Galileo Open Air Cinema
When I was growing up, we had this activity called a drive-in cinema. Basically, entailing driving your vehicle to a specified venue (usually a park or large grassy ground), having the sound either connected to your radio or being provided with a radio, and watching a classic movie on a huge screen, from the comfort of your vehicle. It was a cherished moment experienced with friends and family. For some strange reason, good things tend to end with all the drive-in cinemas in our area eventually closing down. But some good things do make a return and that’s where the Galileo Open Air Cinema comes in. Once I saw this event, it took me back to my childhood and feelings of nostalgia set in. I knew I had to be there.
Another plus point for me wanting to go to this specific event was also this little thing about the movie that they were showing on that evening, wait for it, The Notebook. Yes, the all-time classic Nicholas Spark’s novel-turned-movie. I have to make a confession here and declare that I have read almost all of his novels and own quite a few of them. So to say that I am a fan is a bit of an understatement really. I really am a sucker for a good romance movie especially one based on a story by the King of Romance himself
Ticket Options
The event takes place at a different venue each day. Ticket prices vary depending on the seating option you choose. The venues vary from Wine Farms and botanical gardens to the V & A Waterfront. They have standard tickets which provide entrance only. Other tickets that provide for a backrest and blanket. Plus a cuddle option providing a blow-up mattress, a blanket together with refreshments ideally located at the front of the venue. Prices start at R89.00 for the standard option. R175.00 for the VIP option with the cuddle option at R320.00 per couple. More detailed information in relation to ticket prices can be found on the Galileo Open Air Cinema website http://thegalileo.co.za/
That being said, I booked our tickets and got myself ready for a blast from the past. Since we booked relatively late, we were only able to secure tickets for the warm and comfy option. The warm and comfy option includes entrance to the event, a backrest and a blanket. This option cost R110.00 per person.
The Venue
The screening of The Notebook took place at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It was an ideal venue for an almost summery night. I say this because despite being late November in Cape Town, it was quite cold.
The venue opens early enabling patrons to purchase food, drinks as the stalls close at the start of the movie. Numerous food stalls surround the outskirts of the venue providing a variety of options, ranging from popcorn and drinks to pizza, wraps and desserts. All the food stalls take either cash or use the Snapscan application for your purchases.
The Food
We chose the spicy chicken wraps from one of the food stalls. Which contained moist stir fried chicken strips filed into a tortilla wrap with hummus, slaw as well as chilies. Boy oh boy did they not hold back on the chilies. Thankfully for us, we both enjoy spicy food so these wraps were tantalizing and satisfying. There was also the option of a either a beef wrap or a falafel, and these also looked quite tantalizing.
Who doesn’t love dessert, and I am no exception so to satisfy my sweet tooth I had a brownie cheesecake. This scrumptious dessert came in a little cup comprising of brownie pieces layered with cheesecake and topped with chocolate. It looked more like a trifle with its layers but was without question heavenly. You have the sweet from the chocolate as well as the tart from the cheesecake making it the perfect combination. A definite must try for any chocolate-cheesecake lover. We devoured all the food, that should indicate how delicious all of the food was.
As you are settling down, before the movie begins, a photographer comes around taking pictures of everyone with props. This really brings the crowd together as everyone is laughing, smiling and having a good time. The backrests and blankets are vital, considering this took place at a botanical garden in Cape Town where gale force winds are experienced at times. I exaggerate but it’s a very windy city especially when seated outdoors. Having eaten some of the delicacies on offer, we snuggled up just in time for the movie to begin. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, did I mention that I have watched it a couple of times before, a hundred to be more precise. Kidding, or am I? Or maybe twenty times.
Recommendation
I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking to do an outdoor activity. Not only does it provide feelings of nostalgia but it is professionally planned and put together. You also have the option of bringing your own blanket, picnic basket and camp chairs to the venue. In which case, all you would need to purchase would be the entrance ticket. It really is something that can only be appreciated from the actual experience so I would suggest you go out and give it a go. Hubby and I plan on doing it again when it’s held at one of the other venues, he can even pick the movie this time. Well if I let him, that is. I’m kidding again, I am, I am.
Guys, let me know in the comments below what your experiences were like. I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.
If you liked this, why don’t you check out my post on a unique wine tasting experience involving cake, Delheim Wine Estate
Galileo Open Air Cinema Contact Details:
Website http://thegalileo.co.za/