#private driver hire cape town

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Romantic Things to Do in Cape Town

Welcome to the vibrant city of Cape Town, where romance fills the air and stunning landscapes set the scene for unforgettable moments. If you're looking to sweep your partner off their feet or simply reconnect with that special someone, Cape Town is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. From breathtaking sunsets at Table Mountain to leisurely strolls along pristine beaches, this picturesque city offers endless opportunities for intimate experiences. In this article, we will delve into the most romantic activities in Cape Town, ensuring a truly magical time. So grab your loved one's hand and let's dive into all that Cape Town has to offer for couples seeking a truly unforgettable experience.

Sunset Picnic at Signal Hill

Experience a breathtaking sunset picnic at Signal Hill with your loved one. Pack a cozy blanket, delicious snacks, and your favorite bottle of wine for an intimate evening overlooking the cityscape of Cape Town.

As the sun dips below the horizon, watch as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. The stunning views from Signal Hill provide the perfect backdrop for romantic conversations and cherished moments with your partner.

Embrace the tranquility of nature as you unwind in each other's company, surrounded by the beauty of Cape Town. A sunset picnic at Signal Hill is a truly magical experience that will create lasting memories for you both to cherish.

Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch

Experience the romance of wine tasting in Stellenbosch, a picturesque town just a short drive from Cape Town. Enjoy sampling local wines surrounded by scenic vineyards and mountains.

Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring different wineries and savoring their unique flavors.

Learn about the winemaking process and the history of this renowned wine region.

Indulge in delicious food pairings to enhance your wine tasting experience.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Stellenbosch as you create unforgettable memories with your loved one during this romantic outing.

Couples Spa Day in Constantia

Experience a day of relaxation and pampering with your partner at a Constantia spa. Treat yourselves to couple's massages, facials, body treatments, and more as you unwind together in a tranquil setting.

Enjoy side-by-side treatments that will leave you both feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Take advantage of amenities such as steam rooms, saunas, and Jacuzzis for the ultimate spa experience.

Sip on champagne or herbal tea while lounging in plush robes before heading out to explore more romantic activities in Cape Town together.

Helicopter Tour over Cape Point

Experience an unforgettable romantic adventure with a helicopter tour over Cape Point. See sweeping views of the rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and vibrant blue waters below.

Soar above the iconic Cape of Good Hope and witness breathtaking landscapes from a bird's-eye view. Enjoy a unique perspective as you fly past towering cliffs, historic lighthouses, and lush valleys below.

Create lasting memories with your loved one as you take in Cape Town's beauty from above during this exhilarating helicopter tour experience.

Romantic Dinner at the V&A Waterfront

Enjoy a magical evening with your loved one at the renowned V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The waterfront offers a plethora of romantic dining options to suit every taste and budget. From fine dining restaurants overlooking the marina to casual eateries with stunning views of Table Mountain, there is something for everyone.

Stroll hand-in-hand along the picturesque waterfront promenade before settling down for a candlelit dinner. Choose from a variety of cuisines ranging from seafood to international fare, ensuring that there is something special for every couple to enjoy. Don't forget to end your evening with a leisurely walk along the water's edge as you savor each other's company under the starlit sky.

Horseback Riding on Noordhoek Beach

Experience the magic of Cape Town's stunning coastline with a romantic horseback ride on Noordhoek Beach. Feel the ocean breeze in your hair as you trot along the soft white sands and admire the breathtaking views of Chapman's Peak and Table Mountain.

Why Choose Horseback Riding on Noordhoek Beach?

Unique Experience: Escape the city hustle and bustle for a peaceful ride by the sea.

Quality Time: Connect with your partner while enjoying nature's beauty.

Unforgettable Views: Capture memorable moments against the backdrop of towering mountains and an endless ocean.

Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved one in one of Cape Town's most enchanting settings.

Moonlit Hike up Lion's Head

Experience the magic of Cape Town with a moonlit hike up Lion's Head. The trail offers stunning views of the city and ocean below, making it a perfect romantic setting for couples.

Pack a picnic basket with some wine and cheese to enjoy at the summit while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Don't forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp, as the path can be dark during nighttime hikes.

Under the moonlight, the mountain's peacefulness adds an extra layer of romance to this unforgettable experience.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to bond with your loved one while surrounded by nature's beauty.

Couples Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap

Experience the flavors of Cape Malay cuisine together at a couples cooking class in the vibrant neighborhood of Bo-Kaap. Learn how to make traditional dishes like bobotie and samoosas while enjoying each other's company in a cozy kitchen setting.

Immerse yourselves in the rich culinary history of Cape Town as you chop, stir, and sauté side by side.

Bond over shared meals as you sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor with a glass of South African wine.

Take home newfound skills and recipes to recreate this special memory anytime you want to bring a taste of Cape Town into your own kitchen.

Booking a Private Driver and Luxury Car for Your Cape Town Adventure

Ready to embark on a romantic escape in Cape Town?

You can reserve a private chauffeur and a luxury vehicle according to your preferences.

Personalized Itineraries: Share your travel details and let our team craft a bespoke itinerary that perfectly aligns with your romantic aspirations.

Seamless Experience: From airport transfers to full-day tours, we handle all the logistics, ensuring a stress-free and enchanting journey.

Unforgettable Memories: Relax, connect, and focus on creating cherished moments with your special someone as you explore Cape Town's most captivating destinations.

Elevate your Cape Town experience with a chauffeur-driven adventure that will ignite the spark and leave you with long-lasting memories.

To book private chauffeur services in cape town, click here.

[internationalbustour]

Private Bus Hire in Byron Bay: Convenient and Customizable Travel

Byron Bay, with its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back vibe, attracts travelers from all walks of life. If you're planning group travel in or around this stunning destination, private bus hire in Byron Bay offers a practical, comfortable, and stress-free solution for your transportation needs.

Why Choose Private Bus Hire in Byron Bay?

1. Effortless Group Travel

Traveling with a group? Forget the logistical headaches of organizing multiple cars or rideshares. A private bus ensures everyone stays together, making it ideal for weddings, corporate events, family outings, or school trips.

2. Customized Itineraries

With private bus hire, you control the schedule. Whether you’re planning a day trip to the hinterlands, a winery tour, or a surf safari, the service adapts to your itinerary.

3. Eco-Friendly Option

Reduce your carbon footprint by opting for group transport over multiple vehicles. Many modern buses are designed to be fuel-efficient, making them an environmentally conscious choice.

Popular Uses for Private Bus Hire in Byron Bay

Weddings and Celebrations: Ensure your guests arrive on time and together, whether at a beachside ceremony or hinterland reception.

Corporate Events: Impress your team or clients with reliable and professional transportation.

School Excursions: Safe and dependable travel for educational outings or sports events.

Tours and Day Trips: Explore Byron Bay’s highlights, such as Cape Byron Lighthouse, Wategos Beach, and nearby villages like Bangalow or Mullumbimby.

Features of Modern Private Buses

Private buses in Byron Bay are designed with passenger comfort in mind. Features may include:

Air-Conditioning: Stay cool, even on the warmest days.

Reclining Seats: Relax during your journey.

Onboard Entertainment: TVs or sound systems for your group’s enjoyment.

Wi-Fi and Charging Ports: Stay connected on the go.

Luggage Storage: Perfect for airport transfers or multi-day trips.

