WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2020 -- SOUTH AFRICA
What to do with a gap between two travel adventures - the end of our thrilling Kenyan safari and the start of an exotic cruise from Cape Town? What else but explore another of the world’s iconic wine regions. Since we met three decades ago, whenever possible, my husband and I seek out wine country pleasures - bucolic views, charming inns, leisurely tastings and casual fine dining. If trips bring us near vineyards - Virginia to Oregon, France to Australia, we visit for an afternoon or several days. This time our wine country destination was South Africa, one of the oldest wine-making regions outside of Europe, where Dutch and French settlers began tending vines in the mid-1600s. For a week, including Valentine’s Day when we celebrated our 31st anniversary, we explored the stunningly beautiful Winelands of the western cape, less than an hour drive from Cape Town.
What to do with a gap between two travel adventures - the end of our thrilling Kenyan safari and the start of an exotic cruise from Cape Town? What else but explore another of the world’s iconic wine regions. Since we met three decades ago, whenever possible, my husband and I seek out wine country pleasures - bucolic views, charming inns, leisurely tastings and casual fine dining. If trips bring us near vineyards - Virginia to Oregon, France to Australia, we visit for an afternoon or several days. This time our wine country destination was South Africa, one of the oldest wine-making regions outside of Europe, where Dutch and French settlers began tending vines in the mid-1600s. For a week, including Valentine’s Day when we celebrated our 31st anniversary, we explored the stunningly beautiful Winelands of the western cape, less than an hour drive from Cape Town.
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purchases. I showed far greater restraint this
time, buying just enough to keep memories of that
gorgeous country alive.
The itinerary ended in Puerto Vallarta, where
we strolled the malecón to El Dorado, a long-time
favorite seaside restaurant, where we lingered
over guacamole, ceviche, a limonada and a
michelada (beer with lime juice and spices). Gala
Night followed and we went all out, with Gary in a
suit and me in a long sequined gown. We ended up
at B.B. King's, of course, and danced until the
band bid farewell long before midnight.
We've had the good fortune to travel with many
lines, from Cunard and Crystal to Carnival. We've
been on small adventure ships and mega cruisers
built for 5,000 passengers. There are several
more lines we'd like to sample, and we'll definitely
sail on Holland America again. I was thinking
about booking one of their Alaska cruises for this
summer, but Covid-19 has put a halt to such plans
for now. But we'll be dancing on the high seas
ASAP.
Left: Sashimi with a smile at
Tamarind.
Above: Asian delights at Tamarind
Bottom: A modern textile vendor in
traditional dress in Antigua,
Guatemala.
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