When I received the invitation for this party it was called a "Drinking of the Pee Party". So I was trying to conceive a good reason why I could not go! Luckily it was quickly cleared up, that there would actually be no pee drinking at the party. The name, I assume, is a traditional one for an event where friends of the family get to meet the baby for the first time!













Making pap which is similar in consistency to mashed potatoes but is made from a type of flour.
Pap, a traditional porridge made from mielie-meal (ground maize or other grain), is a staple food of the Bantu inhabitants of South Africa (the Afrikaans word "pap" is taken from Dutch and simply means "porridge" or "gruel"). Many traditional South African dishes include pap, such as smooth maize meal porridge (also called slap pap), and crumbly "phutu" (pronounced "poo-too") pap. Source

Couple of nice memories to share from the Spring Bri at one of the local haunts, Nice Restaurant and Bar.

It’s true, as my friends in North America are kissing the sweet summer goodbye, things are already starting to heat up in the southern hemisphere. It's comfortable to be outside in the evening now. The sun stays out later and gives us longer days. We were even talking about hitting up the local pool this weekend to catch some rays. I am looking forward to the first rainfall. It’s a beautiful thing seeing, smelling and feeling rain after months of drought.

Well I have tried, but it seems I will not be getting the pictures I had desired uploaded tonight. The internet has been in really poor form in the country for the last couple days. Will try again tomorrow and append them here.

We spent Amy’s last afternoon in Windhoek in Katatura at the Bernerd Nordcamp after school centre. This is the workplace of my friend MaryBeth. She was delighted to have some more help at the centre. These kids are always excited to interact with new people. I think it was an important experience for Amy, and I know she enjoyed it!

Kicking around Windhoek for the last couple of days we dined at a couple of Amy's favorite spots.

Lunch at the Craft Centre.


Hanging out at Jenny's Place.




Amy's most favorite spot is the Indian restaurant in town. I have to admit it is really delicious, but I have not had many other similar dining experiences.


Curry lovers heaven.

Back in Windhoek, I was quickly running out of things to do with Amy in the city. I would have preferred to spend a few more days in Cape Town. We decided on a little road trip north of the city to poke around at the lodges and reservoirs.

We rented this fancy Corolla for our trip. Everyone was really impressed with my standard shifting. No more automatic transmissions for me.




Welcome to grandma Amy's story hour. Today's story is entitled "The menu with no wine list" It's a very scary story.


Kim and Amy enjoying the view over Okapuka Lodge.


A kudu sighting is not too bad for a day trip.


Cacti

We originally had plans to stay in a friends place in Cape Town. Unfortunately that fell through but my sister was quite keen on getting something that was self accommodating. We ended up with Daddy Long Legs Self Catering Apartments. It turned out to be really a great little spot! It was in the middle of the action on Long street, which might resemble Richmond and John in Toronto. Finding ear plugs by the bed on the first day set the tone for the loud nights to follow. the earplugs were high quality though so we had no problems sleeping.

Edit: One must not forget the great support provided by our host Gary. Gary kept us very well entertained. Thanks buddy.

A great place to relax after a day of exploring.

The last full day we had in Cape Town was to be one of our most interesting trips. A professional colleague of mine from Cape Town had offered to take us whale watching in Hermanus. Hermanus is east along the coast about 200km from Cape Town. The drive in was very scenic as the road followed directly along the ocean front. We had some great vistas, and even spotted a few whales from the car.

David wanted to show us one of his cherished hiking spots along the coast. There is a small rest camp in this mountain valley servicing a group of trails ranging in length. There was even a raging river flowing out into the ocean and a few local boys had planned a river rafting trip that same day.




Once in Hermanus we had a fantastic lunch at Bientang's Cave Seafood Restaurant. The food was divine and my sister throught the wine was great too. I tried the local beer which was a bit sweet for my liking. The restaurant is actually built into the caves at the banks of the ocean. A little about Bientangs Cave Restaurant.

Bientang's Cave Seafood Restaurant is situated on the shores of Walker Bay and is carved into the depths of a century old cave extending over the rocks almost to the water's edge. It is in the heart of the best land-based whale watching area of the world and is a prime tourist attraction in one of the most beautiful Marine Reserves in the Western Cape, overlooking the only whale sanctuary on the African Continent.

Famous for our bouillabaisse soup and linefish grilled on open fire. At our oyster bar on the rocks you can enjoy fresh oysters and fine wine with the waves lapping at your feet.

Further along the coast, just near the restaurant, was a lovely little lagoon.


Sea kayaking, with the captain at the helm.



A nice, clean and rather friendly seagull paid us quite a bit of attention.


Thats David and I enjoying the view out to sea.


We saw many whales this day. Unfortunately the really active ones were waaaay out to sea. We could see them jumping, and flapping their tales in the air on occasion. It was really tough to get a proper picture. This is the best I got as a rather large whale cruised by about a 100 feet from shore.


Whale watchers. I was also taking in the beautiful backdrop. It was a really nice spot.


David had to get back into town so we made for the car. Well, maybe we better take a quick bathroom break before we hit the road. We made use of the bathroom and with a few minutes to spare Amy decided she wanted to feel the temperature of the ocean. I believe her exact wording was "I want to touch the ocean!!!! I want to touch the ocean!!!" So off she went towards the surf. It all looked fine and good from my perspective. Suddenly she was on her ass covered in surf, camera in hand, bag on back, screaming like a banshee. The currents are strong in these parts. The wave took her feet out from under her and she was down. Being the good brother that I am, I managed to snap this pick of her pulling herself out of the water. We had a great laugh. David didn't seem to mind a wet sister in the back seat. Thanks for his patience! The camera was saved. I will never forget the look on the faces of the people on the beach as the girl who had so eagerly ran towards the ocean sloshed back to the car. It was utter shock!!!

We had pretty bad weather for our Cape Point tour. This was too bad because we could not drive the incredible Chapmans Peak and the mood was generally quite dreary. We made the most of it however and had a great day on the tour.

Drinking Latte's on the boat to see the seals.


Part of this particular Cape Tour involves riding a bicycle about 6km. Amy was not too excited for this but was a great sport as she mounted her bike. You can see a cloud looming, seemingly just above her head. It was not 3 minutes into the ride that it started pouring rain! We were thoroughly soaked to the bone on arrival.


I did not look so tough riding through the rain.


Baboons monkeying around in Simonstown, SA. These little guys can be quite an annoyance for residents. With food left out a baboon is likely to make attempts to enter your house.


Cape Point

The day following my sisters arrival in Windhoek we split for Cape Town. We spent the first day on the mountain and poking around the city. The following day we took a wine tour through the beautiful rolling hills in the surrounding area.









In the city


Wine tour starts at 9am with a champagne toast!


Amy lined em up and knocked em down.




A very impressive first evening dinner at Baia on the waterfront. Seemed to me that it was owned and run by Mozambicans. This was the special platter that our waiter Mario talked us into. Thats lobster, kingclip, prawns, and calamari!!!


The following day we returned to the waterfront for suishi. This particular bar has a rotating platter which is constantly refreshed with fresh sushi. Guests can take whatever looks appetizing.


At the Tokai winery. Tokai is said to be owned by the children of the richest man in South Africa.




At Beyerskoof winery.


Fairview winery also specializes in cheeses. These guys lend their milk to an amazing goat cheese.