Friday Film Location: Flashbacks of a Fool - Cape Town, South Africa

Takes me right back when you were young....

Flashbacks of a Fool
Stars: Daniel Craig, Emile Robert, Olivia Williams, Mark Strong, Claire Forlani





















Daniel Craig stars as Joe, a hedonistic British actor whose Hollywood career is starting to nosedive. The death of his best friend from his English childhood causes him to journey back home for the funeral, and prompts flashbacks to his teenage experiences - including the tragedy that forced him to flee to the United States and a new life.

As well as playing the lead role, Daniel Craig is the executive producer of this film. It has been a pet project for a while. With the success of his new Bond fame the money came into place.

The part of the bitter and twisted film star was written with Craig in mind by his friend, Baillie Walsh, before the Bond star got famous.

"When he wrote the part for me about five or six years ago, I certainly didn't have the success I did now," says Craig, keen to stress that the tale of a successful but arrogant film star is not about him.

The film was mainly shot in Cape Town, South Africa and Malibu, California.

For the scene where Joe meets his agent and director of his potential next role. He meets the two at an upmarket restaurant overlooking the sea. Both the interior and exterior scenes were filmed at Salt Restaurant at The Ambassador Hotel in Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa.

Where:
34 Victoria Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, 8005

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Cool by the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort

Cool by the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort is a brand new hotel opening in May 07, with some great facilities, the Palms Resort looks set to compete with some of Sharm El Sheikh's best quality hotels. You'll find stunning pools and sparkling white architecture, well designed and spacious rooms, and great food and drink A comfortable 5 Star Resort.

Located on " Hadabet Om El Sied ", 2 Km from Sharm Old Market and 14 Km from Sharm International Airport.

Sharm el-Sheikh has also become a favourite spot for scuba divers from around the world. Being situated near to the Red Sea, it provides some of the most stunning underwater scenery and warm water making this an ideal place to dive. Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh can experience a variety of water and activities. Beach seekers find many activities such as diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, para-sailing, boating, and canoeing.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Sharm el Sheikh (Arabic: شرم الشيخ‎, Sharm al-Shaykh), often known simply as "Sharm", is a city situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in Janub Sina', Egypt, on the coastal strip between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai.

Sharm el-Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt's Southern Sinai province which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai. Sharm el-Sheikh is known as The City of Peace referring to the large number of international peace conferences that have been held there.

In the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort

In the pool at the Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort is a brand new hotel opening in May 07, with some great facilities, the Palms Resort looks set to compete with some of Sharm El Sheikh's best quality hotels. You'll find stunning pools and sparkling white architecture, well designed and spacious rooms, and great food and drink A comfortable 5 Star Resort.

Located on " Hadabet Om El Sied ", 2 Km from Sharm Old Market and 14 Km from Sharm International Airport.

Sharm el-Sheikh has also become a favourite spot for scuba divers from around the world. Being situated near to the Red Sea, it provides some of the most stunning underwater scenery and warm water making this an ideal place to dive. Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh can experience a variety of water and activities. Beach seekers find many activities such as diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, para-sailing, boating, and canoeing.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Sharm el Sheikh (Arabic: شرم الشيخ‎, Sharm al-Shaykh), often known simply as "Sharm", is a city situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in Janub Sina', Egypt, on the coastal strip between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai.

Sharm el-Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt's Southern Sinai province which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai. Sharm el-Sheikh is known as The City of Peace referring to the large number of international peace conferences that have been held there.

Camel at The Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

Camel, Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort opened in May 07, with some great facilities, the Palms Resort looks set to compete with some of Sharm El Sheikh's best quality hotels. You'll find stunning pools and sparkling white architecture, well designed and spacious rooms, and great food and drink A comfortable 5 Star Resort.

Located on " Hadabet Om El Sied ", 2 Km from Sharm Old Market and 14 Km from Sharm International Airport.

Sharm el-Sheikh has also become a favourite spot for scuba divers from around the world. Being situated near to the Red Sea, it provides some of the most stunning underwater scenery and warm water making this an ideal place to dive. Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh can experience a variety of water and activities. Beach seekers find many activities such as diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, para-sailing, boating, and canoeing.

