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Enjoying Cape Town
Since Tom has just started a new job, he only had five days in Cape Town before heading back to California. It was a long way to come but he got a flavor of South Africa.
During our time together, we did lots of things:
We spent a day driving down to Cape Point, seeing the penguins, and lunch in Simon’s Town. I’ve giving this tour to many friends over the years. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1534/...3bfbe40f_z.jpg Tom and Carl at the tip of Africa, Cape Point https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1716/...029c6469_z.jpg Tom made it to the Cape Point https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1560/...8a94eb72_z.jpg The seafood platter at Bertha’s in Simon’s Town https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1638/...6bbaef02_z.jpg A group of penguins at Boulders Beach That night we went into Greenpoint and had dinner at Pigalle. In spite of the slightly weird atmosphere, the live band was great, service was top notch, and the food excellent. As we are staying down Llandudno, we decided that an $8 Uber ride each way was much better than drinking and driving and landing in prison. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1561/...2b33eb46_z.jpg Osyters at Pigalle https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1654/...be6456ff_z.jpg Delicious tiger prawns One of the highlights of visiting the Western Cape is a visit to the wine country. My friend had sent a new list of the top ten restaurants in South Africa. From it we chose to have lunch at Terroir up in Stellenbosch. We wine tasted at Kleine Zalze and Morgenhof. Next trip rather than driving, I am going to Uber up to the Wine Country. It’s just cost effective. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1505/...23c84733_z.jpg Wine tasting at Kleine Zalze, Stellenbosch https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1598/...29947cc3_z.jpg The amuse bouche https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1530/...4c273113_z.jpg Starting our meal at Terroir, Kleine Zalze https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1611/...8b58c42b_z.jpg Yellowtail cerviche https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1659/...83d2e152_z.jpg Prawn risotto https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1550/...952aea1c_z.jpg Shenji mushroom pasta main dish https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1492/...613d3c56_z.jpg Springbok venison https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1619/...b4da1f15_z.jpg Our lovely desserts https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1681/...1788c9fe_z.jpg Dutch colonial building on a wine farm https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1648/...f0d9220d_z.jpg The cellar of Morganhof Wine Estate Another highlight of any visit to Cape Town is a visit to Table Mountain. When you’re with me, that means that you’ll be hiking up to the top and then taking the cable car down to get kind to our aging knees. Since Tom, my son and nephew, and some friends hiked up to the top of Mt. Fuji (see HIKING ASIA: Mt Fuji and the Great Wall with some SQ First and assorted fun) in July, Robert and I decided that we would give Tom a challenging hiking route up Table Mountain that included some scrambling. Tom has never rock climbed or even scrambled. He did very well. He was scared out of him mind but in the end enjoyed it and was proud of his accomplishment. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1583/...20071fa6_z.jpg Early morning hike up Table Mountain https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1535/...559cfd16_z.jpg Kloof Corner, start of trail https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1516/...d78e1f4d_z.jpg Robert and Carl perform hiking ballet https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1456/...2483aa83_z.jpg Tom reluctantly plays along https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1575/...cc1d188c_z.jpg https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1560/...0955d6ab_z.jpg https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1686/...523c0b17_z.jpg Carl shows off https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1674/...0735dc34_z.jpg The famous chimney of Kloof Corner. It’s a fun way to go up a crack. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1646/...b92d4ab0_z.jpg https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1565/...461f15f0_z.jpg Not an easy way down or up! https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1479/...d0f5a9f6_z.jpg The clouds made for a pleasant hike but a bad view from the top! https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1686/...523c0b17_z.jpg https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1658/...be9fa236_z.jpg Sushi lunch in Camps Bay at the Codfather On Tom’s last day we did some shopping and then enjoyed lunch at Harbour House. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1609/...9707543d_z.jpg Tom appetizers https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1543/...7793ac46_z.jpg Our main courses were Kingklip and Seafood Pasta https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1581/...52b9ef0e_z.jpg Our final meal of the trip together at Harbour House at the V&A Waterfront https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1547/...6f37bef8_z.jpg Carl and Tom for his departure https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1641/...53391a59_z.jpg The car and driver sent by Emirates for Tom Robert and I took a nice 55 km bike ride around the tip of the continent one day. We’ve done this many times while doing the Argus Cycletour bike race but I have never actually gone all the way down the Cape Point Road. On most days the wind howls making it impossible. On this day, we had great weather and a nice ride. I wish I could be here for the Argus race next month but my work schedule has other plans. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1597/...bc0aa026_z.jpg Starting the ride at the harbor in Simon’s Town https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1460/...34eb2fd0_z.jpg Biking to Cape Point https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1476/...3e67efb4_z.jpg Above Simon’s Town on the way to Scarborough [url=https://flic.kr/p/E6Yc62]https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1618/...44f72938_z.jpg Bikers at the point https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1695/...34eb34de_z.jpg Lunch at Two Oceans https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1594/...acbce72b_z.jpg Yellowtail starter https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1489/...0b645935_z.jpg Sushi main On another day we did one of my favorite rock climbs on Table Mountain, Jacob’s Ladder. You rappel down from the top about 40 m and then climb up some of Table Mountain’s best rock. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1594/...3b90b3c4_z.jpg Me rappelling down Table Mountain https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1463/...2b54059e_z.jpg Happy climbers back at the top https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1645/...81185f3f_z.jpg A great view of Lion’s Head https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1716/...a7315d5f_z.jpg High above Hout Bay https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1472/...78320709_z.jpg Scrambling up and up https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1562/...91d1af46_z.jpg A great view of Llandudno and the Atlantic https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1518/...5a396878_z.jpg Hiking home I’ve had another nice visit to Cape Town and soon I need to continue on in the journey. This is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. I just wish it wasn’t so far from California. But I think part of my love of travel was born from traveling here so much. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1673/...e4b280e4_z.jpg Another beautiful sunset on the patio drinking some nice South African wines |
I really like the pictures of hiking up Table Mountain and then the hiker ballet at the top. Oh, my.
