a new life as the Angler & Antelope Guest House bar, dining room and fly shop. Alan and Annabelle Hobson will open the door to a world of weird names such as Pappa Roach, Woolly Bugger, Hackle Wet Fuzzy Wuzzy and Horrible Matuka. You will struggle to find better fishing flies anywhere. CRADOCK: Everyone goes bargain-hunting at More4Less, a vast warehouse of second-hand stuff that ranges from racks of Mills & Boon bodice rippers to a no-name brand electric guitar that would sound fantastic in a shearing shed packed with attentive livestock. person * per sharing Was R20 115 European Magic takes the tried & tested favourite destinations of travellers through Europe & packs them into 1 awesome itinerary - 7 countries in just over a week. Now from R23 200 LOXTON — Stop at Die Rooi Granaat if you’re a Deon Meyer fan. He is a part-time Loxton resident, and most of his novels are on sale here — usually signed. ON THE N10 — The Daggaboer Padstal, where the weed is sold out by 6am every day — as the frontdoor sign announces. This is where you buy your winter woolly sheep slippers, a perfect match for the sherry, the pipe, the roaring fire and that weekend Game of Thrones binge. If it’s really cold where you live, you can also purchase a snuggly TV blanket made of the finest mohair, shorn from the backs of true Karoo angora goats. person * per sharing Was R25 129 Begin in Rome, experiencing all the hotspots along the Mediterranean coast. Dance in Barcelona, mingle on the French Riviera, enjoy delightful Tuscany, conquer like a Roman emperor & savour Madrid. Hotel accommodation Selected meals as per itinerary Local taxes & service charges Transport in modern airconditioned coach Sightseeing tours of all major cities An experienced & professional contiki crew Excludes airfares, airport taxes, any items not listed above. *All terms and conditions apply as per the Contiki Europe Summer 2016/17 brochure. Now price is based on EPD of 7.5% is subject to availability at time of booking & may be withdrawn without prior notice. R1000 deposit within 7 days secures the reservation and full payment if due on or before 24 March 2016. *Travel on selected departure dates from April to October 2016 IN SHORT 24 February 28 2016 ARRIVALS Hey that looks like … & DEPARTURES Travelling news Compiled by ELIZABETH SLEITH China warns its architects: STOP BEING WEIRD! O long giant pants, teapots and cellphones. The Chinese government has decreed that no more bizarre buildings will be allowed to pollute its city skies. This week, the State Council released new guidelines on urban planning, which seek to curb the construction of “weird and oddly shaped buildings” in favour of designs that should embody China’s national character — and be built on eco-friendly principles. In recent decades, more and more “creative buildings” have been constructed in China. Examples include the China Central Television headquarters in Beijing, often called the “pants building” for its likeness to a pair of trousers; a cellphone-shaped building in Kunming, complete with number buttons on its exterior and a huge window for the screen; and a teapot-shaped building in Wuxi. S PRICES FROM HIGH HOPES: The Phoenix Towers are supertall skyscrapers planned for construction in Wuhan, China The new guidelines echo a speech by China’s President Xi Jinping in 2014, in which he called for morallyinspiring architecture that should “be like sunshine from the blue sky and the breeze in spring that will inspire minds, warm hearts, cultivate taste and clean up undesirable work styles”. The People’s Daily Online reports that those who break the rules will be held accountable. ■ A BOTTLE OF BOOZE: It's quite possible the producer of China’s most potent white spirit, baijiu, gave its architects too many tasters during the design process. How else did they end up with the Wuliangye Yibin building in Sichuan? ■ A GRAND PIANO: This building in Huainan was conceived as a performance space for music students, with a huge glass entrance shaped like a violin and the performance space in the bowels of the giant piano. ■ A GIANT LOTUS: Blooming out of an artificial lake in Wujin, this exhibition centre shows the three stages of the flower from the young bud to the full ripe flower through to the opened bloom with a seed pod within. ■ A BOTTLE OPENER: The Shanghai World Financial Centre, the fourth tallest building in China, is famed for its 101st-floor, glass-bottomed observation deck. The aperture at the top was designed to reduce wind pressure, but the resulting shape also gave the skyscraper its nickname. ■ A BIRD’S NEST: The striking Beijing National Stadium was designed to be the main venue of the 2008 Olympic Games. SPLENDOURS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN R23,999 pp EXPERIENCE THE BRAND NEW CARNIVAL VISTA FREE OUTSIDE TO BALCONY UPGRADE FREE OUTSIDE TO BALCONY UPGRADE YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES: 1-night hotel stay in Athens or Barcelona 10-night full-board cruise on board Carnival Vista Return flights & taxes Spend one night in either Athens or Barcelona followed by a leisurely cruise around the Mediterranean on board the brand new Carnival Vista. Launching in May 2016, the Carnival Vista promises to be a fun-Ήlled and colourful ship providing a host of leisure and enter tainment facilities as well as a range of outstanding restaurants. A few Ήrsts for the Carnival Ίeet are the CALL NOW ON Ήrst IMAX theatre at sea with a 3-deck-high screen; SkyRide, the industrys Ήrst pedal-powered, openair aerial ride; Carnivals largest WaterWorks water park which will feature a 455-foot-long twist-and-turn inΊatable raft ride; and more outdoor spaces than any other Carnival ship, including al fresco dining areas. The Vista also boasts a 2-deck Cloud 9 spa with a thalassotherapy pool, four steam chambers, and another Ήrst for Carnival an infrared sauna and Turkish bath. 0861 500 600 All of these spectacular features are guaranteed to provide you with the cruise holiday of a lifetime and with a choice of Mediterranean itineraries calling at ports such as the Renaissance centre of Florence, the red-roofed splendour of Dubrovnik, the vineyardclad landscape of Provence, and the ancient wonders of Athens, youll be able to experience this amazing new ship in the most beautiful settings possible. ON BOARD CARNIVAL VISTA Carnival Vista is an ultramodern, spacious and sleek liner. The entertainment is top notch, the restaurants plentiful and varied. Kick back with a Ήlm at the Ήrst IMAX theatre at sea. Jump atop the SkyRide for a pedal-powered open air aerial ride or experiance Carnivals largest WaterWorks water park. 11 NIGHTS DEPARTING MAY - OCT 2016 CRUISE ITINERARY: Athens • Izmir • Rhodes • Valletta • Messina • Naples • Rome • Livorno • Marseille • Barcelona *PRICES FROM INSIDE R23,999pp BALCONY R27,999pp OUTSIDE R27,999pp SUITE SOLD OUT RETURN FLIGHTS & TAXES INCLUDED OR VISIT IMAGINECRUISING.CO.ZA OPENING HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 7PM SATURDAY 9AM - 4PM SUNDAY 10AM - 4PM. ALL PRICES ARE BASED ON 2 ADULTS SHARING, FLIGHTS ARE FROM JOHANNESBURG BUT OTHER OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT A SUPPLEMENT. ITINERARIES & DURATION VARY DEPENDANT ON DEPARTURE DATE. *PRICE & ITINERARY BASED ON 23 MAY 2016. IN SHORT How to sell a crap hotel 25 NOW YOU CAN TAKE A VOICE TO THE MOUNTAIN G L OCAL purveyors of less-thanthe-best budget accommodations would do well to steal a trick from Erik Kessels. Widely regarded as “the most influential man in the Netherlands”, the Dutch artist and designer was in Cape Town last weekend to speak at the mother of all creative conferences, the Design Indaba, where he shared his award-winning work for the Hans Brinker Budget Hotel in Amsterdam. Thanks to the efforts of Kessels’ agency, KesselsKramer, the backpackers has for years been luring pennypinching travellers with its witty and creative campaigns that make an asset of its shoddy standards. In fact, it openly bills itself as “the worst hotel in the world”. With a tongue-in-cheek take on traditional hotel advertising, its posters make such bold proclamations as: “Free wireless with the neighbour’s password” and “Now even more dog shit in the main entrance!” Another series of ads plays on posh hotels’ latest obsession with “ecofriendliness”. One shows a naked man, clearly fresh out of the shower, drying himself on the curtain. The accompanying text trumpets: “Accidentally eco-friendly.” Right, no fresh towels. The Dutch website Design NL reports that after KesselsKramer took over the campaigns, hotel bookings doubled — though nothing inside the hotel had changed at all. “The Amsterdam tourist board was not very happy with the campaigns,” Kessels told the site. “But the hotel was mostly — maybe not always — happy. We started to wonder, though, how far we could stretch this approach. Could it get any worse?” From that type of thinking, the next campaign was obvious — a poster that read: “We can’t get any worse, but we will do our best”. REAT news for switched-on visitors to Cape Town’s most famous sight: the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has added a voice feature to its cellphone app. Meetings and Travel Buyer reports that the app now includes an audio tour, full of interesting tidbits about the mountain and the Mother City. Did you know the first cable car was made of wood and took the British royal family to the summit of Table Mountain? Officially launched in December, the walking tour is hosted on the VoiceMap app. At the Lower Cable Station, visitors can download the application for free on wifi. www.gatewaytours.co.za MAJESTIC VICTORIA FALLS HWANGE NATIONAL PARK THE KINGDOM HOTEL GIVE THEM A WARM JOZI WELCOME! J GOING BY THE NUMBERS 9 259 … the distance in kilometres travelled by the “Rossiya” — the passenger train between Moscow and Vladivostok — on the Trans-Siberian Railway. The 6-day journey is the world’s longest train ride OBURG Tourism has launched a fun campaign to encourage locals to put on a friendly face for visitors. Launched this week, the Welcome to Jozi — Make a Visitor’s Day! campaign aims to inform and educate Joburgers on how to be great ambassadors, to promote the city, enhance the visitor experience and ensure that they will have great memories of Joburg — and come back again. Additionally, the campaign aims to encourage people to participate by showing them how tourism impacts each and every resident of Johannesburg. In fact, the city is Africa’s most visited, attracting students, business people, and tourists looking for shopping, art, culture, history, music and sport. To all of them, locals are encouraged to be helpful, courteous and friendly. This can be done through even the simplest of gestures, such as helping someone with directions. They are also encouraged to learn more about the visitors themselves, where they can. There is also a plan for the campaign to educate locals on how to interact with visitors. For example, etiquette and greeting them in their languages to make them feel welcome. Joburgers can also make a visitor’s day by showing them the city’s rich culture, heritage, leisure and lifestyle attractions and activities. This means that they have to be familiar with the city’s tourist attractions and how to access them. As in many other destinations around the world, residents are often unaware of their city’s tourism and leisure offerings and the campaign aims to address this. Joburg, of course, has a great deal to experience and explore. The struggle history, and culture and heritage attractions provide fascinating insights into the city’s past. Counsellor Ruby Mathang, head of economic development at the City of Johannesburg, says: “Visitors to our city make a significant contribution to our economy, which benefits development, job creation and transformation. “By giving our visitors the best experiences, we are nurturing and growing tourism’s contribution to our local economy, which is advantageous to all of us.” He adds that the campaign’s success is dependent on collaboration and co-operation between the City of Johannesburg, its residents and all tourism stakeholders. “By working together we can ensure visitors experience the best that Johannesburg has to offer — our warm and welcoming people and the fantastic variety of experiences and attractions on offer.” For more, see joburgtourism.com. 3 days, 2 nights from R5 990 4 days, 3 nights from R6 490 ELEPHANT HILLS RESORT 3 days, 2 nights from R5 990 4 days, 3 nights from R6 490 HWANGE SAFARI LODGE 4 days, 3 nights from R8 990 HWANGE, VICTORIA FALLS 7 days, 6 nights from R11 990 3 nights Hwange Safari Lodge, 3 nights Kingdom Hotel or Elephant Hills. Rates valid until 01 June 2016. Price Includes: Return Flights ex JNB Return Airport Transfers 4 Accommodation Breakfast Daily ZANZIBAR - SPICE ISLAND NGALAWA BEACH VILLAGE BED & BREAKFAST 5 days, 4 nights from R 7 390 7 days, 6 nights from R 8 690 FULL BOARD, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER 5 days, 4 nights from R 8 390 7 days, 6 nights from R10 390 DOUBLETREE BY HILTON FULLY INCLUSIVE, ALL MEALS + DRINKS & SNACKS 5 days, 4 nights from R11 990 7 days, 6 nights from R14 990 Rate surcharge applicable over peak periods & long weekends. Rates valid until 30 June 2016. Price Includes: Return Flights ex JNB Airport taxes Return airport transfers Accommodation with meals as specied EXOTIC THAILAND AGENT’S ALERT PHUKET ■ SEVEN NIGHTS CRUISING THE MEDITERRANEAN FROM R22 180 PER PERSON 8 nights from R11 690 10 nights from R12 290 BANGKOK & PHUKET 10 nights from R14 290 12 nights from R14 790 Price Includes: Return Flights ex JNB Airport taxes Transfers Accommodation Breakfasts daily. Prices valid from 01 May - 31 Oct 2016. Prices are per person sharing. Travel offers are subject to availability, high/shoulder season price adjustments, currency and airport tax variations at the time of booking. White Star is offering a seven-night Mediterranean cruise on Cunard’s Queen Victoria, sailing from Rome on August 6 with stops at Barcelona, Ajaccio, Monte Carlo and Florence/Pisa before heading back to Rome. The price per person sharing an inside balcony cabin is R22 180. This includes: ý Accommodation; ý All meals; ý On-board entertainment; ý Port charges; ý Tea, coffee and complimentary on-board spend of R850. The package excludes gratuities, shore excursions, flights, transfers, insurance and visas. ■ Contact: 011 463 3293 The tour then officially starts at the Upper Cable Station, and is designed to entertain for an hour. At your own pace, you can learn about the fauna and flora at the summit while you marvel at the views below. The audio incorporates the voices of various experts and Table Mountain lovers. These include MD Sabine Lehmann speaking about the Cableway’s responsible-tourism initiatives; and author Tony Lourens on hiking on the mountain. VoiceMap can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store (Android devices) or Apple App Store (iPhone). For more, see tablemountain.net. @ 0860 43 8292 [email protected] TRAVEL & TOURS 3685343 February 28 2016 TRAVELLERS’ TALES 26 N estaminet is a pub-cumbistro in northern France or Belgium. It is distinguished by a lot of wood, tiles on the floor, bric-a-brac bar clutter, a lady of the house of ample proportions, and dishes more substantial. The very first estaminet I visited was in Godewaersvelde (or “Gertiewears-velvet”, as First World War Tommies preferred), just south of the Franco-Belgian border. I ordered potjevleesch, a terrine of veal, rabbit and chicken. The accompanying chips came in a bowl the size of a church font. They were surely for the four people at the next table? “No, they’re yours.” Such abundance creates links. So do beers and northerness. I lost count of the former and rarely count the A February 28 2016 Three cheers to ‘estaminets’ Touring war sites is sobering stuff — but the old pubs are the perfect antidote. By Anthony Peregrine latter. I recall a bar game of chucking discs at a metal frog’s mouth. Someone thanked me for helping in the wars. I thanked him for something, conceivably about the wool trade, and may have staggered as I left. Estaminets are, thus, brilliant places, antidotes to lives lived tough for generations. They are also a necessary complement to Remembrance tourism. A trip around this region’s WW1 sites is as moving as any journey you’ll make. But it also leaves you emotionally winded. Tackled prop- NOW AND THEN: In the modern L’Estimanet in Bruges, Belgium, above; and below, a drawing of a typical wartime scene in an estaminet erly, an estaminet may reassert light and life by the deployment of laughter and lashings of calories. It happened to me the other day. My French friend Benoît and I were just south of Lens. We had driven to Notre Dame de Lorette, France’s biggest war cemetery. Since 2014, this has been flanked by the spectacularly impressive Remembrance Ring — 345m in circumference, the ring comprises 500 gold-coloured steel panels on to which are engraved the names of the 579 606 soldiers killed in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region during the war. The order is alphabetic — no distinction of nationality or rank — and the effect gently overwhelming. In the valley at Souchez, the Centre-d’Histoire de Guerre et Paix supplies exceptional coverage of the Great War, for free. Mornings, in short, don’t come more fulfilling. But we needed a breather. We fell into the A-l’Potée-d’Léandre estaminet in the village. Beers arrived. Food came in heaps. The décor — stained glass; tin-plate ads — starred many references to absinthe. “It’s my hobby,” said the owner. “Mine is whisky,” I said. “We should start a newsletter.” Hours later, we returned to the war, refreshed. As I said, grand spots, estaminets. Don’t hesitate. — © The Daily Telegraph S K U C I S A T N H R E E G ING XP E P E M H A C MT O R F T s z? ent. g ger z u l r b e p e l l e bu u yo t o r l i t t g lin squi the ite. l i s k l mo keep ps e o m uit tura e to r ca o. z a q a s u ir c Mo is a n the f m yo o r l d. ge on fro m pw S a m e wa y .ca w so a w ww o r h ve ha n ca ou ar y d ye orl er y w p v am ays e C th lid GO Wi 2 ho D 5 AN T GE UP Dutch courage T is little surprise that alcohol provided a useful, if brief, escape from the horrors of the trenches. The British Army issued a daily rum ration to frontline troops — often just before an attack to steady their nerves — while off-duty soldiers flocked to local estaminets where they could drink wine and beer and sing and enjoy the rare company of women. Estaminets on the Western Front were usually tiny with low ceilings, wooden benches and an iron stove, writes Matthew Crampton in War Sketches (noglory.org). They “sold wine, cognac and thin beer, as well as coffee, soup, eggs and chips. The proprietress (a proprietor was unthinkable) had a daughter or two, or nieces, or younger sisters who served at table and made no objection to tobacco smoke and ribald choruses in English and pidgin French.” Some estaminets were little more than converted barns on farms where soldiers were billetted, with the farmer and his wife (and daughters) playing landlord and hostesses. Crude as they were, they offered a more congenial environment for drinking than downing a tot of 80% proof army rum before going “over the top”. “The estaminets were wonderful,” said one veteran decades later. “They would be beautifully warm and they had things like coloured lights and artificial flowers. The serving girls at the counter would be gaily dressed and there’d always be music, sometimes a small band, and you could sing the popular songs of the day.” When the war ended, most of them faded away as quickly as they had sprung up. — Paul Ash, with Daily Mail and diffordguide.com I “Every officer’s charger in at least eight divisions knows the way to its doors: from early dawn to the curfew toll they are lined up in the sunny square outside, chestnut, black, roan, bay, sorrel and mouse-coloured, waiting for their masters that are drinking inside” — Writer and World War I infantry officer Robert Graves on The Globe, a small café in Béthune, France, which was reserved for officers. Graves loathed the place after seeing “barrels of already thin beer being watered down from the canal with a hosepipe”. 