Today we woke up early and hopped in the car for a day of pampering. Terri reserved 4 hours of spa treatment. I was the happy recipient of some golf treatment: 18 Holes at Steenberg Resort. Stuck in the midst of the vineyards, Steenburg is 5 Stars all the way. The golf course itself even winds itself through the grapevines. After all the non-stop travel and adventure we've had on this trip, it was wonderful to stop for a moment and punish some golf balls. I'm sure Terri would tell you the spa was just what the Dr. ordered as well. The course was rated one of the tops in the entire country, and I could see why. While it probably wouldn't register in the top 50 in the U.S., the manicured grass, wild birds, African foliage, and BOOMING neighboring mountains made this one of my most memorable rounds ever. In case you're wondering, I shot an 84 off the back tees, and think I could've cracked 80 with my sticks... Who knows, maybe I would've shot 90. I played with a couple of friendly local Cape Towners. I also learned some new golf lingo, including, "Well nudged..." when a shot was particulary effective or if a putt was made.
After a quick pizza and a drive back to the hotel, we again hit the waterfront for some shopping and to re-load on some Rands. Dinner tonight was at Biesmielah, a local spot well known for Cape Malay cuisine. A quick aside for a little history lesson: In the developing stages of South Africa, the Dutch settling farmers needed some slaves to work their fields. While the Zulu and Xhosa tribes were far from accommodating in this regard, the settlers looked elsewhere. So they shipped their slaves in from India and Malaysia. What's left today is a unique population and lots of blended folks (British, Dutch, Malay, and Indians, and of course the native Black). An additional bonus is that restaurant menus in South Africa usually will hold any combination of these ethnic foods. Cape Town has proved to be the absolute best at producing fantastic meals. Back to Biesmieallah.... As our cabbie drove us into the Muslim neighborhood (at night), Terri and I both did not want to get out of the cab. It was sketchy, to say the least. What awaited us was one of the most recommended restaurants we've seen in all our travel books. Specializing in "Cape Malay," the food awaiting us was singular in it's presentation. We've had nothing like it. Imagine a cross between African spices, Indian Curries, local flavors, and served with a smile from the proud owner. We've had some great food experiences in Africa, but this one got the most "Wows" after each new food tried.
Just one more day of adventure in Cape Town. And perhaps now is the time to buy a bigger belt. Good night.
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