How many “edges of the world” are there? A whole bunch, if you ask me. I’ve visited a number of them already, but I’ve never been to the end of the world that feels so much like home! Yes, I’m about 10,000 miles removed from California, but everything around me looks, feels and tastes just like the Golden State.
The rugged beautiful Atlantic Coast of South Western Africa reminds me of the equally beautiful and stormy Pacific Coast, somewhere in Big Sur. Cape Town is surrounded by hundreds of great “wine farms” and “wine estates”, which are not too different from our own Central Coast and Napa Valley wineries. They produce the most wonderful whites and reds, which rarely exceed the price of $10 – $15 per bottle.
Many wonderful restaurants in Cape Town are situated along its picturesque Water Front, which is similar to San Francisco’s piers, and the local food reminds me of our own fresh and tasty California cuisine. Although, don’t be surprised to see some strange items on the local menu, such as springbock (an antelope), crocodile, ostrich stew, etc.
Good looking people are jogging along the wide clean boulevards, the air is fresh, the flowers are blooming and the sky is bright blue… Why, am I at home? No, I am not and there were many good reasons to travel more than 16,000 km to get here!
One reason is to take a breathtaking drive to the legendary Cape of Good Hope. Entire families of wild ostriches calmly walk along and across the roads, allowing you a perfect photo opportunity. Drive to the end of the road and take an easy hike up the Cape Point to admire the magnificent Atlantic Ocean and its equally beautiful coast line.
It seems that everywhere you go around Cape Town you’re never too far from the local signature attraction – The Table Mountain. If the weather gods smile at you, then take a short cable car ride to the top and enjoy the amazing view, which may consist of either a crystal clear panorama of the city and beaches below or the snowy-white cloud cover laying at your feet.
Drive a dozen miles in another direction and walk among African penguins peacefully suntanning in sandy dunes, just a few meters away from you. And, of course, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch in a modern restaurant situated on a picturesque cliff. Many whales and dolphins are known to be swimming just along the coast line so keep your eyes on the blue sea as you sip the cool Chenin Blanc.
A lot has been said about personal security in S. Africa and I must say that the locals are taking this issue very seriously. There is a small army of private security guards strategically positioned on every corner in the tourist and business areas. You can’t help but notice that virtually every wall features a few rows of either electrified or razor wire. At any rate, no one in our group has experienced any unfortunate first-hand incidents and the local guides seem to shrug off any mentioning of crime. “Just be careful”, they say, “Just like in any other large city”.
And now, onward and forward to the real Africa and its wild animals!
See the Cape Town Photo Album
Keep on traveling,
Lenka info@lenkatraveler.com
Wonderful travelogue! I can’t wait to read more. it sounds so amazingly beautiful! Thanks for sharing!