33445 MARCH/ APRIL GIVEAWAYS FROM R13 900 PPS <UPX\L(MYPJHU 0ZSHUK.L[H^H` -S`KPYLJ[[V5VZ`)L4HKHNHZJHY -YVT 4HYJO (PYSPUR ^PSS IL Å`PUN KPYLJ[S` MYVT 1VOHUULZI\YN [V 5VZ` )L 4HKHNHZJHY VU :\UKH`Z ¶ HUK [V JLSLIYH[L 4HKHNHZ*H; *OHY[LYZ ;YH]LS HYL VLYPUN H ]HYPL[` VM OVSPKH` WHJRHNLZ Z[HY[PUN MYVT 9 WLYWLYZVUZOHYPUN >P[OYHPUMVYLZ[Z]VSJHUPJSHRLZHUK[YV\WLZVMSLT\YZ[V`HJO[JOHY[LYZHUKHSHYNLS`\U[V\JOLKJVYHSYLLMMVY ZJ\IHKP]LYZHUKZUVYRLSLYZ5VZ`)LPZH[YVWPJHSWHYHKPZLM\SSVMZ\YWYPZLZ0[Z[LUTVU[O[V\YPZ[ZLHZVUMYVT TPK4HYJO\U[PSTPK1HU\HY`TLHUZ[OH[`V\JHU]PZP[HSTVZ[HU`[PTL¯I\[^O`^HP[PM`V\JHUIVVR[VKH`& 7(*2(.,:(=(03()3,! 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In the year 1497, King Dom Manuel, the first of this name in Portugal, ordered four vessels to go and discover, in search of spices.” So begins the diary of a man named Alvaro Velho, one of the adventurers who, with Vasco da Gama, departed Lisbon for India on a July Saturday that year. Before casting off, another witness wrote, the sailors were granted absolution from the local vicar. “During this ceremony such was the grief of all that the shore took possession of their tears.” And so the fleet set sail and many of the men aboard never saw their homes again. I am thinking of Vasco da Gama and his epic voyage as my ship, the MSC Sinfonia, gives four long blasts of her foghorn, and eases away from the quayside in Durban. There are no tears here, only the thump of dance music and a conga line snaking around the Lidol deck as the Sail Away party kicks off. By the time the ship turns north by east, we can feel her roll under our feet and everyone is having a thoroughly good time, better than that had by Da Gama and his band of mariners by the time they sailed past the Bluff shortly after Christmas 1497. The Sinfonia is a ship built for pleasure. Today there are 2 050 passengers and 720 crew aboard for the seven-night voyage to Ilha de Moçambique, 1 048 nautical miles and two-days’ steaming away. Even with 60 000 tons of steel under my feet, I feel the thrill of voyaging on the same seas as Da Gama did in his tiny wooden caravel. And, as Captain Ciro Pinto, the Sinfonia’s master, notes later, the ships may get bigger but the marine hazards are eternal — winds, currents, shoals, storms, other ships and — in some parts of the Indian Ocean (but happily not this one) — even pirates. Pinto is an old hand in these waters. “You must always keep an eye on the weather,” he says, “because here it changes quickly.” By evening I am thoroughly enchanted with my new world. Cabin attendant Belly Crescentine — who will call me “Meestah Pow” for the next week — has shown me how everything works. Then I slide open the door to my balcony and lie on my bed and watch the sea foam past. Sleep, despite the thump of happy feet on the deck as the party continues, comes easily. By nightfall we are steaming along at 23 SHIPSHAPE: The MSC Sinfonia heads for the ocean, above; and a tourist takes a picture inside the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Baluarte on Ilha, left knots, using brute force and lots of diesel to overcome the southward push of the Mozambique current. By morning we are abeam Inhaca Island, having covered in little more than a day a distance that took Da Gama’s fleet more than a week. As we steam north, I settle into the shipboard routine: breakfast of croissants and tea in my cabin followed by a stroll around the ship, then a talk from the enthusiastic cruise director, Stephen Cloete, in the ship’s theatre. I spend the afternoons lolling on the balcony. Aside IF YOU GO MESSING ABOUT IN BOATS: Fishermen from Ilha de Moçambique paddle their dugout canoes alongside the MSC Sinfonia cruise ship PAUL ASH THE CRUISE: There will be one more seven-night cruise to Ilha de Mocambique this season, leaving Durban on February 18. Fares are currently from R5 800 per person for an inside or outside cabin. Children under 18 sharing with two adults cruise free, paying only port, baggage and insurance fees. Call 087 075 0882 or see msccruises.co.za. THE SHIP: The 65 000-ton MSC Sinfonia is 274m long, cruises at 20 knots and can carry 2 679 passengers at double occupancy and 2 490 passengers in total, plus 720 crew. It has nine passenger decks, more than 980 cabins, a Lido deck with two swimming pools and a kids’ water playpark, five bars and lounges, a two-deck theatre, a spa and fitness centre and duty-free shops. Fine dining is offered at the Il Galeone and Il Covo restaurants. The buffet on deck 11 is open from 11am. ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES: Entertainment usually kicks off at 10am daily on the Lido deck. Expect dance classes, pool parties, games shows, sports and the like. There is a fully equipped gym with aerobics and stretch classes daily, and a jogging track around deck 13. There’s also a putt-putt course and a basketball court. Evening entertainment includes bands, singers and dance lessons as well as two shows every night in the Teatro San Carlo. The shows are remarkable for their variety and glamour, not to mention the skill of the performers. If you’re feeling flush, there’s a casino. For younger passengers, kids’ clubs range from the Baby Club Chicco to one for teens. There’s a nightly disco for teens followed — much later — by tunes for the oldies at the Pasha Club Disco. WHAT’S INCLUDED: Meals are included but you pay for most drinks, alcoholic or not. from the occasional passing freighter and flying fish skittering over the wave tops, the Sinfonia steams alone in the great, blue spread of the Indian Ocean. Dinner is always fine dining in the Il Covo restaurant, which offers a fine view of our wake boiling out behind us. There is fillet of kingklip, Tuscan soup, calamari in light batter. There are plates of pan-fried prawns and chicken stroganoff. The Indian food — precisely the reason for Da Gama’s expedition — is superb: on my last night aboard, my waiter, the ever-attentive Vijay (“Hi, I’m Vijay, I’m from India”, was written on the menu every night) brings me a second helping of rajma — kidney beans in rich gravy — and more chapatis (“More chapatis, Vijay, bring more, more …”) because it’s one of the finest things I have ever tasted. After dinner I would stroll, like passengers of old, on the boat deck, the broad and sheltered promenade where the lifeboats hang in their davits. With all-out lights ablaze from every porthole and scuttle, the ship must look a sight from afar in the dark Indian Ocean night. All along the deck, people would lean on the rails and gaze out into the velvet night. “People must see this and see there is a God,” says one man to his wife. She nods and stares at the ocean crashing past. “Imagine all those creatures under there, under the water,” she says softly. After a show in the Teatro San Carlo — quite a thing to see Ukrainian ballerinas and Zimbabwean acrobats perform unfazed by the rolling ship — I would retire to my cabin, lights out by 9pm. Too soon, the point of the voyage, Ilha de Mocambique, comes to me on the morning breeze. I am awake before dawn, leaning over the rail, craning for a glimpse of land when I smell it — woodsmoke and a thousand years of sweet corruption and decay. By sunrise we have anchored off Lighthouse Island and Ilha, 3km to the west, is still a mere smudge. While we wait for the tenders to ferry us ashore, men in dugout canoes paddle out to us, just as they did when Da Gama arrived on March 2 1498. “On Friday morning Nicolau Coelho … saw some boats under sail approaching him from that island from the village, coming with great pleasure to welcome the Commander-in-Chief. After we had anchored in the lagoon of that island from whence had come the boats, seven or eight of these boats and dugout canoes reached us, the men playing some trumpets that they carried, and telling us to proceed within, and that if we wished they would pilot us into port.” There are no trumpets this morning. One paddler sees me leaning on the rail, 12 decks up. “Amigo! Amigo!” he shouts, “give me one dollar.” Plus ça change, I think. Ilha has always been about trade. Arab merchants in their dhows had dropped anchor here centuries before Da Gama came plodding round the Cape. The 2.5km-long island — named for trader Sheikh Moussa Ben Mbiki — is weighted with history which presses in from all sides, almost literally, as you walk down the narrow streets between the faded buildings. When the Portuguese arrived for good in 1507, they first built a church — the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Baluarte — then the fort of São Sebastião. They built both to last — successive waves of French, Dutch and Omani attackers failed to break Portugal’s grip on the island so they razed the town instead, twice burning it to the ground. Few of the original buildings survive, yet it still feels ancient. The town is a maze of alleyways fronted by ochrecoloured buildings, opening now and then onto dusty squares where fig trees grow through cracks in the masonry. The town was neglected during the civil war, but thanks to Unesco funding, it’s looking better than it has in decades. Life goes on here as it always has. Kids swim in the clear water off the jetty and people wade through the shallows to board dhows to ferry them across the bay. I wander the streets, inhaling the smells of Ilha — damp stone, woodsmoke and dust, the whiff of peri-peri and sea salt in the air. I am hungry for calamari or periperi chicken but have some missions first: I visit the little chapel where sunlight pours through the walls, then listen to how my voice booms and echoes in the fresh water cisterns. Then I climb the ramparts and sit on an old cannon. A young guide joins me. “There is Chinese pottery in the sea,” he says. “Portuguese money too,” he says wistfully. Across the bay the Sinfonia gleams like a white seabird on the big blue. I wonder what stories they will tell of her in 1 000 years. — Ash was a guest of MSC Cruises SUNDAY TIMES READER OFFER MSC Cruises is offering Sunday Times readers a Super Bingo Fare of R4 500pps. Children under 18 cruise FREE sharing a family cabin with 2 adults, paying only the mandatory charges, subject to availability (a family cabin surcharge might apply). The offer excludes mandatory fees of R1 290pp. Super Bingo is a discounted rate where cabin categories are allocated at MSC’s discretion at the last minute depending on availability. Passengers could end up in the cheapest category or could be lucky and make superior accommodation. 30 CRUISING February 28 2016 DECK WITH A VIEW: Leaning on the rail and watching the sea go by is one of the cruising life’s great pleasures YOUR 10-POINT CRUISE SURVIVAL KIT You’ll be far from land while on the ocean wave, but thanks to Aubrey Paton you won’t be all at sea PAUL ASH I T doesn’t matter if you’re a sun lover or a shade hugger, a fitness fanatic or a couch potato, go on a cruise — you’ll find it surprisingly enjoyable. No longer the preserve of the very rich or the blue-rinse-and-Zimmer-frame brigade, cruises are increasingly popular with South Africans. They offer an affordable family holiday — children under 18 travel free — with a journey that is just as enjoyable as the destination. For the neophyte, MSC’s weekend cruise from Durban to Portuguese Island is an ideal introduction. But nothing is so good that it can’t be improved by a few tips from a [now] seasoned veteran: FOR BOOKINGS 0861 11 9000 | proteahotels.com 10 DAYS HOLIDAY FOR ONLY 3 DAYS LEAVE. #FORREALS BOOK TODAY AND MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THIS MARCH. HOLIDAYS FROM R550 PER PERSON SHARING BOOK NOW Terms and conditions apply. From rate quoted as per person sharing, per night. CRUISING February 28 2016 1 Queuing for customs and immigration is an unavoidable nightmare: lessen the pain by paying extra for fast-tracking — it’s worth it. And for heaven’s sake bring your passport — they won’t let you on the ship without it. getting lost. Think of it as a multi-level town: your cabin is your home so know what deck it is on. The reception deck is the CBD, the retail deck is that fancy mall where you can’t afford to buy anything, and the entertainment deck, with the buffet and the pools and the gym and the kids’ clubs, is your local shopping centre. Know those levels, ignore the rest: easy-peasy. 5 2 There is a certain ineffable smugness that divides those who suffer from sea sickness from those who don’t — there’s nothing to amp the schadenfreude factor like seeing others turn pale and sweaty at the slightest pitch. Don’t take a chance, take a pill — best after food, an hour before setting sail. If you are prone to mal-de-mer, shun water, alcohol and digital screens; let sweet drinks and dry food be your friends. 3 Bring binoculars. The shipping lane up the East Coast of Africa is busy, so what with passing ships and pods of dolphins there’s often something to see, although the coast is pretty empty until you reach Maputo. 4 Familiarise yourself with the ship — anyone who can negotiate South African roads has no excuse for Shore trips are free — although excursions need to be booked and paid for — so plan what you want to do beforehand. Portuguese Island has been transformed from a deserted sandbar to an impressive, eco-friendly destination and is worth seeing. There are facilities for beach volleyball, beach football, beach umbrellas and loungers, and a series of stalls for local crafts. Most important, there is a large wooden environmentally friendly support structure for at least four bars and an icecream parlour. Not being the booze, buffet and bikini type, I took the first tender — one of the boats dedicated to ferrying people ashore — to the island to avoid the heat, and found a good seat in the shade from which to people-watch. I learned how some of my countrymen like to drink, and are not afraid of an early start. The island is tiny and takes less than an hour to walk around. Then watch dance lessons and various water sports, bargain with the vendors for souvenirs and enjoy the view of Maputo through the heat haze. Essentials for any excursion are heavy- 31 duty sunscreen, a large sun hat, sunglasses, cold drinks, a book and a large bag to keep it all in. Also, find out what times the tenders return: I would have been stranded on the island until after lunch were it not for the kindly intercession of a jolly man in an orange T-shirt, whom I later discovered was the captain. Maybe he was scared I would try swimming back to ship, so he radioed for a little rubber-duck to fetch me, then waded into the not-so-shallows to help heave me up and over the side. 6 Unless you don’t mind queues, the buffet should be avoided at meal times: it’s open late so it’s not as though you’ll go without, and the food is fresh and varied. For a more sedate dining experience, try the restaurants: excellent service and a new menu every day, more space, fewer people, china plates and real linen was somehow simply more appealing than jostling elbows up on the entertainment deck. And for those who like to start the day slowly, a continental breakfast will be delivered to your cabin: the coffee and pastries are good, the ambience superb — but avoid the “orange juice”, a slightly tinged and flavoured beverage. people, and eight decks: if you always take the stairs, and make use of the Turkish bath, the gym, the pools and the games, you can easily keep the weight off. Plus the menus do offer low-carb and health options. 8 9 10 Attend the shows: this might not be Broadway but to watch ballet performed flawlessly while the deck rocks and rolls is very impressive. Forgot to take books? No problem. The ship has an excellent library — no one appeared to use it, but it was there. Do not go alone. Cruising is for couples, and families have more fun. But if you are on your own, get a cabin with a balcony: watching the early sun on the waves while enjoying coffee and croissants and feeling the sea breeze makes company superfluous. Bon Voyage. — Paton was a guest of MSC Cruises 7 With all this food around, take loose clothes if you are going on a long cruise — the average passenger gains 2kg a week. However, on my cruise, there were only seven lifts, about 3 000 AMAZING HOLIDAYS FROM R12,999PP 9 NIGHTS FROM 7 NIGHTS FROM 9 NIGHTS FROM R19,999PP R12,999PP R18,999PP ROMANTIC CAPITALS THAILAND - PHUKET IMPERIAL CAPITALS 9 nights departing March - November 2016 7 nights departing April - November 2016 9 nights departing March - November 2016 Visit the romantic capitals of Europe with Imagine Holidays on this incredible nine-night holiday of a lifetime to Paris, Venice and Rome. Dubbed the ‘pearl of the Andaman’, Phuket is Thailand’s original Ίavour of tailor-made fun in the sun. With its wide variety of activities and night life, its white sand beaches and its magniΉcent crescent bay, Patong is the ideal place to party and play, day and night. Spend 9 nights visiting the imperial and historic capitals of Europe. Enjoy a charming mix of regal heritage and contemporary style. from its grand palaces and stunning architecture. PARIS, VENICE & ROME • Climb the Eiffel Tower and walk the Champs-Élysées • Indulge in shopping heaven at Venice’s Rialto Market • Soak up Romantic Venice from a Gondola • Marvel at the Colosseum and make a wish at the Trevi Fountain • Perfect honeymoon package WHAT’S INCLUDED BED & BREAKFAST BUDAPEST, VIENNA & PRAGUE • Relax on the paradise beaches of Koh Phi Phi • Dine in the rooftop restaurant with Sky Bar • Swim in the warm waters of the Adaman sea • Experience the vibrant nightlife of Patong WHAT’S INCLUDED • Unwind in Budapest’s world-famous thermal baths • Enjoy a train ride into vienna, Austria • Walk over the world-famous 14th century Charles Bridge • Discover Prague’s quaint medieval astronomical clock featuring the 12 apostles. WHAT’S INCLUDED Return Ɖights, taxes & rail Return Ɖights & taxes Return Ɖights, taxes & rail 3nt Paris hotel stay 7nt Phuket hotel stay 3nt Budapest hotel stay 3nt Venice hotel stay Bed & Breakfast 3nt Vienna hotel stay 3nt Rome hotel stay 3nt Prague hotel stay Bed & Breakfast Bed & Breakfast ALL FLIGHTS,TAXES & RAIL INCLUDED RETURN FLIGHTS & TAXES INCLUDED Prices based on 14 Nov 2016 Prices based on 21 Sep 2016 SAME DAY QUOTE ALL FLIGHTS & TAXES INCLUDED CALL NOW ON 0861 600 400 OPENING HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 7PM SATURDAY 9AM - 4PM OR VISIT SAFE & SECURE PAYMENTS RETURN FLIGHTS TAXES & RAIL INCLUDED Prices based on 10 Mar 2016 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK IMAGINEHOLIDAYS.CO.ZA SUNDAY 10AM - 4PM ALL PRICES ARE BASED ON 2 ADULTS SHARING, FLIGHTS ARE FROM JOHANNESBURG BUT OTHER OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT A SUPPLEMENT. 