Today was Joe's birthday. I asked what the menu would be for dinner and it just so happened it was all of Joe's favorites. Squid (they call it here) calamari to us as lightly battered and fried was the most tender I have ever had it. Then a roasted red pepper soup (his soups are to die for...last night it was an italian bean soup). For the main course it was a choice of beef filet with roasted vegetables and polenta or pan fried dorado with a fruit salsa. I did not even look at the dessert because earlier I spoke with the chef and he made Joe a homemade carrot cake (his favorite cake) for his birthday. There are some of the waitstaff that are classically trained vocalists and they sang the traditional US happy birthday and then an African song. It was amazing. Not to mention that we had a private table in a private room with a fireplace. We finished the meal with some Amarula (African version of Bailey's) and a cappucino.
Well, that was just the end of our day.
Today the whales were really close to land. The festival had ended and the whales came in closer. Perhaps before they had been frightened by the noise and the people.
Then, later in the afternoon we took a hike up the mountain. It was the part of the Fernkloof nature perserve but not the actual park part but the part closest to Birkenhead House. We ran into a troop (collective name) of baboon. I was frightened and Joe thought it was hilarious. The staff got a jolly laugh as actually baboons are quite cowardly. It certainly got my adrenaline running, though. My goodness.
Later in the day, we were enjoying cocktails and warm nuts on our terrace and we saw the most amazing rainbow.
I feel so blessed to have had all of these experiences.
What a fabulous and memorable birthday for Joe!
More tomorrow when the TUSK party joins us. We will be off to the wine tasting.