[Please Note: While on our vacation (through 11/19), I am blogging mostly about our travels and sharing photos. When we return, I will get back to my usual “finds”- I promise!]
Our last days in Cape Town were spent on Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Gardens and in City Bowl. I also tackled the big hill up to Table Mountain (the start of the trails – not the actual mountain) on my morning run. It was extremely challenging, but rewarding! We went to Hermanus on the Whale Coast (thanks Nancy J) and arrived in Franschhoek for our wine country day today!
We enjoyed the Robben Island excursion and learning about the prison experience during Apartheid. It is truly amazing that major sections of the constitution for a free S Africa were largely architected from a prison quarry. The tour was led by a former prisoner and his story was amazing, but it was reasonably short, so we were left with many questions. We both want to read and learn more.
We loved Kirstenbosch Gardens. It was one of the largest and most well kept botanical gardens we have ever seen. They also have a huge section of “Ericas” (heather bushes and plants) so I was right at home.
We had a great meal at Arnold’s on Kloof Street and learned a bit about life in Congo from our waiter. Neal worked his way through the animal kingdom by eating springbok and kudu for the first time (I had the fish!)
We decided that one full day of wine tasting would be enough and took Nancy’s suggestion to check out the whales (and sushi) in Hermanus before heading to the wine area. We enjoyed the scenic drive and even spotted some whales. We tried the local fish and had a thrilling, winding drive to Franschhoek. Neal wishes he had his Porsche to drive here (and I am glad we have a Toyota Corolla! Opposites attract – right?)
Last night in Franschhoek, we had an amazing dinner at Reuben’s (with a complimentary champagne toast for our anniversary.) We highly recommend it!
Here are a few photos:
V & A waterfront before Robben Island trip (Did not take pics on my phone of the tour. Neal did w/real camera)
Lion’s Head from inside Kirstenbosch Gardens
The ericas at Kirstenbosch Gardens
…and the sign for them!
View from the top of the hill I ran up in Cape Town on Monday morning…
Me on said hill because I made Neal drive up there to take the previous photo!
View from Gordon’s Bay lookout (so much prettier in person!)
Views from Hermanus- we saw whales but none are in evidence here!
Beautiful sky over Neal in Hermanus
We loved our time in and around Cape Town. Today we wine and dine and tomorrow we head to our safari in Kruger National Park. Hope your week is starting off well!