“None of us is as smart as all of
us” - Ken Blanchard
Newsletter 75 | January 2008
P.O. Box 13600, NOORDSTAD, 9302 E-mail:
info@etniquetravel.co.za
Tel: (051) 406 2500
Fax: (051) 436 3793
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER:
083 461 2561
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OUR COUNTRY: A PARADOX OF
EXTREMES |
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It is true to say
that presently nobody is certain about the future of South Africa:
some people may feel threatened about the outcome of the power play
between ANC leaders; others tend to feel disillusioned about the
promises and statements on crime, while some might even express
their opinion on the probability of the 2010 World Cup to still be
hosted by our country.
But if one takes
into account that with a survey among foreign tour operators, it was
found that 75% are of the opinion that our annual inflow of tourists
could increase by 50%, should we address our crime threat
effectively. We provide electricity power to various countries in
Africa, but at home our economy is been crippled by daily power cuts
and failures.
Despite the fact
that our Aids casualty figure is among the highest in the world, we
have a Minister of Health denying both the cause of and cure for
Aids. Almost 50% of all deaths during 2007 were Aids related. Our
young qualified medical specialists are no longer in demand by first
world countries. Only 3% of our adult population and workforce are
in possession of a university degree, while only 61% of the latest
matriculants passed their final exams. This despite the fact that
the minimum pass level per subject is only 40%
Our police
commissioner as well as the president of the ruling political party
are both accused of fraud and corruption; but both are in total
denial of any involvement, while our president denies any prior
knowledge of their involvement in corruption. In addition to this, a
weird fundraising function is being organised in Johannesburg, with
both rape accused VIP’s as guests of honour: Tyson convicted and
Zuma acquitted.
Despite all
these depressing facts, most South Africans still love their country
and will not even consider emigrating to another first world
country. One can just speculate on the real reasoning behind this
strange phenomenon.
- Johann Beukes
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THE DIFFERENT FACE
OF BELGIUM
A Tale of three Flemish Cities |
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It is interesting to note that
Belgium is still seen by many foreigners as a small province of
the Netherlands. Today many still believe that Antwerpen is a
Dutch city, Liège is part of France and Bruxelles is a suburb of
Amsterdam.
However, this
small country located between France, Germany and the
Netherlands, has a population density of just under 330 people
per square kilometer, one of the world’s highest. |
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Opening any book
on Belgium is like finding a tiny jewel hidden within layers of
history. Belgians do not share the same arrogance of some other
countries stating that their homeland is the biggest and best
and visitors should count themselves privileged to experience
it: Belgians would rather share with you as visitor their
passion for their cultural heritage, the country’s beauty in its
simplicity and obviously, their pride as world renowned beer
makers! |
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On our recent
trip to Belgium with our daughter Leandi, we focused mostly on
Flanders,
the north-western part of the country. During the week-long
touring of rural Vlaanderen, we visited
Gent, Brugge and
Antwerpen.
Now one of Europe’s most dynamic and prosperous regions,
Flanders is experiencing a second Renaissance, it is flaunting
its heritage, and is intent on making its own mark on the world.
While Antwerpen and Brugge steal the limelight with their arty
vibe and picture-postcard vistas respectively,
Gent
is content being a mostly undiscovered gem. With its handsome
set of medieval buildings and numerous canals, Gent is an
authentically Flemish city, crowded by students. |
Gent’s lovely
historic heart is centered on mighty St Baafskatedraal (cathedral)
and the Belfort (belfry), which is surrounded by cobblestone
streets, and claimed to be the largest pedestrian area in all of
Europe. However, with the bicycles having right of way and seemingly
approach you from every angle, you often feel it would be safer with
roads!
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A good way to observe the many faces of this
student city, is hopping onto Het Bootjes van Gent, a
cruise along some of the most scenic canals of the town centre.
