West Coast Wildflowers

We arrived in South Africa just in time to catch the annual wildflower season (remember, it's spring here in the southern hemisphere!) The Western Cape has designated Flower Routes for budding floriculturists to enjoy nature's colorful display.

We combined flower viewing with a visit to West Coast National Park, located about 75 miles north of Cape Town. Spring flowers are a lucrative attraction for the park; they open a special section for two months of the year and double the cost of admission (88 Rand per person, or 10 USD).

Only a limited palette of orange and yellow flowers were still blooming during our visit, but, to be fair, it was the very last day of the season.

DCH, these made me think of you!

Does this scream Claritin commercial or what?

Thankfully, the wildflowers weren't the only eye candy in the park. There were also some nice panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

But I'd have to say that my personal favorite was catching a glimpse of the local wildlife!

Bontebok

Mountain zebra

Springbok, like the rugby team!

Another highlight was our lovely lunch at Geelbeck Restaurant, which is located inside the park. The restaurant is housed in a historic Cape Dutch building built in 1744. The brochure advertised "traditional South African fare prepared by local Malay women," so it sounded too good to pass up!

I had Cape Malay Chicken Curry and Jim had Bobotie, a spiced meat casserole with an eggy topping. They were both delicious! Our meals were served with local veggies and homemade pumpkin pie (apparently that's not just an American thing!)

That's bobotie!

No antelopes or zebras were harmed in the preparation of our lunch... at least we don't think so. But we did pick up a nice animal hide as a souvenir! Just kidding! We only brought back photos, I swear.

To Catch a Tortoise

After 30 minutes of running in circles around the backyard, Jim was able to capture a few pictures of our tortoises! Those little guys are surprisingly quick!

What do you think? Are they cute or what?

Lazy Days and Long Walks on the Beach

We've become quite lazy here in our South African beach house. There's something about this place that instantly puts us at ease. Maybe it's sound of the waves, the sea breeze, or the laid-back atmosphere of this small fishing village. It's all wonderfully relaxing.

Even the internet connection is reminding us to take it slow. For me, this has resulted in endless games of Mahjong while I wait for webpages to load, whereas Jim has really embraced his inner bookworm. He's reading anything he can get his hands on, from Nelson Mandela's autobiography to how-to manuals.

One of our favorite pastimes has been taking long walks on the beach with our two favorite blondes, Pella and Biscuit. We thought you might enjoy a few photos of our stroll along Pearl Bay, the local beach.  I already have that I'm-gonna-miss-this-place feeling...*sigh*

That's Table Mountain in the distance!

Our New Digs in South Africa

We've just finished our first week as housesitters here in South Africa. Things are starting to fall into place (we've found the grocery store, unpacked our bags, and have even done laundry!) and we're feeling a bit more settled in our new home.

It seems to take us about 2 weeks to get our bearings. I think that's pretty good, considering each move constitutes a change in not only living arrangements, but also countries, languages, and currencies!

The house we're staying in might best be described as a beach cottage. That's not to say we're roughing it here -- this is a proper year-round home with modern amenities -- it's just a very simple, relaxing, and homey place that makes you feel like you're on vacation. It's even close enough to the ocean to hear the waves crashing on the beach. How wonderful is that?

Our backyard, with native fynbos vegetation

We also have our very own pet menagerie: a pair of lovable Labrador Retrievers, a savvy kitty, and countless tortoises (who've unofficially taken up residence in the backyard).

Mugwa the cat and Pella the Lab

Old man Biscuit, whom I've affectionately dubbed "Brutus"

All in all, we're feeling really great about this housesit. A laid-back beach town is just what we needed!