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Your ultimate guide to becoming a

braai master Life's a beach

ESTATE MAGAZINE

Oyster Box Hotel CUISINE CRAWL

in sunny South Africa

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Dear Readers,

Can you believe that we are into the third month of the year?

Thoughts have completely changed from Christmas and New

Year celebrations, and before we know it we will be celebrating

Easter.

At the moment all that's on our minds is the load shedding.

Walking through one of the shopping centres last Saturday

morning, one could sense the constant irritation of the

disgruntled shoppers milling around outside closed doors of

various stores, waiting for them to open. I hadn’t actually given

much thought until then of the revenue that has been lost by

retailers who have literally been rendered powerless (in more

ways than one). It suddenly occurred to me to wonder whose

responsibility it is to provide generators for these stores? Is it

the malls? Is it the stores? Is there insurance for lost sales or

lost income?

Then on the other hand there are working parents having to

bring home tots who need to be fed, bathed and are not used

to being put to bed without some form of light. Some of us

get by with gas stoves and lights, but it makes you think, what

happens when gas runs out?

One thing is definite, life is what we make it, and here’s hoping

that your year is what you want for yourself.

Till we meet again

Kind regards

Pat Franken082 552 3027

I've learned….. to fight for what is right. Fight for what you believe in and what is important to you. But most of all to fight for the ones you love, never take anyone for granted, and never forget to tell anyone how much they mean to you. Remember that it is the small things in life that makes your life spectacular.

NoteEditor's

Published by Kaleidiscope MediaSales Pat Franken 082 552 3027 email: pat@kal-media.co.za

Graphic DesignInvision Advertising 031 762 2947 email: kristen@kal-media.co.za

Editorial AddressP.O. Box 1508, Hillcrest

Website www.kal-media.co.za

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, Kaleidiscope Media cannot be held responsible for any misfortune, injury or damages that may have arisen therefrom.

Copyright Kaleidiscope Media 2015. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior consent from the publisher.

The information in this publication is correct at the time of going to press and will be subject to any changes that may occur. E&OE.

Contents

Editor's Note

Residential Gated Communities in South Africa

Izinga Management Associations Report

Life's a beach in South Africa

Oyster Box Hotel Cuisine Crawl

Potted Salmon Pâté Recipe

Captivating Italian cities worth visiting

Your guide to becoming a Braai Master

Add some spice to your life

Just thinking

The health benefits of honey melon

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ESTATE MAGAZINE

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Residential Gated Communities in South Africa

Gated communities are a global phenomenon. They occur in many forms in a large number of countries across the world, including the USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, UK, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, Russia, China, Malaysia, The Philippines and Australia.

In South Africa these gated communities or ‘Security Estates’, are generally set-up on private property and owned and maintained by homeowners associations which are directed by voluntary boards of directors and are registered Section 21 not for profit companies. Now known as Non Profit Companies in terms of the new companies act which was made law on 1 May 2011.

Over the past decade Gated Estates have proliferated in South Africa and it is now estimated that there are at least 300 such estates with approximately 400 000 residents.

The establishment of new residential estates has in many respects lagged demand. Such high demand from buyers has been instrumental in price growth for freehold houses and sectional title units on ‘Secure Gated Estates’ far exceeding the price growth of like for like properties in non-gated suburbia.

The KZN coastal corridor stretching from La Lucia to Stanger has under gone large scale redevelopment from low productive sugar land to become the centre of commerce, business and education which is centred in La Lucia / Umhlanga on privately owned pristine secured business precincts. And, high quality well managed world class residential housing estates.

All of the above offering 20 minutes drive along the N2 to King Shaka International airport and similarly to world class shopping malls. And, for leisure, minutes to the beaches and restaurants.

www.theestatecompany.co.za

THE ESTATE COMPANY SPECIALISES IN SELLING PROPERTIES ON GATED ESTATES

Structure of Izinga Management Associations

MANAGEMENT REPORTIZINGA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONS

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IzEMA6 Members+-2000 units

Iz(1)MA 280 units Iz(2)MA 230 units IPaMA 240 units Izinga Future MAs 1250 units

Izinga Estate – you have arrived at your perfect lifestyle

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This 2000 home residential suburb is developed in phases by Tongaat Hulett with a plan to have 6 phases which phases are envisaged to become members of the parent Management Association (refer to structure). Izinga is a unique, vibrant, attractive and sustainable residential suburb valuing its people, environment and diverse communities with an earthy architectural style and indigenous landscaping. Mahogany Drive, Campbell Drive, Wager Avenue, Preston Drive and Herrwood Drive will lead you into this gracious Estate.

Magnificent walking paths through indigenously landscaped open spaces characterize the area and offer a welcome respite from the hustle, bustle and action of the higher density commercial and retail areas within a 5 minute drive. These well-designed pathways are increasing daily in popularity, particularly with children and adults cycling and walking around the estate during this past festive season.

Izinga Phase 1 Management Association had its first Board meeting run by the newly elected members in December 2014. Mrs. Aradhana Durjan, the newly elected Chairperson, led the proceedings well at the meeting. She also attended the Umbrella Association [Izinga Estate Management Association] Board meeting as a representative of Izinga Phase 1 Management Association where IzEMA welcomed her on board. Izinga Phase 2 Management Association and Izinga Park Management Association Board meetings also took place in December 2014.

Infrastructure around phase 1 is all in place including the speed calming measures that have been installed recently. Civil infrastructure servicing Phase 2A is virtually complete and several properties have been transferred to new owners. Mahogany Drive and a portion of Preston Drive has been opened to Umhlanga College traffic. Several members have presented their plans to the Design Review Panel with

the intention of starting their superstructure buildings this new year upon approval of their plans by the authorities.

The Management Associations welcome those members who took transfer of their properties in Izinga Park and Izinga Phase 2A and wish them everything of the best in their acquisitions. Izinga is indeed the place to be, with beautiful views, architectural style and popular open spaces with cycle paths which are being well maintained by Leitch landscapes. The Izinga Park gatehouses construction and the security fence contracts are progressing well. The first phase of the landscaping for Izinga Park is going to commence shortly with exciting elements to emerge.

