In the sun.

Hello 2023 …

‘I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.’ David Bowie

Sending wishes for a gentle, loving and interesting year.

The swallow, or as my American clients call it, snowbird, has landed in the sun, swopping snow and Christmas lights for sunflowers and the things one does in Cape summers.

Quite forgetting just how hot it can be.

And load shedding. Seriously? Here is hoping your travels will not be hampered by this, that your accommodation has a generator and the evenings rather spent on the veranda with an ice cold cocktail in your hand? I did mention that Africa was interesting.

The irritation fades with the early rising of the sun and the sheer magnificence of place. No wonder Cape Town is voted the most beautiful city in the world, time and time again. Is it coming to the top of the hill, besides Groote Schuss and gosh, there she lies, Cape Town with Robben Island in the distance? Walking on the beach, just about anywhere and going ‘wow’ this is so beautiful.

The view from one tip of False Bay to Cape Point.

Driving on the R44, one of my favourite drives in the world.

The winelands baking in the extreme heat, pockets of produce and cool cafés, thankful for a gentle breeze. World class choices of menus.

Blessed to have family to share these shores with. They have returned to a bitterly cold London and I am here for another two months, to explore, decorate, plan the year … dream a little.

Immerse myself in a new year, learn more, take chances and get over being iffy about being 63.

There is a cocktail in a café in Camps Bay with a innovative drink. Comes in a ceramic cup shaped like a llama with a dollop of Candy floss on the top - the actual alcohol escapes me, but the name sticks. ‘The No Drama llama.’ That’s my mantra for this year - cute hey?