On the first Sunday of every month the holistically-minded gather at the Observatory Community Centre for the Holistic Lifestyle Fair. And, at long last – I’ve been meaning to go for some time – I went to check it out.
It was quite fun! There are indoor stalls, and outdoor stalls, a hall full of psychics and aura-painters, corridors packed with shiatsu and chakra-cleansing experts.
You can find out what your future holds, dig into your past lives and even have your own personal mandala drawn up (along with a detailed personal chart, based on numerology and sacred geometry). Pretty cool stuff!
Or, sample tasty-looking chickpea fudge, buy crystals mined way up in the Himalayas or try your hand at playing a didgeridoo (it’s definitely harder than it looks).
As I’d suspected, the fair has a distinctly ‘alternative’ slant to it – quite a few folks there would look quite at home in a small curtained room, sitting behind a glowing crystal ball. And that’s part of the fun of it (in my opinion).
If I were to try out some alternative therapies, though (and I am a big fan of holistic rather than allopathic treatment, wherever possible), I’m not sure I’d want them done in such a public environment.
It’s too noisy! One therapist, in particular, was very vocal about his subject’s various chakral disorders, his booming proclamations carrying all the way down the stairs. You couldn’t see who it was he was evaluating, but it sounded more like he was looking under the bonnet of a car – and explaining how to fix it up – than tuning into the vibrational energy levels of a sensitive human being!
Added to that were the queues forming for just about every treatment, and I didn’t quite feel up to waiting (not having any particular therapy in mind).
I do think, though, that if you’re someone who wants to try out something like what’s on offer there, it is a good way to get a taster, without it being very expensive.
Much to my delight, amongst the outdoor stalls I discovered Gerald the Bee Whisperer, and rapidly scooped up a new supply of his delicious and delectable, utterly splendiferous honey. For Gerald alone, I would (and will) go back every month from now on.
The Holistic Lifestyle Fair takes place every first Sunday of the month at the Observatory Community Centre, Off Station Road and Lower Main Road, Observatory. Entrance is R8 for adults, under 16′s free.
Informative!!!!
Posted by Bridgett Engelbrecht | 08. Jun, 2008, 7:50 amthanks, bridgett!
Posted by Pia Taylor | 10. Jun, 2008, 10:33 amHi there,
Re: Obtaining a stall at the Holistic Lifestyle Fair in Observatory?
Any idea how I can get hold of the contact details of the organizers?
Many thanks,
Didi
Posted by Didi van Eck | 15. Sep, 2008, 7:16 pmHi Didi – I’ve emailed you the contact details I have… (not always certain if they want their details published online in the public domain).
Posted by Pia | 15. Sep, 2008, 10:56 pmHi,
Good day, was wondering if you possible could help me.
I was visiting the Holistic Fair some onths ago…it was amazing…and liked it very much.
I went back there one afternoon…and in one of the school halls; there was some karate training onging….i watch it…but had no time to ask. Please can someone tell me what forms of karate traing was trained there and whom to be contacted. It was a special form of karate training…..”Campero”???…am not sure????
Thank you
Barnie Visser
Posted by Barnie | 29. Sep, 2008, 9:16 pmHi Barnie
I’m not sure what kind of martial art that might be… perhaps ‘Capoeira’?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira
That’s quite something to watch… so it might well be what you’re after.
Good luck!
Posted by Pia | 01. Oct, 2008, 7:18 amHi,
Pls could you let me know if there are any more meets this year.
Thanx Irini
Posted by Irini | 17. Dec, 2008, 4:33 pmHi Irini
There’s one last meet on the 21st of December – you can take a look at this page for more info:
http://www.mothercityliving.co.za/cape-town-city-guide/markets/obs-holistic-lifestyle-fair/
Posted by Pia | 17. Dec, 2008, 6:43 pmHey. Please email me the contact details for organising a stall at the obs holistic fair. many thanks, Collette
Posted by Collette Hurt | 20. Dec, 2008, 3:25 pmI would like to book a stall at the market. How do I go about doing so. Please send me some contact details for the organisers.
Thanks
Posted by Nicole | 09. Feb, 2009, 11:46 amHi please could you e-mail me the contact details of the organisers of the fair.
Thank you
Nicole
Posted by Nicole | 13. Feb, 2009, 4:07 pmHi Colette and Nicole
You can contact Erica on 021 788-8088 (office hours). She should be able to help you with booking a stall.
Posted by Pia | 14. Feb, 2009, 1:55 pmhi guys
who can i contact to get info regarding the hiring of stalls at these events?
tank you
peace
andre
Posted by andreheunis | 01. Jun, 2009, 4:47 pmi just saw that my question has been answered repeatedly.
sorz hey
Posted by andreheunis | 01. Jun, 2009, 4:49 pmBeen trying to get hold of Erica to confirm thhis sunday via sms and e.mail. No response as yet. Please let me know via sms or cell – 083 550 5326
Thanks
Jen Morning Star
Posted by Jen | 03. Jun, 2010, 3:22 pm