10 Ways to Survive and Enjoy the Cape Storms this Winter
1. Read. Never read anything by a local author? Winter in Cape Town is the ideal time to rectify that. South African literature has come a long way from books on the struggle. Go here for some ideas of where to begin reading today''s SA authors.
2. Sip. No time like winter to enjoy some of the finest South African wines - especially something deep red, full bodied and deliciously woody. Choose one of the crisp autumn days inbetween the rain to spend a day in the Cape Winelands, sampling and stocking up for when the next storm hits.
3. Share. While winter for most of us conjures up images of wooly scarves and roaring log fires, a large percentage of our fellow Capetonians anticipate the storms and cold with dread. Donate blankets and warm clothing to the Salvation Army - Contact them on Tel: (021) 761 8530/1/2/3/4/5 or email: wcape_dhq@saf.Salvationarmy.org
4. Catch a flick. Today''s movie theatres are super comfy and there''s nothing like a big box of popcorn and a great film to take you away from the cold outdoors. Once again, why not look for something local - White Wedding is out at the moment - a great new SA movie. Or catch the award winning (still showing) Slumdog Millionaire (based on the book Q&A by South African Vikas Swarup) to be taken all the way to colourful India if the grey is getting you down here. Stay home and rent Jerusalema or (heaven forbid) Dr Bones 2 to keep it local and lekker.
5. Surf! While the rest of us are getting ready to hibernate, surfers around Cape Town are rubbing sex wax on their boards and getting ready for some big wave action. Not recommended for beginners! If you have a partner or friend who surfs, fill the flask with hot chocolate and support them from the warmth of the car.
6. Be brave. Walk on Kalk Bay''s harbour wall - but only if you''re extra careful. Each year sees giant waves smash over the wall and more than one daring soul has been swept off into the drink. If the glass-fronted wine bar Polana hasn''t yet been smashed through by a mini tsunami this is a great cosy place to get a drink and enjoy the rolling waves from next to the fireplace.
7. Fly a kite. Inbetween the actual rain, the Cape''s winds makes for great kiting on Cape Towns'' beaches - or try kite boarding, a new hobby that is really, literally, taking off in South Africa.
8. Shop. If you''re a mall rat then this is the time to shop without feeling guilty that you''re wasting a beautiful sunny day indoors. Boots, scarves, gloves, beanies and berets - the whole ''layered look'' means a perfect excuse to buy more clothes.
9. Bake. No one enjoys being in a hot sweaty kitchen mid-summer. Winter is the time to be in a fragrant warm kitchen whipping up a melktert or some deliciously sticky malva pudding.
10. Love! Winter and romance go hand in hand. All that snuggling down and cuddling under the duvet, preferably in front of an open fire. Contact Portfolio for some ideas on where to take your loved one for a decadent, romantic weekend of love this winter.
(Image: Ifjay. Creative Commons License)
