30 Jan 2009: Parking, Camps Bay-style

It's a phenonemon that irritates locals no end - people parking without consideration to others. Espcially lost on some people is the fact that although when you arrive Camps Bay it may be quiet, but at 3pm, its packed and your parking bay excesses mean that space is wasted and cars cannot find parking.


Examples include large cars parking across two bays, people parking in private driveways, people parking on pavements, and parking with the butt- or front end of the car sticking out so someone can't get into a parking bay. Larger, more luxurious cars seem to be more likely to offend.

Camps Bay also has many 1-way roads and several zebra crossing on Beach road, developed after several people were killed-in drive by accidents. Time has passed and memories of these tragedies seems to have faded. So people are speeding and driving/parking as they wish again.

So know this:
Local residents will call law enforcement and have you car towed within 15 mins. It will cost you over R100 in some instance sto get it back. There is a new initiative that will see more traffic enforcement in Camps Bay and they will fine. You have bee cautioned.
Enjoy Camps Bay, but please remember, this was a residential area, long before it became a tourist area.

30 Jan 2009: Thank God its Friday

It blew this morning, but we knew it would clear up. At this time of the year, the wind starts to weaken and holes open up a bit like Swizz cheese!

So the staff watched training videos on time management as part of their Hands-up Hands-on apprenticeship program, whilst it calmed.

The crew are setup now, and the beach is pristine. Yes some wind may come up, but like we always say when it does, no worries, just go across the road for a fantastic 'frio' or 'gelado' from vida e caffe, or a Caprice's brilliant Mojito coctail or Sandbar's delicious salads (and no, we are no being paid to say this). Expect the day to remain bright and sunny, hitting 27-8C. The water is very fresh at the moment (code for cold), but the morning has seen some excellent surfing waves, with better boogie board waves in the afternoon.

There was a fire breakout around Hely Hutchinson Avenue as you come over the Kloof Nek just now, so Beach road may be less congested if it turns out to be something big.

29 Jan 2009: Morning Glory

Phew, its terrific this morning.

The wind has died, its hot, even a little humid. The sky's are blue.

The temperature should hit close to 30C, with a little bit of S- SE wind in the evening.

The swell is quite strong and waves can be very hard and 'dumping', so watch yourself, especially on the sides where the sand banks are more uneven.

Stefan is on now, I'll be there at 1pm.

Come see us, it'll be your day's best desicion.

28 Jan 2009: 4 Seasons in one day

So yesterday morning we awoke to rain and coolness, by lunchtime with was overcast but warm and humid, a couple of hours later it was sunny and blowing strong SE winds. This morning it was blowing SE, and now for a while it has dropped. We will try set up, but we expect the winds to come back.

This is why locals say Capetown has '4 season in one day' .

It has to do with the geography, with the peninsula being situtated at the Southern most point of Africa at the midpoint of tow major currents, oceans and weather channels.

Of all people it should freak us the most, and for the first couple of years it did, but then I just got into the flow, the rythym, the understanding of what this is about. MASSAGE ON THE BEACH will redfine your perceptions of how things should be, whether you are a customer or client.

Todays weather also means that tommorow it will be hotter, warmer and better for the beach. We suggest the morning, if you wish to avoid the winds which are more likely to pick up in the afternoon.

27 Jan 2009: Into every summer a little rain must fall

So we awoke this morning to a little unexpected summer rains which will clear by lunch, to be followed by some South winds.
It will go back and forth the next couple of days, but still be pleasant. The winds may head more SE and become stronger in the afternoons.
We often use http://www.weather24.co.za or www.windguru.com apart from our experience and observation. Feel free to use them.

26 Jan 2009: Blue Monday

Colbat, sky, turquoise, aquamarine... you will find all these on the beach today

It should be mid 20's, mild winds (maybe) from South. the rest of the week will be similar, stable, with some winds picking up. But typical of later summer, the cape Town weather is beginning to stabilise and be less erratic

Yayyyyy....