The construction of the road linking Izinga Park, Phase 1 as well as Phase 2B is progressing well and this will assist in traffic circulation within the area, giving motorists various options in reaching their destination. Budgets meetings for all active phases are planned to take place before the end of February 2015 and members attendance will be greatly appreciated. If you have not received the invitation as a member please make enquiries at Ballito Estates on 031 572 6931. Enforce is providing a good service under the watchful eyes of the experienced Estate Managers and Consultant.

The next exciting phase of this development is being launched by Tongaat Hulett Developments and for more info on this please feel free to contact THD on 031 560 1900.

Report compiled by Andile Mnguni – Izinga Estate Management

Association Chairman and Director of Iz(2)MA and IPaMA

Izinga Phase 1 is fast reaching maturity and we hope that soon we will be seeing a majority of residents rather than contractors in the Estate. We are projecting the Estate to be more than 50% occupied by December 2016.

SOCIAL:We have had a very active social calendar in the past year. An Izinga in Unity concert was held at the Izinga Amphitheatre and we invited members of Izinga Ridge, Park and Phase 2 to join us. The concert was well attended and was entirely funded by sponsorships from contractors and sub-contractors working in Izinga.

In October we held a successful Halloween Walk in Inkanyezi Close. Although it was pouring with rain, this did not deter the little monsters, witches, zombies, devils and vampires from claiming their fair share of sweet treats.

The greatest thanks must go to the parents for braving the rainy weather and coming out in numbers with the kids, and also to the residents of Inkanyezi Close for providing the treats and for decorating their homes. We look forward to the Halloween Walk 2016.

Izinga Estate is currently discussing starting a Park Run within Izinga which will be run on the pathways. The distance is 5km and will take place every Saturday at 8am. Although this is a fun run, you will be timed and can also earn 500 Vitality points for each completed run. We will need to have a few volunteers to manage the run. You can also obtain more information on the Park Run website. We hope to see as many members as possible at our functions!

AT THE AGM:At the AGM held late last year, 4 members of Izinga Phase 1 were voted in as full directors of the Association, as the Development Period was declared over by the Developer.

We would like to applaud the efforts of small but dedicated group of members serving on committees who are making a positive difference in improving the Estate, making it one of Durban’s best places to live and play.

Izinga Phase 1 Members Newsletter

Report compiled by Aradhana Durjan Chairperson – Izinga Phase 1 MA

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Life's a beach in South AfricaIt's summertime in South Africa, and time to head for the beach. The country has more than 2 500 kilometres of

coastline, stretching from the cold waters off the arid West Coast region, southwards around the tip of Africa, and heading up again all the way to the lush St. Lucia estuary in the east.

West CoastThe West Coast is less crowded than most of the coastline in summer. It’s not as lush as the other side of the country, and the water is pretty darn cold, but there are some major attractions.

The birding is great – particularly in places such as the West Coast National Park and the little-known Verlorenvlei near Elands Bay. Watersports enthusiasts can kitesurf or windsurf or paddle in Langebaan, surf at Elands Bay or a dozen other great spots, and there are some fun horse rides. The West Coast Fossil Park is a spectacularly rich source of fossils of prehistoric mammals, and it’s a great place to spend half a day or so with the kids – or without them. And if you like seafood, do lunch at Muisbosskerm near Elands Bay. It’s a West Coast tradition. This extremely casual establishment consists of a simple shelter right on the beach. You’ll be served the freshest imaginable seafood cooked on an open fire and served with homemade bread. It’s a shoes-and-shirts-optional kind of experience. And there are some good wine farms around.

Cape TownCape Town has some of the best beaches in the world, but the water is also pretty chilly. Hang out on Clifton if you want to spot an A-list celebrity, go to Muizenberg if you want to learn to surf, see the penguins on Boulders Beach, or rub shoulders with the local bronzed wrinklies at Fish Hoek – possibly the most perfect of South Africa’s beaches.

There is so much to do in Cape Town. Honestly. Be warned, though: you won’t find parking anywhere near the beach, and you’ll have to get up early to stake out a square metre of sand for yourself. Cape Town is the city of choice for the brave of heart. Learn to dive, try sandboarding, paddle a kayak in the sea, hike through the Table Mountain National Park or do a tandem skydive with Table Mountain in the background. Brave the summer wind and go kite surfing or windsurfing. Go wild. For something a little different, try riding a camel near Noordhoek Beach, take your kids to Butterfly World near Paarl where they can stand mesmerised by a living kaleidoscope of psychedelic wings flitting past their noses, or visit an ostrich farm to get close to these weird and wonderful birds.

Walking up Lions Head on a full moon evening, watching the sun set and the moon rise and walking down in the silvery light is so great, it’s worth braving the crowds to do. You will not be alone. You won’t be alone at the Kirstenbosch Sunday Concerts either, but it’s also worth doing that. And don’t forget the wine ...

Southern CapeHermanus on the Southern Cape Coast, which is also called the Overstrand, expands to bursting point in the holidays with wall-to-wall people, but some of the other smaller towns are not quite as crowded. Well, only just.

Gansbaai is the centre of the shark cage-diving industry so you could eyeball a great white. You could do a wine-tasting tour through some of the most southerly vineyards in the world, visit the southernmost point of Africa at Cape Agulhas, or explore the huge sea cave at Arniston. While it is pretty crowded here, you’ll still find some long, lovely beaches to walk on. Close to Cape Agulhas, in the small farming town of Bredasdorp, is South Africa’s only dedicated shipwreck museum – attesting to the challenging waters around the southernmost tip of Africa.

Garden RouteThe Garden Route is heaven – tangled forests and deep river gorges fronting lovely long white beaches or craggy headlands. The southern right whales have gone back to Antarctica for the summer, but there are dolphins aplenty, and you may spot some humpbacks or even Brydes whales, either from shore or on a boat trip. You could do an escorted hike along the coast, either on the beaches near Mossel Bay, through the wetlands between Wilderness and Knysna, or along the spectacular rocky coastline of the Tsitsikamma National Park.

