Deirdre's Trip To So. Africa for Andre Rieu's Concert
Table Mountain Photos. . . . Deirdre Kruger
Deirdre Kruger is in Cape Town and has been emailing us with all the excitement of a child on Christmas day! She is sending us photos and will tell us all about the concert tomorrow night. She has shared two lovely photos of the area and will have more! This will be a continuing story so more will be added as we get the news.
Here are Deirdre's words on the top photo. . . . .
Here are some photos we (Juandre) took of Table Mountain in Cape Town. In 1652, Jan van Riebeeck(Dutch Commander) settled in Cape Town. This is when the history of the white European population started in South Africa. They were the first Europeans to settle here. We climbed the mountain this morning and were at times nearly swept off the mountain by gale force winds! I think I will have some difficulty dancing at the concert tomorrow evening. I'm going to be quite stiff and will have to crawl to my chair. But, it was fun and quite an adventure!
(another account from Deirdre). . . .
What a day. We climbed Table Mountain at 6:00 am this morning. What started of as a light wind, later turned into a gale force wind. At various intervals, we were nearly blown off the mountain! When we finally reached the summit, it was supposed to be daylight. We were covered in a thick blanket with extremely cold windy conditions. Table Mountain's hat was on(cloud over the mountain). We were supposed to take the cable car down, but it was canceled because of the strong wind. Needless to say, we had to descend the mountain by foot!(Height: 1087 m)I don't think I'll be able to walk tomorrow, the boys will have to carry me to the concert. When dancing, I'll be in such agony.Nah, nothing will get me under! Andre and his beautiful music will have me dancing on the moon in no time!
From Table Mountain
Here is the last of our adventures in Cape Town, The Cape Of Good Hope. After our wild mountain climbing expedition we went on a sight seeing tour of the city. We climbed onto the Red City Tour Bus that stopped at all the interesting historical places and most frequently visited places in our Mother Town. It is a double -Decker bus, and I could just imagine our Andre on the rooftop, playing his violin and filling the city with his beautiful music! We visited the Castle and enjoyed the lovely stories of the Dutch Commanders that resided in the lofty rooms of the castle.I once again imagined the ladies with their beautiful dresses, and their husbands ,dancing to the music of Johann Strauss during the Debutante Balls that were held in the Castle.We stood on The Grand Parade where Andre planned on shooting his next DVD in South Africa before he became ill. It is huge with lovely statues and the stunning City Hall. Andre told Pierre that he wanted 200 spotlights shining onto the City Hall. I saw a photo of Andre playing his violin on the parade in front of the City Hall with Table Mountain providing a beautiful backdrop! It would have been a fantastic DVD, with the sun setting over Table Mountain. Next stop was the Groote Kerk (Big Church), the oldest Christian congregation in South Africa.A short walk from the Groote Kerk is St Georges Cathedral and down Parliament Street the Parliament Building where Nelson Mandela was sworn in as South Africa's first democratically elected president.We ended our tour at The Flower Sellers of Adderley Street where we picked out flowers for Manoe's birthday. This is the biggest fresh flower street market in South Africa and a lady with a spicy humor helped us to choose a colorful bunch of flowers.We rushed back home to get ready for the CONCERT at The Grand Arena. I bathed and put some body glitter on because this was quite a shiny affair! Juandre called me his "Little Star" and told me that I was going to glitter at the concert and that it would be extremely hard for Andre not to notice me! I felt like a shining star on my way to a concert filled with stars. Well, James Bhemgee was the new star of the show, and did he shine! The concert was the end to a perfect day.It was all that I dreamed of and Andre had me flying to the moon and back. I imagined all my beautiful friends on the blog attending the concert with me, dancing and swaying to the beautiful music!Today(Saturday) was our last day. Juandre and I went back to the Grand Arena. He did some ice skating while I walked around, trying to get a whiff of Andre's aftershave. I could still hear the echo of his music and feel the presence of the Maestro filling the Arena. To take my mind off Andre, Juandre challenged me to a game of Ten Pin Bowling. I had a ball in Cape Town, I had the time of my life and the concert of a life time. Thank you all my friends who shared each moment with me, I will always remember my trip to Cape Town, The City of Hope!! La vie est belle (Life is beautiful)!