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Brilliant pics. I am going to Cape Town for the first time at the start of April so your pictures have given me some inspiration and got me just that little bit more excited!
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Lived in Durban for 4 years, but never made it to Cape Town. It sure looks a lot nicer. I did not have a good time in South Africa; but maybe it's worth going back to see CPT.
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SQ 479 Biz Class JNB-SIN
After a fun time in South Africa, it was time to head home. This time I decided that I’d travel east through Singapore because I LOVE the food there. It’s a great reason to stop off and eat some of the best food in the world.
The SQ check-in counters are located at the far end. Walking from the rental car return made it seems miles away. Check in was simple and efficient. I had a great South Africa lady was delightful. She informed me that the security located immediately behind the check-in desks was closed and I would have to return half way down the airport to the OTHER terminal A security. Ugh. Once I arrived, there was no priority line so I queued up with the masses and after 30 minutes I was through. Not a great way to start the trip. My first stop was the SAA Baobob Business Class Lounge which SQ uses since it’s Star Alliance. The lounge is perfectly fine. The food offerings were nice but I can’t say I was very hungry. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1527/...4fede6f0_z.jpg First course in the SAA Baobob Business Class Lounge The lounge was far from empty so I knew that I had three other lounges available to me with my Priority Pass membership. I ended up nearby at the Mashonzha Lounge which was ENTIRELY empty. That’s the way I like my lounges! The food offerings were slightly more basic but they were the same as I had found in the Shongololo Lounge just down the concourse. My favorite was they have nice plates of basic sushi. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1561/...c4220db4_z.jpg Some sushi from the second lounge visit Soon I got a text from SQ that my flight was boarding so I made my way to the gate. I never am a fan of boarding first so I took my time getting to the gate. Once there, it was a zoo but luckily the Biz class line was empty. It’s sad that both Singapore and Cathay Pacific no longer fly First Class to South Africa. WHAT ABOUT MY NEEDS?!?! Once on board I quickly got settled. I was surprised that Singapore didn’t offer any alcohol on the ground. Just juice and more juice. For a 13:45 departure this was surprising. Not the best intro. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1519/...2d814c4a_z.jpg Only juice and water offered on the ground, no champers This flight had the old Business Class which is a very nice product. I love how wide the seat is. I love sitting with crossed legs. The only complaint is that the feet cubby is way off to the on side which is a little awkward for sleeping. By far the seats in the first row have no cubby and the same legroom as First Class. Luckily on the flights from Singapore to Hong Kong and San Francisco I had snagged the first row of Business Class with tons of extra legroom. Soon enough lunch was served with some very traditional SQ fare. They started with the traditional satay which I really enjoy. There is no Book the Cook from Johannesburg so I had to order from the menu’s offerings. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1547/...ab9114aa_z.jpg Typical SQ first course: Chicken and lamb satay https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1528/...b2d00fe9_z.jpg https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1593/...3da962f5_z.jpg Prawn starter I have flown many times on Singapore and Cathay Pacific from South Africa. My favorite part is that you get to fly over Madagascar as you are served the first meal. When we spent our son’s Fifth grade year traveling around the world, Madagascar was by far our favorite month of all 12 of the destinations. Such wonderful memories filled my mind as we flew over this magical island. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1694/...acb11dae_z.jpg Great to see Madagascar again https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1495/...41596dbb_z.jpg Lamb main course https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1687/...6d21e4db_z.jpg Chocolate ice cream dessert https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1518/...d4a6cff6_z.jpg The cheese course The flight would be landing at 6 a.m. Singapore time so my thought was that I should try to sleep so I could enjoy my day in one of my favorite food cities. Unfortunately, sleep really didn’t come and I just napped. Prior to landing we were served breakfast. I managed to eat the fruit plate but that was it. