1 Jan 2009: NB folks we are CLOSED

Thats right we will be closed on 1 Jan.

You may or may not know that on 1 Jan typically, Camps Bay is laid to seige, by hoards of out-of-towners who at some point smell the whiff of collective hysteria and run amok. This year greater community and local policing will be involved and we will be doing our bit in this regard, by doing community patrol duty tommorow.

We have been open the last 6 years on the 1st and the last 3 years have not been worth the tension and stress. So the crew will rest, i'll be on duty, and we will see you smiling on Friday 2 Jan, ready once again to make your day.

yours in health,

The Crew

MASSAGE ON THE BEACH

31 Dec 2008: Our wish for you...

Tonight everyone will go a little fruitcake, more or less, and send a recive countless wishes for balnace, peace and a whole lot of improvements for 2009. We'd like to wish for your only 5 specific things (because we figure everybody else has got the rest covered...)

In 2009:

1. May the quality of your desicions add value to your life, ie give you more benefits for less cost

2. May you learn one thing or do one new, that you have always wanted and maybe even thought you might never do, and may it help you to realise how much potential you still have left

3. May you find more ways to be grateful for what you have and enjoy these things, rather than to rue what you dont have or what is wrong. May the former outweigh the latter

4. May you feel loved and be able to love, all 365 days of the year. No matter how low of diffcult things sometimes get, may a loving touch, a knowing smile, a kind word and an unconditional hug always be availible to you and yours to give

5. Finally, because we wish you to have more smiles and laughter (the most underrated medicine), may your bra/ underpants never be on backwards.

31 Dec 2008: and YES! again

Today...the sky is blue the grass is green

When I awoke and took my first crisp step on the beach this morning, I could feel the charge and tingle in the air. Right now in Camps Bay it is still, with people arriving for great blue day.

The temperature should reach 27, the skys will remain mostly clear and a mild SE wind may or may not reach Camps Bay this early evening.

But it will be peachy...

If you driving in, take a hint from us,... avoid driving on to the Beach Road. Come over Kloof Nek, park three roads up, and just walk down. Your life will be simpler. Be patient, midnight is more than 12 hours away. Enjoy the ride

30 Dec 2009: In the infamous of words of Meg Ryan...

Yes, yes, yes, yes...

Its a great morning with clear blue skies. Whilst there was some prediction of cloud cover and even drizzle, this is not so in Camps Bay, so come on down... the temperature looks set to rise above 25C degrees.

We look forward to being of service. Katya and Panorea are there now, and ill be down this afternoon.

29 Dec 2009: Sooo mellow...

Sometimes you get those coolish, but not cold days. You know what I mean?
The kind of day that is still, caming and so centering. A little cloud followed by a little sun, followed by a little drizzle and so on...
Well thats today. Hovering around the mid 20degrees, light onshore North winds.
Such an easy going day. And of course we are there, to fill in the gaps for you.
So come on down and enjoy a massage

For the kids Coca Cola is have an event and this is also the final day of the XBOX promotion,

28 Dec 2008: Into every massage season, a little rain must fall

Yup, and to day is one of those days.

We setup this morning for a couple of, hours, but knew it will drizzle on and off into tommorow. But thats okay, its perfect downtime weather before a busy week of parties, celebration and serious beach weather. We hope you have a great siesta and enjoy the peace of a beautiful day.

27 Dec 2008: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

When we work, we work. but after hours we like to relax and enjoy the lighter side of life.

I am very fortunate to have such a great crew. They will each in their own lives, one day, I believe achive great things. This is the purpose of their apprenticeship program (see Hand-up-Hands-on Apprenticeship Opprtunity on our website at http://www.massageonthebeach.co.za/huho.html )ie, to assist them in developing their future potential.
But we also have a lot fun and have gelled as a group really well. This month in particular I really see their transformation.

We also have a lot fun. This was us celebrating a long day at work yesterday with a cocktail at voda afresca, the bar lounge that vida turns into at night Wed to Sun 6pm till 11pm-ish. In the photo left to right - Stef, Panorea and Tarah

27 Dec 2008: Great day

This was last night, about 7pm. We are always asked if we get tired. And yes we do.

But not in the way you may imagine.

Its a kind of happy, mellow, life-is-good, coconut oil kind of tired. Something about the golden light and the fresh air, puts us into flow state.

