WEST COAST - PIECES OF JEWELS

Westcoast has my attention and there is this strong pull to explore more of the area where the Khoi and San wandered many years ago. Weekend getaways are not my favourite as it is so short, but it helps to take those breaks. So it was really a short Friday as I went to work and then headed off to Club Mykonos which is located on the shores of Langebaan Lagoon.

Club Mykonos is what I call little Greek Island, a resort with accommodation for all. You can choose from a variety of self-catering accommodation, which is called Kalivas or apartments. Some has astounding views of the Langebaan lagoon, while others offer views of tidal pools with great landscapes.

Each one comes with a kitchen, equipped with all essentials; open plan lounge and dining area, sleeper couch, before you open it ask room service to assist you. Two single beds in the first bedroom, en-suite bathroom with bath/shower, second bedroom has a double bed en-suite bathroom with bath/shower, all supplied with bedding. Within the lounge area there are a flat screen television set and sliding doors leading to the braai area.  

Do you want to play, relax or rejuvenate; there is a piece for each family member to do. Play a game of tennis, putt-putt / mini-golf, go sailing around the lagoon, get a beer or have an enjoyable meal, it’s all in place under the sun. Chester the Donkey is around to entertain your kids on his back, or spend your money and in some case make money at the casino. 

There is a health and leisure centre indoors, with a warm swimming pool, don’t forget to bring your swimming cap along, no person can get into pool unless you have it. They do sell caps if you forget so not to worry. At reception within the centre you can make bookings for the Jacuzzi. 

One of the things I enjoyed was walking along the beach and making my way to the waterfront where I sat at the restaurant while listening to some great entertainment, sipping on my Mojo Jam Jar. Saturday night was about chilling around the braai. 

I was privilege to be invited by Carmen Lerm to the Hopefield Fynbos annual wild flower show at the local sports club. 

This is a small town and the oldest on the Westcoast, previously used as the entry into this region. The drive from Langebaan took around 30 minutes to get there, including the road works. I arrived there late afternoon and ran out of time to explore the rest the town has to offer.

 Loved this beautiful steeple that gazes over the entire town. Just so striking. 

Upon entering there were various activities, from entertainment, food, music etc. An undercover area provided visitors the opportunity to view the arts and crafts displayed. 

 

I loved the social investment that the show offered to a youth organization, called Hope Farm. They represent youth that have been struggling with drugs and getting the opportunity to heal. 

They were very innovative with their items exhibited. This was a very inspiring moment for me. 

The actual flower show is in a separate venue where there was a display of various species of fynbos indigenous to the region; it looks like you are actually walking in the veld. For any horticulturist visiting this is a dream world. 

One of the organizers of the event, Ulrich Donaggi informed me that each of the plants is carefully and authentically arranged as in its original habitat. I just felt that more emphasis should have been on the show itself and that there should have been somebody that directed people from the gate to the venue or ambassadors should have been placed at the entrance to navigate the activities for this important part of the festival. I would however like to commend the organizers for the emphasis they place on sustainability for future generations. 

Here are some of the places next on my list. Follow me on twitter: @D7events or instagram: _KeithEdwards_

Looking forward to your comments and hope you get to visit this beautiful part of our country.