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worldhotelvideo · 7 years

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[https://youtu.be/zqRFAy4yovs] Welcome to Orchid Apartments Services in Bujumbura, Burundi (Africa). The best of Orchid Apartments Services. General services on site include: wifi available in all areas. tennis court, fishing, , , cycling, horse riding and golf course (within 3 km). In the section of restaurant we will enjoy: bar, breakfast options, restaurant (à la carte), restaurant, bbq facilities and snack bar. With regard to the transfer we have airport shuttle (additional charge), bikes available (free), car hire, secured parking, parking garage, shuttle service (additional charge), airport shuttle and shuttle service. For the reception we will be able to find safety deposit box and concierge service. Within the common areas we can enjoy games room, terrace and garden. For the leisure of the family we will have board games/puzzles, kids' outdoor play equipment and indoor play area. Cleaning services included ironing service, daily maid service, dry cleaning and laundry. If you arrive by business in the accommodation you will have business centre, meeting/banquet facilities and fax/photocopying. We can highlight other services like non-smoking rooms, family rooms and designated smoking area Book now cheaper in http://ift.tt/2GrCqGL You can find more info in http://ift.tt/2rSh16G We hope you have a pleasant stay in Orchid Apartments Services Other hotels in Bujumbura Le Panoramique Hotel by Celexon https://youtu.be/EAINla1F2Kk Roca Golf Hotel https://youtu.be/ipjrbOzZMPc Hotel Safari Gate https://youtu.be/6HYVrYlm5_4 City Hill Hotel https://youtu.be/37D_Ln-8kkw Other hotels in this channel Eccleston Square Hotel https://youtu.be/Er44shCJ9qw Das Central – Alpine . Luxury . Life https://youtu.be/uG2YHrjCBxQ Cataleya https://youtu.be/AX-zWS9DMU8 Byblos Hotel https://youtu.be/XxCY0xvVL4Q Hotel Obstgut https://youtu.be/Q7QiwAVm-e4 Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid https://youtu.be/Xd6VKfn9HDo Ramada Olympia https://youtu.be/DPDxNcfyT2k Deefly Zhejiang Hotel https://youtu.be/eT6v73HiKB0 Hotel Lemar https://youtu.be/53flEiBK-nA Latanya Palm Hotel Antalya https://youtu.be/zJ8dWR7lqdI Blue Garden Hotel https://youtu.be/JmoDyqRCKSc Coral Al Khobar Hotel https://youtu.be/EmKUo2QNS2Q Screebe House - Adults Only https://youtu.be/tzq1ArW_L6o Hôtel Keppler https://youtu.be/lT2xUdlYfWw Homewood Suites by Hilton Miami Dolphin Mall https://youtu.be/wCbOZvvz2Hs In Bujumbura we recommended to visit In the Burundi you can visit some of the most recommended places such as Lago Tanganica, Parque nacional de Kibira, Parque nacional de Rusizi, Parque nacional de Ruvubu, Piedra de Livingstone y Stanley, Kagera waterfalls, Museo nacional de Burundi, Monte Heha and Río Ruzizi. We also recommend that you do not miss Musee Vivant, monument de l'unité, Monument de l'Unité Nationale, We hope you have a pleasant stay in Orchid Apartments Services and we hope you enjoy our top 10 of the best hotels in Burundi All images used in this video are or have been provided by Booking. If you are the owner and do not want this video to appear, simply contact us. You can find us at http://ift.tt/2iPJ6Xr by World Hotel Video

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tripstations · 5 years

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18 of the World’s Most Delightful Airport Features

Airports can be busy, stressful, and sometimes, awesome. Dawn Huczek/CC BY 2.0

There was apparently a time, in some far-off age, when commercial air travel was exciting and fun. Today, it’s easy to understand why most people now feel that airports are dreaded prisons of bureaucracy and inconvenience. And yet, even as airports have turned decidedly toward the dystopian, one can still find awesome surprises in bustling terminals across the globe. We recently asked Atlas Obscura readers in our Community forums to tell us about the most wondrous attractions they’ve ever encountered in an airport, and their responses made us want to arrive for our flights even earlier than before.

From psychedelic neon tunnels to sandy beach runways, our readers sent us a first-class selection of unbelievable airport features. Take a look at some of our favorite recommendations below, and if you have an incredible airport oddity of your own that you’d like to share, head over to the forums and keep the conversation going! Flying might not seem as wondrous as it once was, but airports can still amaze.