25 Jan 2009: On any given Sunday

There is a silent yoga class on the grass given by Ulrike Avery, owner of Shanti Yoga Centre (http://www.shanticapetown.co.za/) from 7.15 till 830am. Weather permitting they are there every Sunday till Easter.

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 (http://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.

25 Jan 2009: Another blissful day in Africa...

Yes, it will be similar to yesterday, i.e. misty at times, warm and peaceful. A perfect Sunday to end the weekend. Expect temps of 24-5C degrees, with the faintest of breezes.

Yesterday, apologies of no posting, I battled all day to load a video, so today Ive opted for our first stiched photo. it was taken at 9 this morning. the mist comes and goes, but its such a beautiful day

We'll bring you others. ..er stitched photos I mean.

And from now on, the daily update will will be on by 10am. but you'll notice the live weather update widget on the right, is always active. we are always on the search for better, more suitable widgets, so by all means, make any suggestions that will improve this blog.

23 Jan 2009: The Big Blue

Thats what comes to mind when I think of days like this. Every shade of blue, vast and open, looking down on a special beach.

Well expect warmish bright days, admittidley with some clouds. Moderate S winds, but nothing that will end your day on the beach. and the weekend? at this moment, much like today, warming up tommorow.

21 Jan 2009: You can do anything on a beach

Yes, here our colleagues on the site next door take in some early morning comedy via laptop and DVD to brighten their day. So just think what you can do?

Yes, some of the resturants have wireless, including Caprice. Vida, and Sandbar are excellent for lunchtime meetings. There are conference centres and meeting rooms at the hotels across the road. Parking at this time of the year is easier than you think, just go up one of the sideroads.

And its 8 min from the city in quiet traffic (we timed it, without breaking the speed limit)

Makes you think, doesnt it?

21 Jan 2009: New dawn, New day for all of us

Today is just peachy and positive.

The temperature will hit the upper 20's. Camps Bay is unlikley to have the South wind that will blow further towards Cape Point. Their may be light rain showers this evening and tommmorow morning, but this will not limit what will just be a great day for everyone.

The beach is already filling up and we suggest today is the day for that afterwork swim & picnic with friends.

See you there...

20 Jan 2009: Yes, we can too!

So we did...

Up at 6am, checking the beach, then setting up at 8am

It will blow later something spectacular, but for now its blue, still and serene. So we are there and the beach is gently filling.

Katya and Stef are on now, ill be there later. Temperatures will keep climbing and reach 29-30C degrees.

Somehow a little spell of rain is predicted tommorow evening, followed then by a weekend of excellent weather.

We look forward to seeing you there.

18 Jan 2009: Gone with the Wind...but I'll (we'll) be back

Yes, its blown out today, ...and probably tommorow. But we'll be back as soon as it calms.

One of our motto's is that "if the weather is good enough for you to be there, then we'll be there"

Being the SE wind, when it does stop, it will be HOT. We're talking 30+ degrees-type hot. So do your homework, pack your costume in the car, clear your schedule, organise friends and be ready...

18 Jan 2009: Where my heart is free

I love weather like this. Its nature raw, and having sat for the most days of the last 7 summers, I have come to appreciate the this raw beauty of the backdrop we face everyday. Sometimes I want to shake people who cannot see the incredible story of nature playing out in front of their eyes.

There is no quiet place in the white man's cities. No place to hear the
unfurling of leaves in spring, or the rustle of an insect's wings. But
perhaps it is because I am a savage and do not understand. ...

The air is precious to the red man, for all things share the same
breath--the beast, the tree, the man, they all share the same breath.

The white man does not seem to notice the air he breathes.

1854 Speech of Great Chief Seattle, Ted Perry version.

So next time you curse the wind, or 'bad weather', consider that it is these SE winds that bring summer to Cape Town, and it is the NW winds that bring incredible waves and stupendous sunsets to our shores. And its a show that plays out for you every day, every morning, every evening. No days off, No complaints.