32 READERS’ WORLD February 28 2016 IBO ISLAND LODGE LONG BOAT TO NOWHERE: The Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique is not easy to get to — and that’s a good thing OBSTER!” came the cry from behind us. We turned to find a beaming fisherman on the carved-out tree trunk that served as his vessel, holding aloft the massive crustacean, which he had just stabbed with a handmade spear at the bottom of the pristine ocean. My partner and I looked at each other and then to our dhow captain and we knew we couldn’t pass this up. Our dinner options had just upped a level or three, and a barbecued lobster on the island to which we were heading that night was a no-brainer. Sensing the potential for a deal, the fisherman dived into the sea, performing an impressive one handed-front crawl — the other hand being used to grasp the huge (live) lobster, which was duly delivered onto our dhow. After quick negotiations, the deal was sealed. With smiles all round, we passed a pod of bottlenose dolphins and leatherback turtles, and pitched our tent for the night on the deserted beach. It had not been all plain sailing. The REDWORKS 74821/E ‘L uietly go the QUIRIMBAS Frank Harle kicks back in Mozambique’s remote archipelago Quirimbas Archipelago, in northern Mozambique, is not an easy place to get to. We had negotiated a seven-hour ride on a rickety chapa cem (truck) from the nearest coastal town of Pemba, and then waited four hours for the tide to come in, which brought a small window that allowed the once-daily motorised yacht to take us from the mainland to the island of Ibo, our base to explore the group of magical islands over the 10 days. With no Portuguese between us, and English as much use as Flemish here, we were delighted to hear familiar words of Swahili being spoken by our fellow truck passengers. Our initial suspicion that it was just a few passing migrants from neighbouring Tanzania dissipated when the whole bus joined in the conversation. Years spent in Tanzania attempting to learn the lingua franca of much of East Africa was going to prove useful, as the local coastal language of Mwani shares a majority of words with Swahili. As elsewhere in the region, the tales of significant quantities of gas being discovered are a concern for many, as is the news of vast areas of land being taken over for exploration. Initial gas explosions are starting to disrupt fragile ecosystems and the vulnerable populations of wildlife they support. Luckily for now, the Quirimbas has been designated a protected site, but fears are strong (and seemingly well founded) that this will not hold sway forever with a government desperate for a slice of the huge cash injections that such gas reserves bring. As we indulged in our lobster and looked out at the ocean against a backdrop of a stars, we knew we had found another piece of paradise in another part of this magical region full of surprises — and amazing food. Long may it last. — © Frank Harle ■ Share your travel experiences with us in ‘Readers’ World’. Send your high-res photos — at least 500KB in size — and a story of no more than 800 words. ALL winners receive R1 000. Only winning entrants will be contacted. E-mail [email protected] Book now and receive food, beverage and entertainment vouchers UP TO R2 500 * OFFER RUNS FROM 1 OCTOBER 2015 TO 30 JUNE 2016 *Terms and conditions apply. Excludes peak periods. Minimum 1 night stay, maximum 5 nights stay. Bookings can be made at suninternational.com using the promotional code “SUNFIESTA” or calling 011 780 7800. WEEKEND ESCAPE February 28 2016 P The shinier side of the coin Limpopo was returned to the community, who decided to keep it as a conservation area managed by Sanparks. As a concessionaire, Return Africa contributes to the Makulekes’ wellbeing through levies and employment. That evening, we went to the fever-tree forest for sundowners. Soft light feathered through the fine leaves as we sipped G&Ts, watching vervets bounce across branches. Another elephant (we seemed to attract them) lumbered towards us between the green-yellow trunks, then lost interest. We ate supper at the long dining table in the roomy lounge, forced inside by the wind raging against the shutters. As thunder crackled over us, scattered drops became a hammering downpour. Next morning, a chainsaw’s whine cut the silence. I climbed the koppie with a mug of coffee. Down below, a massive fever tree had crashed over, blocking the road; workers were slicing it up as rain sifted down from the bruised sky. For a moment I wondered if the fallen tree might force us into staying longer. Sadly, it didn’t. — Matthews was a guest of Return Africa Alexander Matthews experiences the Kruger as only a lucky few get to do IF YOU GO GARY PEISER I FOUND MY THRILL: Baobab Hill Bush House cellphone signal or wifi, Baobab Hill is truly an escape from the urban grind — it’s hard to think of a more perfect place to do absolutely nothing. I was tempted to spend the rest of the day reading to a soundtrack of buzzing cicadas and the chortling of emerald-spotted wood doves playing from the trees. But our guides Sarah Nurse and Elizabeth Bruce had arrived (with their rifles) to take us on a walk. I knew it would be a waste not to go exploring. We trailed between soaring ana trees, keeping parallel to the river. We sat on a clutch of rocks to observe a distant elephant. Our progress up through Hutwini Gorge was slow but the shade of shaggy jackalberries provided a little respite from the heat. Back in the blazing sun, Sarah pointed out a delicate purple flower, a kind of wild foxglove — Ceratotheca saxicola to be exact. It’s so rare it’s on SANBI’s Red List. Finally we reached the crest of the hill. With binoculars, we could just make out the stone ruins of Thulamela, an Iron Age kingdom. On our way back to the house, in a dusty clearing known as Deku, we saw evidence of more recent human habitation. Sarah pointed at it: a heavy potjie lid, left when the Makuleke were forcibly removed from here in 1969 to allow for the expansion of the Kruger. After a successful land claim in the late 1990s, the land between the Luvuvhu and NEED TO KNOW: Baobab Hill Bush House sleeps a maximum of eight people for a minimum three-night stay. The lodge is available, on a self-catering basis, for R11 000 per night for the entire house. The rate includes two private game drives a day and an in-house chef can be arranged at an additional charge for those who do not wish to cook. BOOKINGS: Phone 011 646 1391, e-mail [email protected] or see returnafrica.com. Create magical memories with your family this Easter at Fairmont Zimbali Resort. With legendary hospitality 11:24 AM The moment you made a splash in her life and unforgettable charm, it’s the perfect place to create memories. Fairmont Zimbali Resort is a haven of luxury with 154 rooms, the internationally acclaimed Willow Stream Spa and a variety of dining options. STARTING FROM R1 400 PER PERSON SHARING* PLUS R1 000 FOOD AND BEVERAGE RESORT CREDIT FOR STAYS OF 3 NIGHTS OR MORE* CONTACT OUR RESERVATIONS TEAM CALL + 27 (0)32 538 5000 E-MAIL [email protected] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION KINDLY VISIT FAIRMONT.COM/ZIMBALI-RESORT * Rates are per person sharing, based on double occupancy in a Deluxe Room. This offer is valid from 18 to 24 March and 29 March to 4 April 2016. Blackout dates may apply. Subject to availability. Stays of 3 nights or more qualify for a R1 000 food and beverage resort credit. The credit is not transferable and is only valid for the duration of the stay. This offer is for new bookings only and is only applicable to leisure travellers. This offer cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts, packages or special rates. Rates include VAT and exclude 1% tourism levy. attic rush AFURI is my favourite part of Kruger. A roughly 240km² triangle wedged up against Zimbabwe and Mozambique, it forms a mere 1% of the park and yet features a whopping 75% of its biodiversity. It bristles with birdlife. Fever-tree forests fan out across tsessebe- and eland-studded floodplains; cliffs crumble majestically from the sides of Lanner Gorge. Sure, this is Kruger, but it’s Kruger as you’ve never seen it before. And indeed many never will. Although day-trippers crossing the Luvuvhu River from the south are permitted to drive the semi-circular tar road to Pafuri Gate, all they’ll glimpse is a distant ridge or two, the odd baobab and thickets of white seringa. But to unlock the secrets of this hallowed place, you have to stay here. One option is The Outpost, a string of modernist rooms strung out along a hilltop, with floor-to-ceiling views. Last year, Return Africa opened Pafuri Camp, a set of luxury tents on the edge of the Luvuvhu. It also transformed the nearby former ranger’s house into a self-catering villa: Baobab Hill Bush House. The mercury was flirting with 40 the afternoon we arrived. As soon as we’d downed our welcome drinks, we headed for the plunge pool. Then, refreshed, we explored the house, which is spacious enough to pack in a large family or (as we did) a bunch of friends. Some of the old Parks Board-issue, mid-century fittings remain, artfully combined with laidback safari touches. When the sun had started to slink downwards, we trooped through the gate in the fence and clambered up the koppie. We drank beers under the towering baobab that gives the house its name. Behind us, the Luvuvhu wended languorously past, while in the west, rays tinged the smoky sky orange before falling to ashen veld. It was time to start the braai. The next morning, I sat with a cup of coffee on the verandah. With no 33 FOOD DESTINATION 34 February 28 2016 plusgoogle.com HIGH DRAMA: The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, better known as La Seu, in Palma, Majorca MAJORCA: A dip into deliciousness TOP NOSH: Marc Fosh’s restaurant recently won a Michelin star abc-mallorca.com Chris Leadbeater finds Michelin restaurants rubbing shoulders with great tapas bars in the capital T first glance, Carrer Arabí seems a false step in my search for a gourmet dinner in Palma, Majorca. I have turned west at the Parròquia de Sant Miquel — a broad sandstone block which, born of the 14th century, is supposed to be the oldest church in Palma de Majorca. The little square that lurks in its shadow slopes underfoot, funnelling me down a flight of steps into the equally narrow Carrer de la Missió. I begin to wonder if I’m lost. My confusion continues as I arrive at the door of the Hotel Convent de la Missió. Its smooth concrete façade, almost windowless, gives few clues — either to the building’s 17th-cen- A tury foundation as a monastery, or to its modern reincarnation as a place of accommodation and gastronomy. It is only when I step inside, to be greeted by Marc Fosh, that my sense of disorientation begins to dissipate — although he too confesses to a moment of bemusement. “I remember, just after we opened, coming into this room to find an elderly gentleman standing over there,” he gestures, his London accent undimmed by 20 years away from Britain. “I asked if I could help him. ‘No,’ he said — he was just imagining the place as it looked when he used to eat here, when it was the refectory. He said he could still picture it.” WIN 2 ECONOMY AIR TICKETS TO THE WITH AND THE Delta Air Lines is a major American airline with its headquarters and hub in Atlanta, Georgia. The airline, along with its subsidiaries, operate over 400 flights daily to 334 destinations in 64 countries and on six continents. The “we” Fosh is referring to is Simply Fosh, the hotel’s restaurant, and his own baby. He launched it in 2009. “I remember adding the furniture, looking around and thinking, ‘No one will come here.” He was wrong. In November, Simply Fosh was awarded a Michelin star. This might seem an odd concept for a city so closely associated with its near-neighbour, the beach resort of Magaluf, whose bars, boozy brawls and braggadocio are a mere 50 minutes’ drive away. Yet, from the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana to the cliffs of Cap de Formentor, Majorca has always been more than Magaluf. And its capital is a shard of sophistication. True, Palma is not huge — a pocket of just over 400 000 souls. But it feels bigger than this, its image splendidly inflated by the majestic La Seu (surely Spain’s most beautiful cathedral), the elegant avenues of La Rambla, the collonaded square of Placa Major (not as expansive as its Madrid namesake) and the contemporary flair of Es Baluard, where artworks by Joan Miró and Miquel Barceló hold court in what was a 16th-century fortress. “Majorca is so different to the British perception,” Fosh says. “The Germans, the Swiss, the Scandina- To stand a chance of winning two economy tickets to any major city in the USA, simply complete the crossword puzzles next week, and for 3 weeks thereafter, and identify the featured CITY. TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY FOOD DESTINATION vians, have a very different view.” And yet, when he came here, it was his aim to get away from haute cuisine. He’d already earned a Michelin star at Majorca’s Read’s Hotel, and had worked under the Michelinstarred Martín Berasategui in San Sebastian. “I wanted to get away from the idea of Michelin and serious gastronomy,” he says. “We had no tablecloths, we left wine bottles on the tables.” He sticks to this vision at lunchtime via a casual menu aimed at workers in the city — then plays his best tricks in the evening. The degustación menu I enjoy is a feast with a Mediterranean emphasis (“No cream, no butter, lots of olive oil,” Fosh says). At à89 for seven courses (minus wine), it is excellent value for a Michelin-rated dinner. Fosh’s is the first Michelin star in Palma, but the eighth on the island — and it is hard to shake the sensation that Majorca is positioning itself as a gastro-destination. “Palma’s food scene has advanced hugely,” Fosh adds. “And I don’t just mean at the top end. There are some great tapas bars.” s I wander the city, I see his point. Just around the corner on Carrer Arabí, La Biblioteca de Babel is epicurean Palma at its quirkiest — a bookshop that fills its shelves with tomes by Nietzsche, Plato and Homer, but intermingles these volumes with bottles of Majorcan wine and vinegar, tables on the A 7 OTHER MICHELIN SPOTS 35 1 and 2 — Majorca’s most feted restaurant lies 24km west of Palma, in Es Capdellà. Slotted into the Castell Son Claret hotel, Zaranda (zaranda.es) boasts two Michelin stars under chef Fernando Pérez Arellano. Its ninecourse degustación menu darts between oysters, spiced octopus and pigeon, for à130 (à195 with wine). 3. Es Fum (restaurant-esfum.com), meanwhile, sits almost in the city’s lap, at the St Regis Mardavall hotel in Son Caliu. It has a Michelin star — as well as a 10-course menu (for à156) — under chef Rafael Sanchez. 4. Deia, on the west coast, is home to Es Raco d’es Teix (esracodesteix.es) — a hotspot where German chef Josef Sauerschell proffers delicacies such as lobster salad with pumpkin for à30. 5. Puerto Alcudia, in the far north, has Majorca’s only Michelin-starred female chef, Macarena de Castro, left, who crafts morsels such as marrow with chickpeas at Jardín (restaurantejardin.com). 6. The east coast shines in the form of Bou (esmolidenbou.es) — a gourmet treat at the Sa Coma Playa Hotel, in Sa Coma, which has worn its Michelin star since 2004. Here, chef Tomeu Caldentey puts an emphasis on Majorcan fare via a 130 tasting menu (180 with wine). 