Sunday, February 23, 2014

The Hemel en Aarde Valley

Our cottage was perfect Overlooking the valley.




A safari with a difference! Lizard  rides éléphant!


The Hemel en Aarde valley is truly spectacular 

The view from our cottage 

After a successful wine tasting At Bouchard Finlayson vineyards


The vines ready for picking

At the vineyard Création 



The vendange is under way


At Newton Johnson vineyard renowned for its views, sadly we got a rainy day 



Lunch starts with home made breads


Under thé observation head chef, beautiful food is about to be produced.



Karens favourite starter, a simply wonderful salad 

Whilst I had the carpachio of kudo

The maître d' and sommelier look on as our mains are prepared 



Intricate  attention 




Karens Fish course is beautifully exécuted

And my beef is delicious 


Dessert satisfied the chocolate lover!




Naughty but nice, and not on the same day!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Hermanus

After a three days on the train we took to three days by the sea in Hermanus, home of the Whales in the Autumn, there are wonderful cliff walks 


Our three days at the Auberge Burgundy was perfect



Dramatic sea cliffs 






The town has lots of great restaurants , boutiques and food stores.


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The Rovos Train


We enjoyed a truly memorable experience,  taking the Rovos train across Southern Africa leaving Pretoria Friday afternoon and arriving in Cape Town early Sunday evening.



We were met by Roland Vos who personally owns the railway for a champagne reception.
An on time departure , 19 carraiges, 66 passengers and 34 crew.



One of the two air conditioned dining cars for our inclusive four course meals all with wine pairings.

On Saturday morning we stop at the mining village of Kimberley.
`The Big Hole` in Kimberley, the largest man made hole!


returning to the comfort and luxury of our train.

Our suite has air conditioning, wardrobes, and a superb en suite shower room - just no wifi!!!

At one of the many unscheduled point stops the locals come and entertain  

The Karoo, normally hot and arrid had just had two days of heavy rain. 

The landscape begins to change as we approach the wine lands 


On the open observation car at the back of the train, beer o`clock! 

Every curve gives a great photo opportunity.


one tunnel is 7kilometres long
Revealing a whole new landscape , mountains, lakes & vines all passing through the window. 
Sunday lunch with a view

Realism in South Africa, shanty towns 
But always smiling people waving as we pass.
And finally approaching Cape Town, that is Table mountain. We arrive spot on time to be met by Mr Vos who has flown across to meet us - that`s service!