2007 - August - Darling, Cape - trip

DARLING, OH MY DARLING…

AUGUST 2007

After a splendid weekend of glorious sunny weather in Cape Town, we awakened with the pitter-patter of rain on our balcony.  It’s Tuesday, 21 Aug.  Karin and I planned a daytrip to Darling …

This review was only supposed to be about our daytrip to Darling.  But once again, Cape Town surprised me and I had to, yes, sorry, had to tell you about it.

Thursday 16 August 2007

We departed on Thursday, 16 August, from Lanseria to Cape Town.  (www.lanseria.co.za) These pictures are sure to tempt you:  besides the hostesses offering you coffee while you’re reading the complimentary newspaper, there is also a ‘self-service station’ complete with coffee machine.  The lounge is tastefully decorated with baskets and fabulous comfy chairs.  

Although Lanseria Airport only flies to Cape Town in the morning and back in the afternoon, the luxurious lounge does it for me.  There are no stampeding, fresh coffee (gratis) and friendly staff.

Our flat in Cape Town wasn’t ready yet, so we drove to Stellenbosch.  We had a look at the burnt Eendrag hostel.  Rumors had it that the students got back on Thursday morning (Women’s Day) from partying, were hungry, had meat but no braai.  Took a broken upholstered chair, ignited it and the rest is … history.

To feed our hungry tummies, we turned into Church Street and parked at D’ Ouwe Werf.  (www.ouwewerf.com) 

It’s Stellenbosch’s oldest and most historic hotel with this amazing restaurant.  They still had the breakfast dishes on display and I really, really wanted some cheese.  Hein ordered a chicken pie with vegs.  With my cheese and leek soup, they served me home baked straight-out-of-the-oven seed bread!  It was sooooo good!  Our waiter was Purdon and very efficient.  In Summer you can sit outside on this gorgeous patio, with vines trailing all over.  The streets in Stellenbosch do not offer ample parking, but at D’ Ouwe Werf there is a ‘valet parking’ area to consider.

Friday 17 August 2007

On Friday night we met up with Pieter, one of Hein’s university friends.

We ended up in Jan Kats(z) – a pub on the top floor of Stellenbosch Hotel, c/o Dorp and Andringa Streets.   On our very first date, (a blind date) after dinner, Hein and myself had a nightcap at Jan Kats(z).  Memories …

Saturday 18 August 2007

Saturday morning we drove to the Waterfront for breakfast at Balducci’s. (www.balduccis.co.za)  Now, interestingly enough, when I mentioned this restaurant to a few people, they all had bad experiences.  

Previously, Hein ordered an omelette with tomato, cheese and rocket and found the tastes amazing.  This time he ordered the farmhouse omelette and was a bit disappointed, but still liked it.  Still in the ‘cheese mode’, I opted for the cheese platter.  It took a while, but we had wonderful coffee and it was worth the wait.  The platter is R120, but is definitely for 2 people.

You also have a choice of water biscuits or toasted focaccia and the latter is definitely worth it!  You choose your own 6 cheeses and the portions are not small.  They had a divine fig preserve, fresh salad leaves, strawberries, dried fruit, fresh grapes and olives.  The Boland Blue cheese was divinely creamy and soft.

On Saturday evening, we had a 50^th birthday party at the Mowbray Club.  When Hein started in the IT-business (1994) in Johannesburg, Greg Rawlins was his boss.  Since then Hein has kept contact with Greg (now in Cape Town). 

At the top of this page, I mentioned our ‘blind date’.  Shirley Rawlins worked with me in 1990 at attorneys. (She was from Matatiel, Natal.)  In August ’90, Shirley arranged a formal dinner and I needed a partner.  Didn’t know any male friends to accompany me and a ‘blind date’ was arranged for me.  Thus entered Hein and we got married etc etc.

