Now Is The Time To Wend Away!

For anybody who might possibly have been looking for regular Blog posts from me to perhaps brighten the gloom that can be Winter in the UK, then can I apologise...profusely if that is more acceptable.  I can't believe that the last post I wrote was a fairly serious one on 2nd February!
Perhaps I depressed myself?  Nah! Impossible to do.  What has been happening however is that life has been pretty full on here in the Western Cape, particularly following the arrival of Richard, Charlotte, Annabel and Sam after Ann and Paul departed on 9th February!  By full on, I mean full on!  It's only when you have young children (ages 3 and 1) living with you for a concerted period that you realise just how tough being a parent can be.  In fact the memory of rearing your own children and the difficulties/pressures therein, truly disappear into the ether and you simply can't remember that it was anything other than a breeze.  That said, it has been fantastic to finish this holiday by being able to introduce additional members of my family to the delights of this part of the world and to have fun with Annabel and Sam as well.
Today, Monday 27th February is our last full day here as we round off a nine week spell which has brought us just one poor day's weather!  With hot sunshine every day, it's not difficult to understand the increasing worries about water supplies and they are desperate for a full on wet Winter to try and replenish the many dams which are now getting to critical levels.  Normally, when we arrive anywhere, it acts as a catalyst for the rain gods to do their worst!  Unfortunately, our extended presence here has had the counter effect.
I think that I wrote somewhere else how difficult it is to write anything new and fresh when you have visited a place for seven consecutive years and done the same things - Table Mountain, Winelands, Chapman's Peak, V&A Waterfront to name but a few.  Instead, I have decided with this final post to let some of my photos do the talking.  After all, they say that a picture is worth a thousand words.
We love this place as much as ever and it will be difficult not to think about planning 2018 the moment our feet touch home soil on Wednesday.
I have been a great salesman for this part of South Africa and will continue to be so because tourism for the Western Cape is vital for a sustainable future.  It is also such a beautiful and welcoming place to spend time, but on that note, don't just take my word for it, if you get chance, try it!
Until the next Blog, stay happy.

Remember to click on the photos to see the full scale.

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Thought For The Day

I have said it before, perhaps in a post somewhere in this Blog or maybe on an earlier visit to South Africa but when you have been here for seven consecutive years, then it does become rather challenging to write about something new!  The fact that my last dispatch was 24th January adds weight to the theory.  However, eventually a touch of inspiration drifts my way and the fingers hit the computer keypad.
I do find it funny, even now, that when we tell people we are heading down to South Africa for a holiday, they question our sanity as to why we would want to visit somewhere so dangerous!  My immediate response is, "have you been into Bradford at 11pm on a Friday night recently?"  I don't mean to denigrate Bradford because I could have used any UK city.  It's just that it's the nearest major conurbation to where we live.  Sorry Bradford!
Actually, I am not denying that this is a country with some major problems regarding crime although my own feeling is that the biggest crime here is the two tiered society and the poverty that afflicts a great proportion of black society.  It shouldn't be like this and I find it hard to comprehend how, 23 years after the election of Nelson Mandela as the first black President of South Africa, more progress hasn't been made in turning this country into the success story that it really should be!  I look for excuses but simply find myself unable to accept any that are put forward.
I read somewhere that Margaret Thatcher once said that anybody who thought the ANC could govern this country was living in cloud-cuckoo-land!  No doubt she received considerable vitriol for this statement but now, so many years after she said it, the evidence is there of just what vision she had!  The economy of the country is basically in melt down and certainly, the Western Cape without the vast amount of tourist money being generated annually, would be in a very sorry state.
I almost feel that apartheid still exists here because the white man remains dominant.  Behavioural evidence is readily available in the way many of the white Afrikaans treat their fellow countrymen.  Have they not heard of the word respect?  Are they so reluctant to accept that everyone is born equal?  It really is unpleasant when you witness it but in fairness, this type of behaviour is restricted to people of our age.  Sad eh?  For us, we believe in treating people of any colour or creed with the respect we would expect ourselves.  It really does work and our experiences here in restaurants, in shops, in hairdressers, in supermarket car parks, in fact anywhere, have been absolutely fantastic and for that we are grateful.
Some people say that it will be at least three or four generations before it is as it should be.  I hope it doesn't take this long because we truly love the country and I for one have become a fervent and passionate salesman on behalf of the South African nation.   Whether it will improve more quickly than people anticipate, I don't honestly know.  What I do know however is that things can only get better.
I know that this dispatch is perhaps depressing and a little bit heavy but we are having a blast and hopefully, some of the photos accompanying tonight's musings might counterbalance the black cloud hanging over you!