All in all a good day at the office...

27 Dec 2008: Sunset confetti

That's the name we give to litter, the rubbish that people leave behind.
These photos were taken last night in the vicinity of our gazebo.

Leaving your rubbish behind is a lack of civilised culture. I always thought people did it intentionally, (and I'm sure some do), but I have since really understood, its just uneducated ignorance, selfishness and a lack of of understanding of the connected nature of the universe.

In life just because you cannot see the consequence of your 'garbage' does not mean it doesn't have an impact. Likewise, because you cannot see the impact of your good deeds, does not mean it does not mean something to someone.
Metaphorical, I know...

But then every season, I get to see life as a beach. It's all there. Joy, sorrow, transition and change. How people behave on a beach is how you behave in life.

Please take your litter with you.

27 Dec 2008: Super Saterday

Yes, it is.

The weather today is fine - still, clear and warm after yesterday's South Easter. The temperature will get to about 24-27C, the wind will shift to a very light South West, but all in all this is the day that people come to Camps Bay for.

And of course the XBOX summer festival is on the beach just 50m from our site, looking good.
Given that tommorow looks like light afternoon rain, don't you think you should be there already?

27 Dec 2008: Early morning people

There are worse things to do than waking up at 6am to walk on Camps Bay beach. The sand has an oddly, comforting, crunchy coolness. The air seems to clean out your lungs and lift your spirit. an you get the sense of wide open space that somehow fades away later.

If you go on a regular basis, you'll see a regular troop of dogwalkers and early morning swimmers (no matter winter or summer). And in summer on calmer days, you often see dolphins, seals and in earlier summer whales.

Finally when its all said and done you can enjoy a morning capucciono at vida, bearing in mind that Mon to Fri they open 7am, and on weekends at 8am

All in all, not bad reasons to rise early and come visit Camps Bay

26 Dec 2008: African Sunsets

Have you ever noticed how sunsets just completely move people, no matter how things have changed in history?

If you haven't spent much time away from Cape Town, you may not realise that in most places around the world, sunsets are just not like they are here. I spend much time in Asia and a visible golden sunset there is rare. Often in Europe and the US, your sunset view is obstructed by buildings, cloud cover and sometimes pollution. Again, I speak from world travel experience.
In Camps Bay no matter where you stand, the sunset bathes you, calls you. Sometimes I think its the light, the attraction and hunger we have towards lightness and spirit. However you see it, sunsets are always spectacular in Camps Bay.

26 Dec 2006: Camps Bay living la vida loca

This is not only the best coffee in Camps Bay, by far, but one of the friendliest places too. we are speaking about vida e caffe, on the Beach Rd, on the oppositte corner to the soccer field.

Try their cappucino, and on hot days go with a gelado, or frio. The latter has Lindt chocolate done in a sort of crushed ice smoothie, only better.

We love them so much, we will only refer to them for customers seeking great coffee. And if you have a massage with us, we may even give you a complimentary voucher to sample their coffee,- thats how much we want you to try it. Certainly its my morning meditation, often with Molly, the superstar Jack Russel in tow.

You can chat to Kennedy, the store manager, or Bothwell, the assitant manager. Then there is Aubrey whose smile you wont forget and a host of great staff representing the best of South African spirit.

vida e caffe has stores all around the country even at Joburg airport, for more information you can check their website on http://www.caffe.co.za/ (its worth checking just for the great jazz intro). Oh yes, in summer on Sunday mornings they often have jazz ensemble outside. Other Jazz events are listed on their website.

Obrigado.

26 Dec 2008: Boxing day beach

This morning we awoke to a breezy South Easter which will probably weaken in midday, before coming up again tonight. No worries, its blue skies, and we will try open around midday.

Something to bear in mind is that if the South East blows today, the next day will be hotter. It has a sort of cleaning up and heating effect. The SE wind also tends to make the sea cooler, and for surfers, the waves and swell, smaller.

Boxing Day is traditionally a day of many out of town vistors, many of whom seem to loose there way back home, aided and abetted by alcohol, who then leave atrail of chicken bones, uncultured litter and various other deposits, before being sheparded by the police back home. Fortunatley the Camps Bay Poilce have an excellent new superintendant, Theo Rudman, who really seems to have unified the Camps Bay police into an efficent/ effective unit doing great work in Camps Bay. There is also a new neighourhood watch that has had such a positive community impact. Incidentally, MASSAGE ON THE BEACH is a voluntary participant in this program. We do individual evening patrols and group shifts on the beach in the daytime. If you need assistance, we are in constant radio contact with all security and paramdeic services.