Tony Webster/CC BY-SA 2.0

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

“These fantastic pillars of luggage in baggage claim at the Sacramento Airport are a wonderful example of environmental-friendliness: reuse, reduce, recycle.” — AnyaPH

Captison/CC BY-SA 3.0

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

“Mitchell Field in Milwaukee has Renaissance Books—used and rare books. If you didn’t pack sufficient reading material, this is the place to get a good book. When I lived in the northern part of Illinois, I’d always use Mitchell when I could, not least because of Renaissance Books.” — JLP60615

Joe/CC BY 2.0

Recombobulation Area

General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)

“In Milwaukee, after you take off your shoes and belt to go through security, put yourself back together in the ‘Recombobulation Area.’” — pinchanygo

David Brossard/CC BY-SA 2.0

Mudra Sculptures

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

“First trip to India (#AtlasObscura) in March. Blown away by wall-to-wall metal discs and beautiful hand mudras in the Delhi Airport.” — marys826

Paul VanDerWerf/CC BY 2.0

‘Sky’s the Limit’

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

“Chicago O’Hare has a fantastic tunnel between terminals. Which I personally think they need to hang gold coins above to complete the video game chic.” — Bumpy

calflier001/CC BY-SA 2.0

The Yellow Submarine

Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)

“Always loved this yellow submarine outside John Lennon Airport in Liverpool. Built by one of the biggest ship builders in Liverpool (Cammell Laird), it even contains genuine submarine equipment on the inside.” — ollieclark96

Jag9889/CC BY-SA 4.0

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

“JFK Airport in New York has a new spectacular oddity! The historic TWA terminal, designed by Eero Saarinen, has been turned into a hotel (an oddity in itself) and they’ve now adorned it with a restored Lockheed Constellation L-1649A, known as ‘Connie.’ It’s one of only four of these aircraft remaining in the world.” — Philip_Shane

Simaron/CC BY-SA 2.0

Barra Airport (BRR)

“Landing on the beach in Barra [in Scotland] is pretty special.” — Kenneth_Wardrop

Joanna Poe/CC BY-SA 2.0

Laminar Flow Fountain

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

“The fountain in DTW Terminal A is also very interesting. In a city known for engineering, the fountain employs a few cool engineering features. The water jets come from laminar flow nozzles, so it looks like noodles or little hot dogs of water jump across the fountain surface. Water flows over the entire edge of the circular fountain, but instead of having a sharp edge for the water to fall over, the fountain curves back underneath itself. Surface tension causes the water to cling to the surface, so it appears that the water is defying gravity. I always chuckle when I see people leaning up against the fountain edge, only to walk away with a wet line across the front of their pants.” — tiretester

JasonParis/CC BY 2.0

Light Tunnel

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

“Detroit’s airport (DTW) is my favorite place for a layover. Airplane travel can be harsh and disorienting, but Detroit’s rainbow tunnel is truly restorative. The rainbow tunnel (possibly not its official name) connects the airport’s two terminals via an underground passageway lined with frosted glass and slowly changing multi-colored lights, while some soothing music plays. That might sound crushingly hokey, but it’s such a welcome reprieve from the usual airport-as-mall experience. Plus, you kinda have to go through it to change terminals, so you might as well enjoy it! It has a moving sidewalk, but I always just walk so I can spend more time there. There are other nice things about Detroit Airport (I like the fountains, trees, and birds too), but the rainbow tunnel is what makes me happy to pass through.” — latourex

rkrichardson/CC BY 2.0

‘Iron Feathers’

Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)

“Outside of Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City are four 70’ long steel arrows, rusting in the sun.” — tzircher

Zairon/CC BY-SA 4.0

Baggage Claim Polar Bear

Svalbard Airport (LYR)

“A taxidermied polar bear at the baggage claim in the Longyearbyen, Svalbard airport?” — penelopeashe

itravelNZ/CC BY 2.0

Lord of the Rings Features

Wellington International Airport (WLG)

“I love the Lord of the Rings theme at Wellington Airport in New Zealand.” — Taz_Coronado

Djasc112/CC BY-SA 4.0

‘Flight Paths’

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

“The forest walk between Concourse A and B at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta.” — zamand

Dr. Raju Kasambe/CC BY-SA 4.0

The Gardens

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

“The Changi Airport in Singapore is almost a destination in of itself. [There’s a] butterfly hatchery in the butterfly garden, one of many gardens throughout the airport. There’s a water lily garden; a sunflower garden on one of the rooftops where you can grab some snacks and watch planes among hundreds of sunflowers; a fantastic cactus garden; an orchid garden; an arrival garden… Throughout are major art works, some are interactive. Very social media friendly.” — tpalms

delta82/Public Domain

Bamboo Tunnels

Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA)

“I particularly love this bamboo archway that welcomes you to the city of Salvador [in Brazil] right after you leave the airport (Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport). There’s one road leading in and one leading out—and yes, they’re both under individual bamboo arches.” — ravelmarques

Mike McBey/CC BY 2.0

Gibraltar International Airport (GIB)

“The most bizarre thing I’ve seen at an airport is in Gibraltar. To enter or leave the country by foot, car, or airport transfer, you have to cross the runway. When a plane is preparing for landing or take off, the barriers go down, traffic stops, and the runway is cleared.” — PinkyPea

Antonin/CC BY-SA 2.0

Tintin’s Rocket

Brussels Airport (BRU)

“Brussels is a glorious experience for anyone who loves The Adventures of Tintin. Hergé’s hero is everywhere (along with other Franco-Belgian comics icons like The Smurfs) and that extends to the airport. Before you blast off back home, admire the rocket from the Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon albums…” — JamazingClayton

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

The post 18 of the World’s Most Delightful Airport Features appeared first on Tripstations.

