January still finds me in reflective mode…..we saw 2025 arrive and promptly started packing for our annual migration to the southern hemisphere. This time we flew from Gatwick to Capetown a new route by Norse Airlines. We were a bit nervous but I was pleasantly surprised and although we flew Premium Economy and had a delay on take off due to de icing the plane, it was pretty good. We are travelling back in March on a day flight which is a blessing as you board after a good nights sleep and spend the day flying and climb into your own bed that night!
So far we have had a five nights at the bustling waterfront, enjoying the blue skies, boats, views of Table Mountain and the evening reflections from the myriad of restaurants and eateries surrounding the water. We enjoyed a sunset cruise and bobbed back into the harbour with views from the water showing the coloured lights of the shops and Christmas decor reflected and we ubered up to Bo Kaap where the Cape Malay community lived as freed slaves in the 18th century painting their houses in bright colours as the continue to do today. I enjoy their style of cuisine a fruity, fragrant, spice fusion and we enjoyed art galleries, coffee and an able through the area. We also took a ride up to Groot Constanta Vineyard - one of the oldest in the region producing wine enjoyed by Napoleon and mentioned in Jane Austen’s novels. We went through the old homestead and then then enjoyed lunch at Simons restaurant in the vineyard gardens. The quality and presentation of food here is excellent and I’m going to have to up my activity if I’m to fit into anything to travel home in!
On to Hermanus and about 5C cooler on the coast - we were welcomed here like old friends as we have stayed at Ocean Views before - it’s perched on the cliff on the edge of the ocean and that sea breeze was welcome. Our favourite vineyard is here - called Creation Wines aptly so as it’s in the Hemel and Aarde Valley - which means Heaven and Earth. It’s a beautiful place, a tranquil haven full of art, simple fresh food, amazing wine - their Elation Cap Classique is delicious. We were a bit early for booking so we popped into another Vineyard La Vierge - the highest wine farm in the valley with sweeping views and lovely Pinot Noir! Although we just popped in, I ended up doing a sexy macaroon and wine pairing! The wines are named Original Sin, Seduction, Jezebel, The Affair and Nymphonia and interestingly they play classical music in their barrel cellar 24 hours a a day to change the molecules in a harmonic way! So after tasting three wines and scoffing three macaroons I waddled into Creation to eat and drink more! There was a glass art exhibition on view here by Red Hot Glass among the vines by the restaurant glinting in the sun - it’s like a whole sensory experience beauty, taste, ambience, soft music and walking into the ladies is like a spa experience! Through the valley and back into out hotel - it was nil by mouth for me till breakfast and packing. We are heading to Gondwana and the big five!
Reflecting on the vast diversity of this beautiful country ….. so disappointed that the promises made by the ruling party - The ANC - have seen tourism decline, created worse poverty, poorer education and minimal employment opportunities! It makes me so angry for the people who voted for democracy expecting prosperity and a better future for their children. I have to breathe deeply and let it go and the serenity prayer comes to mind 🇿🇦
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