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort, Sharm El Sheik, Egypt

Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort is a brand new hotel opening in May 07, with some great facilities, the Palms Resort looks set to compete with some of Sharm El Sheikh's best quality hotels. You'll find stunning pools and sparkling white architecture, well designed and spacious rooms, and great food and drink A comfortable 5 Star Resort.

Located on " Hadabet Om El Sied ", 2 Km from Sharm Old Market and 14 Km from Sharm International Airport.

Sharm el Sheikh (Arabic: شرم الشيخ‎, Sharm al-Shaykh), often known simply as "Sharm", is a city situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in Janub Sina', Egypt, on the coastal strip between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai.

Sharm el-Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt's Southern Sinai province which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai. Sharm el-Sheikh is known as The City of Peace referring to the large number of international peace conferences that have been held there.

View from The Reef Oasis Palms Resort , Sharm El Sheik, Egypt

Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Reef Oasis Palms Resort is a brand new hotel opening in May 07, with some great facilities, the Palms Resort looks set to compete with some of Sharm El Sheikh's best quality hotels. You'll find stunning pools and sparkling white architecture, well designed and spacious rooms, and great food and drink A comfortable 5 Star Resort.

Located on " Hadabet Om El Sied ", 2 Km from Sharm Old Market and 14 Km from Sharm International Airport.

The simplicity of sun, sea and sand. The luxury of five-star hotels, water sports, shopping and entertainment. This is Sharm el-Sheikh, one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula. All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. There are small, intimate hotels with modern designs, as well as larger hotel complexes belonging to International chains, plus about all the amenities one could expect of a tourist center, including casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses and health facilities. In fact, with diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horses and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions, it is almost impossible for a visitor to ever suffer from boredom.

Sinai Peninsula from the air, Egypt

Sinai Peninsula from the air, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Sinai Peninsula or Sinai (Coptic: sina; Egyptian Arabic: sina سينا; Arabic, sina'a سيناء; Sinin in most Semitic languages, Hebrew: סיני‎ Sinai) is a triangular peninsula in Egypt. It lies between the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the south, forming a land bridge from Africa to Southwest Asia. Its area is about 60,000 km². The Egyptians call it the Land of Fayrouz.

The Hilton Trafalgar, London.

The Trafalgar by definition the most central hotel in London. a unique, contemporary concept. eliminating barriers and boundaries, adding depth to design and experience. a space vibrating with diversity and culture. minimalistic with a soothing perk."

This little spot was discovered completely by surprise. Just off Trafalgar Square and part of the Trafalgar Hilton. It was recommended to me by a friend after we missed our dinner sitting, at a restaurant nearby. It may have made the list as I had not heard of it, had no expectations and was taken by surprise when I stepped out of the lift into the "roof garden". More like a penthouse bar it has 180° views over Trafalgar Square - Millennium Eye - further South East.

Hip & happening restaurant downstairs called "
Rockwell". The "roof garden" Has its bar, menu & waiting staff. On chilly nights its heated.

"Discreet and unique, the Trafalgar is London's first unbranded Hilton property. located on the south side of Trafalgar square, the hotel is situated to the left of Canada house. as an unbranded Hilton you will not find the blue Hilton sign; instead look for the striking building with black flags and a clock."

Absolut Ice Bar (Below Zero), London a cool place to hang out

For my 111Th birthday I decided to paint the town red, pink & blue. 2 Of my closest friends from The City are off on an around the world trip soon and I thought it fitting that a night out was called for.

I made tentative reservations at Vertigo 42, (not open on the weekends so Friday night is their busiest night) and I was put on the standby list (yes, standby list) in position No. 23. I called a guy a know, and got swooshed up the list to lucky No. 7. And immediately made a booking at the National Portrait Gallery (a word of advice if you intent to make a phone call to the restaurant, it may be worth while to learn some French). I also made a reservation at Below Zero (just in case).

As the night drew closer it became apparent that Vertigo 42 was a non happener , although they did offer an alternative to my original request. We were all running a bit late so the abrupt inflexible call I got from the NPG to tell me that the kitchen was closing very soon,. They had warned me about this when I made the booking so it was no surprise and I'm guessing the abruptness of the French ladies manner had more to do with her inability to deal with my reaction to possibly losing my table than her general demeanour. Thinking about it I may pop down there this evening. Last drinks order at 10pm.

