Sundowners

There's a fantastic South African tradition that we've tried to teach to each one of our guests when they come to town. But it's something that we partake in from time to time even when we don't have visitors. It's called the "sundowner."

In the states, we might call it "going for a drink after work," or "happy hour." Doesn't the word "sundowner" sound so much more elegant?

We've driven over to the beach town of Camps Bay a couple times for our sundowners, since Camps Bay faces west out into the Atlantic. But last night, for a change of pace, we went with our neighbors to Signal Hill.

(Yes, our neighbors are pretty much our only friends.)

Signal Hill isn't quite as awe-inspiring as Table Mountain, but it sticks out into the city and gives you a very different view than you get from climbing up Table Mountain. Plus, you can drive to the top of Signal Hill, which gives it a distinct advantage over its more famous neighbor in the convenience department.

So we saw the sun set over a beautiful, calm sea with a glass of great South African wine in our hands. There were odd, low-lying clouds--or maybe it was fog--hugging the shore far below us, but further out it was clear and lovely.

In the background in some of these pictures from yesterday, you can also see Lion's Head, the third iconic hill that overlooks Cape Town. We'll get up to the top of that one day soon. With wine, no doubt.