Winter in June


This is my second trip to the southern hemisphere in June. It does mess with my head a little bit to wake up to frost on the grass. The beginning of winter in June in South Africa is fairly mild: think November in the Central Valley. Cold at night and often sunny and comfortable during the day. 

I slept well — yesterday, after 48 hours of almost no sleep, appears like a dream in my memory. I did enjoy a delicious meal before finally turning in last night: ostrich steak — how could I pass it up? — delicious French fries, sautéed veggies, and cake for desert. 

SA is known for producing great wines, which I couldn’t resist trying. This is what my research found on this particular choice from the Cape Town region:

“Diemersdal is a historic family-owned estate dating back to 1698 (as noted on the label), now run by the sixth generation of the Louw family. They’re particularly well known for their Sauvignon Blanc—it’s something of a flagship for them, and Durbanville’s cool maritime climate, with sea breezes off the Atlantic, is considered excellent terroir for the variety.

This entry-level Sauvignon Blanc is their classic, fresh, unwooded style. Expect a crisp, dry white with bright acidity and the green, zesty character typical of the grape: notes like passion fruit, gooseberry, green pepper, fig, and citrus.”


I think “entry-level” is the polite way to say not very expensive. 😆  It was excellent! Good wines don’t have to be exorbitantly priced. 

This is Tilly, the chef at the little place I’m staying until we leave for the bush tomorrow morning. The people are lovely here. 


Since I had a full day before my travel companions arrived, I decided to take a tour. It was as great decision. My tour guide, Ackim, picked me up for a tour of two fantastic sites. 


First we visited Lesedi Cultural Village. It included a walking tour of five different examples of South African villages of different tribes, a wonderful dance presentation, and a fantastic lunch. 



Next we went to Maropeng — the Cradle of Human Kind: an amazing museum showcasing the beginnings and evolution of humanity. I thought about Kristi the whole time because she would have been so impressed with how well the exhibits were curated.





These locations were about an hour from my hotel so it gave me a great opportunity to see the countryside a little bit surrounding Johannesburg and Pretoria. 

Before I got back to the hotel, Jos & Gerrit arrived and we had dinner together.



Beef Stew with Pap (cooked corn almost like polenta)

Shortly after that, it was time to go to the airport to pick up Liesbeth. Tomorrow we’re all off on a great safari adventure.








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