Weekend in Stilbaai

We went on a weekend away to the Wild Olive Farm outside of Stilbaai. Not quite Cape Town but well worth a visit. 

We arrived Friday in the dark and I was greeted on Saturday morning with a spectacular sunrise. 

Wild Olive Farm grows olives and organic veggies.

To see the perma culture gardening in action was amazing.

Chicken living as they are supposed to live, a lively and happy bunch.

Our home from home was the Apple Tree cottage. 

We enjoyed the old world "Gemütlichkeit" and the fireplace.

Two noosey fellows joined us for breakfast on the veranda.

We felt surrounded by love.

From the farm it is a mere 11km to the village and the sea.

We spent late afternoon at the river in absolute stillness.

The sun was setting over the valley..

In the twilight...

we caught "Haas" grazing.

Before leaving on Sunday I went on a short walk hunting for pictures.

Even just along the path there was so much to see.

Thanks to John and his very friendly staff for the hospitality. We had a relaxing and refreshing weekend.

Echo Valley Walk

The mountain above Kalk Bay is magical. Sunday morning I walked up Echo Valley. 

Right at the beginning I was reminded that death can come quickly.

A praying mantis caught in a web, crushed and unable to move.

Dry fynbos, like a reminder of the life that has been.

At the same time blue seduction....

and shiny courting announce a new beginning.

A ghostly dead tree becomes the fertile ground and carries new growth.

Deep in the valley is a mysterious forest holding ancient wisdom.

Passing through I am bathed in light.

And paradise is created from light, air, water and earth.

Reaching a top with magnificent views.

Visiting the caves I meet mother earth.

The decent is to steep for my liking and I lost the way.

Walking alone I don't want to take a risk and decide to return the same way as I came up.

Born again through a dark valley and return to the sea at Kalk Bay.

Saturday Morning at Cafe Haas

Cape Town is full of special places. One of my favorites is Cafe Haas in Bokaap.

If you go down Rose Street early on a Saturday, you cannot miss it.

For many it is home from home through its old world charm, mixed with art, good food and the flavor of freshly roasted coffee in the air.

Coming in, one enters a surreal world. A world which makes you forget the hectic buzz of the city.

There is so much to notice, that it takes your mind on a trip down coffee lane.

And "Haas" is watching over you.

This is a place where you can live in art and become part of the art. A gallery to live in.

Whilst "Haas" is keeping watch in the window...

...one gets comforted,

laughs,

talks,

dreams,

or just meets old friends.

Among mystical creatures .... 

and angels...

this becomes a refuge and a daily piece of heaven. 

Kalk Bay Delight

After a hot Bliss Dance last night I went to Dalebrook Pool for a morning swim. The water was so refreshing cool and crystal clear. 

It was high tide and gentle waves were washing into the pool. 

Refreshed and so alive I decided to walk up the mountain above the village.

After a short cold and wet spell of autumn weather the fynbos is full of small wonders.

Nature invites me to calm down and to meditate with it's mandalas. 

Drawing me in from the outside 

Resting in the inside

Unfolding anew with every breath

Blossom with new life

A little world of wonders with new life sprouting between the skeleton of the old.

How beautiful are even the tiny most common plants.

On my way down I met a tiny warrior in his shiny black amour.