dinner for twelve

Nomiya is a new project situated on the roof of Palais de Tokyo, in the same vein as the Everland Hotel before it. It's a temporary structure, made entirely of glass overlooking the Eiffel Tower - and it's a restaurant.

Designed by artist Laurent Grasso and developed in conjunction with Electrolux Art Home, Nomiya seats just twelve people for a most memorable dining experience.
The auction is now open for Valentine's dinner! Who's in?

See a collection of images of Nomiya.

fawtly towers

So R and i went to Dullstroom over the weekend so he could do some mountain bike training. I was looking for somewhere to relax and read while he was out. A girl's lazy weekend on the couch.
I found a spot that looked charming and cozy enough online, and off we went to Auldstone house.

Unfortunately while its mentioned on their website that Auldstone house is on the main road, what you have to realise is that the main road is a truck thoroughfare - it only quietens down at night and on Sunday. Not something you'd think of when going to a tiny town like Dullstroom.

But that's not what really bugged me...

While sitting there on Saturday morning, i received a marketing text message from Auldstone House advertising their whiskey tasting nights. I'd only arrived the night before, and wasn't going to be there come Wednesday, so huh?
I also didn't request marketing messages, or give permission for them to use my mobile number for that purpose. When i mentioned this in a survey i was asked by Auldstone to fill in, i received a prompt reply from Dullstroom Reservations telling me that "More often than not we have guests thanking us for introducing them to such a unique experience, most of our guests are really pleasant." Excuse me!? No, "thank you, noted, we have removed your number from our database". Instead i was told that "most of our guests are really pleasant".

I was also told "you're the first to complain. You can't please all of the people all of the time". I've never been treated with such unprofessionalism and rudeness from the hospitality industry before - especially when YOU ASKED ME to take time out of MY schedule to fill in YOUR survey so you could "improve your service" to guests going forward. It totally shocked me. But the more i thought about it, the more it fit - Dullstroom is expensive and arrogant, and really doesn't live up to its reputation. I'd do Nottingham Road before i did Dullstroom again any day.

So thank you Auldstone House, for cermenting an opinion i thought i might have been misguided in. I won't be back.

hotel never everland

A while back I blogged about the extraordinary Hotel Everland - a designer trailer perched on top of the Palais de Tokyo where patrons were able to spend one night in uber designer surroundings overlooking the Eiffel Tower. What bliss!

Well, I got to see the hotel while in Paris in May - colour me excited! You can't actually go in to the room (that much foot traffic would undoubtably ruin it), but it's a spectacular thing to see - and to imagine staying in.

It's supposed to be traveling the world from one exotic location to the next, so keep an eye out - you may just get lucky and find yourself in a trailer for two with a glass of bubbles! (oh I wish I may I wish I might)

The walkway leading to the trailer.

The bed, with bathroom just behind.

The lounge.

The view out of the main window.

Edit: nadja sent me this link of the grand daddy airstreams in cape town - fabulous sleeping

hotel everland

Heading to Paris before the end of the year? I have the ultimate experience for you!

Paris museum, the Palais de Tokyo, have installed a one-room-hotel/art installation on top of their building that people can view during the day, or choose to stay in for one night only - the Hotel Everland.

It's been described as a "bachelor pad of an imaginary pop star from 1972" and I see absolutely nothing wrong with that! It's been around since 2002 in other locations, but the magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower it has now makes it a superb location to spend the night with a bottle of champagne - unrivaled!

Take a look at the unique panorama it offers...

to thai for

We're off to Thailand in 2 week's time, and I've been doing some research in to what it is I want to see while I'm there. We're doing the islands and Bangkok in particular, but what I'm finding in the mainland and inland of Thailand is simply astounding. This one blew me away - Rong Khun Temple in Chang Rai (north Thailand) is more popularly known as the White Temple. This is because the temple is pure white - every piece of it painted white, and with white glass. It's absolutely beautiful to see, and even more amazing - it's being built in our lifetime. In fact, the builder is one of Thailand's most renowned artists, is still alive and you can read his description of his life's work here.

Think of all those churches and temples, and monasteries and castles you see in pictures and while traveling. They were all built in a time when religion came first, and beauty was bestowed on these important buildings of faith. You never think of one actually being built in this time period. Chaleumchai Kositpipat, the artist, has dedicated his life to the completion of this temple, and estimates that it will take another 60 - 70 years to complete all nine buildings of the temple. He's counting on his next two generations...

haunted hotel

Vanoodle sent out a link this week, and I think it's the most amazing thing I've seen in a while. The story rolls out below...

"San-Zhr Pod Village

Just before arriving in Sanzhi, there’s an interesting site hugging the shoreline - an abandoned hotel/apartment complex that looks like somewhere ET might call home. I first heard about this a couple of years ago, but it was only recently that I was able to get out there.