Such consistency could anchor a life well lived, don't you think?

16 Jan 2009: The answer my friend is blowing in the wind

Yup...when you see those clouds, you know, its the SE wind. We couldn't setup today, too windy.
For us this is par for the course, and we are used to it.

But the good news is tomorrow will be hot, possibly windy. But each day the wind will get weaker and by Sunday phew. Another big day.
If you want to come to the beach tomorrow, we suggest earlier rather than later. Till then my friends, rest well.

And of course its Friday. Friday. Friday
Can it be so bad?

15 Jan 2009: People who love it in the morning

There is a world of morning people in Camps Bay, up to greet the sun, begin the day with their own form of meditation in the beautiful and quiet sunlight of this sandy beach. We'll be featuring them more often on this blog. Each one has a story, and is a story.
Why do I love them?..because they remind of the common humanity of the world, before it all becomes machines, stress and the pursuit of something we call prosperity.

This gentleman made his space and lay down before 9am to suntan. Yes, the ozone layer is thinning, but he seemed happy. After all, poets, personal trainers and politicians...we all die someday. He seemed happy.

15 Jan 2009: 2 million people heading to Washington for Obama's inauguration?

Well that means more space on Camps Bay beach...
The SE wind of yesterday, has ensured the today will be 29C degree, blue and hot. Yes, the SE wind will come up in the evening, but by then you'll be across the road sipping cocktails, protected form the wind, watching the sunset, and thinking about how lucky you are to experience in this slice of heaven.
Expect the next 4 days like this, so clear the afternoon diary, and stay as Cape Town as you can...

14 Jan 2009: The best present I have given in a long time

The Camps Bay Community has undergone a huge change in just 1 year.
Somehow we are all coming together, getting on the same page...
The formation of the Camps Bay Watch (CBW) initiated by Bernard Schaeffer, the collective citizen policing efforts by over 500 vounteers headed by Ian Merrington, the launch of the CBW new website (www.campsbaywatch.org), as well as positive changes in the South African Police station of Camps Bay, headed by Supt. Rudman, and the development fo the Camps Bay paramedics headed by Shane Fascio, have made Camps Bay once again into one of the safer, more involved communities.

It made such an impression on me, that I got MASSAGE ON THE BEACH involved. We do comunity patrols on the beach and after hours.
But more than this, we have donated 25 vouchers for free massage to the CBW, police, and Paramedic services for their hard work over the season.
Theyve worked hard to keep us safe, we want to reward them with some recovery and relaxation they missed out whilst we were all having holidays

Now thats a present worth giving...

14 Jan 2009: The world in one day

This morning started out 'iffy' - kind of rainy, bleak. So we did cappucino at vida and Panorea and Tarah did what young ladies do - they watched a rerun of America's Next Top Model.

But we knew blue skies will aprear and they have gone to steup already. In fact we expect a SE wind to warm up the day to the mid 20C dgrees and open up the skies.

13 Jan 2009: Soooo mellow, so perfect for massage

It was. Even though the day had morning mist and had cloud cover often, its was still, mild, warm and so relaxing. And later the sky cleared and the sunset was again a photographers dream.

12 Jan 2009: Heir to the Legend

Provided by our fantastic supporter, Cybersmart Internet Service provider (http://www.cybersmart.co.za/), we have received our new Renault Kangoo support vehicle.

Yaaaayyyyy, and we love it!

This is what allows us to build, take down and return to storage our mini 'spa' everyday.

It will be soon branded and become more distinct.

But for till now, the workhorse has been my faithful rusting Opel Corsa Pronto, christened 'Legend', by Panorea. That car has seen me through thick and thin, and has been a reliable as the rising sun.

