Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Tourist for the day

It is great to be a tourist in one's own country and here are some action shots of Cape Town from a tourist point of view. In the top pic is Table Mountainand Lions Head from the air on a clear, but dry February morning.


Dave enjoys the vibrant atmosphere of Hout Bay, around the mountain on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsular. Great for fish and chips in the fishing village. A boat trip to Seal island just outside the harbour is also recommended.


The rocks of the nudist beach Sandy Bay - just around the corner from Hout Bay. The only true nudist beach in South Africa.


Llewellyn sits on the wharf at Hout Bay.


Groot Constantia on the way to Hout Bay was the home of Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape after the 1652 settlement of Dutch settlers. It was one of the first wine farms established it the Cape and the wine being produced there presently rates as some of the best available.

Dave sips a Long Island Iced Tea cocktail on the verandah of the Soho restaurant in the Waterkant gay village of Cape Town.


A view of Clifton 3rd Beach - where the gay boys come out to strutt their stuff. Great views, good bodies and white sandy beaches with the icy Atlantic Ocean a challenge for those who want to make the walk to the water's edge.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Gay Pride Cape Town



The Cape Town Pride Festival got of to a fabulous start on Saturday 14th February with the glamorous Pride Pageant held at the Woodstock Town Hall. The evening was hosted by Lola Fine and Radio personality Julian Naidoo. The 300 people who packed the hall were delighted by the sight of 12 entrants for Miss CT Pride and six entrants for the Mr Pride part of the show, strutting their stuff. The new Mr Cape Town Pride is Christo Gillmer, with Ricardo van Linyen coming second and Edmund Farao third. The new Queen is Angel Lalamore, who was undoubtedly the crow's favourite. Logan Longoria is the 1st Princess with Shakira coming in as 2nd runner-up.

Here is some information on some of the events coming up:

The KARAOKE COMPETITION is now in full swing at Bronx Action Bar every Monday night @ 10pm. This contest is sponsored by ASSEGAI Personal Lubricants, and you stand the chance of winning R2500 in cash and prizes as well as perform along with the two runners-up at the Pride Carnival Party on Saturday 28th February. Come along even if your singing is dismal, because outstanding crowd-pleasing performances will also be rewarded. The Final will be on Monday 23d February.

OUT IN AFRICA - CAPE TOWN PRIDE FILM FESTIVALOPENING COCKTAIL PARTY & FILM PREMIERETHURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY

19.30. Nu-Metro, V & A Waterfront. R50. Cape Town Pride is happy to be collaborating with the OUT in Africa Film Festival, who are organising a mini film festival to coincide with this year's Cape Town Pride Festival. The Grand Opening will be a viewing of "The Marching Season".

Bookings through the Nu-Metro Box Office @ the V & A Waterfront.

PRIDE RED PARTY FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY, Beaulah Bar
21:00 till LateEntry: R40.00 Free Shooter on arrival

This is the 1st major party of the Festival. Red is the colour and HIV Awareness the theme. Ever popular DJ Jarrad, a regular at Beaulah Bar will be on the Decks to help you dance the night away, along with DJs from Good Hope

FMPRIDE BRAHMS WINE STOMPING DAY SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY

Cost: R500. Package includes transport from Cape Town in a coach, refreshments on arrival & mid morning; branded towel & wine glass, vintners lunch with wine cellar tour, orientation, picking, tasting, & a bottle of wine, specially labeled & sent directly to your door after the event. Support the pride initiative and stomp grapes on Brahms in a pink group! Domain Brahms Winery in Paarl is rolling out the barrel for those inclined to squish some grapes between their toes. The days when winemaking was done by the foot are long gone, and even though they may have the latest in gleaming wine press technology Brahms Winery is showcasing the retro charms of stomping in a development that builds on the recent trend of culinary tourism.