If you’re looking for more than sun, sand and sea, you could do a tree-top canopy tour, brave the highest bungy jump in the world, mountain bike or hike in the fabulous Harkerville Forest, abseil a waterfall into the mysterious Kaaimans River, take a gentle cruise or paddle up the beautiful, forest-fringed, cola-dark Keurbooms River, or explore the magnificent wetlands of the Wilderness National Park.

Wilderness has some of the best and most scenic paragliding in the country. There are more golf courses than you could shake a club at, and your credit card is likely to go into a hypoglycaemic coma with all the fabulous craft shops, art galleries and other tempting delights.

Eastern CapeThe Eastern Cape is the place for a real beach holiday. Port Elizabeth, East London, Jeffreys Bay, Cape St. Francis and, to a lesser extent, Port Alfred are quite big centres but they still revolve around the beach.

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The Wild Coast

Port Elizabeth is family-friendly, with a beach for every reason. If you head out to the wild side near Sardinia Bay, you can find an almost deserted stretch of sand to walk on – yes, even in the holidays.

Not far from Port Alfred is the fascinating little town of Bathurst, with a range of cultural and historical attractions. A bit further afield in Grahamstown you can explore interesting and unusual museums, including the National Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, the National English Literary Museum, the International Library of African Music, and the Observatory Museum, which houses the only genuine Victorian camera obscura in the southern hemisphere. Best of all, it’s another of those really quiet places, as all the students and scholars leave town for the holidays, and it’s a quick drive to the beach at Port Alfred.

Jeffreys Bay is the surf centre of the universe – at least to the cool surfer dudes who hang out there. But if you’re a really cool surfer dude, you should load your boards onto the roof of your battered kombi and head off to one of the secret breaks on the Wild Coast.

Wild CoastNo-one is really sure where the Wild Coast begins and ends, as it has

– over the years – expanded almost to the outskirts of East London. The Wild Coast is magic. The climate and vegetation is subtropical, with mangrove forests, turquoise lagoons, long, deserted beaches and small scattered settlements where people live much the same way they have for centuries.

You can hike long or short sections of the coast while spending the night in a hotel or guest house, so you don’t have to carry food and sleeping bags and tents and things along with you. Phew!

The Wild Coast is a great family holiday destination – some families have been visiting the same place year after year, for generations. And almost every settlement has at least one vibey backpackers, too. Some of the best are in Cintsa and Coffee Bay. It’s also a great cultural destination, as almost every hotel or backpackers along the coast has a good relationship with the people who live nearby.

For a really interesting cultural and genuine ecotourism experience, you can’t beat Bulungula near Coffee Bay – and that’s never crowded. Be warned, though. Fabulous as it is, it is a real cultural adventure and, if your comfort zone is quite small with big, high walls you may suffer some culture shock.

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South CoastThe Mtamvuna River marks the boundary between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and things are very different on its northern bank. The South Coast consists of a string of beautiful beaches, river mouths and lagoons all fringed by an almost continuous ribbon of coastal development – hotels, malls, housing developments, camp sites and small towns.

It’s not remotely peaceful but it is loads of fun. The beaches are long and lovely and mostly family-friendly, the diving is utterly superb, there are golf courses around every corner, and there is a range of accommodation to suit every budget.

Just inland is the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, where you can watch some small game or indulge in a range of adventures including white water rafting, abseiling and gorge swinging.

DurbanJeffreys Bay is not the surf capital of South Africa. Durban is. The only surf museum in the country is here – on the beachfront – and the surf is great.

The beaches are a cultural experience. Bronzed surfers rub broad shoulders with elegant, sari-clad matrons strolling the sand, and bead-bedecked traditional healers collect sea water in plastic bottles while charismatic preachers perform al fresco baptisms, and small children build sand castles.

The city extends virtually to the high water mark and harassed, deskbound wage slaves shuck their jackets and ties at lunchtime to jog along the beachfront or catch a quick wave.

Durban is the easiest seaside destination to reach from Johannesburg. You’ll be challenged to find a quiet spot on the beach in the holidays, but you’ll never be bored. Toss a couple of notes to the sand sculptors who create fantastic ephemeral works of art on the beach, buy a basket from the craft sellers, and take a ride in a rickshaw. And before you leave, don’t neglect to get a taste of bunny chow – a hollowed-out half-loaf of bread filled with spicy Indian curry, and Durban’s signature contribution to world cuisine.

North CoastThe North Coast is rather like a more refined version of the South Coast. It’s a bit more tropical, and maybe a bit wilder but the developers seem to have been a tad more restrained – or at least more discerning. Only a tad. As well as awesome beach options, there is the KwaZulu-Natal

Sharks Board in Umhlanga Rocks, where you can find out more about these fascinating, beautiful and much-maligned animals.

MaputalandMost of the Maputaland coast is incorporated into the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, formerly the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, which is a world heritage site. This whole area is a paradise of sub-tropical beaches, fabulous wetlands, fascinating cultural destinations and spectacular game reserves, including the exclusive Phinda Private Game Reserve and the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, where you will see more rhino than you can imagine. There are interesting hikes, and you can paddle on the St Lucia estuary to check out the crocodiles, hippos and birds.

The fishing is good, and the small town of St Lucia seems to be overrun by fishermen with big four-wheel drives. The fishermen also hang out at Sodwana Bay, but there they’re outnumbered by the divers who flock there in droves to explore Africa’s most southerly coral reefs. It’s pretty crowded, but it’s worth it.

North of Sodwana it gets uncrowded indeed, where you can stay at one of two luxury lodges, either Thonga Beach Lodge or Rocktail Bay, and do some relaxed diving. Alternatively, you will have had to book a long time ahead to get into one of the few more affordable KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife options.

For a truly fantastic and crowd-free experience you could head to the northernmost coastal resort in South Africa – Kosi Bay. It’s a long estuary consisting of four interlinked lakes, each with its own character. Explore the traditional fish traps in shallow crystal clear water surrounded by mangroves, snorkel with colourful tropical fish in the estuary mouth, or paddle the deep cola-dark waters of the fourth lake to visit the most southerly naturally occurring raffia palm forest in Africa.

Last but not leastWherever you choose to go on this beautiful coast, play it safe. Use loads of sunscreen and a hat, save your sundowners for sundown and don’t drink and swim, and be realistic about your abilities. It’s a big ocean out there.

