Last night's party was a great success. It started slowly, with a welcome drink and canapes, and a lively disco but no dancing at first. Then a crowd of younger people in 1920s costume arrived and socialised. More drinks, which were quite cheap, although the bar service was slow. More lively 70s and 80s music. People started dancing. The view over the sea and Table Mountain from the 11th floor terrace was atmospheric. We had a great time and left soon after midnight without a massive hangover :-)
Today is Sunday and a holiday. We plan to walk to
The Company's Garden. It was established by
Dutchman Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. It's already very sunny at 10.00 am. Breakfast was quiet but not outstanding. No muesli, lukewarm coffee. But fresh fruit was good.
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| Company's Garden buildings were closed on New Year's Day |
We set out to walk to Company's Garden. A friendly man stopped us and asked if we had vouchers for entry to museums on a Bank Holiday, and invited us to get them via a bank ATM. We put in one card which was retained and another guy suggested inserting a second card. It didn't work, and we were left feeling foolish. Back at the hotel Richard rang the bank helpline and cancelled both cards. We informed the hotel management.
We sat outside with a beer reading our books for a while. Then we booked an Uber to the Company's Gardens.
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| A clear view of Table Mountain for once |
Most of the gardens and buildings were closed but not the
SA National Gallery. We visited an exhibition of women's art work which was contemporary and colourful. We spent about an hour there. Then we headed to
Beerhouse on nearby Long Street and had draught beers and Pfannkuchen. Quite tasty. We got another Uber to the hotel for a rest.
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| Richard escorting Nelson Mandela at the Waterfront |
In the early evening we got an Uber to the aquarium at the Waterfront. It was very busy there with families enjoying an evening stroll. The big wheel was also in operation. We took photos with some of South Africa's Peace Prize winners' statues. We strolled around, looking at the boats and shops, and ended up at Cafe Alfredo for a glass of wine.
Then back to
Harald's Bar for another Shiraz.