The flower sellers of Adderley Street are known as much for their spicy humour as for their freshly cut flowers. Most come from a long tradition of flower sellers.
Statue of EDWARD VII on The Grand Parade where Andre would have held his outdoor concert(2011) before he got ill.
City Hall overlooking The Grand Parade. Andre was so enthusiastic about the Outdoor Concert, and described in great detail on his DVD: My African Dream about having 200 spotlights shining on this building for his concert.It was on The Grand Parade in 1990 that 250 000 supporters gathered to welcome Nelson Mandela after his release from 27 years in prison.
Photo of a painting depicting The arrival of the Netherland's Commander , Jan van Riebeeck, in Cape Town in 1652.
Deirdre and Juandre in front of The Castle, South Africa's oldest building, built between 1666and 1679.
Deirdre and Johann(husband) in front of The Castle
The Castle with the following historical flags: Dutch, Union Jack, French, old South African flag as well as the new SA flag.
The Groote Kerk in the city centre (Adderley Street) is the symbol of the oldest Christian congregation in South Africa.
The St George's Cathedral, theatre of High Church liturgy, meeting place of mainsream Anglicans and symbol of apartheid resistance (historically the site of many protest rallies).
Statue of Lovis Botha in front of the Parliament building in Cape Town.
Take one of the Red Sight Seeing busses to whiz you away to all the beautiful and historical places in and around the city of Cape Town.
A statue of an Angel holding Holy Water in the entrance of St George's Cathedral.
The Parliament Building in Cape Town.
A tame squirrel in front of the Parliament building.
Portrait of Nelson Mandela (Madiba) in the lobby of the Nelson Mandela Hotel and Spa in the city centre.
African Art made of Coke cans.
Deirdre having breakfast in the square at a Street Cafe.
African Curio
Enjoy Lunch at the Theatre Restaurant.
Deirdre and Juandre Buying flowers for Manoe's birthday at one of the flower sellers in Adderley Street.
Hope you enjoyed my stay in Cape town, the City of Hope!
RIEU MAGIC IN CAPE TOWN, MY AFRICAN DREAM COME TRUE.
It was the most amazing night of my entire life! On 11 March 2011,with a bottle of the finest Cape Wine for Andre in one hand and flowers for Manoe in the other, I waltzed my way to Grand West Arena in Cape Town, South Africa. I could hardly contain myself, I have waited for this concert for soooo long! Just the day before the concert, we had climbed Table Mountain(up and down) because I wanted to enjoy Cape Town to its fullest. I imagined that I was Julie Andrews of The Sound Of Music. Andre once said that he fell in love with her and I was going to "Climb Every Mountain" for Andre. Well, climbing Table Mountain turned out to be quite a challenge because of gale force winds.
On the day of the concert I could barely walk. But, to the concert I will go, even if I had to crawl! I have specially made three banners for the concert: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANOE!(she celebrated her 50th birthday), RIEU MAGIC! and SOUTH AFRICA LOVES ANDRE! The banners were strewn with hearts, depicting my love for Andre and his music. Unfortunately I didn't get a "hi-five"from Andre, but I did get the opportunity to see Andre and Pierre standing at the back entrance of the arena. Pierre lovingly held onto Andre's arm, assuring him that this would be another great concert! I recognized the bond between father and son, an unfaltering love!
Manoe Birthday Banner
The concert started with "Gold and Silver" and André made us all feel special and loved when he announced that he has waited for nearly a year to return to South Africa. He assured us that Cape Town was THE CITY OF MUSIC and we believed him. Sam Hendrikse, the South African Promoter, arranged for us to take our camera in which enabled my son, Juandre, to take magical photos. Juandre used his camera to make a movie of all the songs, in order for me to relive the concert for many years to come.
Andre looked beautiful, handsome, gorgeous and wonderful! He played with so much joy and passion. He took us on a magical sleigh ride and transformed the Arena into a Snow Wonderland when snowflakes fell on our heads, to great amusement of everybody! He brought Vienna with him, with beautiful waltzes against the Schonbrunn castle as background.The evening was a magical dream, a DREAM COME TRUE when Andre accepted my birthday flowers for Manoe. She was so moved that someone had remembered, and acknowledged my gesture with a lovely smile and a slight bow. Well, that really made my evening! Andre gave me one of his magical smiles and the whole Arena wished Manoe a happy birthday!
