BASTILLE DAY

Bastille Day is the name given in English-speaking countries to the French National Day, which is celebrated on 14 July each year. In France, it is formally called Fête nationale; (The National Celebration) and commonly Le quatorze Juillet (the fourteenth of July) and is the biggest celebration in France and marks the storming of the Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison in Paris. Many people in France associated it with the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy in the late 1700s. On July 14, 1789, troops stormed the Bastille. This was a pivotal event at the beginning of the French Revolution.

The French love to celebrate and celebrate they do...often you stumble across small villages and towns across France celebrating some cultural, historical or local tradition. Often the entire village join forces to decorate the town,provide music and often a firework display.

I was fortunate to be in France in 2009 over the Bastille Day festivities and the local village of Jumilhac Le Grande, where my sister lives, was no exception. The Chateau provided a wonderful backdrop to the village square, whilst also being a great launch pad for the evening fireworks extravaganza.

My sister has just sent me these photos of her celebrations, so far.

Enjoy!

Source

AUBERGE HOLLANDAISE 5* GUEST HOUSE

This past weekend I attended a launch of a new skincare serum called SEEFREE but more about that in a later post. The venue for the launch is my focus today and even though I have passed the building on numerous occasions I never knew what lay behind the walls and the gate of this property. Situated in the heart of residential Durban North this once grand home has been renovated and restored to its former glory. 

The Three Cities Auberge Hollandaise is a luxurious five star guest house tailored for the discerning corporate, local and international traveller. I have to admit I was somewhat blown away once I entered through the gates and the impressive triple volume hallway cannot be ignored along with a beautiful chandelier and its warm inviting wooden floors and sumptuous decor. 

Once you make you way through the spacious public lounge areas you come across a large pool deck, outdoor bar and breakfast area.

It's easy to see immediately, that the Auberge Hollandaise offers a haven of calm and tranquillity from what lies on the other side of the walls and gate.Whether you are on business or on holiday all of the ten beautifully decorated guest suites will satisfy the most discerning guest including me! 

Attention to detail is quite obvious upon entering each suite and in fact the whole Guest House. 

Besides the standard Air Conditioning, Tea and Coffee making facilities,Satellite TV, toiletries and hair dryer, each room has a laptop safe and free Wifi, which I know is a bonus,as many of the chain hotels across South Africa charge!

The Auberge Hollandaise also has a wonderful private and luxurious boardroom that can accommodate up to thirty delegates.I cannot think of a more delightful and peaceful setting to host a conference and at R395 per delegate inclusive of food and standard equipment Close to the business and entertainment districts of Durban and Umhlanga Ridge, its worthy of some consideration when you are next wanting to hold a small conference.

Rates:

R1280 pp sharing Luxury King Bed and Breakfast

R1780 Single Luxury King Bed and Breakfast

Dinner on request

These rates are until 31st December 2013

For more details visit

www.ahguesthouse.co.za or www.threecities.co.za

LORDS OF THE MANOR *4

This past Sunday we joined the BMW club on their bi monthly organized breakfast run, which was to The Lords of the Manor Hidcote near Mooi River.

The impressive facade of the Manor House

The Lords of the Manor is a stately country mansion, built at the turn of the last century and offers the discerning guest the space and elegance of a bygone era. The proud owners have renovated this country mansion, turning it into a luxury Boutique Hotel. Set in the breathtaking Natal Midlands near Mooi River, it is the ideal venue for conferences, weddings or an unforgettable getaway only 1h25mins drive from Durban or a 3hr45min drive from Johannesburg. The Manor House itself is surrounded by 25 acres of land, graced by stately fir & oak trees dating back to when the manor was built in 1889.

The buffet breakfast that had been organised was scrumptious and it would be well worth another visit for that alone or

perhaps as part of a day out, meandering along the Midlands Meander.....

This fellow stands guard at the reception

The hotel boasts a Chapel, which makes it a idyllic venue to hold a wedding and the backdrop of the ivy covered manor house would make for some wonderful wedding photographic memories.

Whether you are on honeymoon or just feel like treating yourself and your loved one to a weekend of luxury, their exclusive Honeymoon Suite consists of a bedroom and lounge, both equipped with fireplaces for cosy winter evenings. The Honeymoon Suite is equipped with a LCD TV, selected DSTV channels, bar fridge, safe, tea & coffee making facilities and en-suite bathroom.

Lords of the Manor also provides the ideal base for exploring the beautiful KZN Midlands and of course the infamous Midlands Meander.

Nearby facilities include :

Fly Fishing

Golf

Tennis

Canopy Tours

Quad Biking

Horse Riding

Game Viewing to name but a few.....

Whilst I was tucking into my warm flaky croissants I overheard several guests chatting about how wonderful their weekend at the Lords of the Manor had been and I was feeling somewhat envious...I think I will just have to return, but forget a return for breakfast as I mentioned earlier...I think I should return for "bed and breakfast" and the Honeymoon Suite looks like it's my style....watch this space! 

The Honeymoon Suite

For details and rates

MIDLANDS MEANDER (Part 4)

This is the fourth and final part,I promise to my Midlands Meander adventure! 
I didn't realise that I had so much to tell you...

The Sunday dawned, as another lovely sunny day and off we set on our final day doing the Midlands Meander.

First we headed for the Nelson Mandela Capture Site & Museum which was opened in August this year and is situated on the R103, the old main road 5km from Howick, This is where he was captured on his return journey to Johannesburg. This is a moment and place in the history of South Africa, which has enormous significance. The uMngeni Municipality purchased the property opposite the actual capture site and there you will find this multi-purpose heritage site.

                                               

Marking the 50-year anniversary of what began Nelson Mandela's "long walk to freedom" A 50 steel column constructions up to 9.5 metres tall was commissioned.The columns come into alignment to form a portrait of Nelson Mandela against a backdrop of rolling hills and valleys.

Definitely make a plan on your Midlands Meander to visit as it interesting!

After all that history I was in need of a chocolate fix! so off we went to Florentines Belgium Chocolate. I am not sure if this is part of the official meander, but Its always a pleasure to walk into this chocolate shop, as the cold air from the air conditioner hits you immediately. What a lovely feeling after being in the heat and sun of the day. 

Oh my! this is a "chocoholics" heaven....displays of handmade Belgian chocolates,truffles,pralines...how could I resist? 
You select your "sins" weigh and then pay, but beware that you don't go overboard otherwise your purse or even credit card will feel it!!

Champagne Truffle, Hazelnut choc, Pistachio creme
and I can't remember the other one but they were all
 Yummy!

Feeling quite content after a few "choccies" as I had to eat them all otherwise they would have melted in the car...so what else could I do? 

Next stop was Tsonga for some more "retail therapy".

Tsonga shoes are "home grown" in Kwa Zulu Natal and each pair of TSONGA shoes are hand-stitched by the local village craftswomen. They have a shop where you can buy their bags and shoes, but the prices are the same as in their shops that they have around the country,so don't expect factory prices!

After a busy morning we had some lunch and leisurely drove home and "back to reality" as the song goes...

I must say now... that not all of the crafters and stop offs are worthwhile, but it is all a matter of taste, so I advise you to buy the Midlands Meander booklet R5 and its available everywhere,so you can plan your day,route and visits carefully..otherwise you can waste precious time....a weekend away, as we did was ideal and we managed to combine what we wanted to visit and some R&R time. There is plenty of accommodation to choose from, to suit all tastes budgets, but even to do sections of the meander in a day trip also works, but either way.. I hope you enjoy your meandering around the Midlands!

To view part 1 click here 
To view part 2 click here
To view part 3 click here