Long live the Legend

12 Jan 2009: World class massage experience on a world class beach

Thats what we aim for everyday we set up, no matter the weather, or time of year. So even though most local tourists have returned to work, we still open at the same time (9am), train as hard and keep developing our service offering for you.

This morning after 3 hours of massage and bussiness training we commenced operations on a beautiful, sun-bleached beach. The temperature will rise to 28C degrees, and its calm, clean and clear.
Expect tommorow to drizzle a little with a Wednesday SE wind springcleaning. So our advice is, come down after work, it will be a sundown that will make you feel like you are still on holiday.

...and of course we will still be there, should you like a one of the best massage experiences you will find anywhere. Don't just take our word, try us.

11 Jan 2009: Bring it on

Before 9am already the sun was baking warm, the skies clear blue.

And it promises only to get hotter. Dolphins were in the bay, and the sea looked so inviting

Katya and Stef are there now and ill be there by 1pm. Come on down and lets give you a Sunday to remember

10 Jan 2009: A day in the boardroom of life

The SE wind came up yesterday for a spell of mini-vengeance.

Q: What does MASSAGE ON THE BEACH do when the weather is not good for trade?

A: We do staff training and cleaning. This is the 'back end' of our operation, the part you don't see.

All staff partake in an internship program called the Hand-up, Hands-on Apprenticship Opportunity. This is a program of 4 modules which includes weekly training, book list, assignments and projects and eventually a visionwork process in personal strategy.

So yesterday we were off to see a variety of small bussinesses and figure out what works with them and what doesn't. This formed part of their bussiness acumen module.

Fortunately it included sampling the wares of some of these bussinesses. So we had the unique coffee of Origin, in De Waterkant area, and then headed to sample the excellent foods of the Biscuit Mill Market which runs in Woodstock every Saterday.

All that hard work and eating made for a good siesta afterwards.

9 Jan 2008: Warming up already

The weather at the moment is so relaxing...perfect for chilling, relaxing at the beach and of course massage

It was overcast and cool this mornig, but blue skies have already appeared and will warm into the afternoon. Expect temperatures to hit the mid 20's. High tide is at 2pm so watch where you sit. We'll likely be on the grass verge above our normal site and will be setting up by 1 pm today.

Expect a sunset to remember tonight.

Looking ahead to weekend: - expect it to warm up tommorow, with a moderate SE wind in afternoon, and then a near 30C degree day on Sunday. All in all, sounds just right.
See you there

8 Jan 2008: The sunset of a thousand words

Yesterday's change from light to dark was nothing short of the hand of a great Master. We took our time packing up, mesmerised by what we saw. Expect a similar sunset tonight ie Friday 9th

8 Jan 2008: Just like we said...

We know the tides and conditions. We said find us on the last remaining sand patch...

8 Jan 2009: It always gets better

The last two days have started cool, still and overcast with a slight onshore breeze, but the sun eventually burns through and it ends warm, even hot. Today will be similar, and we recommend you take advantage.
Tommorow will rain, probably clearing towards days end with a SE wind to follow. That means that Sunday should be ridiculously good on Camps Bay. The pic of Katya and Tarah just before setting up for work shows grey skies that have already cleared to blue by the time I came home to make this posting.

Take note that tommorow's rain storm will bring a high tide today that will flood much of the beach...except around where we are positioned! You can see in the 2nd pic what I'm speaking about. High tide is at 1pm today

5 Jan 2009: Luckiest man alive

Its a priviliege to work and live in Camps Bay.
Its also a unique experience to see a season, unfold before you eyes, every day from start to finish.

Whenever we work on the beach there is a connection to the environment, a sense of being a small piece of a bigger picture, a microcosm within a macrocosm. It require giving over a false sense of control that we all have in life, and finding a greater flow with our enviroment.

This is a lesson that Camps Bay teaches me every day, and I never tire of it.

I see people drawn to the same sunset. Bankers, waiters and students, families, tourists and singletons, - out of uniform, out labels, just people enjoying life as one collective. Its at these times, when nature is bigger than our indvidual perceptions that I think that mankind has a chance.

