Summer 2013 - Around the World Tour: June 2013

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Cape Town - Steenberg Vinyard

Today, we got up and decided to go out and adventure around the local area. We headed south, out by the University where President Obama will give his speech today and continued south to Steenberg Vineyard. Unfortunately on weekends, they do not do any tours, just tastings. It was a little early for a tasting, but we walked around to see the grounds. The kids were really interested in the grape vines. You could tell it wasn't what they were expecting.

A you tube video of Steenberg Pino Harvest 2008. Steenberg Pinto Harvest

After we left the vineyard, we headed over the mountain pass to Noordhoek Beach. It is winter time in South Africa, so the beach is empty however it goes on forever or about 8 km. As we headed back towards Cape Town, we crossed Chapman's Peak Road (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapman's_Peak) . It a toll road now since it was fixed a few years ago to protect motorist from falling rocks.

Pictures from the bay from Chapman's Peak town of Hout Bay!

The beach at Hout's Bay.

Ocean crashing over the rocks!

E & Y and KMPG are present in Cape Town...

The Westin sponsored "Mandela Day Library"!

Lot's of security around with Mr. Obama in town.

Maybe it is because the minions came from North America...here on stage at the Wharf to advertise the release in South Africa on Wednesday!

Real estate in Campus Bay is pricy...here is a link to "REEFF" property management company. Prices are comparable to West Palm Beach, FL.

Real Estate in Campus Bay, South Africa

We arrived back at the hotel. No Obama sighting yet, however Jacob is on the watch! He has seen military helicopters flying over the bay, a battle ship is in the harbor, and we saw protesters outside the University today as we headed toward the vineyard....but no actual sighting of Barack.

I think we will have room service tonight and an early night. Tomorrow we are headed to Kleinbaai Harbour, Gansbaai. The family is going "SHARK CAGE DIVING" with Sharklady Cage Diving Company (http://www.sharklady.co.za/shark-dive/). We have to be up by 4:30 am to travel to Gansbaai. Jacob really wants to get up close with a great white shark...

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Cape Town - Table Mountain!

Table Mountain!

Another beautiful day in Cape Town...so we decided to hit a local tourist spot called Table Mountain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_Mountain).

Table Mountain sits just outside of Cape Town and rises over 3,500 feet above the sea. We boarded the cable car, which is one of only 3 in the world that rotates as it ascents the mountain face. Here is a picture of downtown from the peak. You are looking at the wharf that we visited yesterday!

We walked around, to see all the sites up on the rock! You are looking at Campus Bay Beach below.

Picture of Lion's Head Mountain!

Here is a picture of Robben Island. President Obama is planning a visit this historical site this weekend. He's in town giving a speech at Cape Town University! Robben's Island was the prison that Nelson Mandala was during his incarceration before becoming Prime Minister.

Kristen, Jacob and Abey with Hout's Bay in the background.

You can choose to walk up, ride up or walk down, ride down. Here is a picture of those who choose to walk down! It is a long trail back to the parking lot...We choose the easy route and rode down!