Our last day in Cape Town proved to be one of the many highlight of the trip as we travelled out to the Stellenbosch  vineyards of South Africa. As far as the eye could see were terraced hills of lush grape vines – similar to so many pictures we have seen from Italy. The contrast from our first days in the arid Tanzania where a few drops of rain made the difference between having a corn crop or not, was astronomical. We toured 4 vineyards and had lunch in a fifth. The first ,Tokara ,also grew their own olives – we were fortunate to taste fresh olives and a variety of oils. Our second stop Rustenberg,was where our guide Elreada had worked as an events planner for many years so we got the behind the scenes tour. Our friends Marilyn and Murray had a contact with this farm through their Jersey herds. The third  called Graff was owned by a diamond jewelry designer who sells his creations to the Queen, and the fourth was Ernie Els ( the pro golfers) vineyard. A fun way to end our visit.

Inside the Rustenberg Vinyard

The Graff Vinyard

Ernie Els vinyard ( the 19th  hole)

The Pirates of the Carribean movie set

Some of the many 1000's  of homes so many live in every day

A final farewell from the Ernie Els vinyard

All great things must come to an end and we are now back in the frigid cold of Canada. Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa – all African countries with very different landscapes but similar issues – lack of rainfall, changing  economical values and the fight to maintain tribal beliefs were among the most noticeable. We toured the Massai, Himba and Bushman villages and had a look at their traditional ways of life. To us their cultures were foreign but they certainly made us realize how we overvalue material possessions in North America. Travelling with our safari guide James through Tanzania we saw what a severe lack of water can do to an economy . Again we saw how we waste water in Canada and take its presence for granted. No rain – no corn – no corn – no food. A viscous cycle of survival.

Despite the hardships education is valued and in all 5 countries the children headed off to school ( some with very few educational materials) decked out in clean uniforms. They returned home at night often to one room mud homes with thatched roofs. Our guide from Zimbabwe to South Africa, Kembo , was only 33 but had lived in a one room home with his mother and 3 siblings and as the oldest had helped to educate the 3 younger children.  A huge responsibility but not one that seemed to be resented.

Driving outside of Cape Town, a wealthy city by African standards it was sad to see the shanty towns of one room tin homes beside the stucco villas of the Southern Cape. Such contrasts and yet we never met an African native who seemed unhappy with their life. They all wanted to do well, valued education and had a strong work ethic.

   The trip has been an education onto us to see how lucky we are to live in Canada and can only hope one day  Africa will find its dreams.