JUST BE PATIENT – THE WHOLE STORY WILL BE REVEALED TO YOU …

A month ago I had lunch with my friend, Alice.  Her friend Lisalot and her mom joined us.  Lisalot’s mom said something about Matatiel.  I mentioned that I knew Shirley Rawlins and they both knew her.  Shirley has a 2-year old boy and 4-month old twins.  Shirley’s very tiny and after the twins, had to walk with a crutch.  But for some reason, I assumed that Shirley is now staying in Matatiel.

BACK TO THE 50^TH BIRTHDAY PARTY – we met some nice people at our table and were chatting away, when I looked up, saw a side-way glimpse of this woman’s face … and she’s walking with a crutch …

SHE REMEMBERED ME!  Yes, it was Shirley. Upon asking her why she’s at the party – HOLD ONTO YOUR SEATS – Greg Rawlins (the 50^th birthday boy) is her COUSIN!  And Shirley and family stay in Stellenbosch.

Needless to say, I was gob-smacked and shell-shocked for the rest of the evening.  The world is so small.  Next time I’ll go and visit her and the kids.

Even though the weather forecasted a cold front, we had the most awesome weather in the Cape.  Beautiful open skies, sun shining – everything green and fresh.

Monday 20 August 2007

Monday night we drove through to Stellenbosch to meet up with a friend and life coach, Louise, and her friend Fanie.  We booked a table at Moyo, Spier.  (http://www.moyo.co.za/content.asp?subID=50)

When we arrived there, we were taken to this ‘treetop table’.  Seriously!  In the treetops.  Luckily, it wasn’t that cold and they had 2 heaters and nice, fluffy blankets.

These photo’s were taken during the day.  Top photo is the ‘treetop table’ area.  Bottom photo is the rest of the restaurant, which would be spectacular day- or nighttime.  They do not have an a la carte menu, but a full buffet.  A bit pricy (R180 per person), but it does provide you with a load of choices.  We had some lovely fish dishes, stunning veggies and scrumptious lamb shanks and casseroles.

Definitely try to book the ‘treetop table’.  It is an amazing experience, with water tinkling all around you.  The ladies wash your hands beforehand with rosewater and if you wish, paint your face.

After a splendid weekend of glorious sunny weather in Cape Town, we awakened with the pitter-patter of rain on our balcony.  It’s Tuesday, 21 Aug.  Karin and I planned a daytrip to Darling …

Tuesday 21 August 2007

Despite the rain, we decided to drive to Darling.  (www.darlingtourism.co.za)  Saw lots and lots of arum lilies – growing wildly (although I do believe it’s illegal to pick them.)  It was still raining a bit, but when we stopped at ‘Evita se Perron’ it stopped.  For the rest of the day!

Evita se Perron (www.evita.co.za) – what a place!           

     Sfdsf

Filled with old furniture, gold mirrors, hundreds and hundreds of fairy-lights and photo’s and paintings everywhere – even in the bathroom! 

We shared a light and fluffy scone and had a good browse through all the letters and memorabilia – dated back as far as 1961!

A craft centre for the local people has been started and they sell beautifully handcrafted pillows, blankets and gifts.

Years ago we visited a mission church in Darling – converted into a home.  It was spectacular.  Although I’ve lost the film and have to rely on my memories.  Karin and I found the church and had a look around.  Although empty, it’s still a magnificent little place.  The previous lady rented the cottage as a home and used the church for an art gallery.  Can you image that ambience.

 

Ormonde (www.ormonde.co.za) was our next stop.  A wine and olive estate.  We tasted some olive paste and bought a few bottles of wine, olives and paste.  On the dam, we also saw a few white swans floating around.

Olive Crusted Grilled Steak

1 kg Rump Steak

2 tbsp Darling Olive Paste

Grill Rump Steak as usual.  Spread Darling Olive Paste over the steak for the last five minutes of cooking, turning briefly to sear the paste to the meat.  Serve with chips and salad.

