We spent last night in the Radisson on Table bay in Cape Town. Today's event was to the South African wine country. We visited the Ernie Els winery in Stellenbosch. (Yes, Ernie Els the golfer.) The wines were very nice and the views awesome. Along the way we learned about "Cape Dutch" architechture, the new stadium being built in Cape Town for the soccer world cup in 2010, and the housing problem for the tribal africans migrating to the city.

In Stellenbosch, after lunch, there was time for a little shopping. Karylinn bought a couple of scarves from "African Silk". This was the name of the store and also describes the silk. It is from a different worm than asian silk and is not as heavily processed. This makes for a thicker soft (very soft) yarn.

The weavers are all black women living in the area. Many have no husbands, some are abused or have disabilities. Working to produce the silk products provides their income.
Stellenbosch

We spent last night in the Radisson on Table bay in Cape Town. Today's event was to the South African wine country. We visited the Ernie Els winery in Stellenbosch. (Yes, Ernie Els the golfer.) The wines were very nice and the views awesome. Along the way we learned about "Cape Dutch" architechture, the new stadium being built in Cape Town for the soccer world cup in 2010, and the housing problem for the tribal africans migrating to the city.

In Stellenbosch, after lunch, there was time for a little shopping. Karylinn bought a couple of scarves from "African Silk". This was the name of the store and also describes the silk. It is from a different worm than asian silk and is not as heavily processed. This makes for a thicker soft (very soft) yarn.

The weavers are all black women living in the area. Many have no husbands, some are abused or have disabilities. Working to produce the silk products provides their income.

Karylinn's two scarves were made by Norita who was there in the shop, working at her loom. For the two scarves, Karylinn paid R632 each. I spoke with Norita and she said that each one takes about 5 days to make. So here is an exercize for the reader: R7.55 = $1.00; The price includes VAT (Value added tax) of about 14%; percentage supporting the shop = ?; materials cost something, so - Norita's hourly rate?

Tomorrow our tour takes us to one of the townships where we learn more.
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