But most important – have fun. Take all your toys – the frisbee, the beach bats, the picnic, the bucket and spade – and all your favourite people, and go back home a few years younger.

Article by Media Club South Africa - www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com

Kosi Bay

The Listening Room was established in Durban in 2005, in answer to a gap in the market created by the advent of home theatre. Multi-channel home theatre is a wonderful medium in which to experience movies and perhaps live concert DVDs, but it fails miserably when it comes to recreating the purity of music in stereo. In pushing the "stereo" button on the home theatre processor the audio system makes a valiant attempt at producing stereo, but the reality is that it invariably fails, more often than not spectacularly.

Stereo and home theatre are as different as saloon cars and tractors. Adifferent approach is required by each discipline. Each one has a valid but very different role.

Now let's talk about stereo.

The revival of stereo in the late 1990s was in no small part due to stereo's very real superiority in reproducing the purity, emotion and beauty of a musical event. If the listener does not feel emotionally moved by the music reproduced then the music system has failed. It is a matter for debate whether the LP record or the compact disc produces a better sound but this is another debate for another day.

The fact is that the death of vinyl was grossly exaggerated. In fact vinyl never died. It became a lesser known medium but over the years it has grown to a point where it looks set to outlive CD. Sure, it's a small niche market where a few dedicated followers labour over the act of playing vinyl, but at The Listening Room we specialise in the medium of stereo whether it be CD, LP or high resolution digital downloads.

We will import any available stereo music on whatever medium the customer desires. Almost all music is available on CD, vinyl or computer downloads. The choice is just restricted to stereo at The Listening Room.

The brands of stereo equipment that The Listening Room imports are amongst the best in the world. Each brand we represent is chosen on the basis of the quality of sound together with pedigree. Our products are built by leaders in the field of stereo and herald from the USA, Europe, the UK and Japan.

Almost all the products we import are hand built, not for the sake of being hand built but for the quality that hand building brings to the fore. Parts are screened and chosen within fine tolerances to bring excellence to the reproduction of music.

Recently The Listening Room has expanded to Cape Town and Johannesburg as the advantages of music played through dedicated stereo equipment is acknowledged and enjoyed by an ever expanding following.

ADVERTORIAL

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To kick off 2015 with a gourmet start, the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga recently hosted an imaginative “Cuisine Crawl” flavour tour. If you’ve ever experienced a “tasting plate” at a restaurant, that serves to showcase bite-sized samples of its menu, the Oyster Box Hotel team expanded on this with a larger scale version: a showcasing of some of the treats offered at each of the food and drinks venues at the hotel.

Guests were invited to meet at the Gazebo Gardens, where the taste adventure commenced. A signature cocktail (with a kick!), poured by resident Oyster Box Hotel mixologist, Kwanele Sydney Mkhize, greeted guests as they arrived, and canapés were served.

General Manager, Wayne Coetzee then led the guests to the next destination, the famed Lighthouse Bar, with a view as expansive as their cocktail menu. The starter, a trolley laden with house-cured smoked salmon, blinis, and various accompaniments nestled in clam shells, was rolled out. Knowing that there was more food to come, we attempted restraint in order to maintain some digestive real estate for the other courses, but the cold cured salmon with the cream cheese blinis proved irresistible and that restraint failed dismally. It was worth it.

The third stop on the tour was a long table laid out in the Colony Room, the private function area that is part of the OB’s fine dining establishment, the Grill Room. Guests were treated to anecdotes by Coetzee about the history of the hotel, its famed guests over the decades and its physical transformation from the teak and cast iron Oyster Lodge of 1886 to the world renowned landmark it has become today.

Plates of sustainable Kabeljou, parsley creamed potato, brunoise of plum tomato, capers and warm sauce tartar were served as mains, followed by a seafood selection of baby crayfish, baby langoustines, prawns, Norwegian salmon, line fish, calamari and local mussels. Served with lemon infused Jasmin rice, and options of rosemary and caper butter potatoes, burnt lime, habanero and coriander sauce, shell fish butter and a selection of chef’s condiments. Turf-themed food followed surf, as second mains were plated up, a retro-inspired flaming chateaubriand of thick-cut tenderloin fillet, Portobello mushrooms, garlic and an ignited Madeira wine sauce. The stories of past and present regaled in the background by the GM was an apt soundtrack to the menu, which had hints of both past classical dish inspiration and modern interpretations.

The evening, and final leg of the tour, ended in the Palm Court, where the famous High Tea is usually held. A wide selection of confectionary was laid out, including macaroons, truffles, cakes and other various sweet treats. Executive Chef Kevin James joined the guests to wrap up the indulgent evening, mini Irish Coffees and Dom Pedros were served, bringing the journey to a satisfying, if somewhat reluctant, end.

Oyster Box Hotel Cuisine Crawl

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Ingredients:• 200 gm smoked salmon• 200 gm cream cheese• 100 gm Crème fraîche• ½ lemon (juice of)• 1 tablespoon fresh chives• 1 tablespoon fresh dill• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley• black pepper (ground)

Method:1. Add all the ingredients into a food

processor (maybe chop the salmon up a little before adding) and blitz until you have a coarse paste to your liking.

2. Add the lemon juice, herbs and pepper and pulse again.

3. Scoop into an airtight jar and this will keep in the fridge for a couple days.

Potted Salmon Pâté By Nigella Lawson

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ADVERTORIAL

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Ask an Italian where in the world they would most like to live, and the odds are that they will say “right here”. Indeed, most people – not just Italians – have raved about Italy since tourism began, and to be honest the country really does have it all: one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in Europe; the world’s greatest hoard of art treasures (many on display in fittingly spectacular cities and buildings); a climate that is on the whole benign; and, most important of all for many, a delicious and authentic national cuisine. The country is not perfect – its historic cities have often been marred by development, and beyond the showpiece sights the infrastructure is visibly straining – but for its places to visit, many of the old clichés still ring true; once you’ve visited, you may never want to travel anywhere else.

Italy has many beautiful and historic cities with good restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Travelling by train is the best way to see them as driving and parking are difficult. Each city has its own character and attractions. Here are a few of the top cities to visit.

