Every trip must start by way of transportation, mine was Air Canada ( sucked balls ) from Toronto to Frankfurt to JHB to Port Elizabeth. The worst was waiting 10 hours for next flight to JHB and finding place to sleep.
But after walking round Frankfurt airport and finding a few good spots to sleep I would make my way to the bar for a couple beers ( sleeping aid ).
Got back to the spot plugged my iPhone in and closed my eyes to wake 3 hours later with the whole of China round me waiting for there flight, well back to looking round and more beer makes the time fly! As for the flight to JHB, I must say it’s always good to fly SAA with there good service.
From there it was 2more hours of waiting then off to PE with 1Time airline ( and that was the last time )
All in all the flights were over 24 hours, but it was worth it to see my family again…
So this is my first blog that I hope to keep this time! So many times I have not found the time to this, but after thinking about thinking I decided to make my bucket list and blog about them and other day to day things I do or don’t do. I find that I have allot of time for beer but never the fun things that matter, life. Before I know it, it’s going to be over and all I will have is a beer belly and a empty six pack or I can start my journey that I hope one day my son will read and maybe follow and continue for his kids. ( I Love U Son )
Bucket List of Kevin Kolesky
There is no order to how or when they will be done but hopefully I will get them all done.
Hello seafood lovers! Lick your lips and tie your bibs because this restaurant deserves more than written praise. You must try this delicious food for yourself. The Ocean Basket Restaurant in Port Elizabeth is not only a well priced establishment but it’s laid back atmosphere suits it’s menu. And “How much you gotta shell out for da feesh” they ask, not very much as it were. Don’t misunderstand, the Ocean Basket Restaurant is not a take out fast food junction but the prices are suitable and the food is mouth watering. Seafood, Sushi, salads, platters, deserts and of course a wine menu leaves no one wanting and this elegant food sidekicks a fabulous side of casual by serving the meals in the very pans that they were cooked in.
What we recommend: We started with a sushi combo of salmon tuna and California rolls (fantastic) and moved onto the platter for two comprised of mussels, prawns, calamari, calamari heads, perch and drool-worthy cod. As incredible as this meal was, I would have to say I will try something different next time because there were so many options on the menu it could only warrant a return to the Ocean Basket to try something else.
Total cost: There was 7 at our table and the total bill came to R700 converting of course in CDN dollars to $100 for the table. INCREDIBLE! Kevin and myself ate for a total of R240 which translates to $36 CDN including our drinks. For the food provided this price cannot be beat.
Final tip: If you love seafood, and fellow veggies I’m talking to you here also, the atmosphere, price and most certainly food cannot be beat. If you have already been here, go back, try something new. I will not stop attending until I’ve tried at least 5 new things off the menu.
To find a Ocean Basket Restaurant close to you visit : http://www.oceanbasket.com/pages/locator.htm
Don’t let the name of this restaurant fool you because there’s nothing Swiss about this African paradise. The Swiss Bistro in Oudtshoorn is just that, a dining paradise. Let me start with the restaurant itself and its sandy peach concrete as you enter the lovely outdoor patio introducing you to picnic bench styled tables each displaying their own thatch roof canopies. From here you go into the main doors of the Swiss Bistro showcasing a glowing dining area with beautifully decorated tables all dimly lit by candle light.
Saving the best for last is the backyard patio with its tables and chairs crafted of wood, nicely padded, comfortable dim light of candles providing a slightly romantic and welcoming atmosphere. Our waitress was friendly and service was quick. We made it clear from the beginning that we were in no hurry and to our surprise the waitress and manager were both all to happy to supply us with drinks until we were ready to place our orders.
For starters I ordered the Escargot in garlic butter, which by the way is exactly how it should come, no “creamy garlic sauce” for me. That being said they do offer both for those who may prefer the creamy sauce. Kevin ordered a crocodile skewer that came perfectly cooked, wonderfully seasoned and accompanied by a delicious dipping sauce. Kevin added a compliment to the chef by mentioning it was the best meat he’s eaten in a long while.
Our Aussie companion Tony ordered a calamari starter that was also deliciously prepared. Our main dishes were the French onion soup for me not being overly hungry, the 4X4 was Tonys choice and it consisted of a gigantic skewer containing Kudu, Ostrich, Springbok and Crocodile meat with a baked potato side and Kevin ordered a sirloin steak stuffed with mushrooms, onions, green peppers and garlic, flambéed at the table and the baked potato side as well.
This might be a good time to mention that both Kevin and Tonys meal came with half a baked squash filled with steamed carrots , peas and corn then covered in a delectable cheese sauce. I immediately added one to my meal after one bite so if your meal doesn’t come with one, add it!
What we recommend: The food was unforgettable and the atmosphere relaxing. I wouldn’t say that it was inexpensive but simple budgeting is worth it if you’re traveling on a dime. We will have to conclude with if you’re in Oudtshoorn and you don’t go to the Swiss Bistro Restaurant you will be missing out on a truly memorable dining experience.
Corkage: Expect to pay round R15 / $2
Invitations to go deep sea fishing should never be passed by to quick, and when I got one from my brother I jumped on the opportunity. It was overcast with no wind, perfect ocean conditions to launch the boat. a small 24 foot single hull, bit small for three people, but we managed to squeeze me onboard none the less. After a boat check we hooked the boat onto the car and made our way to the Port Elizabeth harbour to launch the boat. A few last inspections and a call to harbour control we were on our way. Twelve mile’’s till we drop lines but until then the glossy water and warm wind in our faces as we look back at Port Elizabeth to see the buildings in the distant, now we are on our way I think to myself. Along the way we spotted a whale and her calf moving ever so slowly down the coast, unfortunately we could not stop to see more but it was not to long till we were fishing.
We finally got to the first drop at birds island, a dry rock island with no sign of life except for the birds. Sardines were the choice of bait for today and you could expect to pay R15.00 / $2 a box. We dropped anchor, set our lines and started fishing. I was in the front with my brother and had the right side while they were dropping off the left side, Dave was the first to catch a baby shark that we let go. We pulled up anchor and moved 20 meters and dropped lines to find a few more bites and decided to drop anchor again. I got a few bites then my line took a hard pull and I was IN (Onboard we shout I”m IN when we have a fish on the line.) It was a bit of a hard pull but I eventually got it out, a 30 cm red Santa. Not the biggest fish but a good plate size, I dropped line after line pulling out red Santa bigger with every drop.
They decided to move because the fish were not biting for them, I could have stayed there all day. The next few spots were no good, lost bait and wasted time. We decided to move to the other side of bird island and with the first drop I pulled a red roman, not even 20 seconds. But we did not drop anchor and drifted far from the first spot I dropped my line. we made a few more bad moves for the rest of the day and decided to head back. I would recommend this to any one coming to Port Elizabeth, go deep sea fishing to catch the big one!
Here are some fishing charters I found:
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What I recommend you take:
Sunblock – Even on overcast day we got burnt with factor 30. So wear cool long sleeve top pants and a hat! If you wear short top and pants, I would recommend you use 30+ sunblock and apply it every 1 – 2 hours! My knees, arms and ears were burnt bad.
What I used my Leather-man for:
I got to use it today, quite a bit. Cutting lines and pulling hooks out. I give this a 7/10 to take with. Even had a few of the crew using it!
Total cost:
We paid R300 / $45 for a day trip with a friend, so you can expect to pay up to R1500 / $200 depending on the size of the boat and where you go.
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