Spring has arrived. The bare trees with their knotted fingers are showing off their beautiful blossoms like jewels against the backdrop of the majestic Klein River Mountains. It takes me back to cherry blossom season in Japan and how the Japanese celebrate every seasonal event with great wonderment and enthusiasm, buy cialis regardless of the fact that it comes around every year.

After the winter snow had melted, order the cherry blossoms would appear; little pink dots on an otherwise bleak landscape. They would only last only a week and so everyone would be out, going for picnics or simply participating in cherry blossom viewing.  The breeze would come and shake the blossoms from the trees, and it would be as if pink snow was falling from the sky.

In Stanford, our beautiful little village, the wonder of the seasons are not lost on the tourists and locals. Often I come across someone standing in the street, staring at a peach blossom, or looking at the beautiful plumage of a bird reflecting in the sun. People seem to have a spring in their step, and a new lease on life after the introspection of the winter months. The sun has brought new life to them too.

To celebrate this renewal and rebirth, and to celebrate Tourism month there are some wonderful events this September. On Friday, 5 September, five professional classical musicians from the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will be playing in the NG Kerk hall. Please visit www.webtickets.co.za to book your tickets. You can also purchase tickets from the Stanford Tourism office.

On Saturday, 6 September, also at the NG Kerk, is the Spring Dance. There will be a live band and three-course meal available. For more information and to book click here.

From 12-14 September, it’s the Funky Fynbos Festival in the nearby Uilkraal Valley, Gansbaai. There are all sorts of fun activities planned for this weekend, including the Fynbos Trail Run and the Funky Fynbos MTB Race. Stay in the peaceful and serene Stanford, while you explore the festival held at De Uijlenes.

That’s all for now, folks. And remember, if anyone asks where you got your news, tell them you heard it through the Grapevine!

Chantel, Stanford Tourism