OUTING REPORT
DE FAYEBOSCH -Blessings/ PHILADELPHIA & MARIELLA’S AT CAPAIA ESTATE
THURSDAY 25th MAY
Winter has arrived in the Western Cape – we set off on our coach trip in misty cold conditions. Temperatures did improve and by mid-day we enjoyed temperatures of above 20 degrees. Originally our plan was to go out to De Fayebosch farm where they grow olives and lavender. However, after doing a site inspection, it was decided not to go out to the farm. The road with soft sand, and limited turning circle for our coach, could have been a problem!
Instead the ladies visited Blessings, De Fayebosch’s new shop in Melkbosstrand which Welma Esterhuyse has opened and where all her products are displayed and available for purchase. Welma had set up tea and coffee and scones (complete with cream/ jam and cheese) for all the ladies! It was lovely and warm and a ‘gesellige’ way to start the morning out. Welma had arranged for a staff member to make Tussie Mussie’s for the group and demonstrated how easy it is to make a posy! Everyone was treated to a complimentary posy to take home! Welma mentioned we were the very first group to enjoy tea @ Blessings in 11th Street, Melkbosstrand since she’d obtained her license to trade as a coffee cum gift shop! Exciting times ahead for her and may she enjoy lots of support from the folk of Melkbosstrand!
After this we drove out to Philadelphia where the ladies browsed the shops and the little village – some even taking a walk to the old church with its old graves in the garden. Unfortunately, the gate was locked so they were unable to enter the garden!
Philadelphia is fast becoming a super place to live – it is only 35km from Cape Town city centre and very close to the N7 motorway, so people are choosing to live in this beautiful area.
Magic Minerals proved to be a good starting place as far as ‘gathering’ goes. Many ladies came away with scarves (in just the right colour to match new winter clothes!). Over the road in the Old Post Office building is a lovely décor shop where the gathering continued.
By 12h30 we were all ready for lunch – even though most of us had consumed 1 ½ scones only 2 hours previously – cold weather (they say) increases the appetite!
Mariella’s the restaurant at Capaia Wine Estate is an extremely welcoming type of restaurant. Their staff were on hand to welcome the ladies, who chatted about this and that with the staff! Once everyone was seated Steph explained our 2-course lunch ?
Choice of Tomato Risotto or French Onion Soup
Mains of Butter Chicken served with sambals (delicious) or a Steak Roll with chips
We had our own private room for lunch which was made warm and cosy by a lovely fire burning! A wonderful time to sit and chat and learn more about each other in ideal conditions. Food was delicious and the Capaia wine drinkable!
After the scones & 2 course lunch some ladies decided to enjoy a dessert – (what do they say about women & sweet-teeth!!) One of the specials was a chocolate trio served with liquor! An excellent choice for those who decided to ‘share’ the dessert and far-too-much for those who decided to go-it-alone – these ladies very eagerly ‘shared’ their dessert with whoever would take a chocolate!
By 15h30 we all boarded the coach headed for Tableview (only 18km away) so these ladies were home early, by 16h15! Everyone seemed to have enjoyed another great day out!
The more we go on these Time Out trips the more we all become more than friends enjoying a day out – becoming so caring for each other – and an element of ‘family concern’ is always evident!
This saying is very appropriate to end this report – Welma at Blessings had emphasised in her introduction that she loves circles – and is constantly making circles of lavender & circles of Olive tree leaves!
The Time Out family grows – every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger!