As promised, I'll jump back a couple weeks to finish the South Africa story where I left off two posts ago.
After a few days in Cape Town we jumped into a rental car and set out for a week's exploration of the Western Cape. A short drive down the coast brought us to Cape Point, where you can gaze out towards the South Pole and witness the Atlantic and Indian oceans converge. From the coast we headed east along Route 62 through wine country. We of course made frequent stops for tastings at the innumerable wineries, where a mid to high range bottle goes for 30-100 Rand ($4-12). If the cheap and delicious Pinotage, Syrah - and even port - weren't indulgence enough, our daily drives led us through mountains and valleys boasting exotic and diverse vegetation, waterfalls and unbelievable rock formations. These natural wonders continued as we made our way through the Garden Route, home to quaint seaside villages and a smattering of national parks.
By our return to Cape Town we had become entirely spoiled by a place that seemed the bay area's distant twin. Cape Town - with its progressive, creative spirit and phenomenal restaurant and bar scene - mirrors San Francisco. The charming upscale towns lining the coast recall the yuppie equivalents of Marin county, while the Route 62 wine country reeks of Sonoma and Napa. Basking in the comforts of home, Russell and I decided to actually make it our temporary home and extended our stay in Cape Town. Although feeling slightly guilty for our lack of adventure, I enjoyed every moment spent cafe hopping, running along the waterfront and experimenting with happy hour cocktails. What I wouldn't do for a decaf Americano from Depasco Cafe, some high-speed internet at Geek or a veggie burger from Royal Eatery ... mmm.
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