7. Nearby at Capdepera, 32-year-old wunderkind Andreu Genestra (andreugenestra.com) runs a self-named eatery. Genestra once worked with Marc Fosh — and received his star in 2015. street, and laden cheeseboards for à14. A short walk away, Ca’n Joan de S’aigo keeps things fascinating as Palma’s oldest bakery in continuous service — a relic of 1700, its décor a mix of art-deco glass and arabesque alcoves, its counters groaning with that most classic of Majorcan pastries, ensaimada, at à1.30 a slice. Then there are the upper echelons — Hotel Can Cera, a five-star palace where 14 rooms reflect their 17thcentury origins, and the attached Can Cera Gastro Bar, with a gorgeous interior courtyard. De Tokio a Lima, in the boutique Can Alomar hotel, combines Japanese and Peruvian flavours in “Nikkei” dishes such as seared tuna tartare with avocado and crispy yucca. But I find myself gravitating towards the middle bracket. Fosh’s talk of “great tapas bars” is visible in La Rosa Vermutería, a haven of small plates and style that opened last July, but has already built a loyal clientele. When I visit on a Saturday evening, waiters flit between the tables as a ceaseless buzz of conversation ebbs across platters of cod croquetas, calamari skewers and pork-and-fig paté. The pace is at least a little less flustered the following lunchtime at the Centre Cultural de S’Escorxador — a former meat-packing complex, now the San Juan Gastronomic Mar- ket. Here, under thick wood beams and retained metal pipes, delicate morsels of steak and ruddy slices of jamon are devoured by everyone from new mothers to teenagers to retired men. Seventeen stalls are fixed to the perimeter, and whether your appetite demands Basque pintxos, Balearic fish or Thai chicken curry, you can sate it here. hree kilometres north of the waterfront, the market is also proof that Palma’s love of its next meal flows beyond its immediate core. It infiltrates the Mercado Municipal in the northeasterly district of Pere Garau — where salmon, tuna, squid and eel gleam on T marble slabs opposite baskets of fresh walnuts. It infuses the sibling market in westerly Santa Catalina, where island wine is sold for as little as à1.85 a litre but new influences are also saluted at the Arume Sushi Bar. And it all comes together in the relatively central Mercat de L’Olivar, where every imaginable edible seems to exist — from candied fruits to caviar. I meander through the latter with Marcel Ress, a 27-year-old German who came to Palma to work for Fosh when he was 21. Six years on, he has just won Top Chef, Spain’s version of MasterChef. Next month, he will launch a cookery school and show kitchen (villa-wesco.com) in Santa Maria del Camí — a pretty town, flanked by vineyards, 20km northeast of the city. Today, though, he is focused on another of his roles — as part of Chefs(In), a collective of Balearicsbased foodsmiths, several of them Michelin listed, which offers culinary experiences beyond the restaurant. These range from guided tapas tours to a “Hidden Kitchen” — a one-night pop-up, created once a month in venues as varied as shops and closed railway stations, the location only revealed on the evening, the guest list restricted to 16 people, and tickets available to first responders via the group’s website and Twitter feed. “There is so much happening here,” Ress muses. “I came to Palma for challenge and opportunity — I found both.” Inquisitive visitors to Majorca will find it just as appetising. — © The Sunday Telegraph 75420B February 28 2016 TRAVEL ADVICE 36 February 28 2016 Ask Andrew ANDREW UNSWORTH We can help with your destination dilemmas, visa puzzles and itinerary ideas. E-mail [email protected] POSITIVELY PICTURESQUE: The Italian town of Positano hugs the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Hotel rooms can be hard to find WHEN IN PARIS, EAT OUT My wife and I plan a romantic getaway to Paris, Venice, Rome and Positano and would welcome any help in making the whole experience as enjoyable as possible. We would like to spend as much time in Positano as possible and travel around from there, as well as spend at least two nights in each place. We had thought of renting a selfservice apartment in Paris. What accommodation would you recommend in Venice (we prefer quiet)? And in Positano? — Donald McDonald The itinerary you sketched out (not printed here) seems fine, although only allowing two nights in Venice and Rome might prove frustrating as it allows little time to sightsee. On a busy trip it is usually best to transfer between cities by plane, to save time, but within Italy, for example to and from Positano, you could travel by train. In Paris you should stay in a B&B hotel rather than self-catering. Apart from breakfast, which a B&B provides quite adequately, you would hardly be cooking for yourselves on such a short stay — if you’re not eating out, why go to Paris? I recently advised another reader on accommodation in Venice, with many positano.com options on booking.com, tripadvisor.co.za, and trivago.co.za. These included the Hotel Arlecchino, which a reader advised me would only cost about R7 200 for two nights. Venice is the quietest of cities as it has no cars. Positano hotels are tightly booked on the same websites, with many full. The prices range from a worrying R11 130 for five nights at the La Tavolozza Residence, through to more than R100 000. The Hotel Posa Posa is a reasonable R23 000 for five nights. FRIDA KAHLO SLEPT HERE I am interested in visiting Mexico and, inspired by Salma Hayek’s portrayal of her in the film Frida, I would like to include seeing the work of the artist Frida Kahlo and places associated with Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán. The Museo Dolores Olmedo focuses on Mexican artists from pre-colonialist days to contemporary work. It has 25 Kahlo paintings, as well as some of her sketches and drawings. The museum is at Avenida México 5843, La Noria, and is open 10am–6pm (closed Mondays). The Museo de Arte Moderno in Chapultepec Park has several of her paintings, including The Two Fridas in which she painted herself in both European and indigenous Mexican clothing. Avenida Paseo de la Reforma S/N, Miguel Hidalgo; open 10:15am–5:30pm (closed Mondays). The Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo in San Ángel is another home they lived in. It is two buildings joined by a walkway; they lived in the separate areas for a year after their divorce in 1939, and then remarried. her. Do you have any suggestions? — Elizabeth Jones There are a number of places in Mexico City where you can trace Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera — during her life his work overshadowed hers. Since her death in 1954 she has become far more famous. Her home since childhood was the Blue House (La Casa Azul), now the Frida Kahlo Museum. It has none of her major paintings but has many of her personal possessions. She and Rivera lived here, and so there are also works by him. The house is in Coyoacán, an attractive area in the south of the capital, and is itself beautiful, with high ceilings and a very Mexican garden. Book tickets online as there can be a queue at the house. It is open 11am–5:30pm Wednesdays and 10am–5:30pm all other days except Mondays, when it is closed. It is at 7 NIGHTS IN MAGICAL MAURITIUS CALL OUR EXPERTS TODAY ON 0861 600 400 4* INC ALL LUS HOT IVE EL MAURITIUS - EXCLUSIVE OFFER STAY 7 NIGHTS, PAY FOR 4* ALL-INCLUSIVE - RADISSON BLU POSTE LAFAYETTE 7 nights departing April - October 2016 5 Swim in the calm sea around the island of Mauritius and bask on its beautiful beaches. Just a few steps away from the Indian Ocean, this paradise retreat is the ultimate relaxation hideaway. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... SAVE UP TO R5,000 PER PERSON • Enjoy your all-inclusive food and drinks • Explore the dramatic north east coast • Trek the hilly interior and see spectacular waterfalls • Relax in the beautiful swimming pool or snorkel in the ocean WHAT’S INCLUDED Return ights and taxes All-inclusive 7 nights at the stylish 4* Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Exclusive to Imagine Holidays Stay seven nights, pay for just ve 7 NIGHTS FROM R15,999PP* PRICES BASED ON 16 APR 2016 *discount already included in the price. ALL FLIGHTS & TAXES INCLUDED Call now on 0861 600 SAME DAY QUOTE ALL FLIGHTS & TAXES INCLUDED SAFE & SECURE PAYMENTS 400 or visit IMAGINEHOLIDAYS.CO.ZA Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9AM - 7PM Saturday 9AM - 4PM Sunday 10AM - 4PM. All prices are based on 2 adults sharing, ights are from Johannesburg but other options are available at a supplement. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK READER’S COMPETITION February 28 2016 37 WHERE IN THE WORLD? A boat makes its way around Padre Butte in this famous reservoir on the Colorado River, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona. It is a major US holiday destination, attracting around 2 million visitors every year. The reservoir provides water for Nevada, Arizona and California but a severe drought in recent years has reduced its levels to only about 42% of its capacity. To stand a chance of winning R500, tell us the name of the reservoir. Send your answer (ONE entry per person) with your name and address to [email protected]. Entries close at noon on Tuesday March 1. ■ Last week’s winner is Carol Keep of East London. The correct answer was Berne. REUTERS PRICES FROM G R A N D VOYAG E F R O M V E N I C E TO S O U T H A F R I CA R32,999 pp 25 NIGHTS DEPARTING 7 OCTOBER 2016 FREE NIGHT HOTEL STAY IN VENICE FREE OUTSIDE TO BALCONY UPGRADE YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES: 1-night hotel stay in Venice 24-night full-board cruise on board MSC Sinfonia Outbound flight & taxes Begin your adventure in Venice where you’ll spend a night in a hotel before boarding the MSC Sinfonia. through Egypt’s mighty Suez Canal you’ll stop in Eilat, a good-time resor t on Israel’s Red Sea coast. You’ll then travel on to Aqaba in Jordan, renowned After setting sail, your first for its scuba diving and por t of call is the gateway kaleidoscope of coral reef. to Olympus - Katakolon in After leisurely days at Greece, one of the Seven sea, you’ll be mesmerised Wonders of the World as you cruise in to the with the original Olympic Seychelles calling at Por t Stadium. Victoria. Heading on to your next tropical paradise Next you’ll dock at – Mauritius, you’ll dock Heraklion, in Crete, famous overnight here in Por t for the incredible preserved Louis, giving you plenty of murals of Knossos. Sailing time to explore. Sailing back towards South Africa, you’ll stop off at La Possession on the volcanic Reunion Island which is covered in lush forests, sandy beaches and the Piton de la Fournaise volcano. With 26 nights of incredible destinations under your belt, we’re sure you’ll be going back in to Durban with extremely fond memories of a magnificent cruise holiday. ON BOARD MSC SINFONIA MSC Sinfonia may be a small cruise ship by today’s leviathan standards but she still manages to encompass a lot of comfort, quality and choice for her guests. From active to relaxing holidays, the MSC Sinfonia manages to provide a setting for both. 25 NIGHTS DEPARTING 7 OCTOBER 2016 CRUISE ITINERARY: Venice • Katakolon • Heraklion Suez Canal • Eilat • Aqaba • Port Victoria Port Louis • La Possession • Durban PRICES FROM INSIDE R32,999pp BALCONY SOLD OUT OUTSIDE R36,999pp SUITE SOLD OUT OUTBOUND FLIGHT & TAXES INCLUDED CALL NOW ON 0861 500 600 OR VISIT IMAGINECRUISING.CO.ZA OPENING HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 7PM SATURDAY 9AM - 4PM SUNDAY 10AM - 4PM. ALL PRICES ARE BASED ON 2 ADULTS SHARING, FLIGHTS ARE FROM JOHANNESBURG BUT OTHER OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT A SUPPLEMENT. CAPE TOWN CAPE WEST COAST SLEEP EASY HOTEL LANGEBAAN STUDIOS On the beach, kitesurf Tel: 022 772 2062 www.speelhuis.co.za 1.5km to V&A Waterfront. • Double & Family Rooms • Secure Parking • Kitchen & Dining Facility • Air Conditioned • Group Prices From R400 per night PIETERMARITZBURG ASCOT INN Tel : 033 386 2226 DURBAN www.sleepeasy.co.za Tel 021 439 9011 157 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town DURBAN 28 Currie Road- Durban [email protected] 031 201 1145 Isando-Primrose-Kempton Park SOUTH COAST-SOUTHPORT R2.00 p/n sleeps 2 people House slps 9, Flat slps 4. 039 695 0639 or 083 329 0101 www.degrootedam.co.za NATAL NORTH COAST QUAESTOR Spacious Self catering units for an ideal family holiday STAR HOLIDAY APARTMENTS Luxury Accommodation 5 minutes to Waterfront [email protected] Umdloti & St. Lucia www.starapartments.co.za 031 572 2800 083 786 8434 CAPE TOWN BLOUBERGSTRAND Tel : (021) 554-3484 www.castle-estates.co.za Camps Bay Apartments Walk to beach Tel: 021 438 5560 www.campsbayresort.com HOUT BAY COTTAGES Across the road from 0DULQHUV:KDUIDQG%HDFK DURBAN BEACHFRONT SELF CATERING FLATS R799 - R999 2-4-6 Sleepers 27 MARINE PARADE / FRONTLINE Groups/ Schools Churches Welcome PHN 031 207 4584 084 353 5902 Golden Mile !!! 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Self-Catering From 5 March - 8 March Contact 083 634 1778 32 South Beach Avenue Self catering serviced units 2, 4, 6 & 8 sleepers units available GROUP BOOKINGS AVAILABLE Tel 031-337-3817 Fax 031-332-2157 Email: [email protected] TEL:031-337-6849 • AIRCON • WIFI • UNDERCOVER PARKING • DSTV • LAUNDRY SERVICES • OPEN 24HRS CALL OR BOOK ONLINE Terms & Conditions can be viewed at www.funholidays.co.za Call 086 111 2170 / 039 312 8190 or email: [email protected] www.funholidays.co.za Select Durban Hotels sharing B&B Tel: 031 332 4485 465 ppwww.belairesuites.co.za sharing B&B Tel: 031 327 7000 397 ppwww.bluewatershotel.co.za pp sharing B&B Tel: 031 337 4565 210 393 210 www.paradehotel.co.za 210 FROM R FROM R FROM R * * * *ALL PRICES OFF PEAK ONLY - TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY RAMSGATE Villa Del Peche.A.A Highly Recommended ***National grading.S/C Beachfront Villas (039)314 4751 (8-1pm) www.villa-delpeche.co.za ST LUCIA ST LUCIA q Stokkiesdraai accommodation 0355901216 www.stokkiesdraai.com ST LUCIA-PALMS HOLIDAY APARTMENTS Tel: 035 590 1037 www.stluciapalms.co.za Jhb. Collect & Deliver. 24/7. 071 271 7033 per unit per night sleeping 6 www.unionhotel.co.za NATAL SOUTH COAST VELA NICHO SHUTTLE RIDE/TAXI R899 68 LUXURY ENSUITE ROOMS Luxury Seafront Holiday Apartments, only 20km north of DURBAN, Fully equipped, Air conditioning,Satelite TV, Serviced, Security. Pool Laundromat. Bookings : Tel (031) 561 2344 Fax (031) 561 2974. Email: [email protected] Sandton : Affordable Guest House & S/C from R599 pd Call : 011 802 4436 5 FEBRUARY - 11 MARCH 2016 From 182 DR PIXLEY KASEME STREET FROM R300-00 P/N(MIDWEEK) UMHLANGA SANDS SPOO NORTH WEST PROVINCE - HARTBEE THE UNION HOTEL [email protected] TIMESHARE Brochu GAUTENG & B+B. 046 624 4281 www.spinningreel.co.za HERMANUS Budget Accommodation t per Ŷa t nigh r f e o p t Ou n seasom ished, nd furn fro ipped a parking. u q e y ll Fu , TV, servicedI in Reception! Free WIF LICORNA BEACH UMHLANGA ROCKS Accom. Beachfront APTS Villa Paradores.Bantry Bay Tel/Fax : 021 434 7806 *** www.villa-paradores.net Beachfront holiday apartments MAGALIES PARK RT GAUTENG Sunita Parbhoo on 011 280 3147 Email: [email protected] fashion Sunday Times PHOTOGRAPHER CHRIS SAUNDERS SNAPS JHB’S FINEST ESSENTIAL STREET-STYLE SHOPPING Open an Edgars Account 00 & GET 1000 IN VOUCHERS * To apply bring in your ID Book/Card plus your last 3 months’ payslips or bank statements * TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY. Shop now! pay Later! GMS0154 PAGE 40 FEBRUARY 28 2016 { FASHION } SO STREET 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. All-black everything 2. Floyd Manotana 3. Stars and stripes Gloves, R799, Pringle of Scotland (011) 783-4355; Calvin Klein jersey, R2 899, Edgars edgars.co.za Boat shoes, R1 299, Country Road woolworths.co.za; Tom Ford sunglasses, R4 186, SDM Eyewear (011) 334-7020 Sneakers, R700, Converse (011) 883-0458; Butan sweatpants, R649, Spree spree.co.za 4. Wotalotigot! 5. Mbali Mbakes and Khumo Pulumo 6. Modern military Sweater, R599, H&M hm.com/za; jeans, R3 300, Replay (011) 783-1233 Boots, R1 999, Dr Martens (011) 880-6543; sleeveless denim jacket, R200, Mr Price mrp.com Boots, R3 990, Clarks (011) 616-0328; jacket, R1 219, River Island (011) 214-7781 FEBRUARY 28 2016 PAGE 41 { FASHION } Photographer and filmmaker Chris Saunders (@mrmofosaunders) shows us whose style is Photography: Chris Saunders catching his eye on the streets of Gauteng – and we show you how to dress the part 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 7. Mongezi Stuurman 8. Jamal Nxedlana 9. Khumo Pulumo and Mbali Mbakes Kilt, R1 850, Reminiscene (011) 726-7905; blazer, R899, H&M hm.com/za Ray-Ban spectacles, R1 400, Luxottica luxottica.com; trench coat, R1 649, River Island (011) 214-7781 Butan cap, R299, Spree spree.co.za; T-shirt, R80, Mr Price mrp.com; jeans, R2 999, Replay (011) 783-1233 10. Khaya Sithole 11. Khaya Nsibande 12. Mpumeleo Mahlungu Shoes, R1 795, Kurt Geiger (011) 7834653; trousers, R399, jacket, R899, both H&M hm.com/za Hat, R600, Simon and Mary simonandmary.co.za; Tokyo Laundry parka, R899, Spree spree.co.za Bucket hat, R70, backpack, R100, both Mr Price mrp.com; boots, R1 699, Palladium (011) 880-6213 food Sunday Times LIFE’S A TONIC IN KZN SUPER BLUEBERRIES FIVE WAYS WITH CHICKEN THE RESTAURANT THE LOWDOWN DISTILLERY 031 , DURBAN Glynis Horning discovers the spirit of Durbs T says something about Distillery 031 that I have been back three times in 10 days — not for its excellent limitededition “artisanal spirits” (curse the term), or its equally on-trend upcycled nursery fare (truffled biltong mac ’n’ cheese balls, anyone?) and gourmet burgers, but for its tonic water and pud. The tonic water exemplifies all that is special about the place — fresh, edgy and so finely flavoured it can stand tall and proud dressed only in ice and a lime wedge. This ultimate Durban heat-and-thirst buster is the product of a man the world knows as creative brand strategist and entrepreneur Andrew Rall, but who Distillery 031 mixologist Jason Andrews refers to reverently as “the Alchemist”. When Rall is not creating cunning campaigns for clients, his passion is conjuring unique spirits from KwaZulu- I Natal sugar cane and indigenous botanicals. What began as a small backyard distillery now occupies airy premises in the Station Drive precinct he has turned into The Foundry. The Foundry is a tribute to Rall’s skill in creating striking but smooth blends; tenants range from designers and coffee importers to a co-op where members can use laser cutters and 3-D printers to create anything from skateboards to the distinctive signs on the walls of Distillery 031. These frame an attractive space with high ceilings and big industrial windows. A hatch opens onto a kitchen where UKtrained chefs Jordan Semple and Nat Green concoct dishes to complement the Alchemist’s vodka, cachaça, gin, spiced rum and absinthe, also showcased in cocktails. The short menu starts with those mac ’n’ cheese balls, truffled fries and MASTER BREWER crispy spirals of zucchini spiked with cayenne and paprika. Aside from an interesting Asian wors roll with deep-fried ginger, seaweed and sesame seeds, the mains are all burgers — and all good. My son declared the Chicken Lickin’ (a kitke bun bulging with grilled breast, chakalaka jam, red pickled onions and sweet mustard sauce) the best he’d eaten, and my Veg (a fat patty of tomato, aubergine and oozy mozzarella topped with pesto) was a treat. It’s the tonic water, however, that will keep me going back — and the housechurned distillery-inspired ice creams and sorbets of the day (think rum and fresh mint), and a Baked Alaska in a Cuppa that’s sheer magic. Alchemy indeed. 