Time Out is 21

OUTING REPORT

25th November 2021

Just in case you want to see the photos before reading the report, here they are

The day finally dawned to celebrate TIME OUT is 21 & TRAVELTIME is 14. The celebration was postponed from July 2021 (the actual month) as Covid was rampant at that time. Our Venue was chosen for its absolute beauty and grandeur in the city of Cape Town – UTOPIA – Dining Elevated (on the 15^th floor of a central city building overlooking the beauty of what is the finest city in the world)

Excitement reigned supreme in the coach heading to the venue – but a certain amount of ‘anticipation’ on entering the foyer of the Capital Mirage Hotel in trendy De Waterkant. On exiting the lift, one is faced with floor-to-ceiling glass panels giving you an unparalleled view of Cape Town; Table Mountain; Signal Hill; Bo Kaap and the V&A Waterfront and beyond. Their staff are very welcoming and efficient. A glass of Man Chenin Blanc or Orange Juice was served on their deck and many, many photos were taken!

At 11h00 everyone was summonsed to their tables and Mel warmly welcomed everyone

An extract from Mel’s speech:

The most beautiful things in life are not possessions, they are people, places, and memories. They are feelings and moments and smiles and laughter and wishes. I once heard someone saying in parting “I wish you enough”. I was curious and found out what it meant.
I wish you enough sun to brighten your day and I wish you enough darkness to appreciate the sun
I wish you enough laughter to wipe the tears away and I wish you enough to celebrate the joy.
I wish you enough prosperity to enrich your life and I wish you enough misfortune to understand your life.
I wish you enough hellos to make the goodbyes not sad and I wish you enough goodbyes to look forward to the hellos.
So, today, I wish you all “Enough” and more.
Enjoy your day my friends and once again all those memories we owe to – Carol and Brian.

Brian then presented his awesome video which is always welcomed by all – memories are what makes ‘this big world go around’ – he thanked everyone for their participation, but particularly drew attention to both Heather and Ingrid Hestermann and their participation over the years – (Heather 64% & Ingrid H 59% of both Time Out and Traveltime trips) – special thanks ladies. Even though Utopia had pull-down blinds, the presentation was a ‘bit’ light but Brian rose to the occasion and issued a You Tube link so they could re-watch this in the comfort of their homes! (See link at end of report)

Carol then ‘emotionally’ thanked everyone for coming on the tours and recalled a few of her personal memories – after all, memories are what make us what we are – the good and the bad (although truthfully the good outweighs the bad in this instance!)

Heather and Marie then presented Carol and Brian with an envelope and a lovely card expressing thanks from the group. Much appreciated to everyone…………..

Our drinks orders were then taken, and everyone had a chance to socialise a bit and take more photos before our starter was served

Sauteed beef wasabi pepper sauce OR
Asian-style salmon OR
Mediterranean salad.

We (Brian and Carol) had printed out individual sayings about “OLD AGE” and much merriment was enjoyed by all before our Main course was served

Open-flame grilled Ribeye OR
Grilled Line Fish OR
Queen Prawns
All served with a choice of rustic cut chips or vegetables or mash

Once again, after Mains there was more than enough time to chat to others and enjoy each other’s company.

Dessert was a slice of a 21^st Birthday cake followed for those who wished to enjoy coffee or tea.

All too sadly, the day came to an end quicker than any of us would have wanted it to and the Hylton Ross coach was summonsed to return at 15h30 to return everyone back to Constantia and Tableview.

To sum up our day, a few of the comments we received that made our hearts so very glad.

Elaine – Dear Carol and Brian – A Great Big thank you for a fantastic 21st birthday celebration today. Once again, you pulled out all the stops. Thank you for all the years dedicated to bringing so much pleasure, happiness and friendship to so many people.

Bev – Thanks so much – But more so, Thank you, Thank you for a very special day of fun, friendship and fabulous food – Every time I join your events they seem to get better and better!

Ann – Thanks for another awesome day – what a fantastic venue, amazing food and an awesome view to top it off.

Bridget – Thank you for all the love, effort and hard work you and Brian put into out Time Out and Traveltime outings. Thank you for a lovely day – it was great getting together celebrating 21 years of happiness, fun and laughter and all because of you dear Carol! Thank you for all the friendships I have made along the way because of Time Out – you really are an inspiration to us all.

Susan – Thanks again for the special day we had and for the photos – You run the club so efficiently and with such caring. I’m sure the presentation took a long time to put together!