We ventured into the great metropolis today, with the aim of seeing the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition on at the Iziko Museum. We have done so for the past few years. We were to meet up with Heron, David, Viv and William and a bite to eat. Timing was excellent as we all arrived on time. The Exhibition was, this year, a tad disappointing though. There were far fewer photos than in former years, and though they were technically well executed, they lacked the charm and spontaneity that we had come to expect. The room size had been reduced to half of what it had been before and the back-lighting of the photos detracted somewhat from them. However, there were still a few gems amongst them. The one that particularly stood out for me was of a mouse on a puff ball with the moon in the background and a mosquito hovering close to the mouse. I had never realized that mice have so many whiskers. Can't show you any of the pictures though as no photographs maybe taken of the exhibition. Having had a wander, read the inscriptions and seen what there was to see we wandered down towards the Company Gardens which are in the same precinct. Now here was something to be seen. The Gardens have been transformed into a wonderland, as they used to be. with lots and lots of plants and companion plants. There were many edible varieties of fruit and vegetables to be seen all looking extremely healthy as they grow and flourish in their organic state. The backdrop of Table Mountain adds special charm to this lovely display. I believe that the produce is sold on a regular basis. Who wouldn't want to buy these beautifully fresh veges? We then decided to have lunch at the adjacent restaurant. In no time at all we had secured a table and were served by an enthusiastic and friendly young man. Being five minutes too early for the lunch order - which he assured us the kitchen were very particular about, he nevertheless too our orders and placed the drinks order, and five minutes later the food order. Yum, by the expressions on our faces you could tell that we enjoyed our meals. Viv and William went for Cobb salads - served in a deconstructed way, and looking very divine. I had lovely fresh fish and chips, and the others a variety of freshly toasted sandwiches with a generous serving of chips and a salad garnish. Sitting out in the open was most relaxing especially as it was just a little cooler today with the hint of a breeze. And nobody was in a rush, despite the fairly long queue at the door. As we later wandered back towards the car park, we found a family of Egyptian geese with eight babies paddling around the pond. One of the locals started chatting to Viv and asked many questions about the geese and nature, but then marred the whole incident by begging for money at the end, especially as he did not seem to be hungry nor badly dressed. Perhaps I am too cynical at this age, but I got the impression this chap thought we were tourists and easy for a 'touch', and that is a sad reflection on our society. A few more photos taken, one of the First World War memorial which depicts both Boer and Brit, formerly sworn enemies uniting for a good cause. Then we all made our way home to our various spots on the map. A lovely day, and so pleased to have shared it with friends.