Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens

We went to Kirstenbosch for afternoon tea and had a fabulous hot chocolate. Met James' Dad and Aunt Mary. We went for a walk around the garden which has a stream meandering through it. cL and B walked in the water and we made wet footprints to say my feet stood here. There were amazing plants many of which are native to Australia also. Eucalypts, calistamon and pig face to name a few. L cant seem to get her tongue around the name for pig face which is vygie and wants to call it vokchoy. There were many succulents and cactii that L has seen in Tonys' garden and sculptures that reminded L of friends back home.

Groot Constantia

In 1685 Groot Constantia was established as a wine farm on the eastern slopes of the mountain overlooking the Constantia Valley.
The main homestead is a beautiful example of Cape Dutch architecture. It is now a museum and is home to beautiful antique furniture, 18th century Chinese porcelain, Copper kitchenware and even a persian rug.

We had a lovely walk amongst the oaks, played hide and seek and then enjoyed a fantastic lunch at the Jonkershuis restaurant on the estate.

Cape Point S 34 21 24 E18 29 51

Hi
We have had another blessed, stunning, amazing day in the Cape.

After having a resonably slow start to the morning we certainly made up for lost time. Today we drove around the Peninsula, stopping at Simons Town, Boulders Beach, Cape Point and Scarborough.
On the wildlife front it was a day of firsts for L. We saw her first Mongoose, Babboon and Jackass Penguin :) If her is reaction is as good for Elephant, Lion and Cheetah I will be delighted.


We met a delightful lady at Cape Point. She is an American photographer and is in Cape Town for a few days before heading to Malawi for work. We had a fascinating conversation while we toured the Point and she really made our time there extra special. She even offered to photograph the three of us together. It is not everyday a published photographer offers to take your photo! :)
B is now suffering from a serious case of Camera envy having had the chance to use an EOS1 although she is very glad that someone in the world has more essential travel lenses than she does ;)


Us at Cape Point


L with the point and lighthouse in the background

Day One: V&A Waterfront

Hi there

Well we have made it to the Mother City. After a few delays regarding tampered baggage we made it home at about 10pm (6am for those of you following this in Aussie).

Today we got up early for church. It was lovely to worship with family. Rev Comninos preached on Forgiveness! An excellent sermon with some great illustrations....like: "Forgivess is the scent a flower releases when it is crushed underfoot."
L was amazed by the omnipotence of God and how God is the same everywhere. In the words a great facebook friend, "God is everywhere, Guitar! do do do do do dodo do...." AH!

After church we replaced a suitcase in Claremont and headed off to the V&A Waterfront. It is an area much like Darling Harbour except it has Table Mountain as a backdrop, seals and statues of Nelson Mandela. There is great live entertainment and a fairly festive atmosphere. It definately beats to an African Rythmn.

We had a lovely lunch, did some shopping (Don't panic boys the Visa is still intact!), and visited the Aquarium. It was good to see some local creatures.
On the way home we passed Rustenburg Girls, Rondebosch Boys and Bishops. cL has decided he wants to go to Bishops because they have cool play equipment. Pity about the commute to get there before the bell! Oh well ;) Anyone got a concord to spare??


At the Waterfront in Cape Town

So we have had a morning and an evening and that was our first day.
and it was GOOD!

The adventure will continue in the morning....

Krugersdorp Game Reserve

Today we had an amazing day out at the Krugersdorp Game Reserve. I know, who would have imagined!
We managed to view two of the Big 5 and even managed see something that certain photographers wait a lifetime to capture on film. This is only the second time I have ever seen it and the last time was in Uganda!

So here are a few animal photos to get you into the African mood while we wait for our Cape Adventure to begin.

(You can click on the images to make them bigger if you want to.)


Lioness

Gemsbok

Mongoose

Can you see it?

What amazing horns.

Tsetsebe - the fastest buck in Africa



and finally, the shot of a lifetime! It is not often that you will see a hippo yawn like this. There are stories of foreign camera crews waiting days and eventually going home with out getting this shot. WOW, no wonder they are the biggest killer in Africa after man.
Especially when a few moments before all you could see of him was this..


If you are South African and of a certain age only one phrase come to mind.. Oh Big Mouth!

The Prelude - Johannesburg

While L is on her way I thought I would fill you in on Johannesburg while you wait for the Cape adventure to begin...

Johannesburg, Jo'burg, Jozie is the economic capital of South Africa. It is 2 hours by air from Cape Town and was built on the gold fields, evident by the mine dumps that dot the landscape. It is a vibrant place. There is always something happening and if you like to shop Jo'burg is the place to be. It is a consumer paradise!

The difference between the haves and the have nots is obvious. On almost every street corner there are people trying to sell you their wares or begging for money. A place where squatter camps / shanty towns look out to the high rises on the skyline and the middle and upper classes protect themselves behind high walls, window bars, electrified fencing and wall spikes. (Security is a perceived essential rather than choice.)

A squatter camp (it is worth clicking on this picture to see it in more detail)

Shacks on the fringes of a squatter camp and motorway.

Selling wares at the robots.

I think this image above tells so much. When I was a child the socio-economic divide was almost always drawn along racial lines. Now it is not. You will find people of all races begging at the robots (aka traffic lights!)

I must also mention that I have seen more Porche and Mercedes in a day than I normally see in six months but then maybe I have been to the more affluent parts of town....

There are also interesting signs that you won't normally see while travelling.

Not sure who Jack is? Oh Hijack!!!
You should be warned that driving here is a bit like flying. Not only is the speed out in the jet stream but you must also arm all doors and stowe your hand luggage under the seat...

The greatest thing about Jo'burg and all of South Africa for that matter is this.. it makes no difference what your background is, there is always someone here with a cheerful smile to brighten your day!

Welcome to my travel diary.

I hope that you enjoy seeing the places I have been. Please leave a comment if you read the blog. I would also love to hear of your experiences in the places I travel through.

The adventure will begin on the 27th of September 2009 in Cape Town, South Africa.

What would be your top things to see on the Cape Peninsula?

Bye for now
B