Down the garden path

Today we took a trip down Cape L’Agulhas, the Southernmost point of South Africa, where two oceans meet. A beautiful place, but with rocks and waves that give some idea of how dangerous it was in the past. There were many shipwrecks here. I have located it on the map, in case you are interested, but if you want to know more about it you need to see what the geographer has to say about it.

I want to write about the place we are staying at.

This is about . . .

Augusta De Mist

. . . not the lady of that name, that would take far too long to explain, but the old Cape Dutch estate that is named after her and which is now the most wonderful guest house, or country retreat as it likes to call itself. We found this place by chance a few years ago and were enchanted by it. When we booked for our next trip we found it had been taken over by two guys, one South African and one Canadian. What great people they are and what a wonderful place they have made it.

Imagine a huge garden, mostly on a slope, with trees, bushes, flowers, so densely planted that it is impossible to see from one part of the garden to another. There are paths, like this one, that wind their way through the garden. There are steps. There are bridges over streams. Where all the paths lead to is often a mystery and it is very easy to take a wrong turning and get lost. Fortunately there are a few helpful little signs, such as ‘To Swimming Pool’, ‘To Breakfast’. Several paths do indeed lead to a beautiful pool with rocking chairs, as well as loungers, alongside.

Some paths lead to little houses and this is where most guests stay. We have always stayed in the same little house and I have only ever seen glimpses of the others, but I have to assume they are all furnished in the same way. And that is with care of the highest order. Our house is a joy to stay in. It may be small, but it has everything you could want. A sitting room, huge bed and fabulous bathroom. It is furnished beautifully, with every item carefully chosen to fit in that particular place. The detail is astonishing. Every little thing is thought of and provided.

So in the morning we wend our way down through the garden, following the paths, down steps, past the pool, over a wooden bridge and we get to the villa, under the vines of which, breakfast is served. Beautifully set out on little tables, prettily served fruit and pastries, perfectly cooked eggs etc. The guys are around and exceedingly helpful with ideas of places to go, things to do, where to eat, or just to chat.

And that’s not all! Three days a week Henk cooks a set dinner. And when I say cooks, I really mean creates. This is African food, prepared with skill and loving care and dedication. Course after course appears, every thing so tasty and beautifully presented. This is fine dining, but in a relaxed atmosphere, out under the vines. With only eight people last night, it was a wonderful meal with no pretensions. And we drink their own estate wine. Then, when there were only four of us left, the two guys came to sit with us and we talked about South Africa, people, politics, food, languages . . . until late into the night. What an evening!

So we have returned for a third stay and, for as long as we travel in South Africa, here we will spend out last few nights. (I located the place, for anyone interested, on yesterday’s map.)

Again I thank everyone who has been following me on this trip. I really appreciate your interest and read all your comments. I will catch up with you all when I can. Tomorrow we drive to Cape Town and our flight back to the UK.