Conclusion of Road Trip

It's been another couple full but unrushed days since I last posted. Estelle and I headed off on Friday morning and stopped for port tasting a little before noon at the Boplass Estate. They are famous for their port and numerous posted signs informed guests of their awards. I enjoy port, though only in small doses because it is so sweet. It's sweeter than most other wines so port is usually served with dessert. (It's also more alcoholic since the fermentation process is halted early by the addition of distilled grape spirits.) After trying 7 varieties, I thought that maybe wine before lunch wasn't such a good idea! Estelle had been smart and asked for smaller samples than me since she was driving. :) My favorite was, of course, the most expensive--the vintage bottle that was aged for 12 years. Pink port was a close second.





The next road stop was supposed to be a cheese tasting, but we found out that they don't do tastings in the off-season, which was disappointing. After that, we found our way to Barrydale and its recycled art store, Magpie. The Obamas have a chandelier from Magpie somewhere in the White House--a fact that I heard multiple times from multiple people; Barrydale is very proud! Unfortunately, it was such a beautiful day that the shop owners were gone fishing, so we had to settle for peeking in windows. A nearby weaving workshop was open though, so we explored there. And then Estelle and I discovered the most wonderful hidden treasure across the street. I actually don't even know the store's name, but it had a treasure trove of goodies! Scarves, jewelry, incense, handmade bags, imported foods, etc, etc. Estelle was excited by Iranian dates while I was shocked to find Kewpie mayo from China!



Then it was on the road again as we headed to Montagu for the night. Montagu has to be the quaintest place I have ever stayed. All the houses are cute and white, nestled between trees and flowering bushes, while the large church stands proudly in the center of town. After watching the sun set in a blaze of pink and orange, Estelle and I bought pizza and took it back to the brewery/backpackers we stayed at. Eating good food and trying the house's best honeybeer in the gorgeous courtyard while enjoying the mild weather and being entertained with live music made the evening one to remember!





Saturday was the last day of our trip. After buying loads (and I mean LOADS) of the dried fruit that Montagu is famous for, we spent some time at the Nature Garden before heading to Robertson. Turns out Robertson was hosting the Wacky Wine festival and town was packed! We didn't do the wine festival, but we did take advantage of several markets that had sprung up for the weekend. At one market, Estelle and I bought food. She opted for the springbok meat pie but I was told I must try fetcook. Turns out fetcook is essentially a large piece of fried dough that is cut open and stuffed with filling. Mine was cheese and jam--fatteningly delicious! Then we settled in for the drive back to Strand, during which I introduced Estelle to In the Heights.











Sunday was a day in Strand. The family watched Top Gear and tennis, and waited for the extended family to arrive for a birthday lunch. Oom Etienne ("Uncle Etienne," Estelle's father) had celebrated a birthday during the previous week, so Estelle's grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin came for lunch. I again practiced my Afrikaans listening skills! In the afternoon, Estelle and I went to the beach and walked around enjoying some froyo. Then that evening I taught Estelle how to play Phase 10 and she beat me! We must have a rematch....