My mom and I
Last week, the Malcolm family welcomed my mom to South Africa! My dad was unable to come due to his work schedule, but they both decided that this was important and that my mom should still come to see us. She stayed with us for a week and we had a full, fun week!
Nana and the Grandkids in Stellenbosch
We spent a day walking around Stellenbosch, considered the Napa Valley of South Africa, although some might take offense as this area is much older than Napa! Stellenbosch is a beautiful town with restaurants, shops, and historical buildings, all reminiscent of a European village.
My favorite store in Stellenbosch and my sullen teenager in the background.
Mom at the bow of the ship
On Saturday, we went into Cape Town and went on a one hour boat ride. My mom and I rode at the front of the ship, which I am thankful for. I would have lost my breakfast many times over had I not seen the waves coming. It was like riding a rollercoaster going up each wave and dropping down, sometimes 10 feet! BLEH! After our boat ride, we got to walk around the Victoria and Albert Waterfront.
Phindi and Brian on a boat!
Our welcoming committee when we got back from the boat ride!
On top of Table Mountain!
On Sunday, we had planned to explore more of the Waterfront, but the weather was so wonderful and Table Mountain was so clear, we headed up the mountain and bought tickets for the rotating cable car up to the top. Our unplanned trip worked out smashingly! The weather was beautiful. It was cool, but not cold and the sun was shining—not a cloud in the sky. Because of said sun, I splurged and bought a Table Mountain hat and wore it on Table Mountain. I likened it to going to a concert and wearing a t-shirt with that band on your shirt. Generally frowned upon, but it was sunny and my eyes didn’t care about sensibilities.
There’s a post box at the top of Table Mountain. We bought some post cards and stamps to send some mail to family.
Cape Point, the south-western most point of Africa
Cape Point Light House and a LOT of stairs.
On Monday, we headed down the coast all the way to Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope. We made the trek up a lot of steps to the lighthouse on top of the mountain to see the view. Unfortunately, I can report that the views are actually better off to the side (and with only 5 or 6 steps to contend with). Also, there was a gal who was going nuts with her friends and taking photos while we were up there. She was doing a photo shoot and we didn’t even get see the entire area up top. sigh Tisetso did enjoy climbing on a large rock and acting like a model. (See below.)
My model child, Tisetso.
We did get to see some wild ostriches on the way to Cape of Good Hope!
Brian did not appreciate the spirit of the signage.
Phindi and the Penguins
Tisetso with a penguin (by his left ear). Also, he got a hair cut!
After the Capes, we headed up Seaforth Restaurant where the penguins are. We met up with Tahiyya and Dylan there so my mom could meet them. After a lovely lunch, we headed down to the beach. The beach has changed quite a lot since we were last there. When we last visited, the beach was a free-for-all. Penguins were everywhere. People were everywhere. This time, there were only about 7 or 8 penguins, a fence along the boulder area where the penguins were, and fewer people. We didn’t think we would see more than the few penguins from 20 feet away until three penguins (a parent and two adolescents) swam around the fence and waddled up to the beach where we were.
Parent on the left and kids on the right.
Mom and her map at Kirstenbosch
On Tuesday, we headed to the Waterfront for a little while and then went to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It was beautiful! If you come to Cape Town, you’ll want to make a stop at the Gardens. I really enjoyed walking along the paths through the different gardens and seeing the flowers, plants, and trees native (and not native) to this area. My mom, a master gardener, loved every moment except for maybe my kids’ complaining about their tired legs. (Sorry, ma.)
The tree top canopy bridge was VERY wobbly and made me almost fall over at one point. I made the excuse to sit down and take this picture. Isn’t it nice?!
Me and my kids (!!!)
Vergelegen Lavender Gardens
Wednesday was a fun winery tour with my mom at Vergelegen. When you enter the estate, you have to pay a small fee to enter. I told the guard one adult ticket ($0.63) and one pensioner (old person) ($0.31). He laughed and charged me for two adults. I was robbed!
We got to tour their winery and have a delicious wine tasting. Along with wine, they also have gorgeous gardens. After the tour and tasting, we met up with Brian and the kids for a delicious lunch at their restaurant. When we were done there, my mom graciously helped us move to our new accommodations. (We have since moved out of the flat we were in and are now in a huge house.)
A view of Table Mountain from Victoria and Albert Waterfront
Thursday was a pretty low-key day. We spent the day packing and getting ready to send mom home again. It was such a fun week with her. The only way it could have been better was if my dad could have come with. We are so thankful to my mom and dad for sacrificing so much to make the trip possible. Love you, ma and pa!