Camping at San Cha Len

Back in June, my friends and I took a little break from the city and went camping, which is a bit of a crazy feat, if you consider that June is one of the coldest months of the year and camping in tents provides very little protection against the elements.

However, despite not knowing what to expect from this place -  a recommendation from someone at the office - we were warmed by the lovely camping spot we got, along with the amazing firepit and the beautiful bathrooms - with warm showers - something we really did not expect.

pics above via

The best thing about San Cha Len, is that it only hosts about ten camping spots, with space for two tents each. This means that it isn't overcrowded, with very little people to bother. I could be a hooligan all I want, until the hours I wanted to be.

No manners me.

There was also a great little underroof heated swimming pool that we commandeered for an afternoon. We apparently made a lot of noise playing pool tennis. Oh well.

In all, one couple enjoyed it so much that they booked a chalet - to avoid the pains of camping - the very next weekend. And took some family members along. It is definitely a place I would visit again, despite the fact that there isn't a lot of amenities. It's definitely a place you have to go to with people you have loads of fun with, or at least have ways to keep yourself busy. Ahem, I did mention in a previous post that I burnt myself after playing Never, Have I ever  - so there's one activity you could try. The game, not the burning.

Things I wish I could eat right now {but shouldn't}

So, my wedding day countdown has officially gone into the 70s, a few odd months left. And by few, I mean few. I am starting to get a little panicky about the amount of stuff I still have to pay off, and inadvertently, this is causing my body to go on a little stress freakout. Right now, while eating my cous-cous and butternut salad - with bits of melted plastic in it for nuking it too long, I am sitting with a little back ache. It feels like the body aches you get when you have flu, but I have no other flu symptoms. I have come to the conclusion that it is either heat stroke or an abnormally enlarged heart, or stress. I'm thinking it is the prior or the latter. Any web-MD's out there that want to shut this hypochondriac up?

Anyway, to think of something else that makes me ache at the moment, I looked at a few recipes of stuff I cannot eat at the moment. If you're asking yourself why the hell would I do that, the simple answer would be: because I'm Megan, that's why. Enjoy the deliciousness that is about to ensue. And if you try any of them, you must let me know.

In the mood for some chocolate espresso cake? Recipe here

How about some magic microwave meringues? Find out here how to bake them

If that didn't make your mouth water, how about you try some tequila fondue on for size?

I'm an ice cream-o-maniac, so I would really, eally love some of this 

And just to top it all off, some choc-chip cookies.

Okay, I'm done torturing myself now. It's not like I'm ever going to make any of these. 

I'm just not domestic like that.

Park Acoustics {my second, but not last, time}

Whoa! This Monday was off to a rough start. This morning, as we left home, Flip told me that it was 2 degrees! All I can think of is my poor dogs, who are so pampered and spoilt - I am big enough to admit that - and now sitting outside in the cold. I didn't even have time this morning to put on their jackets. I just hope that they are smart enough to find a nice sunny spot and move along with it as the day goes on.

And to think, only yesterday we were sitting in a warm winter sun, and it really felt like a summer's day - I have the sunburn to prove it.  Now, I'm sitting in a thick jacket and typing with half frozen stiff fingers. I am seriously longing for summer and its thunder showers today. And missing the wonderful heat from yesterday, when we attended Park Acoustics.

 I have no relation to this man, I just took a pic of him for his likeliness to Koos Kombuis. 

I told him I'm taking it because of his hair. He roared with laughter

my take on those 'from where I stand' pics

For those who aren't in the know, Park Acoustics is "a monthly outdoor live music concert that takes place in the unique venue that is Fort Schanskop, Pretoria," the website states. Fort Schanskop also forms part of the Voortrekker Monument.

The event, which takes place on the last Sunday of each month, "sees hundreds of people gather at the foot of Schanskop hill, ready to embark on the 5 minute bus trip to the top. Once inside the fort the atmosphere changes from inviting to intimate as great acoustics and friendly people greet you on your descent." Flip also met some friendly, ahem, people.

"If you arrive early, grab the best picnic spot which is under a large Umbrella Acacia tree up at the front of the stage." we didn't arrive early enough, so sat on the pavilion under the blue and red squares. It was hot!

"Park Acoustics concerts are cozy and relaxed, allowing the crowd to develop a personal connection with the talented musicians on stage. What makes Park Acoustics unique is the fact that you have a 360 degree view of Pretoria, Centurion and Johannesburg in the distance!

That's Pretoria aka my hometown

"We also boast the best sunsets in Pretoria, so do stay for that magical time of day when we all have sundowners on the hill. Park Acoustics is open for all ages and we encourage you to bring a group of friends and family and spend a day with us.  You are welcome to pack a picnic basket with delightful treats."


I couldn't have described it better myself. It really is such a treat to just chill with your friends, bottles of wine, the sun, good music and a crapload of weird hipsters. The occasional dancing, passing out, falling down stairs and general tipsiness cannot be excluded. 

Professional pics from Park Acoustics website

When my fiancé gets hold of a camera {an exposé}

He likes to shoot from the hip it seems. Expect lots of unflattering angles of me.

{I'm surprised that it isn't all focused on just one area of my body}