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thustruck · 5 years

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Iron Orchid Designs Decor Transfer Rub-Ons-Farmer’s Market, 18 inchX36 inch, Multicolor http://bit.ly/2HKFQHj

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reclaimedstgeorge · 6 years

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A snowy day is a great time to grab some Chalk Paint®️and an Iron Orchid Designs transfer or two and get creative!! I used Chalk Paint®️by Annie Sloan in Old White to update this old window! I gave it great vintage vibe by antiquing it with Dark and Black Wax mixed together after an all over coat of Clear Soft Wax. After a good cleaning, I applied this beautiful floral transfer from Iron Orchid Designs which are available here at the shop! . . . #jensfurniturerehab #stgeorgeutah #anniesloan #chalkpaint #chalkpaintisanniesloan #anniesloanhome #anniesloanstockist #ironorchiddesigns #ironorchiddesignsstockist #getcreative #repurposed #diy #farmhouse #primitive #painteverything (at Jen's Furniture Rehab) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuKaY7UFWdi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6776gz2ph98c

#jensfurniturerehab #stgeorgeutah #anniesloan #chalkpaint #chalkpaintisanniesloan #anniesloanhome #anniesloanstockist #ironorchiddesigns #ironorchiddesignsstockist #getcreative #repurposed #diy #farmhouse #primitive #painteverything

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chezfr-blog · 6 years

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Now I can’t draw, I can paint anything, but draw! Hmmm! However, painted the canvas 4 different colors with Annie Sloan Paint, very textured. Then cut up some of the new Iron Orchid Designs transfers that we have just got in, and only a few left I might add! I used White Wax over the entire picture afterwards because I cracked the paint! Wanted to bring this home, but that would have been naughty of me! Have a lovely Sunday. Nigel and I are working on final layout for our Junk Refunk Street Market and hopefully get a chance to take in the Sunny day this afternoon. Of course got to watch the soccer ⚽️ first. #junkrefunkmarket #bigwhitegoose #ironorchiddesigns #anniesloanhome #anniesloan #transferart (at Big White Goose)

#anniesloan #anniesloanhome #ironorchiddesigns #bigwhitegoose #junkrefunkmarket #transferart

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williamemcknight · 6 years

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Hartley Botanic showcases value of history on its RHS Chelsea stand

History Factory

To celebrate 80 ‘trusted years,’ British greenhouse and glasshouse manufacturer Hartley Botanic has unveiled a ‘provenance and history’ themed trade stand at RHS Chelsea this year which provides a snapshot into the incredible stories and plant hunter origins behind some of their best loved and most familiar plants. Designed and planted by RHS winning Lee Burkhill ‘the Garden Ninja,’ with landscaping by award winning G.K. Wilson landscape services, the stand celebrates the fearless work of ‘orchid hunters’, the passion and ambition of Victorian plant collectors and the pivotal scientific discoveries which came about through botanical study. The stand’s provenance and history theme has been inspired both by the increasing importance of thoughtful plant sourcing as a way to control quality and stop the spread of disease, and by its central importance in Hartley Botanic’s own story – for 80 years the company has been making its beautiful, handmade aluminium greenhouses from the same Lancashire factory, beneath the base of the dramatic Pennines’ Chew Valley.

Provenance continues to be a subject of key importance and concern for the food industry and it is growing in momentum as an issue to take seriously within the horticultural sector. There is an increasing commitment to support UK plant production as a means to stop the spread of plant pests and diseases[1] and this year, the RHS has banned some high-risk plants from the flower show[2]. The use of chemicals is also a key argument in the battle for more responsible and informed plant sourcing with studies showing some plants for the domestic market contain the same levels of neonicotinoids as agricultural crops.[3] Industry experts are also more vociferously encouraging consumers to use independent growers and nurseries[4]. The Hartley Botanic stand will encourage visitors to discover more about where plants come from, allowing this to inform their own gardening at home. Where possible, all plants on the stand have been grown and sourced in the UK.