People often ask me if the work is tiring? Yes, its hard work. But every day, at the going to down of the sun, we feel peace, warmth and mellowness. I honour another day of learning and growing, and the priviliege I have been given to mentor staff, serve customers, and add value to life.

5 Jan 2009: And you thought the holidays are over...

Are you kidding me?

You can hire a Harley (on the corner near vida) and go for crusie to Houtbay, take a tandem paraglide off Lions head mountian (see http://www.parapax.com/ ) or just chill at any number of eateries on beach road, before of course heading to get golden in the sun.

To keep the kids busy, there's the last day of Vodacom's promotion, a Nando's promotion

If you want any further information about Camps bay, check out our website at http://www.massageonthebeach.co.za/location.html or go to http://www.campsbay.com/ the latter has lots of accomdation information and even small details such as where the churches are (and there srvice times), or what sports clubs are availible!

And you thought the summer was over...its just begun!

5 Jan 2008: What Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Madonna would rather be doing right now...

is to chill on this beach.

...and you can do what they can't...

Today, it just doesn't get better than this on Camps Bay. 28C degrees (and tommorow), a light cooling afternoon SE breeze, calm seas and big blue skies. The sun will only go down at 8pm, so even if you are deskbound now, you can make it later. Certainly, you should.

You may even see dolphins today...

Take advantage not only of our massage services, but a leisurely lunch at Sandbar or Caprice.

By the way, did you know we will even come massage at you home? Just call us on 0829407465 to arrange.

Seriously, it just doesn't get better than this

4 Jan 2009: Glorious, just smiles all the way

Today is brilliant. the sky is blue, blue, blue, the air clear and clean. So inspiring.

You cannot have better weather for massage

But move it, because later this afternoon a mild SE east will arrive. The temperature should reach 27-8C degrees. By time the wind arrives, you can amble over to the Sandbar or Caprice for a cocktail, still feeling the suntan vibe and the flirtatious glow of your skin.

You have one of the worlds best massage experiences and the best value, right here on Camps Bay beach . Take advantage of it

3rd Jan 2008: The sky is blue, the grass has ris, oh what a beautiful day it is

The weather today has avoided the predicted drizzle that was meant to appear this morning. Instead beautiful clouds, reflect an amazing light and still day, that will see virtually no wind, and probably an AMAZING sunset. Temperatures will hover around mid 20's warming tommorow, with a mild SE blowing in the afternoon.

We can tell the SE has started to wane because were noticing more flies around. Yes thats right, when you see more flies start to surface, the SE winds are being to reduce in strength. Amazing what 7 years of observation can show you

Vodacom has a three day promotion running near our site. Fun 'n games for the whole family with some cool tunes and spot prizes. There's even a kiddies play tent and beach soccer for older kids.

2 Jan 2009: The day after...

Day 2 of 2009, was marked with a quiet, light begining. There's an amazing light and air quality at the moment, alnost the universes gift version of a fresh start.
The predicted thunderstorms for later in the day did not materialise. Instead it was a super pleasant day, reaching temperatures in the mid 20's.

The tell tales signs of New years day debauchery were swept away by hoardes of cleaners. Neverthless the glass shards from thousands of illegally drunk alcohol bottles will remain for a long time so wear your flip flops. Those with dogs should know that at the moment the beach and grass verge is strewn with fine chicken and beef bones from from the littering rabble that swamped Camps Bay. As I type this I wish i could say something more marketing-positive, but behaviour on Camps Bay beach by out-of-towners on the 1st Jan, represents the worst of new South African values.

Fortunatley Camps Bay policing and cleanisng was much well organized this year. The beach is also swept by filtering tractor in the early morning, as well as a crew of clearners sponsored by vodacom

1 Jan 2009: New Year, fresh start

This was it. A beautiful day, truely an amazing start to the year.