The pic above was taken at about 10am and shows the budiling of the XBOX expo right next to our site. The event opens tommorow from 9 am till 4pm, and runs till Monday. Coooool1

You will aparently be able to go into cubicle area and sample the games right on the beach. How cool is that!

25 Dec 2008: Your questions about deck chairs answered

Camps Bay beach is divided into 6 sections by the City Council (we are in section 2 called CB 2). A series of fixed and roving trading licences are allotted on a social equity basis by the Council. There is a fixed trader licensed for deck chairs and cushions, and another one for the umbrellas (these used to be allotted to one trader but were split, to offer more jobs to more people). The general price in recent years is R25 each, for an umbrella, chair and cushion.

They open usually by 9am, and generally close at 6pm, sometimes earlier, even though the sun goes down at 8pm in peak season. Also the general rule of thumb is that your get umbrellas etc from the trader in that area, i.e. you can' t ask a chap in CB2 to give you umbrellas in CB4

Nevertheless, please be patient with the traders. Not all speak English well. Additionally, there are complex inner politics and cultural customs which you may not be familiar with that may result in strange behaviour too.
Whilst they may look like they have an easy time, make no mistake, they work genuinely long hours, in conditions of sometimes blistering heat and sandy wind, with many people often being unfriendly and impatient to them. They also don' t get paid much. So have a heart, whilst you are relaxing, suntanning, they are serving you, sweating, even on Xmas day

25 Dec 2008: Ho Ho Ho...let us be your Xmas present!

thats right...

In the next couple of days, why not spoil yourself and your loved ones with the gift of relaxation in one of the most unique Xmas presents you will find in Cape Town.

In Camps Bay today most shops are closed. On our side, Cafe Caprice (http://www.cafecaprice.co.za/) is open and offers great value.

This morning the sky is so blue, so clear. The temperature should reach 24C. There is a coolish South wind expected today, but I have known much worse Xmas days in Camps Bay. Its ideal for a family picnic, fresh air and a massive playground for the kids. And later, if the wind comes up, well, there's always a post Xmas lunch nap. In my Italian family, all the men used to go siesta, either falling asleep where they say on the couch, or all lying down on the main bed, whislt the women chatted and cleaned. Very Sicilian, I know.

25 Dec 2008: Love actually...

...is what we wish you this Christmas.
Mo matter your religious denomination or beleifs, no matter where you are in this world,
we wish you a day of family, thanksgiving and the chance to be with the ones you love and the ones who love you. The world needs more days like this*

24 Dec 2008: The Grinch who stole the weather

Massive seas, high tides and fresh winds. Sunday was heatwave, Monday was rain and cold winds. For any of you new to the Cape, this is the nature of Cape weather.
We expect it, it doesn't phase us.

If we can be there we will, as you can see from yesterdays pic. Yes, there were clients!

Now you know why we say we are the most consistent trading site on Camps Bay beach. Weather permitting 9am till 6pm minimum, November till Easter.

We aim never to turn anyone away.

24 Dec 2008: In the line of duty

Massaging on a beach presents unique challenges often not seen and obvious.

The hardest dynamic is in fact dealing with the weather and the enviromental conditions. This includes cutting your hand on hidden glass when digging in the gazebo, or cutting your feet on the rocks. This was Stef little contribution to our 'wartime stories', achieved on Monday.

22nd Dec 2008: Closed at at 8pm, back at at 8am

Thats right, we closed up last night at 8pm, and were back again this morning at 8am, ready to go.

Thats the crew you see in the pic, ready for our weekly training session. The crew has training every week, in massage technique, in bussiness and in personal development. In addition they have reading list, assesments, assignments and have to even make their own blog. This is all part of the apprenticship program they volunteer for, called the Hands-up Hands-On Apprenticship Opprtunity, which is facilitated at MASSAGE ON THE BEACH. They do this voluntaririly over and above completing a 2-year natioanl qualification in massage at the Cape Institute of Allied Health Studies. This is currently the highest level and hardest a massage qualification in South Africa.
Just another measure of the quality MASSAGE ON THE BEACH offers you...

