"How do you get back home, if you don't travel." antonela's Profile

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Exciting year

Ahhhhhhh, at last, after quite a break, I have travelled again.
I had a few options, but could not resist a friend's invitation to Italy and France, so packed my bags and off we went.
Absolutely LOVED our trip.

Welcome!

Table Mountain

Hello everyone, from beautiful South Africa.
I am actually Italian born, but living in South Africa, . This has been my home , although I love Italy, I would like to show everyone how beautiful South Africa is. it, and people's perception of it has improved enough to interest them in coming to visit us and experience it.

Some more on Paarl

Proteas- indigenous flowers to this region

Located about 50 Km northeast of Cape Town, Paarl is one of the three oldest European settlements in South Africa.
Its history dates back to 1687, when on the banks of the Berg River, Dutch settlers were given farmlands, the warm Mediterranean type climate combined with fertile grounds created the perfect conditions for farming.
Settlers began establising orchards, vegetable gardens and most famous of all of course vineyards.
In the mid 1800's Paarl really began to flourish. The town gets its name Paarl (Pearl) due to the fact there is a massive granite rock which appears to shine like a Pearl when the sun strikes it at a certain angle.

Introducing Paarl where I live

View of Paarl from my house

Paarl is a town close to Cape Town. Approx. 110 thousand inhabitants,
It is surrounded by mountains, in a valley, and mostly vineyards, producing some of the most well known wines in the world.
KWV and Nederburg being most probably the most recognised.
It is an historic town founded in 1720 mainly by farmers and wagon builders.
It has a strong Dutch history, interesting Cape Dutch style architecture is very visible, along its main road , about 10 Km long.

-Family

Gershom ,Liam ,John Craig

.With 3 little grandsons and my guesthouse business to run i have my hands full. I love my work, and i absolutley adore my grandchildren.
Gershom 3
Liam 1 and a half
John Craig 1

Passionate about Cape Town.

Delenia and Olivier, view of signal Hill

My heart is totally divided between my birth place Calabria - Italy and Cape Town - South Africa where I live.
I could not choose. I am so priviliged to belong to two of the most beautiful places on our planet.
Both my birth place and South Africa, share similarities .
Both in the deep south
Both rich in controversial history
Both have very rich landlords and very poor labourers
Both not producing to their full potential in spite of the wealth of the land
Both riddled with crime wether it is mafia in the one or post apartheid crime in the other
Both complex and beautiful and still pretty unexplored territory
I sometimes wonder it is not by chance I am here.

gorgeous little things at Butterfly world in Paarl

Intro Updated Aug 3, 2011
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Comments (74)

poppy6488 Sep 21, 2011 at 4:01 AM Report Abuse

Belated Happy Birthday Antonela! I was away in the Canary Islands for a while. Rather a shock to come from 30C home to 13C, in just a four hour plane journey!!!!! :-(
Toshioohsako Sep 15, 2011 at 4:57 AM Report Abuse

Sorry I missed your birthday as I could not have access to VT for a few days. I wish a you a happy birthday!
RickinDutch Sep 13, 2011 at 9:20 AM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday!
cachaseiro Sep 13, 2011 at 5:09 AM Report Abuse

Happy birthday :O)
Jerelis Sep 13, 2011 at 2:14 AM Report Abuse

Happy birthday to you Antonella!!! Hope you have a great day!
Segolily Sep 12, 2011 at 11:29 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday from someone else celebrating as well.
Trekki Sep 12, 2011 at 8:41 PM Report Abuse

Happy birthday Antonella :-)
jo104 Sep 14, 2010 at 12:14 AM Report Abuse

hope you had a lovely birthday yesterday, I'm over in CT for a whole month so hope we can meet up again - hoping to have a car can't use my sisters this time
Turtleshell Sep 13, 2010 at 3:58 PM Report Abuse

Buon compleanno a te, Buon compleanno a te, Buon compleanno cara Antonella ... Hi, haven't heard from you for a while, but I hope you enoy your birthday.
Hermanater Sep 13, 2010 at 6:39 AM Report Abuse

Hope you have a very happy birthday. You have a wonderful family.