2nd floor, The Foundry, 43 Station Drive, 087 941 4540, distiller y031.com Price: R400 will get two of you three courses and a cocktail each. (Around R30 for starters and sides, R70 for mains, R40 for desserts, R50 for cocktails and R25 for spirits). Vibe: Laid back, especially as the cocktails kick in, but fine to bring kids before dark. What to wear: Jeans and sneakers, with beards and wood-frame specs. If it had a soundtrack: Prohibitionstyle electro swing. People who will like it: Hipsters, musos, moms in hand-knit sweaters bearing bags of organic veg from Morning Trade market around the corner. People who will not like it: Suits and die-hard brand brothers (“I'm a J&B man”). Hot tips: Catch the Still Sessions, first Thursday of the Month from 6.30pm, cool live sounds of all sorts. SCORECARD (out of 5) Food: 4 Ambience: 4 Service: 4 Value for Money: 4 Total: 16/20 PAGE 44 { FOOD } FEBRUARY 28 2016 in season BLUEBERRIES GRILL HILLS ■ I love blueberries. Apart from scoffing them straight out of the punnet, is there a recipe that combines them into a salad that’s healthy and super quick to put together? — Agnes, Cape Town ■ Blueberries are considered a superfood because they contain the highest levels of antioxidants of all fruits. They are high in fibre, low in kilojoules and are packed with vitamin C and K. The blueberry has become highly sought-after and more South African farmers are producing local berries. This has made prices more competitive, so tuck in while the season lasts. Try the gorgeous nuggets of deliciousness in a salad that meets all your criteria — healthy, quick to make and combined with a lightly curried dressing that works well with the sweetness of the berry. MEET THE BREWER For 13 years, Scottish brewery Innis & Gunn has been stoking demand for its beers. Nick Mulgrew talks to founder and head brewer Dougal Sharp WIN A SUNDAY TIMES FOOD WEEKLY COOKBOOK 4 Not sure of an ingredient? Need a recipe? Or are you simply baffled by a piece of kitchen equipment? Hilary Biller can help. Send your Grill Hills query to [email protected]. For every query published, the writer will receive a copy of our latest cookbook. Is this your first time into South Africa? Yeah. It’s amazing what’s happening here. This is my 30th year in the beer industry, and what’s happening here is very similar to how it was in what you would now call “developed” beer markets, like Sweden and Canada: a place dominated by big brands, but with educated consumers who are keen to learn. SPINACH & BLUEBERRY SALAD WITH LIGHT CURRY DRESSING SERVES 4 EASY 15 MINS 1 packet baby spinach leaves 250ml (1 cup) fresh blueberries or combination of berries 1 red onion, finely sliced A handful pecan nuts, toasted Dressing: 45ml (3 tbsp) sunflower oil 30ml (2 tbsp) rice vinegar 20ml (4 tsp) runny honey 5ml (1 tsp) curry paste Salt and pepper, to taste WINE Combine the spinach, blueberries, red onion and nuts in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour the dressing over the salad and serve. — Recipe and styling by Raphaella Frame-Tolmie and photography by Sean Calitz, contributors to the Sunday Times Food Weekly Cookbook 4 By Joanne Gibson Midas touch Would you spend R1.3-million on a single bottle of wine? As media hype would have it, someone did exactly that at last weekend’s AfrAsia Cape Wine Auction, which raised R15-million to further life skills, education and training in the winelands. The wine was the maiden bottle of Touch Warwick Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, the result of a joint venture between Mark Ratcliffe of Warwick Wine Estate and DJ Thabo “TBo Touch” Molefe. Oh, and it came with a three-day luxury golf tour for 10 people, including accommodation, lunches at different wineries, and a private dinner at Warwick — all in the company of Ratcliffe and Molefe. In other words, it was R1.3-million spent on a once-in-a-lifetime experience rather than on a single bottle of wine. And every cent raised went directly, without offset or deductions, to the 19 beneficiaries of the Cape Wine Auction Trust. I’m left wondering why, for example, the Meerlust lot went under the hammer for “only” R250 000 (including an all-inclusive luxury rail trip for two, a private lunch for eight in the Meerlust homestead, and 30 750ml bottles, six magnums, three doublemagnums AND a jeroboam of Meerlust Cabernet Franc 2014), or why the Constantia Glen/Liz McGrath lot was such a steal at R125 000 (for an 18-litre melchior of Constantia Glen Five 2010, a scenic helicopter trip, a two-night stay for eight at the Marine Hotel in Hermanus, and an exclusive dinner for eight). Perhaps the Touch Warwick bidding frenzy hints at even greater spending/philanthropy in 2017? The wine itself will launch for around R500/bottle on June 23. Sign up to the waiting list at www.TouchWarwick.com. Why do you think you’re doing so well in these markets? I think there’s a worldwide trend to reject the mainstream. But it goes deeper. Big breweries have only made beer for one thing: refreshment. It’s cold, it’s fizzy, you can chug it, and it’s perfect for that. But that’s like saying the only wine is prosecco! It’s perfectly good, but you just want more choice. That’s the awakening I’ve seen: it isn’t just about refreshment anymore. A lot of this change is driven by Scottish breweries, like yourselves and Brewdog. Why is Scotland so good at beer? We can’t help but be influenced by the spirits industry. Scotch whisky is a global icon. We have a lot of experience with brewing and distilling, but we also have great materials and great water. Most of all, we have an attitude of “F*** it, just do it.” What exactly – apart from making your beer delicious – does oak-ageing do? Oak turbocharges beer. Like a well-oaked wine, oak-aged beer has increased and prolonged mouthfeel, with new flavour variables and compounds that can be introduced. When we began, every batch of our beer went into oak barrels, but now we have a new thing called the Oakerator. Now we don’t put the beer in the barrel, we put the barrel in the beer. It’s better at getting the right flavours. Any advice for South African brewers? Quality is everything. You have to believe passionately in what you’re selling. Never forget the people who are paying for your product are your biggest asset. When someone spends R35 on your beer, it’s got to be good. I take that contract of trust seriously. I don’t push stuff onto people. I often say to the team that our job isn’t to tell people what to drink, it’s to find out what people want and to give it to them. That’s a refreshing philosophy. Well, we’re here to serve, you know. The funny thing is that we don’t always make beers that I particularly like. But I’m a Scotsman: I’ll f***king drink anything. PAGE 46 { FOOD } FEBRUARY 28 2016 1 FIVE WAYS WITH CHICKEN Recipes, styling and photography: Hein van Tonder 1. CHICKEN ROASTED IN WHITE WINE WITH LEMON & HERBS SERVES 4 EASY 50 MINS Olive oil for frying 6 chicken thighs 3 garlic cloves, mashed 125ml (½ cup) dry white wine 125ml (½ cup) chicken stock Zest and juice of 1 lemon (use a vegetable peeler) 80ml (1/3 cup) mixed fresh herbs, chopped (sage, parsley and rosemary) Salt and freshly ground black pepper Pre-heat oven to 200°C. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and fry the chicken until golden brown. Remove from the pan and fry the garlic until soft. Add wine, stock, lemon zest, juice and herbs and bring to a boil. Add chicken, season and roast for 20–30 minutes until the juices run clear. Serve with couscous and a crunchy fresh salad. FEBRUARY 28 2016 PAGE 47 { FOOD } 2. ASIAN-INSPIRED PULLED CHICKEN SALAD SERVES 4 EASY 30 MINS 500ml (2 cups) cooked chicken, shredded Salad: 250ml (1 cup) shredded baby cabbage 2 spring onions, thinly sliced 2 carrots, grated 1 cucumber, sliced into strips 125ml (½ cup) chopped fresh mint 125ml ½ cup chopped coriander or parsley Dressing: 30ml (2 tbsp) lime juice 30ml (2 tbsp) rice wine vinegar 15ml (1 tbsp) chilli sauce (like sriracha) 1 clove garlic, mashed 15ml (1 tbsp) sugar 15ml (1 tbsp) fish sauce 15ml (1 tbsp) low-sodium soy sauce 15ml (1 tbsp) sesame oil To serve: 45ml (3 tbsp) roughly chopped peanuts Sliced chilli (optional) 2 3 4 5 Combine dressing ingredients and whisk until the sugar has dissolved. Add chicken and mix well. Combine salad ingredients and top with the dressed chicken. Toss the salad gently, sprinkle with the peanuts and chilli and serve. 3. GINGER BEER & HONEY WINGS WITH CHILLI & LIME YOGHURT SERVES 3-4 EASY 2 HRS 40 MINS 8-10 chicken wings, split Marinade: 250ml (1 cup) ginger beer 1 thumb fresh ginger, grated 3 cloves of garlic, mashed 1 chilli, roughly chopped Zest of 1 lime 2.5ml (½ tsp) salt Glaze: 45ml (3 tbsp) honey 20ml (1½ tbsp) soy sauce 15ml (1 tbsp) lime juice Chilli & Lime Yoghurt Dipping Sauce: 60ml (¼ cup) double cream yoghurt 15ml (1 tbsp) lime juice 1 bird’s eye chilli, finely chopped Pinch of salt Combine marinade ingredients and marinate the wings for at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with baking paper. Remove wings from marinade and place on the baking tray. Mix the glaze ingredients and baste the wings with half of the glaze. Roast the basted wings for about 25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown, basting again after 10 minutes of roasting. Mix the dipping sauce ingredients and serve with the hot wings. 4. PERI PERI CHICKEN AND POTATOES SERVES 4 EASY 1 HR 30 MINS 1 whole chicken 700g potatoes, thinly sliced and covered with cold water until needed Salt Leaves from a few sprigs of thyme Peri Peri Marinade: 2 smoked jalapeño chillies or 15ml (3 tsp) chipotle paste (or more to taste) 5ml (1 tsp) dried chilli flakes (or more) 30ml (2 tbsp) smoked paprika 5 cloves of garlic 2cm root ginger, peeled and sliced 60ml (¼ cup) red or white wine vinegar 60ml (¼ cup) olive oil 15ml (1 tbsp) dark brown sugar 15ml (1 tbsp) salt A good squeeze of lemon juice Fresh limes for serving Preheat oven to 200°C. Rinse chicken inside and out and pat dry. Cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it. Turn the bird over and press flat. Blend the marinade ingredients to a paste. Brush marinade on the bottom of a roasting pan. Pat the potatoes dry, place them on top of the marinade and sprinkle with salt and thyme. Brush the chicken all over with about half of the marinade (don’t worry if some ends up on the potatoes). Place the chicken skin side down on the potatoes and roast for 15 minutes. Turn the chicken over, brush with half of the leftover marinade and roast for a further 15 minutes. Brush the chicken again with the last bit of marinade and roast for a further 20 minutes until the juices run clear when you pierce the thigh. Grill the chicken for about 10 minutes to allow the skin to crisp. Serve with a few wedges of lime to squeeze over the chicken. — Recipe adapted from ‘Feasting at Home’ by Sylvia Fountaine 5. HARISSA CHICKEN BREASTS ON HERBED CAULI RICE SERVES 4 EASY 1 HR 4 skinless chicken breasts Harissa: 2 x red bell peppers, char-grilled and skins removed 3 garlic cloves, crushed 2-5 fresh red chillies (adjust to taste) 15ml (1 tbsp) caraway seeds 15ml (1 tbsp) dried mint 5ml (1 tsp) ground coriander 5ml (1 tsp) ground cumin 5ml (1 tsp) sugar 5ml (1 tsp) salt 75ml olive oil Cauliflower Rice: 1 x 500g head of cauliflower 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil 30ml (2 tbsp) water 2.5ml (½ tsp) salt Handful of chopped fresh herbs Process harissa ingredients to a smooth paste, drizzling the oil into the bowl. Slice the breasts in half lengthwise (not right through) and open to flatten them. Spread breasts with harissa and allow to marinate. Pulse the cauliflower florets to resemble fresh breadcrumbs in a food processor. Stir fry the cauliflower with the oil and water for about 4 minutes. Add salt and keep warm. Heat a pan to medium high and cook chicken breasts on each side until cooked through but still juicy. Mix the herbs into the cauliflower rice and serve with the chicken and extra harissa on the side. review Sunday Times REBECCA DAVIS An immortal, mirthless mystery O IN NERDFACE: The cast of ’The Big Bang Theory’ from left, Jim Parsons (Sheldon), Johnny Galecki (Leonard), Kaley Cuoco (Penny), Simon Helberg (Howard) and Kunal Nayyar (Raj) context and shifting cultural references and whatever other intelligent counter-points you want to throw at me. But in truth, I find that the greatest difficulty confronting my hypothesis is the existence of American sitcom The Big Bang Theory. The Big Bang Theory is not just any American sitcom. It is the most popular TV show in the US, and its impact extends well beyond that country’s borders. If you’ve ever Funniness of TBBT VER a few glasses of wine the other day, I was holding forth about one of my pet theories. In short, it goes like this: I think that humanity’s collective sense of humour is improving over generations. The major piece of evidence I have for this is Shakespeare’s comedies. Back in the day, there wasn’t a dry underpant in the Globe Theatre when one of Shakespeare’s characters was undertaking those painfully unfunny cross-dressing routines. These days, if you claim to find Shakespeare genuinely amusing you are either (a) an English teacher or (b) lying so that people will think you’re clever. Now we have comic material at our disposal which is genuinely humorous, so we are no longer forced to squeeze out a chuckle at the sight of a man wearing a garter. I am the first to concede that this theory — that everything’s getting funnier — is not exactly bulletproof. Yes, yes, I understand about Years that TBBT has dragged on for been on an international flight, it’s virtually guaranteed that one of your viewing choices was a few episodes of the show. If there’s a hotel TV somewhere broadcasting English-medium series, The Big Bang Theory will be on it. If you have somehow avoided being exposed to the show, I cannot improve upon the description a friend offered: “That’s the one with the tall nerd who has two other small nerds who gather around him, right?” Correct. What is the secret of The Big Bang Theory’s universal reach? This, to me, is a riddle without an answer. If I were a character on The Big Bang Theory, I would compare that question to “the Fermat-Cata- lan conjecture”, or some other mathematical puzzle that has never been solved, and then there would be 30 seconds of canned laughter. To check whether I was alone in finding the sitcom almost entirely guffaw-free, I ran a Twitter poll. I found the results an enormous relief. Of the 984 votes cast, 62% did not find The Big Bang Theory funny, for varying reasons. One person suggested it was “nerd blackface”, which is not an argument I care to pursue in the current climate. As for me, I’d honestly rather watch the bit in Midsummer Night’s Dream when the dude turns into a donkey than sit through a full season of The Big Bang Theory. SUNDAY 28 February e.tv Family | 23:00 Gospel Gold SABC2 Television with MATTHEW VICE Write to [email protected] SABC1 06:00 Siyakholwa | 06:30 Bonisanani | 7:00 Hurray for Huckle | 07:30 YoT V Ntunjambili: Twin Caves | 08:00 YoT V Furry Tales | 08:15 YoTV Zenzele | 08:30 Matt Hatter Chronicles | 9:00 Mzansi Insider | 10:00 Gospel Gold | 11:00 i-DENTITY | 11:30 Chatroom | 12:00 Big Up | 12:30 Uzalo (three episodes) | 14:00 The Real Goboza | 14:30 Premiership soccer build-up | 15:00 Golden Arrows v Platinum Stars | 17:30 Kulcha Kwest | 18:00 Remix | 18:30 Stumbo Stomp amaPantsula |19:00 News | 19:30 Sunday Live | 20:00 Ngempela (two episodes) | 21:00 FILM: The Pursuit of Happiness (2006) (13) Oscar-nominated drama. With Will Smith and Jaden Smith | 22:00 Family Bonds | 22:30 My Perfect 06:00 Thabang Thabong | 06:30 Disney’s A.N.T. Farm | 06:57 Motheo | 07:00 Morning Live | 08:30 Simcha | 09:00 Issues of Faith | 10:00 Hosanna | 10:30 Psalted | 11:00 Saath Phere (two episodes) | 12:00 Sitcom | 13:00 Pasella | 14:30 50/50 | 15:30 7de Laan (five episodes) | 17:00 Person of Interest | 18:00 News | 18:30 Fokus | 19:00 Nuus | 19:30 Skwizas | 20:00 It’s Gospel Time | 21:00 Documentary | 22:00 The Secret Circle | 23:00 Smallville SABC3 05:00 AM Shopping | 05:30 A New Day | 06:00 An Nur | 06:30 Sadhana | 07:00 I Am a Work of Art | 07:30 Nutri Ventures | 08:00 On Track | 08:30 Jakkals Jol | 09:00 Young Designers | 09:30 Made in SA | 10:00 Technorati | 10:30 Isidingo (five episodes) | 12:30 Top Billing | 13:30 Mela | 14:30 FILM: Alice Through the Looking Glass | 16:30 Amazing Race | 17:30 Secrets of Nature | 18:30 News @ 6:30 | 19:00 Interface | 19:27 21 Icons filler | 19:30 Hypoxia | 20:30 Special Assignment | 21:00 Louis Theroux | 22:00 Classic Car Show | 23:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition American History X e.tv, Channel 194, 22:50 If you like your crime dramas both poignant and a little hard to watch, then you might enjoy this Oscar-nominated film about racial hatred. The nomination went to Edward Norton (Best Actor) for his role as Derek Vineyard, a white supremacist who is sent to prison after killing two black men. He learns the error of his ways in prison and after he is paroled, he tries to prevent his brother from going the same way. 05:00 Infomercials | 05:30 eShibobo | 06:00 Checkpoint | 06:30 The Tyrannus Apostolic Church | 07:00 Grassroots | 07:30 Hillsong | 08:00 Peppa Pig | 08:05 Cool Catz | 08:30 The Fairly Odd Parents | 09:00 NFL Rush Zone: Season of the Guardians | 09:30 Shiz Niz | 10:00 Behind the Gospel | 11:00 Braxton Family Values | 12:00 WWE Fast Lane | 15:00 America’s Got Talent | 16:00 Mar y Mary | 17:00 WWE Raw | 18:00 eNews Early Edition | 18:05 Mahadi Lobola | 18:30 Inkankatha |19:00 eNews Direct | 19:30 How I Met Your Mother | 20:00 FILM: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) (13) Yet another retelling of the origins of the titular superhero | 22:50 FILM: American History X (1998) (16) Crime M-Net 07:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show (five episodes) | 11:05 The Voice South Africa | 13:00 My Story | 14:00 Suits | 15:00 Chicago Med | 16:00 Modern Family | 16:30 My Story | 17:30 The Voice South Africa | 19:00 Carte Blanche | 20:05 FILM: Mortdecai (2015) (16) Average crime comedy about an art dealer trying to recover a painting. With Johnny Depp and Gwyneth Paltrow | 22:10 Entertainment Now PAGE 50 FEBRUARY 28 2016 { TELEVISION } MONDAY 29 February TUESDAY 1 March WEDNESDAY 2 March SABC1 SABC1 SABC1 05:00 Aum | 05:02 Geleza Nathi | 06:00 Kids News and Current Affairs 06:30 Zenzele | 06:45 Furry Tales | 07:00 YoTV Land | 07:15 Ilitha Lethu | 07:30 Takalani Sesame | 08:00 Ngempela | 08:30 Isidingo | 09:00 Generations: The Legacy | 09:30 Muvhango | 10:00 Skeem Saam | 10:30 Nomzamo | 11:00 Shift | 12:00 Yilungelo Lakho | 13:00 Lunch Time News | 13:30 Making Moves | 14:30 Matt Hatter Chronicles | 15:00 YoTV Live | 16:00 Teenagers on a Mission | 16:30 One Day Leaders | 17:28 Aum | 17:30 News | 18:00 Now or Never | 18:30 Skeem Saam | 19:00 News | 19:30 My Perfect Family | 20:00 Generations: The Legacy | 20:30 Uzalo | 21:00 Soccerzone | 22:00 My World | 23:00 Shift 05:00 Izwi La Bantu | 05:02 Geleza Nathi | 06:00 Kids News and Current Affairs 06:30 YoT V Zenzele | 07:00 YoTV Land | 07:15 Ilitha Lethu | 07:30 Takalani Sesame | 08:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 08:30 Isidingo | 09:00 Generations: The Legacy | 09:30 Muvhango | 10:00 Skeem Saam | 10:30 Nomzamo | 11:00 Shift | 12:00 Soccerzone | 13:00 Lunch Time News | 13:30 Ispani | 14:30 Chuggington | 15:00 YoTV Live | 16:00 Teenagers on a Mission | 16:30 Shift | 17:28 Izwi La Bantu | 17:30 News | 18:00 Nyan’ Nyan | 18:26 Vodacom Yebo Millionaires | 18:30 Skeem Saam | 19:00 News | 19:30 Selimathunzi | 20:00 Generations: The Legacy | 20:30 Uzalo | 21:00 Take Me Out | 22:00 Making Moves 05:00 Listen for a Moment | 05:02 Geleza Nathi | 06:00 Kids News and Current Affairs 06:30 Ken Do | 06:45 Mvubu and Friends | 07:00 YoTV Land | 07:15 Ilitha Lethu | 07:30 Takalani Sesame | 08:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 08:30 Isidingo | 09:00 Generations: The Legacy | 09:30 Muvhango | 10:00 Skeem Saam | 10:30 Nomzamo | 11:00 Nyan’ Nyan | 11:30 Selimathunzi | 12:00 Khumbul’ekhaya | 13:00 Lunch Time News | 13:30 Love Stories | 14:30 Hurray for Huckle! | 15:00 YoTV Live | 16:00 Bona Retsang | 16:30 My World | 17:28 Listen for a Moment | 17:30 News | 18:00 Mokapelo | 18:30 Skeem Saam | 19:00 News | 19:30 Ses’ Top La | 20:00 Generations: The Legacy | 20:30 Uzalo | 21:00 Khumbul’ekhaya | 22:00 Sport @ 10 SABC2 05:30 Living Land | 05:57 Motheo | 06:00 Morning Live | 08:00 Infomercials | 09:00 Tales from the Calabash | 09:30 64 Zoo Lane | 10:00 Takalani Sesame | 10:30 Rivoningo | 11:00 America’s Supernanny | 12:00 Rands with Sense | 13:00 The Dr Phil Show | 14:00 7de Laan | 14:30 Uzalo | 15:00 Skeem Saam | 15:30 