Rome - it’s nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. Here, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino. (Which, of course, you know never to order after 11 am.) Rome is also a city of contrasts—what other place on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita?

Florence is situated in the Tuscany region and is one of the most important Renaissance architectural and art centres. Its Duomo and Baptistery are magnificent but crowded with tourists as is their large piazza. Florence has several interesting museums with many famous paintings and sculptures. There are also Medici palaces and gardens.

Milan, one of Europe's richest cities, is known for stylish shops, galleries and restaurants and has a faster pace of life than most Italian cities. It also has a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Its Duomo, with its beautiful marble facade, is magnificent. La Scala is one of the world's most famous opera houses.

Naples is one of Italy's most vibrant cities. It lies on the coast south of Rome and is the most important city in southern Italy. Naples has recently undergone some renovation but still retains much of its old character. It holds many historical and artistic treasures.

Verona is known for the story of Romeo and Juliet and for its Roman Arena, the third largest in Italy and the venue for a top opera festival. Verona has a good medieval centre, Roman remains, and an interesting castle complex. It's the fourth most visited city in Italy and well worth a stop on a northern Italy travel itinerary.

Turin, host of the 2006 Winter Olympics, is a major cultural hub with excellent museums, elegant shops, and good restaurants. There are also some very nice examples of baroque architecture and historic palaces. Turin has many historic cafes, artisan workshops, and arcades. Turin is in the northwest of Italy, between the Po River and the foothills of the Alps.

Bologna is known for its beauty, wealth, cuisine and left-wing politics. Its streets are lined with beautiful arcades, making it a good place to walk even in the rain. It has one of Europe's oldest universities and a nice medieval centre. There are several attractive squares, lined with buildings with nice porticoes. Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy.

CaptivatingItalian Cities worth visiting

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Perugia is a very cosmopolitan city and home to two universities. It hosts a world-famous jazz festival in the summer and its University for Foreigners is a great place to learn Italian. It's a walled city on a hilltop with great views over the valley and has several important monuments and a good central square. Its history goes back to the ninth century BC. Perugia is in the centre of Italy and is the capital of the region of Umbria.

Genoa, on the northwest coast of Italy, is Italy's principal seaport. Genoa was a 2004 European Culture Capital; money flowed into the port city made famous by Columbus and now it's a better place than ever to visit. Genoa has a fascinating aquarium, an interesting port area, and a historic centre said to be the largest medieval quarter in Europe, with a wealth of churches, palaces, and museums.

Travel between big cities is best done by train as driving in Italian cities may be very difficult and the extensive Italian rail system is fairly inexpensive. Most city centres are well-suited to walking and parts of the city centres may be closed to transportation. Large Italian cities generally have good public transportation too.

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In a South Africa where braaing (barbecuing) is now more of a religion than a mere pastime, firing up the perfect coals and grilling the most flavourful meat is not just an activity; it’s something of an art form (hence the rise of popular reality TV series like Pick n Pay’s “The Ultimate Braai Master”).

So, to help shed some light on just what goes into grilling like a god, we consulted the ultimate king of the fire, BraaiBoy (known more conventionally as Gareth Daniell). Needless to say, as someone who now has his own boerewors (farmer’s sausage), charcoal and spice range, and gets grills going at events around the country, Gareth is certainly well positioned to give some solid advice about the art of braaing like a boss.

Q&A WITH BRAAIBOY: HOW TO BRAAI LIKE A BOSSWe’re guessing that purchasing meat is the first step in the braaing process. Can you tell us about a few classic braai meat options, and what to consider when buying each?Good meat is one of the most important ingredients for a good braai, so the secret is to find yourself a butcher you can trust and go for quality over quantity – rather buy a smaller cut of A-grade meat and pay a bit more than opt for the biggest and cheapest. You can braai almost anything – chicken, prawns, crayfish, even apples – but if you’re just starting out, three foolproof options are boerewors, steak and lamb chops.

• Boerewors: when buying this option, be sure to pointedly look for the word ‘boerewors’ on the packaging. This is because there’s a big difference between ‘braai wors’, which can contain anything (donkey, water buffalo, heart, testicles), and ‘boerewors’, which is your safe bet.

• Steak: rump steak is a great fallback option and tends to have more flavour than fillet. It’s hard to see a good steak on the shelves, but as a general rule, look for one that’s been aged.

• Lamb chops: if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, go for rib chops – they’re usually nicer (although smaller) than leg chops, which can get a bit tough.

What tools, accessories or equipment should a braai master have handy?The number one thing is a good set of tongs – your tongs are almost like an extension of yourself. There are lots of other tools that could work or should work, but if you have good tongs, good meat and good company, you can pretty much wing it the rest of the way.

As for the braai structure, whether you’re using a stand-alone or built-in braai, the critical things to have are a stainless steel, height-adjustable grid (so you can control the heat) and a tray at the bottom to catch the ash (so cleaning is easier). A kettle braai (like a Weber) is fantastic, but since the grid isn’t adjustable, you do need to get your timing (with regards to when you put your meat on) exactly right.

How and when should you prepare the meat with spices and marinades?Firstly, don’t feel like you need to spice or marinate meat too much – often just plain salt and pepper does the trick. If you do use a marinade though, rather baste (paint it on) during cooking toward the end of the braai session to prevent sauces that are high in sugar or tomatoes from burning. And if you are going to spice, do so while you’re braaing on the second- or third-last turn, or rub it in at least an hour before you braai.

Everything you need to know about braaing like a seasoned South African

Becoming a Braai MasterYour guide to

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The reason for this is that salt draws out moisture so you need to give the meat sufficient time to reabsorb it (so that it’s not dry and tough).

What are the different types of braai materials available, and in what situation would you use each?The options are gas, wood, charcoal (carbonised wood) and briquettes (charcoal residue that’s been compressed into shapes). What you use depends on what you want to do.

• Gas: this is definitely one of the easiest ways to braai – it’s simple to control, and the fire is ready the second you turn on the switch. Gas is great if you’re braaing indoors (e.g.: in bad weather) where an open fire would be dangerous. There’s a lot of stigma about a gas braai not being a real South African braai, but really, there’s nothing wrong with it.

