15 to 27 December, 2019 - Cape Town, Gansbaai, Boulders Beach, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Durban - (South Africa)
Cape Town has been a wonderful and relaxing place to begin our Southern Africa adventure. Working up until the day of departure, we arrived exhausted, from both the journey, as well as the hectic pace in Melbourne. Straight to our
Bnb, an afternoon orientation and a few drinks, an early-ish night, and we crashed till the following morning. Jet-lag conquered, we were on South Africa time after that first night.
Balcony View, Cape Town
Panorama vista from our Balcony in Gardens, Cape Town. The view far exceeds our expectations when we booked!
Unfortunately, the glorious weather depicted did not stay with us for our entire Cape Town visit, but c'est la vie, especially la vie travelling!
So, rather than talking about things sequentially, lets start with the day trips out and about.
Day trip number 1 - sharks. From Gansbaai. This was supposed to happen later in our week, but wind forecasts had the operators worried about cancellations, so it was brought forward. A very early start had me picked up before 4:00 a.m. Breakfast at Gansbaai, and then out on the water.
Dolphins Performed in the Bay
On our way out near Gansbaai.
Company for our Trip
Dolphins ride the bow of our boat as we travel out from Gansbaai.
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Sharks Feeding
Salmon is thrown in the water to attract the sharks. We had around 18 Bronze Whalers visit during our time in the cage, although I think 6 or 7 were the most we had the same time.
A Pair Come By
Bronze Whaler Sharks, also known as Copper Sharks, or Narrow Tooth Sharks.
Shark Feeding
A Bronze Whaler Shark swallows some of the copious amounts of chum.
Out of Nowhere
When under water, you don't discern there is anything about, until it suddenly emerges right in front of you. Visibility was apparently not too bad, but we could barely see the tail when we were looking at the head... Visibility: 2 to 3 metres, then.
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Sharks Video 1
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Sharks Video 2
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Sharks Video 3
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Later in the week, we hired a car for a couple of days. One day to the south, and one day to the east. Rough and rugged to the Cape of Good Hope. Relaxed and classy to visit wineries.
Our favourite winery (not pictured in the blog) was Leopard's Leap. We bought 5 bottles, and I am hoping we will consume them relatively quickly as I don't want to haul them around for the rest of the trip! However, it was way too difficult to say no. Especially at the price. Let's just say that we thought the price was per glass, not per bottle! Anyway, we do have some relies we are seeing soon and hope to share with them at Christmas.
Cold and Windswept
That applies to us and the penguins.
Out of a Gap
Emerging from a gap between two rocks, this cute penguin was cautious, but not too perturbed, by our presence.
Penguin at Boulders Beach
These Two Know Each Other
It is so easy to anthropomorphise this interaction, that I will let each of you create your own meaning from the image.
Another Penguin Couple
Boulders Beach Crowd
Our Cats Do this Pose
A rock hyrax, or as the locals call them, a dassie. Looking something like a small wombat, with a quokka's head.
Dassie Face
Ostrich, Roadside
On our way through the National Park to the Cape of Good Hope.
On a Rocky Ledge
High above the Cape of Good Hope, there is a viewpoint that can be climbed to.
Jo, Cape of Good Hope
Self Explanatory Photo
Wine Tasting Beneath a 300 Year Old Oak
Boschendal Winery
The rest of our week and a bit? Well, there were numerous coffees, lunches about, fine dinners and picnics. We slacked on the balcony, and passed time in parks.
Of course, we did heaps of stuff in between all that, but we didn't put ourselves out too much...
Speampunk Coffee
Walking around town, we stumbled across Truth Coffee Roasting.
Steampunk themed, with pressed metal decorations, and exposed pipes in the large space. Wait staff with vintage styled vests and top hats, flying goggles and more.
The coffees available were intriguingly described. They included brewing, roasting, and preparation details that I found difficult to comprehend the significance there-of. However, somebody out there must feel those minor nuances make the result a better cup of coffee.
By Mandela's Side
Jo gives moral support to Nelson Mandela as he delivers a speech at City Hall, Grand Parade, Cape Town.
Bo Kaap
Colourful houses are the norm for the Bo Kaap neighbourhood of Cape Town.
Bunny Chow
A hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry (lamb in this case). More of a Durban dish, but available here in Cape Town.
Seal
In the Cape Town harbour, seals swim and bask. Dodging the ferries and tour boats in the water, and then lounging in the sun on platforms that keep them a little isolated from the passing crowds.
Mandela's Cell, Robben Island
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."
Jo had a real connection, here, as she teaches Invictus as a Year 12 text.
All too quickly, the time in Cape Town was over. A hop over to Durban, for Christmas with my cousin, Sharon, and family. It was amazing how quickly we picked up from where we left off, 4 years ago. Tony fired up the braai on day one, where 7 or 8 varieties of meat were represented. Already we were discussing whether we would have enough space left for Christmas lunch in 2 days time!
But, incredibly, we did. Sharon had an amazing menu planned. Three courses, times three cultures.
Rob's Sweets and Biscuits
Jo with my cousin, Robert, in his shop in Durban.
Photo in a Frame
At Trail of Lights in Durban's Botanical Gardens.
At Trail Of Lights
In Durban's Botanical Gardens. Around 50% of the 2000 visitors (capped entry) seemed to know Sharon, Tony, or Norma!
Christmas Menu
Sharon went above and beyond, and we had the most amazing lunch! Our combined trio of cultures were well represented. Australian, South African, and Dutch.
Fun in the Kitchen
Post Christmas Lunch Slow Down
I avoided the temptation to sleep.
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