Stellenbosch South Africa - Forget the Safari, It's wine, food and fun!!!

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Both Chris and I are now suffering from a stomach bug. The country is experiencing the worst drought in a 113 years, and the reservoir's are down to less than 20%. That causes a great deal of sediment to be in the water. Of course we are only drinking bottled water, but who knows what is being used for cooking. Darryl drives us the one hour trip to Stellenbosch which is a university town in the heart of wine country.

Since the 100 year old guest house is next door to the Botanical Gardens, this becomes a favorite spot for a morning latte. The day is spent poking around the charming town shops. In the evening we meet a Canadian couple that were staying at the same lodge in Capetown as us, and we sit for a long visit together.

Rain. Just what this country needs today. Under an umbrella, it is off to the Slow Market so named for the slow food movement. Many locals come each Saturday for breakfast and to purchase beautiful fresh flowers. A few vendors create large beaded animals. We settle on two watercolor paintings done on paper made from elephant dung. Holding a coffe, I ask two young South African ladies if we can share their table. Two hours later we say our farewells. Now done the malaria pills, our tummies are feeling better, and we can eat a full meal.

Next day sitting outside a deli, a male choir comes and performs a meloday. Over appies, three university students begin talking with us. They explain some of the violence occurring within their country. I begin googling the news and reading newspapers which may or may not be a good thing.

We have chosen not to go on a safari as this would involve a flight and many hours drive to bring us closer to Johannesburg. Instead, the time has been spent relaxing and getting to know the local people.

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Comments

[Caitlin Brothen]

Veg burger
Like the veggie burger stand!