MEDIA ATTENTION

Exciting news for St Helena Bay ... Tasse en matrasse presenters Ingrid Venter and Monique Strydom from Radio Tygerberg 104.0 FM visited our town on Wednesday. Over coffee at Swiss Deli & Bistro Bernie Pols and I talked to them about matters cetaceans (whales and dolphins, ignoramuses) and the aquaculture (abalone - or perlemoen as it's known in the vernacular) operations springing up along South Africa's West Coast.

Next door Monique and Ingrid met LazyCatz Décor & Art owner Judy Smit and Karin Board who are part of the team that makes up St Helena Bay Arts & Crafts & Food Market.

From there to lunch at the four-star Shelley Point Hotel and a full body and feet treatment in their Wellness Centre. A stop at Oystercatcher Lodge, the town's other four-star establishment, then to Waxit candle factory shop (mmm ... vanilla- and chocolate-scented candles are just the thing for New Year's Eve) then to Groenveld Coffee Shop. This converted old fishing smack is moored in Sandy Point Harbour and a great location from which to watch whales while sipping Caffé Macchiato.

A final stop to meet Don and Connie Loubser, owners of Beira Mar (on the sea, dude) Restaurant and then back to the city with, hopefully, good memories of our wonderful town.

On this the eve of 2011 I wish every one of you who has stayed at Dolphin B&B+S/C the compliments of the season; I also wish my friends and family a bumper New Year and I leave you with this thought:

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. Author Unknown

GOT YOU COVERED!

The patio roof is a new construction and Zak Mkhize, who stayed here over the weekend 20 November, was the first guest to see it complete.
At 05:30 the rains came down - what a welcome respite for our arid West Coast - and with this extension Zak was able to enjoy breakfast in the fresh morning air.
The lekker thing about this is now I don't have the worry of 'do I lay the table inside or out' and once the drop-down canvas blinds are installed, there will be optimum use made of the patio come the cold winter months. Watch this space ...

PASSING THE BUCK

... in this case it passed me by. I was aware of the Cape Grysbok ewe that lives in the shrubbery in front of my house, but it hasn't been seen for a long time, no doubt because of the development going on in Britannia Bay and which has its terrain shrinking rapidly. So the joy of seeing it on the eve of my birthday is quite the best pressie I could wish for. I know it's a 'she' because of a quite distended midriff, which could well mean she preggies. Now wouldn't that be exciting!

Then I had another lovely surprise ... a Barn Owl landed on the roof in the middle of the day. It clearly doesn't know it's supposed to be sleeping. See! Want wildlife? Come visit the West Coast.

PROOST!

A retired KLM air hostess, Yvonne Platteel just can't stay away from South Africa and manages to fit in a visit every two years or so. This was her third stay at Dolphin B&B+S/C and on this occasion she travelled with Loes Van der Heijden who also hails from Zoetemeer in The Netherlands.
They brought with them very welcome, albeit short-lived, rain which soon gave way to sunny skies and warm days, pleasant enough for them to enjoy their sundowners on the deck before dinner which they shared with me - and a bottle of very delectable Argentinian Medoc wine.
Now I'm being ever so nicely badgered to come and visit them in Holland and know what? I might just do that one of these fine days.

A PHOTO SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS

When they booked in on Friday I had little idea of the interesting talks that were to follow over breakfast. Certainly there was an element of déjá vu for me in recalling the Shell Photo Gallery, the Shell Press Pix competition, meeting the World Press Photo team in Amsterdam and bringing the 1984 exhibition South Africa the next year.
A South African at heart - it was here that Brent gained a degree in journalism and sharpened his teeth photographing apartheid issues - he lives in New York with partner, Byba Septikova from Yugoslavia, and travels extensively to the core of conflict to capture on film the crux of the crisis, be it health-related issues or perhaps even the plight of the rhino - something he will be working on while here on a short assignment.
Both are employed by National Geographic, Byba on the technological side where she sifts through thousands of visuals of both Brent's and fellow-photojournalists to match them to whatever theme has been decreed for that month's magazine.
His more recent awards include a gold award from China International photographic awards, as well as from the National Press Photographers Association, Graphis and American Photography. He also received the 2009 ASME magazine publishers award for photojournalism for his work in the Democratic Republic of Congo published in National Geographic magazine.
With these accolades tucked into his camera bag I was particularly chuffed when he agreed to take a pic of me in my new kitchen (see previous Blog). (I wonder whether instead of his using my simple fixed-lens digital camera a Leica would have made a big difference to how I looked?)

