After our two lovely nights in Camps Bay, we headed to Sea Point, a larger beachfront suburb of Cape Town, which has a large Jewish population, and a somewhat Miami Beach feel with high rises and hotels. Found our way to the quaint Blackheath Lodge, a refurbished 10 room boutique hotel from the 1880s, and met our friendly host Antony. There is a nice beachfront walk, with interesting sculptures—and an area for residents to let their dogs run free—which Steve enjoyed!
Decided to make use of the Red Bus tour as our transportation to Table Mtn. and the District 6 Museum. The museum was quite stirring—there is an interesting story there, and it doesn’t seem that they have recovered yet. The post apartheid world is still struggling with a long way to go before there is any real equality. Women do have some leadership roles in politics, but there is quite the division between blacks and whites. The Mayor’s election was taking place the Weds. after our upcoming Monday departure, and the ANC is referred to in political statements in the local paper as “the party of the blacks.”
Though we were approached at least three times in different locations for money, we never felt threatened or in danger—just a bit pestered. Once Steve told them to go away, they did just that. And a convenient security person pulled up to shag away the woman who approached us outside the museum. As in any major city, you need to use caution and common sense as to where you are wandering and how late at night you might be out.
After the museum, we headed up to Table Mountain, where at last, the weather was clear enough to undertake the cable car ride. The cable car ride up was great fun but brief—65 in the car, with seemingly as many languages!
Many hiking trails available at the top, but with Steve’s knee restricting us a bit, we took the short 15 minute Lassie trail with beautiful views around every corner.
We took Antony’s suggestion of Pepenero for dinner—quite good fish again in a great setting.
On Saturday, we were picked up for our all day wine country tour by Graham of Luhambro Tours at 9 a.m. Two women from Pretoria and Australia (now London) also were in the van, as we visited three wineries in the Franschoek and Stellenbosh areas. Beautiful scenic drive to get there, and great overviews of the spectacular valley of Franschoek, settled over 300 years ago by the French Huguenots. As we drove through, it looked like a great town to spend a day or two in, with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and hundreds of wine farms. We enjoyed our wine, cheese, and olive oil tastings at Tokaro, Rickety Bridge, and Fairview Wineries. We topped off the day with a great dinner at Il Leone, and again collapsed into bed at the end of a long but another enjoyable day. Can’t believe it’s time to go home tomorrow!
Will post pictures in a final post.
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