I had wondered about this property because of the location. Is there any problems obtaining a visa or traveling there? Victoria Falls is remote is it not?

Thanks for all of your comments -- glad you enjoyed the story! The art glass at Palazzo Pauly is much more my style, and I'll definitely put it on the list for our next visit to Venice.

jashermd,
You are so "tongue in cheek" at times, but entertaining. Not impressed with "Objects de Arte" in Murano? Not my style either. I have business back in Venice later this year and I hope Palasso Pauly http://www.palazzopauly.com/ is finally open and the "public museum" will be available. Next trip maybe you can find time to stop by and see some examples of their private collection. Very exciting, I'm told!

I also favor your Murano comments - very descriptive and funny!!!! Your are a wonderful journalist ...Funtimes

jashermd.....the Dorsoduro is our favorite sestieri in Venice (think more residential and fewer tourists)....... we walked by your hotel daily, (although we never walked inside the "private garden" area, when we stayed at Ca' Pisani right around the corner....your writings are entertaining as always!

BRAVO!! Having been lucky enough to get a tiny taste of Venice this summer (yep--it IS warmer!!) I got lots of good chuckles from your musings!
I think my fave is your Murano "descriptions".
And...you haven't 'lived" until you get to slog thru the square ankle deep in that lovely canal water...
Cheers right back atcha!

Hi Curt,

The Saxon would be a great place to stay if you're a history buff. If you're a history buff with money to spare you can stay in Mandela's suite -- the 'regular' rooms are already amazing and the Mandela suite is even more amazing.

Cheers,
Julian

Hello Curt,

Thanks for your comment! I have no idea where 'Bompas' comes from -- the only place with that name outside of SA appears to be a village in France...

Cheers,
Julian

Hi Julian

When the Saxons invaded England about 1,500 years ago, they brought precious little in the way of refined living to their conquered land. It certainly seems that the Joburg hotel named after the Germanic barbarians is the epitome of refined luxury and exquisite gentility. Being an avid history buff, I'd very much like to stay at this fabulous property when I get to South Africa. perhaps the same courteous porter who helped you to your suite will still be there and can fill me in on how the hotel got its name.

Curt

Hi Julian

Ten Bompas sounds and looks (on the hotel website you so kindly provided in your blog) like a terrific hotel to stay at in Joburg, South Africa. I noted from the location map on the website that the unusual name of this up-scale establishment is actually its street address. What's strange to me is that all the other street names in the vicinity are all very British: Kent, Hume, and Oxford. Makes me wonder where the name "Bompas" comes from. Do you know?

Curt

Hello,

I posted it twice because a lot of people don't read the destination boards (or at least they didn't when I posted this -- it seems to be getting better now). Do you think I should just post things here, or in the Africa board, or both?

Cheers,
Julian

Hi Jashermd,
Always a pleasure reading your stories. That must have been a very interesting day. First, the safari & then to be welcomed at such a lovely boutique hotel with all the perks. Even your meal sounded very delicious. I can't help but think that maybe you would have enjoyed a day or two more.
I first read your blog a couple of days ago, which is also posted under VIP Africa Blog. I was trying somehow to comment there, but it was not possible. I even left a comment under the Q & A section. Did you post the same blog twice? Or did the moderators do that? Anyhow, glad that I was able to tell you that I enjoyed reading your blog.

It's great to see that there are nice places to stay in Joberg! I've been thinking of our stopover there on the way to our safari as a necessary evil, but if I can stay at The Saxon it would be something to look forward to. Thanks!

Moira