Cape Town

Nov 17

South Africa is one of the most unique and majestic places on earth. It has gotten a bad rap on so many different levels; some deserved, others exaggerated.

It’s official name is the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and it is geographically situated at the very south of Africa. It is 471,445 square miles of mountains, exotic animals, beaches and scenery unlike anywhere else in the world. 60 million people call South Africa home including 20% white, 70% black and they have had a wicked past and present sharing this land. They have had extreme racism for hundreds of years and now it has switched the other direction and retaliation racism is prevalent. They are searching for an identity and how to move forward in the present. Nelson Mandella was one of the greatest men South Africa has ever known and if his vision is followed…….. they should end up in great shape.

The Flights

South Africa seemed like a dream that would never happen. I remember flying from Lambert in St. Louis to Dulles International in Washington D.C. and going thru TSA, getting some food, snacks and one last book. It was not until I got to gate B37 and saw my plane and the flight on the billboard that it actually sank in that it was really happening.

You have to mentally prepare yourself for what is about to happen. Even as a veteran traveler it seemed intimidating STL to DC then DC to Johannesburg, the on to Cape Town. That is 26 hours in the air of which 20 is nonstop.

Throw in the shuffling around stress and wow, only the strong survive!

Cape Town

Cape Town- The Waterfront

Its called the waterfront for obvious reasons. Its shops, foods and entertainment. You don’t need to spend a lot of time in this tourist zone but you do need to go and see it.

Table Mountain

This is the main attraction and backdrop for the city. It is beautiful and everything I imagined it would be. It is great to look up to from the city and it is great to be up on and look down from.

Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood

This is a historic Cape Town neighborhood characterized by brightly painted houses and a unique local culture. Most easily accessed on foot, follow Wale Street in the direction of Signal Hill, to the narrow cobbled streets and brightly painted Cape Dutch-infused Edwardian style houses.

Hire a Tour Guide

It sounds like a cliche and brings images of a large bus full of loud people taking pictures and asking irrelevant questions. Can I make a suggestion…..

Get one local expert that will chauffeur you around, get you to the front of line, teach you everything you need to know from a local perspective. This is a no-brainer and will pay for itself.

We found Jack was an absolute professional. He was a gentleman, extremely intelligent and first-class.

Taj Cape Town

An argument can be made that where you stay doesn’t matter because how much time will you spending in your room and that is fair. My rebuttal is you need to rest, you need to recharge your batteries (both your devices and your brain) and you are on vacation meaning this time was well deserved and precious.

Stay somewhere exceptional……the Taj hotel is exceptional and when I am in Cape Town this is my hotel of choice. https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/taj-cape-town/