Hoi Polloi 8th July 2018

Picture a cold winters day (3 degrees C or 37.4 F) on the Highveld, overcast, gloomy and pretty dismal. Definite stay in under the duvet type day, one may be tempted by this thought.
No, not for the MX5`ers, we decided instead that this would be a great day for a run to Parys.
We met at the Blockhouse 1 Stop on the R59, a very popular meeting place for Bikers and Car clubs en route to various Breakfast and Lunch Venues. There were very few bikers there and the MX5 club being the only Car Club there, really not the usual busy meeting place we have become used to.
The run itself of about 100 km`s was pretty good on a road, with minimal potholes and no real bad surfaces. Scott headed up in the lead, and due to the lack of traffic on the road it was a clear run to Parys in very good time. I noticed a few drivers driving "top down" in this inclement weather.
These are the ones that when they really feel the cold, they wear "two pairs of shorts" to keep warm.
Neil and Scott, don`t know why you guys don`t feel the cold, but good on you anyway.

Meeting point at R59 Block-house 1 Stop

Hear about the lady who invented the rear view mirror,
She never looked back!

Low visibility on a very overcast day

We had booked for lunch at 12:30 at the Hoi Polloi Bistro & Wine Cellar. Having arrived earlier than expected, it gave us an opportunity to stroll around the many and varied craft and curio shops.
The one shop offering a "Fish Pedicure" in which you immerse your feet in a tank, and the tiny Gara Rufu fish nibble away at the dead skin! Takes about 30 minutes.
There are all sorts of goods for sale, biltong, chocolate, leather goods and many more, too many to visit, so we would have to come back after lunch to continue our meander around this quaint area.

Gluten free beer at the Pickled Pig

View down Bree street

Hoi Polloi Bistro & wine cellar

another alleyway

alleyway to shops

Eiffel Tower in Parys?

Hoi Polloi bistro itself, is worth a visit purely for the Bohemian and Quirky decor, with a multitude of bric-a-brac and antiques casually placed all round the place. The welcome was warm and friendly, the contemporary menu was varied and not favouring any particular cuisine. Really something there to suit all tastes.A large variety of craft beers on offer and a well populated wine list completes the whole dining experience. We were twenty guests and were well served, with the meals being served timeously, correctly and efficiently. This all enhances the total dining experience and thanks must go to the staff at Hoi Polloi for making this all possible.

Rib-eye tasted as good as it looks!

Ice-cream in this weather?

Bunny chow of note!

Cups & Saucers chandelier

Special announcements on this run, Carin our hard-working and caring Club Secretary was not present at this run, her and hubby Johan were blessed with a baby boy Cihan ! Congratulations Carin and Johan, and welcome to the newest member of the Club !

Congratulations Carin & Johan and baby Cihan

Graham, not to be outdone announced his engagement to Miemie, Congratulations to you both !

After a leisurely lunch, (we were not rushed by the staff at all, Nice) we headed back home, well fed and relaxed. The weather was still pretty much unchanged and a bit of drizzle did not make it pleasant, however having enjoyed an excellent meal with good company really lifts the spirits, taking away the gloom of the weather. The MX5`ers just keep rolling on "Zoom-Zoom" what a good feeling.