A Cup Of Coffee With A Side Order Of Doom.

While sitting with a friend at a coffee shop in Seapoint - the day crisp and clear, our cappuccinos hot and fabulous – we were gabbing on about this and that, when a gentleman standing near by having a smoke, took it upon himself to join in on our conversation – giving us his 2 cents on what we were discussing. He seemed nice enough (as nice as one can be when blatantly eavesdropping) and we all continued chatting about the everyday things that people chat about.

The conversation however, quickly turned into a rather serious lecture about the destruction of our planet, and how we are all going to perish in a toxic mess of our own making. And there we were just minutes before, two people having a delightful cup of coffee on a Tuesday afternoon, innocently discussing the lighter side of life.

He proceeded to mention documentaries by the dozen, websites and books that all back up his theory. The theory, in basic terms, being that by this time next year, the world will be suffocated by a mass of dirt caused by a catastrophic explosion of major volcano’s that will erupt and break through our planets crust. Leaving earth for dead.

‘If the toxic fumes don’t kill you first’, he said, ‘then you’ll just suffocate to death’. Well thank you sir. Here I thought we were enjoying yet another lovely day in this wonderful place we call Cape Town, when what I should have been doing was focusing on our impending doom.

Now I’m not saying it isn’t important to know what’s happening in the world, and to be conscience about how we treat it – these are vital things. But here stands a guy whose whole being is so obsessed with various conspiracy theories that it has taken over his life. So much so, that he feels the need to lecture complete strangers, in avid detail might I add, about the mass collection of Photons in the earth’s core that will soon explode.   

I have come across his kind before. Back when the Zeitgeist documentary was at its prime. I some how got trapped into a one on one with this kid who ran through the entire film with me piece by piece, frame by frame, while I politely smiled and nodded in understanding. It was horrific. And I remember thinking, what a terrible way to live – just an awful way to view the world.

The two of us stumbled out of there shocked and slightly traumatized. With thoughts of getting our affairs in order and contacting our loved ones before it was too late. But then perspective came along. You cannot live your life like that. Yes, you need to be kind to the earth, you need to be aware of what is happening in our world and you need to try and do what you can to help make it better. But don’t let it consume you. There is a lot of bad going around, sure, but there is also a lot of good. And I think it makes for a better life, a happier one at least, if we put our focus and energy on the latter.

So while the 2012 conspiracy looms, I say smile, take a walk, meet up with friends, laugh, go to gym, make good food, drink good wine, live. Just try adding a little ‘green’ into the mix. But for the love of God, do not become absorbed in the morbid fear of approaching destruction and ruin. That ain’t no life worth living.  

More Than A Restaurant..

This piece is dedicated to the beautiful, amazing, and kooky people I have come to surround myself with daily. Characters of a unique kind; each one is something special.

Anyone that has made the move to Cape Town will tell you very simply, that it is awesome. It is a city of immense beauty and the list of things to do is virtually endless. I’ll take a day on the beach, hiking the mountains, driving through Muizenberg or just absorbing the vibe in the heart of town, over sitting in a shopping mall and overlooking the parking lot, any day of the week (and yes, that is the extent of Joburgs activities).  Basically, Cape Town is where it’s at.

I have been here for almost 6 months now, and the novelty still hasn’t worn off. And of all the amazing sites and sounds, tastes and smells, experiences and missions that I have been on, one in particular remains upfront and centre. It’s a cozy little spot in the heart of Seapoint. It’s been there for over a decade - and promises to remain for decades more. It is a restaurant. And it goes by the name of Posticino.

When I arrived in Cape Town, a job was needed. The writing industry (like most) is a hard one to crack. So, until then, rent needs to be paid and the odd bit of food needs consumption. Hello Posticino! I assumed the position of waitress – my first ever – and so began the grueling world of running your ass off and on more than one occasion, spinning to the point of forgetting your name.

Posticino is known as one of the best Italian restaurants in town. The food is amazing – penne pesto with feta in particular – and to say the atmosphere is homely and warm, would be the understatement of the century. It’s a great place to be in summer - with its long spacious outdoor area, where umbrellas are set up and a cool breeze keeps you content in the sultry summer heat. It makes for the perfect place in winter, as the inside is complete with wooden floors, fireplaces and a general hum of amiability. It hasn’t been the great success it is for nothing.

But above and beyond all that, what makes Posticino, is each and every person that works there. There isn’t a place on earth that houses this many incredible people under one roof. From the waiters/waitresses to the kitchen staff to the people most humans cannot stand – the bosses, this place has life. It has magic. It has passion. It has become something more than a job, an income and a salary. It has become family.

And so, while I still very much intend on pursing my writing career, and eventually leaving this enchanting place, I will never leave the people that have become my relatives, my friends and my general dose of absolute madness.

Here’s to you Posticino! And to all you fabulous nuts that make it awesome! 

That Little Bit Extra..

There’s something so utterly delicious about discovering a new quaint little coffee shop that carries the same feel as something out of painting. You know the kind – hidden from the masses, only known to the locals that reside in the area; something that you probably come across while trying to find something else - just a charming little place that embodies something special. Well, The Daily Deli in Tamboerskloof is it!

Accompanying a friend who stumbled across it one day, we made our way there. It was enchanting to say the least – a handful of two seaters spread out along the sidewalk with a few umbrellas; nothing extravagant or extreme - simplicity at its best. We sat ourselves down, got some menus and absorbed it all in. The street itself is made up of gorgeous Victorian houses with adorable little porches leading onto the street. With prominent views of Lions Head, it makes for the perfect place to sit back and chill out, while causally sipping on a good cup of java.

But there was something else that stood out about this place. It could’ve been the all-round relaxed vibe of the locals enjoying their coffee, or, perhaps it was the delectable guy sitting alone at a table, reading his book quietly to himself. With eyes that could melt solid steal and just a general look of absolute yum, I was hooked. That was it. My chair was swiftly positioned to have him in full view at all times, and I could barely make conversation without loosing my breath every time he looked up.

However, not being one to generally make the first move, I remained frozen at my table praying that he just might. When it was finally time for us to leave, I reluctantly got up and started walking to my car, passing him along the way. I gave one final ‘flirtatious’ smile and continued walking – feeling his stare on my back. And while driving home, I could’ve kicked myself at not having the confidence to go up to him, and at the very least given him my name. But, I have a feeling we may cross paths once again. Why you ask? Because I intend on paying that delicious little coffee shop, with its many regulars, a lot more visits in the future.

 

... And then there was a blog.

Being a person who has recently undergone numerous big changes in life, (all of which have been both horrifically scary and wonderful) I have set myself a goal; or perhaps, a somewhat amusing little mission, if you will. The mission is to find the unusual, the magical, the uncommon - little things or people or places that have a certain bit of brilliance and individuality (with just a hint of the twisted) all bundled up within them. 

Over the last couple of months, I have made a move from Johannesburg down to Cape Town. I have traded in my waist long hair for a ‘pixie’ cut and I have started this blog – all of which, for me, are both unusual and uncommon. So, I figured, why stop there? I seem to come across curious and strange things daily – as I’m sure most people do – hidden gems and disturbing situations; beautiful sights and odd people – all of which, when reflected on, make the days/weeks/months somewhat less dull.

So here’s to the twist in the tale! And to finding the strange, in an otherwise ordinary world…