We're here and pinching ourselves to ensure that we aren't dreaming. We should be in bed dreaming, but are having too much fun already.
It's midnight and we've been at Bishop's Court for about 2 hours. Ray and Penny greeted us with hugs at the door and they had already made new friends.
Some folks, from our flight ( they are from Scotland), soon joined us and we all settled down to chatting up like we have known everyone for years.
Bishop's Court is a 5 BR b&b and the liquor flows freely. A lovely man, Sam, made us some delicious pumpkin soup and GG, another lovely man brought out the wine and port. Our room is lovely and large. The bathroom is marble with a huge clawfoot tub and a giant shower. There is a great view of table mountain, visible in the moonlight.
We have spent the past few nights in Amsterdam at the Amstel Intercontinental. Yes, Denise, it is lovely. We arrived Sat am on 4 hours sleep and freshioned up in the health club and was given breakfast. Spent the day museum hopping and saw the Rembrandts, Rembrandt / Carvaggio exhibit and 300 Van Gogh's. We were greated upon our return with champagne and a lovely chocolate mousse cake. Later, a butler came by with hors d'hoevres and apperitifs. We had a great meal at a restaurant called the Zuid Zeeland. THe sorbets were to die for...orange pepper and buttermilk . We were given a huge suite overlooking the river and all was wonderful. Sunday was a beautiful day..we started off the day with a coffee and cake at a local coffee shop (no, not that type of coffee shop), took a canal tour, walked the city, and then went to Anne Frank's house. Then, dinner and the red light district. If I don't get one of those jobs in California, I know what I can do!! Everything was open on Easter Sunday and there just wasn't enough time to do it all. (Denise, we ate at a recommended Indonesian restaurant for lunch per your suggestion). Last night, I ate rack of lamb in Ngaire's honor.
Some things we found out ... buy all your tickets in advance. You can just walk into the sites this way. Otherwise, the lines are looong. You round up the tips in restaurants unless the restaurant is not ethical. Our restaurant last night charged us $2 for tap water and tried to charge us for tip even though tip and tax are included by law. Taxis are expensive..about $200 round trip to the airport (about a 20-30 minute ride). The city is walkable and the folks are warm.
Today was a long day..we left for the airport at 8am and boarded our direct flight to Capetown. 12 hours and 5 movies later, we arrived in Capetown to 60 degree weather. We made it through passport control, baggage claim and customs very quickly. Our driver was waiting for us and whisked us away in a new Mercedes. In less than one hour from landing, we were with our friends and beginning our South African adventure. The wine continues to flow and the stories with the other guests continue....Here's a drink to all of you who are enjoying ROAR vicariously.
I have plenty of migraine medicine for the other Andrea if she needs it again.
We are planning a leisurely day tomorrow...we understand there is a lovely breakfast spread and we leave for Cape Grace at 1:30pm. I haven't been this excited since I believed in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.
