Staying here in a beautiful hotel with its own vineyards, wonderful views and flower filled gardens.
Day warm but overcast with occasional drizzle. We can't get over the spring flowers both wild and in gardens. In particular in this area there are acre after acre of wild arum lilies.
A leisurely day with visited to Stellenbosch- pretty town with interesting museum, churches and Powder Store. A strong Dutch influence with pretty gabled houses with elaborate wrought iron 'filigree' under the veranda eaves. This is called by the same name locally as the lace on ladies' knickers!
Had a lovely potter round the shops which obviously cater for the wealthy vineyard owners. Bought a pearl pendant and some protea seeds.
Moved on to Franschhoek With its striking monument to the Hugenots settlers. The gardens around it are so pretty and we were particularly lucky to see lots of the magnificent King Proteas in bud and in bloom. They are the size of vegetable tureens!!
Again some shopping and lunch in a Dutch restaurant. Very nice indeed.
Continued on for a wine tasting at Boschendal We enjoyed the experience and the tour but found the wines a little harsh and young except for an unusual pink-not rose-one of which we bought a couple of bottles.
Malay buffet tonight. Very good and then wonderful view of the Southern Cross on our way to bed. The sky is obviously clearing in time for our move to Cape Town tomorrow.