It was a nice relief to get to Cape Town, although the weather was not as hot as I had hoped it would be on descending from the plane, but there was a beautiful blue sky and it was pleasantly mild. I had felt rotten again during the flight and was pleased to see my father.


We drove down the beautiful Cape Peninsular towards Fish Hoek where he lives, past the majestic Table Mountain, beside beautiful blue Atlantic seas and the majestic Twelve Apostles . Unfortunately this was all lost on me as I was still not feeling the best with my head cold and I was just looking forward to a rest.


The next week was spent recovering from this head cold and enjoying my father’s apartment and fabulous view over the beach at Fish Hoek. I soon recovered and was able to embark on preparations for the Southern African stage of the trip which involved getting the camping supplies organised, having some work done to the car we were taking and a spot of reading.


All the while I took the opportunity to get ready for my father and my expedition to Botswana, Zambia and Namibia plus get ready for my sister and her family’s arrival the following weekend. We did also venture over to Stellenbosh (as I still think my father still cannot quite grasp the fact that I don't drink anymore). This was my first visit and the town of Stellenbosh appeared historic and interesting, surrounded by more wineries than I expected to see and many very large in size . It was also nice to see a more obvious consumer orientation and focus than that practiced by the Italian wineries I have been familiar with over the past three years. We only stayed for a brief bite to eat and then dropped down to Somerset West (looking nothing like the Western Somerset I know!). Here we bought some gear for the Southern African trip and took time out to see “Nebraska” at the local cinema. I was keen to get my father to see this film which is the story of a road trip under taken by an ageing man and his son across the states - a comedy….


Bryony and family arrived the flowing weekend and we embarked on a whirlwind visit of some of the local areas. Cape Town itself, the Atlantic side of the Peninsular plus Kalk Bay and the southern tip of the Peninsular. Kalk Bay is a sort of Bohemian settlement built alongside False Bay with an attractive fishing harbour. This is justifiably famous for the several fish restaurants overlooking the boats, but also has a great collection of resident Cormorants and Seals who seem to put on an excellent display for the tourists . I have taken to practising my photography here in the early morning. 


The rugged landscape of the Peninsular is particularly memorable with Ostrich, Boks and Baboons all easily spotted and the Baboons mixing (unfortunately) with the tourists. We all climbed up to Cape Point to take in the beautiful panoramic views of False Bay and the Atlantic whilst the weather improved into warm sunshine.


With the days now approaching the late 20Cs, Will (my brother in law) wheeled out my father’s webber for a Brai and we also ventured over to Holt Bay for the Saturday market and the arts and crafts shops. In the evening we all visited Newlands Rugby Stadium to watch the Stormers Vs the Waratahs in the Super Rugby Competition. Whilst the game was not up to much the occasion was memorable and at just over £5 a ticket, great value. On the final Sunday before my departure we all attended the Cape Town Food & Wine Fair in a nice 30C. This was the first time I had been to a consumer wine show since I have stopped drinking. It was a nice afternoon and I can now say that the whole notion of these type of fairs no longer appeals.


On the Monday it was time to get the backpack on again and I left Cape Town saying goodbye to Bryony et al. Next time we would all meet, will be in Lima. I had a stop over in a windy and wintery Joburg before catching the plane to Madagascar the next day.