21 Club is nuts about Brazil

THE opening 21 Club luncheon of the year was a riot of colour.

Décor featured the green and yellow of the Brazilian flag, ferns, vibrant flowers and birds and festive masks.

Cool, brightly hued outfits and flowers in the hair contributed to the festive atmosphere.

Lords and Legends served a delicious roast beef main and Garth came up with an amazing, creamy concoction with pineapple and coconut served in pretty glasses – a true Brazilian beaut – for dessert.

Guest speaker, Carolyn Borchard attended Durban Girls High and went on to study electronic engineering and design architecture, among other impressive certificates which required practical work in Australia and New Zealand. Employed by Telkom for many years in various capacities, Carolyn was also president of Twini Park Evening WI for seven years, served on the SA Institute of Electrical Engineers KZN branch committee for six years and was on the SGB of Athlone Park Primary and Moyeni Pre-Primary.

She has always been passionate about travel and enjoys camping, reading and hiking. Carolyn is secretary and PRO of a camping club, works part-time for the SPCA and writes travel columns for local media and a national magazine.

Carolyn fulfilled a lifelong dream after her retirement a year ago when she started TravelbyC.

In Carolyn’s words: “‘Nuts about Brazil’ afforded us an introduction to a number of lesser known destinations on the east coast of Brazil.

A glimpse into Recife, home of the Zika virus and an unusual shopping mall housed in an ancient prison was first up. The beautiful beach of Maceio followed. Continuing down the coast, Salvador de Bahia is a colourful, vibrant town perched atop a cliff and reached by its famous ‘elevador’.

Ilheus, the home of chocolate and temperatures which reach 50, was next. A picturesque little town with a gorgeous beach dotted with the characteristic red tables, chairs and umbrellas, synonymous with so many Brazilian beaches.

A whirlwind tour around iconic Rio, including the magnificent Christ the Redeemer statue at an imposing 38m high and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, followed. Between this, Sugar Loaf and Copacabana, Rio’s bucket-list appeal is pretty obvious.

And finally the enormity of Sao Paulo and its nearby port of Santos, surprisingly with a most attractive beach and the world’s longest promenade to its name, ended the cruise down the coastline. Portobello, a quaint little fishing village with only one main road and a pretty little beach a bit further south was also worthy of a mention.

It is indeed easy to be ‘nuts about’ this beautiful country.

Carolyn assured members that Brazil is an affordable holiday venue for South Africans and – another bonus – a visa is not required for a visit. Many thanks to Carolyn for a memorable slide show and talk.

After several resignations, four new members from the waiting list were welcomed: Carolyn Borchard, Susanne Conlan, Nola Muller and Denise Bingham. The 21 Club’s membership stands at 90 with a waiting list of 12.

Lyn Sutherland, who has served as vice president for the last six years, has stepped down. Lyn is relocating to Pietermaritzburg to be closer to her family. Happily, Lyn will remain a member and travel through each month. For her contribution to 21 Club committee Lyn was awarded honorary life membership.

The club wishes her a trouble-free move and much happiness in her new home. On Wednesday, 22 February, the next 21 Club luncheon takes place at Lords and Legends Conference Centre at noon for 12.30pm to celebrate St Valentine in red, black and white. Members can look forward to Darryl Clifford and Schalk van der Merwe talk about the art of bonsai.

Members are reminded that subscription fees are due and that confirmation of intention to attend or not, and names of guests, must be received by committee members by Friday, 17 February. Call Golda on 083-633-6338 or 031-916-7001 and Jenny on 083-299-4619 or on 031-904-1674. Unfortunately, guests can only be accommodated if there is space.