OYSTERHOOD is reclusiveness or solitude, or an overwhelming desire to stay at home.

— @HaggardHawks

It took perseverance and patience and quick booking skills, but my love finally got us a lunch table at Wolfgat. What. A. Treat!

I did not know what to expect. I have had some fancy meals in my life, Michelin stars and all, but I have never before eaten at a restaurant pronounced the best in the world. And it is practically on our doorstep, if you can forget about the two-hour drive to Paternoster (the anticipation keeps you going).

It was all delicious – what stood out were the unusual ingredients and flavours, the limpets being the highlight for me, taste- and texture-wise. The restaurant itself is basic, even a bit shabby, but the view from the stoep is glorious, the service excellent and the food top-top. It surprises. Everything that smells and tastes like the sea is a joy in my book. And at Wolfgat it all comes with an exciting local twist. The oysters wrapped in cucumber slices … Culinary delight!

Did I mention how much I love oysters!? ;)

Covid protocols were observed – distance, sanatising, mask wearing. All tables were placed nicely apart on the stoep of the restaurant. It was easy to relax and simply enjoy the feast. It’s not easy to get a booking, but the long wait was really worth it.

I worked in the morning before the excursion and in the late afternoon afterwards. Last trip to the printers, signing of financial statements, payments, emails, admin, and festive season greetings exchanges throughout. Even though everything is winding down for the holidays, I can’t get into the festive mood. I am not sure that Christmas will be celebrated much this year in our home. I plan to continue working and then taking it easy for a few days around Christmas, but no special cooking or seeing people apart from perhaps a friend or two. I feel as if I just want to get beyond the holidays and start the new year with a spark of stronger optimism. I have a dream about a new space for my study in the house, but need to see whether I can bring up the energy to make the move. A bit of renovating would be required as well. Not sure I have the strength for it after this brutal year. Let’s see.

Tonight, I am watching TV and ironing. The pile of laundry is begging to be dealt with.

Tomorrow, I visit a friend who is going through a very rough time and I go to a wine tasting and hopefully visit a bookshop I have been dreaming of for months … And I hope to do some travel writing!

But first: The Pile.

Be kind. Wear a mask. Support local.

“Physical distancing remains one of the key strategies to curb this pandemic.”

— NICD