Flower Power!

Spring has sprung in the wonderful city of Cape Town. Everywhere there is a patch of grass, there are thousands of flowers popping up, ranging in colours of yellow, white, purple, red and orange. What a spectacular sight... What a spectacular promise of new life and sunshine. If you are in Cape Town, I would suggest taking a drive down the West Coast and maybe visiting Darling, which is the home of flowers. You would never think that our beautiful Cape Town could get any prettier, but alas, she has brought out her colour palette.

Taken from iol.co.za

Taken from flikr.com

Taken from paradisepictures.co.za

Braai for Heritage

Taken from braai.com

Aren’t we so fortunate as South Africans to celebrate our Heritage Day with a lekker braai? Foreigners wouldn’t understand it, but nothing is more South African than a braai (BBQ overseas). Wors, braai broodjies (BBQ’d sandwiches), potato salad, garlic bread, chops, pork rashers, pap and sauce... the list goes on of all the yummy local food that makes up a braai. Mmmmm, my mouth is watering as I think of it.

Besides the delicious food, the atmosphere of a braai adds to the splendour. Everyone stands around the braai and chats and laughs with a beer in hand. Good times with good people is how I would describe it. A braai is so special because it brings people and families together in a casual, fun environment. I would say that as a foreigner visiting our wonderful country, you haven’t experienced South African culture until you have joined in on a braai.

What a great white experience!

Taken from beautifuldeepocean.blogspot.com

Great white sharks are the creatures we fear most when swimming in the ocean. We have all read numerous attack stories in the media and have seen their pure strength and aggression on film.  The fact that they are so powerful, large and ominous is probably why great white shark diving has become such a popular attraction around the world. Everybody wants an experience that is once in a lifetime and will get their adrenaline pumping and that is precisely why I have always wanted to do it. Two weeks ago, my wish came true and I got to look a great white in the eye!

My boyfriend and I woke early on a Friday morning and made our way to Gaansbaai, the home of shark cage diving and one of the most popular spots in the world to view these predators in their natural habitat. As we began the boat trip, our nerves and excitement were charged up. We finally dropped anchor at a place called Shark Alley and then the sightings began (after the chum was thrown in the water)! I will never forget the first time I saw a great white shark in real life.

It was as though all the fear and anxiety was replaced with pure excitement as we donned our 35mm thick wetsuits and jumped in the cage. Despite the icy water, I couldn’t get enough. As you submerge your head you are faced by these magnificent beasts circling the cage and swimming past to see what all the fuss is about. To my surprise they weren’t scary at all, just graceful and magnificent in their size. They are truly beautiful creatures, although I will admit that I would risk facing them without a cage.

The whole idea of a shark’s fin protruding out of the water when they swim was dispelled as this is not the case. One of the guides told us that if a great white wants to attack you, you will not see it approach you as it breeches from way below you. The tour operators are trying to save this creature by showing people that the “Jaws” perception is incorrect and that these are placid creatures who do not just attack for blood. In fact, great whites are very curious and because they do not have hands, they feel with their mouths and that is where the problem lies. Their rows and rows of serrated sharp teeth act like a knife and fork to human flesh and that is why you don’t want them to “feel” you!

All in all, it was an awesome experience and something to cross off my bucket list. I would recommend it to anyone! There is nothing more honest and real than staring a 3 meter monster in the eye and living to tell the tale! It is something I would like to do again one day.

What constitutes a Capetonian?

Taken from capetown.conferences.co.za

Originally from Gauteng, I have always wondered why I have such an affliction with Cape Town.  You see, I consider myself Capetonian through and through, even though I wasn’t born here. This got me thinking... besides being born in Cape Town and living here, what makes one a Capetonian?

Here are my reasons for considering myself a Capetonian:

I love the ocean and all that it entails. The cold water of the Cape does not bother me and I enjoy to surf and swim often. The beauty and variety of the Cape inspires me and makes me long for Cape Town when I am away. I am laidback by nature and the mode and pace of Cape Town allows me to live life at my own speed. The lifestyle here may not be one of wealth like Joberg, but it is one of safety and freedom. I love all that Cape Town is and am proud to live here. I love living here and cannot imagine living anywhere else.

