Going home
CAPE TOWN
JUNE 2016
First few days
My annual holiday has come and gone, and as usual the destination was Cape Town. Flights from Bangkok via Singapore and Johannesburg, and 24 or so hours later I arrived at Cape Town International Airport. My very reliable car-rental lady from Cape View Car Hire was waiting with my rental car, and soon enough I was on my way, in my disheveled state, to my first stop at the old-age home in Panorama where mom lives. Greetings and hugs and too soon the visiting hour was over.
Next stop Bellville to collect keys from my son who kindly hosted his mother for the duration of the holiday. Onwards to Pinehurst, and a much needed soak in a hot tub, before a quick shop at the Pinehurst centre to pick up few necessities, like wine. The Cape does indeed have the finest wines, and surviving the cold winter weather certainly demands some of the Cape's best reds.
Since I never learn to catch up on a bit of sleep when I arrive (5 hour time difference), I was up late into the night, enjoying a few glasses of wine and catching up on the local news with my son, followed by a steak dinner at Saddles in Pinehurst with Sonja and her mom. Thumbs up to Saddles on delivering a perfect order.
On the fourth night, late nights caught up with me, and I faded at about 8pm.
Each day was the daily routine of visiting my mom in the morning, leaving the rest of the day free for meeting friends, road-trips, sight-seeing, shopping and dining, The first few days involved getting my mom prepared for her pending eye operation, meeting with the staff at the home, and sorting and stocking mom's cupboards. No need for too much detail.
Stellenbosch
My first drive out was to Stellenbosch which used to be a lovely, picturesque town mostly inhabited by "old money" and students attending the University. There was one small Mall and many quaint eateries and watering holes. Beautiful houses and wine farms made up the rest of this "once upon a time" town. I was shocked to see what a dump this place has become. It's dirty with more of an "industrial" look, crime-ridden, and seemingly the "hoody" gangs ruin and rule the town. The Mall is still standing, but many shops are vacant and theft is rife. Wine farms still appear to be flourishing - good news. As I'd already fallen victim to a bunch of thieves the previous day at Cape Gate Mall nearer home, I went into the Mall clutching my bag tightly and then to lunch with my nephew who works there. Dros was the only place which wasn't a fish or chicken take-away hut out on the street, so we had a fairly okay lunch there, but spent more time chatting than really caring about the food and service.
We found ourselves back at the Dros on my 2nd last evening before leaving, and then we
did mind the food and service, which was appalling, and led to us cancelling our Don Pedros after 40 minutes of waiting.
Palms in Brackenfell
Definitely deserves a mention in the dining department. Snuggled away on a road I don't remember, this restaurant / pub is well worth a visit for a few drinks outside while watching whatever sport or music is on the tele outside, or for quieter dining inside with a hot fire to unfreeze the winter bones. The waitrons are attentive and helpful and the food is delicious. I opted for a 200g fillet with pepper sauce on the side and fries. while Sonja chose a "bit of both" burger which featured a chicken breast, beef pattie, bacon, cheese and mushroom sauce, and the usual tomato and lettuce on the rolls, with fries. Cooked to perfection, with more than enough to take home for the Rottweilers later on. Lovely evening, good food and great company.
More to follow ....