 Sunset Over Table Mountain

Family and Friends Lunching At Steffie's Place

View From Hillcrest Berry Orchard

Cafe Bon Bon In Franschhoek With Gill & Roger

Table Mountain From V & A Waterfront

Stark-Condé Vineyard

Beautiful Stark-Condé Again

Never Too Old For A History Lesson!

Some people say that due to my age, I can be considered a historical monument!  I think that rather cruel, particularly as historical monuments are more often than not, interesting and educational and certainly worthy of a visit.  One of these is the Huguenot Memorial Museum in Franschhoek but more of that in just a minute.
Firstly, I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported the efforts of a BA crew and a few hangers on (very appropriate terminology!) like Sarah and me, who last week abseiled off Table Mountain in support of the Dreamflight charity.  As of today, 24th January, the amazing total of £11,915 (+£2,000 Gift Aid) has been raised which is far, far in excess of the original target.  So thank you, thank you, thank you from everybody involved for your support.
Now back to the Huguenot Museum and Memorial which is a place we have passed on many occasions over the previous 7 years but never ventured through the doors!  Very similar to the Motor Museum if you read one of my earlier posts but like that visit, this new one could also be attributed to Sarah's thirst for knowledge.
It is extremely interesting to understand the formation of the Huguenots back in Europe , a movement that began to take shape after the publication of material by Martin Luther in October 1517, criticising the corruption in the Roman Catholic church which at that time was the only official Christian church in Europe.  As a result of his exposé, he attracted a huge number of supporters throughout Europe who became known as Protestants!  
Luther received support from John Calvin, a French Protestant and it was this support together with input from the Netherlands and Scotland that led to the group becoming known as Huguenots.  It was a recipe for disaster which led to incredible persecution over a period of time and ultimately to many fleeing the shores of Europe for America and the Cape.
The majority who fled to Africa actually made their home in Franschhoek - translated means French Corner - where the community grew and flourished although it did become more of a Dutch community over the years, possibly due to the strong trading ties developed by the Dutch East India Company.
It is a fascinating story and the museum is well worth a visit as is the impressive monument which is positioned at the head of the main street in the town.  Don't ignore it if you are ever in this part of the world.
This is now our seventh consecutive year visiting South Africa and having written a Blog on at least two previous occasions, it does become a little difficult to write about something new!  That said, my love of and enthusiasm for the Western Cape does appear to have become somewhat infectious as more and more people appear to be taking my advice and coming down here to have a look for themselves.  It creates great opportunities for social get togethers and I am happy to report that nobody as yet appears to be disappointed with what they are finding and experiencing.  I hope that continues!
Enough from me for today.  Get to the library and see what books they have on the Huguenot movement.  On the other hand of course, you might prefer the latest Jack Reacher!!
Happy days and remember to click on the photos to enlarge and view.

 Huguenot Memorial Museum

 Another View

 Huguenot Memorial Statue

 A Close Up

 Lunch With Friends Barry & Claire

Breakfast With The Cumbrian Mafia!

We Did It!

I am happy to report that after a week building up the nerve to abseil off Table Mountain in support of Dreamflight, the day arrived today and both Sarah and I, together with the whole of BA2065, can happily reflect on the fact that all of us, despite abject terror for some, succeeded in meeting the challenge and in the process, raising a huge amount of money for an amazing cause.

