The perfect date on the Central Coast of CaliforniaWritten by Dan K. O'Leary
Dating in San Luis Obispo Welcome to doldrums of dating, where your single ship drifts aimlessly without wind or direction. Sailing analogies aside, meeting perfect person in San Luis Obispo can be challenging, and keeping things fresh can be ever harder. As resident expert, I’ve done my fair share of dating in this town, as some of you may know for better or worse. So, how have I been so successful? What is secret to dating in San Luis Obispo? Meeting your mate Let’s start with meeting right person. Whether you are at Poly Dolly, or alumni still kicking it around town, meeting right person is all about location. Yes like that old business cliché, where you go will dictate who you’ll meet. So if you are a lonely student, then go and spend some time downtown at Uptown Espresso, or hang out in University Union. If you want to break ice, play it cool. When dealing with college students in a casual atmosphere, ask questions like “What are you studying?” Basically, take some time to introduce yourself, and start making connections. Don’t be surprised to find out that you are both taking intro to bowling next quarter, or maybe you both are in ski club. Speaking of clubs, joining organizations like ski club will help you meet like minded people. The secret to meeting someone you have something in common with is by going out of your way to join some new groups, a new class, and saying “Hello”. Now for those of you out of dorms and constant presence of members of opposite sex, meeting your dream date can initially appear more demanding. While some may claim that bar scene in downtown SLO is overrated, there are hidden gems where all hotties congregate. Case in point, on a recent Wednesday, I stumbled into Grappolo, and was greeted by a ration of two stunning beauties for every one scruffy looking guy. On flipside, all you single ladies (Yes, they do exist in this town) should check out Corner View on a Friday night. Not only will you get away from token college boys, but you can sample their extensive drink selection, and enjoy a more cultured experience.
| | Drakensberg tourWritten by Andrew Pieterse
This Drakensberg story is one of retreat, beauty, relaxation and good eating. The drive towards Drakensberg Mountains swept over undulating foothills down side-roads that snake along meandering countryside to our first destination Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse. Cleopatra is tucked away in beautiful Kamberg valley in Drakensberg Mountains, it is a gourmet getaway where attention to detail is evident everywhere. The dining room and lounge are extended over a trout-filled dam that looks out across water to stunning mountains of Southern Berg. It is a magical place - a secluded luxury hideaway where most important factor is not to come here if you are on a diet!The build up to dinner was an event in itself with all guests meeting at 7pm for drinks and given an entertaining, detailed account of gourmet meal that was to follow by Richard chef and owner. Everything is hand prepared on premises, some of sauces (the highlight of most plates) take up to three days in creation. It's three fabulous starters each, in our case a plate of meltingly succulent scallops, then a rich, baked butternut soup with a dollop of creamy pesto and a plate of Mozambican king prawns. A small freshening sorbet provided Richard time for final preparations of main course, an elaborate plate of choice lamb cuts on rosti with three different chutneys, and rounded off with a rich chocolate concoction, perfectly offset by homemade orange-infused vanilla ice cream. Breakfast next morning followed in a similar style and although difficult to leave we knew that we had to walk some of this food off or we would never make next meal. That food was possibly best I have ever eaten but seriously doubt having survived 2 days of this non stop eating. Kamberg hosts a site of Bushman rock art with relative easy access, a stunning walk including a waterfall, and particularly well preserved examples of Bushman paintings. It is here that "Rosetta Stone" of San art first provided archaeologists with key to interpreting symbolism of paintings as spiritual in content - showing how hunters gained power from animals that they killed. Its all professionally explained by guides and although I had seen these paintings before I was again moved. The road to our next stop Antbear turned out to be just a little hop away mainly because Richard had guided us via back roads. The Antbear Guest House is one of those seldom found gems hidden away in a network of rural roads in Drakensberg foothills. The little white washed farmhouse has been converted into a place of artistic elegance. It is full of hand sculptured wooden furniture, a labor of Conny and Andrews love. Andrew greeted us dressed in very flamboyantly African dress and welcomed us with a cup of tea. He is a humorous character with a passion for entertaining, conversation and alternative living. Andrew is a dab hand in kitchen too. The food is very different to that of Cleopatra definitely not as rich but no less of an experience. Supper was best Indian food I have ever eaten with a selection of curries, papdams, onion badjis, sambals and naan bread to boot. Andrew quite likes company in kitchen and its really different watching this kind of cooking. Its like a circus as he casually juggles egg turner or adds a handfull of spice to some frying onions. The hosts eat with guests at a single table with candle chandeliers and a fireplace. Its very welcoming indeed. For desert Andrew whipped up caramelized cape gooseberries in whiskey with hint of time. Why Antbear is so affordable is a bit of a mystery me and till today Antbear is my favourite guesthouse anywhere. Armed with Conny’s picnic lunch setoff to Giants Castle Nature Reserve. Giants Castle is a spectacular part of Drakensberg and one of my favorite regions. Its has less tourism than most other parts and I have always wondered why as it is about as beautiful as it comes. We wanted an easy walk so opted for Worlds View a 14 km trail with a spectacular 360° view at its end. We had lunch and soaked in views and got back to Giants Castle Camp in time for a well-earned cappuccino and piece of cheesecake. Dinner back at Antbear turned out to be a Moroccan evening. Again food was excellent. Andrews advice and enthusiasm inspires confidence and we reorganised some of our plans The following day was supposed to be a visit to battlefields but I had forgotten about Drakensberg Boys Choir. Andrew arranged tickets for us and this is really something not to be missed under any circumstances. The day was spent in Champagne Valley another beautiful part of Drakensberg.
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