Benefits of Private Bus Hire Over Other Transport Options

Cost-Effective: Splitting costs among a group often makes private bus hire more economical than other options.

Stress-Free: Professional drivers handle navigation and parking, allowing you to enjoy your trip.

Safety First: Licensed, experienced drivers ensure safe travel for all passengers.

Explore Byron Bay with a Private Bus Hire

Byron Bay and its surrounds are brimming with natural beauty, cultural attractions, and adventure opportunities. Private bus hire services can take you beyond the town’s limits, from the rolling hills of the hinterland to the iconic beaches of Lennox Head or Ballina.

Book Your Private Bus Today

When planning your next group trip in Byron Bay, choosing a reliable private bus hire service will elevate your experience. Compare providers, check reviews, and secure a bus that suits your needs.

Discover the ease and enjoyment of private bus hire in Byron Bay – a travel solution as remarkable as the destination itself! Book your travel now!

[bushireforevents]

Private Bus Hire in Byron Bay: Convenient and Customizable Travel

Byron Bay, with its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back vibe, attracts travelers from all walks of life. If you're planning group travel in or around this stunning destination, private bus hire in Byron Bay offers a practical, comfortable, and stress-free solution for your transportation needs.

Why Choose Private Bus Hire in Byron Bay?

1. Effortless Group Travel

Traveling with a group? Forget the logistical headaches of organizing multiple cars or rideshares. A private bus ensures everyone stays together, making it ideal for weddings, corporate events, family outings, or school trips.

2. Customized Itineraries

With private bus hire, you control the schedule. Whether you’re planning a day trip to the hinterlands, a winery tour, or a surf safari, the service adapts to your itinerary.

3. Eco-Friendly Option

Reduce your carbon footprint by opting for group transport over multiple vehicles. Many modern buses are designed to be fuel-efficient, making them an environmentally conscious choice.

Popular Uses for Private Bus Hire in Byron Bay

Weddings and Celebrations: Ensure your guests arrive on time and together, whether at a beachside ceremony or hinterland reception.

Corporate Events: Impress your team or clients with reliable and professional transportation.

School Excursions: Safe and dependable travel for educational outings or sports events.

Tours and Day Trips: Explore Byron Bay’s highlights, such as Cape Byron Lighthouse, Wategos Beach, and nearby villages like Bangalow or Mullumbimby.

Features of Modern Private Buses

Private buses in Byron Bay are designed with passenger comfort in mind. Features may include:

Air-Conditioning: Stay cool, even on the warmest days.

Reclining Seats: Relax during your journey.

Onboard Entertainment: TVs or sound systems for your group’s enjoyment.

Wi-Fi and Charging Ports: Stay connected on the go.

Luggage Storage: Perfect for airport transfers or multi-day trips.

Benefits of Private Bus Hire Over Other Transport Options

Cost-Effective: Splitting costs among a group often makes private bus hire more economical than other options.

Stress-Free: Professional drivers handle navigation and parking, allowing you to enjoy your trip.

Safety First: Licensed, experienced drivers ensure safe travel for all passengers.

Explore Byron Bay with a Private Bus Hire

Byron Bay and its surrounds are brimming with natural beauty, cultural attractions, and adventure opportunities. Private bus hire services can take you beyond the town’s limits, from the rolling hills of the hinterland to the iconic beaches of Lennox Head or Ballina.

Book Your Private Bus Today

When planning your next group trip in Byron Bay, choosing a reliable private bus hire service will elevate your experience. Compare providers, check reviews, and secure a bus that suits your needs.

Discover the ease and enjoyment of private bus hire in Byron Bay – a travel solution as remarkable as the destination itself! Book your travel now!

[corporatebus-hire]

Private Bus Hire in Byron Bay: Convenient and Customizable Travel

Byron Bay, with its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back vibe, attracts travelers from all walks of life. If you're planning group travel in or around this stunning destination, private bus hire in Byron Bay offers a practical, comfortable, and stress-free solution for your transportation needs.

Why Choose Private Bus Hire in Byron Bay?

1. Effortless Group Travel

Traveling with a group? Forget the logistical headaches of organizing multiple cars or rideshares. A private bus ensures everyone stays together, making it ideal for weddings, corporate events, family outings, or school trips.

2. Customized Itineraries

With private bus hire, you control the schedule. Whether you’re planning a day trip to the hinterlands, a winery tour, or a surf safari, the service adapts to your itinerary.

3. Eco-Friendly Option

Reduce your carbon footprint by opting for group transport over multiple vehicles. Many modern buses are designed to be fuel-efficient, making them an environmentally conscious choice.

Popular Uses for Private Bus Hire in Byron Bay

Weddings and Celebrations: Ensure your guests arrive on time and together, whether at a beachside ceremony or hinterland reception.

Corporate Events: Impress your team or clients with reliable and professional transportation.

School Excursions: Safe and dependable travel for educational outings or sports events.

Tours and Day Trips: Explore Byron Bay’s highlights, such as Cape Byron Lighthouse, Wategos Beach, and nearby villages like Bangalow or Mullumbimby.

Features of Modern Private Buses

Private buses in Byron Bay are designed with passenger comfort in mind. Features may include:

Air-Conditioning: Stay cool, even on the warmest days.

Reclining Seats: Relax during your journey.

Onboard Entertainment: TVs or sound systems for your group’s enjoyment.

Wi-Fi and Charging Ports: Stay connected on the go.

Luggage Storage: Perfect for airport transfers or multi-day trips.

Benefits of Private Bus Hire Over Other Transport Options

Cost-Effective: Splitting costs among a group often makes private bus hire more economical than other options.

Stress-Free: Professional drivers handle navigation and parking, allowing you to enjoy your trip.

Safety First: Licensed, experienced drivers ensure safe travel for all passengers.

Explore Byron Bay with a Private Bus Hire

Byron Bay and its surrounds are brimming with natural beauty, cultural attractions, and adventure opportunities. Private bus hire services can take you beyond the town’s limits, from the rolling hills of the hinterland to the iconic beaches of Lennox Head or Ballina.

Book Your Private Bus Today

When planning your next group trip in Byron Bay, choosing a reliable private bus hire service will elevate your experience. Compare providers, check reviews, and secure a bus that suits your needs.

Discover the ease and enjoyment of private bus hire in Byron Bay – a travel solution as remarkable as the destination itself! Book your travel now!

[shuttlecapetown]

Elevate Your Travel Experience With Expert Private Airport Transfers in Cape Town

Are you planning a trip to Cape Town? Transportation should be a top consideration to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable. Hiring Private Airport Transfers in Cape Town is the ultimate way to elevate your travel experience.

Why Choose Private Airport Transfers in Cape Town?

When flying in at Cape Town International, navigating transportation options can be overwhelming. Private airport transfers simplify your travel experience by offering pre-arranged and door-to-door service.

Convenience And Time Savings:

Private Airport Transfers in Cape Town are convenient to choose from. Don’t need to wait in long taxi lines for public transport schedules. With a private airport transfer, your dedicated driver will meet you at the arrivals area, assist with luggage, and escort you directly to your vehicle. It saves you time and eliminates the hassle.

Customized Comfort And Privacy:

Enjoy a tailored travel experience with private transfers. Professional airport transfer services offer a variety of vehicles to accommodate your travel needs, be it solo, with family, or in a larger group. From luxury sedans to spacious SUVs and versatile vans, each vehicle is well-maintained and looked after. It guarantees your privacy and comfort.

