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.
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