Earth Travel Unlimited

Why you MUST visit South Africa

ClareAppleyard — Sat, 04 May 2013 18:14:52 +0000

It’s the question that gets me every single time. “Is it safe to visit South Africa?” Inevitably, my blood starts to boil as I brace for the next hammer blow, “Because you know, from what I’ve heard it’s very dangerous and they’ve told me not to visit”. Who are the ominipresent “they”? Have they ever been [...]

The Wild Horses of Kaapsche Hoop

Clare Appleyard — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:38:52 +0000

Tucked away in a corner of the old Eastern Transvaal is the hamlet of Kaapsche Hoop. Comprising little more than a sandy, rutted main road, lined with period houses and quaint shops, the town has become well known for the large number of wild horses that roam freely in the area. We knew very little [...]

Action and Entertainment at the Jozi Tens Rugby Tournament

Clare Appleyard — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 05:46:32 +0000

Right up front, I’ll admit that I’m not the world’s greatest rugby fan. Despite living in South Africa for nigh on 30 years, my English football roots are still strong. So much so that, on any given weekend, you’ll find me avoiding rugby like the plague and focusing instead on willing Liverpool to win a [...]

Fishnets and Face Plants : My First Roller Derby Experience

Clare Appleyard — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 09:32:02 +0000

Way back in 2010, we watched a fabulous movie called “Whip It”, directed by Drew Barrymore. The movie focused on a shy, retiring character called “Bliss” who discovers the sport of roller derby and, to her surprise, finds out she’s quite good at it. We thoroughly enjoyed the movie – girls racing round a track [...]

Jo’burg turns to Snowburg – not your typical winter’s day

Clare Appleyard — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:30:02 +0000

People frequently have incorrect, preconceived ideas about Johannesburg and South Africa. One is that we have lions roaming the streets; another is that if you go into downtown Johannesburg you’re likely not to make it out alive; another is that South Africa is always hot and sunny. I really don’t wish to burst your bubble, [...]

Madame Zingara’s: The best night out in Johannesburg

Clare Appleyard — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 18:53:21 +0000

They came from Russia, the Ukraine and Khayelitsha. Acrobats, drag queens and skipping skeletons. Whether you’re looking for some risqué humour or jaw-dropping acrobatics, Madame Zingara’s has it all. Started in Cape Town in 2001, Madame Zingara’s was a whimsical restaurant that firmly established itself as a local favourite. Tragically, the restaurant burnt down 5 [...]

The Best Sushi in Cape Town

Clare Appleyard — Sun, 27 May 2012 14:45:19 +0000

There is no doubt that Cape Town is home to some of the best restaurants in South Africa. Of 2011’s Top 10 South African restaurants, the Western Cape hosts 9 of the Top 10, with 5 of these being in Cape Town itself. Nobu makes the list and, as a speciality sushi and Japanese restaurant, [...]

London: These are a few of my favourite things

Clare Appleyard — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:22:29 +0000

London is one of those cities I always love to visit. If there is an opportunity to stop off for even a few hours in transit or for a single night, I’ll absolutely do it. “If you are tired of London, you are tired of life”, quotes Samuel Johnson and it’s a quote that many [...]

When in Rome, visit the Vatican City

Clare Appleyard — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:10:05 +0000

No visit to Rome is complete without a trip to the Vatican City. With all there is to see and do in St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, you’d do well to allocate an entire day to your visit. You’ll want to spend at least 4 nights in Rome and there is no shortage [...]

48 Hours in Paris

Clare Appleyard — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:25:15 +0000

Paris. The name conjures up visions of love….and food. Well, it does in my mind at least. So when the opportunity arose to take the Eurostar from London, to spend a weekend in Paris, we leaped at the opportunity. Long summer nights, wandering down the Champs-Élysées and munching on croissants, what could be better? With [...]