Around the World in South Africa

I've recently discovered some 'out of this world' places that make you feel as though you've been transported to another country. No need to hop on a plane - we've got the whole world in our very own back yard!

MOYO

Stellenbosch - Blouberg - Durban - Jo'burg

Ever wanted to eat a traditional African buffet dinner in the tree tops? Moyo is unlike any place I've ever been to. It's truly an experience that you'll remember for a long time to come. At R250 per person, I can guarentee it's worth every penny. Whether your sitting at the top of a tree eating by candlelight, enjoying a romantic dinner for two in a private tent, or enjoying the African dancers and drummers in the centre of the restaurant - you are literally spoilt for choice. You soon forget where you are, and feel as though you're in the middle of an amazing African celebration.  My African experience - 9/10  http://www.moyo.co.za

CANTINA TEQUILA
Bellville, Western Cape

There's nothing South African about this restaurant, except of course the staff. From the decor, to the drinks, to the food - every part of this place screams 'Mexico'.  Their menu covers all kinds of Mexican classics including; Quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, wraps, and my favourite - chilli poppers.  The drinks menu won't disappoint either and include a range of flavoured tequila's, including my favourite - chocolate cake tequila.  The only downside is there seems to be only one branch in the country. My Mexican experience - 8/10. http://www.cantinatequila.co.za

THAI SABAI

Somerset West, Western Cape

There's something magical about Thai Sabai. The skin clinic / day spa is Thai owned and massages are done by experienced Thai masseuses.  You can't help but feel as though you've been transported to a tropical Thai island. From the lush gardens and the tranquil waterfall outside, to the Thai inspired teas and light lunches, to the soothing music in the background, and the rich Asian decor, every effort has been made to ensure that you're completely relaxed and feel like a brand new person by the time you leave.  They offer everything from 30 minutes massages to half day treatments. My Thai experience - 10/10.  http://www.thaisabai.co.za

My Top 10 Peeves at Work

• Pouring a nice cup of coffee, only to discover that there's no milk
• Someone talking loudly into their cell phone while you're busy with recons
• Forgetting that you're in an open plan office and talking loudly to a client who's hard at hearing
• Just about to have a bite to eat and an unexpected client arrives to query their account
• That awkward moment when you realise the chat you've just sent your significant other has gone to your colleague/boss
• Accidently sending a not so nice e-mail about a client, directly to them 
• Stationery that magically disappears from your desk
• Being called "dear", "lovie", "sweetie" or  "girly" by a client
• Office politics 
• The computer/printer/fax suddenly freezing when you've got a deadline

An Ode to Muffin

Dear Muffin ("Muffy"),

You came into my life just after my 10th birthday. You were so cute with your little pink and white paws.

I remember hearing you and your brother, Tigger prancing up and down the passage in the middle of the night, and I remember you both sleeping in the crook of my neck when you were so tiny.

I remember early days of you climbing to the top of the tree, thinking you were so brave and then meouwing until someone climbed up to get you down.

You hated driving in the car, and trips to the vet became interesting kareoke sessions.

You helped me get through a lot during my teen years, and I can still clearly remember coming home one day from school and crying because some stupid little boy had called me a name. Nothing anyone said could cheer me up. I took you hostage, locking us in my room and spending the next few hours going through the motions of crying, screaming and finally calming down. You were my saving grace that day, and many other days during that roller coaster period in my life.

I never looked at you as just a cat. I called you my 'furry friend', because you were just that.

Luckily for us, you weren't much of a hunter. You caught one or two birds and a couple of lizards and that was that. What fun it was putting on my slippers barefoot one morning, only to feel something cold and slithery running on my foot! In your last years, you made friends with the birds outside and they could come right up to you and say hello, and you wouldn't even bat an eye.

There was great fun introducing you and Tigger to the dogs, and after many, many years - the idea of them chasing you outside became almost laughable. You owned the house, and they knew it.

I'm so sorry that I wasn't standing with you when the time came to say goodbye. It's something I promised I would do from the time you arrived and it's not something I can easily move past yet. But, I'm glad you had Mom and Matt with you, and that you were able to still recognise me the last few times I came to visit.

We had a very special bond, you and me. No one can ever replace you. You were one of a kind, my 'furry friend',  and you will be greatly missed by us all.

Love you always,
Mel

xxx

Changing the Monarchy

Anyone who knows us, knows that our two cats are like our babies and that they have been spoilt rotten.

By spoilt rotten I mean that they literally run the show at our house - and they know it. They often get given the best spots (sun, blanket, etc) in the house "just because", sometimes I don't even shout at them for making an "oopsie" somewhere because it's easier to just clean it up - which is very wrong, I know, (this however doesn't include the time they caught a bird, and that's a whole other story).
Our decision on where we want to move or when to go on holiday pretty much revolves around them.

For five years, we've been living in townhouses that have enclosed gardens. Great for us = braais, etc, and great for them because they are two cats who don't venture outside much (seek out other cats, jump over walls, etc). Problem. Now we've made the decision to rent something smaller from the end of the year to try and save a bit of money.  We're looking at smaller townhouses, and if it comes to that - moving back into a flat (preferably ground floor). So far, we're coming up with a lot of "no pets allowed" places (although, a friend of ours has said that it's usually not related to cats but more likely to dogs).

My problem with moving back into a flat is this. Our cats have been spoilt with living in a townhouse for the last 5 years, really having the property to themselves. A few times over the years the younger one has ventured next door to check out the company, etc but has always returned. The older one has had her days of venturing and luckily just prefers to be at home.

If we were to move into a block of flats that has a long garden that isn't enclosed, what are these cats going to do? Will they know where to come back to? They are both spayed, so I'm not worried about that - but they've been so protected, they're not the type of cats to get into fights and I'm a bit worried.

Am I being over-protective? Any advise from cat owners at this point will be very welcome and much appreciated!