South Africa
1-7 August
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We’ve been wined, dined and entertained in royal fashion here in South Africa. David’s cousins in Cape Town, Joe and Karen, are always ready to show us around the city or the country, whenever we come for a visit.
Since we’d already seen most of the tourist attractions in Cape Town, we branched out into the countryside this time. On a day trip up the west coast, we visited a beautiful little coastal town called Langebaan. Our hostess for the day was Shirley Albert, cousin Joe’s brother in law’s sister. She lives in this picturesque town with its aquamarine lagoon and endless beach. Surrounding Langebaan are wetlands and rivers with lots of water birds, including flamingoes in a salt pan nearby.
We took another longer venture into the countryside of South Africa, traveling along the garden route. We made a stop in the small, pretty town of Oudtshoorn, known for its ostrich farms. There are about 1100 ostrich farms In South Africa. The birds provide meat which is low in cholesterol and high in protein and other nutritive values. The skins are tanned and made into leather goods. The infertile eggs are cleaned of their contents and made into delicately painted souvenirs. And, the feathers are used for dusters and other household items. In the same area are the Cango Caves. They are caves with huge “rooms”, containing stalactites and stalagmites. The dripping water containing limestone transforms the caves into fanciful and dreamlike scenes.
Our destination on this trip was Knysna, pronounced with a silent ‘k’. This town is on the Indian Ocean coastline and is very popular with vacationers from Johannesburg, England and other European countries. Some residents live there year round, as did our hosts, Elaine (Karen’s sister) and Ian, a delightful and fun couple. They have a lovely home with wonderful water views, and their community, we were surprised to find out, is modeled on the concept of Seaside, Florida, a planned community in Northern Florida. The aura of peace and quiet and warm hospitality enveloped us for a couple of relaxing days. And their pets, Odie and Ziggy kept us laughing and entertained with their antics. Odie is a 9 month old Borzoi (Russian Wolf hound) who is already about 4 feet tall when standing on all 4 legs. He doesn’t realize how big he is and loves to cuddle while sitting on your lap.
The Indian Ocean coastline of South Africa is truly breath taking with wide expanses of beaches meeting huge half moon shaped bays. On the way back to Cape Town, we took a different route, passing by emerald green fields. Patch-worked in between were sunny, brilliant yellow fields of canola seed flowers. The wildflowers were just beginning to bloom along our routes with patches of pink, purple and yellow, holding forth the promise of more spectacular shows of color to come in the next few weeks.
As we prepare to leave Cape Town, our thoughts turn to how we can possibly top this experience for Karen and Joe when they come to the states. Tomorrow we leave for Madagascar and lemur encounters in the national parks. Renee was able to get her hair done today, so she can face the next month free of gray roots!
Blooming Cacti & Golden Weaver
Cacti & Wild Protea
Coastal Scene at Knysna & Small Boat at Langebaan 
Egyptian Goose & Ostrich Face on Farm
