Day 6 in Cape Town

Today was a laid-back day. Monika, from Switzerland, had not had a chance to see the penguins, so we drove back up to see them again. Our intention was to just spend a little time there, but we had so much fun, we spent the better part of the day! As it was cooler today, there were fewer people out on the beaches, which allowed us to actually get out on the rocks and enjoy the beach with the penguins.

The penguins are unfazed by people!

I sat on a rock with my feet in the water, and the penguins dove and swam around me; it was great fun ~ they are amazing swimmers!

Ken, Monika, Karyn on the terrace

After a couple of lazy hours cavorting with the penguins, we went to a restaurant in Simon's Town for a leisurely lunch, something we have never done midday(we usually just pack apples or small sandwiches). We sat up on a terrace overlooking the ocean, people-watching and drinking wine and cappacinos. Such a life!

We drove home a different way, gawking at the wine estates up in Constantia. Tonight we went to a local African restaurant/bar, and sampled some of their food - my favorite was the curry-flavored bobotie, similar to meatloaf, but with a milk/egg custard on top. It was served with two chutneys - can't wait to get home and try making it!

Back at the hostel, we finished off the night with several games of Banagrams; some of the younger adults staying at the hostel played with us. Tomorrow we are off to wine country(on the map above, it is the second marker east of Cape Town near the tip) I'll be staying by myself in a guest house in Franschhoek, 1 mile away from the rest of the group. Now that I have been in South Africa a week, I feel acclimated and perfectly safe; in fact, I think it will be great fun having a little independence!