toti life august 2010 2

8/9/2019 Toti Life August 2010 2

1/36

AUGUST 2010 | EDITION 3

EASY LIVING ON THE SOUTH COASTTOTILIFECROCWORLD

BALI GRAND

THIRSTY WHALE

PEN

BOXPUBICATIONS


2/36

TOTI LIFE 1


3/36

Editor Lisa-Marie Els 078 458 2799

Advertising Jodi Swart 083 654 4790

Photography Fresh Image Photography 072 450 1236

Design Invision Advertising 083 777 1699

Publishers Penbox Publications 031 916 3446

Accounts Elvia Schroeder 082 453 3595

Contributors Lisa-Marie Els, Kerry-Leigh Snel

and Nadia Coertze

[email protected]

Happy Womens Month and welcome to EditionThree of Toti Life Magazine!

I am in the process of reading George Eliots Middlemarch,and I realise how much things have changed for women in thepast century. Many times in the novel (published 1871), womenare described in less than complimentary terms their roles inlife are restricted to that of pretty ornaments, secretaries andadorers of men.

The suggestion that a woman might want to educate herselfor contribute meaningfully to society is scorned in the novel.Such deep studies, classics, mathematics, that kind of thing,are too taxing for a woman too taxing, you know, says acharacter in the novel (Chapter 7, p. 65).

Another male character states plainly that a womans solepurpose in life is to make the lives of men easier. The greatcharm of (a females) sex is its capability of an ardent self-sacrificing affection, and herein we see its fitness to round andcomplete the existence of our own (Chapter 5, p.50).

I am thankful that things have improved and women are nowable to live their lives as men do pursuing careers in medicine,law, classics, music, engineering and more. We are finally ableto focus on accomplishing all our dreams whatever they maybe.

So, with this in mind, I would like to congratulate the all-womanteam of Toti Life Magazine for putting together a fabulousedition.

I would like to welcome Kristen (our graphic designer) andMichelle (our photographer), who have both added their uniquestyle of creativity to this edition.

Thanks must also go to our two sales representatives; Jodiand Elvia. Without these fearless women facing up to possiblerejection every day (its really hard to sell advertising you know),this edition would not have been possible.

I view my team as a superhero unit; all mothers and successfulentrepreneurs who are doing it their way! And, of course, let usnot forget the sole male representative on the team who helpswith the all-important and very tiring task of distribution.

Have a great month

4 Ain't Life Bali Grand

6 Thirsty Whale

8 New Starts

12 Croc World

20 Social Scene

26 Cappuccino Hunt

28 Book Reviews

31 Recipes

32 Design and Style

CONTENTS


4/36

AIN'T LIFE

One extraordinary business owner in Amanzimtoti refuses to lament any aspect of his life.

Although some might think Fate has thrown at him more obstacles than it does to most,

he has managed to surmount them all and is now the owner of a stunning guest-house in

Amanzimtoti.


5/36

It is easy to all into the habit o complaining about the small (perceived)

deects in our individual lives. Grumbles about proessions, passions,

wealth (or lack thereo), amily and lie partners can sometimes overwhelm

the eelings o appreciation we should have or those things we oten

take or granted; things like our health, or even the git o lie itsel. One

extraordinary business owner in Amanzimtoti reuses to lament any aspect

o his lie. Although some might think Fate has thrown at him more obstacles

than it does to most, he has managed to surmount them all and is now theowner o a stunning guest-house in Amanzimtoti.

Garth Bogle (the owner o Bali Grand) has always loved the ocean. He views

himsel as the typical Warner Beach bum; a man who used to spend

hours and hours in the sea, either surfng or swimming. However, it was the

sea he knew so well which caused the injury that changed his lie orever.

I had just moved into a new house and that day went to the beach to rinse

o. The shore break was huge and I decided to body-sur. While doing so, I

hit my head on a sand bank and immediately elt an explosion in my neck.

I was instantly paralysed but that was the last o myconcerns. My biggest ear then was that I would drown.The strong shore break was throwing me around and I

had lost my voice rom the shock so I couldnt call outto anyone.

