Again on nostalgia lane, as the current situation is unveiling and the cut in business travel, the chances of visiting some countries of fond memories are fading. This is the reason made me do this post on my memories of South Africa.
Of course, I have been in the country since 2015 visiting every year until 2019. Next, who knows, but the friendship and fondness of the place will continue. Let me tell you a bit more on South Africa.
Another nice trip and was able to touch base with old friends again. These are the quick visits as always but very nice memories. And I am in heavens by the Fourways, Sandton, Gautrain, and East London spots.
This particular trip got out early by car from home with a bit extra time as it was raining on the N165 road, and to my surprise there was an accident and work construction on the road that was creating one lane only. Big slow down almost standstill. I thought would miss my plane at Nantes Atlantique airport. Hopefully, it cleared up but needed to do 150 KPH ::) ( about 93 MPH) , and got there just as the plane was been board! After this event flew well on AF to Paris CDG T2F, and easily went over to T2E for the flight to South Africa on AF .
The flight is long and this time it seems and was longer as usually go to Fourways, J’Burg first, but this time change at OR Tambo airport and there went on a domestic SAA flight to East London. Once at East London I was picked up by car and taken to my hotel, the Riverbend B&B, which locals put me there, it was very nice like been at home and friendly service. This had gorgeous views and would love to be back again, more on them here: http://www.riverbendguesthouse.co.za/
We did have dinner at a pricier property like a spa hotel resto,but only have the front in the photo and can’t remember the name lol!!! just been me I guess!!!
The next day we went to Abbotsford Arms pub , 1 Nord Avenue, East London where in addition to some real fine Carling Black Label beers we had this special menu 500g T-Bone smothered in our herb butter sauce, served with freshly cut chips and 2 veggies, This old restaurant come pub , has the best T-Bone and secret sauce on offer in East London . Offering a 600 gr A Grade T- bone at a very reasonable price , and sitting inside or outside . Great service , staff are quick . Great atmosphere , you can sit inside or outside. This pub is perfect for both after work pints and relaxing mixers over the weekend! We were inside and very friendly service to enjoy a great evening with friends. More on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/abbotsfordarmsel/
The RestaurantGuru reviews on the Abbotsford Arms: https://restaurantguru.com/Abbotsford-Arms-East-London
A bit of driving in town to practice my right side wheel and it was off to the East London airport again this time to J’Burg. I was to land at 21h10 at OR Tambo airport and my shuttle to wait for me. However, I came domestic this time on terminal B and my shuttle was in internationals Terminal A!!!! So with little wifi:internet could not find his phone number, and were some trying moments until finally found his phone number to start a funny exchange. Noo I am at the information desk with a plaque holding your name, noo I do not see anybody in the ID, finally I said I am in terminal B oh oh I am in terminal A thinking you were coming international, noo the folks here knew I was coming domestic. Finally we hook up for the ride to my hotel.
The hotel was the nice City Lodge Fourways near the montecasino complex . This is a nice hotel first time in it and love it. Great restaurant area, with pool overlooking the city road at Witkoppen road. More here: https://clhg.com/hotels/120/city-lodge-hotel-fourways
Next day locals took me for lunch at the nice Le Soufflé, Corner Forrest, Sunset road , Pineslopes Mall, Sandton. At the Pineslopes Shopping Centre, a French style restaurant where I had my duck confit and more of that Black Label beers . Le Soufflé had an easy atmosphere for a leisurely breakfast, a relaxing lunch and/or a informal dinner. The restaurant offers the most diverse menu of French Provençale food in South Africa. The food is excellent and the waiters are very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. Good atmosphère. I was taken here and darn was good and we ate at the terrace as in Paris ! The experience was great however, they needed to closed down and was told correct they have teamed up with the folks of Junipa’s Bistro at Hobart Centre in Bryanston, and again later was updated by locals this place, also closed down. So the economy has got to them, the chefs owners were at Le Soufflé for 10 years. Anyway, I put it here for the memories that is the them of the post anyway. Now read their Facebook page maybe start again in Durban, keep me posted. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Le-Souffle-Restaurant/100071699915407
In the evening, I met a contact friend Paul from the now defunct VT travel forum and as he had a car, I rode looking for this place I have heard call the Beer House,1 Sunset Ave cnr Witkoppen, Pineslopes Boulevard, Sandton. After some trying as the friend was from Pretoria, we finally found the place ::) This is a pub with live music, 99 different beers and great menu in a resto laden road off the Witkoppen road as well but need to come by the Fourways Crossing mall side to get here. We had a great time until very late; and a wonderful house burger and t bone steak with different beers but I stuck with the new found nice one Carling Black Label. Just great company, happy lively place, good music and the place is loaded with likes establishements on the same side. However, this place has also closed down! so sad… The owner ran out of his lease and could not renew, heard was looking for a new location but no confirmation yet. For now, another down memory lane forever !!! I got me another webpage that has a branch in Cape Town: https://www.beerhouse.co.za/
It was time for me to say goodbye to the springboks once again, and another nice visit of many more memories to last. On my way back got the OR Tambo airport early so went for my airport lunch this time at a new place too .The Keg and Aviator pub , they were in the public area of the airport to your end right. I had another of those big juicy burgers and more of the wonderful Carling Black Label beers. Well I told you this was memory lane, this one is closed too.
The flight back was flawless, to Paris CDG T2E and then change easy to T2F for the last leg back to Nantes Atlantique where my car was waiting for the trip back home. It was a very nice trip with nice moments with nice people. There will always be hope for a next time! Hope you enjoy this bit of memories of South Africa.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 