Of the stand Tom Barry, managing director of Hartley Botanic said: “Our 80th anniversary is a time of celebration but is also an opportunity to speak to customers of our company’s heritage and back story. While our greenhouses and glasshouses look very beautiful and enticing on our stand, it is Hartley Botanic’s long history and our products’ provenance which points to their quality and uniqueness. This is what we wanted to communicate through our stand, mirroring our heritage message with the history and stories behind plants as prosaic as the humble pea. We hope it will give gardeners an even greater appreciation of the plants they already love and encourage them to interrogate new additions to their garden – not just according to look or personal taste but also according to their provenance.”

Garden designer Lee Burkhill of The Garden Ninja added; “It’s a great honour to have been chosen by Hartley Botanic as the designer for their 2018 stand at the Chelsea Flower Show. Working with Gareth Wilson of G.K. Wilson Landscape Services, who have been taking the RHS Show Garden category by storm over recent years, is really exciting for an up-and-coming designer like me. Gareth and I will be looking to ‘break the mould’ this year with our combined design energy and plant enthusiasm. Taking inspiration from the plant explorer stories, the design will showcase the history of UK garden planting in an immersive and arresting way, paying homage to those who risked it all for our gardening pleasure.”

Stand overview and external plantings

The Hartley Botanic stand’s history and provenance theme features four of its handmade greenhouses and glasshouses, a modern Opus glasshouse, a Victorian Lodge, a traditional Grow and Store and a contemporary Hartley Planthouse, each with an intricate and striking display, telling an individual and compelling botanical history story. Beautiful greenhouses in stylish green, grey, stone and bronze colours are surrounded by woodland-styled external plantings which provide a soft exterior. Woodland style plants including Thalictrum, Anthriscus and Actea provide an intriguing backdrop whilst the likes of Achillea, Waldsteinia and Nepetain mellow yellows and oranges, planted in staggered heights, give enticing views through to each of the greenhouses. These natural-looking exterior plants are the unsung heroes of woodland canopy planting and thrive in the UK’s climate. The stand also features a special edition Hartley Botanic Patio Greenhouse in ‘ruby red’ to mark the manufacturer’s 80th anniversary.

‘Orchid hunters’ – Hartley Botanic modern Opus glasshouse

A bronze coloured Opus glasshouse, the most modern and contemporary structure on the stand, is filled with a variety of orchids including Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium and Epidendrum, all shown in their natural growing state as epiphyte plants. The orchids, in pretty ‘sweet shop’ colours, bely the gruesome history behind the Victorian race to bring them to the UK, referenced in the historic plant explorer equipment displayed alongside. Orchids, although commonplace now, would have been incredibly exotic in the early 1900s and represent the legacy and personal sacrifice of British orchid hunters such as William Arnold, David Bowman and Gustavo Wallis who died in the pursuit of bringing this species to the UK. Orchid hunting began following their discovery in 1818 by William John Swainson when collecting plants in Rio de Janeiro. The orchids, which bloomed on their arrival into the UK, astonished Londoners with their unusual shape and colours, triggering ‘orchid fever.’ The orchid hunters who travelled to the Philippines, Papa New Guinea and Columbia as a result were subject to treacherous and dangerous journeys. They faced tropical diseases, wild animals and aggressive natives, not to mention fierce competition from their peers, and some disappeared without a trace.

By W. Swainson (probably William Swainson (1789-1855)[1]

‘Fern Fever’ – Hartley Botanic Victorian Lodge

A Hartley Botanic Victorian Lodge in Olive Leaf, the largest glasshouse on the stand, has been transformed into a fernery, an archetypal image of Victorian botany when Pteridomania (or Fern-Fever) swept the nation and glasshouses were commonly used to protect ferns from the air pollution of 19th century London. The lush interior, filled with cool, architectural ferns has a refreshing feel, providing respite from the bustle of the show. Container-grown ferns spill out from white washed terracotta pots and organic looking hessian planters. The Victorian fashion for fern hunting and collecting swept the UK from the late 1830s when the countryside, and improved railway infrastructure, attracted increasing numbers of amateur and professional botanists. There was a race to discover and name new and unusual species, as they had been less studied than flowering plants. For some it was a serious scientific pursuit and others it was a fashionable hobby which united the social classes and informed much decorative art during the period. Aside from the reminder of a botanical trend which inspired the imagination of an entire nation, fern fever is also a history lesson in species conservation, as the zeal of Victorian collectors led to significant reductions in wild populations of rarer species. By Thomas Moore; edited by John Lindley; nature-printed by Henry Bradbury – The ferns of Great Britain and Ireland.

