By Len Friesen, Tour Leader
Today was a rather different day as we left the Cape for the winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Located about an hour north of Cape Town itself, the region is noted for its world-famous wines, though it might as easily be known for its sharp cut valleys and lovely plains. We visited two wineries today, starting with the Glenwood Boutique Winery.
Those who travelled in the bus to this lovely winery with Nelson our driver will not long forget the stretch of mud road that we became mired in, and how it took a chain and a road grader to pull us free. Nelson assured us he’ll never again get off the pavement with any group! But the winery itself was small, almost intimate. We sampled a few of the products and watched over the vineyards as morning clouds began to clear over the mountains.
We next visited the Neethling Winery for lunch. This winery is an excellent example of the Dutch Cape style with its white gabled ends. It was all the more special for Len, who recalled a special occasion in 2008 when he and Mary sat here and reflected on sudden news received from home.
We sat around, sampled a few wines, and looked out over the terrain. Oh yes, and we also enjoyed a wonderful noon meal here in the old Dutch manor house. All that and a tour of Stellenbosch en route made for a satisfying day.
Our evening meal, from which we just returned, was a true treat as we took cabs to the Bismillah Restaurant in the old Malasian “Bo Kaap” neighbourhood in Cape Town. Half the fun may have been watching 14 adults pile into two cabs, but we did, and made it, and feasted well. What joy it is to spend time with yet another TourMagination group that so enjoys the pleasure of a good visit!
We finished our meal, gazed about the Bo Kaap neighbourhood for a bit, and then climbed into two more cabs which had been called to ferry us back to our hotel. It’s a lovely evening. One more full day to go in what has been a wonderful trip for the participants. How could it be otherwise when it involves this much time in the Cape region of South Africa?
