It was a leisurely morning. Had a lovely breakfast by the porch. Took some pix of this old Victorian Inn - lots of communal rooms. And, even more important, free good coffee all day long. Before the heat took over the day, we set out for our walk. Our first destination was the Adventure Shop on the other side of town. These people run the cycle tour here along with the folks from Cape Town. It was a pleasant walk and we were able to sort our our reservations for tomorrow's tour. We were granted a 10% discount since we went on the Cape Town Tour. This ride is 4-5 hours on mountain bikes starting around the town and going through wine country. There are two wine tastings (one with chocolate!).We stumbled upon another plaque dedicated to the Huguenots. Stellenbosch is home to quite a number of schools and Stellenbosch University. One would think this town would be quaint and picturesque -- it really isn't. At least from what we have seen. Outside of Church St, which is lined with outdoor restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels, it is pretty modern with a very broad main street and a huge indoor mall. We came upon the mall because Geoff is in search of an elusive South African bike shirt. We've seen lots and lots of cyclists everywhere we have been so far. On our walk, Geoff finally found a couple who were not moving but having some coffee. They suggested the mall. The MALL!!##?? Not only do I hate shopping, but malls are the worst. Did not expect to see such a bright shiny new shopping center. Needless to say, no luck at the mall. Maybe we can get one online? This town does have a synagogue. I saw it on the map. Maybe we'll pass it tomorrow.
Outside of the different languages heard here, of which there are many -- there 14 different languages in South Africa alone (and I don't mean dialects) plus all the Europeans, I have to keep reminding myself of where we are. We have been in far away places before, but we knew what to expect more or less. It is hard to get a good grasp on this country - every place is so much different than the next. Probably not explaining it right. It is just a strange feeling.
Our walk back took us through the University's Botanical Gardens. Small, but well kept, we strolled through the various sections - the bonsai being one of the largest. So today's photos consist mainly on flora and fauna. Exited on the other side of the garden and voila! we were across the street from our inn. The temperature started rising -- time for the pool......and we've moved yet. It is now around 3:30 and the temperature dropped from 94 to 92. Tomorrow promises to be partly cloudy. That should make biking more palatable. We are crossing our fingers for clouds.
I didn't think I was going to write more today, but we had such a lovely evening that I thought I would continue. We set out for dinner around 6ish and came upon the first place after the Fat Butcher - which did not interest us but apparently is very popular with the tourists. Skipping this, we went to DeWaremarkt whichwas fabulous. We had our first taste of South African oysters. Very yummy. They are farmed on the western coast. They are meatier and not as slimy as what we are used to in New England -really very good. I am hooked now. The restaurant had an extensive menu but we stuck to the tapas -- eggplant, softshell crab and whitebait - all very good. We chose to sit inside due to the heat. It was comfortable, quiet and very pleasant. All around a great experience. 
Now there is a full moon on the rise.r
CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM
Next time... Bicycle Wine Tasting Tour
Great photos of the flora and the Bonsai garden is exceptional
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