Supernova Stardust: A Quarter to Fun

When you're sitting on the proverbial dawn of your 4th year anniversary, your options as to what to give your loved one are either ridiculously simple or incredibly daunting depending on your finances and creativity. This contrast all depends on the clarity at the time and I assure you my mind was as foggy as an Autumn morning.

I had promised myself that I would make this a good one, I had forewarned Craig that it would need to be epic! Of course everyone who I came into contact with was asking if this is it - you know, the time for proposals and family planning. My idea of epic was my typical non conformist and unconventional approach to things - daring, daunting, dicey. I had in mind a bungee jump, a hot air balloon ride or a spontaneous matching tattoo. Four years isn't exactly a short term relationship, but what I didn't realise was that my man had other plans.

So its Friday evening, I'm in my usual 'TGIF' mode wondering what to conjure up for Saturdays big event. I had managed to find a beer tour, not exactly daring but kitsch enough to be dicey. Craig and I had discussed it and we were both happy to willingly partake in the bus tour to 4 local micro breweries and hobnob with fellow hops enthusiasts. Sadly, the bus plans fell through due to the organiser having a vehicle glitch and we called it off last minute.

Surprise Surprise

So back to Friday night. There I was mulling over dinner plans and Mr Romance himself confidently struts into the living room. "Pack your bags", he announces, "The romantic weekend has just begun!".

Ok it was a little more along the lines of "Whats for dinner Tan", followed by "What shall we do tomorrow" as he attempted to lead me off the track and then he made the announcement.

Bags packed and the thrill of adventure in my tummy we start off on our 'trip' with dinner plans, which found us literally 10 kms from home at Banjaara in Broadacres. My mind is ticking, "How are we going to drive all the way to a getaway at 20h30 on this wet evening?". Mr Nonchalant casually orders dinner, and we play guessing games as to where he may be taking us. He gives me one hint - one.

"It has the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere", he smirks. That, was my hint people. So I start thinking about tennis courts and swimming pools and even an orchard came to mind. What I wasn't prepared for was SA's biggest maze.

Princess Me

We pay our bill and drive through Broadacres and towards Chartwell where we found ourselves among small holdings and muddy side roads. Fibbing his way through the dirt toward the castle and pretending to be lost, Mr H drives us up to the gates of Chartwell Castle, a cosy Guest House a mere 15kms from our home.

I have no words, you would have to experience it yourself to see the beauty just kilometers from Fourways. Our room, the Gloucester, lay waiting for us at the top left tower of the castle. The round shape throws one off and the room is filled with rose petals on our arrival. Underfloor heating, DSTV and hot water on tap prompt us back to our 21st century reality.

Everything from the quaint interior decor to the gravel and rose covered grounds add to the English feel.

The venue has a castle function room which can seat up to 150 people if I'm not mistaken. Anyone with the funds and the desire to host an event at this aptly themed setting is bound to impress their guests and get lost in the time warp that is Chartwell Castle.

The Adventure Continues

Saturday morning found us on the road after breakfast and en route to my favourite local destination - Hartebeespoort.

Craig and I spent the morning at Dirt Ryders near Lanseria feeding horses in a quaint stable as a lady by the name of Charmaine waits for her littlest horse rider to arrive. Miss Honey is stabled here and she is adorable, in fact all the miniature horses and ponies are a pleasure.

We carry on with our journey and arrive at Pretville (the real life studio of the South African movie that aired in 2012) where we enjoyed a hotdog and a milkshake in the real life diner. A real swing back to the 50's era and a must see for all ages.

There is a tiny shop on the set that allows for dressing up and having a good time in front of the camera. We had a blast being fitted with 50's couture and getting into old school character. After the photo session one gets to choose the images you so desire and take home a memories of your imaginary yesteryear.

En route 'home' to the castle we stop at the big windmill in Harties, if you've ever driven past you would have seen it. We enjoyed waffles and warm drinks as the sun started to set.

The evening was filled with romance as Craig took us to Bellgables Country restaurant, an opulent and incredibly extravagant venue in Muldersdrift. Well worth the visit with amazing 5 star quality food that tastes as rich as their price tags. Definitely an end of the month night out but the atmosphere is decadent and distinguished.

Cultural Endeavours & Back to Reality

After Saturdays adventures through Harties we found ourselves at the Monte Casino Teatro for the much anticipated "Jersey Boys" show. The cast were outstanding and the performance had me on the edge of my seat!

Our weekend ended on such a high note that it wasn't until Monday morning that we realised our 8-5 working week had started. To be able to do that every weekend, now thats what dreams are made of!

Thank you my Craig for so many laughs, great memories and special moments. x