What are your reasons for calling yourself a Capetonian?

Cheers to a safe and vibrant CBD!

I must say that out of my experiences thus far, Cape Town CBD is run the best out of most South African towns. After travelling through the Eastern Cape recently and the Wild Coast and from seeing and hearing things about Johannesburg, I am even prouder to stay where I do. Most CBDs in South Africa are dirty but Cape town seems to be the cleanest I have encountered. There is crime in all CBD areas but at least in Cape Town you can still walk around town at night and party without fear for your life. Travellors from far and wide choose to stay in the CBD as it has so much to offer.

There is so much promoting our town and its vibrancy through the City of Cape Town initiative, whereas most other CBDs in other provinces are places that one HAS to go to for business, not out of choice.  Driving through some of the towns in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng  area scared me as you see muggings and hijackings in broad daylight as you drive passed. I don’t live in Cape Town CBD, but as a regular visitor I believe we have a great CBD! It is a place I want to go,  so full of cosmopolitan life and energy.

Cape Town CBD taken from mybroadband.co.za

Commemoration of our heritage

Did you know that Cape Town just turned 360 years old this year? We have created a rich heritage and history during this time. Let us take a look at some interesting historical fact to commemorate this wonderful place...

• Asian immigration to South Africa started in 1654 when slaves from Malaysia were brought to the Cape, in turn encouraging the spread of the Islamic faith in Cape Town culture.

• Britain seized Cape Town from the Dutch in 1795. In 1803 it was returned to The Netherlands and, by 1806, was back in the hands of the British. In the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814, Cape Town was conceded to Britain, becoming the capital of the Cape Colony.

• Cape Town has its own unique mix of indigenous music called Ghoema, closely associated with the Cape Malay culture having its origins linked to the musical culture of the Malay slaves.

• Cape Town has the oldest wine industry outside Europe and the Mediterranean, dating back to 2 February 1659 when Jan van Riebeeck produced the first wine recorded in South Africa.

• Cape Town is situated on an underground river called Camissa, meaning “place of sweet waters”.

• Cape Town’s City Hall was built in 1905. On 11 February 1990 Nelson Mandela made his first public speech after his release from Robben Island, on the balcony of the City Hall.

• Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the first human heart transplant in the world in 1967 in Cape Town at Groote Schuur Hospital.

• Hand axes made by Homo Erectus, dating back 750 000 years, have been found near Cape Town.

• In the 1500s, Portuguese sailors encountered storms as they sailed around the Cape Peninsula and dubbed it “the Bay of Storms”.

• Jan Van Riebeeck and Dutch East India Company settlers landed at the Cape on April 6, 1652. They had been sent to the Cape to establish a supply station for ships travelling to the Dutch East Indies.

• The oldest living tradition in Cape Town is the firing of the Noon Day Gun at Lion Battery on Signal Hill. The Noon Day cannons are also two of the oldest cannons in the world still in daily use.

• The original Table Mountain Cableway opened for business on 4 October 1929, transporting millions of visitors, as well as the current Queen of England, Elizabeth ll, to its smooth summit.

• The San and the Khoikhoi are the first recorded peoples of the Cape. The San were hunter-gatherers while the Khoikhoi were mainly herders.In later years, the Khoisan generation called the area Hoerikwaggo, meaning “mountain that rises from the sea”.

(Please note: Sources consulted - www.capetown.travel/blog/)



A historical photograph of Cape Town station 1896 taken from capetowngazette.com



What to do in Cape Town in winter

Winter is half way through so this post comes a bit late. The cold weather leaves most wanting to hibernate but there is still much to do in this stunning place. We have a rich heritage so although we have to give up beach days and sundowners, we can replace them with other activities. Here are a few things one can do in the beautiful Cape during the chilly winter months...

Every day the noon cannon goes off at 12pm on the dot. One can go see this slice of history from 11.30 am everyday on Signal Hill. Don’t forget to cover your ears!!