It was a fantastic day today with clear blue skies and very warm sunshine, perfect for what lay ahead, particularly bearing in mind that the last few days had seen very high winds and the Table Mountain cable car unable to operate.  The Gods must have been smiling down although I am sure that some of the participants might have been wishing that the Gods hadn't been so benevolent!

Today allowed no excuses and at midday we met up to read the insurance disclaimer and sign our names on the dotted line agreeing that there was to be no blame for our death/deaths!  In fairness, at 63, I am a total fatalist and well on the slippery road to the pearly gates.  A little help along the way wasn't actually what I was seeking but if it happened then it was going to be one helluva way to go! Slightly different for participants who were half my age, some with families!  Anyway, we were pretty reassured to find that in 20 years of operation, Abseil Africa had never lost a client and in fact, their professionalism was clear to see and very reassuring from the moment we met the team.

Terror genuinely did prevail for some and if the film of Sarah roping up and taking those first steps backwards towards the 400' drop ever becomes available then you will understand what I am talking about.  She won't mind me reporting that not only was she shaking with fear, she was also crying and yet despite what I was witnessing, I knew damn well that she wasn't going to say, "I can't do it!"  As her dad, it was hard to witness the fear as she disappeared over the side  and I watched the rope slowly unwind as she abseiled down the cliff face.  It was such a relief to hear her voice on the radio and the elation at having achieved something both challenging and rewarding.

And then it was my turn but the strange thing was that although I was a touch nervous when we were being given the briefing about what we were to do, by the time I was roped up and ready to go, the nerves had completely evaporated and I was so able to enjoy the experience although I am told it was much shorter for me because I came down the line quicker than a rat up a drainpipe!!  Perhaps sub-consciously, I just wanted to get it over quickly.

It was a genuinely incredible experience and feeling to reach the bottom of the rope and a great sense of camaraderie came out of the occasion.  The smiles were as broad as you could ever witness but the true satisfaction came from the knowledge of how much money was being raised for a very special cause.  That cause was brought very starkly into focus when we were having a drink later to celebrate our safe return to the summit of Table Mountain.  Adrian, BA Wordwide Crew, had accompanied one of the Dreamflight trips to Florida as a volunteer and very sadly reported that one of his young charges on that particular trip had died just two days previously!  It made us all fully understand just why we had done what we did today.

To all of you who have very generously sponsored our efforts, thank you not only from Sarah and me but also everyone involved in the Dreamflight charity and particularly the children who get that very special trip to Florida.

It isn't too late to make a donation and you can do this by clicking on the link below.

Please also take time out to look at my previous post which included two links which give you a real feel to the impact of Dreamflight.

Thank you for reading and thank you again for supporting our efforts today.

 Changing Lives

A Very Professional Operation

 Apprehension Building

 Sarah Backing Towards The Edge!

The Calm Before The Storm

Getting Ready To Go!

 Crying But No Going Back!

 Look Ma No Hands!

 Off And Running With Sully My Partner

 Running Down Table Mountain!

Jane & Adrian - The Last Ones Down

We Did It

Just A Few Of The Mad People!

A Relieved Linda Has Sarah Back Safely

T Minus 3

News is fairly slow here in South Africa, as is the pace of life.  Actually it's pretty damned enjoyable particularly when one sunny day fades into another sunny day.  For me, there is little doubt that waking up to sunshine every day and the warmth that goes with it is a health giving recipe.

I am a morning person back in the UK and without fail, when I wake up, I am always happy and smiley.  I think it's because of my ever increasing years.  Quite frankly I am just grateful to find I am still breathing and therefore having the prospect of at least one more day ahead of me that I can enjoy with the person and the people that I love more than anything else in the world - family.  I'm a very lucky and blessed person.

