Four countries, twelve flights, sixteen days.
Endless memories.
I'm excited to reflect upon the amazing trip my mom and I took to Southern Africa. I hope this blog gives its readers a chance to hear our stories and enjoy the sights.
I will be writing about the day to day experiences as well as including photographs. I look forward to your comments and reactions.
I published this blog in the order of our trip, so to see more posts, click on "Older Posts" at the bottom of each page.
Want to see more pictures? View my album on Shutterfly, click here. Or, come visit me!
Enjoy!
AM
Departure and Germany Layover
June 13-15, 2013
After I spent a fun day in Chicago with my sister, brother-in-law, and wonderful niece and nephew, my Mom and I set out for our adventure. We departed from O'Hare Airport for our two day travel to South Africa.
 |
| This is the Fountain of Justice that was completed in the 1600s. It used to flow with wine for the citizens to enjoy |
We had a smooth flight to Frankfurt, Germany where we had a nine hour layover. Rather than sit in the airport, we ventured out to the town. We went to Romerberg square, had lunch (with Bier) at an outdoor cafe, and went on a double decker bus for a city tour.Frankfurt was an interesting city that sits along the Main River with beautiful old buildings and sleek skyscrapers that are home to many financial institutions.
Back at the airport, we enjoyed some wine and food in the Lufthansa lounge. Our flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town awaited us.
Hello Lovely Cape Town
June 15- 16, 2013
We arrived to Cape Town after a brief layover in Johannesburg. When we got to The Mount Nelson Hotel, we were greeted by an extremely welcoming staff who took their time helping our jet-lagged selves to our room and with making dinner reservations. We both laughed when we got the room and saw what two days traveling did for us (absolutely no pictures of that!). While mom rested up, I went to the gym for a quick workout to help me stay awake. I felt as if I had a private gym!
We ate at the hotel's Planet Restaurant after a visit to the hotel bar. Wonderful food! And a sommelier introduced us to some lovely South African wines. Right then I was excited for our upcoming winery tour.
After a great night's sleep in the comfy bed, we decided to explore Kirstenbosch Gardens (A UNESCO) on the day before the official tour began. It was the perfect start to our time in South Africa. Along with amazing flowers and views, we learned how much pride people had in their city and country. Much of the goods are crafted in South Africa, and we didn't find a "made in China" tag anywhere! The local food and wines continued to impress us, and I loved how people would say "lovely" for things they liked and "pleasure" for you're welcome.
We had a relaxing afternoon and then went to the waterfront for dinner. After exploring a bit, we ate at a South African cuisine restaurant.
Then, we spent a bit of time at the bar for a nightcap and more conversation with Shawn the bartender.
This was the day that we started to notice that it was indeed their winter. Days were very short despite the pleasant 70 degree and sunny weather.
 |
| I was very impressed with the staff at Mount Nelson Hotel as I was greeted with "Miss. Strzyz" any time the front desk or concierge workers saw me. They also always had a genuine smile. |
We arrived to Cape Town after a brief layover in Johannesburg. When we got to The Mount Nelson Hotel, we were greeted by an extremely welcoming staff who took their time helping our jet-lagged selves to our room and with making dinner reservations. We both laughed when we got the room and saw what two days traveling did for us (absolutely no pictures of that!). While mom rested up, I went to the gym for a quick workout to help me stay awake. I felt as if I had a private gym!
We ate at the hotel's Planet Restaurant after a visit to the hotel bar. Wonderful food! And a sommelier introduced us to some lovely South African wines. Right then I was excited for our upcoming winery tour.
After a great night's sleep in the comfy bed, we decided to explore Kirstenbosch Gardens (A UNESCO) on the day before the official tour began. It was the perfect start to our time in South Africa. Along with amazing flowers and views, we learned how much pride people had in their city and country. Much of the goods are crafted in South Africa, and we didn't find a "made in China" tag anywhere! The local food and wines continued to impress us, and I loved how people would say "lovely" for things they liked and "pleasure" for you're welcome.
We had a relaxing afternoon and then went to the waterfront for dinner. After exploring a bit, we ate at a South African cuisine restaurant. Then, we spent a bit of time at the bar for a nightcap and more conversation with Shawn the bartender.
This was the day that we started to notice that it was indeed their winter. Days were very short despite the pleasant 70 degree and sunny weather.
Pictures of Kirstenbosch Gardens and Mount Nelson Hotel
Kirstenbosch Gardens:
 |
| A family playing cricket during their picnic at the gardens |
Mount Nelson Hotel:
Table Mountain and Cape Town City Tour
June 17, 2013
 |
| Mom chose to stand in the middle to avoid the rotation. She was very brave heading up! |
After our delicious breakfast, we met our group and began our official tour. Then, we ascended to the top of Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders. The cable car was a fun ride up. The car rotated, so we were able to see the 360 degree view as we climbed the steep mountainside. Once on top, we walked around and spent time admiring the panoramic view of the stunning sea and city. The rock formations were intriguing too.
Afterward, we went on a city tour including Cape Maylays, a colorfully housed area, and the Castle of Good Hope an old military fort built by the Dutch East India Company.
Our tour continued with a walk through the Company Gardens which is home to many beautiful museums as well as the House of Parliament and cathedral where Rev. Desmond Tutu once preached.Mom and I went back to the Waterfront for lunch - another delicious meal, and I enjoyed a quick workout and a dip in the pool.
Before dinner, we visited the hotel bar and had another great conversation with the bartenders, learning a great deal more about the city and country. The tour group went to a dinner of a local family who were kind to host a large group. Their hospitality was wonderful, and it was another fun opportunity to get to know more about Cape Town and South Africa.
Pictures of Table Mountain and the city tour
Cape of Good Hope
June 18, 2013
 |
| It was extremely windy on our first stop to Cape Point at a cove along the way. |
The drive offered many beautiful views, and I was in awe once we got to the Cape of Good Hope. 
Mom took the funicular up and I hiked with a few of our tour mates. Along the hike, we stopped at many beautiful spots. Our guide, Carol, said that if we get to the top and we are out of breath, we didn't stop enough to admire the views. We definitely took advantage of the many amazing views. I met mom at the top and then continued to climb up to the lighthouse for even more phenomenal views.
From there, we went to Boulders to see the African penguins. It is estimated that there are only 21,000 breeding pairs of these penguins left. In the 1950's, it was estimated that t
here were over 140,000. That fact explained the need to protect this group, and the need to keep visitors on boardwalks. This separation did not hinder our experience. These penguins were a blast to watch. Their lively entertainment included watching them play in the waves. We also saw two babies sleeping on their mother. Their father was on the other side of the nest watching, or more accurately, "resting his eyes". Penguins mate for life, and Carol says that she has seen them holding fins/hands as they walk along. We witnessed groups watching over the young while others went to play in the surf or fish for food. As we left, we heard the baying sound that they make when they are hoping to mate. Another interesting fact I learned is that the patch of pink above their eyes serves as a desalination device.
Lunch was at The Colona Castle, a boutique hotel (which I learned is a really really fancy bed and breakfast). The rooms and views were spectacular and we had an eloquent hostess to entertain us during a lovely lunch. Outside they had a plunge pool with a view to match its beauty. The scent of lavender welcomed us on our way in and sent us on our way back to the hotel.
The rest of the afternoon allowed for a massage for mom and some time to read and relax for me. Of course, we enjoyed some time at the hotel bar and decided to have dinner there as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)