I woke up to a gorgeous, crisp Winters day in Paternoster… I nearly didn’t make breakfast thanks to the most comfortable bed that held me hostage in Abalone House… but I’m very glad I did make breakfast or I would have missed out on the perfect Eggs Benedict, fresh fruit and amazing breakfast spread.

 After breakfast, we took a drive around Pasternoster and to Tieties Baai…

Sibusiso Mkwanazi, Tammy Sutherns, Bailey Schneider, Dominique Brown, Darren Jay Har

After our drive around, we headed to the Paternoster shop (Die Winkel op Paternoster) It was so quaint and lovely…I bought bath tea bags from there and little packets of toffees.

 

The art in Paternoster is also incredible and we headed to Stone Fish Studio. The energy is amazing and we wandered around looking at all the pieces…

The artist, Diane Heesom-Green

Our stomachs started rumbling and we were told we were in for quite a treat. We walked along the beach, that felt like powder underneath my feet. Sensational.

We arrived at this gorgeous spot amongst the rocks where Lindsay and the chef Darren were waiting for us with a bowl of warm water, herbs and lemon slices with towels for us to wash and warm our hands.

As we went around the corner of the rocks, a gorgeous beach picnic had been set out for us complete with a cooler box of beer and soft drinks, beach towels, extra warm blankets, hats, sunscreen and 3 boxes full of food – each box was enough (more than enough) for 2 people. The food was delicious and it was just absolutely perfect. I loved every minute.

WELCOME

After the divine picnic, we headed back to Abalone House and got ready for an afternoon of kayaking.

Diane (the artist) was going to be taking us out kayaking… I adore doing outdoor activities and especially adventure activities, but I was a little concerned about getting wet in the freezing cold Atlantic ocean. I had spent the entire weekend sick as a dog in bed and was only starting to just feel better and I still had a few antibiotics left to take. When Tammy and I (we were going to be going in the same kayak for balance reasons) found out that we would be sitting in the painfully icy water and would more than likely get wet, we had a good think about it. After seeing Darren capsize on his way out through the waves, that sealed the decision to not go out. I can’t afford pneumonia right now and as sad as I was for not going out and missing out on the awesome experience, I feel we made the right decision… These photo’s were taken just before we were going to set out on the kayaks… Don’t we look like “pro’s”? Haha!

Tammy and I headed back to Abalone House and I definitely knew I had made the right decision because I got back to my room and had a fantastic nap. When I woke up I felt better and less flu-ish.

I met Tammy for a sherry in her room and then joined everyone for a glass by the fire…

Camembert cheese crumbed in polenta with grape chutney

We were being treated to an indulgent wine pairing dinner at the wonderful Saffron restaurant.

The beetroot soup with goats cheese ravioli

Hake Risotto

Steak tartar

Crispy Duck with naartjie, pancake and rooibus jus

Pre dessert – apple crumble and custard

Croquembouche

We ate like kings and queens, drank exceptional wine, spoke about life, life, career and the world… it really was a wonderful night. I slept so well and couldn’t believe that it was sadly all over in the morning.

Breakfast was another phenomenal spread and I opted for the egg white omelette and tea.

We packed up and headed back to Cape Town. This was the view as we drove out of Paternoster…

I honestly can’t wait to return and spend even more time. It is soulful, romantic and magical.

I’d just like to thank Manley Communications for the incredible opportunity. Abalone House your warmth, hospitality, attention to detail and love is so special and I can’t wait to return soon.

To book: call Abalone House Boutique Guesthouse on +27 022 752-2044 or email info@abalonehouse.co.za