Long, long ago, when the slides have been like to travel the seas, to discover new countries at the Cape was named “Cape of Storms”. Cape Town has a very interesting weather. Most of the time it is warm and sunny, but if the “Suidoos” (the local name for the very strong south-east wind) starts blowing, you have to keep everything you have.
Table Mountain is the best example of this unpredictable weather. One minute it is open and beautiful and the next minute the misty clouds bubbles come in. Within minutes a white tablecloth of clouds located at the top of the mountain.
But it does not matter how bad the weather, there is always something to do. A wide world of the city, surrounded by mountains on one side and the constantly changing ocean on the other side.
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (V & A): Very commersialised and expensive, but the overall deal. The lively atmosphere and energy is addictive. The aquarium is well worth seeing. If you have children, it is a must. It is a touch-area with a variety of plants, the sea can be contacted for an idea of the textures. Feeding times can the sharks, their lunch break. There are good restaurants and cafes for the hungry. In the designer shops, you can practically shop till you drop.
Bergen and “Mother City”: The cable car is an experience on its own, with a rotating bottom and if you have a wonderful view and come down the mountain. Phone ahead or check on the website, if the cable car to the top is. It is not always open. The weather can change in a second from the big to foggy and cloudy. At the summit there is a restaurant and a shop with a magnificent view.
Cape Town is rich in historic buildings that are worth a look and for large images. In the famous Castle of Good Hope, you will find examples of beautiful antique furniture. You can also experience the dark dungeons where prisoners were held. It is terribly cold, dark and small pitch. You can use a guide at the castle and get all the information about Jan van Riebeeck, the Van der Stel’s, Lady Anne Barnard and all those in the early years of the Cape.
There are also numerous historic churches. Take a ride through the city on a Sunday or Saturday afternoon to visit all these buildings. During normal business hours the streets are too busy to parking.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: Do not miss this. You can PEND a whole day and still not seen everything. They are only indigenous South African plants such as Protea, Fynbos, etc. It is a way to Table Mountain from the garden. We climb for a while, but it is quite steep and we had no idea how long it would take. I would not recommend unless you have all this information on hiking to the top of the mountain.
The weather can change very quickly and then it is dangerous to be anywhere on the mountain. On Sunday afternoon (late afternoon) in the summer you can attend concerts. It is a nice restaurant or bring your own picnic basket. Plenty of space for a picnic.
MALAY-quarters of the old Malay quarter, or as it is called today the Bo-Kaap is worthwhile to see. It is basically in the city. Drive in Wale Street Green Point. The area has been updated in many places and property prices are rising. It is comfortable and has a great atmosphere. The houses are in bright colors and festive appearance. Streets are still cobbled and narrow. From the top view of Cape Town is amazing.
Cape Point: Unlike some of the views is not where the two oceans meet. The actual meeting place is at the Agulhas. Nevertheless, Cape Point is an incredible experience. The last time we have Chapman’s Peak was due to rockfall and we have the way of the past Kommetjie and Scarborough. The whole area is a nature reserve. There are 2 200 different plant species to see, as well as many smaller animals. You can use the cable car to the point or a walk. It is a little steep rise, but doable. The view is absolutely amazing. Stop at the Dias cross in the reserve. There is a large stone cross out that his performance.
GREAT CONSTANTIA: The oldest winery
The history of the farm dates back to 1685, when it was granted the first Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, as an experimental farm for agricultural products. Van der Stel named the farm “Constantia” and the production of fruit and vegetables were the vessels mentioned in the chapter, you can taste and buy award-winning red and white wines in the cellars. There are daily wine tours, tasting and buying wine.
CLIFTON: The playground of the rich
Clifton is not for the fear of heights and narrow streets. The houses seem glued to the cliffs. You park on their roofs or so it seems. Each Owner of a house built here deserves a reward. Most of the houses are more than villas and houses are worth a few million. Clifton is best known for its beaches, but the water is still cold as the rest of the Cape waters.The small rock pools for children to play and not so cold. Unfortunately, it is also the ideal place for beach parties and some of these areas can be very dirty.
Chapman’s Peak: The view is worth paying the toll fee R22 on this path. You must not play the same way. From Noordhoek, you can use the Muizenberg way back to Cape Town. From Hout Bay back Landudno past Camps Bay and the other beautiful coastal road.
LIME BAY: A small town a few miles outside the city. The shopping is very different form that at the V & A. Here you will find individual artistic little shops each with its own character and style. If you have something out of the ordinary, away from mass production, you need to visit Kalk Bay main road. Cape to Cairo and Papagayo, but they are all worth a visit. The shops are so beautifully decorated and painted in vibrant colors. There are also beautiful art galleries, theaters and restaurants.
Sunset at Signal Hill:
Instead of the cable car up to turn right and drive up Signal Hill. Beautiful sunset.
CENTURY CITY: Century City is a bit out of town, near Milnerton. It is a beautiful center, with every shop you can think of. Less than designer boutiques at V & A and of course, not so expensive. The MTN Science Center is a hit with children. You can use a family card and spend the whole day there. You will receive a stamp on the hand and may, in and out as you like. Make sure that you are in the “Camera Obscura” session. It works with mirrors, and even if you are inside the building you can see the reflections of the cars to move, the movement of water in the channels and what happens outside. All other mall, there are things like movies, places to eat, many chain stores etc, etc. ….
Other restaurants CAPE TOWN BLUES
Sit outside with a beautiful view over the beaches of Camps Bay and the very busy and interesting street runs directly on the sea. You see everything from a Ferrari at the beginning of the field to a “gedaan” (running) Taxi, a luxury tour bus to an old Beetle. The menu offers seafood, pasta and a few goodies like grilled hamburgers, lamb ribs, steak, etc. Nice cocktails and wines. Excellent service.
MARINER’s Wharf (Hout Bay)
It is a beautiful area for a top sit-down meal with spectacular decorations. It opens at 12 in the afternoon. If you are hungry to wait, go to the open space in the basement. Get a box of real fish and chips and have a feast.
FARMSTALL, Noordhoek, on the other side of Chapman’s Peak Noordhoek is. The Farmstall has all the traditional South African cakes and pastries, such as scones and milk tart.
This is but the tip of the iceberg, and only some of the most exciting places to visit. Discover and feel like slides with each new discovery.
To the journey to create more works in your mind and to dust, if the memories are.
Africa fill that canvas with extraordinary sunsets, stormy seas, colorful people and lush forests to treasure for eternity. See the magical images and discussion of African places that your ideas of Africa forever.
Thursday, 2. July 2009
Fun and excitement is the name of the game when you go on picnics. It is definitely wise to save for the rainy days, considering the current economy. Picnics are one way to help you save a little bit of money while having fun.. Not to mention, that kids love to be outdoors all the time. It’s a perfect combination.