"Can I make you a cup of coffee?"
"No, thanks."
"Please. You've had a hectic day. Let me make you coffee and you can sit for a few minutes."
"Really - no. But thank you."
"I can make coffee, you know?"
My sister-in-law planted her hands on her hips, but she was smiling. I smiled back;
"I know you can. But I am a coffee snob."
When I closed my little cafe and moved here many moons ago I was horrified to discover that many of the quaint little country cafes served instant coffee. If I had been a snobbish barista before that nasty reality cemented the deal. We now have quite a reputation for roasting and brewing our own organic beans. And we aren't even a coffeeshop! In my explorations around the beautiful Cape I have, over the years, discovered some wonderful hidden gems. And they know how to brew a proper cup of coffee.
What would coffee be without a delicious slice of cake. This week I took one of the parents to the city. We visited not one but two fabulous little cafes. Beans about Coffee is a franchise. There are not just one or two but three Beans about Coffee coffeeshops in the city. Their cheesecake is amazing. So are the chocolate brownies. Pecan nut pie is delicious. And the muffins. Oh the muffins! Where do I begin? Then there's the carrot cake....
While my parent was at her appointment I walked around - doing street shopping. Across the country our cities have unique "street markets". Many craftsmen as well as poorer people sell wares on sidewalks. Often there will be a family on the side of the street playing while they await customers.
Among my favourite "street markets" are those with wire work and hand made wooden furniture. They are quite something to behold. Or buy.
Ostriches are farmed extensively in this area. Ostrich eggs have become the preferred souvenir of choice.
After being cleaned they are carved or painted intricately by the locals. They're sold as decorative ornaments or candles. Did you know that two dozen regular chicken eggs fill one ostrich egg?
And then, of course there are the ostrich feathers. They make wonderful feather dusters. It was a perfectly warm winter's day in Africa. And the walk was invigorating. But the last coffee for the day beckoned. With bright pink feather duster waving I turned into Beans about Coffee
What's a hot cappucino without a delicious slice of cake? And yes, it was my second slice of the day. But you should taste their cheesecake! This is exactly my perfect end to a day that I had to spend in the city away from my home sweet homestead. How do the rest of you take your coffee on this beautiful #marketfriday? I'm sure I can count on our lovely 