Manoe Birthday Flowers
Andre and the JSO made us laugh and they made us cry. Oh, so many mixed emotions both on the stage and amongst the audience! Kimmy sang beautifully. Under Andre's watchful eyes she has turned into a beautiful, elegant swan. Kimmy was the darling of the audience and her "Vilja Lied"had us all standing on our feet, cheering wildly! Our local talent, James Bhemgee, sang with passion and also received a standing ovation.Andre has transformed this former street sweeper into a Prince in his Castle.Thank you Andre for paying tribute to Nelson Mandela, our much loved Madiba.When Kimmy and Mirusia sang "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", I could just imagine Madiba sitting in his favorite chair with little stars in his eyes and a Madiba-magic-smile on his face!
Kimmy Singing Vilja Lied
Juandre and I were the first to open the dance floor. Imagine that! We made eye contact with Andre on several occasions and he gave us little smiles of appreciation and encouragement.Suddenly my knees turned to jelly( a look from Andre will turn any knee into jelly) and I couldn't waltz anymore. We swayed to the rhythm of the beautiful Blau Danube and Andre was playing just for me and me alone! Kimmy, Mirusia and Kalki, the Tenors and James Bhemgee all received standing ovations. The audience was great and I could see that Andre once again gave his everything! He was feeding off everyone's energy and we were shouting for more. Andre was pulling faces at us, but never once did he fail us.
Juandre & Deirdre open the dance floor
The encores ranged from "Suikerbossie", "My Sarie Marais" (old Afrikaner folklore) to the lovely "Lullaby" under a full moon. WHAT A MAN, WHAT A PERFORMER, WHAT A CONCERT!! It all ended way too soon. After the concert I had photos taken with James Bhemgee and Roger(member of the JSO). I lingered in the passages of Grand West Arena until the smell of Andre's after shave faded away. The memory of this Magical Rieu Evening will stay with me for ever!! I will "Climb any mountain and follow any rainbow" to see Andre again.
" MUSIC IS MY BREATH, MY BLOOD, MY LIFE- MY EVERYTHING".... Andre Rieu.
Thank you my Maestro for making MY AFRICAN DREAM COME TRUE! See you again in 2012.
Love Always,
Deirdre Kruger
(South Africa)
Deirdre and James Bhemgee
Deirdre and Roger (JSO)
Mirusia, James and Kimmy
One of concert banners
Kimmy and Mirusia sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star for Nelson Mandela
Andre pulling faces
Here is a link to some high resolution photos taken by Deirdré
Hi Deirdre, What wounderful photo's.and write up. Thank you you are so sweet letting us join in with you on your trip. It is 4.45pm here in the UK so I don't know if you have been to the concert yet.luv Ruth
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Thank you for the great photos and interesting information. Have A Great Day and Evening at the concert.
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Lovely photos Deirdre
I posted a postcard from the top of Table Mountiai to my kids when I was there!
How great that jeanine Ann has done this for you to remember your trip!!
Hope you are enjoying the concert - it is 17.57 (UK time here so HE should be marching in any moment!! ENJOY!!! I am so envious.....
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Deirdre I am beside myself with joy at being there to see Andre & all those beautiful sites too.
It's almost like being there with you. Don't forget a picture of those black shiny shoes.
You can tell Andre for me that if he ever needs a quick shine he can always use a
freshly cut cucumber to rub over his shoes. The chemicals will provide a quick & durable shine
, also repels water. You'll tell him that, won't you?
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I would love to see South Africa, especially to escape the snow slush and rain we are having. You are a lucky girl to live there.
