At times, I gaze upon your glowing eyes with arrogance,
And engage your smile, though intense, yet in elegance,
Rain on me, your rays with new and ample winnings,
Restore in me, glorious one, the hope of new beginnings.
From The Poem, The African Sun
By: Edwin Janney, – Ghana 1983
With the hope of new beginnings, my first thought is “coffee”.
“Yes, thank you. Coffee with cream please.”
She looks at me, confused, and repeats, “Cream?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” I say.
Things seemed to be taking a while, but maybe fifteen minutes later a coffee arrived, oddly with a big pile of whipped cream on it. It looked like a big cupcake, odd — but what did I know…I had only been in South Africa for 10 hours.
Off in the corner of Eendracht’s breakfast room, I see my new friend Carlos.
“Goeie môre Mr. Bob.”
“Good morning, Carlos”, I reply.
“Did you find the pub last night,” he asked with a big grin on his face.
“No, just my pillow, but maybe later today. Where is it, again?” I asked
“Just there”, he says pointing across the street at a huge oak tree.
Fast forward 10 hours…
It was the smallest pub I’ve ever seen, and it had a peculiar name: De Stomme Jonge, which I learned means, “The Stupid Youth.”
“What will it be for you, kind sir,” asked the barman. “My name is Simon. Welcome. And where are you from?”
“I split my time between New York City and Portland, Oregon,” I replied, “and I’ll have a glass of Pinot Noir.”
“We got none of that, but check this out,” Simon says as he pours a glass of deep, garnet-coloured wine. “You’re in South Africa now, and down here we make this — it’s called Pinotage.”
“Pino-garage, like a car garage?” I reply, somewhat dumbfounded.
“It’s similar to Pinot Noir”, he answers, “just with a bit more oomph behind it.”
Boy was Simon right. I drank more than a bottle of that garnet-coloured truth serum that evening. Simon went on to tell me that there was “another Yankee” making Pinotage outside Stellenbosch.
“Really…?” I say.
“Sure is, and he actually calls it Bob’s”.
Just then, Simon looks at me and says, “And Bob’s your uncle. You want another?” He then proceeded to tell me about someone named Babalas, whom he thought I would meet in the morning.
It was all very confusing… a new of wine and someone named Babalas.
My advice to anyone reading this. Be forewarned. Staying at a hotel with a cool pub 15 steps away is not the best idea when getting picked up the next morning by someone you have never met.
I snuck out by 2:00 AM.
The phone rang at 7:00 AM. “Welcome to wine country, we’ll collect you just now”.
“Just now”, I heard. ‘Well, I better rush to get ready if they are coming just now’, suddenly, Babalas, whom Simon had mentioned I would meet arrived.
By 7:30 AM I was showered, dressed, and gulping down my second cupcake-looking coffee, awaiting Kevin & Judy’s whom were arriving just now.
8 AM…no one has arrived. 8:30 AM, still no one. 9:00 AM…no one, and now, I’m hungry but I dare not leave my post. I had yet to meet Kevin & Judy, friends of my good friend Clayton from Durban, whom had kindly agreed to collect me and show me around the Cape.
10:30 arrives and no one has come. I am stressed and totally perplexed. Who are these people calling me at 7:00 am, saying they were “collecting me just now?”, but then, no show? I have been standing outside for two and a half hours. The excitement of day one in South Africa’s wine country was wearing thin for me and my new friend Babalas.
Finally, I go inside and ask the receptionist to call, to make sure I was in the right place and Kevin & Judy were not in the wrong place. All I heard was Kevin’s voice telling the receptionist, “Just tell him to relax, we are coming
now”. She looks up and says, “They are coming now.”
Totally flummoxed, I respond, “Well they said they were coming just now two and a half hours ago”.
11:00 AM…still standing and waiting. 11:30 AM…still waiting with Mr. Babalas challenging me to keep my New Yorker in check.
“Could you please call these people again for me, Ms.?” She dials and hands the phone to me.