Personalized Service And Local Expertise:

A private airport transfer is more than just transportation. Your trained and knowledgeable driver will give you local insights like top attractions, dining spots, and hidden gems. They have the best routes and traffic patterns to avoid delays. Your driver likely has all the details.

Flexible Scheduling For Peace Of Mind:

Gain flexibility when booking your private airport transfer. Reputed services understand that travel plans can change unexpectedly. So, they are specially designed to accommodate your schedule. Whether your flight is delayed, rescheduled, or arrives early- they have got you covered. Private airport transfer services operate 24/7. It is an ideal option for early-morning or late-night flights.

Safety And Comfort As Top Priorities:

Traveling to a new destination with families or solo must come with safety and comfort. Private airport transfers are committed to high safety standards.

All the vehicles are well-maintained with clean, comfortable interiors and timely service. Your transportation is handled by trusted professionals so enjoy your trip.

Private Transfers On Any Budget:

Private Airport Transfers in Cape Town are available at competitive rates for travelers with various budgets. They provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. At the time of booking a taxi, you will know the price exactly. It helps you to plan your budget effectively.

When it comes to group travel, private airport transfers can be surprisingly cost-effective. They provide a better value than multiple taxis or other transport options.

Final Thought:

With a licensed and insured Private Airport Transfer, your journey will start with ease and elegance. Whether it is corporate, vacation, or pleasure, they can cater to your needs. Book your Private Airport Transfers in Cape Town today and enjoy a stress-free travel experience. SHUTTLE CAPE TOWN is your all-in-one Service Provider. Our Satisfied Customers are proof of our impeccable track record of letting our clients Arrive in Style. Learn more at www.shuttlecapetown.co.za

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One popular choice is hiring a private chauffeur service. This option offers convenience and comfort as you explore the city in style. You can sit back and relax while your driver takes care of navigating through the bustling streets of Cape Town. Visit: https://meauto.co.za/services/

[capetownshuttleservice]

Private airport transportation, driver by the hour, for the day. Private vehicle and driver hire service for custom tours, day trips, sightseeing and safari tours. English speaking chauffeur. Best rated. https://www.supershuttles.co.za/shuttle-services-cape-town-city-centre-cbd/

[capetownshuttle1-blog]

We have been providing luxuriously comfortable services to our clients at affordable and reasonable rates. If you are one of the individual who is looking further for driver service Cape Town then we are here to provide those as well within your budget in order to get good response of our customer services.

[chauffeurservicescapetown]

Hiring a Private Driver for a Day in Cape Town

Are you planning a day out exploring the beautiful sights and attractions of Cape Town, but dread the hassle of navigating traffic and finding parking spots? Look no further! Hiring a private driver for the day in Cape Town is the perfect solution to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Whether you're visiting popular tourist destinations or off-the-beaten-path gems, having your own personal chauffeur will make getting around a breeze. Say goodbye to worrying about directions, parking fees, and designated drivers—leave it all to your dedicated driver as you sit back, relax, and soak in Cape Town's beauty. Read on to discover why hiring a private driver for a day in Cape Town is an absolute game-changer for your upcoming adventure!

Benefits of Hiring a Private Driver for the Day

Convenience

A private driver eliminates the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads and finding parking spots in Cape Town. With a professional at the wheel, you can relax and enjoy your day without worrying about traffic or directions.

Local Knowledge

Private drivers often have extensive knowledge of the area, providing insights into hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that you might miss on your own. They can recommend restaurants, sightseeing spots, and activities based on your interests, making your time in Cape Town truly memorable.

Safety

Hiring a private driver for the day ensures a safe and comfortable travel experience. You won't have to worry about driving in an unfamiliar city or dealing with potentially dangerous situations. Sit back, relax, and let a professional handle all aspects of transportation while you focus on enjoying your time in Cape Town.

How to Find a Reliable Private Driver in Cape Town

Finding a Reliable Private Driver

Research Online: Start by researching private drivers in Cape Town online. Look for reviews, ratings, and recommendations on platforms like TripAdvisor or Google.

Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or local contacts who have used private drivers in Cape Town before. Personal recommendations can be invaluable.

Check Credentials: Ensure that the driver has the necessary licenses and insurance to operate as a private driver in Cape Town. This will guarantee your safety and peace of mind throughout your journey.

Finding a reliable private driver in Cape Town is essential for a stress-free experience exploring the city's sights and attractions. By doing thorough research, seeking recommendations, and verifying credentials, you can ensure that you hire a professional and trustworthy driver for your day trip in Cape Town.

Tips for Planning Your Itinerary with a Private Driver

Research and Prioritize: Before your day in Cape Town, do some research on the sites you want to visit. Prioritize them based on your interests and make a rough itinerary for the day.

Communicate Clearly: When booking your private driver, communicate your itinerary preferences clearly. Make sure they understand where you want to go and how long you plan to spend at each location.

Be Flexible: While it's beneficial to have a plan, be prepared for unexpected changes or delays. Your private driver can help suggest alternative attractions or routes if needed. Enjoy the flexibility that comes with having a local expert guide you through Cape Town.

Cost Considerations for Hiring a Private Driver

Hourly Rates: Private driver services in Cape Town often have varying hourly rates. It's essential to inquire about the cost per hour and any additional charges that may apply, such as fuel or toll fees.

Full-Day Packages: Some private drivers offer full-day packages at a fixed rate, which can be more cost-effective if you plan on exploring multiple locations throughout the day. Make sure to inquire about the package's inclusions to prevent any unforeseen costs.

Tips and Gratuity: While not mandatory, tipping your private driver is customary in South Africa. When considering hiring a private driver for the day, factor this into your budget to ensure that you show appreciation for their services.

What to Expect from Your Private Driver Experience

Personalized Service: Your private driver will cater to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring a customized experience tailored to you.

Local Insight: Take advantage of your driver's local knowledge of Cape Town to gain access to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Convenience and Comfort: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights as your driver navigates the bustling streets of Cape Town with ease.

Exploring Cape Town's Top Attractions with a Private Driver

When visiting Cape Town, hiring a private driver for the day can enhance your experience. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to iconic attractions like Table Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and ocean.

Next, head to the V&A Waterfront, a bustling shopping and dining hub with picturesque views of the harbor. Your driver can recommend the best spots for lunch or a coffee break. Lastly, explore the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood known for its vibrant houses and rich history.

With a private driver guiding you through Cape Town's top attractions, you can relax and enjoy the sights without worrying about navigation or parking. Plus, having a knowledgeable local behind the wheel adds an element of insider insight to your journey.

Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations to Discover with Your Driver

While Cape Town's iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront are undeniably captivating, the true magic of the Mother City lies in its hidden gems, waiting to be discovered beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. With a knowledgeable chauffeur at your side, you can unlock a world of unique experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations that showcase the authentic essence of Cape Town.

Here are a few ideas to inspire your chauffeur-driven adventure:

Scenic Drives and Coastal Charms:

Chapman's Peak Drive: Embark on a thrilling coastal drive along Chapman's Peak, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, panoramic ocean views, and picturesque picnic spots. Your chauffeur can navigate the winding road with expertise, allowing you to focus on capturing the breathtaking scenery.

