Greetings all and sundry from editor Ben Williams. I look forward to opening a multitude of windows for you on to my adopted home.
Some things you might be curious to know about me:
Who am I? I’m an American with roots in Denver and Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Chicago, Illinois. I’ve lived in South Africa for close to ten years now.
Where do I live? I live in beautiful Cape Town, lucky me. I’ve also lived in Durban, Jo’burg, Pretoria and Polokwane - and I’ve explored this country top to bottom and left to right.
Most importantly, where can we buy your cookbook? Did I mention my cookbook? Thanks for asking! Cooking’s one of my major interests. I’ve just published a book on Indian cuisine, called The Masala Cookbook, which people in the States can view on Amazon.com, people in the UK on Amazon.co.uk, and people in SA by clicking here. It is, I must say, a beautiful book - the perfect gift for the foodie in your life (hint!).
But enough about me - what about you? Why are you interested in SA? Are you visiting soon? Is there anything you’d particularly like to know before you arrive? I’m keen to be at your service, so send in the requests! I also answer all curry-related questions quite promptly.
Cheers
Ben
{ 20 comments }
Hi There
Just wanted to be the first to welcome you to your new post. looking forward to reading about your perspective on SA.
P
How did you know that I LOVE Indian food????? I hope you’ll show off some of your cooking skills in January
Welcome abroad, oops, I mean aboard! I also love Indian food, but little desire to cook it. Sooo, I’ll be asking Court and Sean if you cooked for them, and if so, does your book really work!
Looking forward to your posts, Ben. So far, v-e-r-y good. Whoa!
Just came across your blog through Boots-n-All. I just returned from two weeks in South Africa on Monday. It was my second trip there in two years vacationing and visiting friends. It is a country I have fallen in love with and wouldn’t mind living there for a few years. Until then I will be reading your blog on a regular basis.
Your cookbook is fantastic! My husband gave it to me for my birthday. I highly recommend it–the recipes are easy to follow and the results are very delicious. I’ve cooked from a lot of East Indian cookbooks over the years and rate this as one of the best.
Oh didnt see this part of the blog. Yes definite welcome waves all round. Welcome to Cape Town as are we not having a georgous day today. Im also in Cape Town and loving the weather. Thanx again for the site Ben.
You’ve beat me on the “Midwesterner Living in Cape Town” status by, oh, 8 years…and you definately know WAY more about this country than your average bear…so I will defer to your blog for my daily news check! Remarkable stuff here, Ben. And your photo is remarkable as well. Is that the Olympia Cafe menu board I see in the background??
Hey Ben
Thought you might like to know about this site:
http://www.ilovesouthafrica.org/ - sounds like you’re a South African fan!
(Where’s the contact page on this site?
Regards
Gareth
oneafrikan.com
Hello Ben,
My name is Shelly Banjo and I am a Journalism Student at Northwestern University.
In anticipation of my spring reporting internship at the Johannesburg Star, beginning in March, I am conducting extensive research on South Africa.
Specifically, I am interested in the current political climate in South Africa and the inception and future of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
I have many questions on this topic. Can we schedule a time for a phone interview where we can discuss these questions at a bit more length?
Can you suggest any one who I may be able to contact for additional help?
Thank you for your time,
Shelly Banjo
Ben - are you Indian?
Rick, only by marriage!
Hi Ben
I work for a non-profit organisation that develops community-based tourism routes throughout Africa. I thought you readers might be interested in taking a look at our site (www.africandream.org). We have about 60 of these routes in five African countries. So, if you interested in exploring our beautiful continent, here is a great way to do it.
Greetings Ben,
Interesting Blog, came across your url when googling Liziwe Guest House in Gugulethu.
I’m involved in an online South African Travel Directory. Your blog is informative and would be visiting more often…
You make me want to visit South Africa. One of these days… Remember me from high school?
It makes my heart happy to see your face again.
Hi Carly, of course I remember you! Thanks for the note - how’s life in Cali? -Ed.
Hey! I know you from SSHS too. I changed my name about oh…14 years ago or so. I used to be Doug. Good to know you are out there still! I often wondered what happened to ya.
Good to hear from you, Mr. M - and to know that you’ve finally settled down with a nice girl, I mean, coffeeshop. I hope to pop in some day for a cuppa and a good reminsice. Meanwhile, those who are keen can try and spot the elusive Alexarc here:
http://www.coffeegeek.com/opinions/showreports/06-18-2004
Cheers! -Ben
Good day, I am a Doctoral candidate in the department of political Science, University of Ibadan, NIGERIA. I have a conference at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PORT ELIZABETH on AUG 27-30 2006. Do you know of any donors who can sponsor my trip to present my paper? To verify the authenticity of my claim just Google Olatubosun Olabimpe and you will see my details on the Conference Website. I will acknowledge all help in my paper. Thanking you.
Hello! Good Site! Thanks you!
Ben Williams! In 1998 you fearlessly led me and other NWU students on an 8-week voyage of South Africa. I am now getting my master’s in public health at University of Washington, and looking for practicum opportunities in South Africa. I am trying to go back! My time there changed my life. I would love to talk with you and see if you have any friends/collegues who work in health there. Please email me! And good to see you are well!
Liz
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