The Company Gardens in Gardens is still a magnificent place to go for an afternoon stroll with a friend or loved one in winter. One can buy peanuts from a street vendor and feed the many pigeons and squirrels.

If you want to learn more about Cape Town’s history, then a visit to the Castle of Good Hope is in order. From here (weather permitting) you can also take a 3km tour through the old sewers of Cape Town which lead all the way to the base of Table Mountain (Visit the Good Hope Adventures website for more information).

The Castle of Good Hope taken from ipmssa.inext.co.za

If you feel like a swim but don’t have a wetsuit or aren’t brave enough to endure the cold ocean, you can visit the long Street Turkish Baths which offer you heated pools, a sauna and steam rooms.

Art fan? Visit the South African National Gallery just across from the Company Gardens. It is home to impressive works from around the world and exhibitions are constantly changing.

A day trip to the Iziko Museum is a must. It is a place full of knowledge and interesting exhibits and while you are there you can visit the Planetarium. It is a good day out for the family.

Go and have breakfast or lunch at Rhodes Memorial. It is a beautiful setting.

Me at Rhodes Memorial

Go wine tasting with friends along one of the Cape’s many wine land routes such as Durbanville, Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.

Of course winter dining is exceptional in Cape Town, but just watch you waistlines as there is a restaurant for everyone’s taste!

A haunting in the city..

It is hard to imagine a ghost roaming amongst the hubbub of the City of Cape Town, with its trend setters on every side walk, night clubs in almost every street and everlasting traffic. However, we must bear in mind that the City of Cape Town is where it all started and it is where we find South Africa’s oldest building, the Castle of Good Hope. In most old buildings, the perceptive will find lost souls wondering around looking for a way to the other side...

There many stories about ghosts haunting the Castle of Good Hope. One of the most infamous ghost stories told is that of the Lady in Grey.  It is said that she was often seen with her hands covering her face, as though she is weeping. Other sightings of her have been made at Government House. Apparently, there was once a passage that linked the Castle and Government House.  During a recent excavation,  the skeleton of a women was found. This is thought to be the remains of the Lady in Grey as her ghost has not been seen since the skeleton was found. Hopefully now she can rest in peace.

There is a tale of another ghost, Governor Noodt who is also thought to roam around the Castle of Good Hope. He was known as a unsympathetic disciplinarian. One night, four of his soldiers were caught trying to escape and so he sentenced them to death, a punishment perhaps a bit too cruel. The Governor did not care for human life. The night before the executions of the four soldiers, they sat and prayed with their minister. The following morning the Governor didn’t show up for the executions. Even the last man who was brought out to be executed cursed the Governor and demanded him to come out and witness his death. Still he did not show up. The man challenged him to appear before God to answer for what he had done to these four men and then was hanged. The officers came to report that the sentence had been carried out and found Governor Noodt dead in his room with a look of horror on his face. Apparently he had died of a heart-attack and his soul still roams the Castle at night. Spooky stuff!

Taken from plpinfo.org

Touring Cape Town, tourist-style!

A few weeks ago, when the weather was still sunny and brilliant, I went with my sister on the City Sightseeing bus. You know, that big, topless red one that all the tourists take... Well I just have to say WOW! What a professional service and such a brilliant experience. I would recommend that everyone (whether you are local to Cape Town or not) experiences the magic of Cape Town from the top of the City Sightseeing bus! Their slogan is ‘The best way to see Cape Town in 2 days” and I agree.

Taken from citysightseeing-blog.co.za

The buses depart from the V&A Waterfront and take one of two routes: either the Blue or Red route. Each route covers a different spectrum of Cape Town. There also 1 day and  2 day trips. Prices range between R110 –R210 for a ticket, depending on what you want to do. The bus takes you on a tour with headphones, explaining the background of every part of Cape Town as you drive. It also stops at all the tourist destinations such as Table Mountain cable car and Camps Bay where you can climb off, enjoy the experience and be picked up later. The bus runs like public transport and there is a bus within 25minutes at each stop.

I learned things about Cape Town I never knew and took awesome photographs. Do yourself a favour and give it a go! You won’t regret it! For more information on routes and prices, please go check out their website: http://www.citysightseeing.co.za/home.

