May/June 2009

(Re)Fresh(Re)Fresh(Re)Fresh

Hello,

Chilly weather has settled in Cape Town but that is not stopping anyone from getting out and making the

most of everyday. There are still loads of things to do when the clouds roll in, even in seaside villages like

Hout Bay (p 4). If the rain keeps you in and online, check out some cool sites (p 14) or plan a cosy

dinner party for friends inspired by tips from event coordinator Jade Snyman (p 16).

While some of us plan our weekend activities, Jolene O’Connor, a volunteer in Tanzania, learns how to

live with little resources and a big mission to uplift the youth (p 8). One may never fully understand an-

other country but a closer look can offer some interesting insights, as Greg Alberts found out when

visiting Tanzania (p 12).

I hope that you enjoy this edition because the next one only comes in July. That’s right, (Re)Fresh will no

longer be published each month, a move that will give contributors more time to add their voice the mag

and allow me to focus on some new projects. So, until July, I wish you all a wonderful month of May and

June and remember, make the most of every moment!

Cheers,

Monique

Monique Boucher - (Re)Fresh Founder & Editor

Email:refreshednow@gmail.com

Blog: http://refreshtoday.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MoniqueLB

(Re)Fresh 2

Contributors —Thank you to this month’s contributors:

Jolene O’Connor, Michelle Ramsay, Greg Alberts, Cindy A Eve and

Andrew Mason.

Disclaimer — (Re)Fresh is a publication that aims to include content

that is original and accurate. Please feel free to notify the editor

should you suspect plagiarism. (Re)Fresh can not be held responsible

for the views and opinions expressed by contributors and writers.

Photography supplied by contributors or by Monique Boucher, unless

otherwise stated.

On the Cover: Photography by Monique Boucher. 2009.

Hout Bay (p 4). If the rain keeps you in and online, check out some cool sites (p 14) or plan a cosy

other country but a closer look can offer some interesting insights, as Greg Alberts found out when

ContentsContentsContents

Hout Bay 4

Things to see and do in when you visit

Hout Bay, Cape Town

Volunteer Tanzania 8

Jolene O’Connor’s experience as a

volunteer in Tanzania

Inside Tanzania 12

A closer look at Tanzania from the point of

view of recent visitor, Greg Alberts

Google Like a Guy Girl 14

Cool girly things to do online, discovered while

Googling like a guy

Poetry: Morning 18

Poetry by Cindy A Eve

Party Perfect 16

Top tips for a super party from events

coordinator Jade Snyman

Blissful Bathing 23

Michelle Ramsay interviews creator of

Botanica Fragrance

Laze on the beach, explore the coastline from boat, paint your own

mug, enjoy a scrumptious meal, ride a horse, discover local art and

crafts, visit the bird sanctuary, cycle along Chapman’s Peak drive,

soak up the spectacular view over the bay or simply enjoy the best

fish and chips in Cape Town!

Whatever tickles you fancy, you are bound to find it in Hout Bay.

The name ‘Hout Bay’, which translates as

‘Wood Bay’, was derived from the Dutch

wording “Houtbayken.” According to Tobi

Information Centre, the area’s name was

inspired by Jan van Riebeek’s journal entry

of 1653 .

"The forests are the finest in the World

and contain timber as long, thick and

straight as one would wish,” wrote van Rie-

beek after he visited the area.

The forested area did not last long and the area became grazing ground for cattle belonging to

the Dutch East India Company. Today Hout Bay is a thriving fishing community and a popular

tourist attraction that provides guests with the best of a beach side resort and country feel of a

village within a valley.

The beach is always great but if you are looking for something a little bit different, you could

explore you creative side at the Clay Café. Here you can chose and paint your own pottery from

a simple mug to a cow shaped butter dish. The venue is popular for children’s parties as well as

adult dos and corporate team builders. The setting is beautiful and even if you don't paint, you

will enjoy the delicious cake available and the gorgeous view.

Call +027 21 790 3318 for more

information.

Every Sunday, like clock work, you could

find the Lion’s Club Hout Bay craft market

from 10 am opposite the Main Stream

Shopping Centre. There are pony rides for

the kids, organic fertilizer and worm farms

for the gardeners and second handbooks to

stock up you book shelves with.

(Re)View - Places and Spaces 6

(Re)View - Places and Spaces 7

A visit to Hout Bay is incomplete without stopping for fish and chips.