• Wood: a wood fire makes the best braai because it imparts the most flavour and is just more fun. It’s great for a lengthy social get-together or a boys’ weekend. Though, it’s harder to control, and it’s more difficult to get the exact temperature you want.

Note: heavy, dense hardwoods, like mopane, kameeldoring, rooikrans or even Cape vines, are the best choice because they form good embers after burning. Light woods, like pine, should be avoided as they don’t produce nice coals.

• Charcoal: charcoal is great for fast, convenient braaing as it’s an easy-to-use fuel form and lights very quickly.

• Briquettes: this is the best, if not only, option to use in a kettle braai because briquettes are an efficient fuel form and a rather exact science (they’re great for getting the right heat at the desired time). They can also be used in very small amounts and retain heat longer than charcoal does.

What sort of materials can be used to start the fire, and what situation would each be best for?

There are many options for getting a fire going (below), but the secret is to find something that’s going to light easily and stay lit for a while.

• Firelighters (small flammable tablets): this is the most obvious option today. Quality firelighters light easily and will burn for 10 minutes or more, so if you have these handy, this is the best choice.

• Kindling (twigs and sticks): if you don’t have firelighters, or want to be a bit of a boy scout, then go for the old option of kindling. The key is to bunch up or tie newspaper in a knot, light it, then place small twigs on it and replace these with thicker and thicker logs.

• Gel: as a rule of thumb, just steer clear of gel. You can’t see if it is lit, sometimes it burns too quickly, sometimes not at all – really, it’s just a gimmick.

• Other: if firelighters or kindling aren’t an option, or you just want to play around, you can try things like cooking oil inside a cardboard egg carton, kids crayons, lint stuffed into an empty toilet roll, a Coke bottle filled with sand and a few drops of petrol, or even a candle and old sock!

Any tips for building a really brilliant wood, charcoal or briquette-based fire?Remember, fire needs oxygen to keep going. So, for a charcoal or briquette braai, light the firelighter first and let it burn for a good 20 seconds before throwing some, not all, of the pieces on. If you don’t do this, you could smother the flames. For a wood fire, light the firelighters and build a square stack of wood around them (place two logs parallel to each other, then place another two perpendicular to these on top, and so on). You could also pack the wood in a tepee form, but the risk is, if one log burns through, the whole stack could collapse.

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How can you determine when the fire is ready to put the meat on the braai?There’s no hard and fast rule, and the best way to get a feel for this is just to braai more often. One way to do it though is to hold your open hand above the grid and feel the heat: if you can keep your hand there for 5 seconds before it gets too hot, then you’re about ready for steak; if you can keep your hand there for about 7 seconds, then you’re ready for boerewors; and if you can survive around 10 seconds, then you can put chicken on (chicken needs a colder fire). In terms of how the fire should look, if you’ve used wood, there must be no more flames, only embers; if you’ve used charcoal or briquettes, they must have turned completely grey (i.e.: you shouldn’t be able to see any black).

And what about turning the meat? How do you know when to flip it?The key thing is obviously to turn the meat before it blackens. As a general rule though, less is more – flip it less to avoid losing the juices to evaporation (the exception is boerewors, which cooks more evenly if you turn it more). For a steak, the best is to put it on the fire and let it braai on one side, then flip it over after a few seconds and let it braai on the other, then turn it over a third time and wait for the juices to seep to the surface. This is an indication to turn it again, so flip it for a fourth time, wait for the juices to come through again and then take it off the fire.

How do you know when your meat is cooked to your liking and ready to come off the braai?Again, there’s no set rule, and some of the rules of thumb out there are total myths – different cuts, different sizes and different thicknesses are going to feel and look different. For steak, you can slice it slightly and look at the colour inside; plus, remember, the squishier your meat, the more rare it is, and the firmer it is, the more well done. Chicken is generally ready when the juices run clear, and boerewors is done when you can snap it easily with the tongs. Also bear in mind that different meats have different cooking times, and you ideally want everything ready at the same time. To make sure all the items are done simultaneously, throw the chicken on first at the edge of the fire, then put the boerewors and chops on, and then throw the steak on last at the centre of the grid.

Once the meat has been taken off the braai, is there anything that must be done before eating or serving it?Yes, steak should be left to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This is to let it

reabsorb some of its juices and continue cooking a little (because steak keeps cooking on the plate, sometimes it’s actually best to remove it from the fire a bit before it’s done to your liking). Otherwise, everything else can be eaten straight off the braai.

Right, so the meat is done. Now, what are a few classic braai side dishes that can be prepared to accompany it?Even a few of the standard braai side dishes can be done on the fire. Some options include:

• Braaied potatoes: wrap them in foil, throw them in the coals, and smear some butter on after they’re done (you can also use sweet potatoes and add some butter and honey before they go in the foil).

• Garlic mushrooms: season large black mushrooms with garlic, salt and pepper; add cheese; wrap them in foil; and braai them in the coals.

• Garlic bread: to prevent garlic bread from burning, either cook it in the coals right at the end of the braai session and turn often, or put it on the side of the grid at the start of the braai and remove it only after the meat is done.

• Braaibroodjie (grilled sandwich): this side dish is about as South African as it gets. Just make sure you tie up the sandwich like a parcel using cotton string so that the contents don’t fall into the fire when you turn it.

• Salad: potato salad is a braai classic, but a regular green salad always works well too.

• Alcohol: you can’t braai without beer.

To round off, are there any important ‘braaing dos and don’ts’ to remember?

• Don’t sit back and tell the person braaing how to cook the meat. If you don’t have the tongs in your hand, then keep your opinions to yourself.

• If you’re invited to someone else’s braai, do bring your own meat, unless you’re explicitly told not to.

• Don’t be wary of the red stuff you see in your meat and overcook it – it’s not blood; it’s all of the yummy juices.

• Do have a good time. The irony is braaing is not actually about the food or the cooking; you can get very technical and follow this and that rule, but the most important thing is just to enjoy yourself with good friends.

Excerpt from Braaiboy

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Cinnamon sticksNothing reminds us of the holidays quite like cinnamon does. But why restrict the aroma to Christmas cookies and wreath decorations? Cinnamon is one of the world’s oldest-known spices and is regarded to have healing properties by many cultures. Many of its benefits derive from the spice’s anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant prowess.