One will not
visit Flanders without focusing on the art works of the Flemish
Masters, led by Rubens and van Eyck, and on view at the
cathedral: the altarpiece St Bravo’s
entry into the Monastery of
Gent
and
The adoration of the Mystic Lamb. It is interesting to
note that the altarpiece has been stolen by Napoleon and looted
by the Nazis, but it always found its way back to Gent! |
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Gent is not
fully appreciated if you do not pay a visit to the popular
student spot, Het Bierhuis aan de Waterkant, where you
can sample any one of the more than 400 different types of beer,
starting with the Kwak, served in a peculiar decanter!
Overlooking the scenic confluence of the Lieve Canal and the
River Leie, and with the waterside terrace next to little
Appelbrug Parkje, the Jan Breydel restaurant serves a
carefully considered range of both haute cuisine and typical
local dishes alike. For an original souvenir, take some time to
browse the whimsical shop called Fallen Angels, found
across the restaurant in Breydel Street. |
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We stayed in
the loft room of the friendly family run 17tcentury
house hotel Erasmus, situated just off the old town
centre, with easy access to a ideal parking garage down the
street.
Brugge
was
developed around a 9th-century fortress, built to
defend the coast against the Norwegian Vikings. The centre of
Brugge is amazingly preserved, escaping major damage in both
World Wars. Today the streets are well maintained and the
traffic heavily regulated. |
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We stayed at the beautifully renovated Duc de Bourgogne,
overlooking the canal and with the entrance facing
Huidenvettersplein and the bridge leading to the Blinde Ezel
Steeg (Blind donkey alley). Our room, which was right in the
corner with windows facing two stretches of canals, was one of
our best stays ever: to be part of the bustling canal scene, and
also in a secluded part of the family-run hotel.
The energy of Brugge pulsates from its two central squares, the
Markt and the Burg. The Market square has been the
hub of daily life in Brugge for more than 10 centuries, having
served as the trade centre of the town since 958 AD.
Overlooking the Markt is the
Belfort
bell tower:
those who brave the 365 steps, one for each day of the year, can
enjoy the unobstructed view of the compact town, reduced to a
fairytale toy town far below. |
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t Brugs Beertjes
is as small
inside as its reputation is large. This beer-lover’s mecca for
more than two decades, has more than 250 different beers on its
menu. Whether your choice is one of the plenty flavoured
Kriek beers, or a Duvel, a small but potent beer, you
will remember the ambiance of this gem of a drinking hole long
after the taste of the Belgium beer.
Antwerpen
can rightly claim to be not just the most exciting city in
Belgium, but one of the most inviting destinations in Europe.
Quite simply, it is a city that has something for everyone and
every taste. Whether you are into fashion, art history,
character or photographic corners, a visit to the second biggest
city of Belgium is by far the hippest. |
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What began a few years ago, when a handful of hip local
designers, now internationally known as the Antwerp Six,
took the fashion world by storm, has now transformed this city
into a cutting-edge symbol of style. This vibrant creativity is
visible in both the shop- fronts of fashion houses, as well as a
host of chic restaurants where the décor is innovative as is the
delicately style cuisine.
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Its stylish
heart is centered on the glorious Grote Markt with its
numerous gorgeous gabled guild houses facing the Brabo
fountain and adjoining smaller Handschoenmarkt
fronting onto the stunning Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal,
built in true Gothic style. Many of Rubens famous works are
found inside this museum-like Cathedral. During our visit, some
local artists and specialists were busy renovating the ceiling
paintings.
Leading off on all sides of the Grote Markt is a maze of
narrow cobbled streets and alleyways heading into different
directions: it is very easy to get lost, but that is half the
fun of rediscovering the historical centre – wandering down a
new passageway, you may come upon a local beer-pub with noisy
locals avidly watching a cycling race, their favourite sport, or
finding a cool bar, filled with arty students, sipping red wine
and listening to funky jazz, or a small bistro, serving a
delicious traditional Flemish casserole of beef braised in beer.
What is it
about these cities that set them apart? There are many reasons;
among which is that the history of both
Gent and Brugge
are written everywhere in their streets and buildings, their art
and their culture. They are justifiably famous for their sheer
beauty and are certainly of the most uniformly picturesque
cities one is ever likely to visit. |
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Johann & Monique
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Letters from our Customers: |
We’re listening to what YOU have
to say
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“Johann, your newsletters are
really interesting and informative and I’m sure they are a great
marketing tool for Sure Etnique. You do a really fantastic job on
this great little communication tool!”