Eventually I managed to dig my elbow into the sand and make eye contact

with a holiday maker who helped pull me to shore. In those seconds, my

lie was turned upside down, said Garth. The accident caused Garth to

become a paraplegic, and he spent eight weeks in hospital beore returning

to the house in which he had spent only one day. When I returned, we had

to erect scaolding to make the place wheelchair riendly. I never got to

enjoy that house like I was supposed to, he said matter-o-actly.

Beore the accident, Garth enjoyed his job as a sales representative. Owning

and running a guesthouse had never crossed his mind. However, his physical

impediments propelled him into his current role. Ater the accident, Garth

and his wie moved in with her ather; to provide him with company and tohelp him run his house. It was this house that Garth transormed into the

gorgeous Bali Grand we know today. And Garth certainly had experience

in running a guesthouse. Ater breaking his neck, Garth helped his mother

run a successul guesthouse - which they eventually sold. I elt quite lost

ater letting go o that establishment, so I started another guesthouse or

my sister, which my mother used to manage. Unortunately, we had to close

down ater my mom died rom cancer, said Garth.

It seemed natural then or Garth to turn his attention and experience tothe property he acquired rom his ather-in-law. Renovations on the house

took two years, and rom the frst day o business the Bali Grand was busy.

It got to a stage where I had to turn people away ... so instead o doing

that I bought the property next-door and completely renovated that as

well, he said. The new property allowed Garth to add an extra eleven

rooms onto the existing seven, as well as a day spa (open to the public), a

conerence room and a git shop.

Spending time with Garth in the gorgeous surrounds o the Bali Grand

is indeed an inspirational experience. Determined to achieve his dreams,

Garth has fguratively taken lies lemons and turned them into lemonade.

I am very proud o this establishment. People who visit are usually blown

away by the luxury o the guesthouse and the beauty o the sea views. And

people rom other areas are pleasantly surprised by what Amanzimtoti hasto oer. They assume the north coast has all the luxury and beauty, but

their minds certainly change when they see us, said Garth.

The Bali Grand is almost a physical maniestation o Garths mental

strength. It is the result o positive thinking, ambition and action. Although

Garth says he has his moments o irritability, he has never allowed himsel

to all into depression. People ask me that all the time. I used to be very

active something which has obviously changed. I think my support group

helped me a lot ... and I never really had time to dwell on it. Plus, I still think

I can do anything; I can drive mysel and even completed a diving course

ater my accident. So there are lots o things I can still do. People who dwell

on the negativity only make things worse or themselves ... so I am grateul

or what I have, said Garth.

A sentiment most o us would do well to live by.

TOTI LIFE 5


6/36

TOTI LIFE 1

We wanted to create acomfortable atmosphere; a pub where

people could come straight off the beachwith surboards and fshing rods, or dripping

wet rom the water park.

THIRSTYWHALE

Toti Lie interviewed owner TimTheunissen to fnd out how the puband water park developed into theToti staple it is today.

Splash WaterWorld has an impressive history. Is it true that it

was the very frst water park to open in South Arica?Yes, Splash WaterWorld was the frst water park to open in South

Arica over 20 years ago. The "washing machine" (a nickname given

by locals) is still the original slide. We have expanded the water

park since then to include three new speed slides: the Kamikaze,

Stuka and "Camel" which is also a frst in South Arica.

Thirsty Whale is the second half of the family-run business.

How did the idea of a conjoining pub come about?Thirsty Whale frst opened its doors in December 2005. It

developed rom the original Splash Kiosk which sold ice creams,

hotdogs and hamburgers rom a caravan. There was a growing

need to keep both beach-goers and water park customers happy,

so we started construction o a proper pub in 2003 and it grew

rom there. We elt that the multi-level decks oer our water park

customers the perect platorm to enjoy the sea views or to watch

their kids having un on the slides, while enjoying the pub are and

riendly atmosphere.

Thirsty Whale seems to have been constructed with a particular

objective in mind. What type of pub did you want to create?We wanted to create a comortable atmosphere; a pub where

people could come straight o the beach with surboards and

fshing rods, or dripping wet rom the water park. The wooden

decks and tables make or a rustic look, which adds to the laid

back atmosphere. We've tried to make the most o the views on

both sides by keeping the decks open. Obviously this means we

are subject to the weather, but we fnd that once you've had a ew

cocktails you don't eel the rain on the upper deck anyway.