In Darling’s main street, we found ‘The Marmalade Cat’.  A tiny restaurant with some interesting gifts.  We also popped into ‘Nostalgia’ next door.  (http://darlingtourism.co.za/historydetail.htm)

Stunning old, old furniture, an amazing wooden butcher’s block, beautiful chinaware and lots of little trinkets.

For lunch we popped into ‘Simone.’  It used to be the Brig’s Barn Country Stall.  Lovely warm interior (loooove the red walls) and a hearty crackling fire.  We chose to share the ‘pork belly’ and just as well – the portions were huge.  It was heavenly – served with a creamy, smooth mash and freshly steamed broccoli.  Karin tried the ‘Russian tart’ which I believe is also called a ‘jodekoek of jodetert’.  Basically thin sponge layers smothered in thick creamy custard. 

After ‘waving’ goodbye to Darling, we drove through Yzerfontein and then back to Cape Town.  Of course the sun shone the rest of the week …

Friday 24 August 2007

Our flight was scheduled for this afternoon.  Somehow we missed it.  Kobus and Linda (friends and colleagues) planned to attend a rotary evening in Saldanha and managed to obtain tickets for us as well as a bed for the night at Nina & Pierre’s house.

The rotary evenings are all fundraising events and good fun.  Upon arrival, you buy a polystyrene hat filled with 3 bags of peanuts (unshelled).  Golly you would think – so much peanuts to eat …  NO, NO!

The peanuts are to throw – at – everyone around you.  They also sell huge, plastic glasses/goggles and believe me – you need it!  

I don’t like hats, so I took a beating there, but the glasses helped a lot! Those are all peanuts on the floor.  Kobus and Linda with loads of peanuts on the table.  Later-on, we just collected peanuts from the floor.

This guy protected him well and was just concerned about his drink.  

(Top photo) What a nice action shot, Hein!  Linda throwing and Nina protecting her face.  

(Bottom photo) Pierre ready to launch!

With all the peanuts on the floor, it was extremely slippery and quite a few people fell down.

Saturday 25 August 2007

On Saturday we flew back with SAA.  Kulula has no flights to Lanseria over the weekend.  Hugo, Hein’s brother, had to fetch us at O. Tambo International airport and took us to Lanseria to fetch our car.

Why does my arm hurt though?  I only realized later it’s because of the ‘peanut hurling’.

It was good to be back home again!   

2007 - July - Sodwana Trip

 SODWANA – JULY 2007

For a total of 6 days, I didn’t wear any make-up (i.e. mascara, eye shadow) nor washed any dirty dishes!  Didn’t have to worry about food, except choosing from the menu.  No making the bed, sweeping the floor …

---oo0oo---

Wednesday 25 July 2007

For our 15^th wedding anniversary, at  06:00 we left Joburg for Sodwana Bay.  When we passed Nigel, the temperature was -1 oC!

I packed hard-boiled eggs, left-over tjops and wors and some chicken sandwiches.  We drove slowly – all the small back roads.  Then through Pongola (quite close to Swaziland border) and the last 60km gravel road through little black villages.

It was quite impressive how they managed to keep their areas clean.  No plastic bags (the national flower) anywhere to see.  And the women were all busy cutting the grass next to the road with mean-looking panga’s.  The children also just waved.  All of them neatly dressed in their school wear.

After about 8 hours’ drive, we arrived at Mseni Lodge (www.mseni.co.za).  Before registering at the lodge, we tested the beach sand and Rissiepit took it all in her stride. 

All the chalets are separated from each other by trees, shrubs and bushes.  Ours were the honeymoon chalet and had a small patio, 1 bedroom, bathroom and small front area with 2 lounge chairs and coffee/tea facilities.  And a daily cleaner.  We did take our coffee machine with! (But had to buy fresh water on the 2^nd day, because the chloor content was horrible!)