So after a quick chat we made our way to The Trafalgar roof garden for Aperitifs (and contributed to Paris's next allowance. Then into the heart of Mayfair for dinner at Zinc. I should mention that it was all good but don't order the seafood, Paul's Mussels and my Crab tasted if they had been frozen for about 3 weeks prior to our arrival at Heddon Street.

Afterwards I surprised everyone by ushering them into the Absolut Ice Bar. It's not quite the Ice Hotel, but it is owned by the same people and was an enjoyable experience for all. The Absolute team were really cool and really contributed to the fun of the evening. Just look at the pic of the guy behind the bar How friendly? We were enjoying it so much we stayed for 2 sessions and made good use of the Absolut cocktail menu.

Next to Below Zero in the heart of the West End you will find the UK's first permanent ice bar About Absolut Icebar London. The interior is kept at below zero temperature –5°C all year round. Step into an environment where all of the interior fittings, including the walls, bar, tables, and even your own personal glass holding the vodka drinks is made out of pure, clear ice from the Torne River in northern Sweden. The Icebar is run in partnership with Below Zero London, Absolut, and Icehotel. On entry you will be provided with a personal ice glass & thermal cape to keep you warm during your stay (40 minute time limit) Source - http://www.fluidstyle.co.uk

Afterwards we made our way to 2 floors in London and then back to MI9. For a night cap but mostly a nap.

Burgernomics

Whilst going through my image archive. I found an old image of the Burger Index. I'ts a man on the steet global currency indicator. An easy way to understand how much your money should be worth in another coutry.

"Burgernomics is based on the theory of purchasing-power parity, the notion that a dollar should buy the same amount in all countries. Thus in the long run, the exchange rate between two countries should move towards the rate that equalises the prices of an identical basket of goods and services in each country. Our "basket" is a McDonald's Big Mac, which is produced in about 120 countries. The Big Mac PPP is the exchange rate that would mean hamburgers cost the same in America as abroad. Comparing actual exchange rates with PPPs indicates whether a currency is under- or overvalued."

Cranes, West India Docks, London

Cranes, West India Docks, London, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The West India Docks are a series of three docks on the Isle of Dogs in London. Part of the original dock buildings now houses entertainment and leisure facilities such as the Museum in Docklands, 1802, The Ledger Building, Beluga Cafe, La Tasca, Leven Is Strijd, Bar 38, Dion and Scuzi.

I popped in for lunch at Scuzi and felt strangely at home while at the West India Docks. It became apparent that the architecture had it's roots in Dutch heritage which a lot of South Africa does as well. I'm not talking about old school Cape Dutch architecture but rather contemporary architecture as seen in the Cape waterfront and surrounding areas.

The docks remain open to ships and are now effectively protected from future major change by national and London Government policy. South Dock regularly plays host to medium-sized military vessels visiting London as it is the furthest point upstream that they can be turned around.

In 2005 planning permission was granted for a floating hotel in the shape of a modern yacht to be berthed in the South Dock, it seems that this will be a reality in the next 5 years.

The Best Place To Live In The World Is...

From the BBC.

Ireland is named 'best country'

Dubliners have reason to be cheerful, the survey finds Ireland is the best place to live in the world, according to a "quality of life" assessment by Economist magazine.

The country's combination of increasing wealth and traditional values gives it the conditions most likely to make its people happy, the survey found.

Ireland was followed by Switzerland, Norway and Luxembourg. All but one of the top 10 were European countries.

The USA languished in 13th, while Britain was 29th - the lowest of the pre-expansion EU nations.

'TOP TEN COUNTRIES'
1 Ireland
2 Switzerland
3 Norway
4 Luxembourg
5 Sweden
6 Australia
7 Iceland
8 Italy
9 Denmark
10 Spain

The survey was prepared for the Economist's World in 2005 publication, with the remit: "Where will be the best place to live in 2005?"

Researchers took into account not just income, but other factors considered important to people's satisfaction and well-being.

They included health, freedom, unemployment, family life, climate, political stability and security, gender equality and family and community life.

