News and Weekly Offers: The Affordable Way to Serenity

It’s likely we all agree that wine significantly eases this burden. There's also no argument about the exceptional offerings from Spier in Stellenbosch as well as Quinta de S. José and Quinta da Foz from the Douro Valley. Suddenly, what used to be just a standard offer has evolved into a wallet-friendly path to tranquility – and who wouldn't want to take that journey?

However, the current landscape at the Cape and across South Africa is far from ideal. The newly introduced travel restrictions have once again plunged the vital tourism industry into crisis. While U.S. President Biden has commended the country for its transparent handling of identifying virus variants, it appears no one is considering lifting those restrictions, even when epidemiologically justifiable. The lack of support for economic programs aimed at alleviating socio-economic inequality and assisting with vaccination efforts is also concerning.

As for recent updates on re-entry for South Africa returnees: We arrived on a flight from Cape Town on Sunday, and witnessed the extensive process of testing 350 passengers for PCR before they could leave the airport. Our departure was delayed, causing us to arrive on the last flight at 22:58. Just as several hundred people attempted to follow the registration instructions, the system crashed. The unloading of the plane into buses proceeded slowly.

At passport control, we had to present our vaccination certificates (despite being unclear if this was necessary), along with a health department registration form. We were then funneled through a secured area to the PCR testing registration desks, a process that revealed the planning was not as smooth in execution.

The testing itself was efficient, leading us to a waiting area stocked with sandwiches and water. The crowded arrival hall turned into a scene that many may never experience. Ninety minutes after testing, we received our results – thankfully negative. Yet, it appeared that several passengers had been called to a restricted area.

By Tuesday, it became apparent that 15 passengers on our flight had tested positive for the new variant. It was fortunate for the rest of us to be in quarantine, as the risk of further transmission was exceedingly high. We are currently doing well and finding solace in our home office.

After the editorial deadline, we received the news that returnees arriving in Frankfurt with a PCR test from South Africa would be released without hassle into home quarantine. It’s clear that pandemic response remains a challenge influenced by national policies.

In the meantime, we look forward to your visit in our shop and wish you a wonderful remainder of the week!

The offer is valid from December 2nd to December 8th, 2021.