Hello City of Kings: Travel Bulawayo

I recently traveled to Bulawayo and it was a breath of fresh air from my home- town Harare. I didn’t get to explore much due to limited time and too much catching up to do with my close friend Gugulethu (a download of months of highlights and low lights). I did however, get to walk around the city centre, visit a few flea markets and enjoy slap chips from some corner fish and chicken place –  I really loved the sauce. The highlight of exploring the city was the buildings and architecture. Some of these buildings have been around for years but still look stunning – like they were built yesterday... You can tell their well cared for.

I had to take pics and I hope this makes locals feel even prouder of where they from and prompt others to visit. I know I’m proud...

I was impressed by how clean the city was too....well down to the city council....

Joshua Nkomo statue

High Court

At ZITF 

Coke fans will love this 

Love the block colours on this structure

Catch up on some literature 

Bulawayo Club

Horizon

Cute cake joint 

Strolling by in my vans 

Do you see how clean these streets are? 11th Avenue

Bulawayo is the second-largest city in Zimbabwe after the capital Harare, It is located in Matabeleland. Colloquially Bulawayo is also known by various names, these being the 'City of Kings', 'Skies’, and 'Bluez'. The majority of the Bulawayo's population belongs to the Ndebele ethnic and language group.

The Best Seafood in town – Ocean Basket

Ocean Basket Borrowdale

Stand 3, Sam Levy Entertainment Centre, Sam Levy Village

Harare
04 852 189

Ocean Basket Avondale

Avondale Shopping Center

Lunch and Dinner

Easy living for me – always involves long naps and good food – Ocean basket might not provide the nap facilities but it’s a bustling atmosphere for warm smiles, good food and great conversation – the somewhat witty jokes on the table covers  and menu – were great fish Intel and those sea jokes really got me laughing...

I’ve mentioned before I really love calamari (squid) and calamari is what I had – 3 perfectly sized large portions of calamari steaks to be exact with a serving of good old chips – you can never go wrong with chips. Calamari if not made well can turn out horribly wrong – most people I know who abhor calamari –can’t get past the rubbery texture  - as for me that’s what I love the most about it and Ocean basket served it just right.

Calamari Steak

With the right amount of lemon drizzled over the calamari steak and a sprinkling of salt – I am automatically taken to calamari heaven...Helping myself from one bite to another...It’s hard to describe calamari in the best way – with its unique texture –being perhaps the only overpowering factor about it - calamari just is – you either love it or hate it...you just have to try it to get it..

My date for the night – was my dad – he was great fun and wiped out his whole pan (no I didn’t make any mistake they serve their food in little pans – how quaint?)– Kind of expected for dad’s right? He had Kingklip with chips. I just had a bite – and it fared really well... just about right. He obviously had no complaints and for someone who wiped his pan clean – it must have been really good or he must have been very hungry... lol 

Kingklip

Disappointed by the two options only available for dessert, we chose to skip it – but now I’m thinking I should have just tried it out. I mean silly me, who refuses dessert...another helping of food??? I guess there’s always next time...

Pricing 

Calamari Steak $12

Kingklip $14

Those mother jokes

Fun Wiki Facts

Squid is a popular food in many parts of the world. Calamari is a culinary name for squid, especially for dishes from the Mediterranean, notably fried squid (fried calamari).There are many ways of preparing and cooking squid, with every country and region having its own recipes. Fried squid appears in Mediterranean cuisine, in Lebanon, Syria and Turkey it is served with a tartar sauce, in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, it is sold in fish and chip shops, and in North America, it is a staple in seafood restaurants.

Squid can be prepared for consumption in other ways. In Korea it is sometimes served raw, and elsewhere it is used as sushi, sashimi and tempura items, grilled, stuffed, covered in batter, stewed in gravy and served in stir-fries, rice, and noodle dishes. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squid_as_food

 Genypterus capensis (Smith, 1847), commonly known as kingklip, is a species of the cusk eel. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genypterus_capensis

Winter Must-haves

Winter is well on its way, and the temperatures are definitely getting lower. With winter comes new trends and an opportunity to rework or inject new pieces into your wardrobe.  This is what should be on your fashion radar – it’s definitely on mine.