Boyes Drive: Cruise along Boyes Drive, a scenic route that hugs the mountainside, offering stunning views of False Bay, Muizenberg, and the surrounding countryside. Stop at lookout points for photo opportunities and soak in the natural beauty.

St. James Beach: Escape the crowds and unwind at St. James Beach, a charming seaside village with colorful Victorian bathing boxes, tidal pools, and calm waters perfect for a leisurely swim.

Cultural Enclaves and Historical Sites:

Bo-Kaap: Wander through the vibrant streets of Bo-Kaap, Cape Town's historic Malay Quarter, known for its brightly colored houses, cobbled streets, and rich cultural heritage. Your chauffeur can share insights into the community's history and traditions.

District Six Museum: Learn about the poignant history of District Six, a former vibrant neighborhood forcibly removed during apartheid. The museum provides a moving glimpse into the lives of the displaced and the community's resilience.

Koopmans-de Wet House: Step back in time at this beautifully preserved 18th-century Cape Dutch homestead, now a museum showcasing period furniture, artwork, and a tranquil courtyard garden.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures:

Silvermine Nature Reserve: Hike through the picturesque landscapes of Silvermine Nature Reserve, home to diverse fynbos vegetation, crystal-clear reservoirs, and stunning mountain views.

Noordhoek Beach: Experience the wild beauty of Noordhoek Beach, a vast expanse of sandy coastline ideal for horseback riding, long walks, or simply enjoying the serenity of nature.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Kirstenbosch, one of the world's most beautiful botanical gardens, showcasing the unique flora of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Local Flavors & Culinary Delights:

Neighbourgoods Market: Sample a variety of artisanal food and local crafts at the Neighbourgoods Market, a vibrant weekend market held in an old biscuit mill.

The Foodbarn: Indulge in a gourmet farm-to-table dining experience at The Foodbarn, nestled in the charming village of Noordhoek.

The Pot Luck Club: Savor innovative tapas-style dishes with breathtaking city views at The Pot Luck Club, located in the trendy Woodstock district.

Your private chauffeur will not only take you to these hidden gems but also provide insights into their history, significance, and cultural context, making your journey a truly enriching experience.

Safety Tips for Traveling with a Private Driver in Cape Town

Communication is key: Make sure to communicate clearly with your private driver about your itinerary and any specific stops you want to make along the way. This will help you and the driver stay on track all day.

Buckle up: Always remember to wear your seatbelt while traveling with a private driver in Cape Town. Safety should always be a top priority, so make sure everyone in your party is securely fastened before setting off on your adventure.

Keep valuables secure: While Cape Town is generally safe, it's always wise to keep valuable items such as cameras, phones, and wallets secure while traveling with a private driver. To reduce the risk of theft, avoid leaving these items out in plain sight or unattended in the vehicle.

To learn more about private chauffeur services in cape town, click here.

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7 Must-See Places to Explore in South Africa

Having lived in South Africa, I had the chance to explore the country.  Having a great infrastructure, coupled with staggering landscapes, diverse, rich cultures, and unbelievable beauty, South Africa is one of Africa's most sought-after  destinations. Renowned for its breathtaking sceneries, spectacular wildlife, beautiful beaches, and vibrant multicultural cities; South Africa has so many unique sites to discover that you could spend a lifetime exploring. Nestled at the southern-most part of the African continent and roughly spanning an area two times the size of California, South Africa is Africa's most iconic wildlife-touring destination. More often, when you think of the Big Five,  Kruger National park  comes to mind. Not only do you get a chance to see the king of the jungle, but you also get to see the magnificent view of Cape Town while relaxing atop the iconic Table Mountain. It is relatively easy to move around South Africa with the country's elaborate transport network. You can explore different places with ease either by car hire, rail or air transportation or you can drive yourself. Packed with so many places to visit, it is pretty hard to pinpoint which areas to explore and which one to leave for your next visit. Luckily we have compiled the best places you shouldn't miss while touring this incredible country.  

Best Place to Visit in South Africa

  1. Experience the Big Five at Kruger National Park Your vacation to South Africa won't be complete without a full-day game drive to Kruger National Park. Covering roughly 7,000 square miles of mountain ranges, exotic tropical rainforest, and grassy landscapes, Kruger National Park is an exciting place for an unforgettable Safari experience. Home to the most diverse wildlife and providing exciting game watching experiences worldwide, Kruger national park is full of award-winning vast landscapes, wild luxury, and exclusive accommodation. It has a reliable and excellent road network and some of Africa's best trackers ready to take you on the most memorable game drive experience. This historic conservation is home to a thriving wild animal population; lions, cats, giraffes and wild dogs. Plus, it's an excellent spot for bird watching. Kruger is also an exciting place for trekking safaris. If you are up for the challenge, you can replace your game drive experience by venturing out accompanied by an experienced guide, to explore the Park’s intriguing ecosystem. Where to stay - Camp and Lodging Options Kruger National Park is the ultimate rough diamond of South African expeditions. The private reserves make up the landscape commonly referred to as "The Greater Kruger," they are an entirely diverse entity than the National Park.  The private reserves are where you find some of the finest game lodges, offering luxurious African accommodations in the bushes.  The Kruger is a vast area, so vast; you cannot visit the entire landscape in a single visit. The massive park stretches over 20,000 square kilometers of thick forests and open plateaus. There is always more flora and fauna to discover.  For those who prefer private safaris, the National Park is not your cup of tea. It is crowded with visitors and self-drivers at animal sightings during peak season. The lodges in Kruger include simple bucolic rondavels, safari tents, to lavish bungalows. You can choose between the self-catering facilities or check-in at any of the exquisite bush rest camps' restaurants.  It is an excellent place that accommodates simple to extravagant budgets. Places to stay in include: The Greater Kruger the private reserves of the Sabi Sands  The private Timbavati lodges and camps (Ngala Tent Camps) These private reserves offer exclusive accommodations and game drives/walks in the vast park with private guides that will drive you around the heart of the reserve, offering you an exclusively relaxed, intimate African Safari experience. Ulusaba Safari Hotels Sir Richard Branson's Ulusaba safari hotels offer various accommodations with medium to extreme budgets of great value. It's a friendly high-end service and a preference to many return guests to the region. Singita Lebombo A contemporary South African choicest lodge with unique safari lodge designs. Singita Lebombo has exceptional services and perfect game viewing landscapes. Tintswalo Safari Lodge Perfectly squeezed between the Timbavati Game Reserves and the Sabi Sands, Tintswalo Safari Lodge sits on the Manyeleti Game Reserve - as part of the Greater Kruger Expanse. The lodges offer six deluxe rooms, a presidential suite, and a secluded private Manor House.   

2. Cape City

Consistently ranked as one of the best holiday spots in the world for honeymooners, families, groups, and lone travelers, Cape Town is one of the best tourist destinations in South Africa. Sitting on the mountainous peninsula between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, with the symbolic Table Mountain as its backdrop, this Mountainous City sits on some of the world's most remarkable tourism attractions. Breathtaking sceneries, intriguing museums, and many bars and restaurants, many of which can be found on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, make Cape Town a must-see attraction. Enjoy more scenic landscapes if you take a short drive outside the city. You will be mesmerized by the sandy beaches, rugged mountain ranges, and the small traditional fishing villages. Cape Town is appealing to practically anyone looking to have fun: honeymooners will appreciate the luxurious accommodations and picturesque views. Families with kids will love sharing the beach with curious penguins. The city's renowned food and wine experience are as enticing as its legendary and historic landmark: -The Table Mountain, a natural wonders of the world. Adventurers will have fun uncovering the secrets of Table Mountain.

