Butterflies make me happy...

There are over 200 butterfly/insect houses/museums in the world, which makes it "one down and over 199 to go!" On the 11 April 2009 I made my way to “Butterflies for Africa” (Butterflies for Africa) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.  It was a wonderful outing, which included a guided tour, and I could have sat in the walk-through house all day.

 

I have now found one in Cape Town, "Butterfly World".  It is situated in at the junction of the main Wine Routes of Stellenbosch and Paarl.  I will definitely be making an outing to this butterfly house very soon.  here is a small visual of what I can expect...

Lepidoptera

 

(pronounced /ˌlɛpɪˈdɒptərə/) ~ The study of scaly-winged insects, including butterflies, skippers, and moths.

source unknown

 incredible moth scans by Joseph Scheer

It's like an orange on a toothpick!

Dilka Bear, an Italian graphic designer, paints quirky portraits of delicate, abnormally large-headed girls and their strange little pets.

Limited edition prints are available for purchase on http://www.etsy.com/shop/Dilkabear?ref=top_trail

When in wine country...drink wine!

When in wine country...drink the wine!

Departure time 10h00, first stop Hazendal; situated on the slopes of the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch.  Taste the great range of Hazendal wines or enjoy a private viewing of ancient artifacts at the estate's gallery.  We did not enter the estates gallery, but there is always a next time round! 

Hazendale 

Onward to Simonsig; at the foothills fo the Simonsberg mountains in Stellenbosch.  Wonderful company, stylish setting with an outdoor sitting area sheltered by grape vines twisted over supported beams and yes, the wine...

Simonsig 

Continue to "The Potbellied Pig" for a bite to eat...Mmmm...pepper steak pie and a few other goodies.  Including a small jar of "Rosey's Choppy choppy"; a combination of olive oil, chillies, garlic, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese herbs and spices! It smells amazing (taste review to follow at a later stage).

Welcome to Simonsvlei; nestled in the Groot Drakenstein and Paarl Valley, with the Simonsberg mountains as a backdrop.  I had the pleasure of tasting some delightful desert wines.  This will definitely be  one to visit again, and perhaps make a purchase or two!

Simonsvlei 

 

And the journey takes a last visit to Fairview Wine and Cheese Estate; this has become one of the most popular Cape winelands destinations for its unique and talked about tasting rooms.  Our wine tasting ended and the cheese tasting was everyones favoured choice at this point of our outing.  The tasting consists of a selection of 6 to 8 of Fairview’s Jersey milk and goats’ milk cheeses...a perfect way to round off the variety of wines enjoyed that day.

 Fairview

Day concluded at 16h00, first wine tasting ever and my final thoughts on the matter...let's do it again!!

Dreams between sleep...

Introducing Asleep in Transit, a local Durban band, that has entered the Indie music scene with a folksy, instrumental sound and exciting vocal mix, giving them a quirky and light-hearted character. The lead singers combine their voices with interesting effect: the powerful vocals of Irina Buzdugan, who's voice has a range to send any songstress into fits of jealousy, contrasts so well with the softer sounds of Allister Christie's voice, which is reminiscent of the vocals heard in Postal Service or Two Door Cinema Club.

Their songs create an air of times present and times to live. Besides the acoustic guitar sound (played by Christie), they are often accompanied by Jason Du Randt on Bass Guitar and cellist, Michael Jooste.

 

 

I have not yet seen the group perform live but I hope to make it to one of their performances very soon. They have already performed twice this year and very recently alongside better-known, South African band Wrestlerish at Unit 11, a Durban Indie club and band venue.

Check out their facebook page http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Asleep-in-Transit/135212256548591 and have a listen to their first single: Brother, Sister.

 

 

Chassing Pirates...

One of my favourite female artists, Nora Jones, and her song "chasing pirates" . Is bluesy, is chilled and it brings about a sense of calm and relaxation.  The dream-like feel this music video gives made me recall my fascination with pirates; how we would run around wielding our wooden swards, having pirate themed birthday parties and finally growing up and attending Halloween parties dressed again as those swashbuckling pirates we see in movies and story books.

Pirate Inspired Fashion Shoot By Matt Frederick