The beast of all coats – the winter coat

As the temperatures drop you’re going to need a coat you can count on to keep you toasty when you’re out and about.  If you’re feeling the pinch in your wallet – grab a neutral coat which can get you through any occasion but if your pocket can afford it go all out and grab them in an array of colours – for some reason I’m loving mustard coloured coats.

Hello Mustard...

Bring out the baddies

Brogues will be a hit this winter so grab yourself a pair. Boyish masculine looks never looked so good plus there’s an added quirkiness to brogues that makes anyone wearing them stand out. Best worn with a tailored pant–suit for sophisticated glamour...

Boyish

The wild card

My favourite of all them winter looks is Faux fur  jackets - these just scream I know a thing or two about fashion – don’t mess with me ..

This look gets me so excited

All for the bombs

Don’t be alarmed – no one’s getting killed but a bomber jacket will earn you fashion killer status. Brave the chill in this weather proof piece– the bomber jacket is everything –I have definitely been eyeing the Tanya Nefertari bombers for a while #supportlocal Check her designs on IG

Pic from IG @nikko_frikko 

The ultimate rouge bag

There’s much to be said about a lady who injects red into her everyday looks, whether it’s the colour of a dress being donned or the colour on your nails or the bright hue on your lips – red is bold and outstanding – make a point to don a statement red bag in these chill months. With your rouge bag in tow you can do no wrong.

Chanel Boy Bag

Boot season

Get booted into the season with an array of boots. Go for classic colours and clean lines. Keep it French, keep it simple for day. At night – add some sassiness in your step and get into some knee highs...

Boot Perfection 

Make a mark

Add prints to what would often be a boring winter look. Printed jackets, coats and jerseys are everything... Not only will it add vibrancy to your look – you will feel good on the inside too.

Oversized or Exaggerated accessories

More is more in winter and we won’t apologise for it – the weather is dull but our looks will only get better. Indulge your accessory obsession by rocking big statement pieces and keeping them chandelier earrings plus I’ve always loved over-sized hoops popping out of a winter beanie.

And this my friends is how we will do winter this year...

Taking sleepwear to the streets

My current favourite look is sleepwear. You might be thinking what, why and how? This look has captivated me for a minute now and I just had to share some great looks that you can emulate. It’s fun, laid back, edgy and depending on how you rock it - can be delightfully classy.

If my word isn’t good enough at least let’s trust Marc Jacobs’ style stamp of approval. The designer has featured sleepwear more than once in his previous collections.

Persuasion Picks

Naomi Campbell

Selena Gomez 

Selena

Rihanna

Marc Jacobs Runway look

Marc Jacobs Runway look

My deets 

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Twitter: @ChiedyCandy

Instagram: @persuasioninczw

E-mail: c.mebe@yahoo.com

Uptown Date night

Organikks Restaurant

1 Dacomb drive, Chisipite

Harare

0782 785 000 / 0782785999

Open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday.

Last Thursday night I had the pleasure of having a delicious and filling dinner with my foodie partner at Organikks restaurant in Chisipite. This upmarket eatery has the right kind of atmosphere, quality food and great service...

Wellington Mandizha was on deck for entertainment that night. The professional musician has played and gained a reputation for his unique style and versatility. He is also currently the in house musician for the prestigious five star Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge & Spa in Kasane Botswana where he has proved to be so popular. His repertoire of ballads includes Rock, Pop, Blues, Reggae and Jazz and any other style that is requested. Take it from me when I say that this guy has an amazing voice and had us singing along to the good old songs I had somewhat missed.

All in it was an amazing evening –with good food and music- I actually found it hard to leave.

Check out what we had

All about the starters

Dim Sum

Sushi Trio

The Mains

Ribs and Salad

Lamb Karoo and Cauliflower mash

Give me some Dessert

Strawberry Cheesecake

The Fashion of the night 

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E-mail: c.mebe@yahoo.com

Over 24 hours in Beitbridge

Where to stay?

