Sunday, 11 January 2009

Africa - the NY Times hot destination for 2009

The New York Times announced the "44 Places to Go in 2009", and of the 44 a full 7 were in Africa. The Hot List for Africa is (in the order listed by the NYT) the following:
  • Dakar, Senegal
  • Marrakesh, Morocco
  • Seychelles
  • Red Sea, Egypt
  • South Africa
  • Madagascar
  • Zambia
The USA had 10 of the 44 (obvious for the NYT's domestic US audience), 13 in Europe, 5 in Central/South America, 2 in the Middle East, and the balance of 7 in Australasia (from Khazakstan to Tasmania).

The worst read of this is that Africa is on par with the rest of the world in terms of perceived attractiveness and value as a leisure destination. The best read is that Africa comes after Europe and the USA as the most attractive destination in the world.

I particularly like the fact that Senegal is getting more attention. Dakar is safe, affordable, readily reachable from the US and Europe by air and takes its culture (music, cuisine, fashion) seriously. About time some of sub-Saharan Africa's culture got attention and not just the natural beauty and animals.

You can vote on and recommend your favourites on the NYT site. Vote early and often!

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Afrika T
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Saturday, 10 January 2009

Funky penthouse trailer park in Cape Town

Combining down-to-earth trailer park basics with chic urban style and all the creature comforts, the new penthouse trailer park in Cape Town is one of a kind. On the roof of the Grand Daddy Hotel at Long Street and Castle, smack in the heart of things (the hotel formerly known as the Metropole).

I've been watching from a nearby flat as it's been assembled, and it opened at last in December 2008.

What is it? Airstream trailers done up by designers and configured with private bar area, braai and lounge. Very cool. Great venue for a group, especially a wedding party.

Pics and comments can be found at Inspiring Spaces and Rogers Roamings.

Doesn't have much to do with Responsible Travel, but it is very cool...and very Cape Town.




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Afrika T
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Blogging Hiatus

Gentle Reader,

Some five years into the life of Afrika T, I now find myself unable to keep up with contributions at a level that I and you have come to expect from this blog. Partly this is because of other activities in responsible tourism (see example here, and another here), partly from other projects in sustainability (see examples here and here), and partly for reasons that are more personal.

I am certainly still active online and in responsible travel, so feel free to comment on existing posts here, to follow me on Twitter, and to note what I've been reading online via Delicious. I also hope to return to Afrika T, so am not bringing the blog to a halt, just declaring a hiatus of indefinite duration...

Thank you for your support over the years, and, if you're a newcomer to the site, may it still prove valuable.

Kind regards

Kurt

5 December 2011