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/