Brian and Pauline Wood
Brentwood, Essex - UK
24 March 2009
Please click your browser refresh key in case some pictures dont load
I met Pauline and Brian in the harbour at the quayside next to the cruiseliner The MInerva. After becoming acquainted we drove to Craigrownie guesthouse where we dropped their travel baggage. Once settled in at the guesthouse we started our winelands and cultural tour.
On our way to the winelands Brian told me of his interest in steam engines so I deviated the tour to Paarl where we went searching for an old South African railways steam engine yard that I knew of. Unfortunately we found out that the yard had closed down but the detour did give us an opportunity to enjoy the little town of Paarl.
We stopped in at the Pot Belliy deli so as to see what sort of foods South Africans ate.
We drove onto Stellenbosch and stopped in at the Greengate restaurant for a very light lunch. After lunch we did a short drive through the town of Stellenbosch
We joined Lily in her home for an afternoon of lively talk
Pauline having fun with Elam at the Ikamva Lethu Centre
Please click here to
see Brian and Pauline teaching the Ikamva kids a waltz step
Please do not opening this large file unless
you have a broadband connection
Please click here to see Brian
and Pauline dointg the wlatz for the Ikamva kids
Please do not opening this large file unless
you have a broadband connection
Please
click here to see Brian and Pauline dancing with the Ikamva kids
Please do not opening this large file unless
you have a broadband connection
Please click
here to see another video of Brian and Pauline dancing with the Ikamva
kids
Please do not opening this large file unless
you have a broadband connection
Joining a church service in Zone J
Having fun at Gold Restaurant where we had dinner
Brian, Pauline and Selwyn at Gold restaurant.
DAY 2
Cape Peninsula
Shopping in SImonstown
With Just Nuisance in Jubilee Square
Crossing the road after buying lunch at Gogo's
At Rumbly Bay, Millers Point where we had a wonderful quiche lunch
Pauline and Brian at Cape Point with the Cape of Good Hope in the background
Atop of Table Mountain
Sunset pictures on Table Mountain
Enjoying Don Pedros at the Ocean Basket where we had dinner
DAY 3
Travel to Oudtshoorn
On this day we travelled from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn via the N2 and R62.
Enjoying a wine tasting with David at Muratie winefarm
We went through the Huguenot Tunnel, Worcester, Robertson, Ashton, Montagu, Barrydale, Ladismith and Calitzdorp. We stopped for a light lunch in Montagu. We arrive at Mooiplaas Guesthouse at 19h00 and joined our hosts for an ostrich steak dinner. Wonderful evening.
DAY 4
Swartberge
Pauline after having gone for a wash and blow dry at Serious Hair in Oudtshoorn.
Pauline aghast at the prices of strich leather in the Ostrich Farmers co-op. JJ
We ascended the wonderful Swartberge Mountain range and took the following photos while on the mountain.
After our journey up the Swartberge we stopped in at Prince Albert for lunch whereafter we took the road via Meiringspoort back to Mooiplaas. We rested for 2 hours before going to PieterSillie restaurant in Oudsthoorn for a fabulous dinner meal.
DAY 5
Drive to Knysna
We left Mooiplaas at 09h00 and drove to George where we visited the Railway Museum and Pauline and Brine went on the 2.5 hour powervan ride
At the Knysna Heads
We checked in at Overmeer Guesthouse, had a rest and then moved onto Zest restaurant where we celebrated Brian's seventy seventh birthday
DAY 6
Stormsriver, Alje, Treetop canopy tour.
We started our day by travelling to Plettenberg Bay where the above picture was taken.
Having a cheese lunch at Alje's in the Tsitsikamma Forest
FLYING THROUGH THE TREES
The Treetop Canopy tour - Tsitsikamma Forest
After the treetop canopy tour experience we travelled back to Knysna, took a short rest and went to the Fisherman's cabin for dinner
DAY 7
Back to Cape Town and on to the UK.
Pauline and Brian outside Overmeer guesthouse
Last minute curio shopping
 |
 |
Enjoying dessert at the Old Mill restaurant in Swellendam
We arrived at Cape Town airport at 18h00 where we had to very sadly bade farewell to each other as Brian and Pauline prepared to board their BA flight to London
Brian and Pauline just were the greatest. Better upstanding citizens than the two of them just dont exist. We had such a wonderful time together. In the process I feel I gained much from them as I hope they gained from me. Our journey together was filled with so much exciting events and experiences that our tour just had to be enjoyed by all. Overall a wonderful tour with a fabulous couple.
THANKS YOU FOR ALL
BRIAN & PAULINE
A huge thank you for your very generous donation to the people of Kayamandi
Received 1 April 2009
Selwyn
Both messages safely received and I have delayed my reply until I had
downloaded the information and the SD card . Pleased to report all is well.
I have now to start on the volumes of pics and video that I took for
myself. Will report progress but do not delay your Christmas while waiting.
It was very kind of you to phone yesterday and this was much appreciated.
As was indeed our whole time with you. After the disappointments in the
cruise that you heard about at tedious length, the time with you was quite
delightful despite the continuous activity involved.
You know that we had not previously experienced a tour on a one to two basis
and this opened our eyes.
The care and attention that you took quite overwhelmed us and our very
sincere thanks are due for a (quite?) unique holiday.
I printed out your letter in large print for Pauline to read and offered it
to her with a paper tissue. My foresight was not misplaced!
We shall keep in touch.
Brian
*