South Africa!

Hurrah, the adventure proper finally got under way!

I began my journey in chilly London, whizzing off to the airport with a suitcase full of summer clothes and a stomach full of very excited butterflies.

A three hour wait in Dubai and something near a squillion hours of aeroplane food, uncomfortable seats and not enough sleep did dampen my excitement a little...

but all was forgotten when I finally reached my destination!

Satisfyingly stunning views on the drive from Cape Town to Simon's Town, and a delicious 28 degrees C -  very happy.

Finally finally life is complete once more.

We sat and watched the sun set and talked and talked and talked.

Edward had to work the first week, but the owner of our little apartment very kindly took me shopping with her so I had a chance to explore a little and gather some supplies.  She also took me to see her son's gallery near Hout Bay, which was full of absolutely beautiful artwork.  (See here for a closer look!)

We also had a snoop at some of the other workshops near by, my favourite of which was a man making sculptures from recycled scrap metal.  They were soo cleverly put together and full of  life and movement.

Another day we drove via Chapman's Peak which had absolutely beautiful views.

Here is a little tour of our gorgeous apartment:

Lovely bedroom

amazing view from the bedroom

bathroom

the drawing room/kitchen/dining room which lead through to another bedroom.

just a perfect little home from home!

As Edward was working during the day, we made the most of our evenings to beetle about in Simon's Town.

One evening we went to visit the penguins at Boulders Beach.  They were very silly and almost as hilarious as the chickens.

We also met the local guinea fowl, who wander about like a group of fish wives, gossiping and squawking at each other.

We went to Cape Point one evening which was amazing!

The views were totally stunning.

The lighthouse is nearly ten thousand kilometres from London...yikes.

The Cape of Good Hope is just round the corner and we got there just in time for some gorgeous evening sunshine.

To be continued...