Our South African adventure

As you know, we’re in South Africa to be with our son, Toby, for his marriage to Amy. And what a great excuse to have a holiday as well.

Flight problems ex-Dubai

Late in the evening of April 5, we flew from Amsterdam to Cape Town on Emirates via Dubai. But after take-off from Dubai we levelled at 10,000 feet and flew north west out to sea and began circling. Strange, we should have been going south.

I was about to say something to Lin, when the Captain announced, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, unfortunately, the undercarriage will not retract so we have to return to Dubai.’

Boring…

After dumping fuel to reduce weight, we landed, disembarked, ate lunch and had a four hour delay whilst another A340 was prepared. This time, the undercarriage came up.

Cape Town

We arrived at our hotel, the Mount Nelson, at 2330 local, somewhat tired. We’d been up almost forty hours.

With six hours sleep, we were up and eating a sumptuous al fresco breakfast under the veranda in this equally sumptuous colonial-style hotel. The sun was already roasting hot and at 0800 we jumped in a mini-bus for our first guided tour – the City and Table Mountain.

Unusually for this autumnal time of year, the skies are clear, the sun is hot with temperatures in the mid-thirties. How perfect is that?

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is breathtaking. No other word can describe this seventh natural wonder of nature.

The Swiss designed and installed cable car whisked us 765m (2,510 feet) up to the top whilst we stood on its slowly revolving floor enabling everyone in the car to have an equal view.

On top of the mountain we saw some guineapig lookalikes, locally called Dassies, but in reality, Rock Hyrax. Is the plural Hyrices as in index and indices, we wondered?

An American lady was cooing over one whilst trying to reach out to stroke it. ‘Oh how simply awesome. So sweet. I really must have one,’ she squealed. After a few moments I said to her, ‘You, know, I’ve been told they are far better rare rather than well done.’

‘Uh-huh,’ came the response before my words had fully settled in, followed by, ‘Oh that’s dreadful. How horrid.’ I could hardly prevent smiling whilst I added, ‘It’s best to keep back a bit, you know. They spit poison.’

By now, obviously confused, and with a furrowed brow, she backed off. Looking at me questioningly, she murmured a weak, ‘Thank you,’ and disappeared.

We wonder just how far this rumour will spread.

Afternoon

Having descended, we visited to the 1679 Castle of Good Hope which protects the Governor’s Residence.

Exhausted, but exhilarated by the sheer beauty of Cape Town and its surroundings, we return to the ‘Pink Lady’ and dined in its beautiful Planet restaurant.

Piers and Lin
Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
…on temporary leave of absence from
Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Beaucette Marina

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It’s 765m to the top… click to enlarge

…and 765m down click to enlarge

The Atlantic ocean is to the west and south click to enlarge

The views are simply stunning click to enlarge

You cannot tire of the views click to enlarge

Looking to the north along the ridge click to enlarge

If you really want you can opt to abseil down click to enlarge

Piers didn’t click to enlarge

The hour we had gazing was far too little click to enlarge

Cape Town with Robben Island in the distance click to enlarge

Resident Egyptian geese in the Castle of Good Hope Fort click to enlarge

Papa Goose follows behind making very loud ‘goose warning noises’ click to enlarge

The Governor’s Residence within the Castle of Good Hope click to enlarge

The Governor’s entrance hallway click to enlarge

The dining room seats over 100 guests click to enlarge

After a long day we arrive at the impressive arches to the Mount Nelson’s driveway click to enlarge

The Mount Nelson’s long and imposing driveway click to enlarge

We arrive back at the Mount Nelson click to enlarge

The glorious wing where we ate al fresco overlooking the pool click to enlarge