As we head off to Namibia tomorrow morning, we offer you a few thoughts on our week in Cape Town. Monday we wandered the town getting our travel legs and trying to come to terms with the fact that we didn’t have to go to work – it wasn’t that hard.
Tuesday we woke up early and made our way to Robben Island to see where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner for 18 of the 27 years he was incarcerated. It was quite moving to be guided through the prison by an ex-political prisoner. Tuesday afternoon we headed up Table Mountain – an absolute must for anyone planning on visiting Cape Town, although an absolute don’t for anyone who hates heights.
Wednesday morning we took a tour of Langa Township – the closest Township to the city of Cape Town at a population of 250,000. We were unsure as to whether we wanted to participate in a tour like this one fearing that it would almost be like going on a human safari. We did feel a little intrusive, but what we learned from walking through this Township was tremendous. The poverty was heartbreaking and the warmth of the people and children was quite overwhelming…
Wednesday night was when our trip took a turn for the energetic and exciting. Ian’s second cousin Elizabeth picked us up from our hostel and has treated us to 4 days of good food, wine and crazy stories. She is quite honestly one of the most fascinating people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Thursday was terrible weather so we headed to the Museum and Planetarium. In the evening Elizabeth took us to dinner at her son Johnny’s house and then to a comedy festival where some of South Africa’s best comedians performed, including a friend of the family’s. We didn’t understand half the jokes, but laughed anyway.
Friday we left Elizabeth behind and headed to wine country. From 10am until 5pm we drank wine and brandy with Canadians, Aussies, Americans, some crazy drunk Dutch guy and a woman from New Zealand. We had a blast and Ian got blasted!
Today we had the most wonderful day driving along the coast line and coming face to face with African Penguins. Boulder Beach has a huge colony of penguins which anyone can come and visit in their natural habitat. We followed that with a trip to a theatre in Camp Bay to watch the musical Chess.
Tomorrow we leave for Namibia. The bus departs at 10am and we arrive in the capital Windhoek at 6am.
Smooches,
G & I