Muvhango | 16:00 Hectic Nine-9 | 17:00 Naruto | 17:30 News | 18:30 7de Laan | 19:00 Nuus | 19:30 Mooiloop | 20:00 The Secret Circle | 21:00 Muvhango | 21:30 Abo Mzala | 22:00 FILM: 2 Days in New York SABC3 05:00 Deutsche Welle TV | 05:30 Takalani Sesame | 06:00 Expresso | 08:30 The Real | 09:30 Days of Our Lives | 10:30 Interface | 11:00 Isidingo | 11:30 7de Laan | 12:00 Tropical Heat | 13:00 News @ 1 | 13:30 Africa News Update | 14:00 Hypoxia | 15:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition | 16:00 Afternoon Express | 17:00 Days of Our Lives | 18:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 18:30 News @ 6:30 | 19:00 Isidingo | 19:30 High Rollers | 20:00 The Office | 20:30 The Amazing Race | 21:30 Two Broke Girls | 22:00 Chicago Fire | 23:00 Louis Theroux e.tv 05:30 eNews Sunrise | 06:00 Sunrise | 08:30 Infomercials | 09:00 Rhythm City | 09:30 Scandal! | 10:00 e-Shibobo | 10:30 The Young and the Restless | 11:30 Great Expectations | 12:00 Checkpoint | 12:30 Ashes to Ashes | 13:00 News Day | 13:30 WWE Superstars | 14:30 Peppa Pig | 14:35 Cool Catz | 15:00 Ever ything’s Rosie | 15:15 Fireman The 88th Annual Sam | 15:30 Power Academy Awards Rangers: Megaforce | M-Net, Channel 101, 16:00 Sistahood | 03.30 and 19:30 16:30 The Steve As always, we get our Harvey Show | recording of the annual 17:30 Seinfeld | ceremony honouring the 18:00 Shikisha | best movies of last year 18:30 eNews Direct | the day after it takes 19:30 Scandal! | place in the US. This 20:00 Gold Diggers | year’s host in the big Hollywood bash is Chris 20:30 Double-Up Rock. A small sample of Mzansi Style | 21:00 the nominated films Ekasi: Our Stories | include The Big Short, 22:00 FILM: Catch and Bridge of Spies and Mad Release | 00:20 FILM: Max: Fury Road for Best Virtual Storm Picture; Bryan Cranston (Trumbo), Matt Damon M-Net (The Martian) and Leo 07:00 Modern Family | DiCaprio (The Revenant) for Best Actor; and Cate 07:30 Blue Bloods | Blanchett (Carol), Brie 08:30 Suits | 09:30 Larson (Room) and FILM: Love Rosie | Jennifer Lawrence (Joy) 11:30 Mom | 12:00 for Best Actress. The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 13:00 Masterchef Australia | 14:00 The Good Wife | 15:00 Shades of Blue | 16:00 Grey’s Anatomy | 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 18:00 The Goldbergs | 18:30 Masterchef Australia | 19:30 The 88th Annual Academy Awards | 22:30 Carte Blanche | 23:15 Zoo | 00:00 FILM: St Vincent (2014) (13) Comedy drama. With Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy and Naomi Watts Your Worst Nightmare ID Xtra, Channel 171, 22:00 This is a real crime series that claims to use horrormovie techniques to recreate the disturbing stories featured in the show. That could mean a couple of things. While it almost definitely means it’s going to be as cheesy as hell, it could also be in poor taste or a passable re-enactment. Given that they mention “horrormovie techniques”, I know which one I’d put my money on. The featured crime in this episode is the case of a couple in Allentown, Pennsylvania, whose new house is broken into. This happens amid a series of attacks and murders of women in the same town. SABC2 05:30 05:57 Motheo | 06:00 Morning Live | 08:00 Parliament: A View From the House | 08:30 Infomercials | 09:00 Inside the Baobab Tree | 09:30 64 Zoo Lane | 10:00 Takalani Sesame | 10:30 Rivoningo | 11:00 Words and Numbers | 11:30 My Night | 12:00 Talk SA | 12:30 Golden Years | 13:00 Dr Phil | 14:00 7de Laan | 14:30 Uzalo | 15:00 Skeem Saam | 15:30 Muvhango | 16:00 Hectic Nine-9 | 17:00 Dragonball GT 17:30 News | 18:30 7de Laan | 19:00 Nuus | 19:30 Parys Parys | 20:00 Local drama | 21:00 Muvhango | 21:30 Visionaries Lounge | 22:00 It’s Gospel Time SABC3 05:00 Deutsche Welle TV | 05:30 Takalani Sesame | 06:00 Expresso | 08:30 High Rollers | 09:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 09:30 Days of Our Lives | 10:30 High Rollers | 11:00 Isidingo | 11:30 7de Laan | 12:00 Relic Hunter | 13:00 News @ 1 | 13:30 Africa News Update | 14:00 Interface | 14:30 Curtain Call | 15:00 Hair Battle Spectacular 16:00 Afternoon Express | 17:00 Days of Our Lives | 18:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 18:30 News @ 6:30 | 19:00 Isidingo | 19:30 High Rollers | 20:00 The Mentalist | 21:00 Nikita | 22:00 Botched | 23:00 Supernatural SABC2 05:30 Living Land | 05:57 Op Pad | 06:00 Morning Live | 08:00 Parliament: A View from the House | 08:30 Infomercials | 09:00 Inside the Baobab Tree | 09:30 64 Zoo Lane | 10:00 Takalani Sesame | 10:30 Rivoningo | 11:00 Sports Lifestyle Show | 11:30 HugaTree | 12:00 It’s For Life | 12:30 48 Hours | 13:00 The Dr Phil Show | 14:00 7de Laan | 14:30 Uzalo | 15:00 Skeem Saam | 15:30 Muvhango | 16:00 Hectic Nine-9 | 17:00 Naruto | 17:30 News | 18:30 7de Laan | 19:00 Nuus | 19:30 Motswako | 20:00 Ngula Ya Vutivi/Zwa Maramani | 20:30 Vusaseki | 21:00 Live Lotto Draw | 21:05 Muvhango | 21:30 90 Plein Street | SABC3 05:00 Deutsche Welle TV | 05:30 Takalani Sesame | 06:00 Expresso | 08:30 High Rollers 08:30 The Bold and the Beautiful | 09:30 Days of Our Lives | 10:30 High Rollers | 11:00 Isidingo | 11:30 7de Laan | 12:00 S.W.A.T. | 13:00 News @ 1 | 13:30 Africa News Update | 14:00 Minute to Win It | 15:00 First Class All the Way | 16:00 Afternoon Express | 17:00 Days of Our Lives | 18:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 18:30 News @ 6:30 | 19:00 Isidingo | 19:30 High Rollers | 20:00 The Mentalist | 21:00 Humans | 22:00 Man-Made Marvels of the New SA Global Effect and Back to You and Me e.tv, Channel 194, 22:30 and 00:25 On this unremarkable Wednesday, I had to extend the time to 00:25 just to have something interesting to put here. e.tv shows a lot of movies, so they miss as often as they hit. Case in point: Global Effect is an awful virus-outbreak action thriller written, directed by and starring no one you know and no one you will remember, while Back to You and Me, starring Lisa Hartman as a surgeon heading home to do some soul searching is a far better effort. e.tv e.tv 05:30 eNews Sunrise | 06:00 Sunrise | 08:30 Infomercials | 09:00 Rhythm City | 09:30 Scandal! | 10:00 Shikisha | 10:30 The Young and the Restless | 11:30 Great Expectations | 12:30 Ashes to Ashes | 13:00 News Day | 13:30 WWE Experience | 14:30 Peppa Pig | 14:35 Cool Catz | 15:00 Dora the Explorer | 15:30 Pokémon16:00 Craz-e Shiz Niz | 16:30 The Steve Harvey Show | 17:30 Seinfeld | 18:00 Turn Up and Dance | 18:30 eNews Prime Time | 19:00 Rhythm City | 19:30 Scandal! | 20:00 Gold Diggers | 20:30 Shuga | 21:00 Powerball | 21:05 Traffic! | 21:35 Heist | 22:05 Checkpoint | 22:35 FILM: Sexual Predator (2007) (16) Okay horror 05:30 eNews Sunrise | 06:00 Sunrise | 08:30 Infomercials | 09:00 Rhythm City | 09:30 Scandal! | 10:00 Turn Up and Dance | 10:30 The Young and the Restless | 11:30 Supernanny | 12:30 Ashes to Ashes | 13:00 News Day | 13:30 WWE: Smackdown | 14:30 Peppa Pig | 14:35 Cool Catz | 15:00 Mister Maker | 15:30 Street Football | 16:00 Frenzy | 16:30 The Steve Harvey Show | 17:30 Modern Family | 18:00 MVP Jam | 18:30 eNews Direct | 19:00 Rhythm City | 19:30 Scandal! | 20:00 Gold Diggers | 20:30 WWE Main Event Battle | 21:30 Empire | 22:30 FILM: Global Effect (2002) (16) Action thriller | 00:25 FILM: Back to You and Me (2005) (PG) Drama M-Net M-Net 06:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 07:00 The Big Bang Theory | 07:30 Zoo | 08:30 My Story | 09:30 The Good Wife | 10:30 The Last Ship | 11:30 The Middle | 12:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 13:00 MasterChef Australia | 14:00 The Voice South Africa | 16:00 Made in Hollywood | 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 18:00 Mom | 18:30 MasterChef Australia | 19:30 Chicago Med | 20:30 Chicago Fire | 21:30 Chicago PD | 22:30 Made in Hollywood 07:00 The Goldbergs | 07:30 The Last Ship | 08:30 Made in Hollywood | 09:30 FILM: Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 | 11:30 Kevin from Work | 12:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 13:00 MasterChef Australia | 14:00 Chicago PD | 15:00 Made in Hollywood | 16:00 Chicago Med | 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 18:00 The Middle | 18:30 MasterChef Australia | 19:30 Modern Family | 20:00 The Big Bang Theory | 20:30 Shades of Blue | 21:30 American Crime | 22:30 Suits | 23:50 Chicago Fire FEBRUARY 28 2016 PAGE 51 { TELEVISION } THURSDAY 3 March FRIDAY 4 March SATURDAY 5 March SABC1 SABC1 SABC1 05:00 Journeys of Inspiration | 05:02 Geleza Nathi | 06:00 Kids’ News and Current Affairs | 06:30 YoT V Act | 06:45 YoTV Mvubu and Friends | 07:00 YoT V Land | 07:15 YoTV Ilitha Lethu | 07:30 Takalani Sesame | 08:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 08:30 Ngempela | 09:00 Generations: The Legacy | 09:30 Muvhango | 10:00 Skeem Saam | 10:30 Nomzamo | 11:00 The Chatroom | 11:30 100% Youth | 12:00 Sports @ 10 | 13:00 Lunch Time News | 13:30 Fan Base | 14:00 Zaziwa | 14:30 Galaxy Racers | 15:00 YoTV Live | 16:00 Bona Retsang | 16:30 My World | 17:28 Journeys of Inspiration | 17:30 News | 18:00 Ayashisa Amateki | 18:30 Skeem Saam | 19:00 News | 19:30 Zaziwa | 20:00 Generations: The Legacy | 20:30 Mfolozi Street | 21:30 Cutting Edge | 22:00 Imizwilili | 23:00 Ispani 05:00 Reflections of Faith | 05:02 Geleza Nathi | 06:00 Kids’ News and Current Affairs | 06:30 Sports Buzz | 07:00 YoTV Land | 07:15 Ilitha Lethu | 07:30 Takalani Sesame | 08:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 08:30 Isidingo | 09:00 Generations: The Legacy | 09:30 Muvhango | 10:00 Skeem Saam | 10:30 Nomzamo | 11:00 Cutting Edge | 11:30 Mokapelo | 12:00 Friends Like These | 13:00 Lunch Time News | 13:30 Yilungelo Lakho | 14:30 Transformers: Beast Machines | 15:00 YoTV Live | 16:00 Bona Retsang | 16:30 Ba Kae | 17:00 Centre Stage | 17:28 Reflections of Faith | 17:30 News | 18:00 Fan Base | 18:30 Skeem Saam | 19:00 News | 19:30 Jika Majika | 20:00 Generations: The Legacy | 20:30 Jab | 21:00 Chartzoo Countdown | 22:00 Skyroom Live: Urban Sessions | 23:00 Zaziwa 05:00 Geleza Nathi | 06:00 Imani | 06:30 Siyakholwa | 07:00 Hurray for Huckle | 07:30 YoT V Big Breakfast | 08:30 Matt Hatter Chronicles | 09:00 Chartzoo Countdown | 10:00 Mzansi Insider | 11:00 Generations: The Legacy (five episodes) | 13:30 Sports magazine show | 14:30 Nedbank Cup soccer build-up | 15:00 Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs | 17:30 Roots | 18:00 Friends Like These | 19:00 The Real Goboza | 19:30 News | 20:00 Nedbank Cup soccer build-up | 20:15 University of Pretoria v Polokwane City | 22:30 Skyroom Live: Urban Sessions | 23:30 Zaziwa SABC2 05:00 Infomercials | 05:30 Living Land | On the Case with 05:57 Op Pad | Paula Zahn 06:00 Morning Live | (Season five) 08:00 Parliament: A Crime + Investigation, View from the House Channel 170, 21:50 | 08:30 Infomercials | If you like Zahn’s style of 09:00 Inside the pedantic, exhaustive Baobab Tree | 09:30 investigative journalism, 64 Zoo Lane | 10:00 here’s another season of her real crime shows for Takalani Sesame | you. In each case she 10:30 Rivoningo | talks to everyone involved 11:00 Making Cents | and sometimes manages 12:00 Love That Girl! to scratch up some new | 12:30 Mampodi | evidence or cast some 13:00 Dr Phil | new light on old evidence. 14:00 7de Laan | 14:30 Saath Phere | 15:00 Skeem Saam | 15:30 Muvhango | 16:00 Hectic Nine-9 | 17:00 Roughing It Out | 17:30 News | 18:30 7de Laan | 19:00 Nuus | 19:30 50/50 | 20:30 Leihlo La Sechaba | 21:00 Muvhango | 21:30 Speak Out | 22:00 When Duty Calls | 22:30 Murder She Solved SABC3 05:00 Deutsche Welle TV | 05:30 Takalani Sesame | 06:00 Expresso | 08:30 High Rollers | 08:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 09:30 Days of Our Lives | 10:30 High Rollers | 11:00 Isidingo | 11:30 7de Laan | 12:00 Charlie’s Angels | 13:00 News @ 1 | 13:30 Africa News Update | 14:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition | 15:00 Fashion Show: The Ultimate Collection | 16:00 Afternoon Express | 17:00 Days of Our Lives | 18:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 18:30 News @ 6:30 | 19:00 Isidingo | 19:30 Top Billing | 20:30 Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh and Easy | 21:00 Food, Booze and Tattoos | 21:30 Supernatural | 22:30 The Mentalist | 23:30 The Office e.tv 05:30 eNews Sunrise | 06:00 Sunrise | 08:30 Infomercials | 09:00 Rhythm City | 09:30 Scandal! | 10:00 MVP Jam | 10:30 The Young and the Restless | 11:30 Checkpoint | 12:00 Against All Odds with Mpho Lakaje | 12:30 Ashes to Ashes | 13:00 News Day | 13:30 WWE Raw | 14:30 Peppa Pig | 14:35 Cool Catz | 15:00 Yo Gabba Gabba | 15:30 Storm Hawks | 16:00 Craz-e World Live | 16:30 The Steve Harvey Show | 17:30 Seinfeld | 18:00 The Close Up | 18:30 eNews Direct | 19:00 Rhythm City | 19:30 Scandal! | 20:00 Gold Diggers | 20:30 FILM: The Karate Kid (2010) (PG) Decent action remake | 23:05 FILM: Crazy People (1990) (16) M-Net 06:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 07:00 The Middle | 07:30 Criminal Minds | 08:30 Chicago Med | 09:30 FILM: The Last Straw | 11:00 Writer’s Room | 11:30 The Goldbergs | 12:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 13:00 MasterChef Australia | 14:00 Carte Blanche | 15:00 Shades of Blue | 16:00 Modern Family | 16:30 The Big Bang Theory | 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 18:00 Kevin from Work | 18:30 MasterChef Australia | 19:30 Suits | 20:30 Blue Bloods | 21:30 Criminal Minds | 22:30 American Crime | 23:45 FILM: Lethal Seduction (2015) (16) Thriller. With Amanda Detmer SABC2 05:00 Infomercials | 05:30 Living Land | 05:57 Op Pad | 06:00 Morning Live | 08:00 Parliament: A View from the House | 08:30 Infomercials | 09:00 Inside the Baobab Tree | 09:30 64 Zoo Lane | 10:00 Takalani Sesame | 10:30 Rivoningo | 11:00 The Mother of All Professions | 11:30 Ngula Ya Vutivi/Zwa Maramani | 12:00 Leihlo La Sechaba | 12:30 When Duty Calls | 13:00 Interface | 13:30 Speak Out | 14:00 7de Laan | 14:30 Mali | 15:00 Skeem Saam | 15:30 Muvhango | 16:00 Hectic Nine-9 | 17:00 Disney’s A.N.T. Farm | 17:30 News | 18:00 Voetspore | 18:30 7de Laan | 19:00 Nuus | 19:30 Pasella | 20:00 Noot vir Noot | 21:00 Muvhango | 21:30 Gaabo Motho | 22:00 Mampodi | 22:30 Boxing magazine show | 23:00 The 4400 SABC3 05:30 Takalani Sesame | 06:00 Expresso | 08:30 Curtain Call | 09:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 09:30 Days of Our Lives | 10:30 Curtain Call | 11:00 Isidingo | 11:30 7de Laan | 12:00 Starsky and Hutch | 13:00 News @ 1 | 13:30 Africa News Update | 14:00 Hair Battle Spectacular | 15:00 Whose Wedding is it Anyway? | 16:00 Afternoon Express | 17:00 The Bold and the Beautiful | 17:30 Pro20 Cricket buildup | 18:00 South Africa v England | 18:30 News @ 6:30 | TFI Friday 17:00 South Africa v BBC Brit, England continues | Channel 120, 21:00 21:00 Minute to Win It I can’t help but wonder what the F in the title stands for — but knowing e.tv that it’s a British 05:30 eNews Sunrise | entertainment talkshow, I 06:00 Sunrise | could hazard a guess. 08:30 Infomercials | This is apparently a 2015 09:00 Rhythm City | resurrection of an old 09:30 Scandal! | show that has had a few 10:00 The Close Up | different hosts over the 10:30 The Young and years. This season is hosted by old-hand media the Restless | 11:30 personality Chris Evans. Step Up or Step Out | Highlights include 12:30 Sam-Sam ... musicians U2, Justin Burn It Out | 13:00 Bieber and Coldplay; and News Day | 13:30 WWE Hollywood stars Julianne NXT | 14:30 FILM: Moore, Kurt Russell and Garfield Gets Real | Quentin Tarantino. 16:20 Frenzy | 16:30 The Steve Harvey Show | 17:30 Seinfeld | 18:00 Club 808: Make Some Noise | 18:30 eNews Direct | 19:00 Rhythm City | 19:30 Scandal! | 20:00 Gold Diggers | 20:30 FILM: Arena | 22:25 FILM: Underworld SABC2 05:30 Living Land | 06:00 Thabang Thabong | 06:30 Inside the Baobab Tree | 06:57 Op Pad | 07:00 Morning Live | Secret Window 08:30 Housecall | e.tv, Channel 194, 21:25 09:30 Sports I haven’t heard of this magazine show | interesting-sounding 10:00 Athletics Alive | mystery thriller, which is 10:30 Sportsview | odd, given that I’m 11:00 One Piece | always up for the kind of 11:30 Dragonball GT weirdness only Johnny Depp can deliver. He’s not (three episodes) | playing an insane role 13:00 Love That Girl! here, but if his act isn’t | 14:00 Muvhango off key in some way, I’ll (five episodes) | be surprised. 