Today was a day of great scenery and some relaxation too!
We started out at Table Mountain, a Capetown staple. Table Mountain is best known (and named for) being VERY flat across the top, like a table top. When the clouds set in over the top of the mountain, it is referred to as the tablecloth. Table Mountain is 3,564 ft high above sea level. Table Mountain is flanked on one side by Devil's Peak, and Lion's Head to the other side. Grandpa and I rode a cable car up to the top of the mountain, where we stood with stunning 360 degree views of the city and ocean.
The cable car ride was an interesting experience, beyond just the stellar views. Cramming 20+ people from around the world into a cable car that has a revolving floor can make a person a bit clausterphobic. For all of the polite and respectful people in the world, we know there has to be a few others in every bunch (or cable car). The ride is brief though (and enjoyable, pushy people aside). It lasted approximately 5 minutes. Once at the top, the city, Table Bay, Robben Island and the Atlantic Ocean all lie before you to be viewed from the eagle eye view atop the mountain! While a person can choose to hike both up and down the mountain, Grandpa and I felt the cable cars were the most adventurous route :D
After Table Mountain, we met up with the manager of our B&B, Renalta (sp?), and went to Stellenbosch for a wine/chocolate tasting, an experience that I of course enjoyed. Stellenbosch is famous for it's vineyards, and subsequent wine options. Stellenbosch is the 2nd oldest town in South Africa (Cape Town is the oldest). The vineyard we visited was the Waterford vineyard, which was was both grand and inviting in it's presentation. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed the mild, sunny weather. Informative presentation plates were brought to each of us, with 3 different types of chocolate on them. Each chocolate had a wine pairing, all of which was described on the presentation plate. I have the specifics recorded, of what each of the wines and chocolates were, so I will be following up this blog with another blog about the wine and chocolate tasting, once I am back in Port Elizabeth.
After the wine and chocolate tasting, we went to a Garden Cafe, Romanse, and enjoyed a lunch in a garden setting patio. We all had coffee and sandwiches. Grandma and Renalta had chicken sandwiches, and Grandpa and I had gypsy ham sandwiches. The sandwiches were very flavorful-toasted french bread, rocket, blue cheese crumbles, home made mustard mayo, tomatoes, jellied onion and ham for mine.
After lunch, we came back to the B&B, at which point a took a very restful 2 hour nap! The rest of the evening was spent hanging low, and of course playing cribbage!
Tomorrow is my final day here in Cape Town (fly out Sunday morning), enjoying the vacation and company of Grandpa and Grandma. Grandpa and Grandma leave for Minnesota on Monday. I sure have enjoyed my time with them, and hope they have as well enjoyed their first African experience here in South Africa!
No comments:
Post a Comment