1. Brain Power Booster. It was discovered that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory. Add a few dashes of cinnamon to your morning coffee or cereal to get your day off to a more focused start.2. Potpourri. Take a few drops of essential oil of cinnamon and sprinkle them on top of dry potpourri. Put the potpourri in a small bowl and place it somewhere that gets good ventilation so that the aroma can spread – in the kitchen or near doorways. 3. Cholesterol Reducer. Studies were conducted over 40 days on a group of diabetic patients, each of whom were given one-quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon daily. Researchers observed that their triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels dropped.4. Pain Reliever. Cinnamon is used to treat pain because it reacts with the hormone-like substance prostaglandin, which contributes to the contraction and relaxation of muscles.5. Moth Repellent. Break 3-4 cinnamon sticks and combine them with 1/2 cup of whole cloves and 1/2 cup whole black peppercorns. Fill sachets with 1 tablespoon of the mixture and toss the sachets in your underwear drawer or hang them in your closets to ward off pesky moths.

Cardamom pods The sweetly aromatic cardamom is the fruit of a tropical plant related to ginger, and is one of the world’s most expensive spices, after saffron and vanilla. Growing cardamom is extremely labour intensive.

After harvest, the pods are washed and dried. The method of drying dictates the final colour. White indicates the pods have been dried for many days in the sun leaving them bleached. Green pods have been dried for one day and night in a heated room. The three seeds inside each pod are considered the spice.

1. Digestion. Cardamom is related to ginger and can be used in much the same way to counteract digestive problems. Use it to

combat nausea, acidity, bloating, gas, heartburn, and loss of appetite, constipation, and much more. 2. Detoxify. This spice helps the body eliminate waste through the kidneys.3. Diuretic. Part of the reason cardamom is such a good detoxifier is thanks to the diuretic properties. It helps clean out the urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys, removing waste, salt, excess water, toxins, and combating infections too.4. Depression. The science behind the antidepressant qualities of cardamom hasn’t been studied yet, but Ayurvedic medicine swears by the tea as a means to fight depression.5. Oral Health. Apart from helping with bad breath, cardamom is used for mouth ulcers and infections of the mouth and throat.6. Cold and Flu. This pungent spice may help prevent and relieve cold and flu symptoms. It’s also used for bronchitis and coughs.7. Cancer. Animal studies are showing promise that cardamom protects against, inhibits growth, and even kills some cancers.

ClovesThey might be tiny, but cloves are giants when it comes to nutrition and natural health.

1. Temporarily treat a toothache. You can temporarily alleviate the pain by dabbing a little clove oil on a cotton ball and placing it on the sore tooth or on your gums. An added benefit is that it will also draw out any infection.2. Relieve upper respiratory infections. Ayurveda suggests making a tea to lessen, or prevent colds and flu. It is also used as an expectorant, making it easier to cough up phlegm. Cloves are a natural painkiller and disinfectant, so they'll help you get rid of that sore throat.3. Reduce inflammation. Use clove oil to massage sore muscles; some also use it for arthritis and rheumatism.4. Treat scrapes and bruises. Cloves are pretty strong and can sting, so the best bet is to probably make a poultice with a little olive oil.5. Improve digestion. Cloves help relax the smooth lining of the GI tract, so they help alleviate vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal gas and stomach-aches. Just be careful; since they're strong, they can also irritate the stomach.

Add some spice to your life...

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Atopic eczema also known as atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition that affects between 5 – 20 % of children. A young child living with eczema can be a distressing encounter for both the parents and the child herself. Although eczema is not contagious, many children feel embarrassed and the need to continuously scratch is stigmatising. Eczema is not life threatening, but it is most certainly life-affecting – it affects school, leisure activities and sleep.

What causes atopic eczema?• The exact cause is not entirely known, but seems to be a combination of

genetic, environmental factors and malfunction of the body’s immune system.

What are the symptoms of eczema?• Children with eczema may have other atopic diseases like asthma or

hay fever.• Generally, they have a very dry skin.• Itch is a common symptom affecting lifestyle and sleep.• Red rashes arise especially on the inner elbows, knees and cheeks, and

in severe eczema they can involve the whole body.

How is Atopic Eczema treated?• Proper skin care: using soap-free cleansers, bathing in lukewarm rather

than hot water and to pat the skin dry instead of rubbing. • Moisturising the skin immediately after taking a bath and frequently

during the day.• Your dermatologist will recommend the following treatment, based on

your child’s severity:• Topical cortico-steroid creams to reduce the inflammation.• Medications known as immunomodulators may also be prescribed to

control inflammation and reduce immune system hyper-activity.• Specific moisturisers may be recommended for your child.• Phototherapy involving UV light may be considered.

• As a last option, an oral immunosuppressive medication may be prescribed to get the eczema under control.

• An oral antihistamine will help with the itch and sleep.

What can you do as a parent?• Prepare to prevent flare ups of the eczema by using soap-free cleansers

and fragrance free products.• Get your child involved: Empower them on the importance of frequent

moisturising and to resist the urge to scratch. Older kids can keep a diary of when the eczema flares most.

• Inform the teacher: Give the teacher or nursery staff a list of do’s and don’ts important in managing your child’s eczema.

• Getting the treatment right: Visit your dermatologist early for correct advice for prevention and treatment of eczema. Dr Preetha Hariram is a Specialist Dermatologist, experienced in eczema management. At Dr Hariram’s rooms, a treatment plan is designed for each child, depending on the severity. Consult Dr Hariram’s rooms early for optimum management of atopic eczema.

ATOPIC ECzEMA IN CHILDRENATOPIC ECzEMA IN CHILDREN

Call our rooms to make an

appointment

Contracted to medical aids. Also on the Discovery Health and Keycare Specialist networks,

and the Bonitas, Fedhealth and Netcare Medical Scheme designated service provider.

Think about your values - consider whether or not they align with those of your business associates and the people that you call your friends. How do they align with the way you live your life? Consider these values and ensure that while you are living your best life, you don't risk compromising them.

