Hello, again

Wow, I can't believe it has been 8 months since I blogged. The last 8 months have been jam-packed with change. Last year I completed my final year of medicine and qualified as a doctor. In that time I was also anxiously waiting to be placed somewhere for my two years of internship. Needless to say after being third rounded, crying a lot and feeling hopeless I was placed in Durban.

I've never been to Durban. Funnily enough after one of my final year exams last year April I visited Umhlanga with my mom for 5 days. We did not venture to Durban at all. I think life was already prepping me and showing me signs for my future that awaited me.

At the end of November I was placed in Durban for my internship. I was scared yet excited. I was about to enter 100% uncertainty. Luckily I was joined by my then fiancé. God was good for us and within a week he also obtained a job in Durban.

Shortly after Christmas we made the big move to Durban. I remember driving through the Marrionhill tollgate thinking to myself... "What are we letting our self into? Unknown place, unknown people and away from our comfort zone??"

We moved into a flat in Morningside. Our first life lesson was learnt here. Don't make any property decision to quick. We move into a tiny flat with only one parking thinking to ourselves that we will definitely find some extra parking to rent in our complex. The following morning our one car was stolen.

We were gobsmacked. How could this happen to us? We left everything and everyone that was important to us. How could we be punished like this. That was where I learned how important your attitude is for your our own sanity.

I started working the 1st of January. Started my job with a first through the night call. I left work the following day at 17:00 thinking to myself this cannot be life?

After the car incident we decided to move. Luckily we found a place fairly quickly we could move into the following month. We were still under contract at our previous flat but the owner was very kind and told us as long as someone new will move in there wont be a problem. No one was interested in the flat initially and we did not feel pressured to move thinking we will pay double rent for maybe a month. To our surprise,  on a Thursday evening, were told to be out of our flat the Sunday. I was on call the entire weekend and we could only move into our new place the following week. Needless to say a lot happened that Thursday evening :) Our troublesome path however has been packed full of guardian angels and a family friend helped us move and store our belongings with a days notice.

We had awesome friends and family who supported us through this all. In between all of this we were also busy planning our wedding for April. Life was very busy.

So we moved in February and my mom drove up a new car for my fiancé. She also helped us to unpack our new place. ( Thank you mom)

Our wedding was getting close, work was busy but we managed to survive. Then a fire truck drove into our new car, I scratched my old car. This all happened two weeks before our wedding. By that time we just laughed. We refused that any of this will get us down. Yes, it was difficult but also necessary in a way. Life is though but there are worse things happening in the world.

Now at last after four months our luck has turned around. I am married yay! We have adjusted to work, the environment and no "disasters" have occurred  recently.  If they are coming for us we are ready for them :)

We have embraced Durban and all that it has to offer! I can't wait to share it with you!

Halfaampieskraal

The motto at Halfaampieskraal is "The perfect place to do nothing at all!" and that is exactly what we did this past weekend.

Welcome to Halfaampieskraal

If you want to break away from the city, your fast paced lifestyle or just want to hang out with your family and friends this is the spot to do it! Situated outside Napier this spot is where you can 'farm' in style. It is 250 years old and still a working farm but you don't have to do anything :) You can just enjoy the beauty and sounds of the surroundings!

The unique aspect of Halfaampieskraal is their décor. It had to be such fun to source and style this place. You will discover something new around every nook and corner. Look out for a stuffed duck on top of the closet, a mirror decorated with springbok horns or even a peacock in the living room! Let me show you around!!

There are accommodation available inside the main house as well as outside. We occupied three of the outside rooms where two people can sleep per room. Each room is different and spoiled with personal touches...




Lounging area




My favourite piece in this room was the map!





How pretty is this shower!




Loved the modern and antique pieces together




Big bed fit for a queen!




Fresh flowers




Saturday evening treat!



So what can you do at Halfaampieskraal? Nothing, that is the best. We went for a walk to visited the farm animals, drank wine, played board games, read and laughed! They have a beautiful bar stocked with all the wine, MCC and spirits that you need. It works on a honesty system so you just write down what you drink and settle the bill later. You can also bring your own wine at R20 per bottle corkage but their prices are really affordable and their selection is great so there is no need.




Farm chickens




Babe!




Happy duck family!




Fireplace where we spent most of our time!




One of my fave board games, Yunomi




Beautiful bar that runs on the 'honesty system'


We were celebrating two birthdays and was treated with this meringue and nut cake in the afternoon!