Cape Town is a wonderful location to start your exploration of South Africa.    

3. The Garden Route

This one tops the list, especially when it comes to South Africa holiday ideas for families, nature lovers, and outdoor fanatics. The Garden Route is a beautiful coastline stretching 200km in the East and West Cape Provinces of South Africa. This world-renowned length of coastline stretches for a couple of hours from Cape Town to the Plettenberg. Renting a car and driving yourself is the perfect way to enjoy a wonderful mix of picturesque indigenous forests, colorful towns, and rough sandy beaches along the way. The official Garden Route is a fantastic self-drive route from Mossel Bay in the west and stretches to Storms River in the east. Knysna is a strategic stopover town on the Garden Route with reasonable accommodations, all the attractions within easy reach.  Visit the beautiful beaches within these vast landscapes, scenic lagoons, indigenous forest, and coves. Offshore see the friendly African penguins, dolphins, whales, and great white sharks.   Mossel Bay has superb beaches, a museum showcasing the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz's life, who discovered the Famous Garden Route.  Explore the bordering mountains; a trip to Oudtshoorn, the South African Ostrich industry with farms producing Ostrich feathers for extravagant hats and gigantic eggs is not to be missed. While outdoor activities are the main attractions on Garden Route (home to South Africa's best golf courses), delicious South Africa cuisine is never far away. Enjoy fresh oysters, and sunset boat rides at the famous Knysna Waterfront or a fast food place with a beach view in the neighboring Plettenberg Bay.   4. Cape Winelands Flanked by sub-splashing vineyards and rocky mountain peaks, the breathtaking valleys of Cape Winelands is best known for the great historic estates, beautiful little villages, five-star resorts, and  the wine. The beauty of these Wineland's valleys surrounded by scenic mountain views is a real treat for to experience. Though the Winelands is an ideal option for romantic getaways and honeymooners, children enjoy the Winelands as well. There are roughly about 20 vineyards in Cape Winelands. However, the term refers to the three main vineyards in the region: - Stellen Bosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, all located in mountainous countryside with stunning Alpine-style views. You can start our day testing different wineries while feasting on a home-style farm-to-table delicacy or stroll through the oak-lined sidewalks to local art galleries while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Despite being only one hour's drive from Cape Town, a few nights in this quaint mishmash of vineyards and mountains will wash away any lingering city stress. It is truly one of the fascinating places to visit in South Africa.

From Cape Town, rent a car and head to the Winelands. It is a beautiful area with great accommodations for all budgets.     5. Pilanesberg National Park Sitting at the heart of an ancient volcano and positioned next to a vast hippo-filled lake, the Pilanesberg National park is one of the top tourist attractions in South Africa, i.e. if you don't want to wander far from Johannesburg. Just a few hours from Johannesburg and right in front of the world-famous Sun City resort, this readily accessible park gives tourists an authentic safari experience. Home to some of the most fantastic wildlife, a game drive to Pilanesberg National park is frequently marked by incredible sightings of elephants, lions, brown hyenas, and a beautiful collection of birds. You can spend your day game – viewing, and if you are lucky enough, you will get to watch up-close as lions hunt. If you have seen enough animals, take to the sky riding in a hot air balloon for some picture-perfect views. The spectacular landscape and the lush greenery make for excellent photography, and since the park is outside the malarial belt, you won't need anti-malarial medication.   6. Sun City To be honest, Sun City is not one of my favorite places in South Africa, but travelers seem to love it.  It is like Las Vegas and I would much rather be in nature.  Sun City began as a "sin city," where gambling was allowed during the apartheid era, but ironically it was illegal elsewhere.  The Sun City complex is located in Rustenburg, less than three hours’ drive from Johannesburg. It sits on Pilanesberg National Park's brink in an extinct volcano crater, which erupted millions of years ago. Sun City was constructed in the heart of this quiescent volcano crater. If you are looking for pure hedonism and endless entertainment, Sun City, also known as "the Kingdom of Pleasure," is the place to be. It is no exaggeration to say that Sun City offers the most vibrant range of South African holiday activities. Start your day playing golf in one of the famous golf courses. Then spend the afternoon relaxing at the slide-filled water theme park (Valley of the Waves) or go searching for the big five in the great Pilanesberg National Park, which is right next door. But don't assume the fun stops there; at night Sun City turns into a flashy hub of eateries, wine bars, casinos, and dazzling live shows. You will never want to leave Sun City. The world within a city resort complex includes four deluxe hotels, The Palace of the Lost City, two expansive golf courses, the Waterpark Valley of the Waves, a Grand casino, South Africa's finest concert and sports venues, and so much more. Most of the resort's activities are family oriented.    7. KwaZulu Natal It’s often stated that the locals know the best places to explore. When most South Africans go for a holiday, they often choose KwaZulu Natal as their vacation spot. KwaZulu Natal is home to brimming extensive five wildlife reserves, historical battlegrounds, soaring mountain peaks, and pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. If you are an independent – mind traveler, then KwaZulu Natal has some of the finest South Africa holiday spots for a bush and beach safari. Unlike the more sedate Garden Route, a KwaZulu Natal tour has other activities like scuba diving, battlefield excursions, and horseback riding in the scenic Drakenberg Mountain. For an authentic African experience, explore the northern part of KwaZulu Natal coupled with stunning beaches, excellent game reserves, and typical Zulu villages nestled together on sloppy hillsides near the historical battlefields. As you head further south, the terrain softens as the tropical winds pass through the countryside grasslands of the Natal highlands and down to Durban's colorful city.   Our Final Word Nothing compares to the breathtaking and spellbinding sights that South Africa has to offer. This incredible country will impact you like on others. From the flourishing urban cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg to the vibrant indigenous Ba Kaap villages and the sun-kissed coasts, South Africa has it all in fashionable culture and history. As you explore South Africa, you will experience countless magical moments in every city mentioned in this article.  I loved living there and having a chance to explore such a wonderful country.  

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[suninagarajan]

A MAN OF SCIENCE

As it is sometime since the learned gentlemen of the academies had rejected the heresy of Phlogiston in favor of Monsieur Lavoiser’s more rational gospel, so it is that the good people of Old Town, Aberdeen, despite spending their lives amongst the vales, mountains, glens and lochs of God’s ancient geological miracle, had, for the last ten and seven years attuned their excellent minds to the process of natural philosophy.

For it was during this time that an admiral fellow, of the ancient granite city born and bred armed with diploma and speculum administered to their complaints and ailments, from ague’s to headaches to chilblains, via all manner of digestive conditions. 

And as it is a well known adage that physicians, especially ones who will leave the warmth and comfort and libatious natures of hearth and home, in the sleet and the snow and the rain, to see to a patient suffering more from phantoms than from symptoms, who don’t kill their patients and charge reasonable rates besides, are uncommonly rare, a few eccentricities in one's own can be forgiven. 