‘Fish on the Rocks’ is a firm favourite that serves “English style fish” which means that it is

fried and traditionally wrapped in newspaper. Don’t worry, Fish on the Rocks will wrap your

food in a hygienic bag that only that is designed to look like newspaper— very clever.

Be prepared to queue because this is one popular spot.

Open from 9am until 8pm, Fish on the Rocks can be found at the far end of Hout Bay Har-

bour Road./ This is a must for your taste buds. Contact +027 21 790 001

For more information, visit http://www.houtbayholiday.co.za/houtbay_info.asp

Would you give up the comfort of

your bed, slipping between

thousand thread cotton sheets, to

sleep on the floor in a room no big-

ger than a walk-in closet? It does

not sound like a tempting but it is

the challenge Jolene O’Connor,

Students Partnership Worldwide

(SPW) volunteer, accepted when

she signed up for the Tanzanian

mission. This is her account of what

it takes to volunteer in Tanzania.

Eating, Speaking and Healing

The first six weeks here have been filled with Swahili language training, along with the ten

international SPW volunteers. The first two weeks were spent in Iringa in the southern highlands of

Tanzania, the district with the highest HIV infection rate in the country.

The next two weeks we spent in N'Jombe where we stayed with another host family. It was the

family’s first time hosting volunteers and there were some problems surrounding food and

communication. Sharing food is a Tanzanian way of showing hospitality and the family offered us

huge portions, wanting us to eat more in one sitting than we usually would in a day.

If you say “I am full” or dish up a normal sized portion they are offended and ask what is wrong.

In trying to be hospitable, they inadvertently made us sick but even then, they seemed to think it

is the answer to every problem from diarrhoea to malaria, was a ‘good meal’. The language

barrier made it even harder to politely explain that I did not want to eat cow’s stomach. I was

offered this many times and it made me feel really sick.

(Re)Freshing - Making the Difference 8

Jolene O’Connor (left) with fellow SPW

volunteer, NAME HERE

By Jolene O’Connor & Monique Boucher

huge portions, wanting us to eat more in one sitting than we usually would in a day.

Eating, Speaking and Healing

The first six weeks I have been here I have been doing Swahili language training along with the

other ten international volunteers. The first two weeks were spent in Iringa in the southern

highlands of Tanzania, the district with the highest HIV infection rate in the country.

The next two weeks we spent in N'Jombe where we stayed with another host family. It was the

family’s first time hosting volunteers and there were some problems surrounding food and com-

munication. Sharing food is a Tanzanian way of showing hospitality and the family offered us

huge portions, wanting us to eat more in one sitting than we usually would in a day.

If you say “I am full” or dish up a normal sized portion they are offended and ask what is wrong. In

trying to be hospitable, they inadvertently made us sick but even then, they seemed to think it is

the answer to every problem from diarrhoea to malaria, was a ‘good meal’. The language barrier

made it even harder to politely explain that I did not want to eat cow’s stomach. I was offered

this many times and it made me feel really sick.

Photograph by Greg Alberts. 2009

(Re)Freshing - Making the Difference 9

While staying in N'Jombe I started to feel really sick. It took

three tests before doctors diagnosed my problem, I had

Malaria, the first one on the team to succumb to the illness.

Living in Digs

When we returned to Iringa it felt like a homecoming. We

moved into a ‘uni digs’ (university residence) where we met

up with Tanzanian volunteers. There are 80 of us staying

here, four per room, very very tiny room with two bunk beds.

About 40 of us share a bathroom that has about four long

drop type toilets that do not flush. Only two bathrooms have

doors, none of which lock and one that does not stay

closed. We boil water on a fire each morning to wash

ourselves.

The Tanzanian volunteers range in age from 18 to 26 years

old and are school leavers that will be attending university in

September. We are expected choose a Tanzanian partner

to team up with for the rest of our mission. It is sort of like

trying to make a best friend in a week. I have found the

process of choosing partner and our claustrophobic living

conditions to be a very unnatural situation.

We get no privacy and there is an expectation that we

should socialise all the time.

“While staying in N'Jombe I started to feel

really sick.

It took three tests before doctors diagnosed

my problem, I had Malaria…”

Jolene O'Connor in the shared

lounge with one of the visitors

O'Connor ‘s bedroom

Cleaning pots in the kitchen

(Re)Freshing - Making the Difference 10

“We get no privacy and there is an expecta-

tion that we should socialise all the time.”

