We walked a few miles around Sea Point this morning. The boardwalk area is very nice and it was crowded with runners and walkers, many with dogs. The waves are approaching fifteen feet today, so it was necessary to keep an eye out for water splashing over the breakwall. The temperature is in the upper sixties with clear skies. We’re trying to make the most of the good weather because the forecasters are calling for stormy conditions over the next few days. If the giant waves are any indication, the storm arriving tomorrow night should be pretty nasty.

Yesterday we drove out to Stellenbosch, the heart of Cape Town’s wine country. We first ate at the Spier winery and visited their cheetah rescue exhibit, which was definitely worth the five Rand admission. We saw six or so cheetahs, including a playful pair that were rolling around and chirping at each other (yes, cheetah’s make a really cool chirping sound!). We walked around the Spier grounds, checked out the hotel and then we drove off to central Stellenbosch.

Stellenbosch is a beautiful, small town situated in the middle of large mountains and acres of vineyards. Maps show numerous wine tasting rooms, which are wasted on Hayley and I, since we know nothing about wine. We chose the Acara winery for dessert wine tasting. We purchased a bottle, took a few photos and drove back to our accommodation in Cape Town.

The place that we are staying at is fantastic. We’re staying in a self catering unit at the Guest House Michelitsch, a bed and breakfast up in the hills overlooking Camp’s Bay, one of the more affluent beach towns in Cape Town. The owners are very nice and like any hotel there is daily maid service. The full brick patio with an almost 360 degree view of the surroundings is amazing to wake up to. Every morning, Hayley and I relax in bed with the blinds open and look out at the ocean. If you own a house like this, you know you have made it in life!

While it took some getting used to, driving around here has proven to be a lot of fun. The roads are extemely narrow and windy and the drivers are insane, but the roads are so beautiful that its easy to forget about those things. On the land side, houses and steps are carved into the hills and have a very European style. On the ocean side of the road, black rock cliffs overlook a spectacular coast line. I’ve also grown very fond of our VW Citi coupe, despite its tiny turning radius and stiff steering wheel. It feels very classic.

So we’re having a blast. We’re here for a little under a week before flying back to Joburg next friday.

Tags: Camp's Bay, Cape Town, south africa