Marlene Wasserman (aka Dr Eve)

Hi there! I’m Marlene Wasserman, also known as Dr Eve. I’m a clinical sexologist, couple therapist, and sexual rights activist. Today, I want to share with you some of my favorite things about Cape Town – the best smoothies, cyber infidelity, and, of course, sex!

So, let’s talk about Cape Town. What makes it so special? Well, for me, it’s all about the graciousness and natural beauty of this city. Everywhere I look, I am surrounded by stunning landscapes that bring me a sense of calm and pure aesthetic pleasure. It’s like living in a perpetual state of ease and beauty, 24/7. And the best part? My children and grandchild are all here with me, making Cape Town even more meaningful and special.

Now, when I have friends from out of town visiting, I want to show them the best of what Cape Town has to offer. So, where do I take them? Definitely not to the malls! Personally, I dislike malls and prefer to spend time outdoors. I take my guests along the beautiful coastline, where they can soak in the magnificent views of the ocean. We also visit the usual tourist spots, but I always make sure to include a local theatre experience or opera at the iconic Artscape. This way, they get a taste of the vibrant culture that Cape Town has to offer.

When it comes to the best restaurant meals, I find that it’s not just about the food, but also about the company I keep. One particular experience that stands out in my mind is when my children and I visited Dunes in Hout Bay. The true joy of that day was not the delicious food we ate (although it was fantastic), but rather the simple pleasure of playing on the sandy beach with my 15-month-old grandchild, all bundled up in our coats.

I also have a few other favorite restaurants that I frequent. La Boheme Wine Bar & Bistro in Sea Point is always a delight, and I especially enjoy going to Willoughbys at the Waterfront before catching a movie at Cinema Nouveau. Whenever I visit these places, I always make sure to have some fish or sushi – it’s a must! Recently, I had the opportunity to experience a wonderful art-and-wine pairing at the Winchester Mansions, and I must say, it was a truly magical evening. Another place that holds a special place in my heart is Casa Labia in Muizenberg – the grace and beauty of that place is simply incomparable.

One event in Cape Town that I always make sure to attend is the Artscape Women’s Festival. And it’s not just because I support it as one of its patrons. Marlene le Roux, the educational/audience director of Artscape, has done something truly remarkable by establishing this platform for women to raise their voices against gender-based violence. For many years now, this festival has served as a hub for activism and theater, bringing awareness and sparking conversations around this important issue.

I’m a total TV series addict, always juggling a few at a time. With my youngest daughter, we’re hooked on shows like Shameless, Orange is the New Black, Scandal, and Girls. When I have some “me” time, I dive into House of Cards and, of course, my ultimate favorite: Game of Thrones. The wit in the writing, the impressive performances, and the extravagant sets transport me to different realms of human experience. Other than that, I’m not much of a TV watcher. I do catch the local news and occasionally tune in to Al Jazeera.

Considering how much I travel, my ultimate weekend escape is retreating to my fabulous Sea Point apartment. I love taking day trips to Muizenberg and Kalk Bay, exploring the seaside charm and visiting my dear friend in Glencairn.

One of the top things I want to do in the Cape is the Tsitsikamma Forest walk near Knysna. I’m also really looking forward to exploring more beaches and forests, and I can’t wait to attend all the incredible performances by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

Whenever I have some free time, I love spending it with my children, partner, and friends. Dancing is an absolute must for me – it really keeps me feeling good. I also enjoy going to the gym and taking walks in nature. Watching art movies and the Metropolitan Opera on the big screen while listening to opera and classical music brings me so much joy. And of course, I can never get enough of reading books and keeping up with my social media accounts.

If you’re looking for the best smoothies in town, you have to try Nü in Sea Point.

When it comes to finding the perfect places to unwind after work, my go-to spots are the Radisson Blu and The Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles is especially amazing during the winter months.

When it comes to my favorite walks, I absolutely adore strolling along Muizenberg beach in the early morning. It’s a magical experience that is even better when I have great company. Noordhoek beach is another one of my go-to spots, where I can always find tranquility and peace.

If you’re wondering about my favorite wine for a special occasion, I have to say it’s Elana wine. Now, I must confess that I’m not much of a drinker. I may indulge in a glass of champagne every now and then, but Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp’s new wine has truly won me over.

As for the best book I’ve read recently, it has to be “Cyberspace Romance: The Psychology of Online Relationships” by Monica Whitty and Adrian Carr. This book is an absolute gem, especially since I’m currently diving deep into the topic of cyber infidelity for my new book. Another fascinating read that I cannot put down is “It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens” by Danah Boyd. It explores the mesmerizing world of social media and how it shapes the lives of our teens and affects our future relationships and sexuality.

The movie that has captivated me lately is Miners Shot Down. It’s a documentary that delves into the tragic events that took place at Marikana. As an advocate for international sexual rights, I’m always keeping a close eye on political happenings, particularly in South Africa.

My current focus is on researching a book about cyber infidelity. To gain insights, I’ve tapped into the vast database of ashleymadison.com, the world’s largest online adult-dating site for married individuals. I’m studying the attitudes and behaviors surrounding this new form of online cheating. I truly believe we’re witnessing a new era in our sexuality and how we form connections. I’m intrigued by what it reveals about modern marriages and the need to adapt to this novel way of relating. I’m also excited to announce that the Dr. Eve brand is expanding, and we’re about to launch our exciting new online e-commerce store at www.drevestore.co.za.

On Sundays, I do things that bring me joy. I dance, take walks in nature, work on my hobbies, spend quality time with my loved ones, and make sure to rest and recharge.

Sex is a topic that fascinates me completely. It’s something I constantly talk, think, breathe, and write about. It’s incredible how this connects people and brings pleasure and intimacy into our lives.

Right after finishing this, I’m looking forward to indulging in a bubble bath and losing myself in a good book. In moments like these, I can’t help but wish that my partner was here with me, waiting for me in bed to make it even more special.

There will come a day when I’ll have the privilege of splitting my time between two amazing cities. For half of the year, I envision myself living in the vibrant and diverse Cape Town, soaking up the rich culture and natural beauty. And for the other half, I’ll be immersed in the bustling energy of New York City, with its endless possibilities and fast-paced lifestyle.

One day, my dreams will become a reality, and I’ll have the best of both worlds, experiencing the unique charm and wonders of two incredible places I call home.