We’re finally back in Zurich after 10 wonderful weeks in Cape Town, chasing the dream of an endless Summer. I love that I get to be a tourist in my hometown for a few months a year, and rediscover the place I grew up in with fresh eyes. It was much needed time spent with family and friends, a chance to slow down, reconnect and get inspired.
Since our return, the question that keeps popping up is ‘how did you manage with the water crisis’, and honestly, it was fine. You quickly get used to your 50l per day per person – buying water to drink, having quick showers, collecting any ‘grey water’ for flushing the toilet, and being generally more conscious of just how precious this resource is, something you take for granted living in wet Switzerland! And then there were the days when it finally rained, it felt like the whole city was celebrating. People were dancing in the street – it was beautiful to see, and a reminder of how sometimes, the simplest things in life are also the most valuable.
No stay in Cape Town is complete without a day trip to Kalk Bay, with its cute little shops, art galleries and restaurants. Enjoy a delicious seafood platter for two while the waves crash down outside the windows at Harbour House, or if you’re in the mood for a more relaxed setting, Live Bait downstairs is just the place.
I’m a sucker for handmade ceramics, and pretty much in love with everything at the Kalk Bay Modern Gallery, especially these lovely swimming ladies by Cape Town artist Maureen Visage, and those gorgeous plates by Gemma Orkin.
The Zeitz MOCAA – Africa’s first museum of modern art, opened it’s doors last September. Situated in a converted grain silo, it’s worth a visit just to marvel at the impressive architecture.
One of our favourite wine estates in the Franschhoek Valley, Babylonstoren
The Cellars – Hohenort Hotel in Constantia, with it’s old colonial Cape Dutch architecture & impressive garden, is a perfect setting for lunch, especially if you’ve got kids who like to explore (like my bestie does, pictured below)
Another weekend away in Franschhoek and our first time on the Wine Tram, a brilliant hop-on, hop off way to discover the area. There are 6 different routes to choose from, and a choice of 5 different wine farms to visit on each route. Note to self (and all other first-timers) – wine tasting at all 5 wine farms is not compulsory – coffee & cakse is also an option (although maybe not as much fun ;)
Chef’s Warehouse at Maison Estate
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