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Tag Archives: local wines

A Walking Tour of the Victoria and Albert Harbor

4 August 202222 September 2024

Filled with adrenaline from having swam with the Great Whites at Gansbaai, I was excited to explore the scenic coast of Cape Town before hopping a plane for Johannesburg.  With a couple of days ahead of me, I planned to explore the coast, sample the local wines and study the fascinating life of Nelson Mandela.

Grabbing my backpack, I exited the Protea Hotel in Sea Point and began my forty-five minute trek towards the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.  Known as the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, this lively neighborhood is where I will be catching the jetty over to Robben Island in the afternoon.

Navigating through one of the most affluent suburbs of Cape Town, I quickly reached the coast.  I had arrived in August, the start of South Africa’s winter, greeted with mild temperatures and overcast skies.  The colorful high rises were a welcome site against the gray backdrop and foggy start of my day.

Mounds of seaweed covered the manicured beaches as small whitecaps made their way towards the water’s edge.  The sun was rising and casting a glow on the concrete landscape where locals slowly filled the promenade.  The briny smell of the sea continued to grow stronger as warmer temperatures began to rise.  My walk continued northeast away from Sea Point  towards indigenous gardens, passing the Green Point Lighthouse with a glimpse of the Cape Town Stadium.

Gazing toward the barren mountains in the distance, the palm tree-lined avenue brought me closer to the V&A Waterfront.  Posted signs served as a reminder of Cape Town’s water shortage which was at its peak during my visit.

Within minutes, the landscape grew more beautiful with gardens of purple salvia and elegantly laid brick stretching for miles.  Tall, clusters of palm trees rose from the rocky cliffs sloping down towards the bay. The V&A Waterfront, a part of  Cape Town’s Big 6, includes the Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstensbosch Gardens, Robben Island, Cape Point and Constantia Vineyards.

In the midst of the spectacular countryside was built a beautiful tribute to Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, known by locals as the V&A Waterfront. The venue has become one of South Africa’s most visited historical and cultural destinations.

From the second story of the waterfront’s shopping plaza I noticed the boats moored in South Africa’s oldest working harbor, over 450 shops and restaurants lining the streets and a Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of Signal Hill.  I had purchased a ticket to visit Robben Island and would return to the dock after lunch to board the Robben Island jetty.

Too early for lunch, I strolled the harbor where boats were tied up alongside the dock bringing in the catch of the day and taking out passengers for tours of the coast. Many of the stores and restaurants would soon open, so I strolled the quiet site and found The Harbor House where I decided to dine for lunch.

Starting out with a local Chenin Blanc from Beaumont Wines, I scanned over the menu in hopes of finding a local seafood dish or a platter of sushi for lunch.  The wine was crisp with the flavors of tart apples and melon, chilled perfectly.  Sitting on the second level of the restaurant, the sun was struggling to push its way past the cloudy sky, but its warmth was pressing in.

With each sip, I weighed my options and finally  decided on the Tuna Rainbow Roll and Ultimate Rainbow Roll.  Decadent and full of flavor, I slowly enjoyed each bite as I finished my glass of wine. The weight staff were exceptional and the restaurant views, spectacular.

As I strolled the waterfront with its colorful monuments and museums, I heard the bark of a Cape Fur Seal. Following the sound, I came upon this beautiful mammal tucked in a concrete corner finding a place to rest near the first stop on my self-guided tour, Cape Town’s Clock Tower.

Built in 1882, the Victorian-Gothic Clock Tower was once the office of the Port Captain, who managed the schedule of ships coming in and out of the docks.  The clock tower, originally painted yellow, is the oldest building along the waterfront.  One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the red-and-gray tower was refurbished in 1997 and is the home to several Cape Fur Seals.

Located at the base of the Swing Bridge, the African Trading Port is a shop focused on selling local African Art to include sculptures, ceramics, pottery and artifacts.  Drawing works from all over the country, this workshop first opened in Zimbabwe in 1978 with additional shops such as the one in Cape Town, opening in 2001.

Looking out across the port, the location where I am standing is Alfred Basin, where the original docks were built at the port of Cape Town.  In the distance are the picturesque Signal Hill and Table Mountain.

