Catch-up on the Cape of Good Hope

There’s something magical about standing at the tip of the world.

Legend has it that magic brews because the Cape of Good Hope is where the warm Indian Ocean and the cool Atlantic mix.

I imagine that it was the beauty of the coast that captivated all the captains who sank their ships on the shoals trying to reach this continent.  

Historical Note: although de Gama gets all of the credit, we ought to remember Diaz, who captained de Gama’s sister ship.  

That vessel, too, rounded the Cape but then perished on the rocks, never to return to Portugal.

Fun fact: The South African Cape Floral Region is by far the smallest of the world’s plant kingdoms. Its diversity secured it the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it encompasses only the very tip of South Africa, this kingdom contains more species than the entirety of Europe.

It was our tour guide, Andrea, who imparted such tidbits of wisdom as

we meandered along the cape, once, coming full stop for a wayward ostrich.

 A mischievous audience of baboons lines the coastal road that weaves around 12 peaks known as the Apostles, perpetually blanketed in wisps of mist. The route is full of bustling beach towns that were sleepy as we passed through given the winter. 

It’s strange to think that the white sand coves where privy to whites only just a few years ago.

While we didn’t see a colony, we did spy a penguin couple in one of the quiet villages. Knowing that they mate for life make their antics all the more precious. Attached at the hip, they consult each other with robotic tilts of the head before taking itty bitty steps in unison towards the discussed destination.

Ah, love.

Can you spot them?

We paused in Fish Hoek for a fish and chips fix before journeying inland to Stellenbasch for a taste of South Africa’s acclaimed wines.

 Unlike the rest of the continent, the Cape has a markedly Mediterranean climate with 4 distinct seasons that allow the vines to flourish.

I’d say they sure do! South Africa's signature grape is Pinotage,known for its divine earthiness. 

We visited Fairview (fairly notorious in the US) and it’s cousin, Spice Route, which included a cheese and dark chocolate tasting.

Bonus!

                                                                                                   

They say that South Africa’s wine is comparable to Napa’s but that the beauty of its wine country is second to none.  

I’ve now been to both and both are gorgeous.

And, the truth is, my palate isn’t sophisticated enough to discern superiority in the wine! 

Consider the aesthetics and tell me what you think!

Love from Cape Town.