Thirsty Whale and Splash is a amily-run business. How has this

impacted on the success of the pub and water park?Splash Water World is owned by Richard and Ann Clayton, and

Thirsty Whale is owned by my wie Cindy and me. I think we all have

very dierent strengths and ideas on how things should be done.

We see this as a positive as we take the best rom each one o us

- it is a great synergy. Although it is not always easy to maintain a

sense o humour when it's busy and everyone is stressed, I think we

generally work and get on well together.

Why do you think Thirsty Whale is so popular among Toti

locals?We strive to make both the water park and our menu as aordable

as possible, while maintaining a high standard. The locals also give

us excellent support and we must be grateul or that. Toti is made

up o some wonderul people. We are also the only two businesses

on the beachront open every day o the year, including New Years

day.

You have been running a business in Toti for a good few years

now. How have you found this experience?We have come to meet many people through our business and

the experience o getting to know the locals has been awesome.

Toti also has a lot to oer as a tourist destination and I believe it

can achieve a lot more i the community worked harder towards

promoting what we have ... namely the beaches, the Galleria,

B&B's, Restaurants, Pubs, Fun Parks and all local businesses.

Toti is also a town flled with down-to-earth and genuine people.We are grateul or all the support we've received over the years

and we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you!

TOTI LIFE 6


7/36


8/36

TOTI LIFE 1

NEW STARTS

SPICE WOK

TOTI LIFE 8


9/36

TOTI LIFE 9


10/36

TOTI LIFE 1

blue security


11/36

trellidor

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.penboxpublications.co.za

ADVERTISE HERE

078 458 2799


12/36

TOTI LIFE 1

CROCWORLDHow doth the little crocodile improve his shining tail,

And pour the waters of the Nile on every golden scale!

How cheerfully he seems to grin, how neatly spreads his claws,

And welcomes little fishes in, with gently smiling jaws!

- Lewis Carroll


13/36

Steadfast and supine, hundreds of handsome and ponderous

prehistoric reptiles soak in the afternoon sun, oblivious to the plans

that, if successful, will make them the most popular tourist attraction

in the province.

Scottburghs CrocWorld is already well-liked among South

Coast locals - spanning acres of gently rolling hillocks, and

overlooking an estuary and ocean, it is one of the few places

where you can get within spitting distance of some very

large Nile crocodiles.

Now, the wildlife-crazy General Manager of CrocWorld,

Ian du Plessis, is planning to make the Park even more

popular than it already is, by turning it into KwaZulu-

Natals leading zoo. We already have our zoo license andCrocWorld is registered with the Threatened or Protected

Species Regulations (ToPS), said du Plessis. Du Plessis

explained the reasoning behind the decision to apply for

a Zoo Licence. The South Coast has always been seen as

the poorer cousin of the North Coast. We wanted to create

something special something that will increase tourism to

the South Coast dramatically, he said.

CrocWorlds size and beauty, and the environ-mentally-

sound vision of Du Plessis will make it one of the best zoos

in the country. And du Plessiss vision is perfectly aligned

with the new legislature that governs zoos. According to Du

Plessis, the new legislation requires that zoos build bigger,more natural enclosures, using as little concrete or steel as

possible.

TOTI LIFE 13


14/36

TOTI LIFE 1

Weighing in at a hefty 840 kilograms Henry has a rather violent and murderous past.

According to Manie Botha, CrocWorlds Tour Guide, Henry had to be removed from

the wild after developing a taste for children. Apparently even today, the only thing

that excites Henrys interest is the voices of little children near his fence.

The jackals are much happier since moving into their new

enclosures, said Du Plessis.Their old enclosure was 100

square meters in size, while their new one is a much larger 1500

square meters. We have also filled their enclosure with natural

plants and soils. They are far more relaxed and now have ample

space to run, dig holes and be wild animals, said Du Plessis

proudly.

Besides plans to expand the zoo part of the Park, CrocWorld

is also expanding to include an Animal Farm for children; an

open air wedding venue; a Wetlands Project, providing refuge

to a host of duck, geese and flamingo species; and the largest

walk-through aviary on the South Coast.

