Well, so much for my educational.....

All good plans are made to absorb change. So my 19 night educational visit to the Eastern Cape came to a grinding halt after only seven nights. So be it, an opportunity to be a part of a team supporting 150 inbound delegates to Cape Town is to be fully embraced and supported.

So what did I learn and experience ? I met the very folk who are charged with looking after my clients. JD at the Roberston Small Hotel, always good for a story or two, Paula at De Zeekoe, owner and passionate driver of all things meerkat and beyond and taking of &beyond, Mandy & her team at &Beyonds Kwandwe. All good folks on their respective paths of providing exemplary hospitality to our industry.

There is one soul whom I want to raise a little higher though. Arriving way past my indicated hour at The Dunes in St Francis Bay, I stumbled into the classic colonial surrounds warmed by a chatty fire ( it spoke to me ! ) to meet someone I have communicated with on numerous occasions and according to my clients placed here is " special ".

Well Sarah is more than just special, she is I believe one of those unique souls who understands the very base element of our industry. Sarah arranged for a glass of red wine, my dinner table by the warmth of the fireplace. Sarah cooked my dinner herself ! I mean come on folks, she then sat with me for the best part of three hours as we exchanged stories, thoughts & beliefs. Ok, so I was the only " guest " there but sjoe, what a wonderful manner to ensure that a guest is well looked after. We need more like Sarah.

I also want to mention a man who shared his unbridled passion for meerkat with me. Devey is a little different from most. He lives life to the absolute full. He has a relationship with animals that is rare and a blessing to witness. He embodies respect for and understanding of their needs. He appreciates the line between habituation of the meerkat mob ( family ) and human intervention. It was cold when we arrived where they had bedded the night before. as the sun rose over the eastern horizon, a sharp hairy snout emerged foll wed by a highly attentive and aware creature. More came up as the alarm call for cover was not issued. Fifteen in total emerged and faced east. Exposing their tummies to the morning sun, Devey explained that this region of their anatomy is similar to a solar panel, absorbing even the weak rays of the African sun before they head out to forage for their food.

I stood with these character filled creatures marvelling at their social networking. They were comfortable for me to be within ten of fifteen feet of them as they are now habituated to the presence of slightly larger " meer men " !

Now I am back here in Cape Town filled with my experiences both with humans & Mother Nature with plans for returning already seeping through my business brain. The scenery en route was completely awesome ! Raging rivers, low grey clouds and closed passes all made for a fun time out in Our Africa.... Our African story continues

Day 2 & 3 - The Great Trek

If I say it is impossible, it IS impossible. Not only is it impossible it is beyond my ability to convey the vista between Robertson & Oudtshoorn. Ok, let me try then. Imaginr fold mountains decked our in an orange/ocre hue against a grey/green & blue background. Fold mountains were created millions of years ago when the earths surface literally rose up & folded over itself in wave after wave of forming rock. It take grand to a new level.

The R 62 is without dout the road less travelled. Mike told me so. Caught up with Mike of the Karoo at his renowebed kitchens and he comfirmed that times were indeed a little quiet but he remained in great spirit for the future. Mike offers a range of eats that would satisfy the most demanding/jaded/foodie type and just loves doing what he does.

Onwared to De Zeekoe Guest Farm and more, yes folks, more space. A working farm and well positioned from the R 62 outside of Oudtshoorn, Paula & her team have such a passion for their calling that they opened up their kitchen just so I couls have dinner with Paula ! That is the way it happens here in the countryside, nothing is too much trouble for the Team. Paula is taking her peroperty places. Interesting places based on hospitality and a passion for local community work. In addition to this, Paula arranged for me to experience a close encounter with sharp toothed creatures who could teach us a thing or two about life.

Rising to clear ice from my car at 06.15 is no joke but it has to be done so Devey & I can be on their front stoep before the rise. Rising is what meercats do. They rise from their burrows and as the sun takes flight stand on their hind legs, balanced against their strong tails, absorb the rays of the sun on their " sun panels ". I need to say a word or two about Devey. Well in reality I would require a book or two to do this soul justice. He exudes ability, love & care for all thisngs creature like. Devey has vision of opening a wildlife sanctuary offering a much needed place of refuge for many species under the cosh of local farmers. He is a most successful raiser of horses, has only had one dog in his entire life and should you get to meet this souls on one of his meercat adventures, well then you will absorb a little of wh

The Great Trek - Day 1 - Cape Town to Robertson

One of the true delights of traveling solo is you do what, when, how & where you want at the time that suits you ! Today started with a call on my hairdresser. I am blessed to have a stylist who has been looking after my locks for close on six years now, her name is Tamsyn. She is brilliant ! Nothing less than an expert at her calling and in a no fuss manner has me out of her salon looking and feeling like a million Rands ( better than US $ eh ).

I believe it was her hand that led to the thought of calling in on one of Africa's best kept secrets. Well it is a broadly kept secret none the less that Thelema ( pronounced Fe - lima ) Mountain Vineyard rates as one of the finest producers of red wines in the world. So as I drove past Tokara and onto their estate I could feel the need to taste their wines....

Deon needs to be introduced to you. Deon is a young ( 21 ) man with a big vision and I would guess an old and wise soul. Not only did he keep me fully appraised of each wine I was tasting along with the amount of residual sugars, alcohol percentage and number of months in new oaks etc but he managed to sell R 2.5K worth of estate wines to three ladies who were also enjoying a great tasting. If you want to experience a range of excellent red & white wines, Thelema Mountain Vineyard is a great place to start.

Two hours of tasting done, a box of three bottles bought, time to get a little deli cat essen type food from Tokara. Yummy ! Smoked meat with mature cheddar along with tomatoes and cucumber and a bag of hand made coriander & chili crisps.... The Deli cat essen at Tokara offers light lunches, brilliant views and the combination of water, rock and timber along with some great views. Innovation of culinary prowess at work here !

I eat my delicious deli food on the Franschhoek pass. A stiff breeze, sun in the distance and peace abounded. Great food, great company and great music.... grateful me. Onward through Villiersdorp and then onto the R 60 running me directly to my overnight stop over at The Robertson Small Hotel. Eclectic, modern, iconic restaurant ( Rubens ) and a team of immensely well presented folks have been on hand this evening smiling and just making the many guests here contented with their lot. Tatenda from Zimbabwe, Alvin from around the corner and JD who headed up the management side tonight all worked flawlessly in providing a level of service difficult to find in the rural areas of South Africa.

There are stars out there tonight and the air is cool. Peace reigns supreme and as I close off on this eventful, rewarding and fun filled first day of my Great Trek I bid you good night until tomorrow.

Ciao

Colin J. FRYER.
Centre Stage Travel in Robertson.
www.centrestagetravel.yolasite.com
Mobile: 0027 (0)83 411 4949.