TUIS BEGIN IN DIE KOMBUIS

Why do I do it to myself? Revamp my kitchen, that is. Not content with renovating the B&B en suite (although Clever Dick I did that done whilst I was away in Southeast Asia so all I had to do was sign the cheque when I got home).
Cutesy, cottagey - that was the trend w-a-y back in 1998; now it's pure passé. And so I called for Field Family Cupboards to make miracles happen - and they did. Dale and his team of merrymen moved in - lock, stock and smokin' barrel - the Monday morning and by Tuesday arvie (I kid you not!) they packed up, having created the most marvellous, practical, boootiful kitchen a gal could want.
Now I've just got to learn how to cook!

I MIGHT HAVE MET THEM IN ‘DIE HEL’ BUT THEY WERE HEAVENLY GUESTS

I was sitting having coffee with Pieter Mostert at the Shoppe in Gamkaskloof (unaffectionately known as "Die Hel") when a voice claimed, "Jy moet daardie mal tannie wees wat hier op haar eie in ‘n klein, gewone karretjie ingery het". That was my introduction to Gert Haywood who, with Anet, was "kuieiring" in the ‘Kloof (as it is more affectionately known). (Dit was toe eke!)
From that led their booking in at my B&B for two nights middle August with a view to seeing fields and fields of "blomme" but, sadly, hot, easterly winds resulted in an aborted spring flower display this year.
Having said that, they did report good spreads of "reënblommetjies" ((Dimorphotheca pluvialis) in West Coast National Park plus the bonus of two southern right whales off Plankiesbaai in Postberg so their trip was not without rewards.
These two will tie the knot on November 20th to coincide with Gert’s Big Six-O celebration and pics of The Event will follow in due course. For now, it’s go well and good luck in the planning of the first step of the rest of your life.

MY ASIAN ADVENTURE

I’ve dreamed about visiting China for many years and this determined woman (aka Moi) made it happen in April this year. From Hong Kong to Yangshou to Shanghai to X’ian and finally Beijing and The Great Wall (that’s where I’m standing, not quite believing I’m actually there!).

The next month took me through Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and then across into Cambodia from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap – and if it wasn’t for the Red Shirts I would have visited Thailand too, but that’s for another time.

You can read at your leisure the story of my adventure and I hope you enjoy sharing with me 60 days spent in search of the true Southeast Asia … and I believe I found it. Go to my website www.dolphinza.com and click on the links page or you can click on http://www.o5demo.com/asianadventure.pdf

MAKING OPTIMUM USE OF

Not being a proponent of any of the social networking sites, I had only seen a thumbnail pic of Riaan and Deon Coetzee, the brother team heading up o5webdesign, the Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) company that had done work for me over the years.

Then I received a call from Deon saying that he and Tania would be in Cape Town and he’d very much like to make personal contact with me. Without further ado we agreed to meet at Fraîche Ayres tea garden in the grounds of Stark Ayres Nursery in Rosebank on Wednesday April 7 – the eve of my departure for Asia.

The hour flew by. Tania is a breath of fresh air (no pun intended) with a delightful sense of humour and grasp of Life (with that capital letter). Putting a face to a name has made a big difference in my opinion of their company and it’s going to be much more fun working with Deon from now on.

Oh yes, if you don’t yet know what SEO is all about, they specialise in search engine optimisation of websites and help to increase visibility on the Internet. As Riaan explains, “The Internet has become so vast that merely having yet another website is, quite literally, a waste of time”. He tells me that in 2009 alone 49 million new websites were launched. That means www.dolphinza.com is merely a drop in the ocean and which also means I’ve got to be one step ahead of the pack baying at my heels.

It boils down to this: “If your website isn’t being found in search engines by people looking not for your business name, but for your type of services or products – and often in a certain area – you are effectively handing potential business to your competition,” says Riaan. “It’s a fact that almost 65% of all Internet users do not know the name of a business so they go online to search for what they require and if they’re not finding you – meaning your website isn’t tanking as high as possible under that first 10 search results – you are lost.”

It boils down to this: “If your website isn’t being found in search engines by people looking not for your business name, but for your type of services or products – and often in a certain area – you are effectively handing potential business to your competition,” says Riaan. “It’s a fact that almost 85% of al Internet users do not know the name of a business so they go online to search for what they require and if they’re not finding you – meaning your website isn’t ranking as high as possible under that first 10 search results – you are lost.”

The question you need to ask yourself is: are they finding your website? This makes the difference between merely having the bragging rights to say ‘I have a website’ to ‘I have a potential marketing tool’.

O5webdesign will help you with a potential marketing tool; they will also advise and assist you to go beyond just the website and use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Blogging in conjunction with your correctly optimised website to exponentially increase your overall Internet exposure thereby giving you a much increased Internet footprint in the jungle that’s out there.

Why do I punt these two pundits? Because it’s worked for me – and, oh yes, because they’re just a nice bunch of people!

riaan@o5webdesign.co.za 012-6642545 deon@o5webdesign.co.za

THIS BLOM IS BLOSSOMING BIG TIME

Mention Nedine Blom to a teenager - then close your ears as the shriek is likely to reach 180 decibels and climbing.

