Our arrival in Cape Town to the achingly familiar spectacle of Table Mountain, unshrouded by cloud and resplendent in 73F sunshine, was everything I had anticipated and then some!
Our planned trip into London on our layover to see the Christmas lights was scuppered by Mr. P being hit by a 24 hour bug. As with all things – if life gives you lemons – make lemonade… So, instead of joining the teeming holiday crowds in Trafalgar Square, we located a secluded lounge and spa at Heathrow where we surrendered our travel weary selves to massage and dinner before our flight south.
Our first night in the mother city was spent at the Protea Hotel Fire and Ice – modern chic, with breathtaking views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head and within walking distance of many popular attractions. Silver platter service from check-in to check-out. There’s so much warmth among the locals – a real pride in being South African – that can be felt everywhere.
Easing our way into vacation mode, we strolled and shopped at the bustling V&A Waterfront and then headed out to the Delaire Graff Estate (outside Stellenbosch). Driving through the gates we entered a magical world where striking Cape Dutch architecture meets African artefacts and styling. The intense natural beauty of the surroundings, the collection of the work of some of South Africa’s finest contemporary artists, the attentive staff and incredible food and wine made for an unforgettable evening, in a trip that is already overflowing with unforgettable events!
The cultural opportunities in South Africa are as diverse as its people. We joined the audience of Amazink for an evening of a truly contemporary South African township theatre. To see and hear a Xhosa man sing the edgy and divergent Afrikaans songs of Johannes Kerkorrel took our breath away. This was followed by the Steven Biko song…not a dry eye in the house…
We took time to revisit charming oak tree lined Stellenbosch, filled with its interesting little stores, unique coffee shops and scenery. I truly feel as if I am living in a wonderful landscape painting!
Yesterday we enjoyed an el fresco breakfast on the farm of friends who own Okasie - a flowers and event company doing amazing work in the event industry in South Africa – before hitting the road to Struisbaai…