My partner and I will be placed in rural villages where we will train youths within a school to be

peer educators. I am excited and scared at the same time. I have found the Tanzania girls to be

very quiet, lacking confidence and unable to take charge in group work. I have to admit this

worries me as I will be partnered with one of these girls. I tell myself that it is all apart of the

complex challenges of being here and I am only starting to realise how very complex Tanzania

society is.

Personal Challenges

Volunteering is sacrificing ones’ own selfishness and the hugest challenge of my life so far. I think

that many of us volunteers thought, ‘Man, I’m going on an African adventure!’ and did not

expect the struggle and tears we have experienced.

We are becoming stronger and learning to accept what is beyond our control. For example,

there is a rat in my bed, well okay; I suppose it not the end of the world. And there’s no door on

the toilet and people can see me when I need to use it, but hey I’ll deal with it. Our food, which is

always rice and something, took two hours to arrive, but there is nothing I can do. I just have to

laugh at the daily challenges and keep in mind the mission, even when it seems like things could

not get worse.

One of the greatest challenges realising that it is not all about me. While talking to a local who

told me, gazing dreamingly into the distance, that he would love to visit Italy one day, made me

realised that as hard as it is now, I have a ticket out of here. I have the resources to do almost

anything with my life when many people here do not. The dream of Italy is just that, a dream.

This has made me more determined to help as many young people here as possible to make

healthiest choices, choices that help them build better lives so that one day they can do more

than dream.

(Re)Freshing - Making the Difference 11

“Volunteering is sacrificing ones’ own selfishness and the hugest chal-

lenge of my life so far. I think that many of us volunteers thought, ‘Man,

I’m going on an African adventure!’ and did not expect the struggle and

tears we have experienced.”

(Re)View - Places and Space 12

Agriculture may account for half Tanzania’s gross domestic product but tourism

is starting to play role in the growth of the economy (BBC.co.uk. 2009) with

attractions such as Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain (LonelyPlanet.com.

2009). However recent visitor, Greg Albert, believes that as a tourist destina-

tion, Tanzania has room for improvement.

“Getting around in Tanzania is very difficult, as ‘tourist'. I think that it's mainly due to the language

barrier.” says Albert, sound engineer, who recently spent ten days in the country while filming a

documentary. “I found the language barrier particular frustrating and was somewhat surprised at the lack

effort among locals to speak English in order to help foreigners during their travels. The locals also raised

their prices when they saw me coming which did not inspire me to purchasing items either.”

Albert found it almost impossible to take photographs.

“One of my colleagues was taking photographs of a boat and when a man approached and threaten us

not to continue. Generally the people don't want to have their picture taken. I think it's due to religious

reasons. Most of the photos I took were as we drove past, taken with my camera phone.”

Inside Tanzania

(Re)View - Places and Spaces 13

is starting to play role in the growth of the economy (BBC.co.uk. 2009) with

“Getting around in Tanzania is very difficult, as ‘tourist'. I think that it's mainly due to the language

barrier.” says Albert, sound engineer, who recently spent ten days in the country while filming a

While many are optimistic about the country’s economic prospects, daily life for many Tanzanians remains

a struggle with Tanzania hosting more than a half-million refugees, more than any other African country.

(IFRC.org. 2008 -2009) There are wide income gaps between rural and urban areas and between the poor

and middle class. Unemployment averages at about 15% and underemployment is widespread.

(BBC.co.uk. 2009)

“I was quite shocked to see to poor level of basic infrastructure like sewage and roads, you can't even

drink the water” says Albert.

Would Albert go back? Not in a hurry he says. “I don't think that I would return in my own capacity until

better levels of tourism correspondence is established along with cleaner accommodation.”

Sources:

• BBC.co.uk. 2009. Tanzania Country Profile. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/

country_profiles/1072330.stm

• LonelyPlanet.com. 2009. Tanzania Practical Information. Available: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

tanzania/practical-information/money-costs

• IFRC.org. 2009. Appeal 2008 -2009. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Socie-

ties. Available: http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/annual08/MAA64003app.pdf

(Re)View Online 14

By Monique BoucherBy Monique BoucherBy Monique BoucherBy Monique Boucher

It seems that I tend towards distraction but who can blame me with all the cool things

online?! I read an article in Tech Times (a Cape Times supplement) and discovered that I

‘Google Like a Guy’. That is a cool slogan for a t-shirt or a chorus in a song but the just of it

is that men are easily distracted and what may start as a search on Top Gear ends up in ‘How

to Create the Perfect Braai (Barbeque) Sauce’ or what ever it is that blokes Google.

