A very warm welcome to the ExpatCapeTown Newsletter

Dear all, the year nears its end and most of us will relax and cherish these last days with family and friends or enjoy the Cape for their annual holiday. Now is the time for all of us to rejoice, embrace and share the meaningful things in life: friendship, love and tolerance.

This is also the time for me to say a huge thank you to all of you for your kind support and thanks to you all who participate in the Expat Cape Town forum for sharing your ideas with our expat group. Thanks so much for caring and always lending an open ear, a helping hand or giving that special advice to somebody in need.

May this holiday time be blessed and the new year 2014 be filled with peace and happiness, love and friendship, amazing experiences and good health.

Now enjoy and have a great time in Cape Town or wherever you are!

This is what you will find in this issue of the ExpatCapeTown Newsletter:

*Hot Tips for Travelers and Expats: Stay Safe in Cape Town

*Typical South African: 'Ubuntu'

*Cape Town Insider Tips: Know where to go…?

Hot Tips for Expats and Travelers: Stay Safe in the Mother City

Here you will find only a few points, and you might have seen long listings on how to stay safe in South Africa before. However, most safety precautions should be taken wherever you are in the world. These are some very specific local tips you should know and take to your heart.

No alcohol on beaches: In Cape Town there is a by-law that prohibits possession and consumption of alcohol on the beach areas. Law enforcement officers patrol the beaches regularly where they confiscate alcohol and hand out fines to those not obeying the law.

Don't drink and drive: Also this rule should apply all over the world, make sure you keep to it. Here there are regular police road blocks and offenses are not taken lightly. Remember also that especially outside town there might be people walking on the side of the streets or cross roads, even highways, so always stay alert and do not let even a tiny little drink spoil your holidays.

Swim only where there are lifeguards: Lifeguards are posted this festive season at: Alpha, Big Bay, Bikini, Camps Bay, Clifton, Clovelly, Danger Bay, False Bay, Fish Hoek, Glencairn, Gordon’s Bay, Hout Bay, Kogel Bay, Llandudno, Macassar, Maiden’s Cove, Milnerton, Mnandi, Monwabisi, Muizenberg, Silwerstroom, St James, Strand, and Strandfontein. Take also note of the emergency number 107, use it from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. Find more info on beach safety at www.capetown.gov.za

Safety for Kitesurfers: Beware of the submerged wreck of the Seli at Blouberg Beach. Parts of the wreck are only 5-10m under sea level, so keep a safe distance from the marked spot just off the Blouberg Visitor Centre.

Do not litter or throw away cigarettes: The fire risk is substantial during the summer time, as the vegetation is very dry and the winds are strong. So be aware when lighting a fire for a braai and to always extinguish your cigarettes properly and put them in ashtrays or bins! Also make sure to take your rubbish with you when leaving the beach or parks.

Do not hike alone: Always hike in groups when out and about. Table Mountain National Park, Lions Head and Signal Hill are great places to have walks on and admire the splendid views over the city. Be aware not to take valuables and always walk in groups and stay on the paths to enjoy the outdoors best.

Enjoy the holiday season in beautiful Cape Town!

And do not forget to check out the many events for

Christmas 2013

Typical South African terms

More South African Slang words here.

Cape Town Insider Tips

What to do for New Years Eve? Lots and lots is going on in and around Cape Town during the last night of the year. Join Cape Town's biggest street party for New Years celebrations on the 31 December in the CBD or party the night away at Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens, the Cape Town V&A Waterfront and many more locations. Check my special blog post or go to the Cape Town tourism page, Cape Town magazine for latest add-ons.

Where to go for a great day out this holiday season? Take a drive out to the Cape Winelands, just a half to an hours drive from the Cape Town CBD. There are so many fabulous wine estates near Cape Town, you will have a tough time to choose. From the renowned wine estates in Constantia to the always fabulous 'Spier', 'Asara', 'Tokara' and 'Boschendal' wine estates in Stellenbosch. 'Lourensford' and 'Vergelegen' are great places to spend time, not only if you are based in Somerset West. Do not miss the splendid settings of 'Rhebookskloof', 'Spice Route' and 'Fairview' near Paarl or our all-time nearby favourites 'Nitida', 'Hillcrest', 'Bloemendal' in the lesser known Durbanville wine route. These are just a few, as there are sooo many more great places. Best to call ahead and make a booking during the festive season.

What’s coming in the Next Newsletter?

Just be assured, there will be lots of more great tips and advice, so be sure to subscribe my newsletter and take a look at my website which is ever expanding.

Please come back with more great tips from your site, all kinds of comments very welcome! Contact me here.

Remember, if you need some advice urgently or want to share some amazing experiences, it is always a good idea to get in touch with the many friendly expats in our Expat Cape Town forum on Facebook. Make sure you join and feel free to ask your questions regarding moving to or living in the Mother City. There is always someone there to share insights and experiences and get you the info you need.

Regina