I’ve mentioned to them about our anniversary, so a chilled bottle of JC le Roux, Le Domaine, was waiting for us. We kept it for later.  Also a bunch of wild flowers, a card and little orange flowers arranged in a heart. Quickly unpacked the clothes and went in search of a cold beer.

You could see the ocean from the upstairs pub, not from the restaurant.  We met Benson (not Hedges) at the pub and had a nice chat with him.  Our rates were dinner/bed/breakfast, so the menu was limited but changed every day.  We had very nice chicken livers, lamb chops (Hein) and fish and rice (me).  Hein tried the crème brulee, but it was quite a different version. 

We sat on the patio and drank the sparkling wine.  It was quite peaceful.

Thursday 26 July 2007

Glorious weather! We had coffee and decided to walk to the beach.  From the restaurant, it’s about 500m – down all the way! – through dense trees and shrubs.  

The beach was amazing!  Smooth and we were the only ones!  But boy!  The walk back left me totally out of breath.  Good exercise, though.

We had a choice of croissants, muffins and the usual English breakfast.  Then we just relaxed at the chalet with our books.  For lunch I had some divine chicken curry and steak, egg and chips for Hein. 

Later the afternoon we had coffee on the patio with quite a few small silver-blue monkeys running around.  I went inside to fetch some Woolworths mixed nuts (the plastic pouch), put it on the railing, took 3 steps into the chalet, turned around and the monkey had his prize!  Of course they managed to open the bag and had an absolute ball jumping around the trees, shaking the pouch.  We just laughed.

While Hein sat on the patio’s steps, he noticed this hole in the wood next to him.  And the little eggs.  Probably from gecko’s?!

Our dinner was a bit disappointing.  The shrimp cocktail was only mixed with tomato sauce, the beef schnitzel was bit oily and the chicken breast very salt.

Although the food wasn’t of a very high standard, most of the meals were adequate.  Must admit that I’ve had a lot worse in some fancy restaurants.  Like Hein called it – ‘koshuiskos’ (boarding school food).

Friday 27 July 2007

Morning (not a cloud in sight) - I was a bit stiff, especially my calves.  We had a nice breakfast and drove out to Mbazwana for some more fresh water.  It’s a little village, but with a nice Spar.

After a very nice vegetable curry and cheeseburger lunch, we had a nap.  Then we walked to the beach again, but this time I intended to get wet.  Luckily no-one else was there, so I actually went into the sea with my bikini.  Just at the shallow waters, though, not keen on the waves.

The photo (far left) is what a worm shed (I think).

After a nice dinner of fresh salad, fresh rolls and beef lasagna, we sat in bed reading.  (Yes, it’s a typical Hein-Alma holiday – no strenuous activities, just relaxing, resting and being.)

Saturday 28 July 2007

On Saturday morning (quite hot weather, again) after breakfast, we walked to the small supermarket close-by.  Well, 1 km away from the chalet.  So, once again, we had some exercise.  This supermarket is filled with just about anything – crocs sandals, floppies, t-shirts, bikini’s, fishing gear, food, fresh bread, children’s toys, etc etc etc.

Round about lunchtime we drove to a nearby pub, called “Maak ‘n Jol”.  (Remember this name, because it played a significant part at the end of our stay).  From the outside a bit scrappy, but very big inside and clean.  2 Young white girls behind the counter with a, very obvious Bull-supporter, older white man.  We had a few beers, some popcorn and he even offered us some giraffe biltong.  (Or so he said).  We wanted to stay for the rugby, but didn’t feel like driving back in the dark.

Hein watched the rugby in the pub and we had an average dinner of salad and calamari.

Sunday 29 July 2007

When we woke up Sunday, we just didn’t feel like dressing for breakfast.  We had a few cups of coffee in bed and then decided to drive to St Lucia for lunch.  About 154 kms.

We went to the Estuary first and then decided to buy pizzas and have them on the beach.  Very good idea.  Except Hein’s pizza wasn’t cooked through, so we spent about 10 min on the beach, bought Hein a cheeseburger-pie and drove all the way back. 

