Heading south

We left Kruger NP and headed to the Oliver Tambo Airport for a two hour flight south to Capetown. Going west, we reversed our previous journey and went from low veldt, tropical country back to the high veldt - a beautiful drive. Capetown is only a two hour flight from Joburg; upon our arrival we headed to our winery accommodations in Stellenbosch for two days.

Above, the view from the plane as we approached Capetown.

We stayed at the Spier Hotel, located on the grounds of a winery in the Stellenbosch region.

Today we headed out on a wine lands tour, and saw beautiful country.

We stopped by Victor Verster Prison, where on February 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela took the final steps in his "long walk to freedom". It was very moving, listening to our guide speak of the importance of this site for the People and the nation of South Africa and having a memorable interchange with the guard on duty at the gate.

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. The true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning. I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance that I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended."

As I was taking the picture above that shows where Nelson Mandela actually walked as he was free after 27 years in prison, the guard at the gate encouraged me to stand closer and we began a conversation. We talked about that day and he told me about the prison, where Mandela had been housed, and exactly where he walked that day. He spoke of Mandela and how his example had led the nation to change.

This part of the cape was settled by the Huguenots in 1688. We stopped at the Boschendal Estate for the wine tasting. The farm was started in 1691, and the manor house dates to 1795.

 

 

 

 

We had a great lunch in Stellenbosch with fellow travelers, Carlos and Caroline. We ate at the Big Easy, owned by Ernie Els, a name the golfers among you will recognize. He also has a winery here.

 

 

 

 

And back to our winery estate for a walk around the grounds.

 

 

 

 

 

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