Mike and I are not often spontaneous, but with a busy week behind us and busier one ahead, this morning we decided to go on a date. “Let’s go to Franschoek,” I said. He actually thought it was a good idea (after all I went to golf with him yesterday) and so we took off for the winelands.
We drove through Stellenbosch and out stopped on the way to Franschoek for breakfast at Takara, where the views were spectacular and the vineyards works of art….
After breakfast we headed on towards Pniel. 30 years ago, Mike and I lived in Paarl. We spent a couple of years there and Mike did some survey work in Pniel. I went with him for the ride. I remember feeling incredibly special. I had just learned I was pregnant with my first child. Mike was very attentive. I bathed in the glow of knowing I was to be a Mom. Morning sickness had not yet set in. That was still ahead and with Stacey it was to be part of my life until half way through my pregnancy. The wonder of knowing we were to be parents was very evident on that day Mike did the survey work in Pniel. It was fun to drive through it today. Not much has changed in Pniel.
But before we got there, we took a random road right and found ourselves in what we thought was Banhoek but also contained many references to Kylemore. Whichever it was, the mountain views are spectacular….
Further along, Mike, pointing to a road and said, “I wonder where that goes…” He did a U turn and we went to find out. This was certainly the road less travelled…
We found ourselves in the village of Lanquedoc. It’s named after a region of France, but I couldn’t find too much of its Cape history on the internet. A lot of the original houses are on the main road (above photo) and are quaint and picturesque. The people of this area are not spoiled for views. The well heeled have not yet discovered this area and while Banhoek/Kylemore has its first gated community, this area remains undeveloped. The locals are left to enjoy their little village of shaded trees and spacious gardens, with rambling hedges and abundant fruit trees. Its relatively new Anglican church seems to be the start of the new area.
As we drove around, I was reminded again of the diversity of our city. Cape Town was the first city to be established in South Africa and its long history has resulted in it being a melting pot of cultures, more so than other South African cities. Another great reason to live in the Cape.
Colossians 1:16-17
“For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
We are all a little cog in the wheel.
#196 of my 1000 thanks is the ability and freedom to enjoy our wonderful city.
These are the days.
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