Accounts vary on the origins of this complex, and indeed, as to whether it was meant to be a hotel development or a housing development. Apparently, it was constructed in the 1960s and included/was to include a dam to protect it against sea surges, floors and stairs made of marble and a small amusement park. The site was commissioned by the government and local firms and there is no named architect. Local papers at the time reported that there were numerous accidents during construction which caused the death of some workers. As news of these accidents spread, no one wanted to go there, even to visit, and the project was subsequently abandoned. The ghosts of those who died in vain are said to still linger there, unremembered and unable to pass on. The complex was left in its unfinished state because no amount of redevelopment will bring people to the area due to superstitions about ghosts, and it can’t be demolished because destroying the homes of spirits and lost souls is taboo in Asian culture.

When I was there, I met four young university students who were passing by and stopped for a look. They didn’t want to get too close to the buildings for fear that the ghosts would take them. They told me there was “heavy evil” in the buildings."

Story and more incredible pictures by Criag Ferguson here.

one night in bangkok

This last Saturday we went to go see the production Chess at the Monte Casino Theatre. It's not a usual thing for us to do - go see a musical - but we really enjoyed it. They've cast Cito, the lead singer from Wonderboom, in one of the lead roles - the obnoxious American Frederick - and he works really well. He's got an incredible voice that I was surprised to see hold its own alongside all those professionally trained actors and singers.

The music it goes without saying is really good, but what I wasn't expecting is that there's no dialogue at all. The entire story is told through song - so clever! Turns out the boys from ABBA wrote the hit single One Night in Bangkok, and from just that, Tim Rice extrapolated this entire production all using song. I've never seen anything like it.

What's also intriguing is the story and backdrop - the Cold War in the late eighties, and how the super-powers fought their battles with things like Chess. It's a really interesting story for anyone my age and younger who didn't really watch the Cold War with any real understanding. It's like getting a glimpse into a past that was happening all around you, that you were just too young to be aware of.

A weekend in London

I always love weekends in London, but this one had a few special moments…

Dinner at Le Trois Garcons; a fairly new restaurant linked to Lounge Lover, it’s stunningly decorated with eclectic gathering from shops you didn’t dream existed: dassie heads wearing gaudy beads, nine different types of chandelier, ceramic dalmations, and gold plastic crowns as candle holders. So much to take in you barely notice your food – which is divine! 'Specially dessert...


Snow in London! We woke up Sunday morning to six inches of snow! When I say "we”, I mean robin was up and about and I was shuffling about in his shoes appreciating it from my half-asleep stupor. But what a sight!

hola!

We're back from a wonderful holiday in Europe! 10 days travelling from Spain to France - and trust me when I say Paris is the most beautiful city in the world! As with our NY trip, I've started a wordpress blog to detail the trip, where you get daily accounts from our diary and the pictures too - there's just too much to put here.

It's not done yet, but visit here to follow it's progress.

worldgettingsmaller

Robin spent the last week in Nigeria - it sounds hideous. Although I suppose it depends on your point of view. He's putting together a blog - it's really worth a read. I know its nothing I was expecting.

ONE MORE SLEEP!

This is one of my favourite ads. I want to be standing right in the middle of the road when they let the balls flow down! It's gorgeous - the music, the simplicity, the colour. You want to feel what it's like to have so many balls bouncing passed you, into you. To see that colour flowing down a main street with nothing to stop it. So I think I'll take my own ball and send it running down - another reason to visit San Fran :o)

3 more sleeps!

17 more sleeps!

21 more sleeps...

...when to start packing!?! I'm trying to find out what the luggage restrictions are on SAA for a trip to the US - pretty strict I imagine. But do you think SA's official carrier has put any information on their website or anywhere online you can find it? Of course not! Don't be silly! Way too 20th century. So now my mom's deep in research. I will be THIS *holds hands as far apart as possible* upset if they've put weird restictions in place. Robin's just bought me a set of luggage - my first ever set - and I'm dying to use it! I want to walk in to The Alex with my new Carlton 2006 Ebony range luggage in tow - not a clear plastic packet! Argh! Struth! So we wait and hold thumbs - maybe I start using it for work :oD

our holiday - the planning phase

I've shared a little about where we're going and what we're doing, but every day our plans become a little firmer. As we stand now, we're going to New York for a week, then we fly to San Francisco for four days, then it's off to Las Vegas for two days (via the Grand Canyon) then back to NY. Sounds busy huh?
And each spot is packed full of stuff! NY includes Sunday at the men's US Open final, dinner at The Asiate on top of the Columbus building, Thursday on Coney island, Thursday night at Yankee Stadium watching the Yankees play and of course oodles of shopping and major landmarks.

Our four days in SF include the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz, Triburone across the river, oodles of shopping, and a drive into the winelands where they filmed Sideways. Did I mention shopping?

We're then going south to Vegas, where we're hiring a car and driving through to the Grand Canyon. You can't really go all that way and not see one of the wonders of the world now can you? We'll probably stay out in canyon area overnight before we drive back in to Vegas to go stay at the MGM Grand (pictured below). I'm so excited to take pics in Vegas - it must be insane! We'll be attending Cirque du Soleil's performance of "O" that night at the Bellagio daaaahling... Very swank ;o)

And even more exciting - pretty soon the pics of all these places will have been taken by me!