The Economist said: "Ireland wins because it successfully combines the most desirable elements of the new, such as low unemployment and political liberties, with the preservation of certain cosy elements of the old, such as stable family and community life."

The magazine admits that measuring quality of life is not a straightforward thing to do, and that its findings will have their critics - "except, of course, in Ireland".

Breakdown in Britain

The Republic has made significant gains from its membership of the EU, earning the soubriquet Celtic Tiger for its economic progress.

Commentators say it is widely admired by the EU's newest members, and has become a model for what they hope to achieve.

Although European nations generally do well in the survey, the continent's major industrial powers of France, Germany and Britain finish 25th, 26th and 29th respectively.

The researchers said although the UK achieved high income per head, it had high levels of social and family breakdown.

The worst of the 111 countries to live in was considered to be Zimbabwe, "where things have gone from bad to worse under Robert Mugabe".

Rovos Rail, Dining car

Rovos Rail, Dining car, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and newly rebuilt Capital Park Station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and new headquarters of this private railway company. .

The coaches have been painstakingly rebuilt and the use fine wood panelling, traditional furnishings and period décor has ensured an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur. Exquisite pillared dining cars are a signature of the Rovos Rail trains. Each one has a proud history and has been meticulously restored from a derelict state. For example Dining Car No 195 ‘ Shangani ‘, which was built in 1924, was found parked in a siding in Alberton near Johannesburg before its acquisition by Rohan Vos in 1986. Three of the magnificent teak pillars had been removed and these were faithfully crafted, restoring the Victorian atmosphere. Each of the trains has two 42-seater dining cars to accommodate the maximum complement of 72 passengers in total comfort at one sitting.

There's an accent on fresh local ingredients, and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty. Every morning there's a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order. A selection of cold meats, croissants, pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurts, cereals and preserves make up a tempting breakfast buffet.

For lunch and dinner there is a starter and a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian dishes, followed by a tempting dessert and are complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines. All meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the Dining Cars. Many of the passengers aboard the Pride of Africa enjoy the formality of fine china, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly.During the day dress is more casual, with cool, comfortable clothes and hats recommended for the excursions, especially in the game reserves where it can be very hot.

Rovos Rail, interior of the Nyanza suite

Rovos Rail, interior of the Nyanza suite, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and newly rebuilt Capital Park Station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and new headquarters of this private railway company.

Rovos Rail, Observation car

Rovos Rail, Observation car, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows.

On the Rovos Rail each train has a non-smoking Observation Car at the rear of the train, while the coach next to it contains a small smoking lounge. A unique feature of the Observation Cars is the enlarged windows and open-air balconies.

Suite, Lichtenstein Castle , Hout Bay

Suite, Lichtenstein Castle , Hout Bay, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Interior of the The Lichtenstein suite. Staying in the Lichtenstein Castle is an authentic castle experience with sweeping views across Hout Bay harbour.

Interior of Lichtenstein Castle

Interior of Lichtenstein Castle, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Interior of the The Lichtenstein suite. Staying in the Lichtenstein Castle is an authentic castle experience with sweeping views across Hout Bay harbour.

Lichtenstein Castle , Hout Bay

Lichtenstein Castle , Hout Bay, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Nestled in the hills of Hout Bay, Cape Town is an architectural gem. A modern replica of a 900 year old castle called Lichtenstein Castle. It has been constructed in Hout Bay in South Africa and run as a guest house. The original Lichtenstein Castle is a fairy-tale castle located, despite its name, near Honau in the Swabian Alb, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Panoramic view of Hout Bay from Lichtenstein Castle

Panoramic view of Hout Bay from Lichtenstein Castle, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

There is an architectural gem hidden in Hout Bay. A modern replica of a 900 year old castle called Lichtenstein Castle. It has been constructed in Hout Bay in South Africa and run as a guest house. The original Lichtenstein Castle is a fairy-tale castle located, despite its name, near Honau in the Swabian Alb, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Historically there has been a castle on the site since around 1200. It was twice destroyed, once in the Reichskriegs war of 1311 and again by the city state of Reutlingen in 1381. The castle was not reconstructed and subsequently fell to ruin.