For dinner we dined at the beautiful candelit dining room table on deep friend feta for starter. For mains we were treated to fillet with a mushroom semi glaze sauce, deep fried potatoes, sweet potatoe bake and  a medley of broccoli and beetroot vegetables. The food was out of this world and that semi glaze sauce was a major hit!

Table set for a beautiful meal



Deep fried feta served with a radish salad




Sweet potato bake




Beetroot, broccoli and baby marrow medley



Beef filet with mushroom semi glaze sauce

Happy diners!



Deep fried potatoes


We then settled in front of the fire to indulge in "fluweel" pudding. This is baked custard topped with orange marmalade and a chewy meringue layer. I am not a custard fan but I finished this and almost licked the bowl! The tanginess of the marmalade and chewiness of the meringue was the best! You can find some of these recipes in their "Halfaampieskraal Celebrates" cookbook.



 Piece de résistance!


After this stunning dinner we slumbered into our large and comfortable beds! The next morning we were woken by the farm noises and the aroma of coffee...

 

 

After a great night of sleep we ventured over to the stoep to sit in the sun and enjoy a refreshing breakfast of freshly squeezed orange juice and fruit salad served with honey and yougurt. Breakfast did not stop there :) Scrambled goose eggs from the farm served with salmon, spinach and tomatoes was our final treat at Halfaampies.



Outside pool area perfect for summer!

 

Enjoying coffee on the stoep

 


Look at the beautiful walls!

 

Breakfast set-up

 


Refreshing fruit salad! So happy watermelon is back!

 

Loved the gold teapot!

 


One of the best breakfasts I have ever had! Delish!


Feeling rested and rejuvenated we already contemplated our return. It really is "hemel op die platteland" at Halfaampieskraal!

Rate: R1000 per person per night for dinner, bed and breakfast.
For more information  visit their website
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Contact them at rooms@kraal.biz or 028 452 1744

The Oyster Box Hotel

A few weeks ago I was really spoilt by the parentals. After a hectic week of exams my mom and I flew to KZN for a 5 day stay at The Oyster Box Hotel. Our stay can be summarised in one word - LUXURIOUS.




Welcome to The Oyster Box Hotel

The hotel is situated on the Umhlanga beach front that overlooks the iconic light house and Indian ocean. It has a colonial feel and the décor is amazing. Every morning before breakfast we went for an awesome run on the Umhlanga promenade. We were joined by numerous families, furry friends and fitness fanatics. The weather was amazing. A little mini summer holiday from the cold Cape Town.

Tranquil corner

 

Walkway to the spa and pool

So let me tell you what The Oyster Box Hotel offers you...

The Oyster Box has 86 luxurious rooms that range from the presidential suite to  garden facing rooms. If the budget allows it splurge on a sea view room. The view is mesmerising. Every room however has its own character and is decorated beautifully. The following special touches will be available to you everyday:

Complimentary mineral water, tea and coffee making facilities

Fresh fruit and flowers in all rooms, plus a selection of current magazines

Flat Screen Satellite TV with over 25 channels to choose from

In-room CD/DVD players

Deluxe Bath amenities, luxurious bathrobes and slippers

Housekeeping service twice daily

Soap and Pillow menus

Two direct dial telephone lines with voice mail

Complimentary high speed Wi-Fi

Heated towel rails

Well stocked mini-bar

 Let me show you our room...



Loved the pastel colours



Reading corner

Enjoying the sea view



Welcome macaroons

The Oyster Box has a lot to offer. I can honestly say that during the five days we were there we rarely needed to venture outside.

There are two pools where you can work on your tan, sip cocktails and enjoy a swim.  If you want to head to the beach they will arrange towels, beach chairs and sunblock for you. Head over to the beautiful spa for a massage and manicure. A 24 hour gym is available with a power plate, yoga area and state of the art exercising machines  but I preferred a run on the promenade.



The main pool area



One of the tanning spots



There is a direct path from the hotel that gives you access to the promenade 



The lovely Umhlanga Promenade



The beach was full every day



The iconic lighthouse



Enjoying our daily walk on the promenade



Sipping mojitos while admiring the beautiful view



Heaven!

 Visit the in house cinema that has 5 screenings per day. The movie schedule is delivered to your room every morning. Here you can indulge in popcorn, sweets and hot chocolate. You will be treated to every genre from old time classics to cartoons.



24 seater cinema



Waiting for the movie to start

There's also a beautiful library where you can come and find some solace and as everywhere the lighthouse will look over you.



Quite reading corner



Loved this record player

Hello Mr Lighthouse!

 Oh and did I mention they are a pet friendly establishment. This definitely is a 10/10 for me. You will also on a regular basis run into a few monkeys that have made The Oyster Box their home. Also be on the look out for the in house cat. You will usually find him in the foyer.