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1489/...bc851a87_z.jpg Your basic fruit plate Overall, it was a great flight. The service was attentive. The seat is comfy. They definitely have a top notch product. Once we landed I purchased a hiTourist! SIM card for my phone and then went to The Haven arrivals lounge. It seems weird that SQ doesn’t have an arrivals lounge but thanks to the Priority Pass, I got a shower and rested a big before Ubering into the city. My day in Singapore was a bit of a jetlagged blur. The highlight was a delicious chicken rice making the whole journey worthwhile. I really love the food there. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1530/...b0a131de_z.jpg Singapore Selfie 1 https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1696/...864360b1_z.jpg Singapore Selfie 2 https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1572/...19c21b5d_z.jpg Chinatown Food Center Hawker Stalls https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1451/...5f7223c2_z.jpg If you’ve been to Singapore, you know what’s for lunch! https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1618/...35a6ced6_z.jpg Chicken Rice, a magical dish https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1552/...e9c1438c_z.jpg The boiled chicken is so moist and delicious Soon enough, it was time to head back to Changi for my final leg to San Francisco via Hong Kong. When I was once again in an Uber, the heaviness of the journey began to hit me and I dozed off. Once I woke, we were pulling up in front of the curb of the airport. My Dubai/South Africa/Singapore trip was coming to an end. |
SQ 2 New Biz Class SIN-HKG
After a great day in Singapore, I returned to Changi and was pleased that Kris Silver Lounge was nice and quiet. The food is lovely there. I had a nice prawn soup and cold draft beer to kill the heat.
Next I met up with a friend and guested him into one of the Priority Pass lounges just down the way. I visited both lounges but chose the lounge that wasn’t immediately next to a children’s play area! Soon the flight was ready to board so I made my way to the gate and saw my 777. As I boarded I was happily surprised to see that our flight back to SFO had the NEW business class seats installed. Yahoo! I had been on the upgrade list to upgrade to first but it never came through. New business class made up for it. The other reason that was I wasn’t overly sad was that I was lucky enough to book 11A several months. The first row of business class has lots of legroom just like first. The first row is definitely the best! I could easily see that first was completely full and I noticed it was all male passengers. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1517/...4ccd21dd_z.jpg A view out my window of the Changi airport https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1670/...c6f2ecf3_z.jpg New Business Class The flight to Hong Kong was mostly taken up with a nice meal. I had Booked the Cook which was very nice. On top of all the food I had eaten that day in Singapore and also in the lounges, I can’t say I was starving. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1584/...86770dbe_z.jpg Scallops and prosciutto salad https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1580/...83fe7641_z.jpg Book the Cook Lobster Thermador https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1627/...cbf8373b_z.jpg A lovely cheese course The worst part of stopping off in Hong Kong was that all passengers had to deplane, go through security and then hang out at the lounge before reboarding and continuing on to SFO. |
SQ 2 New Biz Class HKG-SFO
I was dead tired when we finally took off after midnight so I went to bed instead of having another meal. Sleep was great and the bed was comfy. I didn’t want to sleep for too long since we would be arriving at 8 p.m. and I wanted to get a good night’s sleep back at home.
Once I was awake, the flight attendant came by asking if I wanted dinner. I wasn’t very hungry but I decided to try the cognac beef I had booked. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1499/...a62ef462_z.jpg Book the Cook XO Cognac Beef https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1661/...ec8286a6_z.jpg A couple of hours later, I had a nice fresh salad. Prior to landing, they served breakfast. I’m not sure it’s the meal that my body would have chosen but I ate it anyway. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1645/...b88d9f8f_z.jpg Breakfast fruit starter https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1671/...e1238c0b_z.jpg Dim Sum main course The crew was wonderful throughout the flight. I give them top marks without a doubt. Flying home from South Africa via Singapore and Hong Kong is NOT my favorite way to get home. The stopover in Hong Kong occurred when my body was very tired. I’m not sure that I need to fly home that way again. Maybe if I was in First on the A380 via Narita into LAX and I would have felt better. The two and a half week trip was wonderful. We made lots of good memories, had lots of great flights and enjoyed hanging out with wonderful friends. |
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