A recent visit

We went on our annual pilgrimage to the Design Indaba last week. As usual, Cape Town did not disappoint us with her beauty, moods and culinary offerings. I am particularly smitten with Babylonstoren.

This was taken with the Hipstamatic app - I used the Gangster Squad film.

How we ate in the Mother City

When I downloaded my Cape Town photos today, ALL of them were either of restaurants, us eating or food. And I felt a bit like a glutton. Truth is, we were at the Design Indaba and the only daylight hours we had to ourselves we spent eating. So, here are of some of our favourite places in words and images.

Loading Bay
Amazing light and colour, great space. Go there for breakfast.

The Dog's Bollocks

Yes, this isn't a typo and that's really the name of the place. What a nice refreshing change from the oh-so-pretentious places that litter Cape Town and makes you feel that you inherited the wrong genes for not being quite beautiful enough to be there. This place is run by one guy, Nigel, and the burgers are truly the best I've ever eaten. He also serves his own wine, which is quite easy-drinking. It feels like the place is literally in an alley, which makes it even more exciting to be there. But go and experience this gem for yourself...

The Daily Deli

I also like the unpretentious street-cafe vibe of this little breakfast spot. Very nice coffee and very nice, friendly staff. Will definitely go back.

The Power and the Glory

We went on Emma-Jane's recommendation and were not disappointed. The crowd might be a bit pretentious but the food is really delicious and the service really friendly and fast.

In Transit

Image from amassblog

So, I'm doing this from Cape Town International Airport. I find being in transit is on the one hand frustrating, irritating, stressful; on the other hand (if everything goes well) very nice. I find a certain solitude in being anonymous and doing the waiting-thing just like everybody else.

What have I done here? I've been to the Design Indaba. Yes, the most amazing event every year for really ANYONE, whether you're an architect, accountant, dressmaker, mother, teacher, cook, fashionista. I came to this event completely drained of all creative energy and once again came back totally inspired. There were so many amazing speakers but the two speakers who made a profound impact were Michael Wolff and Francis Kere. I cannot describe to you the way in which both of them spoke to the world and touched the heart of hearts in every designer. I was truly humbled to see these great, great individuals.

A few other thoughts on this week:

1. Our city can learn so much from Cape Town. Yes, it is not at all a perfect, but there are a few things in place such as recycling bins all over, pedestrian-friendly intersections, bicycle lanes (YAY!!), community security and an awesome, cheap shuttle service from the airport.
2. People who are really really good at what they do are the most humble. I think all young designers can learn from that.
3. Pretoria is so ready for inspiration, change and some good design. A few ideas / events / things are coming this way!! 
4. The Old Biscuit Mill Market is amazing! Will post some photo's when I'm back.
5. In the meantime, a water pipe in my house decided to burst (why do these things always happen at the worst possible times??). So I'm getting mentally ready for a good Sunday afternoon clean-up.
6. If I don't get off this computer now and on the plane, I might have to stay here!!

Kerkorrel se SnorCity...Pretoria in my hart

We've stumbled across this amazing video, "a tale of three cities". This is awesome. It captures the spirit of Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town in such a beautiful way. By three very talented South African artists and Bittereinder.
Enjoy.