We enjoyed an amazing adventure and are so glad that we had the opportunity to experience a Safari for the second consecutive year. Some people recommend doing a Safari as a land adventure for a couple of weeks and for many that works. For us, the amount of time we spent on this overland worked perfectly and doing it as part of a cruise is the way we prefer. In life, we just recommend to figure out what works for each of us and then pursue those dreams.
We also wanted to mention that as we walked around the ship yesterday afternoon and evening we saw some visitors, many of whom are friends and relatives of those crew members from Cape Town or the nearby suburbs. Some of the crew members would be also able to visit their families while in town. Of course, some will be ending their contracts here as well. It's just so nice that at certain ports where crew lives that they can bring on visitors, especially family members so they have the chance not only to see them but to show their family where they work.
It was great to be back to our normal routine last evening. While we loved the Safari, as they say there is no place like home and home for us is Crystal Serenity when we are not on land.
We met dear friends John and Linda at the Crystal Cove and chatted with them before dinner. Hotel Director Josef came by to see how we enjoyed our Safari overland and to see if everything worked out from our end with the change of travel to get meet the ship in Cape Town rather than Port Elizabeth. We told Josef that that Crystal did a wonderful job in getting everything sorted out and knowing that we were in the hands of Crystal allowed us to have no concerns as we knew they would make everything right.
Afterwards, we were back at the Crystal Dining Room for dinner.
Head Waiter Augusto had pre-ordered us several items and Sommelier Ivanna selected several nice wines and we began with a nice champagne.
We bean our meal with Tuna Tartare for Keith which Augusto made and a Shrimp Cocktail for Anne Marie
For our next course we had Caesar Salad and it was delicious. Augusto first made the combined salad and after he placed Anne Marie's salad in a bowl he added more seasoning to Keith's salad knowing that Anne Marie prefers less spice while Keith enjoys it with more spices.
In addition to the Caesar Salad, Augusto also made us Pasta with Lobster. Similar to the way he prepared the Caesar Salad, he added more spice to Keith's entree and less to Anne Marie's. It was delicious and we really appreciate Augusto making the Tuna Tartare for Keith and the Caesar Salad and the Pasta Entree for the two of us.
After all of this food, we walked around the Promenade Deck for close to one hour. We were the only ones outside and we took in the beautiful stars and the surrounding area and talked about how much we enjoyed our Safari and what a wonderful time we are having on this adventure.
We slept very well last evening as we were docked at Cape Town. We were tired from the days we were away on Safari as we were up early which is nothing new for say Keith but up later than usual.
Keith was up first and very happy to enjoy a workout at the Fitness Center after not working out these past few days. He watched the news as he worked out and his legs were full of strength Sometimes, taking a break from exercise for a few days is beneficial as his legs were recharged.
He then had coffee at the Lido Cafe where he read and wrote.
We wanted to mention that today is turn-around day. This means that the cruise from Perth/Fremantle to Cape Town has come to an end and some guests will depart Serenity, while the next segment of the World Cruise from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro begins. With 600+ World Cruisers remaining on board this will be a relatively small turnover and more guests are leaving than coming on board. The final segment of the World Cruise will be full when we sail from
During the completed segment from Fremantle/Perth, Australia to Cape Town, South Africa we sailed 6,119 miles or the equivalent of 7036 statute miles.
This Map shows the routing for the new segment of the World Cruise.
We had an early breakfast in our room as we had to get ready for a private tour that Keith had booked for the two of us and dear friends Bob & Glo.
As part of our tour we visited three different wine estates in the Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Valley. We tasted wine and also had the opportunity to have cheese, and olive oil tastings.
Our
tour guide was Richard. He was
very well versed about the vineyards and all of the places that we
visited. He took us to three different
vineyards of different types.
We
first visited the Delaire Graff Estate which is a relatively new vineyard on an
enormous piece of land and a very modern building which included indoor and
outdoor tasting as well as a restaurant and a jewelry store. The vineyard is called The Jewel Of The
cape Winelands in Stellenbosch.
We
also spent time walking around Stellenbosch which is a charming town which we
have visited on a prior trip.
We
then visited the Maison Vineyard located in the Franscchhoek Valley. Afterwards, we walked the charming town
of Franscchhoek which is a very beautiful town.
Our
final visit was to Lynx which is a small boutique vineyard and the tastings
were conducted by Helgard van Schalkwyk who is the Winemaker. We learned a great deal from him
including the do’s and don’t about winemaking. We tasted a variety of wines there including one that had
been in the bottle for only two weeks.
Talk about a young wine.
All
in all it was a wonderful day. We
had great wine, a nice lunch, enjoyed beautiful scenery with gorgeous weather
and were with dear friend Bob and Glo.
Stellenbosch
Views from the Delaire Graff Estate
Maison Vineyard
We enjoyed a nice lunch at the La Petit Frame restaurant.
Lynx Vineyard
Winemaker Helgard
TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY...
"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it." - William Arthur Ward
Keith & Anne Marie
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