Interview with The Cape Club and her Directors.. & see what makes them tick..

Where.. how was The Cape Club born?.... Established in 2007 - the first and only SOUTH AFRICAN wine on line store, was very successful for three years, built up a great network of contacts, we also supplied year end wine gifts to numerous African Wholesale companies. Arranged and successfully presented a range of good South African Wines at Good Food and Wine Shows in Sydney, as well as Restaurant 09 for an Importing Distributing Company.  Jean moved into the Travel business. Forever the gypsy and thankfully I share this passion with Francois! 

I was approached by an African Tour Wholesaler and together put a stunning Tour to experience the Wine lands of South Africa and at the same time, meet the wine makers, and their wives, many of whom have the same passions as me.. food, and Interior Decorating. Alas, the Economic crash happened! 

But life recovers, thankfully.  And after a serendipitous moment, another country was discovered.. Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, and this can now be added to their full, but never overflowing basket of 'lessons from life's journey'. Indeed, there will always be a new challenge.

Whowie.. tell me more...In this life things happen.. and these often are the times that the biggest growth happens in life. If we allow ourselves this growth and not rebel against it, that is.  
Above picture is taken at Angkor Thom, Siem Riep in Cambodia..  where the famous Angelina Jolie made the movie "Tomb Raider" http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2000/dec/08/culture.features2  (gives a bit more info)

Here Jean and Francois, both Directors of The Cape Club  having some tailoring done in Hoi An Vietnam

Life is good.. sharing a superb Chinese Meal in Saigon Vietnam,  but life is not just about food and drink... 

So where does your Travel bug bite now?... The desire to share the Hidden Charms of Vietnam was born out of a deep nurturing gift which Jean and Francois both have. 

Their journey in life thus far,  has equipped them both to share these gifts, with others. 'The same comfort and council they received, they share freely'.. they have also have an unquenchable thirst for travel and rise easily to any challenge they face. 

A bit of your past please.. The amazing Interior Decorating world started for me, Jean,  when we lived in South Africa, co-incidentally,  where we were both born.

I was involved with the exclusive Wetherlys Group for over 8 years. When we immigrated to Australia in 2002, we filled a container quite easily, furniture with that Colonial Charm which I so enjoy. The wonderful fickle world of interior design will always flow thickly though my veins, no matter where I may roam. Francois is a figure man, always taking exceptional care of his Jeanie's needs and all her passions. He's the Accountant behind every challenge as well.

In Sydney, living on The Harbor Bridge, or in Queensland living on a Golf Estate, facts remain.. I enjoy Interior decorating and gardening, good food, and good friends to share it with and traveling and meeting new friends.

Jean misses Africa and her people very much and her roots will always remain well entrenched in Africa soil,

but from the amazing Bridge in Sydney...

to a quiet peaceful Villa in Queensland, just outside Brisbane.. you will be felt most welcome.. there's always a meal available, and a good bottle of Red wine to be shared..and sit for hours around their dining room table.

Jean's love for flowers flow through their home with her weekly trips to the Brisbane flower market

"What is so romantic about Vietnam Jean?.. and when did you first connect with Vietnam?  How did you manage to get such an amazing trip organized?"   
Vietnam is fast emerging as the world's latest luxury destinations, where you can still be treated like the queen you are. Where R&R time out happens. Where the service industry works, and where my French Romantic heart strings are tugged very loudly. 
They don't call this Vietnam the 'Paris of the East' for nothing..tree lined boulevards.. baguettes, croissants, alluring silks and amazing coffee.. oh and white crisp linen, dark wooden furniture, palm trees and warm seas, and you asked where the romantics come from?

I approached a Registered Asian Tour Wholesaler, and they fully assisted me with my every qualm and query.  This same Tour Wholesaler is also registered with the Office of Fair trading, so traveling with them will never be a problem, they are well represented from HCMC to Hanoi and all between.

Vietnam certainly ticks all your boxes Jean?..

Indeed, the Rest, recover, renew and relax,  but also the energy and vibe that only Saigon can bring,.. I can almost expect Graham Greene (The Quiet American) to stroll past me on Dong Khoi street. The reward I get from sharing my Hidden Charms of Vietnam with my Ladies Group, plus the journey we share together building into each other lives remains with one.. So.. indeed..

'Be Creative, Take Chances, Don't be afraid of making mistakes,
for it is from this that we learn' - 

For any further info contact jeanw@thecapeclub.com

Reflect,  Reconnect, Regain, Regrow, Relax and then be Renewed.