Fall Break: Cape Town Day 2 :)

Tuesday, 26th April

            Today was perhaps one of my favorite days of the trip. We began the drive out to Cape Point and stopped for coffee and a treat at Noordhoek Farm Village. I was accosted with the aroma of freshly baking bread and sugary delights upon entry. It seemed as though flour actually hung in the air as we marveled at the quaint little place, packed to the brim with people milling about the shop. After purchasing the largest carrot cake cupcake with Taylor, Heather, Mellissa, and Lindsay, we browsed through the art. I found a great Mother’s Day card and a painting of horses on an African beach that would be in my suitcase in a heartbeat if my suitcase was anywhere near large enough. Just before we were ushered out, we found a row of charming little shops that we had no time to explore. Warm chai tea lattes in hand, we continued on our way…to the edge of Africa.

            Cape Point is the point of Africa that is closest to Antarctica. To climb to the lighthouse on the point, which stands on a cliff towering over the ocean, you must traverse over 200 stairs and a whole lot of slanted sidewalk. Once on the point, we had to be careful not to blow over for the wind. After pictures were snapped and a quick sandwich was grabbed, we made our way to the penguins at Boulders Penguin Colony. The hundred some Korean tourists provided an entertaining backdrop to the African penguins braying and preening each other.

            Following the viewing of the cute little creatures, we made our way to a vineyard in the Constantia Valley. Groot Constantia played host to our large group as well as an even larger group of French children. I had not pictured a vineyard being so boisterous before. The road lined with fruit trees leading the way to Table Mountain’s beautiful backdrop thankfully wasn’t lessened in its effect by the French kids who had just downed a glass of wine and were playing on the lawn. I made a comment about said children and realized there was a French man behind me who asked what I was saying about French people. I replied that it’s well known that the French love wine and food and that it was great wine and food. He heartily agreed and a laugh was had. I’m glad I left out the part about the snobbery often connected with said love of dining. Shortly after the French episode, we began the tasting, which involved 5 nice wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Blanc De Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Port. Even though the sommelier didn’t deign to explain the wines in any depth, the tasting was pleasant and the conversation was light and happy. The oven-fired pizzas we enjoyed for dinner that night were a great ending to a simply charming day.