Apparently guys surf online like us chicks shop, piling our shopping baskets full with those 'have-

to-haves' that we hadn't intended on finding (lucky us). And, as the theory goes, we spend our

time online like a man at a mall, get in, get done and get out .

I sit outside that theory but what the heck; I love Googling like a guy and I find some nifty girly

stuff. Here are some of my latest favourites: (WARNING: Following these links may lead to

blissful hours spent procrastinating)

• Nerd MagNerd MagNerd MagNerd Mag your source for geekidom delights which aims to be the hub for the latest news,

reviews and previews of all things gadgets. Find it at http://www.nerdmag.co.za/

• Instyle.com Makeover Instyle.com Makeover Instyle.com Makeover Instyle.com Makeover where you can load a photograph of yourself and give yourself a

virtual makeover with celeb hair, eye shadow … the works at www.instyle.com/instyle/

makeover/

• Online Art galleries Online Art galleries Online Art galleries Online Art galleries which sideline gallery operating hours and snobby curators. I especially

love Brett Murray’s site. Go on, have a look see at http://www.brettmurray.co.za/

• Google Profiles Google Profiles Google Profiles Google Profiles - everyone seems to be getting one but what is all the fuss? Essentially it is

an online CV much like a LinkedIn profile but while LinkedIn only gives you three little web

links, Google Profile offers you a seemingly endless number of link opportunities. I love the

arb but fun ‘My Superpower’. See http://www.google.com/profiles/ and set up your profile.

• StyleScoopStyleScoopStyleScoopStyleScoop is fast becoming the South African version of InStyle.com where a girl can get

the latest scoop on fashion, make-up and if you like, the 'boy candy'. Find the site at http://

www.stylescoop.co.za/

Google Like a Guy Girl

This is recycling at its

best, rubbish turned

into art.!

It is one of the

projects run by K.E.A.G

a non-profit organisa-

tion dedicated to up-

grading our living envi-

ronment and presenta-

tion of our natural en-

vironment. K.E.A.G is

based in Kommetjie,

Cape Town. To find out

(Re)Design Your Life 16

If organising a small get together for friends has you nervously biting your

nails, here are a few tips on how to throw a party and still have fun.

- When you write your guest list take who you think would get on well to-

gether. Everyone has a friend or two who are the life and the soul of a party, people that will

talk to everyone, start conversations and lure even the shyest left-footed guests on to the

dance floor. Make sure your list includes a few of these bubbly folk that will keep the con-

versation going while you nip into the kitchen.

Ask your guests to RSVP, even if it is only for a small dinner.

Knowing the right number will allow you to set out enough glasses, plates and snacks. Set out

too many and it will appear as though expected guests left you in the lurch, set out too few

and people will wonder if your wanted them over at all.

“For large events, it is preferable to give more than one contact detail but no more than

two,” says Snyman.

- A little attention to the finer details goes a long way to creating a

truly memorable affair. “The height of your ceiling plays a key role for décor, from centre

pieces to draping,” says Snyman. “If the venue has a low ceiling, it is not advisable to use

draping as it makes a venue area seem smaller. Draping works well in a venue with a high ceil-

ing and will create a more intimate space.” Snyman recommends opting for tall centre pieces,

like candelabras, over costly draping if you are working to a tight budget.

“Remember that centre pieces should not obstruct conversation so it should either be clear

or thin stemmed.”

Even intimate dinner with friends could benefit from that extra time spent considering de-

sign elements such as height variants on your table.

“You don’t need spills, frills or to spend a lot. You could use key elements to create visually

interesting and inviting space.”

- Set the mood of your event with lighting.

“Candles, oil lamps, lanterns and fairy lights create a wonderful romantic mood when used as

the main lighting.”

For a party on a budget, Snyman recommends DIY event décor, easily created with what you

already have like low coffee tables and large scatter cushions placed around it.

“Kick it up a notch with inexpensive mood lighting by securing candles inside glass jars and

place inside brown bags to create a warm glow in your garden.

- Make sure to create a friendly atmosphere by setting up seating in a circular

or perfect square seating arrangement.

“Circles and square shaped seating provides a more intimate and conversational element to

your seating arrangement while rectangles are not conducive to socialising,” says Snyman.

Keep the circle small with chairs on the side and space for expansion as more people arrive,

if you don’t know exactly how many guests to expect.

