Today we set out on adventures outside the city. With a limited amount of time in South Africa, we are trying to make the most of it.
Our tour picked us up at 8:15 this morning and we headed out to the Cape of Good Hope. Our goal was to make it out there before the large tour groups arrived. We were successful.
Campers Bay, South Africa
Our tour guide took us south through many little seaside towns. We actually drove all the way around Campers Bay. It was beautiful. The City Center of Cape Town is just on the other side of the mountain. It was overcast when we left but we were chasing sunshine. Here you can see the clouds taking a short cut over the mountain trying to catch up with us. I am happy to say that while the clouds caught up to us early in the day, we were able to elude them later until our return to City Center this afternoon.
The Beach at Cape of Good Hope
You can see that the clouds were with us at Cape of Good Hope. I think it just made me feel more like I was in California. The coastline reminded me a great deal of the coastline in Northern California. Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey kept popping into my head. It was beautiful.
I Was Here!
I am usually very camera shy but figured I should get a couple to at least prove I was here.
After reaching the Cape, we headed back through the Table Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and kept an eye out for animals. We were not disappointed.
Ostrich - Trying to Blend In
Baboons - sitting on the side of the road
The ostrich and baboons are residents of the Wildlife Sanctuary. While the ostrich pay no attention to visitors, the baboons have a different reputation. They have been known to come in through car windows, open car doors, and even steal backpacks or purses off the shoulders of visitors as they hike through the park. Needless to say, the above picture was taken from the safety of a locked car. No chances taken.
The "Royal Guard" at the gate
A Penquin Party
Probably one of the best parts of the day was checking out the penquins living at Boulders Beach. This is just a few of the gang that live there. The rest were sunning themselves on the rocks around the bend. They were so cute. I could just sit for hours and watch them waddle around.
Fish & Chips - Seaforth Restaurant
For lunch we dined on some of the best Fish & Chips I have ever had. That piece of fish was enormous. Their standard white fish is Hake. I have never had it before but I am liking it. Please notice this is the second fish dish in so many days that I have ordered. (Making Progress).
Traditional Colonial Home in Stellenboch
After lunch we headed out to wine country. We stopped in the old Dutch settlement town of Stellenboch. Above is a traditional home that the Dutch Colonists would have lived in. That is a thatch roof. The more windows and the more symetrical they were, the more prominant the family.While Stellenboch has an excellent winery (I know because we had a bottle at dinner last night), our guide opted to take us to a more "off the beaten path" winery.
Jordan Winery
Jordan Winery is a beautiful estate winery at the end of a very long road. They have a breathtaking view of the valley. We tried whites and reds as I am not a girl to limit my options when it comes to wine. The wines were excellent. The shame of it is you cannot get Jordon Winery from South Africa in the States. There is already a Jordon Winery in Napa Valley and they can't sell wines from two wineries with the same name. Bummer!
V&A Waterfront
Once back at the hotel, we took a bit of time to regroup and then headed down to V&A Waterfront for dinner. During a majority of our time in Cape Town we have been commenting on how much it reminds us of California. The Waterfront is no different. Think Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco without the sea lions barking in the background. There were numerous restaurants to choose from for dinner. We choose the Harbour House and we are glad we did. Dinner was excellent.
Tian of Prawns
I started with the Tian of Prawns which is prawns tempura served on avocado, tomato and eggplant. It's like someone read my mind and this dish was made just for me. It was scrumptous.
Butternut & Parmesan Gnocchi
I ordered the Butternut & Parmesan Gnocchi for dinner. Also scrumptous. I love Gnocchi. The butternut was cubed and cooked with other vegetables and then they also placed shaved dried butternut on top with the shaved parmesan. The presentation was great. The end of a great day.
I am now all re-packed and we are heading out early (6:30am flight). We will fly back to Johannesberg to then catch our flight to Malawi. We are expecting 80+ degree weather and sunshine for the next week. I will keep you updated on the adventures as I have access to WiFi.
Until then....
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