The Rainbow Beitbridge Hotel gets a somewhat plus from me, the mere size of the hotel itself is enough to be considered a workout in itself as you navigate around the hotel – that just goes to show how much ground you can cover - the rooms are clean, spacious and good place to lay your head and relax as you enjoy your stay... with air conditioning – unlimited WiFi and DSTV - I was hooked on the WiFi for obvious reasons.. The serene setting of the pool and inviting cool blue waters will definitely grab your attention and you’re bound to want to take a swim – plus a great way to cool down in the Beitbridge heat. Trust me when I say you will feel like you’re on another planet. Don’t know how the locals do it. Looking to work out? The hotel has a gym with enough the equipment to get you pumped out and work on that bod or to just stay healthy. The hotel’s restaurant covers breakfast, lunch and dinner and an espresso lounge on location is for those who want to laze about, watch TV and have a few drinks.

I did however, try out their buffet breakfast which was an average breakfast – I didn’t quite enjoy and expected better from such a fine establishment. The dinner on the other end which was chicken schnitzel served with crumbed mushrooms, chips, salad and creamy cheese sauce - I asked for the mushrooms to be added though was slightly above average...Besides the cheese sauce being a bit too thick and the mushrooms lacking seasoning it was a filling meal and was just about satisfactory.

Besides the casino on location – I do think more can be done to spice things up and entertain guest who are just passing through or staying over for whatever period of time.

I would like to add though that besides a few hiccups and once you’ve gotten over some of the disappointing facets of the hotel – you come to appreciate the hotel for all that it is in this border town.

Brekkie

Din Din

Gym

Where is Beitbridge?

Beitbridge is a border town in the province of Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe. The name also refers to the border post and bridge spanning the Limpopo, which forms the political border between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The town lies just north of the Limpopo River about 1 km from the Alfred Beit Road Bridge which spans the Limpopo River between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The population is dominated by the local Venda people, who are also found across the international border in South Africa. Let me not forget the temperatures are extremely high and it’s best to apply sunscreen and take lots of water to stay hydrated.

Hello April

New Hair/ New Look

I’m currently rocking a mid length Indian Remy weave which I coloured black – the original colour being brown. I’m also trying out white and this is the first time I’ve paired my dungarees with heels... I think it’s pretty chic and a part of reworking old favourites.

Trends I love

The mod look -Take me back to the 60s - peter-pan collar dresses - knee high socks and it being all about the eyes - the perfect mod look is all in the eyes.. Love it and totally crushing.. and Athleisure

- With time I've grown to understand that you can still be stylish and comfortable - the athleisure trend embodies this - back in my teenage years you couldn't tell me this because my heels went wherever I went and some of the outfits i wore were hardly comfortable. I'm definitely incorporating more and more of these looks in my closet.. Comfort is key...

 Pinterest mod look 

Athleisure

New on the market

Frankies Original Cream Soda – Saw it on the shelves and had to try it...Me being used to the green coloured soda – it was incredibly good and had a unique (original) taste as the name suggests... All I’m saying is try it it’s worth the $1.99. Can be found in Pick n Pay outlets. Other flavours include Cinnamon Cola, Ginger Beer, Dandelion & Burdock and Root Beer. I want to try the Root Beer next...

According to http://www.cloverfrankies.com/, “When soft drinks were first produced in the 1930’s the taste of Cream Soda was achieved by mixing a tablespoon of real fresh cream into a glass of lemonade. Frankie’s Original Cream Soda reproduces that same Olde Fashioned clear creamy vanilla taste.”

Where to eat?

Once again Organikks Cafe in Chisipite does it for me. I’ve featured it on the blog so check out the deets HERE

Where to shop?

Purple Plastic Choker from Glamourize

Glamourize Accessories 

Quality accessories - I shall say no more. Branches found at Borrowdale Samy Levy's Village next to Focal Point, Arundel Village next to Pick n' Pay and Sammar Gallery Avondale Shopping Centre

Visit their  website on www.glamourize.co.zw

Current stay

Rainbow Beitbridge Hotel

I recently traveled to Beitbridge and was impressed by the Rainbow Beitbridge Hotel. The architecture, design, decor are on another level. The size of the hotel itself is too much ground for me to cover... I do recommend it as a hotel to stay at when visiting Beitbridge or passing through. I can’t help you with the heat though – but at least they have air conditioning. Service could be improved though. On location is a gym, pool and casino..

Obsessed with

My new snakeskin vans....It was love at first sight and they are oh so comfortable – great travel shoes and for running around... I got them cheap at Powersales for less than $10