It was heavenly to sleep in until 8am! We were all completely exhausted so needed a longer sleep. We all said we woke up around 5 am – to a big rain storm, which I was worried would threaten our plans, but by the time 9am rolled around, the sky was beautiful!

We met our guide, Conroy and he drove us around for the day. It was nice for Rob to have a break in driving and be the passenger and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. He asks a lot a questions too so it gets our guide talking about all the little things, which makes it so much more interesting.

The drive out from Cape Town along the coast to Cape of Good Hope is amazing. Up there with other amazing drives for sure: California coast (Big Sur area), French Riviera, Amalfi coast.

Our first stop was at Hout Bay at this amazing look out.

What was amazing, was who was there: Back in London, we had been sitting at a wrong gate and started chatting to these 2 couples that we found out were from Kingston, Ontario (about a 3 hour drive form us; where Rob had attended his undergrad at Queens’ University). One of man’s name was Reg – and he reminded me so much of my Uncle Tom. He was very friendly, and funnily enough we all realized we were on the next flight together to Johannesburg, but were at the wrong gate! We headed over to the right gate, but never saw them again.

When we arrived at our guest house in Johannesburg, there they were! We had a great time talking with them, comparing itineraries, exchanging stories. Lovely, lovely people. Rob got Reg’s (I kept on calling him Reggie:)) email and we said we would exchange stories after our trip. They were flying out the next day to Port Elizabeth and making their way to Cape Town the week after (followed by Botswana). We of course headed off to the Greater Kruger area.

Well lo and behold, who did we bump into at the look out of Hout Bay? Them! It was like a grand reunion!! Hugs all around and we got to share some stories. It was awesome! I love how connected you can be to people you just met. What a small, beautiful world!

We continued our drive and our guide shared some history, and even took us into a township. It actually is quite sad; there is still such a division of the rich and the poor.

We headed up to Cape of Good Hope (which is supposed to be the most southern tip of Africa where the Atlantic meets the Indian ocean – but it’s not – there is a tip more southern about 3 hours away). Nonetheless, it was just gorgeous. We hiked up onto the rocks a little bit for views, but then drove up to the lighthouse. There we walked up the many steps to the lighthouse and the views were stunning! (I know I’m overdoing with pictures…)

We continued along our way, stopping for what the kids were most excited for: Boulder Beach with the African penguins. Pretty cool.

Lunch was in the town just outside where the penguins were, called Simon’s town. We were not blown away by the food unfortunately, but the town was very cute.

We continued along the windy road back up the other side, and then drove into Cape Town where he showed us the city hall, shopping areas and some other interesting buildings. If we had more energy, we might have walked around, but all we wanted to do was head back to our little apartment.

We decided to just stay put for the evening. The kids hung by the pool and swung on the hammocks. They then played some cards and I finally finished book #2 on this trip!

I made everyone come out on the balcony and watch the incredible sunset. Zandra had said to me on the trip, “you really do love your skies”; I really do. They just make me feel good and marvel at the beauty of the earth.

(This may look like a real baboon, but it’s just one that Josh bought!^^)

We had grilled cheese for dinner with ice-cream for dessert and had one of those meals where so many funny things were happening and we were just laughing and laughing. It was a “thin meal” , really.

You know you have run your kids ragged, when they all voluntarily, by 9 pm say they are going to bed. Rob and I headed to bed as well.

The time is slipping away. I wish I could stop time….