16:00 FILM: TBC | 18:00 News | 18:30 My Wife and Kids | 19:00 Nuus | 19:30 Showville | 20:30 Abo Mzala | 21:00 Live Lotto Draw | 21:04 The Bantu Hour | 22:00 Afro Café | 23:00 Person of Interest SABC3 05:00 AM Shopping | 06:00 Bush Babies | 06:30 Fun Factory | 07:00 Disney’s Phineas and Ferb | 07:30 Fudge | 08:00 HugaTree | 08:30 Roughing It Out | 09:00 Challenge SOS | 09:30 Which Way | 10:00 Avatar | 10:30 Snake Park |11:00 Wizards of Waverly Place | 11:30 Scout’s Safari | 12:00 Dtv | 12:30 Fashion Hunters | 13:00 First Class All the Way | 14:00 Fashion Show: The Ultimate Collection | 15:00 Whose Wedding is it Anyway? | 16:00 Neill Anthony Private Chef (double bill) | 17:00 Secrets of Nature | 17:30 Classic Car Show | 18:30 News @ 6:30 | 19:00 Curtain Call | 19:30 FILM: The rookie | 21:30 FILM: Love Potion No. 9 | 23:30 Humans | 00:30 Club Culture e.tv 05:00 The Close Up | 05:30 Rasta Women of the Limpopo | 06:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals | 06:35 Cool Catz | 07:00 Peppa Pig | 07:05 Cool Catz | 07:30 Ever ything’s Rosie | 07:45 Fireman Sam | 08:00 Dora the Explorer | 08:30 Transformers: Robots in Disguise | 09:00 Sistahood | 09:30 Scandal! (five episodes) | 11:30 Paternity Court | 12:00 Against All Odds with Mpho Lakaje | 12:30 The Close Up | 13:00 Club 808: Make Some Noise | 13:30 The Planet’s Funniest Animals | 14:00 FILM: Garfield Gets Real | 16:00 Kidnapped | 17:00 WWE Smackdown | 18:00 Wipeout USA | 19:00 eNews Direct | 19:30 FILM: Grown Ups (2010) (13) Average comedy. With Adam Sandler, Salma Hayek and Kevin James | 21:25 FILM: Secret Window (2004) (13) Average mystery thriller about a newly-divorced writer who is harassed by a crazy man who claims that the writer stole his story idea. With Johnny Depp, Maria Bello and John Turturro | 23:35 FILM: Grown Ups (2010) (13) M-Net M-Net 06:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 07:00 Modern Family | 07:30 Shades of Blue | 08:30 Suits | 09:30 FILM: Big Eyes | 10:50 Entertainment Now | 11:30 The Big Bang Theory | 12:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 13:00 MasterChef Australia | 14:00 Criminal Minds | 15:00 Blue Bloods | 16:00 Chicago PD | 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show | 18:00 Mom | 18:30 MasterChef Australia | 19:30 The Last Ship | 20:30 Zoo | 21:30 NCIS New Orleans | 22:30 FILM: Top Five (2014) (16) OK comedy, starring Chris Rock 06:00 FILM: The Lost Medallion: The Adventures of Billy Stone | 08:00 MasterChef Australia (quintuple bill) | 13:00 Chicago PD | 14:00 My Story | 15:00 The Voice South Africa | 17:00 Chicago Fire | 18:00 The Goldbergs | 18:30 Mom | 19:00 The Middle | 19:30 Two Broke Girls | 20:00 The Good Wife | 21:00 Shades of Blue | 22:00 The Last Ship | 23:00 Made in Hollywood | 00:20 FILM: Maps to the Stars (2014) (16) Excellent drama about the skeletons in the closets of a Hollywood family. With Julianne Moore, Mia Wasikowska, Robert Pattinson and John Cusack PAGE 52 FEBRUARY 28 2016 { MOVIES } The air out there Sue de Groot reads a film that escaped from a novel Room ★★★★★ T HERE is a lot to be said for reading a book before seeing the film adaptation of said book. Cloud Atlas made little sense to those who had not read David Mitchell’s novel (mind you, the book didn’t make much sense either) and anyone who endured the film of Fifty Shades of Grey without first wading through the damp pages of the nov- el could not possibly grasp the intricacies of the plot. In the case of Room, I recommend reading the book only after seeing the film. I’m not saying those who loved Emma Donoghue’s disturbing novel should not watch the movie — I’m just saying they are likely to be a little disappointed, because it is impossible to show in pictures the first-time perceptions described in the words of a fiveyear-old boy. A LIGHT GAZE: Jacob Tremblay as Jack With that proviso, Room has been dextrously translated into filmic language by director Lenny Abrahamson, assisted by the novelist herself as screenwriter. In the beginning, the claustrophobia felt by the captive Joy Newsome (Brie Larson) is balanced by the ease with which her son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) inhabits his known universe, the tiny space he calls Room. Later, their divergent attempts to come to terms with the wide world are equally moving. In the book, Joy — known to Jack as Ma — was kidnapped by a stranger at age 19 (the film changes this to 17) and has been kept as a sex slave in a sound-proofed shed for seven years. Jack was born in the shed and has never left it; his mother makes him sleep in the wardrobe at night to keep him safe during brief visits by the man he refers to as “Old Nick”. One of the difficulties with the movie is that the climax — the terrifying sequence of events during which Jack and Joy escape from Room — happens near the beginning. The rest is about them re-entering (or in Jack’s case, entering) the world outside Room. It is astonishing that young Tremblay has not joined Larson in receiving an Oscar nomination for this film. There are moments when Jack speaks some of Donoghue’s memorable lines in voiceover, but a constant narrative would have irritated the viewer (no child, no matter how talented, should speak non-stop for two hours). Instead, Tremblay’s eyes do the work. Perhaps reading the book provided the subtext, but his thoughtful gaze as he looks beyond the boundaries of his former existence is enough to make Leonardo DiCaprio sign up for acting lessons. There are spirited cameos by William H Macy and Joan Allen as Joy’s parents, and some clever new elements (such as a dog) have been introduced to show parts of the story that cannot be told. Devotees of the novel might feel short-changed in some aspects — Jack is not nearly pale enough, for one thing, and his developing relationship with his grandmother loses its literary brio — but you can’t have everything. There have been many bad films made of good books. This is not one of those. This is a good film of a much better book. LS FEBRUARY 28 2016 PAGE 53 { BOOKS } book bites Water: New Short Fiction From Africa ★★★★★ Edited by Nick Mulgrew and Karina Szczurek (Short Story Day Africa, R200) Book Buff T HE brainchild of Rachel Zadok, Short Story Day Africa is five years old. It has a “survival ethos”: to subvert ideas about what it means to be a writer in Africa, and what makes a story African. With that brief, the 2015 competition theme, “water”, attracted a pool of 456 writers from 13 countries across Anglophone Africa and its diaspora. Judges Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Billy Kahora and Mary Watson read the top 21 qualifying entries blind, and the resulting anthology is superb. Cat Hellison’s winning short story, “The Worme Bridge”, recounts a natatory family curse and how we cling to the present — however painful it is. With nods to Lovecraft and Bosman, Hellison’s voice is utterly distinctive, both bitter and sympathetic. Of her own heritage, she says: “It impacts only on my work in that I don’t belong anywhere in particular, so most of my work tends to have this outsider’s perspective; this sense of being a puzzle piece from a different puzzle.” Second was Alex Latimer’s “A Fierce Symmetry”, an extended metaphor with its origins in real life, in which a bereaved family boils down the remains of a dead tiger from the East London zoo. Visceral, quirky and profoundly affecting, the story deals with the process of grieving, “what we choose to remember and what we’re forced to forget”. Mark Winkler’s high-concept “Ink” took third place, the judges calling it delicate, evocative and vivid. Riffing on the Rorschach cards used in psychological testing, the narrator maps a postapocalyptic Cape Town via the old water sources under the city. Journalist and novelist Fred Khumalo received special mention for “Water No Get Enemy”. Khumalo uses his trademark hard-hitting humour to investigate how water is used as a pretext for the denunciation, betrayal and brutality experienced by young freedom fighters in the Angolan liberation camps. Asked about the clean sweep by white writers, Zadok gets passionate: “The three writers that did win are writers with multiple novels and other books under Dictator ★★★★★ Robert Harris (Penguin Random House, R295) In his author’s notes Robert Harris says “Dictator tells a story of the last 15 years in the life of the Roman statesman Cicero, imagined in the form of a biography written by his secretary, Tiro.” What follows is a rollicking thriller set during the turbulent years which saw the rise of Julius Caesar as dictator and the crumbling of the Roman republic. Although the book is a fictional account based on real events, Tiro, who was Cicero’s slave and secretary, did write a biography on his master, which has since been lost. Harris seamlessly blends Cicero’s recorded speeches with invented conversation, giving a credible yet imaginative portrait of a man who lived in an interesting historical period and played an instrumental role in it. — Lwandile Fikeni @LwandileFikeni Book Fling NEW VOICES: Clockwise, Cat Hellison, Mark Winkler and Mary Okon Ononokpono FLOW OF LIFE The theme ‘water ’ links 21 superb stories by top African writers, writes Diane Awerbuck WHO, WHERE, WHAT, WHEN • The Cape Town launch of Water is at The Book Lounge at 5.30pm on March 8. • Cat Hellison keeps a list of South Africans writing “under the speculative parasol”: www.cathellisen.com • Alex Latimer has published two volumes of cartoons, six picture books and a novel, The Space Race, Umuzi, R180. BESTSELLERS February 2016 FICTION 1. After You Jojo Moyes (Michael Joseph, R285): The bestselling Me Before You has been made into a film starring Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones) and Sam Claflin and is due out this winter. 2. Honest Illusions Nora Roberts (Piatkus, R360): Published first in 1992, this classic Nora Roberts is a tale about a magician who is also a thief. See his work at www.alexlatimer.co.za • Mark Winkler has written two novels — An Exceptionally Simple Theory of Absolutely Everything (Kwela, R210) and Wasted (Kwela, R210). • Short Story Day Africa survives on donations. Help: shortstorydayafrica.org /donate/ 3. The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins (Doubleday, R285): Twitter: @PaulaHWrites “The bar I’m working in (yes, I’m writing while in a bar, there are reasons) smells so strongly of baby powder it’s making me feel ill.” 4. Cross Justice James Patterson (Century, R190): Although Patterson has coauthors for his other books, he has kept the Alex Cross series as his own and doesn’t share any credit on them. This is book No 23. 5. Precious Gifts Danielle Steel (Bantam Press, R285): First line: “Timmie Parker sat with one leg tucked under her at her desk.” their belts, and they’ve had the privilege of working in a robust publishing environment . . . Just read Water. You’ll find at least 10 other stories that could have won.” Co-editors Karina Szczurek and Nick Mulgrew advise writers to organise, diversify and collaborate. “Those are the predicates of so-called development, and Short Story Day Africa champions that.” Zadok says: “What we need on the continent is distribution networks . . . We’re doing it. We just need to figure out infrastructure. Participate. Volunteer for Writivism. Be part of the bigger picture that is the [vibrant] African writing scene.” The Short Story Day Africa theme for 2016 is “migrations”. “Not everyone leaves [Africa] of their own volition, and not everyone comes with the best intentions; nevertheless, the story of Africa is the story of souls migrating, settling, unsettling, fleeing, seeking, resting . . . [We] are looking for short fiction that will bring a fresh, urgent perspective to one of our most profound phenomena, and the basis of all our greatest stories.” NON-FICTION 1. We Have Now Begun Our Descent Justice Malala (Jonathan Ball Publishers, R240): “With youth unemployment between 52% and 57%, if young people can be pushed to register to vote, that vote would belong to the EFF,” Malala said at a Times Talk event recently. 2. Jan Smuts Richard Steyn (Jonathan Ball Publishers, R250): “For a South African brought up in humble rural surroundings, Smuts was flattered — as Nelson Mandela was to be many years later — to be courted and lionised by the crowned heads of Britain and Europe,” writes Steyn. Pretending to Dance ★★★★★ Diane Chamberlain (Macmillan, R275) Molly lives with her therapist father, Graham, her adoptive mother, Nora, and her magical birthmother, Amalia. Her life is idyllic — until 1990 when her father is killed, and everything changes. The adult Molly disowns her family and it is only when she is trying to adopt a baby that she is forced to return to North Carolina and come to terms with what happened the summer her childhood ended. Sensitively written with neardevastating impact: quiet and sad. — Aubrey Paton Book Buff Man On Fire ★★★★★ Stephen Kelman (Bloomsbury, R320) The conceit behind the book — that two men from vastly different backgrounds can find a sort of redemption by combining to break a batty world record (in a couple of senses; it’s bonkers and there is baseball equipment involved) — is original and unusual. That it is based on the life of a real extreme sportsman and journalist in India, Bibhuti Nayak, adds allure; and the fact that Kelman is a transcendentally talented writer rounds out a very attractive package. Kelman’s ability to convey complex emotions with charm and humour means his story is poignant and tender, with moments of thoughtfulness tempered by delightful eccentricity. — Bruce Dennill @BroosDennill 3. What If There Were No Whites in South Africa? Ferial Haffajee (Picador Africa, R275): Twitter: @ferialhaffajee “#SONAdebate we have a thriving (and very funny) multi-party democracy.” 4. How Long Will South Africa Survive? RW Johnson (Jonathan Ball, R240): “My faith in the ANC had long since eroded and I had no illusions about likely outcomes,” writes Johnson in the preface. 5. Recce Koos Stadler (Tafelberg Publishers, R225): With only one other team member, Stadler was sent to blow up railway lines and fighter jets in the south of Angola. PAGE 54 FEBRUARY 28 2016 { ART } MORE THAN FAIR At last week’s Cape Town Art Fair, an Nkandla’s worth of new art was on display, perused by a horde of collectors, art-world schmoozers and amateur voyeurs. We picked our five favourites BARBARA WILDENBOER Pareidolia #15, 2016 (Photo-composite, silver thread and pins on archival paper). Courtesy Barnard Gallery TONY GUM Milked in Africa — Milk someone (Fuji crystal archival print, Dibond mounted). Courtesy Christopher Moller Art KIRSTEN BEETS Wander, 2016 (oil on paper, 420 x 285mm). Courtesy Salon91 Gallery THE ART BUBBLES Frédéric Dufour, president of Ruinart, France’s oldest champagne house, visited the Cape Town Art Fair with a show by Hubert le Gall If you could own any artwork in the world, what would it be? La Pyramide du Louvre. A bit expensive, I know. I like pieces that are prominent and technically advanced, and I love the extreme purity of it. It’s a wonderful combination — something extraordinarily modern in a courtyard that’s 1 500 years old. It changes the place. Ruinart supports 33 art fairs worldwide. Why are you so keen on contemporary art? It’s been part of our DNA, ever since Andre Ruinart commissioned a poster from the great Czech illustrator Mucha in 1895. There is so much tradition behind Ruinart that working with new artists gives us the balance to be perpetually contemporary. How do you reconcile the obscene prices of contemporary art with the art world’s supposed opposition to inequality? On the one hand, we’re happy the art world has been booming, because we’re genuinely into art and it’s good for our visibility. Ten years ago, art was for the few — now it’s open to a younger, more diverse public. You have to be rich to buy a Jeff Koons, but not to buy a piece by a young, emerging artist. On the other hand, we’re a bit sceptical. The market has been out of control at times, though it’s normalising now. We try to work with artists who are still in studio, like chefs who still work in their restaurants. That’s how we stay outside this crazy bubble. Who would win a fight between Obelix and Asterix? Of course, it has to be Asterix, because he’s cleverer than Obelix. How do you French not get fat on wine, bread and cheese? I don’t think many French pay much attention to not eating too much. But we believe you can eat a lot if your diet is balanced; not too much bread or pasta. We drink wine daily, but in moderation. We’d never drink two bottles. But it’s a battle, because our youth are starting to like the convenience of junk food. — Carlos Amato MASIMBA HWATI Neo-tribal (Leather, wood, golf balls). Courtesy SMAC Gallery HAIDEE NEL Crocodile, from the Masquerade series, 201416. (Wood & resin, height 5ocm). Courtesy Worldart Gallery FEBRUARY 28 2016 PAGE 55 { WORDS & STARS } READERS’ WORDS The Pedant Class SUE DE GROOT Illustration: Piet Grobler T HE world of language is peppered with arguments over who coined which phrase. One of these disputed terms is “black hole”. For some time, physicist John Archibald Wheeler was credited with naming this nebulous object. The story goes that he first used the phrase in a 1967 lecture after a fan (or whatever one calls people who stalk scientists) suggested that “black hole” was easier to say than “gravitationally completely collapsed object”. In 2013, however, Science News writer Tom Siegfried pointed out that journalist Ann Ewing had used “black hole” in a 1964 issue of the same publication. Digging further, he discovered that even before this physicist Robert Dicke was known for saying lost objects “must have been sucked into the black hole of Calcutta”. That was a nasty thing to name a gravitationally completely collapsed object after, even if one can see how it came about — the Black Hole of Calcutta was the tiny dungeon into which 146 British prisoners were crammed after a dispute with the local ruler in 1756. Only 23 survived. Let’s talk about more cheerful things, like teenagers. I like talking to teenagers because they tend to say exactly what they think — or the thinking ones do. Hardly any fullfledged adults say what they think, perhaps because they are afraid of being sucked into a vortex of social opprobrium (a commendable word Your Stars LINDA SHAW Wandile Katoo November 7 1977 Port Elizabeth, 00h30 Sun sign: Scorpio Moon sign: Virgo Rising sign: Leo Trust is your stumbling block. When you expect to be betrayed, you invariably will be. And when your standards for others are even higher than the standards you set for yourself, you’ll invariably be disappointed. Lighten up! You have a fantastic sense of humour. This is your time for change — a time to inspect every aspect of your life and ask how much you want it to continue. You’re afraid of change, but your secret desire for adventure is causing trouble. Ask yourself what you really want and what you believe you deserve. If you’d like to run your own business, there couldn’t be a better time to start. If you’d like to move away from relationships, talk to someone. Love is important to you, so if it’s fizzled, find out whether it’s possible to get it back. Take your time with this. And learn to love yourself again. WANT YOUR CHART READ? E-mail [email protected] Gravity sucks that should be allowed out more). However. Not long ago, an adolescent who hopes to become a scientist told me that studying English would be of no use whatsoever in his chosen field. He didn’t see any reason why he shouldn’t stop bothering about prepositions and instead devote all his attention to particles. I felt my tolerance collapsing in on itself like an expired star and told him he would need a solid grasp of language in order to communicate his scientific knowledge to others. I don’t think he believed me, but a few days later came the announcement of the scientific breakthrough that has enthralled the world even though most of us couldn’t tell the sound of a black hole from the whistle of a hedgehog. As far as I understand it, for many years the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory has been building devices that use very long pipes intended to detect gravitational waves — trace vibrations caused by the collision of black holes, if you can imagine such a thing without snapping your mind. Except, until a few weeks ago, no one was sure these waves really existed. Astrophysicist Marco Drago, who was manning LIGO when a compressed squiggle appeared on his Teenagers tend to say exactly what they think screen, secured his place in history with the immortal phrase: “It was difficult to understand what to do.” It has been even more difficult for scientists to explain a squiggle that might perhaps represent a bumperbashing between two non-objects a billion years ago. I have been in- trigued and impressed by the linguistic skills involved in translating astronomically complex concepts into everyday English while maintaining scientific accuracy. Mainstream media outlets have gone berserk with announcements of gravitational waves being discovered or heard. Scientists have had to do linguistic back-flips to deny these claims, because they are not strictly true. I’m not going to try to explain the subtleties of gravitational wave detection, because I don’t understand even the non-subtleties. But I do applaud the appropriately named MIT physicist Alan Lightman, who, when asked to justify the importance of studying these thingies said: “It’s the same as justifying ballet.” To my young friend who asked me to justify the importance of studying words I would say: “It’s the same as justifying cricket.” LS Related to your column on “prefrenchiousness”, “Rhymes with ferret” (February 21), a point that seems confusing is the correct form of the indefinite article preceding a word starting with “h”: “a hotel” or “an hotel”? In that particular case, the confusion is perhaps excusable, in that the word “hotel” is a relatively recent import from French into English, so the French (unaspirated) pronunciation may be considered acceptable. However, extending to such as “a historical event” versus “an historical event” seems to heighten the confusion. Both of the latter forms seem to be in common use. Is it perhaps similar to the transition from “a nadder” to “an adder” (for the snake variety) in the 12th century development from “Old English” to “Middle English”? — Tony Fisher “Rhymes with ferret” brings to mind an amusing story. Many years ago the American actress Jean Harlow had a meeting with Dame Margot Asquith, the second wife of the former British prime minister. During the conversation the actress insisted on pronouncing Dame Asquith’s first name as Mar-got instead of Mar-go. Eventually the latter took Miss Harlow aside and explained: “No, my dear, the ‘t’ is silent — as in ‘harlot’.” — Michael Deacon E-mail your observations on words and language to [email protected] On Twitter @deGrootS1 PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20) This is one of those all or nothing times in your life. Either you’re bored, or you can’t cope with the load. Just accept it as the way of the world. Your love life will keep you more than entertained as changes you never imagined leave you spinning in your socks. So to say there’s adventure in your life is something of an understatement. Do your best to keep up. And be grateful — for everything. GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) Don’t allow yourself to be influenced by everyone else’s views. If you really have no idea what to do next, do nothing. Spend some time with yourself and listen to your heart. That, at least, will give you some understanding about how work and love fit together in a way that you don’t have to feel guilty all the time. Just remember though, your priority is you. If you’re not happy, say no. VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22) Let’s start right now on a longer-term strategy. That impatient streak wants immediate results, but your plans need a couple of weeks to mature. Until then, focus on winning the war rather than the odd little battle. This war has to do with success, money, career and a delicious stroke of luck that’s coming your way. But to let it in, you’ll have to trust the process enough to stand aside for a while. