THE INSIDER

Deon Prinsloo, Head Concierge/Guest Relations Manager at The Palazzo Montecasino

HLM: What do you love most about Joburg?

DP: Johannesburg was the city of opportunity when gold was first discovered in 1886, and after so many years it still offers the widest selection of opportunities for all walks of life. I love the energy emanated by the diversity of cultures living here, and people visiting the city!

HLM: Your ideal way to spend a night out on the town?

DP: Dinner at Kream Restaurant, Montecasino; then a show at The Pieter Toerien Theatre.

HLM: Top three attractions that every tourist should visit when in Joburg...

DP: A hot air balloon safari with Air Ventures alentine’s Day has become quite a controversial day over the years. Many refuse to celebrate it, while others go all out. I wonder, how will you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year?

I remember how excited I used to get about Valentine’s Day in primary school. It was a school tradition for the prefects to collect love letters and put them in a large letter box. The box would only be opened on Valentine’s Day and the letters – usually nameless and from secret admirers – would then be handed out to those it had been written for. Apart from the excitement, I also remember the anguish and uncertainty of the day. “What if I don’t get a letter?” “Is there someone who likes me?” “How will I know who wrote the letter?”

We all want to be seen. Recognised. Acknowledged. It’s human nature. For me, Valentine’s Day has evolved over the years. I now use the day (and every other day) to celebrate the gift of love with family and friends. Sometimes we’ll do dinner with candles. Other times we’ll celebrate with an outdoor picnic and kids running around all over the place. I’ve come to realise that celebrating the gift of love should not be limited to in the Cradle of Humankind. Panoramic views across the North West Province with the Aerial Cableway. A boat cruise with Harties Boat Company. only one day, which is why I am so glad that this issue stretches over two months. We need to celebrate the gift of love daily and include the word, L-OV-E, to our gratitude journals. It’s something we should pray over ourselves and others.

HLM: Most unusual request from a guest...

DP: Foreign visitors are very often mesmerized when discovering the real size of South Africa when coming to the Concierge Desk, requesting a visit to the Kruger National Park in the morning, and Cape Town in the afternoon!

HLM: What is your most frequented restaurant in the city?

DP: I have always enjoyed memorable dining experiences at both Kream and Hussar Grill at Montecasino, especially during the week. Weekends can get a little congested.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13

Love truly is what makes the world a better place. Let’s love and let there be love – these two months and every other month.

HLM: What is your best under-the-radar thing to do in the city?

DP: MultiFlora Flower Market in City Deep where one can discover new varieties and colours of flowers from all over the world. Or, SOHO Sandton City to enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating nail and pamper experience.