The problem however here in the Southern Hemisphere is that with the added ingredient of sunshine and warmth everyday, my happiness very early in the morning is doubled, nay even trebled and I can quite frankly, be unbearable.  I must be pretty gruesome for people to live with, particularly when they come to life at the end of the day, a point at which I have turned into Victor Meldrew!
Apologies to my American family who probably haven't got a clue who Victor Meldrew is!  I am happy to report that despite my malaise, we all remain on speaking terms and every day passes with lots of fun and laughter.

Talking of fun and laughter, I am hoping that is what Sarah and I have to look forward to when we join the British Airways crew abseiling off Table Mountain on Wednesday morning in support of Dreamflight.  I hope anybody reading this will take the time to have a look at the following two links to see exactly what this charity is about and what it means to the children who are able to visit Disney.  Watch them and you will clearly understand why Sarah is prepared to overcome her fears in order to raise funds for this amazing charity.

• http://www.dreamflight.org/PRD/index.php/dreamflight-tv/852-dreamflight-2016-invitation-aimee
• http://www.dreamflight.org/PRD/index.php/dreamflight-tv/857-dreamflight-2016-itv-calendar-dolphins-group

Huge thanks are due to those who have already sponsored our efforts and if you feel that you would like to support our fund raising on Wednesday, then you will find full details of what we are up to and how to donate by clicking the link below.  The next thing you hear about this on my Blog will be on Wednesday evening when hopefully, I will be reporting on a very successful event and the safe return to terra firma, not only of me and Sarah but the whole of the British Airways crew of flight BA2065 who came up with this mad but wonderful idea.  Oh and our personal photographer, Linda, will be there with us taking loads of photos to remind us exactly of what we got upto and these will be posted alongside the Wednesday dispatch.

I have got lots of other things to talk about, as well as jumping off mountains for charity and one of these is the Franschhoek Motor Museum, a total gem tucked away in the estate of a certain Johann Rupert.

We have now visited Franschhoek for seven consecutive years, each time passing the sign for this museum and basically ignoring it, assuming that it would be a very small, unimpressive affair comprising half a dozen vehicles including an Austin Allegro and a Ford Anglia!  Wrong, wrong and wrong yet again!!  How could we have been so stupid??  This place contains possibly the greatest collection of cars in the world and the word stunning would at best, be a massive understatement.

I mentioned Johann Rupert above and perhaps if we had known a little more about this gentleman then we might have been a touch less dismissive of this museum.  To put not too finer point on it, Mr Rupert is slightly wealthy.  Actually, he is rather more than that because he has wealth beyond anyone's imagination, not only being South Africa's wealthiest individual but one of the world's richest men to boot.  He can afford anything he desires and clearly, one thing that he has desired over the years have been classic cars.  It must be a heart breaker for other collectors at specialist auctions to find they are bidding against Mr Rupert.  They are guaranteed to lose!

His collection comprised 320 vehicles at the last count and yet only 80 at any one time are displayed in the museum.  The majority are in running order and they are rotated on a regular basis.  We were left open mouthed at the display and the history that accompanied every vehicle and were privileged to get into conversation with a young man called Cheslynne Ruiters, an assistant in the museum, who ended up giving us our very own private tour which included very close up access to priceless motor vehicles much to the annoyance of other visitors who wanted to enjoy what we had!  Cheslynne's knowledge of every vehicle was encyclopedic and added massively to our enjoyment.

I have added quite a few photos below which don't do justice to this museum.  I can only end this post by saying to any readers who might be visiting Franschhoek, don't make the mistake that we made and drive blithely by the Motor Museum sign.  Take the turning and enjoy a truly fantastic couple of hours.

My next post will be on Wednesday with a report and photos of our exploits on Table Mountain.

Franschhoek Motor Museum

It's Still a Runner!

Another Vintage Model

Just One Of The Four Displays

Running Out Of Superlatives

A Car Years Ahead Of Its Time

!950s Gull Wing Mercedes

Aston Martin DB4

A Fraction Of Mr Rupert's Ferraris!

With Cheslynne Our Private Guide