Around the World in 90 Days

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This is a very ambitious trip.

15 countries, 16 flights + a cruise and many, many opportunities for plans to go awry.

The first came when South African Airlines cancelled our flight from Frankfurt to Johannesburg with no warning, resulting in a missed connection and hotel booking in Cape Town.

But following a 3 hour rest stop in Cape Town we got back on schedule. This 1st installment takes us to Amsterdam then on into South Africa.

From here we move on to Hermanus, on the coast, to spend some time with Gaye & Jonathan, daughter-in-law Claire’s parents.

Panoramas: It takes 5-6 seconds to move to the next pic.

1. Lambert’s Bay

2. Sunset from our accommodation, Lambert’s Bay.

3. Vineyard view, Paarl

4. The beautiful Franschhoek Valley.

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Photos

Our Route so far
This covered in just 2 weeks.
Time to slow down.

Sloten, Amsterdam
A 30 minute tram ride took us into the heart of Amsterdam. This area was quiet, picturesque and much more affordable than the city centre.

Classic Dutch
Just up the street from our rental....windmill, house boat.

Rijks Museum
We spent most of one of our 2 days here.
It certainly holds its own with the best European
museums we have visited. Note the skaters using chairs for support, commonly used in Canada with beginners.

Velazquez & Rembrandt
We were fortunate to catch the last day of a very special exhibit of these 2 great artists; one Spanish the other Dutch.
The exhibit pointed out the similarities and differences in their styles.

Hartogh’s Plate
This was a Wow! moment for me.
In primary school, many years ago I read about the first evidence of European contact with Australia.
Here is the real thing!

Night Canal Cruise
In a small electrically driven boat with just 10 aboard, we cruised some of Amsterdam’s canals with very personalized commentary.

Light Sculptures
Each year 20 new light sculptures are placed along the canals to enjoy.

Feather bomb!
Yes, made of thousands of feathers, unlike the ones dropped on Amsterdam in WW 2!

Back on the right again
On to South Africa after a frustrating flight cancellation...but it comes as a challenge to get over.
Luckily I have had practise driving on both sides.
Sometimes I have to check which side the wheel is on before I get in.

Cederberg Mountains
Much of the countryside resembles Australia with lots of gum trees and dry brush...but the mountains are very different.

SALT
South African Large Telescope, in the high, barren Karoo region north of Cape Town.
I booked a visit here 6 months ago and was sure we’d miss out when the flight was cancelled. But we made it in time for the night visit and a close look at cloud nebulae in Orion and some distant star clusters.
This is the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. You could see a lit candle, on the moon!!

Sutherland home
SALT is located far from any man made light pollution, outside the village of Sutherland where we stayed for 1 night.

Garden ornaments
I assume it is a monkey skull!

Karoo Highlands
The observatory is visible for at least 30 kilometres in this barren region.
Sheep and cattle are raised here though I don’t know how they survive.

Lambert’s Bay, Western Cape
An unpretentious beautiful little town where we were fortunate to spend 2 days.

Lambert’s Bay, Western Cape
We have to thank daughter-in-law Claire’s parents for recommending this beautiful spot on the South Atlantic.
Sometimes you get very lucky with an unknown accommodation. This certainly was a winner.

January 4 sunset
From our sunroom window.
We could have spent a week here very easily.

Local tortoise
Rescued from being road kill.

Ah! Oysters!
If you have followed our blog for any length of time you’ll be aware of our fondness for these delicious molluscs. Our first South Africans oysters look like Sydney rock oysters but are plumper and creamier, not better, but delicious!
I have noticed that vertical photos get squashed out of proportion by this program.

Kookfontaine winery, Lambert’s Bay
Our most informative and interesting wine lesson.
The sommmelier had us taste sugar salt lemon soy sauce and cold coffee to identify the parts of the tongue that recognize these different tastes. Then we tried to do the same with wine samples.

Comments

[Lin]

BOOK WORTHY
You really need to write a book of all your adventures. Certainly the grandkids would love it

[Ted and Moe]

Thanks for the travel blog !
Hi Ian and Marlene, Thanks once again for your travel blog. Looks like an amazing trip ! We love looking over your pictures and comments. I have a Dutch background (my Mom’s side is Dutch) so it was particularly great seeing your Amsterdam photos. Good luck on your future travels have fun ! Ted and Moe

[imras]

SA
Thanks Ted & Moe. You would also enjoy the Dutch (Boer) influence and history here in South Africa. They were very resilient to survive the challenges as early settlers.

[imras]

SA
Thanks Ted & Moe. You would also enjoy the Dutch (Boer) influence and history here in South Africa. They were very resilient to survive the challenges as early settlers.