One of my favorite experiences was finding the beautifully painted rhinos placed along the waterfront, part of a program to bring awareness to these endangered species.  Poachers have been hunting the rhinoceros for their tusks, bringing about their near extinction since the 1950s.  TRAC, which stands for “The Rhinos are Coming” is  raising money to stop this practice throughout Africa.  From February 1st to March 31st of 2017, one hundred decorated rhinos were strategically placed throughout Cape Town as an outdoor art exhibit, which remained on display.

The V&A Market is now home to the former Pumphouse.  A vibrant marketplace with over forty vendors offering fresh food and produce as well as gourmet meals and local beer and wine.  I couldn’t resist stopping by The Knysna Oyster Company for a half a dozen oysters on the half shell.

A few steps from the market is Nobel Square, another impressive artistic installation, which opened in December of 2005.   The four statues represent Albert Lutuli, Desmond Tutu, F. W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, four of the country’s Nobel Peace Prize winners.

Checking my watch, I realized the ferry would soon be leaving for Robben Island.  Eager to explore the history of this island prison, I was also curious to learn more about Nelson Mandela’s experience here as a political prisoner.

Have you visited the Victoria and Albert’s Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Cape Town and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Where to Stay;

Where to Eat:

What to Eat:

What to Read:

Photo Guide to Capetown:

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Jungle Jim’s International Market, Fairfield, Ohio

10 November 201616 September 2024

To describe Jungle Jim’s as an “International Food Lovers’ Paradise!” is more than accurate and may quite well be understated.

The parking lot was packed as I arrived at the supermarket’s flagship location in Fairfield, Ohio.  Not quite sure what to expect, I was happy to have picked up a map because this place is ginormous.  With my shopping cart, I began my trek through over 150,000 worldwide product and was happy to try some samples as well.  I could have easily spent hours browsing the aisles, sorting through all of the fabulous merchandise and produce.

Greeted by a talking corn stalk, I would soon learn that the entertaining displays are as much a part of the experience of Jungle Jim’s as exploring the superstore and its endless grocery items.

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Bearing towards the right,  I passed the pharmacy and American grocery aisles.  I soon arrived at the delicatessen where I found several stands displaying a wide variety of snacks.  Attendants were distributing samples of organic crackers topped with brie cheese and fig jam. I found myself adding these items to my cart for my next get-together with friends.

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I selected a few dairy products from Greece and Italy to create a charcuterie board to enjoy later that afternoon.   I also selected a variety of cheeses from England, Ireland and Australia.

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What’s a charcuterie board without wine?  The wine and beer “wing” of the market is stocked with spirits from all over the world that at first glance, I was a bit overwhelmed.  The wine representatives at Jungle Jim’s are more than helpful to help visitors find the best wines in their price range based on the wine that interest them.

Nearby was a liquor store, a humidor and a tasting bar.  There is not much that Jungle Jim’s does not offer and who wouldn’t mind a glass of wine while shopping for groceries?

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This is not just the average grocery store wine selection.  There are aisles and aisles of wines from Argentina to South Africa, clearly marked by country.

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One of my favorite areas of wine to explore is the local vintages where I stocked up on a few bottles from my favorite Ohio wineries.

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The beer selection is just as impressive.  I had a great time shopping for a few international beers to enjoy throughout the week.  Each aisle is clearly marked by country and local beers making it easy for me to find the brands I wanted to sample.

Jungle Jim’s also has a tasting room where visitors can sample a pre-selected list of wines and beers for a minimal charge.  I ordered a couple of samples and then a glass of wine, that I could drink as I continued shopping.

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I passed the beer cave and restrooms heading away from the beer and wine until I arrived at the bakery.  With so many selections, I decided to pick up some cannolis and macaroons.

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The desserts seemed to continue on into eternity.  In addition to Jungle Jim-made sweets, there are local selections from some of the best bakeries in Cincinnati.

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The meat counter offers fresh cuts of meat or packaged items that include some exotic cuts of beef.  One of my favorite areas of the market is the International produce where fruits and vegetables are imported from all over the world.

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Where else can you find Durian fruit in the state of Ohio?

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To the left of the International Produce section which includes such items as bok choy, chili peppers, yucca, etc., there are several rows of freezers and shelving units that display Asian foods and spices.

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From Japanese to Balinese, Chinese to Taiwanese, there is no shortage of cooking items for making some of the best Asian dishes.

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I couldn’t wait to explore the seafood area.  Jungle Jim’s is one of the rare markets that carries sushi-grade tuna.  I was also able to find lobster, oysters as well as a selection of local fish.