If you have a braai/ barbeque, don't have the fire too far away from the circle so men can

stand around fire and chat but still interact with the circle.

- Every party needs an ice-breaker and a good introduction could get

your guests chatting like old friends in no time. For example: "This is Jim. Jim is studying is

a music teacher . This is Sally. She sings back up for a this great band… ."

Now that you have the décor organised, the guests invited on the way and the lights lit, sit

back and enjoy the party!

Contact Jade Snyman at jade@audiovis.co.za

(Re)Design Your Life 17

MORNINGMORNINGMORNINGMORNING Silence hangs heavy as a pregnant belly….Silence hangs heavy as a pregnant belly….Silence hangs heavy as a pregnant belly….Silence hangs heavy as a pregnant belly…. Shrouds of mist fill the valley….Shrouds of mist fill the valley….Shrouds of mist fill the valley….Shrouds of mist fill the valley…. Murky green water laps; sets the boats swinging,Murky green water laps; sets the boats swinging,Murky green water laps; sets the boats swinging,Murky green water laps; sets the boats swinging, Tides going out and fish are dancing.Tides going out and fish are dancing.Tides going out and fish are dancing.Tides going out and fish are dancing. Wispy grey fingers grip the trees,Wispy grey fingers grip the trees,Wispy grey fingers grip the trees,Wispy grey fingers grip the trees, Birds awaken and greet the morning.Birds awaken and greet the morning.Birds awaken and greet the morning.Birds awaken and greet the morning. Across the valley, cows lowAcross the valley, cows lowAcross the valley, cows lowAcross the valley, cows low A cockerel crows and hens mutter.A cockerel crows and hens mutter.A cockerel crows and hens mutter.A cockerel crows and hens mutter. Doves coo, a seagull screamsDoves coo, a seagull screamsDoves coo, a seagull screamsDoves coo, a seagull screams Swans glide by in single order.Swans glide by in single order.Swans glide by in single order.Swans glide by in single order. Phutt, phutt, phutt the silence is shattered,Phutt, phutt, phutt the silence is shattered,Phutt, phutt, phutt the silence is shattered,Phutt, phutt, phutt the silence is shattered, People are about; it’s morning!People are about; it’s morning!People are about; it’s morning!People are about; it’s morning! Cindy A EveCindy A EveCindy A EveCindy A Eve Find her blog at Find her blog at Find her blog at Find her blog at www.calane55.wordpress.comwww.calane55.wordpress.comwww.calane55.wordpress.comwww.calane55.wordpress.com

Photograph, titled ’Mist’, by Andrew Mason. 2009. View more of his photography at

www.staticlight.com

Hand crafted jewellery

Contact Monique @ refreshednow@gmail.com

For more designs you For more designs you For more designs you For more designs you

could buy, click could buy, click could buy, click could buy, click herehereherehere

Show-stopping necklaces, glitzy bracelets &

dainty beaded rings made from the highest quality

beads, Swarovski crystals, fresh water pearls

crystals & gem stones.

By Michelle Ramsay By Michelle Ramsay By Michelle Ramsay By Michelle Ramsay

Getting rid of muscle aches and pains while clearing

the sinuses and easy stress is as easy as taking a

bath according to Bruce Lane, owner of French Fu-

sion hair salon in Milnerton, Cape Town. He says

that a warm bath with Botanica Fragrance, medicinal

bath salts, has a rejuvenating effect for both body and soul.

“Unlike other products, every single ingredient is of the highest quality in Botanica Fragrance has a spe-

cific function,” says Lane who created the natural bath range with his sister.

Lane believes in creating a product which, like his hair styling service, is deserving of customer satisfac-

tion. He decided to market the remedy in order to share the benefits with others.

“It is lovely to get home after a long day’s work and enjoy a relaxing bath combined with something that

relieves my aching muscles, says Lane.

Botanica Fragrance is new in market and Lane would love to see the product made available to the public

through hotels, cruise ship, airlines, Pilate’s studios and sport science centres.

Botanica Fragrance is available from French Fusion in the Stodels Lifestyle Centre, Racecourse Road,

Milnerton. If you are interested in purchasing the product or becoming a sales representative for

Botanica Fragrance, contact Bruce Lane on 079 506 1508 or email

botanica-fragrance@live.com.

Blissful Bathing Blissful Bathing Blissful Bathing Blissful Bathing (Re)View 23