I have to admit, I was completely impressed with Cape Town. What a great city filled with fantastic scenery, super friendly people and a very cool vibe all together. From the minute we landed I knew we were in store for a good time!
The Hills Are Alive....!
We arrived and checked into the Westin Grand Cape and immediately headed out to check out the scene. Michael and I were wiped from the time change and flight so just ran over to the Waterfront for a quick bite to eat. Waterfront reminded me of Balboa/Newport Beach type tourist area, but were able to find some awesome jazz and a decent meal before we quickly fell into a coma and headed back to the hotel to grab some shut eye.
View from on top of Table Mountain
When we woke up we were blown away! Cape Town is a beautiful city, situated at the base of Table Mountain. Table Mountain apparently is about to be inducted into one of the natural wonders of the world. An amazing sight to see! HUGE shear cliffs leading down to the sprawling city of Cape Town…the pictures don’t do it justice.
Table Mountain
We’re meeting back up with Brandon and CJ today for 4 days, but Michael and I take in the city a bit before they get in. The museums and gardens are stunning. It’s also very clear to see this is still a city suffering from post apartheid issues. We were able to see some very powerful exhibits at a few museums in town…The Slave Lodge Museum and the National Gallery that is now housing a celebration of S. Africa’s 4 Nobel Prize winners. Very cool exhibit.
Then we took off toward Long Street to soak up a little local color. Great little cafes, shopping and outdoor markets selling everything from jewelry to African tribal masks….fun stuff. We then met up with Brand on and CJ for a cocktail to toast our next adventure. Over the next few days we experienced everything Cape Town has to offer. The beauty of Table Mountain, the delicious local food and the friendly people all together made for an amazing trip, but a couple quick highlights have to be Camps Bay and Franschauk, the wine region of S. Africa.
Long Street, Cape Town
Camps Bay is S. Africa’s Miami. Beautiful people, stunning beaches and gorgeous homes flowing down to a breathtaking beach community. We were able to snag a front table at a great little seaside restaurant right on the strip. We enjoyed cocktails and appetizers before heading back to Cape Town for the night. A pretty amazing little corner of the world.
Camps Bay-Lunch On The Beach
The next day, Michael and I took off early to explore the wine region. I can’t even start to explain the beauty!! Picture the most picturesqe area of Napa and/or Sonoma and place them at the base of huge mountains and rock cliffs. I’ve never seen anything like it. We spent the day driving around Franschauk tasting wine, eating MORE fantastic food and playing tourist. Another great day!
Franschauk Vinyard
Enjoying the vinyards of Franschauk!
I was taken out of commission for a day after eating something a little dicey, but all better now and on our way to Bangkok.
A little under the weather
Cheers to S. Africa for providing us with an amazing adventure. From our safari at Sambambili to our touring of Cape Town and all it has to offer…it has been a great vacation and one that will be remembered for a long time!
Farewell Cape Town!!
Farewell!!
Stay tuned for Bangkok updates.
Hugs to you all!
Brad and Michael
