My wife and I spent the first two weeks of February in South Africa and had a wonderful time. The scenery is breathtaking and the people warm and friendly. I am extremely jealous of your climate and plants--what a wide array of plant species and interesting climates. We spent a week in Capetown, and then rented a car and drove east to Titsikama (sp?) National Park, where I had to scare a baboon away from trying to break into our cottage. Kirstenbosch has to be the world's most beautiful botanic garden (and I have been to quite a few)....We also went to the Little Karoo botanic garden--also quite nice, although very hot this time of year! The botanic garden at Stellenbosh University also was fantastic. Next time we will go in the spring to see the mesembs blooming!