Monkey busy with monkey business :)



I won't mind being a cat at The Oyster Box :)

One thing you WILL do at They Oyster Box is eat. There are three dining areas...

The Grill Room

This is your fine dining option. We had dinner there the first evening. It's a beautiful restaurant decorated in hews of blue and white. Service is impeccable. You are treated like royalty from the moment you enter the restaurant. Well actually you are treated like royalty your entire stay at The Oyster Box.

Beautiful dining area



Look at that chandelier

Something that really stood out was the portion sizes. Often with fine dining you expect excellent food but in small portions. At The Grill Room you will be served delicious food in generous portions. One of the staff noted that it's a "Cape Town thing" this small portions. In KZN the people want to go big and dine well :) Well we certainly did. I enjoyed  the truffle ravioli served with olives, blue cheese, roasted chickpeas, grilled pears, sage butter and Chardonnay cream. It was rich yet refreshing. No ingredient was masked by the other yet they paired perfectly with each other.



The ravioli

My mother who is known by her friends as the "Porkas Queen" enjoyed the apple poached pork served with pork and sage croquettes, pearl barley, porcini cognac sauce, citrus and sesame oil.. The pork was succulent and the apple flavour really was the star of the dish. Mom gave it a 10/10.

They have an extensive wine list and I enjoyed a glass of Waterford Pecan stream Sauvignon Blanc and mom had the Bouchard Finyalson Rosé.

A very original aspect at The Grill Room that I have never seen before is their Hors D'oeuvres Trolley which is a beautiful vintage carousel with numerous different 'tapas' which you can select of the trolley. You can enjoy this as a starter or a main.

Prices for starters range between R120-R195, mains R160-R320 and for those with the big bucks can enjoy the R1400 seafood platter!

The Palm Court

 The Palm Court lives up to the colonial feel of The Oyster Box. It's here where you will indulge every morning in a breakfast spread like no other. You can indulge with oysters, salmon, pastries, fresh fruit, cooked breakfast, pancakes, waffles and much more. Their breakfast spread is like no other.


Cheese, cheese and more cheese



Unlimited oysters!



So much to choose from...



My favourite sweet and savoury combination!



Fresh fruit!



What I started with every morning...

The legendary afternoon tea is also served here. A classical piano players sets the mood. I am usually mostly into the sweet stuff but the savoury selection at their afternoon tea really impressed me. I indulged in about six chicken mayo sandwiches which was crusted with toasted almonds. Their macaroons are also to die for. Every table receives a hand written note that welcomes you to the afternoon tea. It's these personal touches that really separates The Oyster Box from all the others.



No afternoon tea is completed without freshly baked scones



The macaroons are a must!



The savoury treats really impressed me!



Cheers!



Loved the sugar cubes!



Hand written note welcoming us to a very special afternoon

Something that I LOVED at The Oyster Box is that they serve MCC with almost everything. Lovit!


At The Palm Court you can also order a la carte meals but something that you should not miss is the curry buffet. People flock from all over to come and indulge in this Indian feast. The variety was amazing. We indulged in over 9 different curries with the butter chicken being my favourite.  You can also enjoy all the delicious accompaniments such as naan bread, sambals and a variety of rice dishes. This is a must do even if you don't stay at The Oyster Box. This feast warrants my return!



Not a pretty picture but the food was delish!

The Ocean Terrace

This is just the outside venue where you can also sit and enjoy the breakfast spread, ala carte menu and curry buffet. Here you will be able to enjoy the beautiful view but watch out for the monkeys :) They love visiting during breakfast time!



Mom enjoying breakfast outside

For drinks there are three bars to visit. The Oyster bar is situated near the Ocean Terrace. Here you can sip on a cocktail and enjoy life music every Monday to Friday from 18:30-21:30.  A cool feature here is the glass floor that looks onto the chef's table and wine cellar.

The Chukka bar is the one I did not visit. It's more of a gentleman's space with a range of cigars and whiskeys to enjoy.

My favourite bar  was The Lighthouse Bar. The view is magnificent and the famous lighthouse is visible from every angle. Here you can unwind while enjoying a cocktail and bar snacks. I had a delicious gin cocktail here one evening and the classic mojito is also a winner.

Cheers!

So as you can see The Oyster Box has a lot to offer. Service and attention to detail is impeccable. If you can't come for an overnight visit do pop in for a drink, the afternoon tea or the legendary curry buffet. You won't be disappointed.

For more information visit their website and check out this current special where you stay for four nights and only pay for three.
Tweet them @oysterbox
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