Writing this tonight with half an eye on the TV, watching the images from the Japanese earthquake and Tsunami, and feeling as if I'm not really comprehending what I'm seeing. There's nothing sensible I can say, so I've decided just to upload some images from the last few weeks for us to look back on once we're home.
This is Simon's Town, just outside Cape Town on the way to Cape Point. Lottie's class learned about the history of Simon's Town last year and visited the statue of Just Nuisance, the famous dog who became a recognised member of the SA Navy during the war.
And walking on Table Mountain, with those stunning views. Libby clearly expresses her feelings at the end of that particular walk!
Two weekends ago we explored Constantia, a wealthy and beautiful southern suburb of CT. Quite reminiscent of Surrey in lots of ways (!) - huge houses with acres of grounds, swimming pools and stables and leafy green lanes. The girls talked horses (their total obsession), the entire way. The highlight of the three hour walk for them was stepping off the bridleways to let immaculate horses and riders pass. It all reminded me most of a walk I did with Pippa, Harry and the girls a while ago around Ashford Hill, through the water meadows and down hidden byways. A bit bizarre for the southernmost tip of Africa.
It has been stifling as you can see, but since I got back from a brief trip to Chester last week (big European workshop, quick chance to see Mum and Dad), there has been a hint of autumn in the air. Not so much in the temperatures - forecast to be back into the low 30s again by the end of the week, and the sun is still really hot. But the mornings and evenings are cooler and darker than they were only a couple of weeks ago. And today I noticed that the sun is clearly lower in the sky now. We used to struggle to find any shade at all on our deck, and lunchtimes outside were a challenge to escape the burning sun. Now half the deck is in shade, even at midday. The mountain is as stunning as ever though!
Firstly, from the trip Neil and I took to Robben Island showing the gateway to that horrible place and the (surely ironic) statement that the mission is to 'Serve with Pride'. The photograph of the written board shows an old menu from the 1970's demonstrating that 'Coloureds' had better rations vs 'Bantus' or the indigenous black population. Whilst the Coloureds got bread, jam and soup, black prisoners largely existed on mealie (corn).
Robben Island has always been a place of imprisonment, long before the Apartheid government saw its potential. Originally a leper colony, it is now a National Monument and hosts a population of 100 or so. There is still a functioning primary school, attended by island children, and interestingly about 15 pupils from the mainland who take the 30 minutes ferry ride across the bay every morning, in all weathers. No idea why!
Robben Island has always been a place of imprisonment, long before the Apartheid government saw its potential. Originally a leper colony, it is now a National Monument and hosts a population of 100 or so. There is still a functioning primary school, attended by island children, and interestingly about 15 pupils from the mainland who take the 30 minutes ferry ride across the bay every morning, in all weathers. No idea why!
This is Simon's Town, just outside Cape Town on the way to Cape Point. Lottie's class learned about the history of Simon's Town last year and visited the statue of Just Nuisance, the famous dog who became a recognised member of the SA Navy during the war.
Cape Point, and the Kalk Bay Mountains. Yes, we do walk the girls hard - almost every weekend we drag them out to climb a mountain or slog along a dusty track. They complain, but enjoy it really. And there's usually a good meal at the end of it - as here at Jonkershuis at the Groot Constantia wine estate. Neil and I felt it would be rude to leave without a little wine tasting......
And walking on Table Mountain, with those stunning views. Libby clearly expresses her feelings at the end of that particular walk!
A trip to the seaside and the waterslides at Muizenberg. Very definitely a throw back from the 1970s, with only three slides, but Lottie and Elizabeth love it.
And finally two little girls doing what they love most - riding at Alassio in Wynberg. Alassio is a sanctuary for rescue horses, and a pretty special, if very chaotic place. Lottie and Elizabeth ride amongst the vines and down to a river where the horses can drink and everyone cools off in the shade. The last few weeks have been almost unbearable to watch though, as the girls get into jodphurs, boots and hats as the thermometer hits the high 30s.
And finally two little girls doing what they love most - riding at Alassio in Wynberg. Alassio is a sanctuary for rescue horses, and a pretty special, if very chaotic place. Lottie and Elizabeth ride amongst the vines and down to a river where the horses can drink and everyone cools off in the shade. The last few weeks have been almost unbearable to watch though, as the girls get into jodphurs, boots and hats as the thermometer hits the high 30s.
It has been stifling as you can see, but since I got back from a brief trip to Chester last week (big European workshop, quick chance to see Mum and Dad), there has been a hint of autumn in the air. Not so much in the temperatures - forecast to be back into the low 30s again by the end of the week, and the sun is still really hot. But the mornings and evenings are cooler and darker than they were only a couple of weeks ago. And today I noticed that the sun is clearly lower in the sky now. We used to struggle to find any shade at all on our deck, and lunchtimes outside were a challenge to escape the burning sun. Now half the deck is in shade, even at midday. The mountain is as stunning as ever though!
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