CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
I always longed to go to Cape Town; when the opportunity presented itself, I seized it. Upon landing in this magical place, I felt so much love and a true sense of belonging.
Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast. It is on a peninsula beneath the Table Mountain. I stayed on the waterfront, which is central to all of the
major attractions. There is also an active night life with clubs and restaurants galore. You can catch a ferry to Robben Island steps from the Cape Grace Hotel to tour the prison that notoriously held Nelson Mandela. These tours are conducted by men who were once prisoners on the island. The ferry ride is a bit rough but well worth the journey.
Other attractions include The Green Market, which has rare finds and vintage masks. The Table Mountain cable car ride will take you to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the city. Take a tour through Shanty Town with a resident to see the lifestyle of displaced South Africans. District Six Museum walks visitors through the history of apartheid, including events of individuals who were stripped of their homes because of the color of their skin.
For those who like the night life, the Crypt is the place to go. Part of the St. George’s Cathedral complex, it is a jazz restaurant meant to touch hearts through the universal language of music. You are bound to see famous musicians there that walk on stage and start preforming with local bands. Note that there is a cover charge, and it is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Other things to do and see:
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront-for shopping, food and live music https://www.waterfront.co.za
Bo-Kaap (Cape Malay Quarter)- a brightly colored neighborhood with historical significance http://www.bokaap.co.za
Table Mountain-for sunset https://tablemountainnationalpark.org
Visit a Township-to see how people live and survive within the township http://www.jarattours.co.za/portfolio_item/township-tour/
Robben Island- Prison where Nelson Mandela seven time http://www.robben-island.org.za
Penguins at Boulders Beach- http://country.southafrica.net/country/us/en/articles/entry/article-en-us-boulders-beach-penguins
PREFERRED VENDORS:
Jarat Tours- Car, Jet and Tour Service https://www.jarattours.co.za
Hotel Choice: Cape Grace Hotel https://www.capegrace.com
