Quick Walk Around Kirstenbosch

Date: 28 July 2012

Location: Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Walker: Helen and Dominic

The Kirstenbosch archive is here.

I joined my friend Dom at the Tea Room for breakfast, and after our meal we took a walk through the main part of the garden. Aloes first.




Then up to the upper garden. Mimetes in flower...



... and serruria.



We said hello to the owls, and meandered around. Lovely!



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Yellow Slopes at Kloof Corner

Date: 18 July 2012

Location: Table Mountain

Walkers: Michele, Dorothy & Helen

For other walks on this route see the Kloof Corner archive.

Back to my favourite route! Up those steps!



Slopes covered with yellow daisies!



The air is so clear in winter. We could see all the way to the mountains in the far distance. In summer it is usually hazy or smoggy.



Lots of new growth on the slopes: brunia, leucadendrons and more.




And in the golden afternoon sun: featherhead...



... and yellow bulbinella.



Looking down the final flight of steps, always a tough climb.



We walked along the contour and came down the path below the cableway. It was almost dark when we got back to the cars.


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Government Avenue

Date: 7 July 2012

Location: Cape Town city centre

Walkers: Dorothy, Michele & Helen

Previous walk in this area here.

We went into town to visit the SA National Gallery which is on Government Avenue. The trees were looking very wintery.



We did a quick turn around the Gallery, but there wasn't much to see. Several rooms were closed, being prepared for a new exhibition.



Afterwards we took a stroll around the precinct outside the Gallery. There were lots of people out and about enjoying the sunshine.



We walked down Government Avenue.



We passed several photo boards showing people and their bicycles.



As usual there were plenty of squirrels scampering about.



We walked back through the Company's Gardens.




I love this green space in the middle of the city. I should go there more often!


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Greece 2012: Soros, Antiparos

Date: 29 June 2012

Location: Antiparos

Walkers: Helen

My last full day in Greece. Once again I caught the morning bus from Antiparos town down the coast, this time down to Soros. This beach is on the west coast of the island, a glorious stretch of sand, and probably the best swimming spot of my whole trip. I spend the whole day here.



I took lunch at the beachside tavera.



Tzatziki... my absolute favourite!



And then the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the sand.



The following morning I began the long journey home. Goodbye Greece... you were wonderful... hope to visit you again one day!


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Greece 2012: Agios Georgios, Antiparos

Date: 28 June 2012

Location: Antiparos

Walkers: Helen

In the morning I stopped into my favourite little supermarket for water.



And then waited for the local bus. It was a thirty minute ride to the last stop, Agios Georgios at the south of the island.



There is no village centre as such as Agios Georgios - just a couple of tavernas and a few boats moored next to the beach.



The houses - most of them large mansions - were dotted around the hills. It seemed very quiet - truly, very few people around.



I followed the road along the coast. Across the water I could see the uninhabited island of Despotiko.



It was fairly windy but I found a small sheltered beach, which I had all to myself. A small tree for shade, and a gorgeous ocean.




At lunchtime I walked back to the taverna and ordered fish and salad.



Octopus and fish were drying in the sun. So strange.




In the afternoon I hung out at the main beach.




When I got back to Antiparos town I went to have a look at the Kastro.



And sat down at a cafe and watched the world go by.



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Greece 2012: Antiparos Town

Date: 27 June 2012

Location: Antiparos

Walkers: Helen

In the morning my friends caught the ferry back to Athens. I had a couple of extra days before I had to head home and so I also took a ferry - a short ride to the nearby island of Antiparos.




After checking into my room I made my way to the nearest beach, San Spiridon, just a short walk from my accommodation. Not the best beach for swimming as the sea is very shallow, but I lay in the sun and read my book.




Later on I walked into the main part of Antiparos town, passing a gaggle of geese that seemed to live right there on the beach.



It was lunchtime so I sat down and ordered some "Greek cousin".




Salad, some eggplant dip and delicious bread.



Then I meandered up and down the main pedestrian road through the town - lots of shops and wonderful restaurants.



I also took a turn around the harbour.




And then walked south of the town, past the windmill and church.



Here I found the main beach of Antiparos town which was lovely, a long stretch of sand and with great sea for swimming.


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