CAPETOWN TRAVELOGUE

LEAVING Cape Town International Airport, we are greeted by a breathtaking sight- the iconic Table Mountain looming in the distance, its dark silhouette seemingly cloaked in mist. Yet, as we drew closer, the mountain revealed itself, its flat-topped summit standing proudly against the sky.

Our journey into Cape Town offered a glimpse into the city’s diverse landscape. 

The drive revealed a contrast of dense residential areas where houses seemed to merge into one another, their divisions unclear from a distance. 

Clean roads led us through the town center bustled with life, on one side characterised by a dense network of rail lines, branching off in various directions like arteries of connectivity, contrasted sharply with the makeshift shelters of homeless individuals (squatters) who have crafted makeshift homes from cardboard and boxes, transforming humble materials into shelters they proudly call home.

Venturing further into Cape Town, the vibrant pulse of the city became clear. The contrast of street vending amidst the busy urban landscape was a sight to behold, with vendors seamlessly conducting their business just outside established shops, all against a backdrop of surprising cleanliness in their surroundings.

The towering buildings stood as silent custodians along different streets, their narrow aspect demarcating the busy routes, seemingly so alive with everyone navigating their routines. 

As the clock struck 17:00, the city-view transformed, with workers beginning to trickle out of offices, joining the crowds of other residents navigating the rush hour traffic and some striving to catch public transport to their respective destinations.

As we made our way towards our first accommodation, located atop Signal Hill, the sense of community became clear. Buildings stood close together, creating a maze of streets that seemed to wind endlessly. Yet, from the viewpoint of our hillside retreat, we could see the entire city spread out below us, a composition of life and activity.

On our first day, we ventured down to Victoria and Alfred (V&A) waterfront, home of numerous restaurants.

Our taxi driver proved to be a delightful conversationalist, offering insightful commentary on South African history and accounts about life in Cape Town, ensuring our journey was as informative as it was enjoyable. “The Khoi people, some of the first inhabitants of the Cape, they migrated towards the Cape Peninsula around 2000 years ago,” he explained.

As evening descended, the clock nearing 19:00, daylight lingered as if reluctant to bid farewell. Yet as the hour neared 20:00, the fading light signaled the onset of nightfall. 

However, despite the coldness, the waterfront was alive with activity, resonating with harmonious melodies of music, lively chatter, seagulls flying overhead, their keen eyes scanning for any opportunity to swoop down and snatch from unsuspecting diners’ plates and the gentle harm of boats gliding across the water, adding to the enchanting ambience of the evening.

Driving back to our hillside retreat, the distant lights atop Table Mountain resembled stars in the sky. Along the way, the sight of cars parked on the sidewalks spoke to the city’s limited parking spaces, with residents placing their trust in the roadside as a convenient alternative.

On Wednesday morning, we set out for a stroll from our second accommodation at Taj Cape Town, situated on Wale Street, in the Central Business District (CBD). 

Here, amidst the activity, lies the Company’s Garden along Government Avenue. This green haven often referred to as the city’s green lung by the locals, is believed to be the oldest garden in South Africa. Originally cultivated to supply fresh produce for the area and replenish ships passing the southern tip of Africa, it now serves as a sanctuary for relaxation, shaded by ancient trees and home to small animals like squirrels and birds.

Along the oak-tree-lined Government Avenue is a pedestrian zone busy with life, vendors carried on with their daily business, while Mr Wanda, a local resident and artist, sat at the entrance of the Company’s Garden, his creative spirit adding to the charm of the surroundings.

“It is a conducive and peaceful environment for conducting business,” he said. “People from all walks of life come to relax and on their way out they buy some of my paintings. However, during parliamentary sessions, trading is prohibited, although the park remains accessible to the public.”

Across the garden stands St George’s Cathedral, a historic landmark, with the Arch and the Slave Lodge in close proximity. Adjacent to the main entrance, the houses of Parliament loom large, their elegance visible from Government Avenue.

We strolled through Spin Street, once known for its role in the slave trade now transformed into a tourist attraction.

The proximity of facilities in the CBD seemed almost carefully planned during the city’s construction. 

The prevalence of smoking among residents was widely evident, with designated areas specifically catering to this habit. 

Before leaving Cape Town, a visit to the Table Mountain was a must, as it shadows over the city like a silent guardian. Its commanding presence is everlasting, casting a noble shadow across the skyline and providing a serene backdrop for any photograph.

Driving along Kloof Nek Road, our view of Table Mountain was slightly covered by a huge cloud enveloping its peak. Ascending the mountain in a zigzagging pattern, upon reaching the top, we were greeted by refreshing winds and slight cold temperatures. From this point, Cape Town spread out below us, with the Atlantic Ocean crashing against its shores, and cargo ships dotting the view.

Pushing through Table Mountain National Park, we encountered the iconic Lion’s Head rock formation, resembling the profile of a lion’s head, and the Signal Hill, named for its historical significance in marine navigation. Today, a daily noon gunshot echoes from its highest point at exactly 12:00, signaling the passage of time.

Atop Signal Hill, the Atlantic Ocean stretched endlessly before us, with Robben Island visible in the distance- a reminder of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration for 17 years. The Green Point Stadium, where the 2010 FIFA World Cup was held, added to the scenic view of great historic importance.

Driving through the exclusive suburb of Camps Bay, we marveled at the luxury homes lining the shore and the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Along Victoria Road, Camps Bay Beach is busy with activity, its shops, restaurants, and businesses lively.

A heartfelt moment awaited us as we encountered the giant sun-glasses placed on a patch of grass along the sea point, angled in the direction of Robben Island, a symbolic tribute to Nelson Mandela’s resilience during his imprisonment on the Island.

Our exploration concluded at the Green Market Square, where tourists perused the array of curio crafts, jewelry, and clothing, each telling a story of Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage.

As our time in Cape Town drew to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible experiences I had encountered.

On a Thursday afternoon, ascending to an altitude of 35,000 feet aboard Proflight, we soared above the vast of the Atlantic Ocean, bidding farewell to the shimmering coastline and the memories it held. With each passing moment, the familiar views gradually faded, swallowed by the endless stretch of ocean below.