Amature alchemists though he may be, and founding member of the not yet prestigious Aberdeen Scientific society, the natural philosopher, after explaining to his good lady wife that objects made of delicate glass whose bodies have been blown into all manner of bellies, though pretty when holding posies of violets and snow peas from the garden, might better be deployed as objects of wonder - set his mind to the knowing of compounds by way of the new learning from Hamburg.

Once he had understood that the temperatures required were as likely to explode the glass than to temper it, and by way of trial and error had discovered the path of distillation from natural to chemical, as set out in the remarkable papers from Germany. It had not taken him long to master the crystallization process with the business largely being a matter of moving elements in a everchanging kaleidoscope of alternative natures from solid to liquid to condensed essence, via a series of expanding and lessening flames so as to transmute the nature of the element from one to another. Whereby a combination of properties via a combination of elements in any of their natural states might produce health giving substances that could be transported and administered.

Helen, his ever devoted wife, having finally relented through good natured matrimonial hectoring, to his commandeering the second best downstairs parlour, his only headache had been the number of glass respectacles, tubes, bottles and vials required for the fruitful fulfillment of his hopeful endeavours. Then, old master McGreogry, treasurer of the esteemed society, via business on the continent, had discovered in Holland a maker of scientific devices who would ship the necessary machines to the society, second class. 

In no time then the amature man of science soon became known, throughout Old Town and beyond, less for administering compounds to eye, stomach and nerve complaints with extraordinary results, than arranging candle lit displays of awe and chemistry for the benefit of friends, neighbours and meetings of the soon to be illustrious society. 

________________________________________________________________

It was after the Major-General had taken the liberty to reprimand the rectors of both seats of learning, in writing, going as far as to suggest that himself and the Deputy Director (whom he did not name) knew more about modern chemistry than all the fellows of England, his black humor matching his frock coat, that Major Woodehouse, when seeing a tart of his in the East End who often had bounty on her person that could be bought for a price, the maiden being reduced to accept treasure for coin, happened upon a solution to the disharmony that has so troubled the Foresters matrimonial home. 

It was in that Alwich alehouse, when astute Major Woodehouse overheard two merchant seamen of the dutch variety, soaked in their wanderings,  musing on the strange cargo in the load, that must be “handled with care”, marked “Vials”, that affable, ambitious Monty’s mind snapped into action like a well used switchblade. Making so good as to stand those same seaman a pint or six of rum,  as if Monty were their oldest friend, the good gentleman in their cheer, as expected in due course, let slip the name of the cargo owner and true to his nature, Major Woodehouse of the Honorable Company, who had no knowledge of Mrs Forester’s predicaments, proved useful to a chap in a tight spot.

For Forester was not wrong, the sorcerer he sought was not in fact in England but some 900 miles from civilization in the frozen north of Scotland. A doctor Macaulay Fraizer Cambell,  medical practioner and keen amateur?  man of science, who as well as administering to the ailments and complaints of the residents of Rosehill, Queens Cross and Hazelhead in Old Town, Aberdeen, was also an experimenter of the new chemistry. 

None of this was known to Monty Woodehouse, as he bumped and froze his way up the Great North Road from Edinburgh to Aberdeen in a hired coach with young Lieutenant Hareford, who had snored his way from breakfast despite the privations of Scottish highways, to make the good doctors acquaintance and if possible, press upon him the King’s shilling.

________________________________________________________________

Since he had replaced the rivet in her spectacles on the occasion of their first meeting, Betsy Ross, the upstairs maid, had always held Dr Cambell in the highest regard. So it was then that every Sunday, after Rev MacLeod had reminded the parionsers at St Columba’s of their duty to God and each other, that Besty would hurry back to Park Hill House the estimable home and practice of the good doctor and his family to stoke the fires and fetch clean water for the tea, ensuring that every comfort be available to the master and his family on their return.

Poor Betsy, therefore was amidst these occupations, as Major Woodehouse and Lieutenant Hareford blazing like incongruous flames in their cardinal reds and regimentals greys, their high black chimney hats proud as peacocks and black as sin, their crisp white britches as innocent a novice in a nunnery, disturbed her ministrations when they made their appearance at the good doctor’s home that cold February morning of 1816, as the clear sharp light from God’s own honest sky burned their arrival into her blue humble God fearing eyes. 

She had not noticed the carriage as it pulled up to the gate or the youthful athletic form of the Major’s, who, although not quite of middle age, was perhaps experiencing a diminishing of his boyish bloom, and the taller leaner more guileless figure of his younger sandy-haired companion, both hardened from barracks living and life on campaign, as they unfolded their grey woolen regiment capes from around their two sinewy, well proportioned figures, the one prepossessing in manner the other fetching in visage, with some difficulty from the wind and the cold and the cobbles, as they descended from the hired carriage, instructing the driver to wait. 

Not knowing whether the officers in crimson, who presented their card when she open the front door, wondering as she was, why Mr Parker the butler would knock like a gentleman as she hurried down the hall, was friend or frenchman, she managed with some wrestling of her silent courage to inform the foreign gentlemen whose business was surely not to the doctors good, that that same gentleman would soon be returning from church with the mistress and his family, as she motioned towards the front parlour where visitors were received.

If she had considered for a moment the day, she would have remembered that Mr Parker preferred his half day holiday after church so as to take his leisure in the Green Man among his friends of the back stairs.  Alas, Besty, unused to the task of receiving, forgot almost all of her own name at the shock of the occasion.  She did not however, fail in her regard or duty to her master whom she believed was in great danger of the gentleman, sure to be carted off to Newgate like a common criminal or debtor, and kept a sly watch on the pair whose motivations she distrusted along with their accents as they warmed themselves by her newly laid fire.

Excepting that which the master chose to read aloud to the household from the Edinburgh journals, poor Betsy had very little intelligence of red coats, and none of the honorable company, who since the irish duke’s triumph peppered london society like gods on the vine, strawberries of such sweet addiction they were hailed as heroes wherever they went.  

As long as where they went wasn’t northern Scotland, land of Wallace. 

Besty, however, is the exception, for Major Woodehouse, thought not expected to inherit the Dukedom was by no means an unappealing prospect for the matrons of the drawing rooms and ballrooms of Mayfair, as they paraded their merchandise in silks and feathers for inspection.

Major Woodehouse, by no means a tall man, was said by most to be “towering”, a reference more to presence than to scale, he was tolerably handsome when at home in Braycourt, his family estate in Warwickshire, where he preferred his hunting jacket to his registmentals.  But in London when in barracks in Aldgate or in the drawing rooms of the ton, or the ballrooms of society, his well portioned face was proof enough of his aristocratic line, and many a lady of good breeding and quality forgot she was a lady and had often thought of him as “engaging” in his looks and very “likeable” in his manners. 

He had arrived in the land of the Hindu as a Company First Lieutenant five days after his 25th birthday, and after seven years in that alien land had secured both his prospects and his fortune. By trading in spices and skills and tea, he had through luck, gumption and cunning, his company pay notwithstanding, lived in that exotic land quite prosperously, having settled on a plantation in Bengki, his talents then duly nourished bloomed like roses in the Indian sun. 

Though still a bachelor it was his duty to His King and His Duke and the defeat of the bonaparte that had kept him from finding a wife and placed him in much demand in all the best homes. As a darling of the drawing room and a favourite of the shooting weekend, his reception in the finest homes was assured,  his scarlets and blacks acting like Gabriel’s wings where invitations were concerned. He graced fashionable society like a dancer on the stage and managed to enjoy his pleasures and passions while skilfully avoiding any unlucky accidents or engagements with ladies of his acquaintance, maintaining the unsullied reputation of gentleman.  

