beyond the tangible
a world made of cheese
drunk on wine and mad as goats
we climb the mountain
just like sisyphus
perpetually tumbling down
in a rat race
that we do not belong to
There exists a space in this world where goats roam the world, a world made from cheese and drunk on wine. We visited this world, trying to get drunk ourselves, stuffed with cheese, and admiring nature in her beauty alongside us.
A tower, not to Rapunzel or any king and queen, but strictly for the goats that freely roam their kingdom.
Think about the history written in the soil, the trees that can tell stories of old, about goat kings and queens, about wars that our minds would not be able to comprehend.
The sign notes strickly goats. We as humans are mere spectators to this event unfolding in the present moment. History that is written in a language we would not comprehend.
***
Jokes aside, we recently visited the wine and cheese farm at Fairview in the Paarl, Western Cape South Africa. And what a beautiful experience this was. We drank some wine, ate some cheese, and pet some baby goats. All the while the most beautiful views and wine farm buildings surrounded us.
So, please join me on this virtual journey, as I take you with us as we enjoy what this beautiful farm has to offer. If you ever find yourself in this part of the world, please do not hesitate to stop here.
Baby Goats, Nanny Goats, and Billy Goats
As soon as we entered the winery and cheese farm, we were greeted by a couple of baby goats, and some of the older goats that tried to take a Sunday sleep. My fiance, 
The older goats, equipped with their own little staircase, had nothing much to say besides the farm smells emitting from their pens. They looked like they owned the place, and in some regards, they did own it. Because without them, we would not have the lovely goat's cheese! So, we need to thank them in many regards.
Not far from where we could buy some cheese, and taste some of the lovely wines, we saw some billy and nanny goats! Jokes aside, I love it when places like this use their imagination a bit when indicating bathrooms. Here we found the billy and nanny goats!
Decor and Nature: A Symbiosis
The classic shot at Fairview is when the goats walk over the platform, but we did not have this fortune that day. But we had the beautiful views presented to us alongside human-made things that perfectly blend in with the natural; a perfect symbiosis. From old trees, their roots deeply penetrating the earth where they relive countless memories, to the strangest abstract art made from scrap metal.
The Goatshed is a beautiful restaurant that we did not visit. But it perfectly encapsulated the symbiosis present on the farm, with vineyards climbing its walls, and big oak trees providing shade for its patrons.
But on the inside of the shop, we were also treated to the most beautiful decor, mixing produce from the farm with bottles of wine that were used as lampshades. The old building blended renewed objects with subtle details remaining from years gone by. It was, as always, a photographer's dream.
Wine Tasting and Cheese Teasers
Getting over myself taking photographs of almost everything, I joined the rest of our group for some wine tastings. Unfortunately, we could not get the full tasting, as we needed to make a booking for this. But we could taste as many cheeses as we liked, tasting many different wines, and enjoying some bread that we broke at the table.
But before joining them for real, I took some photographs of the produce inside of the shop as well, with the lighting perfectly falling onto everything I could not help myself.
They had so many wines on sale, it was one of those difficult decisions to choose between everything you wanted, and what you needed. The person doing our tasting was also very kind, letting us taste wines that were not on the list for our tasting.
It just shows that with some friendliness towards others, you can still accomplish so much.
We enjoyed the tasting way too much, savouring every moment and enjoying all of the cheeses up for offer.
We also did what we always do: we bought some bread and we broke it like no one was watching. The tasting we did did not come with bread or anything to eat besides the cheese. But they had the most beautifully baked produce up for offer.
So, being the bread addict I am, we bought some bread to enjoy with the cheese and wines.
From white wines, to reds, and then to sweet late harvests, we enjoyed way too much, with the cheese and dips and the freshly broken and baked bread!
Small things they say. And this is so true, with only the small things, if appreciated, life can become infinitely enjoyable.
Postscriptum, or Another Journey Ends
But, like all things in life, it needs to come to an end.
As we left the wine-tasting room, we left with memories, cheese, and some wine. We soaked our souls in beautiful nature scenery up to offer for a last time, seeing birds feasting on the nectar of plants, and goats lavishing in the shy sun that did not want to completely stick its heads through the clouds.
Memories are all that lasts, after every bottle of wine that we open and throw away, it is never the taste that lasts, but the memories we made at the winery.
For now, happy travels and stay safe! I hope you enjoyed this virtual journey with us.
All of the photographs are my own, taken with my Nikon D300. All of the musings and writings are my own, albeit inspired by the goats, their cheese, and the wine!