Canadians Make Good Chefs

Canadian Chef at Work

Holiday morning we were strolling the streets of Boven to find something to eat. Most if not all shops were closed except for the restaurant with no name. Currently we refer to the place as the "Sticky Toffee Pudding Place" since they make a special dessert. We wandered in all hungry and ready to eat something substantial but the waiter informed us there was no chef and that all they could offer was coffee. Michael had a plan, he convinced the waiter that I was a visiting chef on holiday and that it would be no problem for me to go into the kitchen and work up a breakfast for us. The waiter looked at me and didn't really know what to say. Eventually the establishment's proprietor discovered what happened and needless to say he loved the fact that some Canadian had helped himself to the kitchen.

I guess I'm not getting paid???

Eventually we all made friends and the owner, Charles Fourie, is here reading me the act. The STP is gradually gaining in popularity with the climbers since it has a real espresso machine and is one of the only places in town that provides a nice atmosphere to hang out. Charles is also very keen to host climbers and both he and his son are also active in climbing.

Glenn Enjoying "Steeeky Toffffeeee Pooodding!"

Charles, Charles Jr., Verner and I spent a few days together climbing and providing technique tips. Charles Jr. ended up sending a nice grade 19 called Qina as well as doing a run on the Biogalactic Goggleblaster a supposed 20 which we both thought was soft. Below are shots of us playing on Alex's Chocolate Mousse which we both thought had more merit than the Goggleblaster for its grade.

While at the Tranquilitas crag we ran into Phillipe (Gabo) and Vince who are here with their families from Reunion. Reunion is a small island east of Madagascar that is a part of France. It is mainly a volcanic island similar to Hawaii.