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Once I had taken in the smells of the seafood and said goodbye to the lobster, I arrived at a large fire truck  showcasing a never ending supply of hot sauce.

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Germany is to my right and further down the aisle is a great selection of cookware and gadgets.  From here, I could see Sherwood Forest representing the foods of Great Britain.  I picked up some Twinings Tea and proceeded past the Hispanic section towards the aisles of Italy.

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In the market for a couple of great pasta sauces, the Jungle Jim’s representative suggested a local option, so I grabbed one off of the shelf and began making my way towards the check out line.

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Within minutes I was home and ready to open one of my bottles of wine after a long day of shopping.  I had such an amazing experience at Jungle Jim’s and couldn’t wait to make a few new dishes from the ingredients I had just purchased.  Removing a pad and pen from the kitchen drawer, I began a new list of items to purchase for another visit I planned for the next weekend.

Jungle Jim’s International Market first opened its doors as a permanent fruit and vegetable market in 1975.  From its humble beginnings in a 4,200 square foot complex to a 6-acre megastore, Jungle Jim’s also provides a variety of additional services to its customers including banking, pharmacy, post office, jewelers, hair dressers and restaurants to name a few.

Have you visited Jungle Jim’s or experienced an international Superstore?  I would love to hear about your experience so leave your comments below!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Jungle Jim’s International Market
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield OH, 45014
Telephone:  513 674 6000

Jungle Jim’s International Market – Eastgate location
4450 Eastgate South Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45245
Telephone:  513 674 6000

  • Hours:  Daily from 8AM to 8PM;  Holiday Hours – Easter: 8AM to 8PM, Thanksgiving:  8AM to 5PM, Christmas Eve:  8AM to 6PM, Christmas Day:  Closed, New Year’s Eve:  8AM to 8PM,  New Year’s Day:  8AM to 8PM
  • Amenities:  worldwide merchandise, guided tours, cooking classes, events, wine tastings
  • Length of Visit:  Minimum 1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Pick up a map of the venue; plan on at least a couple of hours if you want to explore the whole store. check out the website for upcoming events and cooking classes, arrive on Saturdays and Sundays for samples, and visit Monday through Friday to avoid the large crowds.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Fairfield
6755 Fairfield Business, Joyce Park Drive
Fairfield, OH  45014
Telephone:  513 860 2900

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Eastgate
4521 Eastgate Blvd.,
Cincinnati, OH  45245
Telephone:  513 947 9402

Where to Eat:

Acapulco
5953 Boymel Drive
Fairfield, OH  45015
Telephone:  513 874 5777

I ordered the Hot & Spicy Burrito filled with refried beans, ground beef, shredded chicken and rice, topped with supreme sauce and sour cream.

BanThai

792 Eastgate S Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45245
Telephone:  513 752 3200

The Bento Boxes for lunch are the best deal priced at only $10.95 served with salad, spring roll, crab rangoon, fruit, and lo mein noodles or rice. So far, I have tried Box Number 3 (spicy tuna roll and 3 pieces of a California roll), Box Number 4 (Shrimp Tempura roll and 3 pieces of a California Roll), and Box Number 15 (Grilled 4 chicken satay). They are made fresh and extremely filling.

More of My Favorite Places to Eat: 

  • Skyline Chili:  My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce.  I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out.  Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese.  Additional toppings include onions and beans.
  • LaRosa’s Pizza:  A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce.  My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream:  It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich.  Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
  • Montgomery Inn BBQ:  Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience.  Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals.  Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
  • Glier’s Goetta:  While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy.  Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
  • BonBonerie:  One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Books to Read: 

  • Eligible:  A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • Running, by J.T. Cooper
  • Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
  • Beloved, by Toni Morrison
  • Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
  • Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

  • The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
    • Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline.  Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
    • The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
  • General James Taylor Park
    • Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
  • Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
    • Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
  • The Fountain at Fountain Square
    • For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
  • Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
  • Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
  • Carew Tower Observation Deck
    • Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
  • Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
    • One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
  • Cincinnati Observatory Center
  • Krohn Conservatory
  • Great American Ball Park
    • Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
  • Devou Park
    • The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
  • Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
    • Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
  • Riverfront Park
    • The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
  • American Sign Museum
    • Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

More photos

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The Cigar Room

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International Cheese

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My Favorite  Cheese!  Feta!

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I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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