21 Dec 2008: Another tough day in Africa

Thats a local expression, used to illustrate that in some ways our long summers days, as hot as they are, are just glorious. I know, go figure, who thought of that expression...

Well today will be 24-26C, mild breeze with some cooling cloud cover, but it will be glorious.

It's the kind of day to forget Christmas shopping, mild enough to arrive early, meet friends, sleep, read, suntan, and cool off from time to time in the crisp ocean, and then slowly make your way to one of numerous sundowner spots across the road.
If you want the beautiful people, go to Caprice. If you want a more mellow, local but cosmopolitan vibe try the Sandbar. And for a sweet surprise try vida e refrescar, the little cocktail venue that opens at 6pm when the vida e caffe (best capuccinno in Camps Bay) closes.

21 Dec 2008: Looking for beach Yoga in the morning?

Yes, do you love it in the morning?

By the sea, the fresh air...
Why not come down every Sunday morning to the grass verge just in front of Caprice Restaurant? There you'll find Ulrike Avery, owner of Shanti Yoga Centre (http://www.shanticapetown.co.za/) in Cape Town leads a silent Ashtanga class from 7.15 till 830am.
Weather permitting they are there every Sunday till Easter, except for Sunday the 29th of Dec, i.e. next weekend.

And the best is: no need to book and the class is free. Just bring your own yoga mat. For further details you can call Ulrike on 084 358 9863.

Another free public Yoga class held by Warren Munitz of The Centre (www.thecentre.co.za) runs at the Sea Point Pavillion on Fridays mornings from 7am (sharp) till 8am. These are also free, but fill quickly. They run till the end of February.

You can contact Warren on ph 082-377-1994 for further details.

I have known both these teachers personally for many years, and I can recommend the quality and dedication to their craft. They represent the passion of Cape Town summer at its best.

20 Dec 2008: Carpe Diem!

Thats right...seize the day my friend
Having just walked back from the beach with Molly, and our morning cappucino at vida after setup, I can tell you its going to be a beautiful day to be here.
Crisp, clear, fresh, not broiler-oven n hot, not-frisky fresh cold...just right. Expect the temp to be around 26C degrees with a light West/ South West later.

And we are there. Up at 6am, setup at 7am, open by 830am this morning (usually 9am). Stef and Tarah are there to treat you right now to one of the best beach massage experiences in the world. I'll be down at 1.

Check us out, you won't be disappointed.

Seize the day my friend. Seize the day

19 Dec 2008: yay, yay, today most people go on holiday...

Its started out as bright and breezy, with looming tsunami-like clouds and confusing winds, but no worries, we setup confident that the wind would drop...and it did.
Now the days heat is tempered with a slight S/SW wind that will cool you, but beware the sunburn factor is high today.

18 Dec 2008: What does the MOTB crew do for fun?

We go to Kurt Schoonraad's whacky and wonderful comedy club on Albert Road, Woodstock for Thursday night shows that will have you rolling with belly-ache laughter from the 830pm start till just after 11.
Yesterday after enjoying Thai food at Tom Yum in Sea Point, we headed off in a Rikki Taxi, to take in the show, celebrating the end of all studies and exams for the year for the crew. Stef, Katya, Tarah and Panorea are all completing national qualifications in massage whilst then volunteering to particpate in the Hand Up Hands on apprenticeship program which runs through MASSAGE ON THE BEACH.
We highly recommend this little Cape Town gem in Woodstock. Shows start again on Thursday 8th Januaray. Look out for the Albert Hall sign and the tall doorman in a long red overcoat on the right hand side as you drive from town.

If you see us there, say hello

18 Dec 2008: Today is a new day...

Yes it is. Everyday
and we are here...

Camps Bay right now is 28 degrees, sunny, calm and just fine. Blue skyes, families echoing gentle laughter of playing children, and a sense that all is right with the world in this moment.

Anyway, thats how we see it...

Katya and Panorea are on this morning and ill be there shortly. All we can say, is come down, sneak away if you can. You'll wonder why dont do it more often.

There will be a moderate South East wind late in the day, but the sunset will be spectacular and by then you will have made your way to Caprice or the Sandbar for a little local schmoozing.

The world needs more moments like that, dont you think?