• The Castle from the bus.

Driving passed the Purple Turtle in Long Street. It has more history than you think!

It's here folks!

If you live in Cape Town, you may have noticed that the days are getting shorter, the sun rises later and sets earlier. There is that snowy bite in the air and raindrops and grey skies are making their appearance more often . The South-Easter has died down and the fashion in the shops has changed. Summer dresses have been replaced with coats and scarves. Yup...you guessed it, winter is upon us!


Taken from franto.com

Winters in Cape Town are rather chilly and often wet. The seas are rough but water sports such as surfing and body-boarding are considered winter sports as the Cape’s water is warmer and waves better in winter months. Also, Great Whites, monsters of the ocean, flock to our shores and Shark Cage Diving becomes Cape Town's greatest attraction. After the initial shock of the cold Capetonian’s finally come out of their hibernation and continue to party it up at all the hotspots in and around town. Restaurants near the ocean offer you blankets and turn on their gas heaters. Ships stay out in the bay longer as storms make it dangerous for them to dock but they create quite a scene as they dance in the waves with their heavy cargos swaying.

To the pleasure of locals, prices come down as the tourists all leave back to their warm countries. Shopping malls and cinemas suddenly become fuller as the beach is not an option in the rain. People eat hot scrumptious food and waistlines expand. Traffic increases as Capetonians suddenly forget how to drive when it is raining.

The point is that winter can become depressing and I believe many Capetonians feel somewhat out of sorts while its cold and rainy, but I would have to say that I would choose a Cape Town winter over any other South African winter. It gets cold but not as cold as other places like Guateng and there is always a party, a vibe and excellent wining and dining. There is always something to do, plus, we still get to enjoy our beautiful ocean with its bobbing ships!

Table Mountain hides a lot during winter: Taken from imod.co.za

A local legend...

I would like to tell you a legend that many Capetonians hold dear to their heart. It is a legend that has been passed on down through the years and is still fondly shared today. It is the legend of Table Mountain’s snowy table cloth and where it came from. It is the legend of how Devil’s Peak got its name. It is the legend of Van Hunks and the Devil.

In summer months, the South Easter blows a cloud cover over Table Mountain, which has become fondly identified as its table cloth. It is a peculiar phenomenon and here is the legend that explains it...

Van Hunks and the Devil, taken from1horsetown.co.za

A retired pirate named Van Hunks (in some adaptations he is said to have been the fierce pirate Blackbeard) had had enough of the cruel seas and had decided to settle down in Cape Town with his wife. They lived in a little house at the base of Table Mountain and every sunny day Van Hunks would climb the mountain to the slope now known as Devil’s Peak to smoke his beloved tobacco as his wife could not handle the smell. He would light his pipe as he watched the boats in the harbour. He believed no one could smoke as much tobacco as he could.

One day he climbed to his favourite spot to find a stranger in a black cloak and wide-brimmed hat already sitting there. The stranger greeted him by name. Out of manners, Van Hunks decided to sit with the man and smoke his pipe. The stranger lit his own pipe with a flame conjured out of thin air. Van Hunks did not pay much attention.

The two men began to chat and soon an argument about who could smoke the most tobacco ensued. This led to a smoking competition between the two men. They smoked throughout that day, into the night and were still puffing away the next day. The clouds of smoke they created covered the mountain.

Soon the stranger started turning green and fell off his seat. His hat fell off, showing the two horns that were hiding under it. Van Hunks was delighted at beating the devil but his victory was short-lived.  The devil disappeared with Van Hunks and he was never seen again. Today when the cloudy table cloth covers Table Mountain, Capetonians will tell you that Van Hunks and the Devil are at it again. It is from this legend that the slope received its name, Devil’s Peak.

Table Mountain's table cloth taken from andrewcurrie.ca

Devil's Peak taken from pamgolding.co.za

Feeling Blue Peter?!

If you are visiting the Blouberg/Table View side of Cape Town, it is my recommendation that you visit the good old Blue Peter Hotel. This is the perfect place to sit down for a meal and sundowners, whilst enjoying the immaculate view of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Blouberg beach.  No other place can offer you such an enjoyable, casual environment and give you that “just-off-the-beach” feel.