How the pea influenced modern genetics – Hartley Botanic traditional Grow & Store

At one level, the Hartley Botanic Grow & Store greenhouse in Verona Stone celebrates easy to grow, long enjoyed edibles such as the pea plant, which as well as producing a delicious crop, also boasts a pretty flower. The display pays homage to the genetic discoveries of friar and scientist Gregor Mendel, made while he studied the humble pea. Mendel worked with seven characteristics of pea plants (plant height, pod shape and colour, seed shape and colour and flower position and colour) during experiments conducted between 1856 and 1863. His studies traced the transference of key traits as the plants reproduced and led him to discover the principles of ‘recessive’ and ‘dominant’ inheritance, as well as establishing many rules of heredity which helped usher in our modern understanding of genetics. Mendel’s paper ‘Versuche über Pflanzenhybriden’ (‘Experiments on Plant Hybridization’) was ignored by the scientific community at the time but is now considered a seminal work. The glasshouse’s ‘Plant Lab’ display also features herbs and Nasturtium companion planting. These offer natural protection against common garden predators – for pea plants and other edibles.

‘Versuche über Pflanzenhybriden’ (‘Experiments on Plant Hybridization’) by Gregor Mendel

Alpine hunters – A contemporary Hartley Planthouse

An ‘Iron Grey’ Hartley Planthouse has been transformed into an ‘Alpine House,’ with delicate looking alpine treasures filling the greenhouse and displayed on raised staging. The alpines are mirrored with hardy Sedum succulents, planted at a comparative height but providing contrast with their more defined, waxy shapes. The theme has again been inspired by the Victorian plant hunters who traversed the globe and endured huge risks to allow us to enjoy such a variety of plant species in our own gardens. The alpine display includes the species Lewisia which was discovered and brought back by the American Meriwether Lewis and popular alpines such as Saxifraga and Sedums all of which are easily grown here in the UK even in the smallest planters. Alpines are a particularly special gift from the plant hunters of history to the modern gardener as, despite their fragile appearance, they are notoriously hardy, making them incredibly popular and accessible for amateurs and pros alike.

The Lewisia plant, named after Meriwether Lewis who discovered the species in 1806

80th anniversary – The Hartley Patio Glasshouse

Also on the stand is a special edition of Hartley Botanic’s Patio Glasshouse which is available for a limited time in an arresting ‘ruby red’, allowing customers to mark the manufacturer’s 80th anniversary this year. Founded in 1938 by brothers Vincent (RHS fellow) and Norman Hartley, Hartley Botanic is one of Britain’s oldest and most trusted greenhouse manufacturers and was, to their knowledge, the first to develop and make entirely aluminium structures, representing a new class of greenhouse building in terms of practicality and engineering design. Vincent and Norman Hartley’s drive and ambition to create the finest greenhouses money can buy is still central to the company’s ethos which still specialises in handmade, made-to-order horticultural buildings which truly stand the test of time. Some of Hartley Botanic’s original structures are still standing and in full use, such as the Hartley Botanic greenhouse at Belgrave Hall, installed in 1950 and the glasshouse in Glasgow Botanical Gardens installed in 1988.

The post Hartley Botanic showcases value of history on its RHS Chelsea stand appeared first on Pro Landscaper - The industry's number 1 news source.

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asexualcoded-blog · 7 years

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Early in January 1999 my husband learned he needed to have his right shoulder replaced. He was 45 years old, and arthritis meant he'd already undergone two hip replacements. The bad news was there was no surgeon in Zimbabwe qualified to tackle this procedure, so we had to travel outside the country for the operation. The good news was that one of the world's top shoulder specialists lived in Cape Town, a city we'd heard so much about from people who'd been there. At that time Zimbabwe was still six months away from it's descent into the tragedy it is today, so it was easy to make the appointment with the surgeon, arrange the expenses with our medical aid company, book the air tickets and contact a friend who'd been transferred there a few years earlier to request accommodation. It took six weeks to get everything arranged, and early in March we boarded the flight from Harare to Johannesburg, and then on to Cape Town.

Our friend Pete was waiting for us at the airport. After we'd collected our luggage we drove to his house. The drive along the highway from the Airport to Cape Town was our introduction to the city we'd be calling home for the next ten days. The highway was in excellent condition, and ran through areas of scrub that flowed away the verges of the road towards distant mountains. However ten minutes later we came across shanty towns that had been erected next to the highway.

They were a shabby reminder than ten years after gaining independence the contrast between the rich and poor has perhaps worsened. The shacks making up the shanty towns were made of every kind of material known to man - corrugated iron sheets and rusty metal sheets combined with wood, cardboard and wire to form an extremely uncomfortable shelter than a family called home. Even more appalling was the fact that many of the shanty houses had run wires to the overhead power lines. This dangerous link was apparently sanctioned by the electricity board - Pete told us that the municipality and the government were failing to keep pace with the demand for houses for the poorer members of society, and preferred to leave the shanty towns intact! A refuse collection service run by the local authority was operating to help keep the shanty towns habitable. We saw a number of shanty towns along the main highways during our stay in Cape Town.