CrocWorld has also secured the services of a French chef,

who will be running the restaurant and providing day visitors

with a selection of picnic lunches. Visitors can sit anywhere in

the park with their picnic treats, said du Plessis. Its a lovely

touch, he said.

Although the Park is in the stages of transformation, there is

still plenty to see; including the very special Henry, Colgate

and Blondie. Henry, the 110 year-old crocodile, arrived at the

Park 25 years ago. Weighing in at a hefty 840 kilograms Henry

has a rather violent and murderous past. According to Manie

Botha, CrocWorlds Tour Guide, Henry had to be removed

from the wild after developing a taste for children. Apparently

even today, the only thing that excites Henrys interest is the

voices of little children near his fence. Blondie, a rare albino

crocodile, is far friendlier (by crocodile standards) and seems to

have formed a bond with Botha. Shes a typical blonde. She

gets what she wants and is high-maintenance, he laughed.

Colgate is another interesting specimen. Much darker than

any other Nile crocodile, Colgates jaw is positioned in such a

manner that it looks like he is continually smiling. According to

Botha, Colgate formed a special bond with a previous manager

of the Park. Colgate allowed this manager to feed him by

hand, said Botha.

Each enclosure must also contain a night room; a little house within theenclosure that animals can hide in when they tire of humans. CrocWorld hasalready built new enclosures of this type for their existing animals; the jackalsand meerkats.


15/36

TOTI LIFE 15


16/36

TOTI LIFE 1

The history of CrocWorld is equally fascinating. It was set up by the late Tony

Pooley (his wife is Dr Elsa Pooley, a botanical artist, botanist and author),

a South African naturalist, award-winning conservationist and one of the

world's leading authorities on Nile crocodiles.

Having travelled to Italy, Australia, America, Papua New Guinea, Zambia

and Zimbabwe to advise on crocodile conservation and farming, Pooleys

interest in crocodiles began almost accidentally. Born in Amanzimtoti,

Pooley was an ardent ornithologist in his youth. He began his training as

a game ranger for the (then) Natal Parks Board in northern KwaZulu-Natal

in 1957, receiving much of his training as a naturalist from Zulu and Thonga

game guards.

One fateful day, the game guards showed Pooley

a crocodile egg and asked him to identify which

bird had laid it. Despite the subsequent hilarity,

this innocent query sparked Pooleys interest in

crocodiles and the rest, as they say, is history. Pooleys passion for conservation and education is still evident at CrocWorld

today. Du Plessis, previously the chief herpetologist at Johannesburg Zoo,

is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about all things reptilian and

amphibian. Visiting CrocWorld is certainly a pleasant way to spend your

day!


17/36

TOTI LIFE 17


18/36

TOTI LIFE 1


19/36


20/36

TOTI LIFE 1

SOCIAL SCENE:

Top right: Linda Harris

Above: Pam Jaaste and Ashleigh Lewis

Right: Greg and Joanna Burger

Above: Tyrone and Unity Lamb

Right: Bernadene Beugger and

Barbara Lombard


21/36

Left: Estelle Thorpe and Vera Craigen

Below: Rose Taylor and Sabrina Ward

Above: Heila Youens

Right: Margie McClean

and Elizabeth MacGregor

Left: Cara, Jade and Julie Giraudeau

TOTI LIFE 21


22/36

TOTI LIFE 1

SOCIAL SCENE:

TOTI LIFE 22


23/36

TOTI LIFE 23


24/36

TOTI LIFE 1


25/36


26/36

TOTI LIFE 1

PRESENTATION:

As already explained, cappuccino should be served in a traditional porcelain cup and I am happy to report that the coee we were

served arrived in such a cup. Although not required, I also like to see that the barista has made an eort to make the coee look as

aesthetically appealing as possible, usually by making pretty patterns on the oam with cinnamon. Although the coee at Table Talk

had no such patterns, we elt it t into the rustic theme o the coee the cups were country-chunky and the oam thick and uneven.

To have a lea or heart-shaped pattern on such a cup o coee would have looked silly. So although not as sophisticated as other

coees we have tried, we still thought it looked good. We decided to award the presentation a hal point purely because o the lack

o accompanying biscuit (biscotti).

FLAVOUR:

We ound the cappuccino to be hot, strong and favourul. Full point!