53 more sleeps!

We worked it out today - 53 more sleeps till we leave for New York! It's still a loooooong time, but I'm getting more excited by the day. Check this out and drool...

spoiled rotten!

Robin got back from Panama on Friday and I got ridiculously spoiled! Seriously. I'm like a kid in a candy store. He has an amazing ability to buy gifts - not just for me, but for everyone. He somehow zeros in so well on what he knows you'll like. So Friday and Saturday were spent lazing in bed piled high by all my new toys! Below are some pics of my booty...


Brand new DKNY Red Delicious (not yet released here), Mac iBook-specifc laptop bag (has anyone tried to put a mac into a regular laptop bag? it's just silly), iPOD video 30G (now named Squirrel), Jean Paul Gaultier Classique (the latest bodice).
Not pictured here - a swish Tumi laptop bag in matching orange for when I want to dress up, knee-high brown leather boots from Panama city (very sexy!) and of course the chocolate!
So after a weekend of uploading my iPOD with music and video, and sorting all my tech into little compartments, I arrived at work on Monday swinging a stylish looking laptop, headphones plugged in and smelling dee-vine :o)

Thanks schnoof - you spoil me endlessly.

mac new york

You love shopping, and you love Mac - you're gonna LOVE this!!! Mac recently opened a new flagship store in New York. And not just new York - on Fifth Avenue darl! AND it's open 24/7/365! Besides being absolutely beautiful (it's like having the Louvre in New York), they have EVERY product you could want, and they hold workshops. So you can go and learning all sorts of thingy-things about your new mac.
I've definitely added this to my list of stops for New York in September.

da woogsta went to survivor

Robin spent the first two weeks of shooting in Panama helping to set up and get things on the road. This is him in a tin can in the air. He gets back Friday! Wheee!



Here's the entry he wrote for the official Survivor blog:

Greg's making this trip look like a holiday, but the question is what's the coolest position on this island?

Logger
The business: Yes, you're at the heart of all footage, and you get the insight into styles of each and every cameraperson and director - a great place to start if you want a holistic look at the production of film and TV.

The drag: Long hours in front of a small screen detailing the minutiae of other people's work. And you don't get a tan.

Cameraperson [very pc of him :o)]
The business: There isn't a part of the world you haven't seen intimately through the finest detail of a high powered lens. You get to realise the vision others only imagine. And chicks dig you.

The rub: Other people tell you what to do all the time, then they cut and edit your work. Think of birthing a child, and then someone takes it. And the tech is heavy.

Director
The business: There isn't a person on the set who doesn't want to talk to you, and you get to tell each and every one of them what you want them to do. And they have to do it. You're god.

The twist: If anything goes wrong, with any person, doing anything, at any time, on any shoot – its your fault. You suck.

Creative Director
The business: You have absolute access to any part of the production, at any time, and even if they're halfway through a shoot, you can tell them its all sh*t and should be redone this way or that. You also get to pass your aesthetic opinion on what looks and 'feeeeels' better based on what you think looks and 'feeeeels' better.

The itch: A job where you pass opinions as fact; you're never responsible for things going wrong, only for looking right; no standard hours… You kidding me: this is without a doubt the ultimate position!

New Media Journalist
The business: While other people work, you watch them, sometimes report. That's a job.

The mixed blessing: The Swedish make-up/wardrobe girl never gets to undress our intrepid Greg!

bogus journo

If any of you are die hard Survivor fans, you're going to love this one! They're currently in Panama shooting Survivor South Africa - amidst the rain, mozzies - and according to today's account - cockroaches. How do I know all this? Well, there's a Survivor blog! One of our colleagues is there right now covering the production for the official website. And while he's there he's giving an inside scoop on what it's really like to be on the island. He's a really good writer to boot - these are his mixed blessings...

"Two months on a deserted island with nothing to do but write about TV. The perfect getaway, right? That’s what Greg Bowes, online journalist, thought too when he was asked to accompany the 14 lucky Survivors to a minute island in Panama. Currently living in room 1014 in a small hotel on a small island, Greg is reporting back daily on what it’s really like to be living amongst the mozzies, spiders and peacocks of this island paradise.

“Bruised, battered, beaten, bitten” was how he described his condition on day one – and that was before shooting began. Right now, Panama is anything but an island paradise. And not just for the Survivors. Having worked on major productions like Project Fame, Idols and Big Brother Nigeria, Greg is no stranger to the intensity and bustle that goes with a production of this magnitude. But his mettle is being tested daily as he tries to keep up with a crew of over one hundred bodies, and nail down the story for each day. Follow Greg’s daily adventures – and misadventures – in the exclusive behind-the-scenes blog – only on M-Net Online." ~ Ulindi Smit