Pete lives in a suburb called Somerset West, and his home was a practical and extremely modern cluster home in a compound of about 30 residences. This style of living is very popular in South Africa, because of security and reduced overheads. The complexes are very well maintained because each owner contributes towards the upkeep and maintenance of the complex. Some complexes offer communal playgrounds for all the resident children, tennis courts and swimming pools. Owners are usually able to keep pets too, because each house has its own private garden. It's also a perfect way to live in Africa if one needs to travel or go on holiday - neighbours will keep an eye on the house while you are away. My husband and I were so impressed with this way of living that the following year we bought into a cluster complex my then employers were marketing in Harare. When we sold our house in 2003 we reinvested the money in a second cluster home. If one wants to live in Africa security is very important, and a cluster home complex offers the best level of security for residences.

Pete's a bachelor, so that night he prepared a barbecue in his Weber braai unit. His girlfriend Pat came round to help with the cooking, and we had a wonderful evening. The view from Pete's house was superb. Somerset West is built on a hill overlooking the city, and the view from his verandah offered the classic Cape Town view - the sprawling city at the foot of majestic Table Mountain, the lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean. His house had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, state of the art kitchen and outside laundry/storeroom. He told us he spends most of his time on his verandah or in his garden.

The next morning we had our appointment with the surgeon, who was a Greek Zimbabwean - Basil Vrettos. After his examination and x-rays he booked us into a private clinic, scheduling the operation for 8.00 the following morning. When we asked husband should go to hospital that evening, Mr Vrettos told us to rather book in at 6.00 the following morning, urging us to spend the day relaxing and walking around Cape Town. He told the operation would take four hours, and that the hospital stay would be just three days! We were delighted. Pete had taken leave to be with us during our stay, so the three of us headed into the city.

Although Cape Town is a city, it's more organized and environmentally friendly than Johannesburg, and as a result doesn't sprawl in all directions. Driving into town Table Mountain was clearly visible, and to welcome us that morning it was wearing what locals call The Tablecloth. Although this is simply the white cloud blown over the mountain when a south easterly wind blows, it's very impressive, and there's a wonderful tale that has evolved around this phenomenon. A less famous mountain near Table Mountain is called Devil's Peak, and it's claimed that a pirate called Van Hunks was living out his days on the slopes of this mountain. One day he met a stranger, who challenged him to a smoking contest. Van Hunks, who was extremely partial to his pipe accepted the challenge, and the tow men spent several days puffing away on their pipes. As the smoke clouds gathered a wind blew them down over Cape Town. Van Hunks won the contest, and the defeated stranger revealed himself to be the Devil. This is how Devil's Peak got its name, and the cloud of smoke became known as the tablecloth.

Back to our itinerary. We drove to the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, one of Cape Town's most popular tourist attractions. We walked towards the restaurant area, and saw some cape fur seals frolicking around one of the piers. They were so interesting to watch, and seemed to have no fear of the boats and the noise in this very developed section of the harbour. We found a wonderful restaurant right next to the sea, and ate an excellent lunch of calamari, prawns and French friends all washed down with beer and wine. We then walked off our lunch, window shopping in some of the 400 stores that make up the waterfront. We also walked around the craft market and visited the museum before venturing into the Two Oceans Oceanarium, so named because two oceans meet at Cape Town - the icy cold Atlantic Ocean and the warm, tropical Indian Ocean. Later we drove along the coast and stopped at the point where the oceans meet. One would expect to see a distinct change or some indication that designates this meeting point, but there was nothing apart from a wonderful view across the blue ocean waves.

The oceanarium offers a unique display of all marine life. We stood in awe, watching the endangered African Penguins mingling with Rockhopper Penguins and Oystercatchers in a room designed to perfectly mimic their natural habitat - even their water is piped in directly from the sea. There's also a massive room where visitors look down upon a colony of seas. This room is actually part of the sea, and contains massive barnacle crusted rocks and sandy beaches complete with sea shells. The most exciting moment for me was walking through a clear Perspex tunnel, while sharks and other massive sea species glide silently and stealthily around you. You can watch the sharks being fed while standing in this tunnel, giving you the rather alarming impression that you're in the sea with them as they eat. We were also able to handle starfish and sea urchins - the oceanarium is renowned for educating children about their natural world, so they have a lot of conducted tours for school parties. I will never forget being told that an octopus is actually an incredibly intelligent creature, and many of the octopi in the oceanarium recognize staff members! Hasn't stopped me from eating them!

The following morning I dropped my husband off at the hospital, and spent the next couple of days driving between Somerset West and the hospital. The operation went very well, and the nursing care was excellent. My husband had his shoulder capped rather than replaced, because Mr Vrettos said the damage from the arthritis didn't warrant removal of the shoulder bone. Three days later he was discharged from hospital, the only evidence of his ordeal being the sling on his left arm. To celebrate we decided to visit Table Mountain.