This bundle of energy (geen wonder want sy sê “Ek is stapelgek oor Baklava en biltong”)gave generously of her talents to perform in front of 300 primary school children and about 100 adults on Wednesday 24 March in St Helena Bay. I say generously because she reduced the costs substantially, making it possible for those who otherwise would not have been able to attend to do so. The concert was the brainchild of neighbour James de Jager and I was the lucky one to host her and husband/manager Bertie’s stay.

And her pure voice brought the house down. The rafters rang as she sang songs from her hit CD Super Cool vir Jesus which she is planning to turn into a musical hit. That Andrew Lloyd Webber hasn’t discovered her yet is to his disadvantage.

Tonight she’s performing at the Langebaan Lagoonfees and those lucky enough to attend are going to have a right royal time of seeing Nedine on stage.

Oh yes, no trouble to Bertie, he quickly burnt a CD of her repertoire of songs in between breakfast courses and which they presented to me by way of thanks for their two-night stay at Dolphin B&B+S/C. Now who’s the lucky one?

WORKING THE MADIBA MAGIC

Twenty years on and South Africa – nay, the world – celebrated Madiba's release from prison on 11 February 1990.

Julie Murphy, who with husband Malcolm stayed at Dolphin B&B+S/C last year (see my blog posted 20/09/09), has emailed me to tell me that she’s promoting the "Nelson Mandela Bangle" project from her home in the USA. She is also hoping to extend her reach into Canada. The 46664 (prisoner number 466, imprisoned ’64) bangle project is the initiative of Robert Coutts and has the approval of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Its aim is to create jobs in South Africa and raise funds for HIV/AIDS awareness

Writes Julie, “What’s inspiring to me is that the bangles are made by those affected by the virus and Rob specifically chose to keep it local instead of outsourcing the packaging which is also made in South Africa. Money raised supports the Campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which has provided funds to several charities and HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives, like Khululeka, a play performed at schools to educate children about prevention of the virus. When people wear the 46664 Bangle, they wear the embrace of Nelson Mandela and echo his message of social responsibility. (Pic shows digital imprint of Madiba’s hand.)

“Some of the monies raised is channelled back into creating jobs and building skills and in fact each bangle has a unique serial number, which can be registered online, from which people can see what project their bangle purchase supports.

“I’ve known Rob since the 1990s and when he approached me to become part of the project in 2008, I jumped at the idea. After all, it's a link to and has a positive impact in South Africa. My challenge is to drive awareness in the States of Madiba the man and his legacy.”

With the soccer world cup imminent, Invictus doing the rounds of cinemas worldwide (pic of Julie sporting her 46664 t-shirt at the opening night) and the 20th anniversary news articles of Madiba’s release from prison, focus is once again centred on South Africa which all goes towards promoting the campaign.

“Without a budget it becomes a constant challenge to promote the bangle and encourage people to buy it,” says Julie. “There's a fan page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-46664-Bangle/195529711978 which helps spread the word but, to keep the project going, we really need people to BUY THE BANGLES.” Some of the Montblanc stores stock the silver/gold/plat bangles, but many more retailers are needed and Julie’s aim is to get a large retailer like Starbucks to stock the copper bangle and a smaller jewellery chain to carry the other bangles around the country.

Take a look at some of the videos at various pages on the website www.theBangle.com They're short (max 3 mins each) and give a good indication of the project’s vision. Through this Blog I am hoping to spread the word to the international visitors who might like a little souvenir of SA, which they can buy online at http://www.theBangle.com/buybangle.html . “And,” says Julie, we ship worldwide from the States.”

CELEBRATING AT THE SEA

Married on my birthday (24 September) two years ago, Martin and Carike celebrated their second Valentine’s Day together as husband and wife with me yesterday.

The weather played its part and they were able to enjoy their breakfast while overlooking the bay – but sadly no dolphins. She writes, “Martin and I love spending time at the beach andyour B & B was just perfect for Valentine's Day.” I, on the other hand, think it’s perfect every day of the year but then I’m biased.

Their marriage ceremony was conducted on the helipad at Granger Bay and what an interesting wedding day they had – as you will see from the photo, from rain to rainbows and then and a lovely sunset.

http://www.dolphinza.com/

THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS KING

… or in my case, queen. That’s how the team at www.have2have.co.za made me feel. This online shopping site is geared to find potential buyers anything their hearts desire – from thermal underwear suitable for scaling Everest to, in my case, an immersion heater, international double adaptor, a 160 GB photo storer - about which my respect for them soared. In trying to fit the battery lid in position, I broke the ‘tits’ off. No problemsch … there in the post came a replacement cover at no charge whatsoever (and I mean postage paid for to boot). Super service. (Now I must just learn to use the darned thing!)