Cape Town

Monday had a nice breakfast and packed up. The bill is not as much as expected – the exchange rate is favouring us! George has been brilliant and I feel for him over Saturday’s mess-up. People can be so unreasonable. To the library and Jenny was delighted by the mosaic and as chatty as ever! We the went to Wits university campus which is huge compared to my day. The Origins centre is fascinating especially on the San people with marvellous wall hangings and films. You also get a commentary on a headphone set up. We arrived at Oliver Tambo airport in good time despite some diversions using the GPS. Car handed over without a problem and then to domestic terminal to get 3.10 flight to Cape Town. Liz did not have a window seat but as the plane was full that is not surprising. Her balck neighbour seemed decidedly odd! We picked up the car which a brand new Toyota Corolla. I hired a Tom tom from another company as Avis had run out of them and he was most helpful even coming to the car to instal it. Somewhat disturbingly Gardenia Avenue did not come up at all but we found our way and when I saw Ixia which was on Colin’s simple map we were here. A fabulous house with numerous bedrooms. We are using the downstairs en suite with African decorated pillow. Somebody here has excellent taste! The living area Is on the first floor with balconies and a lovely garden. There was some food in the house which meant we did not have to go out in the dark to shop.

Tuesday up at  7 and left at 8 to get to Rondebosch. The Tom tom took us all round the houses and eventually we found the Baxter centre! Grant had been waiting for us so we missed him. At first we could not get the blower to work. I rang David Walker and arranged Thursday evening.  Then I noticed 2 small switches and everything came on. It is a Beckerath of Hamburg 3 manual with some lovely flute stops but it is rather ‘in  your face’. The hall has a good acoustic and would be ideal for chamber music. The building is impressive. We then shopped at Riverside mall and had a nice light lunch there. Got onto internet for free and received a lot of emails. We then brought shopping home and Liz got the washing out. It was a glorious day with the mountain quite clear. We parked at the Jewish museum car park and walked down Government Avenue past the Tuynhuis and parliament to St George’s cathedral. Grant arrived at 3.30 as planned and the Hill organ part of which came from St Margaret Westminster is superb. It has 4 manuals and everything is lovely. The Moore pieces  went well as did Dad’s piece on Bishopthorpe.

We then visited the Holocaust centre which is most moving. It would be great to find out about Miss Kadden and when she came to Joburg. It being a lovely day we drove to Hout Bay and then back via Camps Bay with stunning sunset views. Had a nice meal of chops and sausages and pineapple and sorbet. Rang Paul Deveaux so we may seem him tomorrow if we get back from Robben Island in time.