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We all know how annoying it can be to plan a New Year's party. No one wants to drive far or even be on the road during those days. You fear road-blocks and have nightmares of helping your drunk friend out of some random club. But the scariest thought of all: Your friends all go their separate ways and you are left with the option to either join the family or stay at home.



There is a solution to all of the above: A five-day festival near Cape Town where you can relax and party into the new year, an alternative New Years Eve event in a safe and beautiful environment. It's called Rock the River SA 2013 and it is your answer to a stress-free New Years Eve party! Filled with music and other fun activities, this is a festival that you cannot afford to miss. Just imagine: Glorious, sunny days outside, dancing into 2013.








This year festival-goers can look forward to a five day festival - yes, you heard right. This means that there will be more music, more dancing and ultimately more fun! Rock the River will definitely be Cape Town's hottest New Year's eve event. The organisers promise a crazy line-up at a convenient venue - a comfortable drive from Cape Town.






This year's festival will take place from the 28th of December to the 1st of January (make mental note). Festival-goers can look forward to over 200 live acts on three music stages and one electronic stage, all kitted out with some of the best sound and lighting. There will off course be a large food market, braai areas and drink specials. We are especially looking forward to those braai areas - nothing better than a braai in December!



For those who want a little more luxury in their lives, can look forward to the Heart Break Hotel camping area. The rest of you: Bring your tents, sleeping bags and swimsuits - it is going to be crazy!

This is certainly going to be another sell-out success, so buy your tickets as soon as you can, to avoid disappointment!






When is RTR2013: 28th of December to the 1st of January

Sounds amazing, but where is this: Venue to be announced within the next few days!

Where can I buy tickets: At Computicket very soon.

Visit the website for more info and line-up coming soon: www.rocktheriver.co.za

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTDSA

Twitter: www.twitter.com/rocktheriversa



Follow Rock the River and Dirty Pink City for more interactions and news!



Artists! Keen to play at this year's fest? General submissions are now open, so contact:
Main Stage and Comedy/Vaudeville stage: Moon @ info@rocktheriver.co.za
Metal and Electro Stages: antoniotraxx@rocktheriver.co.za



E.



Photos by Stop&Watch Photography.

Contact me: eliinthecity@gmail.com

To celebrate today's beautiful weather in SA (and many more to come), I thought it would be a good idea to give you a small, but helpful, summer guide (part 1)! You're welcome.



Kids, this is mostly focused on Cape Town, because CT is one of the most popular holiday destinations - everyone flock to Western Cape beaches in December. So, if you're here in the next 3 months, go ahead and get yourselves in silly season mood!








Beaches worth a visit: Koelbaai, Muizenberg beach, Gordon's bay and Bikini Beach. Don't know these places? Google: 'Cape Town Maps' and make the effort of knowing your destination. At these beautiful places you can swim, relax or stroll. Cape Town is popular for its beaches, so do make a point of visiting them. Not a beach person? Go have a beer away from the sticky sand and scorching sun. You are still welcome!









You will find some neat camping areas near some of these beaches. Visit: www.kwathabeng.co.za for places to stay.




  

Fashion for the season: It looks like everywhere you look these days you see neon and mint. It can be pulled off, but remember: It is what looks and feels comfortable. We are fans of rock chicks, metal heads, emo children and hippie boys - It's summer, therefor put on your bikini and go to the beach - nothing to worry about, only fun!











Mint colours will be a big trend this season. Especially in flowy tops, the "high-low" skirt and skinnies.







Denim shorts will forever be a summer fashion trend. But why not dye yours? Take your old shorts and dye them pink or green! They will look brand new.






Get a fun swimsuit. Forget about what is "in fashion", you need something comfortable and colourful! Visit http://sassyswimwear.co.za/shop/ to browse through hundreds of bikini's.






Do buy a nice hat and sunglasses. The Cape Town sun is a killer and it will not have mercy on you. Besides hats and sunnies always look good - no matter the weather!





Places to party: Night owls will love The Shack and Mercury - these two brothers will keep you busy until the early hours of the morning. Play some pool at Shack and have a few shots, then head over to Mercury, next door, for some live action on their stage.



The Shack facebook page: Shack it!

Mercury Live facebook page: Mercury Live and lounge.



The Assembly is your answer to anything live. A big venue with some of the best sound. You might party yourself out of your clothes, money and friends, but it is all worth it. Visit their website for all things Assembly. http://theassembly.co.za/






Long Street is a favourite amongst some locals and a lot of foreigners, but it can get a bit crowded and wild. Be careful when stepping into this cosmopolitan street. SGT Pepper in Long Street is definitely worth a visit. Friendly staff and amazing pizzas is what you can expect here. But head up to Kloof Street for good food, good music and pretty people. Here you will find a more sophisticated crowd, but be warned: They party just as hard!