FOAM:

Thick, chunky, uneven ... we thought it was quaintly rustic. And it passed the all-important sugar test! Full point.

SERVICE: We are going to award the service a hal point the coee came quickly as did the menus, but it wasnt as riendly as

previous experiences.

ATMOSPHERE:

Table Talk is dierent rom any other place we have reviewed. Situated in Seadoone Mall, it is tucked away enough to aord its patrons

privacy, but is still positioned well enough to indulge in a spot o people watching. We ound the restaurant to be inviting, warm and

quaint. Our table was bathed in sunlight when we arrived, and we noticed a seperate outside area or smokers. All-in-all, it is a lovely

little place. Full point.

SIDES: We tried a cheesecake (R18) with the coee and ound it to be pleasant.

PRICE: R14.00.

ADDRESS: Situated inside Seadoone Mall, adjacent the Clicks store.

FINAL SCORE:

3 out o 5.

The Great Toti Cappuccino Hunt

I would like to begin this instalment o the Great Cappuccino Hunt

by reiterating that these reviews are entirely subjective; they are

nothing more and nothing less than opinion. We received two

complaints about our reviews in the previous edition and the

main cause or concern was that both reviews were not entirely

objective.

Firstly a review itsel is dened as a critical article or report

... on a book, play, recital, or the like; critique; evaluation. All

the previous reviews on coee have been simply our humble

evaluation to expect objectivity is incongruous.

Secondly I like to think it is better or restaurants to know otheir customers complaints. They can then work on improving

those things which might prevent patrons rom returning in the

uture or (even worse) advising their riends and amily against

trying the restaurant.

Thirdly we at Toti Lie pride ourselves on our editorial integrity

and veracity; it is, as Sophocles said, the strongest argument.

We want our readers to trust in our content, to know that we will

always tell things as we see them.

Lastly we have visited some coee shops where the service,

ood and atmosphere were so awul that we decided against

publishing our equally awul reviews. All the reviews published

are on places we would return to and would recommend to

riends and amily.

Moving on to something infnitely more interesting coee lovers will be delighted to learn that HallsGarden Centre is hosting a coee evening on the25th August.

Similar to a wine-tasting evening, the erudite and experienced

speaker will cover the A Z o coee; rom the growingto bean stage, to the history o our avourite black liquid.Especially interesting will be the section on Discernment,that is, how to tell a good cup o coee rom a bad one,and how to make the perect cup o coee. Halls GardenCentre will also supply snacks and a light meal, so [email protected] to book your place. The cost perperson is R50 and the evening begins at 6:00pm or 6:30pm.We will see you there!

Now on to the reviews!


27/36

PRESENTATION:

The presentation of this coffee was sublime. The cups were perfect; the patterns on the foam were as creative and beautiful as we have

seen. Gorgeous! Full point.

FLAVOUR:

Strong and satisfying, lovely and lip-smacking. Full point.

FOAM: The foam was thick, dense and attractive. Full point.

SERVICE:

The service was adequate. Our waiter asked my coffee compatriot what she wanted to drink, but for some reason, forgot to ask me. In

fairness to other coffee shops, whose service was slicker, we will award a half point.

ATMOSPHERE:

I love Woolworths cafs and was delighted to hear that one was opening in the Galleria. The decor and atmosphere is as upmarket

and continental as other cafs around Durban but it would be nice if they offered the Harvest Table that has proved so popular in

the other shops. For some reason, the caf was empty, which detracted a bit from the atmosphere. I have been to the cafs in La Lucia

Mall and Gateway, and there are usually people queuing for tables around lunch-time. So it was strange to see the Woolworths Caf in

the Galleria so empty. Amanzimtotians must start supporting the shop ... it will be an unhappy day indeed if it were to close down! We

award them half a point without many people, the caf seemed a bit desolate.

SIDES: We had a delicious lemon meringue with the coffee. It was lovely. (R24)

PRICE: R15.00.

ADDRESS: Situated inside Woolworths clothing store, the Galleria.

FINAL SCORE: 4 out of 5.


28/36


29/36

TOTI LIFE 29


30/36


31/36

TOTI LIFE 31


32/36


33/36

TOTI LIFE 33


34/36


35/36


36/36

toti life august 2010 2

Documents