On Tuesday evening, 13 September, almost 100 women from Cape Town gathered at the Two Oceans Aquarium for a night of surprises.

Call time was 16h30 sharp and guests were told only to wear something fabulous and some comfortable shoes. At 17h00 we learnt that we’d be taking part in an amazing – and amazingly competitive – race through the Aquarium and the V&A Waterfront.

The women were divided into groups of seven and given clue cards. These contained anagrams that had to be deciphered; each clue card related to a location at the V&A Waterfront, and at each location we had to perform a task – just like TV’s Amazing Race.

Despite the rain and the odd high heel, everyone was committed to winning – we literally ran through the V&A Waterfront, much to the consternation of onlookers.

We arrived at Myatt Café and Chocolatier first; luckily two of our teammates actually work there.

Then we hit The Body Shop for a hand massage.

Next we boarded the fabulous Nautilus, where we were tasked with finding the room we could have the most fun in. That turned out to be the main cabin – complete with a glass-walled bathroom. Personally, I could think of something fun to do in each room …

Then we jogged off to the V&A Info Centre, where a team member had to correctly identify two red wine varietals – it took a few tries, but we got there!

Second-last stop: the breathtaking One&Only Cape Town, which is like a little town in its own right. Here, a teammate had to correctly mix a Cosmopolitan cocktail, and she did not disappoint.

But we couldn’t linger … Our last stop was at the Aquarium’s conference venue, Tranquility, for five minutes of yoga. It’s clear where Tranquility gets its name. With the plants of the Kelp Forest Exhibit behind you as you breathe and streeeeetch, zoning out is inevitable.

While the competition was fierce, it was also great to make new friends in this amazing space. Bonding over glitter tattoos, cocktails and canapés sounds like the perfect Tuesday night, doesn’t it?

Of course, the fun had only just begun. Famed international make-up artist Karim Sattar, who has been with The Body Shop for 14 years, conducted a warm, informative and very funny make-up workshop. All the ladies were in stitches and his advice was on trend and spot on. Thanks Karim, do visit us again soon.

Congratulations to Jacqui Le Sueur and Megan Kirby of Hylton Ross Safari Touring, who channelled their inner Lady Gaga and walked away with the Best Dressed title. You go girls!

Last, but not least, I must mention the incredible divers of the Two Oceans Aquarium, who took their shirts off for last night’s dive – at Karim’s request!

Watch this amazing space.

We’ll be uploading more photographs and news from last night’s event.

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