He was now a well positioned man of not yet five and thirty,  in possession of good-looks inherited from a dark eyed beauty who, as dutchess, was delivered of his mother and a somber-haired grandfather who was a cousin of the scottish king. His family's wealth and motto was a reference to the chestnut trees and sheep that peppered their land like an occupying army, and by which his family had laid down the broadsword and put about building a green and pleasant land. 

Having invested a good deal of his fortune in the company and the rest in plantations in Jamaica,  he had taken to a life in service to the duke, and when that excellent commander had requested his presence on the peninsula he had put off the coat of a merchant and once again put on his regimentals. 

It was Flanders of course, that had turned this man of action and adventure, whose general agreeableness was both a delight to young and old and a ladder to prosperity, into the Major of that name, and with it entry into all the better establishments of both town and country.  Where it mattered, it was generally understood that Major Woodehouse was a man with excellent prospects and better connections, his stock soaring and his cheque book solid. Though he had not yet turned his attention to the shopping of brides, it was not for lack of inventory.

So it was that when the good doctor accompanied by his wife and two sons returned to a home of warmth and company, brave Betsy stepped to her mistress and whispered with the courage of a christian martyr,  “mam, thir’s twa rid-coated gentlemen, ‘s come tae arrest th’ master ‘n’ carry him aff..”

________________________________________________________________

Mrs Helen Cambell, though perhaps no daughter of Troy, her beauty more apparent in her stoicism and patience that in her aspect, was perfectly suited to the employment of respectable Doctor’s wife, having begun life as the daughter of Doctor Finlay of Old Town, and having transmuted her natural state from daughter to wife some 23 years ago.  

Though theirs was not a marriage of high passions as idealised in the latest novels, both partners considered themselves content with companionship, comfort and kindness. Their affectionate and loving ability to get along, was valued second only in pride and comfort to the health, character and prospects of their two young sons.

It was not without some considerable justification that Mrs Helen Cambell comforted herself in the knowledge that goodness was its own reward. She had, she had long believed, been blessed in both her children and her marriage. Though both boys followed their father in their passions, being themselves if not yet men, then youths, of science, and their mother in their aspect, were equally fair and true of feature and solid and descent of nature.  

She allowed herself solace in the knowledge that she had provided a home of regularity and christian propriety to which, praise the Lord, their social standing among friends and acquaintances remained undiminished by the doctors irregular habits. As the good matron stood in the hallway of her family home in the respectable quarter of Aberdeen Old Town, surrounded by loving family and attentive servants and allowed herself to be unbuttoned of her modest but respectable dark blue woolen coat. Her dignified form resplendent in the daylight of that holy day, not yet noon, was covered by a blue, candy-striped, sensible, Sunday cotton dress, whose cotton-pickers, unbeknownst to the good lady, were Phahsoi royalty, over a high necked muslin shift and lace and blue ribboned bonnet.   

Her missal still clutched in her gloved hand, she was somewhat taken aback then by the housemaids ominous predictions, and had need to praise her God and exclaim aloud “oh, heavens preserve us!” Before Major Woodehouse’s, quick interventions and amiable manner soon put the matter to rights. Betsy though not quite satisfied contented, at her mistress's request, to inform cook there would be two extra for lunch and to set to the bake house for a meat pie, the mistress fearing there would be none remaining for the family’s cold supper.

It did not require the presence of the two gentlemen from London and conquering heroes to boot, far less the introduction, on fine silken paper,  from Major General Forester of the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies. Known in the periodicals as the Honorable East India Company, whose name stood for fame and glory throughout christendom, to soften the good doctors bewilderment and arouse his curiosity - the sight of the young English gentleman warming themselves by the fire in his parlour arousing awe and wonder in that good man’s mind. 

In truth the Company need not have troubled to flatter the Doctor in the introduction proffered by Major Woodehouse that his acclaim and that of his illustrious society had reached their ears whilst they at the same time made bold to offer him, despite their short acquaintance and the peculiar circumstances of its necessity,  a curious and singular appointment whereby the good doctor and eminent man of learning, should the rumors of his brilliance prove to be true, may have a unique occasion to serve the Company, at what, he was assured, would be a very agreeable remuneration and a most handsome reward.

All it would have in fact taken, and indeed to the good doctors credit, did take, was the interest in his work that Major Woodehouse, who knew how to barter with an indian Nawab, a french quartermaster, a dutch explorer, and many an east end tart, displayed with such artless charm and genuine enthusiasm as to only have originated in, as the good doctor declared with delightful relief, a fellow explorer.  When that excellent fellow protested his amazement that the eminent doctor would offer such a humble student as himself a tour of his venerable laboratory, he did so with none of the studied airs of the polished actor, as only one of natural temperament could, and followed the doctor with studious concern around the twists and turns of his magical glass universe as the he explained his alchemical wizardry like a sorcerer teaching spells. 

So it was that Helen Cambell and her sons had cause to make the acquaintance of young Lieutenant Summersby, whose boyish charms and homesick demeanor which could not fail to soften the hardest heart, easily breached the meagre defences of Mrs Cambell’s sweet natured breast.  Having plied him with cups of warm sweet tea, scones, barn cakes, and pickled herring sandwiches with a maternal generosity familiar to her sons,  he at last made at liberty to inform that dear lady of her striking resemblance, in his blushing and soft-spoken opinion, to his own dear mother, who was at that moment at her Sunday prayers at their tenant farm in Shropshire. 

Lieutenant Mathew Summersby, of six and twenty years, was a lad of true spirit, whose family had farmed the eden of the Shropshire countryside for generations. His father having taken to gout, passed to God’s heavenly realm some ten years hence, young Mathew as head of the household, had joined the company, eager in his new found responsibility to secure his defenceless, virgin sisters their marriage portion and save that poor forlorn widow and queen of his heart from destitution in the workhouse.    

The true hearted young Lieutenant, ensuring the respectability of his mother and sisters, heeded the Company’s recruitment edict at the age of 18, and having been assured the gaining of a fortune for young men of an adventurous nature and anticipation of a prosperous future by the recruitment sargent, he dutifully signed his name and donned the young officers uniform his father’s status had afforded him.  No sooner had he accepted his majesty’s shilling but he found himself baking in the iberian sunshine in pursuit of la boney, the mad dog of corsica.  

All of this and more he recounted to dear Mrs Campbell who's affable manners and motherly concern bade him describe his journey starting at the story of his birth, and concluding with his subsequent arrival in her comfortable parlour in Old Town, pressing him to pay particular attention to details of his mother and sisters as prompted by her eager questions on their health and comfort.

It was not surprising that the good lady took such an interest in the sweet tempered young man so far from home, for his age and character reminded her so much of her own boys Macaulay and Alexander that her maternal heart ached, him being of not dissimilar age and in want of a mothers care. 

Nor was it surprising that those two good-natured brothers, having made the Lieutenant's most recent acquaintance dissentect him with a plethora of questions having assumed that the young Lieutenant had personal knowledge of Le General, whilst good heartedly teasing their mother, in such fraternal and cordial tones as to disarm his reserve and encourage his frankness, that he made free to entertain and amuse them with tales of Vimeiro, Madrid and Salamanca to their obviously delight.

