The 16 Day circuit around South Africa - Day 11 (cont.) - Graaff Reinet - strolling around the town; attempt to visit the Valley of Desolation; lodgment and dinner at Karoopark Guest House - The 6th of February 2020

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We soon headed towards our lodgment, the Karoopark Guest house, whose premises comprised a garden at the end of which was located my bedroom. To have the meals we had to cross it, as well as the swimming pool area. Although fairly simple in terms of decoration the accommodation was nevertheless cozy.

Believed to have been the first Boer republic in South Africa after the citizens of Graff Reinet expelled the landrost, the city has  two main tre-lined avenues with quite a few historic buildings along which we walked up and down so as to "feel" the overall atmosphere.

Out attempt to explore the Valley of Desolation ended up being a frustrating adventure and the sinking of our expectations because despite having driven along the Camdeboo National Park we didn't see anything because of the low clouds and mist. Close by we had nevertheless a brief look at the more than desolate Nqweba dam.

Later in the evening as we were trying kudu steaks for the first time I noticed there was a jug on one of the china cupboards with a Portuguese saying written on it, which literally translated " Never say you won't try out that particular water". I tried to find out how this jug had ended up there but no one seemed to know. The meal was excellent, particularly the kudu steak.