South Africa Bimmel Bammel Tour 2024 Day 9

Good morning, Africa!!

Goodbye, Stellenbosch!

It's time to pack our bags.

What we still have to say will take a cigarette

And one last glass of wine while standing.

Stellenbosch and its surroundings have really impressed us.

The landscape, the tranquil atmosphere of the place, and of course, the delicious wine!

Maybe next time I'll stay in the South African vineyards in Franschhoek.

But for now, it's time for breakfast in true Hakuna Matata style at Stellenbosch Manor!

In the meantime, we've gotten used to the relaxed manner of the staff.

After that, we'll pack our Toyota donkey and head north.

Our destination is the coast of Paternoster.

The exact origin of the name Paternoster remains a bit mysterious, as there are many different stories about it. It probably has something to do with the first pastor here, “our father.”

Paternoster is now a dreamy holiday resort with white houses, beautiful beaches, nice shops and restaurants, and about 1,300 residents, of which 1,150 are Khoi, who have been fishing on the coast for generations.

For decades, catching and processing crayfish (langoustines/Cape lobster) has been the main occupation. The crayfish season traditionally lasts from mid-November to the end of April. What the locals do for the rest of the year can be heard at the pub of the “Paternoster Hotel.”

We have a two-hour drive ahead of us, and Kai takes it all down in his usual relaxed manner!

The place welcomes us with bright sunshine and a blue sky over the roaring sea.

A kitschy-beautiful idyll where we could almost believe we are in Greece.

We check into the Abalone Hotel.

A small, winding hotel where probably several guests have already gotten lost in the many stairs and corridors and never turned up again.

Steffi, Kristina, and Kai immediately decide to go to the beach and listen to the sound of the waves.

I first lay down on my pillow because my stomach has probably demanded a bit too much the last few days and needs a little break.

The trio takes the time for an extended walk on the beach, which eventually leads them to the harbor tavern at the new waterfront of Paternoster.

After they have chatted enough with the waves, they return to the hotel, and we relax together until sunset by the hotel pool.

Just let the BimBam dangle!

Before dinner, we grab a bottle of red wine from Ernie Als and enjoy life at the beach during a dreamy sunset.

Life can be so beautiful.

Dinner at the Abalone Hotel is perfect as always during this holiday!

Due to my slight stomach upset, I only order a few slices of baguette for the main course and skip dessert.

After a nightcap, we retreat to our cozy rooms and fall asleep tired and happy.

Good night, Africa!