Blue Peter front view.

In my opinion, Blue Peter has the best wood-fired pizzas around. Their Fish and Chips is also spectacular. In the summer months it is hard to find a seat but many people are content to place their bums on its large grass lawn to enjoy the sunset and vibe.  There is no dress code and no superficiality like other beach restaurants in Camps Bay. It is an awesome place for all family members to enjoy and perfect for those looking for a meal after building their appetites on the beach all day. Even pets are allowed!

The view of Table Mountain from the Blue Peter.

It is one of the oldest sites in Blouberg, dating back to the 19^th century when it was just a little tea room aptly called “The Springbok Café”. It has grown and developed into a beloved place for all locals and is constantly undergoing face-lifts to keep up with the ever-trendy Cape Town’s demands. It is reasonably priced and live music entertainment is offered on weekends. So what are you waiting for? Hop in the car with the whole family and come see what I am talking about!  



Sunset views from Blue peter's grass lawn.

Our natural wonder!

Let me just tell you that if you live in Cape Town or are just visiting and you haven’t been up Table Mountain, then you are missing out in a big way! Last week, when the weather was perfect, I made my mission to the cable car station and had a stunning day on my favourite mountain.

For so many Capetonians, Table Mountain symbolises home.  We see it every day in its flat-topped from, but rarely get to experience the beauty of the rest of Cape Town from a bird’s-eye-view.  A trip up Table Mountain in their state-of-the-art rotating cable car will cost you about R195 per person. Every cent is worth it. Just some advice; get there early to avoid long queues.

The trip in the cable car is pleasant. It can take 65 people up at a time. It rotates the whole ride up so that everyone gets to see our beautiful city. When you reach the top, you are in for the treat of your life. The views from the top will take your breath away.  You can view all of Cape Town from the top, from Camp’s Bay’s white beaches to the Green Point Stadium in miniature. The magnificence of the place we live in makes me proud to say I’m Capetonian! On a clear, sunny day, Cape Town looks like Never Never Land from this viewpoint!

If you haven’t been, make plans to go soon before we hit winter. It is no wonder that Table Mountain has been officially named as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world!

The rotating cable car.



Never Never Land :)



Camps Bay

Why the Mother City?

Ever wondered why Cape Town is called the Mother City? Well there are many suggestions as to where this affectionate name was derived from.

The most common reason is offered by accredited Cape Town tour guide, Selwyn Davidowitz, ““In the 1930's some unknown party wrote to the local Cape Town newspaper claiming that Cape Town was the only city in South Africa that could justly call itself a metropolis. The public took to this description and because the word metropolis is derived from the Greek derivation of meter or metros meaning mother and polis meaning city, the nickname of "Mother City" was born. Hence today we know our wonderful city as being the Mother City."

Many say that Capetonians are a laidback, relaxed people and that it takes nine months to get anything done here. A mother gives birth after nine months, hence the name.

Another reason, which I found quite hilarious, is that they say Cape Town is called the Mother City because of the local Cape coloured dialect. Yup, you guessed it, as in “Jou ma se....” (Your Mother).

I would say that Cape Town is the Mother City because of the power of its beauty to calm the soul and its ability to host its many diverse children. I love this place! As they say, “Home is where the heart is!”

Taken From: georginacombes.wordpress.com

A BIG problem!

I recently came across some information that I have to share with all of you. It is a large issue that is taking over  South Africa and focusing on Cape Town. This endemic continues to grow. This endemic is obesity. 

Recently South Africa was ranked as the third most obese nation in the world, with Cape Town as its fattest city by the 2010 GlaxoSmithKline National Health Survey. Obesity poses a threat to the development of individuals and in turn the country’s development. The results of this survey revealed that 61% of South Africans are overweight, obese or morbidly obese. In a regional breakdown, the survey revealed that Cape Town was the worst affected with 72% overweight, obese or morbidly obese people followed by Pretoria with 68%, Johannesburg with 59% and Durban with 52%.