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Hi Dear friend Thank you for your very discriptive tale. Well. I suppose it is all over now.But I bet you won't sleep tonight. I bet you will be Radetzky Marching and Blue Danubing and reliving every little bit in your head and probably natter natter natter to Juandre and your Husband keeping them awake too.How did Our ANDRE look? Handsome and gorgeous as ever I bet. Try to get a little sleep, you have a lot to tell us about but don't forget any miniscule tantalising detailPLEASE. Big Hugs xxx
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Hi to all my lovely friends all over the world,
It is a great pleasure to share my South Africa with you. You have all been fantastically supportive and walked every step of the way with me to Andre's concert here in Cape Town. My son, Juandre, took more photos which will be posted on the blog with a lovely little story to accompany each photo. Andre fell in love with the beauty of our country and we will share the beauty with you all! Just came back from the concert and have sooo much to share. READ THE BLOG!! Love& hugs xx
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Bless you & yours Deidre thank you for sharing your travels with us that would have been some walk, at least it was down; at Katoomba in The Blue mountains we have the giants stairway, 1000 steps down & up,in my younger days I walked down intending to get the cable car up, alas it was cancelled because of fog, we had to climb back up, it was a long long way up. we will look forward to more of your Happy times
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Thank you dear friends. Deidre for allowing us to enjoy your wonderful stay in Cape Town and Jeanine Ann for giving your precious time to make it happen. Enjoying every memorable minute
Thanks and hugs xxxx;0
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Deidre, you have made the above so interesting I almost felt we were there with you, I just love that elephant made out of coke cans that is my favorite soft drink, thank you for sharing your trip with us, the joy you felt at Andre's concert gives life to our days, Bless you & yours always;
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Dearest Deirdre,
Thank you for showing us your photos.
I loved the one of the angel holding the water in the cathedral. She is so
beautiful. Your husband, Johann, of whom you hardly ever talk looks handsome. Hugs Sylvia
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Deirdre, I have to keep going back to this to catch up.The pictures are wonderful & you have described everything is such detail it really is like being there with you. I shall now call you Miss Sparkle Plenty!
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Wow dear Friends, thank you so much for all your lovely comments!! I loved doing this,all of you were with me from the start. We finished my C. Town and Andre experience. It was wonderful and all of you made this trip extra special. The memory will always stay in my heart!! Jeanine Ann was fantastic in keeping all of you up to date. I hope you all know how special she is!!SHE IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!! Love u all xxx
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Hi Deirdre, Well what can I say, your'e photos are super, soooo good.What a lovely city looks clean. I think it would be hard to make up a bouquet with some may flowers. luv Ruth
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Wow Deidre, such a comprehensive coverage of your amazing trip, you were able to fit so much in. I feel I know so much more of the area, I learnt some from Andre on My African Dream. Enjoying seeing you and your family, it makes it very personal. We did follow you all the way with JeanineAnn's help, and your enthusiasm was overwhelming.
You are a very sharing person. Luv from Maureen xx
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Hi Deirdre, Thank you for the all new things, the way you put words together really did make me feel as though I were with you.You will be able to treasure it in your heart forever. Magic. Thank you luv Ruth
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Thank you Dear friend for sharing your joy and enthusiasm with us.It sounds like a trieuly spectacular spine tingling evening never to be forgotten.
Big hugs xxxx
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Beautifully done & described what else can I say you transport us to South Africa to share in your night of nights thank you dear Friend
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Hi Deidre and thankyou so much for this beautiful rendition and photos.No wonder you couldn't waltz after being transfixed by those beautiful blue eyes.You made the evening special for Manoe, very thoughtful. I am not ever likely to meet you in person but I so enjoy your comments and enthusiasm.Years ago I was in Capetown on my way home to Adelaide.It is a beautiful city.Thankyou so much for this and thankyou that it has been posted.What lovely memories you have from this concert. Big hug.Libby/Elizabeth
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I don't know where I was or what I was doing in March 2011, & must confess that today is the first time I've read this detailed, heartwarming & passionate concert report.
Thank you Deirdré for taking the time & effort to share your thoughts & feelings.
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You were probably off on one of your mountain climbs. Didn't I tell you that Deirdre was a beautiful lady? Inside & out.
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Thank you sweet Bill for finding my concert report, it brought back pleasant memories!! Hugs and love, Deirdré xxx
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Hi Prudence. Didn't know the answer to your question but being inquisitive had to look it up.
Nelson Mandela visits children in schools and always sings this song with them. He has endorsed a children's version of The Long Walk to Freedom and there is an Exhibition about him and his work with children over the years called Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
Hope this is correct
Lots of love
xxxxxxxxx
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talking about Twinkle Little Star, being a Mozart lover, I really love the variations he put on the piece.I've loved that song since I was a little girl. My dad used to sing that to me & then sing, You Are My Special Star.