No matter where you are or what you are going through, always believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Never expect, assume, or demand. Do your best, control that which you can control, and then let it be. Once that you have done what you can, if it is meant to be it will happen, or it will surely show you the next step that needs to be taken.

Just focus on one thing at a time. You don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it now. What you put into life will eventually give you back many times over.

Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes. By just being yourself, you put something beautiful into the world that was not there before. Walk your path confidently and don't expect anyone else to understand your journey, especially if they have never been where you have. Gradually, you will find out who you are and what you want out of life, and as you grow, you will begin to find that people you have known your whole life suddenly don’t seem to see things the way you do anymore.

Nobody stays the same, but some people will still tell you that it is only you that has changed. Over the years, so many things happen, things that have change your perspective, teach you lessons, and force your spirit to grow. Of course you will change, that is what life is all about, but inside you are still the same person.

Everything that happens will help you grow, even if its hard to see in the moment. Circumstances will direct you, but whatever you do, hold

on to hope. Remember that the tides always change, and eventually will bring you to more peaceful shores.

Educate yourself to be happy, not rich. This way you will know the value of things. True happiness is about realising that even on the worst of days, you can still find a reason to smile, and appreciate the moment with gratitude. Remember that the greatest part of your misery is your attitude and not the circumstances. People will judge you in the end anyway, so don’t live your life trying to impress others, just live to impress yourself. Love yourself sufficiently to never lower your standards for anyone.

If you are looking for that happy ever after - and not finding it , maybe its time to find a new beginning. Remember we all fail from time to time, because that is how we learn. Some of the strongest people out there are the same people who have fought the toughest battles. They are smiling because that they have decided to always go forward in life, no matter whether the battle was lost or won, and not to let anything get them down.

Just thinking...

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Honda’s Magic Seat system delivers a level of flexibility that is quite extraordinary. In addition, significantly enhanced rear legroom allows the Jazz to comfortably accommodate three rear occupants

The new construction also incorporates Honda’s latest-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure and offers further enhanced passenger protection in the case of a collision.

The new Jazz line-up in South Africa consists of seven models spanning two engines, two transmissions and four specification level choices. The most affordable Jazz will be the 1.2 Trend, offered with a manual gearbox, followed by the Jazz 1.2 Comfort, which is available with a choice of manual or CVT transmission. “The arrival of the all-new Honda Jazz is a milestone event for the South African market,” says Graham Eagle, Honda Motor Southern Africa’s director of operations. “The Jazz already enjoys an enviable reputation for flexibility, safety, efficiency and quality. However, this third-generation model sets new benchmarks across the board.”

Despite its sporty compact dimensions, the new Jazz employs a longer

wheelbase and intelligent packaging to create a more spacious, more inviting cabin that also delivers further enhanced levels of versatility and flexibility.

All models except the entry-level Trend benefit from a four-year/60 000 km service plan included in the price, while services on all models are at 15 000 km intervals.

For more information or to book a test drive, visit Honda Umhlanga at 15 Meridian Drive Umhlanga Ridge or call them on 031 580 7900.

The new Honda Jazz has arrivedThe all-new Honda Jazz has arrived in South Africa.

Combining a striking new exterior design with a more compact footprint, offering more interior space, enhanced interior appointments and greater overall efficiency.

PRICInG

Jazz 1.2 Trend Manual R179 900Jazz 1.2 Comfort Manual R204 900Jazz 1.2 Comfort CVT R221 900Jazz 1.5 Elegance Manual R234 900Jazz 1.5 Elegance CVT R249 900Jazz 1.5 Dynamic Manual R249 900Jazz 1.5 Dynamic CVT R264 900

HONDA UMHLANGA 15 MeridiAN drive, UMhlANgA ridge tel: 031 580 7900

The sweet, juicy flesh of a honeydew melon is one of life's supreme pleasures. Whether enjoyed fresh or added to a fruit salad, honeydew not only makes a refreshing treat on a hot summer day, but it’s also a low-kilojoule and healthy choice any time you need to feed a craving for sweets.

Its ripe flesh and juice have a flavourful taste, and it is perfect eaten either on its own, juiced or added into salads, or made into sorbet and other desserts.

Health Benefits:With all the essential nutrients that this fruit contains, it is certainly a great pick when choosing fruit. Among its many health benefits:

Cholesterol: This fruit contains a high amount of soluble fibre that helps reduce the level of cholesterol in the body.

Bone and Teeth Strength: Honeydew is rich in calcium, which is beneficial for bone and teeth strength and development.

Hydration: Honeydew contains a substantial amount of useful minerals, such as potassium, that aid in sustaining water levels in the body. It is made up of approximately 90 percent water and is therefore a good source for quenching thirst and hydration at cellular level.

Digestion Aid: Its insoluble fibre is essential for digestion. Eating honeydew melon or drinking its juices helps to relieve constipation and other digestive issues.

Hypertension: Honeydew is great for individuals suffering from hypertension as this fruit is rich in potassium, an essential mineral that counteracts the blood-elevation effects of table salt.

Immunity: Studies show that a single serving of honeydew melon contains 34 percent of the daily needed dosage of vitamin C that is essential for building immunity system.

Pregnancy: Pregnant women need a higher nutrient intake during pregnancy for foetal growth. The important nutrients that pregnant women need are found in honeydew melons; therefore, it is convenient for mothers-to-be to add this fruit in their diet.

Skin Health: Besides strengthening the body’s immune system, the vitamin C content of honeydew melon also helps in improving the levels of collagen in the body. Collagen is a kind of protein that plays a vital role in strengthening the blood vessels and skin tissues. Lack of collagen can cause wrinkles and sagging skin.

Vision Health: Honeydew is packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, two very important phytonutrients for eye health. Having enough amount of this compound will help reduce risk for cataracts and other eye conditions.

Water Retention: Like watermelon, the superb hydration qualities of honeydew melon make the juice an important help for reducing water retention.

Weight Loss: Individuals who want to lose weight will find honeydew melon juice a great help. Its high water content makes it an excellent diuretic drink that cleanses the kidneys and moves the bowels for a healthy colon which in turn helps with weight loss.

Honeydew melonThe health benefits of

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