Wine Country

Started out at 08:30 after our last breakfast at Southern Sun.  Drove out towards Paarl and stopped to visit the Language Monument commemorating the development of the Afrikaans language.  This was interesting because this language is a combination of Dutch, English, French and a mixture of tribal languages, which seems to me to be somewhat inclusive.  However, due to the history of the country's apartheid system, Afrikaans is considered to be the language of oppression.  Also of interest in Paarl was the preparation for the cross town rivalry game of rugby to be played tomorrow (Saturday).  Apparently these school games draw a large number of fans.  From there we stopped at the Fairview Estate Winery for an excellent wine and cheese pairing in a private tasting.  

We really enjoyed this as it was a bit more upscale than other wineries we have visited.  From there on to Franschoek for a walk about.  The name translates to French Corner.  This is one area where the French Hugonots settled after escaping religious persecution in France.  

It is a wine growing region, and this little town is quite popular for weekend getaways from the city and a major tourist town.  After Franschoek we went to Stellenbosch for lunch at a neat little bistro and were able to sit outside in the busy college town.  Last tour stop was one of the oldest ongoing vinyard/winery in the country.  The buildings were very old (early 18th century) and the furnishings were quite remarkable.  

We enjoyed another wine tasting and bought some port.  Afterwards, it was just the drive back into town past several "African Townships" (shanty towns).  Very reminiscient of the Brazilian Favelas.  We had our guide (Michael) drop us at the Rugby Museum

near V&A waterfront and went through before heading to the waterfront for dinner at the Karibu Restaurant.  This turned out to be not the best of the places we have dined in Cape Town - Oh well.  Back to the hotel to pack and ready for a long travel day tomorrow.