Driver in Cape Town

My wife and I try to do a world cruise every year. Rather than take each ship’s shore tours, we usually hire local taxis, asking the drivers to show us what they are “proud of” in their city. We can never predict the results but are almost always pleasantly surprised. 

On our world cruise aboard the MS Amsterdam in 2013, we encountered a taxi driver in Cape Town, South Africa, who was particularly noteworthy.

Julius (phone 082 738 0433 from South Africa or 27 82 738 0433 outside South Africa, or email juliushuni@gmail.com) drove us around the Stellenbosch wineries for two full days, April 7-8. Although his sedan was not large, it was certainly adequate for my wife and me and another couple.

We had not prearranged this. Julius was simply the first taxi driver in the taxi line who was willing to take us to Stellenbosch for the price we were willing to pay. (Several others refused.) The price we agreed upon was $120 for the day. In addition, I gave him a 15% tip.

Julius did such a fine job that we kept him for a second day and made a reservation with him for April 2014, the time of our next visit. 

NORMAN W. PETERSEN

Pleasanton, CA