The World Health Organisation’s website says that overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk for global deaths and that at least 2.8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight. The average life expectancy of a South African has dropped to 60 years as a result of obesity, which was labelled a chronic disease by the World Health Organization.

As you can see this is a big problem. We all need to start taking responsibility for our own healthy lifestyles. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. There is no excuse, especially with the two free gyms that have been built on the Sea Point Promenade and in Green Point Park! If you know nothing about being healthy then go consult Google. There is no reason for anyone to be so fat and unhealthy unless they have thyroid problems. Quite frankly, in my opinion, it is disgusting that anyone could let themselves get that big and unhealthy. It is almost as if they have a death wish. Let’s leave big to the whales in Hermanus!

Taken from thesecreasesdaily.blogspot.com

All four seasons in one day!

Wherever and whenever you go anywhere in Cape Town, it is important to be prepared. Why, you ask? Because the weather here is so damn unpredictable! Like nowhere else I have ever been, Cape Town can experience all four seasons in one day. You need to prepare yourself  for this so that the weather does not ruin your adventures in this lovely city.  Here are some tips on how to be prepared:

·        ALWAYS carry a jersey or jacket with you, even on extremely hot days.

·        Keep an umbrella in your boot.

·        Carry some sun block in your handbag or cubby hole.

·        A beach towel or blanket always comes in handy for those days when the clouds suddenly disappear and you are left with beach weather.

·        Always dress in layers on cool days so that you can just peel them off if it suddenly become hot.

In addition to these I have made it my personalised fashion statement to wear a scarf almost every day as it comes in useful when it’s cold, breezy or just to sit on when it’s hot enough to lounge outside! Happy adventures people!

Taken from kdp3016mpkt.blogspot.com

Cape Town's little slice of Greece

One of my favourite holiday destinations in Cape Town is Langebaan.  This little coastal town is called the “jewel of the West Coast” and for good reason. Langebaan is absolutely beautiful. An hour drive out of Cape Town and you will find yourself in a terrain very similar to that of Greece.  In fact, the terrain is so different that you don’t feel like you are in Cape Town anymore. Langebaan is bordered by the West Coast National Park and has a huge boat-friendly turquoise lagoon which flows into the ocean. One gets the best of both worlds.

Views from a beach bar.

Skatepark

It has everything you could possibly look for in a family holiday destination. One can take part in a multitude of outdoor activities such as kite surfing, boating, bird watching, fishing, game drives, horseback riding on the beach and  a fossil park visit. Other activities include shopping , partying at local pubs and dining at its many stunning restaurants. For kids there is a skatepark and a waterpark. There is even a casino for those who are feeling lucky. There is always something to keep you busy.

Wakeboarding on the Langebaan lagoon

I recommend that everyone tick Langebaan of their holiday list. It is a must! There is no doubt that you will return there again and again!

10 WOW Facts about Cape Town!

Cape Town is an awesome place as you must already know, but here are 10 fun facts that will make you appreciate it more:

1. Surfing is a popular sport in Cape Town and it organizes a Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing competition every year.
2. The headquarters of Naspers, which is the largest media company in Africa, are located in Cape Town.
3. The ‘Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour’, organized in Cape Town, is the largest individually timed cycle race in the world.
4. The average age in Cape Town is 26 years old, with almost half of the population less than 24 years old.
5. Cape Town has its own star constellation called Mons Mensa which means “Table Mountain”. It is the only constellation that represents a geological formation.
6. The strong, dry, persistent wind Capetonians experience between September and March is named the Cape Doctor as it clears away pollution in the Cape naturally.
7. Cape Town has three Blue flag beaches. It is was the first city outside of Europe to achieve blue beach status.
8. The Port of Cape Town is deemed to be one of the busiest shipping corridors in the world.
9. The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town is the oldest building in South Africa. It was built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India company.
10. It is the only city in the world situated on both the Indian and Atlantic ocean.

My beautiful Cape Town

Facts taken from:

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/facts-about-cape-town-3008.html
http://www.cape-town-family-holiday-magic.com/cape-town-south-africa.html
http://www.capetown-beach-vacations.com/interesting-facts-about-cape-town.html
http://rwrant.co.za/2010/03/26/10-facts-cape-town/

What a "tit" place!