Kate Nathan - Editor, Business Travel Now, Deputy Editor, Travel
News Weekly (TNW)
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“Dear Tessa, I wanted to thank
you for your kind support, thinking of all the small details, like
the guesthouses in Johannesburg. I stayed with Green Palms which
was nice and friendly. I am sure that I will contact you again for
other arrangements.”
Anne Kress - German Volunteer, Lesotho
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“Beste Nerina, baie dankie vir
die puik reëlings vir Colloquium 2007 in België”.
Prof. L.T. du Plessis en Personeel, Eenheid vir Taalbestuur,
Fakulteit ekonomie & Bestuurswetenskappe, UFS
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“I would like to compliment
Lizelle van der Heever on the excellent service we have received
from her. We make use of Etnique / Sure Travel at work. When I
request a quote, she always delivers it to me in a timely manner -
no need for me to follow up. She has a "nothing-is-too-much"
attitude and is always willing to change our arrangements as
needed (even 6 or 7 times if neccessary!) She has delivered
consistently great service to our department and I would sincerely
like to thank her.
Hanlie Duvenage, PAREXEL, Data Management, Bloemfontein
Thumbs up - a Gold Card!
The
wonderful initiative of the Protea Group of hotels of Bloemfontein,
Black Mountain, and Protea Central, as well as Budget Car Rental, to
organise a get-together for the industry at the beginning of 2008.
This fun-event, staging the Travel-idols, will hopefully become an
annual event and will grow from strength to strength!
Thumbs down -
a Red Card?
The ownership of
the well-known Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet has changed hands.
Unfortunately the level of service is presently non-existent. When
staying the night of 12 December 2007, we, together with many other
customers, waited patiently to be served dinner in the restaurant,
but were eventually advised at 21h45 by the shortstaffed management,
to rather go to the local Spur for food. What a poor state for such
a famous beacon in the hospitality industry; despite numerous
messages, no one from senior management had contacted us.
All VOYAGER MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE: some of your voyager miles do
expire on 31 March 2008; you will also receive communication from
SAA indicating the status of your grading, i.e. silver, gold etc.
To
access CERTIFICATE REDEMPTION, a PIN number is required; if NO PIN
number is available, you have to apply for one as an extreme matter
of urgency. We also suggest that your certificate redemptions are
finalised no later than mid March, as invariably the
www.flysaa.com website might
fail due to thousands of "hits"
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There are a
number of risk factors and practical matters that expectant
mothers should take into consideration when planning a trip
abroad. Ideally non-essential travel should be avoided during
pregnancy due to the increased risk that flying poses to the
mother and her unborn child.
• First-time
mothers are more at risk because they’re unfamiliar with
pregnancy and unsure how the changes in their bodies are
supposed to progress.
•
Pregnancy is divided into
three stages, and travelling will have different effects on
pregnant women depending on which trimester they are in.
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During the first trimester
travelling might increase nausea, and because of the
additional strain travel places on the body, the risk of
miscarriage is increased.
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Most expectant mothers are usually in very good health during
the second trimester. If a trip has to be undertaken, this is
probably the best time to do so.
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In the third trimester
expectant mother will probably tire more easily due to the
extra weight they are carrying. |
Remember most airlines will not let
pregnant women travel from the 36th week and in some
cases won’t allow travel from the 26th week.
• During pregnancy all drugs should
be avoided unless absolutely necessary. This holds true for malaria
prophylaxis and travel vaccines. Expectant mothers should assess the
risk of unprotected travel versus the importance of the trip in
consultation with their travel medical advisor.
• It is essential to maintain a good fluid intake and a balanced
diet to stay healthy.
• When planning a trip, a pregnant woman should ensure that she has
access to suitable medical facilities and doctors who can speak her
mother tongue.
FOR MORE ON PREGNANCY OR ANY OTHER
TRAVEL HEALTH MATTER, VISIT
www.traveldoctor.co.za |