Towering one kilometre above the city, Table Mountain is accessed via cable car, and the journey to the top is spectacular. The car rotates 360 degrees all the way up, affording occupants a unique view of Cape Town. More than 600,000 people travel to the top of Table Mountain every year. Several hikes are available for those fit and energetic enough to climb the mountain - but it takes at least six hours. The top of the mountain is three kilometres long with a lot of clearly signposted natural pathways for visitors to follow. The vegetation is incredible; there are more than 250 different kinds of daisies as well as several plant species that survive and thrive in the unique ecosystem of Table Mountain. There's a rare wild orchid and the silver tree, which produces the silver protea. The animal life on Table Mountain is varied, including baboons, porcupines and the Table Mountain Ghost Frog. We didn't see any of these animals, but I did loose my heart to a creature called a rock dassie. It looks like a rabbit-sized guinea pig, and amazingly its closest relative is the elephant. They're incredibly tame, and have no fear of people. I really wanted to take one home, but husband ignored my rather pathetic pleas! Table Mountain may be one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations, but it's still a relatively natural site. There one restaurant on the summit as well as a post office where mail is sent bearing the Table Mountain postmark. At the foot of the mountain is a souvenir shop, and I bought a little fridge magnet in the shape of a wine bottle filled with tiny stones from Table Mountain. Today that magnet sits on my fridge door here in Greece.

I should mention a couple of other mountains here. Signal Hill is a relatively flat topped hill with a complete view of the city and the ocean. There's a cannon on this hill that is a legacy of the British control over the Cape at the end of the 19th century. Originally the cannons were fired to announce the sighting of a ship. Ship sailing to India from Britain would stop over in Cape Town to restock their supplies before continuing their voyage. Today the cannons are fired at noon every day - except Sundays and public holidays. Another name for Signal Hill is the Lion's Rump. This is because it's actually a natural extension of a mountain called Leeukop, an Afrikaans name meaning Lion's Head. From a certain viewpoint this mountain does indeed resemble a lion's head.

We visited the largest bird sanctuary in Africa, the World of Birds. Home to more than 3000 species of birds visitors walk through the enormous aviaries and experience what it would be like to see these birds in the wild. I recall an enormous hornbill with an affinity for visitors - he would sit on his thick perch calling people to scratch his head. He was at least the height of my torso, and very brightly feathered with an alarmingly large curved beak. The birdlife included eagles, swans, herons, guinea fowl, flamingos and a variety of rare birds from all over the world. World of Birds cares for injured birds, and is a breeding centre for endangered species. The centre is also home to a number of different mammals, and we watched meerkats, squirrels, mongooses, foxes, genet cats and a huge tortoise relaxing in large, very comfortable enclosures. I cannot bear the sight of caged animals, so for me walking through the aviaries and animal enclosures was like being in the wild bush.

No trip to Cape Town is complete without a visit to one of the region's wineries. South African wine is world famous, and the Cape's vineyards are well wroth seeing. A number of wine routes are available, but we don't really being part of a crowd, and because we had an excellent guide in the shape of Pete we took our own route through the Paarl and Constantia districts. We stopped at two excellent wineries. The first one we sat on the verandah of a gracious, old Dutch Gable-style house complimenting glasses of wine with an assortment of delicious cheeses. The second vineyard was called Meerlust, and the reason I remember the name is because of the setting for our wine tasting. They seated us at a gnarled Rhodesian teak table in the wine cellar. Surrounded by hundred of massive kegs of wine we tasted some truly superb merlots, cabernet sauvignon, pinotage and chardonnay. There was also an excellent rose and some fine port. Pete, husband and I bought several bottles to take home with us. On our way back down the winding leafy roads we stopped at a restaurant that was originally a station master's office. The old building, complete with railway track, was a real piece of vintage memorabilia to the Cape's rich and varied history.

That evening we went to watch the first international cricket match at Paarl. Sri Lanka was beaten by South Africa in front of 9,000 spectators. A number of players in both teams are still active in today's cricketing world - Muralitharan, Kallis, Gibbs and Boje are names I remember. It was a day night game, meaning the second innings was played under floodlights and started at about 8.30 pm. There was a lunar eclipse that night - I'd never seen one before, and it was quite impressive, even when viewed without binoculars. Sitting on the grass, drinking wine and eating sausages and syrupy sweet koeksisters (a plaited pastry that is fried and then dipped in syrup) while watching an international cricket game under the stars... even if one isn't a cricket fan it's a special experience.