Let’s face it, going away for the weekend these days is expensive! It’s petrol to get there, accommodation, food and entertainment for the family that ends up costing so much. However, a few weekends ago Cape Town presented yet another one of its jewels to me in the form of an affordable camping weekend. 

About two hours down the West Coast is a beautiful little place called Titties Bay. Funny name, I know, but it gets its name from a hill topped with a boulder that looks like a ... you guessed it! It is a nature reserve on the coast and offers campsites all along the beach.  R108 gets you a campsite for a night, which is cheap as it is not per person. The campsite I stayed at was clean, well-kept and had bathrooms.

There is so much to do. Free entertainment is offered through fishing, tanning, campfire stories, sand boarding, swimming  and observing nature. A walk to the lighthouse is also in order. Cape Town offers so many stunning camping destinations but I must say that Titties Bay has been my favourite so far! It really is a wonderful weekend away for the family or friends.

Where Titties Bay gets its name from.

Beautiful views. 

Amazing campsite.

To be a bird...

A few weeks back I was exploring Hout Bay and found myself  at the World of Birds. What a magical place it was! It is home to over 3000 birds of various species, monkeys, llamas, reptiles and other cute critters. All animals live in aviaries and enclosures that resemble their natural habitat. The World of Birds sanctuary has designed these enclosures in such a way that visitors can walk amongst the birds and not just see them through cages. The sanctuary looks after wounded and endangered birds and has many breeding programmes. it relies largely on visitors and donations to keep running.

It is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you have kids or simply just love nature.  I enjoyed seeing the eagles feeding on their prey, the playful monkeys  and the talking parrots. I even had the Honey Badger trying to steal our Creme Soda! There is a colourful assortment of creatures that will fascinate you for a good couple of hours. Tickets cost R75 for adults and R40 for children. It is a good day out for all!



A photo collage I created depicting my World of Birds experience.

 

Set your soul free at sunset...

Cape Town undoubtedly has some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. I don’t know if it is just me, but every time I behold a sunset over the ocean with Table Mountain’s orange silhouette looming in the background,  I find peace within. Sheer beauty I tell you! God’s canvas if you will.

I would say that the sunsets in Cape town are one of the many reasons to visit this magnificent city, but then again I may be slightly biased.  There is nothing better than sitting at your favourite beachfront spot and having a sun-downer. It really is therapy for the soul.



Some of the beautiful sunsets I have captured!





How hard is it to follow instructions?!

I am somewhat demanding and difficult  about the service I receive when eating out.  I believe that If I am paying for something, it needs to meet my expectations. I expect friendly service but the most basic thing I require from a waiter is the simple capability to follow instructions.

Cape Town has a general 50/50 split between good service and terrible service. I have experienced excellent service in places such as the V & A Waterfront and Camps Bay, but that is because it aimed tourists I guess.

I visit Eden On The Bay often. It is one of the most up and coming outdoor malls in Cape Town. It is situated in Blouberg, directly overlooking the ocean and Table Mountain. It offers everything from Pick n’ Pay to upmarket restaurants and clothing boutiques. All the restaurants are situated on a boardwalk that looks onto the bay. While you dine you can watch surfers frolic in the waves or behold spectacular sunsets. Restaurants include Moyo, Capellos and Ciao Baby to name a few. The prices at Eden On The Bay are reasonable, food delicious and the view magnificent. I would score it 10/10 if it weren’t for the incompetent service.

The last couple times I have eaten out there, I have had the misfortune of having a waiter or waitress who simply does not understand instructions or is affected by a language barrier.  How hard is it to understand “a glass of ice water with no lemon please” or “no green pepper in my salad please” or “bring me a takeaway box”? A child could understand and follow those instructions yet the staff at most of the restaurants at Eden On The Bay cannot.



I think it’s time to start being a bitch and complain or these places may be losing customers. To restaurant owners: remember, it is the locals who keep you warm in winter!



Eden on the Bay -Taken from urbika.com and bigbay.bz