“Hallo, Kevin speaking,” I hear.
“Hello, Kevin. I am at the Eendracht Hotel waiting for you since 7:00 AM,” trying desperately not to sound put out. “Why have you been waiting since then?” he asks. “Oh, just tell me now. We just turned onto Dorp Street…see you now-now,” then the line went dead.
What?…..
And so, off I go with Babalas just now in search of new beginnings.
FAQs about Traveling in South Africa, Wine Tasting, and Local Culture
Q: What is the meaning of “Just Now” in South Africa?
A: In South Africa, “Just Now” is a phrase that can be quite confusing for visitors. It doesn’t mean “right away,” as it might imply. Instead, it can mean “soon,” “in a while,” or “eventually.” The exact timing is often ambiguous, and it reflects the more relaxed pace of life in South Africa, especially in Cape Town. For example, if someone says they’ll pick you up “just now,” it could mean anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Q: What is special about Stellenbosch wineries?
A: Stellenbosch is one of the most famous wine-producing regions in South Africa, known for its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional wines. The region’s wineries are celebrated for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and the uniquely South African varietal Pinotage.
Q: What is Pinotage, and how does it differ from Pinot Noir?
A: Pinotage vs Pinot Noir. Pinotage is the child of Pinot Noir. Developed in 1925 as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, known as Hermitage in South Africa in 1925. Pinotage is known for its deep, rich taste profile, often with notes of dark fruit, smoke, and earthy undertones. In contrast, Pinot Noir is typically lighter in weight & texture, with more subtle and delicate nuanced red fruit undertones. While both wines share some similarities, Pinotage is known as having more “oomph” and bombastic characteristics.
Q: What can I expect from a wine tasting?
A: A wine tasting in Stellenbosch is a delightful experience, offering a chance to sample a wide variety of South African wines, especially the region’s famed Pinotage. Visitors can expect to visit beautiful vineyards, enjoy
expertly guided tastings, and learn about the wine-making process. Many wineries also offer pairing options with local cheeses, chocolates, or even full meals, making it a full sensory experience.
Q: How should I prepare for visiting Cape Town wine country?
A: When visting Cape Town wine country, it’s best to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of the diverse wineries. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you’ll likely spend time walking through vineyards. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and consider booking a guided tour for an insightful experience. Also, be sure to sample the local cuisine, which pairs wonderfully with the regional wines.
Q: What is Dorp Street Stellenbosch known for?
A: It is a historic road lined with beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, and a variety of cultural attractions. The street is also home to some quaint pubs where you can experience the local South African pub culture, making it a perfect place to explore during your visit to Stellenbosch.
Q: What is the pub culture like in South Africa?
A: It is diverse and lively, often reflecting the rich mix of people and traditions in the country. Pubs can range from historic taverns in cities like Cape Town to rustic bars in the countryside. They are places where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy good food, drink, and company. It’s not uncommon to find live music, local beers, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in South African pubs.
Q: What should I know about the Eendracht Hotel?
A: Dating back to 1710, to the beginnings of Stellenbosch and then Governor van der Stel’s exploration of the Eerste River Valley, the hotel today is owned by the Lurtz Family who purchased the property in 1996. Today this 4-star establishment is fully solar-powered or load-shedding proof, hosting many an intrepid wine country explorer and mountain bikling aficionado while nourishing them all at Senobia’s, the hotel’s quaint in-house restaurant.
Q: What are some unique travel experiences in South Africa?
A: South Africa offers a wide range of unique travel experiences. You can explore the stunning landscapes of the Cape Winelands, embark on a safari in Kruger National Park, visit the vibrant markets and historical sites in cities like Cape Town, or relax on the beautiful beaches along the Garden Route. Each region offers something different, from cultural heritage to natural beauty, making South Africa a diverse and enriching destination. Kruger National Park, nestled in South Africa’s scenic valley, offers breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. To read more about the park’s offerings, including food options and a detailed guide, please contact the Kruger National Park. All rights reserved under their privacy policy.