My one regret is that we didn't get a chance to visit Robben Island. Once used as a leper colony the island is 12 kilometres off the cost, and clearly visible from Table Mountain. During the 19th century Robben Island claimed many ships laden with treasures, and coins have been washed ashore from the shipwrecks. In the latter part of the 20th century Robben Island was notorious as a prison, and one of its most famous inmates was Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in a cell on the island.

We left Cape Town a couple of days later after husband had got the all clear from Dr Vrettos. Having been born and brought up in Zimbabwe I've visited several cities in South Africa. Cape Town is absolutely unique, and it's a city that I would dearly love to call home one day. The combination of the sea and the mountains with the wonderful history make Cape Town a varied and interesting place to visit. Cape Town is completely different to other South African cities like Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria because it's a truly international city. People from all over the world have chosen to make their homes there. The original settlers of the Cape include the Dutch, the French and the British, all of whom have left their own mark on this wonderful city. We have friends who live in Johannesburg, and they tell us they're there for the money (Johannesburg is the financial hub of South Africa). Johannesburg residents complain that the people from Cape Town are very laid back because their lives are less stressful. I would agree with that supposition, and I'd go so far as to say I'd choose quality of life over quantity any day. Cape Town is a magnificent vibrant city. For all your window cleaning requirments in cape town visit window washing.

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Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein, South Africa (Africa) Hotel. Welcome to Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein, South Africa (Africa). Subscribe in http://goo.gl/VQ4MLN bowling, tennis court, squash and golf course (within 3 km). In the section of food and drink we will enjoy: room service, bar, breakfast in the room, restaurant, special diet menus (on request), bbq facilities, packed lunches and breakfast options. For health facilities offer massage, outdoor pool (all year) and swimming pool. With regard to the transfer we find secured parking, shuttle service, airport shuttle (additional charge), car hire, airport shuttle and shuttle service (additional charge). For the reception we can find currency exchange, express check-in/check-out, safety deposit box, luggage storage, 24-hour front desk, concierge service and newspapers. Within the related areas we will be able to enjoy sun terrace, terrace and garden. For family leisure we will have kids' club and babysitting/child services. Cleaning services included dry cleaning, ironing service, shoeshine and laundry. If you travel for business, meeting/banquet facilities, business centre and fax/photocopying. We will be able to highlight other benefits such as heating, vip room facilities, designated smoking area, non-smoking rooms, non-smoking throughout, allergy-free room, facilities for disabled guests and air conditioning [https://youtu.be/rrySneYpO-M] Book now cheaper in https://ift.tt/2KDG0OS You can find more info in https://ift.tt/2M1ptdf We hope you have a pleasant stay in Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Other hotels in Bloemfontein The Royal Fischer Hotel https://youtu.be/9qpLAmrPl9c Anta Boga Hotel https://youtu.be/4vHa0tHSNl0 Other hotels in this channel Mercure Singapore Bugis https://youtu.be/JVCfsiQn8nI The Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel https://youtu.be/fTzuEZhqi5U Amphitryon Hotel https://youtu.be/ermBPmK2Xy0 Holiday Inn Thessaloniki https://youtu.be/IZ_5EM3w2UM Hotel Artemide https://youtu.be/ycJkx5tTb6k Hotel Nuevo Amanecer https://youtu.be/ekmFhY5vQnk Kau Manor https://youtu.be/TzGxrvsbmgM Aloft Cancun https://youtu.be/4pl4mhgxKJw Hotel Idafe https://youtu.be/edMd8-2Tp-Y Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa https://youtu.be/79LInZkZWL0 Best Western Montcalm https://youtu.be/hhvfC-pGKBA Overseas Chinese Hotel Wenzhou https://youtu.be/x0p3jWZrn00 Hotel Bahía Sardina https://youtu.be/X049lxSz3U8 Pestana Alvor Praia Premium Beach & Golf Resort https://youtu.be/UnU5CzuKPtI Le Meridien Thimphu https://youtu.be/TjkmCgrHwMw In Bloemfontein we recommended to visit In the South Africa you can visit some of the most recommended places such as Oliewenhuis Art Museum, National Museum, Bloemfontein, Free State National Botanical Garden, Anglo Boer War Museum, Antigua Presidencia, Freshford House Museum, FIRST RAADSAAL MUSEUM, SA School of Armour and Queen’s Fort Military Museum. We also recommend that you do not miss Hertzog Square, Queens Fort Military Museum, Monumento nacional a las Mujeres, Bloemfontein Zoo, Orchid House, President JH Brand Memorial Statue, We hope you have a pleasant stay in Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein and we hope you enjoy our top 10 of the best hotels in South Africa based in Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Tripadvisor Reviews. All images used in this video are or have been provided by Booking. If you are the owner and do not want this video to appear, simply contact us. You can find us at https://ift.tt/2iPJ6Xr by World Hotel Video

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