Got the munchies? Go to Rafiki's, SGT Pepper or Carlyle's (Vredehoek) for real good pizza. A burger person? Hudson's on Kloof Street or Cafe Mojito in Long Street will fill your stomach with the most delicious gourmet burgers. In the mood for a pub lunch? Perseverance Tavern on Buitenkant Street serve a proper pub meal.



Rafiki's: http://rafikis.co.za/

SGT Pepper: http://sgtp.co.za/

Carlyles: http://www.carlyles.co.za/

Cafe Mojito: http://www.cafemojito.co.za/

Hudson's: www.theburgerjoint.co.za

Perseverance Tavern: http://www.perseverancetavern.co.za/about.html






Festivals coming up: Synergy Live, Rock the River SA and Up the Creek. Cape Town is famous for its beautiful festivals. Here you will find a variety of live act and activities all bundled up in 3-5 days! Don't have New Year's plans yet? Go to Rock the River. This year festival-goers can look forward to a 5-day festival packed with crazy entertainment! Keep your eyes on DPC for full press release of Rock the River 2013.



Visit their websites for more info:

www.synergylive.co.za

www.rocktheriversa.co.za

www.upthecreek.co.za






Now yes, go plate your hair, buy your strawberries and blow up your beach ball, because this is going to be one mother of a summer: It's the fun season 2013!!



E.



Contact me: eliinthecity@gmail.com

Rocking the Daisies... It danced and partied from Thursday to Sunday and in all honesty: It conquered. Some of us are still recovering and the process will probably still last until the end of the week. A 4-day festival that rocked thousands of people into a 7-day long babbelas. A party that smelled of marijuana, looked like a hippie village and rocked like only Rocking the Daisies can!



With 15000+ bodies through the gate, in the camp area and on the dance floor, everyone will agree: It was a monster of a festival (in a good way). It was certainly Cape Town's start to the Rock festival season. This year RTD truly burst at its seams and millions of memories were made!



Yes, some complained about the big crowds (everywhere) and other's said that Bloc Party was a bit disappointing - It didn't bother me. With a festival this big and well-organised, who cares about the rain, long queues or a few sweaty bodies too close to your personal space? The more the merrier. And yes, what a merry fest!






We arrived at Cloof Wine Estate in a truck - also our home for the festival. In all honesty: I was packed like I was going to war: two jackets, beanies, scarfs, blankets, water bottles, food, plastic cups, cutlery and plates, boots, hats, gloves and even a disposable braai! I was ready and I was not going to let anything stop the party. But just after midnight on Friday, my body had enough and I was forced to listen to the second half of BEAST's set from my bed. It was clear: RTD2012 had different plans for me! 



There is no doubt that this is a well-organised festival: From the Camp site, to the different stages: These guys know what they are doing and they do it well. The facilities were even better this year and festies could brush their teeth at proper basins, have a hot shower and I saw cleaners at the toilets every morning. No wonder I saw a few "jersey-daisy" girls walking around with their neatly applied fake lashes, tans and straightened hair. Don't worry girls: We love you too!



The festival was neatly set out, with the main stage being the main attraction. Every time I went there, I found a brilliant atmosphere with excellent artists and the crowd supporting them loudly. The Red Bull tent was another popular feature with people dancing the weekend away. The sound and lighting here was fantastic as always, playing beats throughout the night to a hot, sweaty crowd. I must confess: A few times over the weekend, I went to the Red Bull tent only because I was so cold!



The Nu World Beat Barn and Lemon Tree Theater gave more variety to the festival and it was always filled with happy people enjoying the talent on show. The Nu World Beat Barn was one of my favourites this year. A place where I could go when I wanted to chill out a bit. Some of the artists were incredible and the intimate space created the perfect atmosphere to relax a little. I even watched a movie in the Shnit tent (something I didn't do last year) and I was pretty impressed. The tent is beautiful inside with comfy couches and bean bags. A definite place to relax when your body is saying 'no more'.









Bloc Party was certainly the biggest attraction. Even though I don't know all their songs, I enjoyed some of it. I will always remember the anticipation on Saturday night, just before they walked out onto the stage. I was standing in the middle, almost 4 meters from the stage and the crowd was pushing and screaming and dancing. I could hardly lift my arms. When they appeared (at last) the crowd went crazy. Some said they expected more from them, some said the sound was not that good. What ever your thoughts: They were here and we all saw them live.



My personal favourite act from RTD: ISO (Isochronous). These guys are so professional and their sound almost perfectly well-rounded. I will make a point to see their next act in Cape Town. Crowd favourite: Jeremy Loops.






Although the weather was a bit depressing, the festival was definitely a highlight of my year. To be honest, there was too much to see and do in just one weekend. I missed a lot of acts and activities due to there not being enough time, but there was truly something for everyone this year! Thank you Rocking the Daisies for giving me more rocking memories and an awesome time.



Until next year.



E.



Contact me: eliinthecity@gmail.com