PRIDE LION'S HEAD HIKE SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY

11.00. Meet at the Foot of Lions Head, Signal Hill RoadEnjoy spectacular views of the entire city and burn some calories at the same time. Bring a bottle of water and refreshments to enjoy at the top. For more info Contact Louis 084 299 3662

PRIDE BOOK FAIR SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY

14.00. Venue: The Book Lounge - (Corner of Roeland and Buitekant Street, Cape Town)An event for those who love the written and spoken word. This year some of our featured authors speaking at this event will include Stephen Simm (Miss Kwa Kwa), Melanie Judge (To Have and to Hold: The Making of Same-Sex Marriage in South Africa), Derrick Fine (Positively Alive Series), Jane Bennett (Porcupine), Christina Engela (sci-fi comedy stories) and Tamo von Arnim (Amor Universal).

COCKS & TAILS – DRAG KING COMPETITION SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY

17.00.Beaulah BarEntry: Donation to PrideA chilled Sunday evening with our favourite cocktails from 5pm. Girls – dress like guys and take part in our Drag King Competition

DINING WITH PRIDE SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY

19.30Venue: SYNERGY ON 7 at Mandela Rhodes PlaceTickets: R250.00 including glass of wine per courseAn elegant dinner at SYNERGY ON 7 at Mandela Rhodes Place. Synergy on 7 presents itself as a new space for dinner to escape into a theatre of dining. Here the menu is a classic-meets-modern affair with fresh new flavours and an emphasis on colour.

A FOUR COURSE DINNER WITH WINES – including internationally acclaimed wines from award winning cellar – Domain Brahms. Meet the winemaker and discuss the wines over this elegant dinner. For bookings or enquiries, contact brandon@evenovation.co.za or 0722264833

PRIDE DIVAS ON BROADWAY MONDAY 23 FEBRUARY

20.30.Entrance fee: R85Some of Cape Towns most notorious Doyennes of Drag are getting together for a special, one-off, kick-ass show, featuring the bodacious BOND AMBITION trio, comprising of Victoria Caballaire, Madones Lemming & Celeste von Trump, fresh from their recent spectacular debut at the Loft Lounge. Joining them will be the evergreen Sheena Alexander, as well as a few guest stars. The lovely Dame Vera Man Your will host in her inimitable style and wit. This is drag with a difference, not to be missed.Bookings essential at 021 424-1194/5 or http://www.onbroadway.co.za/

PRIDE SEMINAR: NEW HIV PREVENTION TECHNOLOGIES TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY

Venue: The Loft LoungeTime: 18.30 to 20.00FreeThis seminar will focus on the Cape Town PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) Study. This first of a kind HIV Prevention Study is designed to determine if HIV antiretroviral drugs taken once a day may help prevent HIV infection among gay & bisexual men and trans women in Cape Town. We will present important background data, the PrEP concept, details of the Cape Town study, and answer questions. Presented by the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation & the Mother City Men’s Health Project.


INTERFAITH SERVICE TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY

Venue: Mowbray Town HallTime: 19h00This is a celebratory service including Muslim, Unitarian, Christian and Jewish worshipers.

GIRLS OPEN MIC NIGHT WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Venue: Beaulah BarTime: 9.00pmEntry: Donation to PrideAn evening of poetry, song and stand-up comedy for women only. Contact Marijke at Beaulah to participate:marijke@beaulah.co.za

PRIDE PUTT-PUTT WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Venue: Mouille Point – Putt Putt course, Beach RoadTime: 18h00Entrance fee: R30 A fun outdoor event, where you can show off your putting skills with a dramatic Atlantic sunset as a backdrop

PRIDE SEMINAR: “SHAME & PREJUDICE: Unspoken Queer Shadows”
WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Venue: Art CafeTime: 18h30 Entrance: FreePanelists address the unspoken loneliness of being physically disabled, obese, transgender or elderly – and queer. Hosted by Gender DynamiX

BOYS NIGHT OUT WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Venue: The Loft LoungeTime: 21:00Entrance: R20A raunchy night out where the drinks are cheap and the boys are cheaper. Featuring live male strip show

PRIDE SEMINAR: “HIV Treatment: When, What, Why, How?”
THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY

Venue: PHRU, 2nd Floor, 24 Napier StTime: 19h00This is panel presentation by Health4Men on the latest trends regarding when to commence ARV treatment, what ARVs to use and where to source them. Panellists include both medical professionals and people receiving ARV treatment.

