If teleporting existed...

.... I'd be here today, watching the sunrise from a sidewalk cafe, sipping on French coffee and listening to the early morning sounds of birds nearby.

Two Weeks and Counting...

We moved to Somerset West a year ago, excited to begin a new chapter and settle into this beautiful town surrounded by mountains and natural beauty.  We chose a 3 bedroom townhouse to rent which seemed perfect at the time, only to discover 2 months later that we weren't as happy as we thought we'd be and started counting the months/weeks/days until we could move.  Luckily for us, moving day is finally right around the corner - 2 weeks away!

I feel sorry for the Estate Agents who are trying to rent this house out.  We gave notice at the end of August already, and I can't remember how many people we've had coming to look at the house (I'd say more than 10). They've posted numerous adverts on Gumtree, including a new ad today. What does this say about the house?

One of the biggest problems was the owner's lack of wanting to make this house a 'home'. It never felt like home to Geoff and I, and probably the reason we didn't bother putting up paintings, buying pot plants or really putting an effort into decorating the place. We just weren't happy here, and hardly had people over to visit for this reason.  Take for example the "garden". There is grass stretching 3/4 around the house but the only way we could water it was by plugging the hosepipe into the tap underneath the kitchen sink and trekking it through the lounge in order to reach the garden. There is no outside tap. Isn't this an obvious one when you rent out a house?

The main problem though (and probably the reason the Agents are having a hard time convincing people to rent the house) is the obvious lack of burgler bars. There is nothing on any window in the house except for the main bedroom and the en-suite bathroom.  That really doesn't help, seen as the TV, etc is all in the lounge which has a sliding door and two other windows that are easy to access. The owner point blank refuses to spend money on this necessary security.  Nevermind the house is in a "security" complex. That means absolutely nothing when the security guard is only there untill 6pm in the evening, and burglaries usually take place between 2am and 4am. There were 8 burglaries that we're aware of that took place in February/March this year. Some security...

Yesterday, a couple were close to signing to rent the house from 1 November, and were in negotiations with the owner on having burgler bars installed. Today, I've just see a new "To Rent" advert on Gumtree.  Well, that about sums it up.  Best of luck to whoever is going to be renting this place, we are moving in 2 weeks time and the days can't go by soon enough!

Around the World in South Africa

I've recently discovered some 'out of this world' places that make you feel as though you've been transported to another country. No need to hop on a plane - we've got the whole world in our very own back yard!

MOYO

Stellenbosch - Blouberg - Durban - Jo'burg

Ever wanted to eat a traditional African buffet dinner in the tree tops? Moyo is unlike any place I've ever been to. It's truly an experience that you'll remember for a long time to come. At R250 per person, I can guarentee it's worth every penny. Whether your sitting at the top of a tree eating by candlelight, enjoying a romantic dinner for two in a private tent, or enjoying the African dancers and drummers in the centre of the restaurant - you are literally spoilt for choice. You soon forget where you are, and feel as though you're in the middle of an amazing African celebration.  My African experience - 9/10  http://www.moyo.co.za

CANTINA TEQUILA
Bellville, Western Cape

There's nothing South African about this restaurant, except of course the staff. From the decor, to the drinks, to the food - every part of this place screams 'Mexico'.  Their menu covers all kinds of Mexican classics including; Quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, wraps, and my favourite - chilli poppers.  The drinks menu won't disappoint either and include a range of flavoured tequila's, including my favourite - chocolate cake tequila.  The only downside is there seems to be only one branch in the country. My Mexican experience - 8/10. http://www.cantinatequila.co.za

THAI SABAI

Somerset West, Western Cape

There's something magical about Thai Sabai. The skin clinic / day spa is Thai owned and massages are done by experienced Thai masseuses.  You can't help but feel as though you've been transported to a tropical Thai island. From the lush gardens and the tranquil waterfall outside, to the Thai inspired teas and light lunches, to the soothing music in the background, and the rich Asian decor, every effort has been made to ensure that you're completely relaxed and feel like a brand new person by the time you leave.  They offer everything from 30 minutes massages to half day treatments. My Thai experience - 10/10.  http://www.thaisabai.co.za

My Top 10 Peeves at Work

• Pouring a nice cup of coffee, only to discover that there's no milk
• Someone talking loudly into their cell phone while you're busy with recons
• Forgetting that you're in an open plan office and talking loudly to a client who's hard at hearing
• Just about to have a bite to eat and an unexpected client arrives to query their account
• That awkward moment when you realise the chat you've just sent your significant other has gone to your colleague/boss
• Accidently sending a not so nice e-mail about a client, directly to them 
• Stationery that magically disappears from your desk
• Being called "dear", "lovie", "sweetie" or  "girly" by a client
• Office politics 
• The computer/printer/fax suddenly freezing when you've got a deadline