Dinner was a very mediocre chicken salad and nice beef curry.

Monday 30 July 2007

Monday morning (we paid till the Tuesday) we had a nice breakfast of croissants, muffins and eggs.

But I liked the tealight-candle idea.  It’s just sea sand in a brandy glass.

After reading for a bit, we felt like a different menu for lunch.  Remember the pub “Maak ‘n Jol”?  By 11:30 we drove out there, but they seemed closed.  We drove around for a bit and realized they are not open during the week.

Hein suggested that we pack and stay over on the way back home.  I said:  “But we’ve already paid for Monday night and then we’ll lose that money”.  But then after 2 seconds, admitted that I’m ‘gatvol’ and yes – let’s do it.

I packed half of our stuff and then went on-line to search for a guesthouse.  Literally looked on the map, saw Piet Retief.  Hmm, sounded historical, there’s bound to be some nice guesthouses.  Then saw the name “Dirkiesdorp”.  Now, that sounded very quaint. And they had quite a few lodgings.

But then my eye fell on ‘Wakkerstroom’.  Saw a lovely country inn there, reasonable rates and booked.  By 12:30 we were on our way.  It was a very nice, relaxing holiday, but I don’t think we’ll go back to Sodwana.  Been there, walked the beach, got the tan (or t-shirt).

Drove through Piet Retief (what a dull, yucky town) and then through Dirkiesdorp.  We shook our heads and laughed. It’s just a small black village.

With a bit of anxiety we drove into Wakkerstroom just before 5.  Filled up the tank and went to the inn.  Well, well, well.  For R240 per person b&b, what a pleasure. (www.countryinn.co.za)

 

Small lounge that’s part of your room with lovely old wooden floor (but polished a bit too much).  Bedroom (queen-size bed) with electric blankets and then an en-suite bathroom with corner bath and ‘fluffy white towels’.  (I always wanted one of those baths, but realized they are not so practical.  2 People cannot really fit in it and you can’t really stretch out, cause it’s too short).  But very nice, anyway.

The dining room area very tastefully decorated with carpets against the wall and loads of straw baskets.  They also have a coffee machine (Illy), so I was in coffee-heaven!!  Also some safe parking for Rissiepit.

Dinner was quite a surprise (although they mention on their website that the owners are ex-London chefs).  Started off with a tomato, mozzarella and basil pesto salad (bottom left).  We were totally blown away.  The taste…  And the presentation!  Hein had chicken, ham and lemon sauce with a pastry on top, potato croquettes and pumpkin (bottom right).  Absolutely yummy.  My ostrich carpaccio was nice, but my potted blue cheese with melba toast, just a tad too rich!

Wakkerstroom has a few outdoor activities, the main attraction the birdlife.  While we waited for breakfast, 2 big white men and a youngish girl walked in for breakfast.  One of them had a strange accent and when we questioned them, the one guy and the girl actually stays in New York.  The other guy stays, hang onto your seats, about 1 km away from us in Sundowner, Joburg.

They are on a pilgrimage to visit their great-grandparents’ graves.  Their grandparents came from Afrikaans as well as the British side.  So they actually fought against one another during the war and then ended up marrying.  The one side started the town Volksrust (just a few kms away from Wakkerstroom) and the other side started Wakkerstroom.

What a wonderful story!

After breakfast we checked out and drove through the town and took these photo’s. 

Bottom photo is the FNB Bank.  And what a quaint garage! Top photo.

We were back home by 12.  Unpacked, did some washing, fetched the kids and guess what was for dinner – BRAAIVLEIS!  Lovely lamb chops, chicken sausages, tomato-feta-basil salad and jacket potatoes with cottage cheese.

And what did I drink?  JC le Roux’s Le Domaine. 

Everything back to normal again.  Dirty dishes, dirty floors, washing, etc etc.