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21) The state of your body reflects the state of your mind. Watch your health closely to see which problems need help. A new approach to stress management might change the way things play out. You’re not used to having this much responsibility, and your inner child is rebelling. Responsibility means power for you — so how will you use it? Play around till you find what you’re looking for. ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 19) Domestic concerns are bad news now. So don’t waste energy on endeavours that are temporarily doomed. Focus on a soon to be burgeoning career. You won’t need to put in too much effort there either. Others are looking after you now — people who have been watching your potential and are able to move on your behalf. Be ready. Decide what you want while you still have some control. CANCER (June 21 – Jul 22) The goddess of love is sending you someone to play with — someone really special. The only snag is, your head is in another place altogether; an anxious place to be precise. Decide how you’d like to spend your time. And then, work on trusting the universe — or yourself — to arrange your life appropriately. And when you’ve done all that, open the door. Someone delicious is waiting for you. LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22) Family issues are making demands on your time. You’ve got better things to do. But if you can spare a moment on the moral low ground, ask yourself how you’d manage without this support system you’ve established for yourself. As annoying as it may seem, you may find that even those who should obviously know better will occasionally need the odd spot of recognition for their efforts. CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19) Transition rather than crisis may feel just as ghastly but guarantees different results. What we’re looking at here is a period of growth and development. It’s only your fear of change that makes it seem scary. Remind yourself how rewarding love can be. A passionate affair is being revamped or begun — and soon there will be no turning back. So go ahead. Jump. Take a chance. TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20) For you, “facts” are often more deceptive than feelings. So yes, you may be trying your best to work with the others in your team ... but are they trying to cooperate with you? Is there perhaps another agenda? No need for paranoia. Just check it out. Make sure you are at least getting what you want out of the deal. Ask the others what they want, but if they can’t be honest, better leave them to it. LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22) The planets are on a mission to test your resolve and will try to push you over the line of good judgment. Stay sober and focused. That ego thing will have to go if you wish to emerge vaguely sane. While you wait, set yourself free from anything that no longer serves you. Then give mind and body a new challenge. Avoiding boredom is what this drama is all about. So have some fun with it. SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21) The gods of power and dynamism are with you, giving you extra energy and loads of charisma. Even more than usual, people don’t want to mess with you. But they may try to take from you. Keep your eyes open — but only when it’s convenient. The planets have gathered to protect you. So the moment you surrender control is the moment you regain all your power. Might be fun. AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) All being well, you should be starting to enjoy yourself. You haven’t been able to play for a long time. Now it’s time for fun. Also, you’ll be needing a simpler life soon so start shedding the extras. Start with love, where the flame burns bright and fast, but dies just as quickly. Don’t make any promises you might regret. Just make a decision to enjoy it while it lasts and let it go when it’s over. Call NOW! Open 7 days a week 0877 40 50 10 All airfares are return and include all taxes. Why pay more to stay longer? Get FREE nights on us! Worldwide Airfares from from Durban 1420 R * London 8790 R * from 1550* R Cape Town R Dubai 6660* 1290 * 6470 * R George R Mauritius 6750* Paris R Port Elizabeth R Windhoek R 1690* 3360* Airfare from from 11250 R * from 12860 R * Airfare + 3 nights Pay for 6 nights & get 1 night FREE with breakfast & dinner daily. 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Errors and omissions can occur. Prices quoted are on sale for a limited period unless otherwise specified or sold out prior. Some prices are based on payment by cash in store only. Group rates may differ and are available on request. All fights, where included, are per person return from Johannesburg in economy class unless otherwise specified. Resort Credit/Added Value inclusions may vary per resort. Various tours may be age specific, depending on supplier. Please refer to flightcentre.co.za for more details. The Entertainer holiday offers are only redeemable in JNB, DUR and CPT. >Airfare sale ends 29 Feb 2016 at 5pm. ° Credit card required for car hire. 28/2/2016. Sunday Times PET PHOTOGRAPHY MEET DESIGNER KATY TAPLIN REINVENT YOUR LIVING SPACE home INTERIOR UPDATES GET PRUNING PAGE 2 { HOME } NEW ON THE BLOCK If your dog makes regular appearances on your social media feed, or really is your best friend, why not make him a fixture of your interior decor with a framed print? Cape Town-based Spageddieface, founded by art director, photographer and designer Ian Martin, creates striking monochrome artworks to hang in your home. After playing around with black-and-white photos of his Welsh terrier, Eddie Spaghetti, Ian realised he was onto something that would appeal to the pet-loving populace. First Ian will meet with you (and your dog) to discuss your preferences. He’ll then book a photo shoot with a veterinary physiotherapist, who will ensure your pet’s comfort — and take the perfect portrait. Ianmartin.co.za/spageddie-face FEBRUARY 28 2016 THE EDIT A few finishing touches can bring your home to life Compiled by Esther Moloi If you’re going for the dramatic, a silver and crystal wall sconce will add glimmer and shine. R6 995. Isabelina.co.za With a nod to Afrocentrism, this tribal bead artwork will be the focal point of your living area. R3 995. Weylandts.co.za Keep your favourite glossies in this magazine rack with copper lines from Zana. R1 480. Zanaproducts.co.za Be daring and bring some metallics into your dining room. This copper chair will add just the right amount of warmth and sophistication to any occasion. R2 499. Home.co.za Bring handcrafted elegance to your table with a vintage white hand-carved decor accessory from Sutherlands Home Furnishing. R495. Shf.co.za ON THE COVER: Skinny laMinx FEBRUARY 28 2016 PAGE 3 PICTURES: DAVID ROSS/BRETT RUBIN { HOME } Claim to fame: Katy Taplin is one half of Dokter and Misses, the South African design brand known for its strong modernist lines, graphic patterns and smart combination of function and humour. I decided to start Dokter and Misses after returning home from New York in 2007. I felt a desire to start a business and create something locally. The Dokter and Misses hand-painted Kassena server is a first for us. It was our first 100% wooden piece, the first hand-painted piece and our first work to be shown internationally by Southern Guild at a Collectible Design Fair. I am happiest when I have nowhere that I need to be. My favourite South African designers are: Porky Heffer, Gregor Jenkin, Joe Paine and Tonic. Local design is about hustling. Dokter and Misses has won awards for the Kassena server (Southern Guild Design Foundation “Object That Moves” award 2013). Every home needs art and a braai. My favourite products are the ® www.tileafrica.co.za tollfree 0800 002 783 We meet KATY TAPLIN — compiled by Shereen Lurie KATY’S FAVOURITE PRODUCTS: Soldier Screens by Dokter and Misses and Gone Rural Swaziland. Powdercoated steel frame with handwoven Sisal and Lutindzi grass, above Soldier Screens, a collaboration with Gone Rural. The key to success is hard work, combined with a certain degree of insanity. My advice to aspiring designers is to find your own unique voice and run with it. Innovative design doesn’t need an instruction manual. On the weekend, you will find me camping, if not working. Future plans for Dokter and Misses include participating in the Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial, showcasing at 100% Design South Africa and travelling in Africa. Hinge units, barb light and lotus mirror SELECTED TILES BATHROOM WARE 4 - 13 MARCH 2016 while stocks last | E&OE PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 28 2016 { HOME } INSTANT UPDATE FEBRUARY 28 2016 PAGE 5 { HOME } 3 Janine Jorgensen offers some tips for giving your living room an easy revamp PLANT LIFE Greenery in the form of a houseplant or two can instantly lift the space, and have the added benefit of purifying the air. Trendy terrariums are low-maintenance and can sit on a coffee table; or a hanging planter can give life to an unused corner. Indoor plants do have specific requirements, such as light, for growing successfully, so do a bit of research on what will suit your space, to avoid any straggly, wilting specimens. PICTURE: iSTOCK Arkivio’s Glass Garden consists of a succulent in a beautifully crafted glass vessel. The range is available in various designs, with a variety of plants. From R350. Arkivio.co.za CUSHY JOB 4 LIGHTING THE WAY You can easily swap the ceiling fittings in the room for something more modern, or bring in a new floor lamp or table lamp. If you really are pushed for time, just replace the shade of an existing lamp with something contemporary. Remember that lighting plays a part in creating the ambience of a space, and as the living area is generally where you spend a lot of time, it needs to have a welcoming effect. Improve the lighting, and the mood of the room, by moving around the lamps, selecting a coloured bulb, or, a bit more complicated, installing a dimmer switch. Add the Massimo floor lamp to your living space. It’s contemporary and provides a softer glow for evening relaxation. R2 799.95. Lightingwarehouse.co.za CLEAR VIEW Use the Discovery colours, which range from pink to blue, in Plascon’s 2016 Colour Forecast to brighten up the living space. Plascon.co.za 1 2 6 The Frankie ottoman is a multifunctional item of furniture, to be used as seating and as storage. From R6 995. Coricraft.co.za Picture: KLOOFTIQUE A fresh coat of paint can do wonders in transforming a space. What’s more, paint is easy to apply and relatively affordable. Choose to go bold with a new colour for the entire space, or just an accent wall to serve as an eyecatching focal point. You could introduce different-coloured trims, such as the edge of a door or around an alcove, layer neutral colours, such as various shades of white in different areas of the room, or give furniture a new coat. PICTURE: iSTOCK DIFFERENT STROKES One of the simplest ways to give an interior a different appearance is to declutter it. Go through the items in the room and ask yourself what value each one is bringing to the space, in terms of style and functionality. If it’s neither, it might be time to move the object somewhere else in the house or toss it. Paring down the room can keep it tidy, and therefore more inviting. This process also gives you the opportunity to rearrange existing furniture and knick-knacks for a new look. If you struggle to part with objects, consider aesthetically pleasing storage solutions that will conceal the build-up of stuff. Tired of your couch, but don’t have the money to buy a new one? Give it a new lease on life with scatter cushions. They’re available in an array of options, in colour, style and size, and are easy to change for limitless possibilities in giving the sofa, and the space, a makeover. Other soft furnishings you can use to update the room are throws (especially in winter) and rugs. Be on trend with the bold graphic print of the Lux geometric orange Panama cushion cover. R650. Handmadebyme.co.za 5 PIECE IT TOGETHER As replacing all of the furniture in a room can be a pricey, and a time-consuming endeavour, rather exchange only one piece in the space, for example, a sofa, or buy a new smaller item, such as a vintage chair or side table, that will make a statement. Coffee tables can be a less costly investment, and easier to move out of the room should your taste change. Also look at what you have at home already: perhaps that armchair in the bedroom can be recovered and brought into the lounge instead. Make a statement with the Intambo coffee table, which has a coloured rope insert. Price on request. Homewood.co.za JAN sear Braai wWw.kamadojan.co.za SA ‘S TASTE SENSATION CHOOSE FROM 3 SIZES LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE LAUNCH KITS INCLUDE UP TO R10 000 WORTH OF ACCESSORIES FREE OF CHARGE THE LAST BRAAI Distributed by YOU’LL EVER BUY SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND AVAILABILITY.T&C. E&OE. FEBRUARY 28 2016 PAGE 7 { HOME } GARDENSPOT PRUNE LIKE A PRO Why prune? Pruning improves a plant’s health and enhances its appearance. When to prune? Prune during the cooler months when plants are still dormant. This will result in a burst of new growth in the spring. Don’t over-prune as this reduces the foliage available to protect the plant during winter weather. You need: The basics include secateurs or pruning scissors, a hedge shear, a lopping shear, a hand and pole saw, a ladder and protective gloves. Basic pruning cuts: Heading back involves cutting a section of a plant to above a bud or side branch. This results in several shoots growing from below the cut, and helps redirect growth to a desired direction and size. It encourages a denser plant, and helps rejuvenate lacklustre growth. Always angle cuts above the bud at 45 degrees. Thinning cuts take entire stems or branches back to their origin or to another branch. It removes unwanted branches, “opening up” a plant to allow light to penetrate to the inner leaves and branches. PICTURE: THINKSTOCK Pruning maintains the health, longevity and aesthetic beauty of new and established plants. By Shereen Lurie Pruning shade trees: Establish a good structure of primary branches that will support the tree throughout its lifetime. The primary branches should grow from a single dominant leader (central trunk) that grows upwards. Poor pruning can cause permanent damage to the tree structure, so always use the correct tools and method when pruning young trees. Pruning fruit trees: The first three years are vital in establishing vitality and health. Proper pruning will encourage growth of strong branches that can support heavy loads of fruit. In the first year, start off by removing all side growth from the central stem. This will encourage low branching and a high fruit yield after the first three years. In the second year, identify three to four stems that will give the tree the correct structure, and prune these stems to 75cm, removing remaining growth. In the third year, establish a secondary framework with three shoots growing from the stems chosen the year before, and prune these back to 50cm. The unique handcrafted and handcut porcelain tiles from Kt tiles are perfect for a host of indoor and outdoor applications, and are available in myriad designs and colours. R35 to R45 each. Kt-tiles.co.za Add flair to your patio with the steel Swirls side table by Leonardo Design. R4 596.48. Leonardodesign.co.za Start your home search on Private Property. Where do you want to live? For Sale To Rent On Show Type Suburb Property Near Me Your Recent Searches Umhlanga Ridge Umhlanga Rocks Property For Sale in South Africa A home for everyone w w w. p r i va t e p ro p e r t y. c o . z a get the kitchen you always wanted, today! Whether it’s a complete renovation or a quick refresh that you are looking for, Builders has the complete kitchen solution to suit any budget. From a full range of finishes and kitchen accessories to flooring, paint, lighting and sink mixers, you can make your dream kitchen a reality with Builders. WEEK9/2016/XTWN683 Get to Builders. Get it done! For your nearest store call our Builders Customer Contact Centre on 0860 284 533 or visit us at www.builders.co.za @ buildersfan @ buildersfan @ buildersfan @ buildersfan