And so in a charming domestic tableau sat the dear homesick Lieutenant,  Doctor Cambell’s good lady and their boys not yet twenty, as if old friends reunited. They would have made, had they been observed by anyone other than Besty,  a delightful and warmily cordial scene, in accordance with the gentile and unexpected company. Honest Betsy however, who like most highlanders, never forgot their bravehearted menfolk, that had chased the red coated devils back to their English hell, reserved her judgement and kept her council. She forbear to warm to tender eyed officer as he made her his most courteous smile, in compliments to the cooking, she did not protest overly loudly when her mistress insisted the same youth and his commander stay with the family to overnight their journey instead of the nearest tavern - some 10 miles hence.  And with a towering effort of spirit she merely rolled her eyes and complained with her silence when her mistress and the family made as familiar together as geese in the courtyard with the gentlemen over their evening repast. 

Even as that same meal was sent for and consumed, having afforded the mistress the occasion to exercise chritian charity in the donation of the pie procured earlier for the servants dinner. And though the addition of the pie to the servants of Park Hill House’s table was most welcomed as it warmed Betsy’s belly and intoxicated her taste buds, with her brows crossed under her linen cap, she nursed her wrath to keep it warm. 

When young Lieutenant Summersby returned two months later, after much frenzied and pre paid! correspondence between the Doctor and Sir Howard, Deputy Director of the Honorable East Indies Trading Company, to accompany the Doctor and his son down south to the hallowed chamber of the Company it was not at Betsy's request, but rather at that honorable gentleman’s and in service of the Company.  Nevertheless, Lieutenant Summersby came as a friend and supporter of the family on his return to Park Hill House.  His parting was just as sorrowful from that now colder home.    

[stoweboyd]

Work Futures Daily - AI is Everywhere

But there is no agreement on the impact of AI-driven automation

2018-04-03 Beacon NY — AI is finding it's way into every conceivable niche it seems. Australian conservationists are employing drones to track sharks, and emplying AI to identify Great White and other large and toothy sharks. The goal is to head off dangerous interactions with the giant beasts. Simialr projects are going on in Cape Town and California, too.

Meanwhile, Equinix is predicting customer churn with AI, in the section below.

Has AI intruded into your work or extracurricular activities? Let me know, if so, here.

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On Artificial Intelligence For Customer Prediction

Data center company Equinix has created an app to determine the likelihood of customer churn for its clients:

For its prediction model, a team of Equinix data scientists looked at roughly 70 attributes that could contribute to customer churn, such as how many times a customer logs into a customer portal or placed an order over a certain time period, or whether power consumption increased or decreased. Using a deep neural network, the team built a model that predicts the likelihood of customer churn over a 30-, 60- or 90-day period and says whether each customer is a high, medium or low churn risk.

[…]

In its first iteration, it predicted churn with 50% to 60% accuracy when compared to actual churn data. After months of testing and refining, it now is close to 90% accuracy.

The model runs about once every two weeks and provides and spits out the probability that each customer account might churn, along with potential reasons why. That information is fed into the company’s Salesforce.com Inc. system so sales reps can see it while working with Equinix’s roughly 9,800 customers.

“Before, customers would churn because they didn’t hear from reps,” Mr. Wagle said. “That behavior is changing.”

Just as important for a skeptical user community, they had to provide a raitonale for the churn prediction:

The biggest challenge was figuring out how to explain the model’s decision-making process.

[...]

Now, alongside the risk score, a table shows sales reps reasons that might explain the risk, such as a decrease in power consumption or an extended period without using the customer portal.

Notably, Equinix declined to explain how the technical team derived the rationale from the neural network used.

On Predicting the Impact of Automation

There seems to be little convergence on estimates for the impact of AI and Automation on jobs. The MIT Technology Review has collated a table:

Predictions are all over the place, no convergence, not even on the fundamental question of whether more jobs will be created versus destroyed.

Erin Winick of MIT Technology Review states,

In short, although these predictions are made by dozens of global experts in economics and technology, no one seems to be on the same page. There is really only one meaningful conclusion: we have no idea how many jobs will actually be lost to the march of technological progress.

On Unions

Unions are having a real resurgence in the US, as a bottom-up radicalization of teachers, long denied pay wage increases and confronted by attempts to cut benefits, have walked out, often surprising — or turning against — their union 'leaders'.

Dana Goldstein reported on 2 April,

Thousands of teachers in Oklahoma and Kentucky walked off the job Monday morning, shutting down school districts as they protested cuts in pay, benefits and school funding in a movement that has spread rapidly since igniting in West Virginia this year.

In Oklahoma City, protesting teachers ringed the Capitol, chanting, “No funding, no future!” Katrina Ruff, a local teacher, carried a sign that read, “Thanks to West Virginia.”

“They gave us the guts to stand up for ourselves,” she said.

The walkouts and rallies in Republican-dominated states, mainly organized by ordinary teachers on Facebook, have caught lawmakers and sometimes the teachers’ own labor unions flat-footed. And they are occurring in states and districts with important midterm races in November, suggesting that thousands of teachers, with their pent-up rage over years of pay freezes and budget cuts, are set to become a powerful political force this fall.

The next red state to join the protest movement could be Arizona, where there is an open Senate seat and where thousands of teachers gathered in Phoenix last week to demand a 20 percent pay raise and more funding for schools.

The growing fervor suggests that labor activism has taken on a new, grass-roots form.

[...]

Lily Eskelsen García, president of the National Education Association, the nation’s largest teachers’ union, called the movement an “education spring.”

“This is the civics lesson of our time,” she said. “The politicians on both sides of the aisle are rubbing the sleep out of their eyes.”

Note that this is taking place in states where the teachers' unions are barred by law from compelling workers to pay dues, weakening them financially.

…

Meanwhile, in France, Emmanuel Macron's efforts to strip benefits from railway workers has led to the long-anticipated protests:

A strike at railway operator SNCF began Monday evening and will run through Thursday morning, with only one in every eight long-distance trains running and one-in-five shorter regional trips due to depart on Tuesday. Roughly half of RER commuter trains to Paris are running. Eurostar, which runs service between London and Paris, canceled five trains today in each direction, or about one-third of the trains it would run on a normal Tuesday.

Unions say half of SNCF workers are striking, including 77 percent of train drivers. SNCF advised passengers to postpone trips, and television stations showed footage of near empty train stations.

[...]

The strikes are the latest in a series of disruptions that started last month and also involve energy and garbage collection companies, as well as students protesting changes at state-backed universities. Demonstrations across the country have already caused severe disruption in commuter trains and school shutdowns.

Labor unions plan their biggest protest against changes at SNCF, the indebted national railroad, where Macron plans to deny future hires the job security, early retirement and special pensions of existing workers, while opening up train lines to competition. There are 36 days of strikes planned at the train operator over the coming months.

Taking on the railway company’s 74,000 workers will be tough for Macron, after he pushed through a liberalization of France’s labor code and cut taxes on capital in his first year in office. Next, he’s planning to overhaul jobless benefits, simplify France’s retirement systems and streamline parliamentary procedures.

France is deeply divided: 46% say the strike is justified, 53% say it isn't. With the work stoppages likely to be two days out of every five, those numbers could shift: but which way?

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[ibostonlimo]

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