BEACH PICNIC THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY

Venue: Clifton 3rd beachTime: 18H00Enjoy the beauty and magic of a Clifton sunset, and share the sights and sounds of the seashore with friends and family. Please bring along your own refreshments and snacks. This relaxed sunset gathering has always been very popular, and a great opportunity to get to know new people.

LADIES NIGHT OF SEDUCTION FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY

20:00 Venue: Friendly SocietyEntrance fee: R50A night of seduction, especially for the ladies. Come learn the secrets behind the art of seduction. We'll have professional lap dancing and pole dancing lessons, amongst other delights. For bookings, contact Lara 072 512 1886 lara3indigo@gmail.com

WILD WEST HOE-DOWN SHOWDOWN FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Venue: Beaulah BarTime: 7.00 to 22.00No cover charge but there is a R30 charge to ride the mechanical bull in the car parkFind out who the roughest rider is. Wear Stetsons &/or chaps to compete in the Rough Rider Competition from 7pm – 10pm. Take aim in our Saloon Bar Shootout.

PLAYNICE FETISH & UNDERWEAR PARTY FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Venue: The Runway, Sir Lowry Rd, WoodstockTime: 21.00Tickets: R30 donation to Cape Town PrideIt's all about fetish & underwear at the PlayNice launch party which kicks off their responsible play campaign with two sizzling ramp shows that celebrate creative play and fetishes, hunky fun and DJs. This is the one you'll want to be at.Contact: Glenn de Swardt 021 425 6463 glenn@health4men.co.za

PRIDE PINK BREAKFAST
Venue: The Nose BarTime: 9.00 to 12.00Cost: R60Start your Pride Parade in Pink Fizzing style with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast with a glass of Eikendal Pink Fizz to get you in the mood for the day. And for every Pride Parade Breakfast served, R10 will be donated to Cape Town Pride. Breakfast with a glass of fizz will cost only R60 so book your table now by phoning 021 425 2200 or dropping in at the Cape Quarter, Dixon Street, De Waterkant (minutes away from the Parade start

PRIDE PARADE & CARNIVAL PARTY SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY

The Parade trough the City Centre starts at the Green Point Traffic Department at noon. It will end on lower Napier St, outside the Prestwich Primary School which will once again be the venue for the Carnival Party. As usual, there will be a wide range of live entertainment, as well as a full bar, delicious food and a number of art & craft stands. Entry: R30. Ends @ 8.00pm.Let us know if you want to enter a float in the Parade.


PRIDE AFTER PARTY SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY

Venue: BambuTime: 10pm till 4amEntrance: R50 pre-sold and R80 @ Doorhttp://www.webtickets.co.za/event.asp?itemid=305764 End off the Pride Festival with a fabulous bang with the mother of all parties, the PRIDE After Party, hosted by clubbing promoter group Juicy. Those of you who remember Cruz, now Bambu, will know that the club provides an elegant clubbing experience. Best DJs including, James Matthes (Juicy Resident, PRIDE, MCQP & MASK), Charl Zer0 (MCQP, Juicy Resident) and SA Favourite Bruno Morphet. Expect gorgeous dancers and the most-up-for-it-crowd in the village!

PRIDE BEARS SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY
Venue: Amsterdam BarTime: 19:00 Entrance: R30Gathering of the hirsute and the men who like them

SUNSET CRUISE SUNDAY 1 MARCH
Venue: V&A Waterfront PierTime: 17H00Cost: TBAJoin in on a relaxed Sunset cruise leaving from the V&A Waterfront as the sun sets over the Ocean. Cash bar on board while cruising to Clifton and back.

GHMCC SERVICE SUNDAY 1 MARCH

Venue: Zonnebloem College ChapelTime: 18:00A Thanksgiving Church Service to end the Festival. Zonnebloem College Chapel, Cambridge Street.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Gay Accommodation

It is great to see that more gay Guesthouses are springing up in Cape Town. We regularly book accommodation for guests and visitors to Cape Town and you will see that the list we have to the right of the blog is growing. The featured picture is a new guesthouse - or perhaps only just discovered by us - Southern Comfort Guest Lodge. Check out this one as well as The House on the Hill - second pic featured.