Today started early, as we needed to prepare the opening of the new ‘Neil Ellis’ winery in the Alexander Valley. Our distinct caterer, according to South African standards a real ‘speedy’, could use our help with the mise en place. Together with our colleague Jef Schuur from Texel, we got to work in the Culibus of the Jeunes de Restaurateurs to prepare for lunch.

After a good night of rest we had a large breakfast consisting of fresh orange juice, coffee, eggs, sausages and bacon. There wasn’t much of a cultural difference to notice at the moment, even the rain was falling!

Today is the municipality of Swartland on our programme. To get here we were escorted by police to a school, this had a lot of attention among the kids who were very excited about all of it.

Finally, Sunday 20th of June was the day of departure. At 07.30am we were expected at Schiphol Airport. Last night Noël and I had a short night behind us because of the new Seasonal menu that just started. And the Sherry Battle of Noël and Cuno that took place in the Wine room (see newsblog below). The beautiful prospect of 10 days South-Africa, gave us enough energy to be at the airport in time. After check-in and saying the girls goodbye we went to the South!