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Hi JOSé,You are correct! Nelson Mandela (Madiba) has a very special place in his heart for little children. When he was released from prison, he hugged a little white baby girl and told her mom that he so much missed holding a little child. He is a wonderful person and we admire him so much. He established the: Nelson Mandela Children's Fund here in South Africa. Love you Peach Blossom, Deirdré xxx
SHIRL, I think our parents sang it to all of us. I used to sing it to my sons as well. It will always stay a beautiful song. Love you my sweet friend xxx
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This is fantastic Deirdre ! I loved every minute of it. The pictures and write-up made me feel like I was there sharing it with you. I don't know why I haven't seen this before...I must have been doing something that made me miss it. I'm sorry that I did because it is a fantastic account. Thank you Deirdre , and even though I'm late, you gave such wonderful detail!
I certainly enjoyed the history of your area as well. It brings back my feelings that I would so love to see SA firsthand. Thanks for taking me there Deirdre , it was a great trip!
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OH, WOW, DEIRDRE,
YOU ARE the sweetest African Dream girl! What a beautiful article! And gorgeous photos! Of Him and Yourself!
You rock, girl!
I haven't seen this before either!
Yes, it makes you feel you are there, definitely. (but I wouldn't mind being in your beautiful country for real! with real you and real Andre! not just virtually)
Thank you, Amazon, this is great,
Love you, sweets,
Eve xxxxx
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Hello my sweet dear Deirdre
Thank you for sharing your Cape Town experience with us. Shew but you sure are a busy person. I don't think I would have risked climbing Table Mountain the day before a concert to ANDRE RIEU for fear of injuring myself and not being able to attend his concert. But you are such a positive person full of guts and ready to tackle anything. Your photos are absolutely wonderful not only of ANDRE but all the special places in Cape Town. We can see you are a teacher in that you took in all the history of the Cape. It's a pity you are not coming down this year - but I suppose 4 concerts in Maastricht and one in Johannesburg - gosh that is five in one year. But one can never get tired of our GORGEOUS HANDSOME ANDRE. He is simply the best!!!
Love and regards
Louise - Cape Town, SA
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This was an unforgettable evening!! Ha-ha on that evening we were the only ones with banners and flowers. Here in Johannesburg we will not be alone this year, the majority will have banners. It just shows you how people differ from one area to another in the same country. In Cape Town the people sat back and enjoyed the concert (they are more preserved). I am sure that they would have enjoyed it more with a glass of wine in one hand. They would have drank a toast to André.In Johannesburg/Gauteng the people like to party!! Here we dance and cheer and just go crazy! André must find it very interesting to observe the reaction of his audiences at different venues in the same country. I really do not know how the audiences react in Maastricht. But coming from Gauteng, I am going to party!!
Thank you everybody for all your wonderful comments. You all rock!! xx
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Hi Dear Deirdre
You GO girl and enjoy yourself. I am sure you can let your hair down in Maastricht for it looks a "jolly city" Isn't that one of their songs.
I know Cape Town is a bit more refined. I originally come from Durban but moved to Johannesburg when my Dad was transferred through his job. I was about 13 when that happened and about 50 when I moved from Gauteng down to Cape Town. I can remember in Gauteng we use to have quite wild parties with my ex's brother who could never contain himself especially when it came to rugby. I think the neighbours use to hate the weekends around our house as he would rock up with his family and whisky and coke and usually ended up drinking 3/4 of the bottle of whisky in one night!!!! How on earth he managed to drive home is anyone's business.
Love you to bits
Louise - Cape Town, SA
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Deirdre' to reread you discription of your visit with Andre' & to see parts of all your interesting places to visit were so interesting, you took me to Your Country & I so enjoyed it, & the concert was the finishing touch I felt I was there with You, thank you. Fay from Toongabbie,N.S.W. Australia;
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I had to come back and look again at your photos Deirdre!
I love the old buildings and places of history.
I am going to put them on my "go to" wish list!
Thank you so much for sharing with us
Hugs Hugs and more Hugs!
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Thank you dear SALLY, You can come visit Johann and I anytime. We would love to have you here with us in South Africa xxx
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