Romance in Stellenbosch

We had a very exciting (and romantic) week at the Oude Leeskamer Guest House. We got the fantastic news that we have been awarded our 4 stars by the South African tourism grading council - not bad for a little guest house that has only been open for less than two months and whose owners have never worked in the tourism industry?!?! So, now we have the official stamp of approval from the tourism powers that be, there is nothing stopping us changing our unofficial title of "the youngest guest house in Stellenbosch" to "the best guest house in Stellenbosch"!

And what made this week so romantic - I hear you ask? Well, aside from the fact that Paul bought me (...and the guest house) a beautiful bunch of protea, pin-cushion and other fynbos flowers, we had the great privilege of having two very special sets of guests stay with us: Annette and Kieran from Ireland, who spent a night of their honeymoon at the guest house, and Marnus and Elaine, who stayed with us during their trip to Stellenbosch to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary! To both of you - it was lovely meeting you and congratulations again!

So, in light of this clear evidence that romance is alive and thriving I got to thinking about the perfect romantic weekend in Stellenbosch. Well - it just so happens that the Oude Leeskamer Guest House is offering a great special at the moment - two nights in this great, centrally located, boutique FOUR STAR guest house for two people, including having the morning papers and a scrumptious breakfast delivered to your door for you to consume at leisure on your private balcony for only R2000! 

And after you have enjoyed the views of our courtyard whilst savouring your breakfast and great coffee (grown on a South African coffee farm nogal) - what could be nicer than a slow meander around the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market at the historical Oude Libertas. Reported by some as being the leading gourmet food market in the Cape - the slow-food market offers plenty of fresh country air, fantastic views, a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and of course a fantastic selection of small-scale specialty producers, food artisans, local and regional farmers, natural and organic merchants, seasonal goods, responsible and sustainable enterprises and fine-food purveyors. So take a picnic blanket and spend the morning absorbing the views, flavours, smells and sounds of a great Stellenbosch institution. By the way - on the 7th of November the market is hosting a Summer Strawberry festival - so aside from the usual yummy fare you can fill up your bags with fresh early morning picked strawberries, strawberry cupcakes, strawberry soap, smoked springbok salad with strawberry jus, homemade strawberry jam... I think you get the picture? The market is on every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, and for more info and directions go to www.slowmarket.co.za.

And after that why not head off to "Kamersvol Geskenke" at Lourensford Wine Estate to be inspired by some of the great creativity in our country (and get a head-start on your Christmas shopping!) Kamersvol Geskenke (which runs from the 27th to the 31st October) is a five day long festival and market that focuses on exclusive, hand-made products,  exotic deli foods and designers creating beautiful spaces. It is a celebration of creative living and, as the name already suggests, offers the public rooms filled with gifts, innovative concepts and creative stimulation - be it beautiful clothing, ceramics, food or jewelry. For more info go to www.kamersvol.com.

If the thought of all this shopping - and a lack of any mention of the rugby - is making some of you nervous... never fear - a romantic weekend can include a walk down the street to Sgt. Pepper, the Brazen Head or any of a variety of other pubs and bars to watch the epic Sharks versus Western Province Currie Cup final. And no matter whether your team wins or loses - the fact that Paul is a Province fan and I support the Sharks means you will still be welcome at breakfast the next morning!