Ps in the pic, you will see the world famous Molly of Camps Bay, Jack Russel extraordinaire. She is to Camps Bay, what the Statue of Liberty is to New York. Anyone who has met her, knows she is the friendliest mascot of MASSAGE ON THE BEACH. Municipal law means she must stay off the beach, but you will often see her with me in the morning when I take in my morning meditation, a cappucino at vida e caffe...

18 Dec 2008:When life gives us lemons, we make you lemonade...

So MASSAGE ON THE BEACH has gone through some phases and stages this season so far...

The crew all wrote exams, and some of you witnessed my Ernest Hemingway beard developed from many hours completing my UCT research.

Then weather caused us to postpone our amazing, unique party twice. Thank you to the 120 of you that RSVP'd.

We had such fantastic response and such great sponsors and suppliers to the event, we did not want this experience to be compromised by poor weather.
It will now be held in February 2009 when weather conditions are more stable.

Rest assured we will be contacting you in the new year, and all our event suppliers including Shaker SA, Blues Restaurant, Thunda.com and Monin to name but a few, have already agreed to transfer till then.
Thanks you so much for all your support and understanding in this regard.

In the meantime, we have sent each one of you (those who RSVP'd via email or Facebook), a complimentary massage voucher to enjoy the quality experience that is MASSAGE ON THE BEACH.

This weather cancellation bears out the story of MASSAGE ON THE BEACH and the little miracle it produces on Camps Bay beach every day in summer. Over the last 7 years we have personally touched the lives of 5000 people from over 48 countries, and been seen by over 5 million people. Having to postpone our party due to weather twice, really shows how much of an achievement this is.

We look forward to seeing you at our familiar black gazebo.
We love Camps Bay.
We love our business.
We love what we do.
And we love doing it for you.

Our famous season launch is a week away...

Yes, thats right folks, summer is on our doorstep and MASSAGE ON THE BEACH once again hold the most understated surpise of the year, the only beach party of its kind on Camps Bay. In past seasons, we have had Capoeira, fireshows, music, and of course food, drink and massage...and its all on us for our special guests.

Last year we had a full beach club, with umbrellas, deckchairs, whilst sipping gelados from vida, enjoying hand, foot, and back massage, all while the sun set in great style

And this year is no exception.
We have some surpises this year and a new theme. So, friends join us once again, this year the date is 5 Dec, 530pm for 6, at our venue.

Should weather be uncertain please sms beforehand to check (we have a weather day booked just in case) please RSVP by email to freesoul@xsinet.co.za or by sms to 0829407465. We can't place attachments in here, but will send invite if you havent got one already, by email.

Hello everyone, re developments for this season...

Hi Stef, Mariska, Katya, and Tarah

Please note I have set the following dates aside for a massage camp weekend: Fri 12 - Sun 14 Sep. Details will be forthcoming, once I have finalised a venue.
We will cover a range of massage and bussiness principles, there will also be some interesting and fun challenges but I dont want to let the cat out of the bag.
We will also take it easy and have a good time.

I would love you all to be there. Please confirm by email or by posting on the blog.

Stef and Mariska, I will have your apprentice certificates by that time too.

Kind thanks

Mark
0829407465

Apprenticiship Opportunities Open for 2008-9 Season

Every year Massage on the Beach, hosts the Hands-Up, Hands-On massage apprenticiship opportunity. The program runs from roughly from October 2008 to April 2009, with an orientation program in September. The opportunity offers a real-world opportunity to elevate your massage, service and bussiness skills and experience and is headed and overseen by Mark Vella, owner and director of Massage on the Beach. The program includes in-service training, reading lists and assignments, bussiness projects. It is a unique, rare, sometimes crazy and beautiful opportunity that will change your life.
There are 3-4 positions open for this year.


Requirements for eligible candidates are:

• Current qualification or completion of studies in massage (Please note)
• Qualities of stability, goodwill, the ability to cope with a dynamic enviroment and a sound work ethic
• Clean and neat presentation
• Non smoker and a healthy disposition

This program runs on the lines of stewardship and the desire to foster a combination of quality service, bussiness and massage skills in up and coming massage therapists. It is a private initiative of goodwill that aims to create value, and leave the world a better place.

To arrange an interview, please contact Mark on freesoul@xsinet.co.za, or on 0829407465

Kind thanks,

Mark