Cape Town

From the top of Table Mountain

It rained in Cape Town - for most of the 4 or so days that we were there.  Rain in Cape Town in late April is unseasonable, the weather was also a lot colder than what is usual - although it was still warmer than our travels on the trans mongolian.  As such, our down jackets have continued to be employed on most days.

Cape Town is geographically stunning - nestled between mountains and the ocean, the city centre has a cosy feeling to it.  Highlights for any trip to Cape Town include a cable car up to the top of Table Mountain (about 1000m above sea level), a ferry trip to Robben Island (where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela have been locked up), and cage diving with sharks.  Unfortunately, all of these events are weather dependent and we were only managed to squeeze in the first (cable car up Table Mountain).



But the weather provided the perfect excuse to take it easy for a few days and enjoy the hotel that Jen had booked for us - which was the same price as our last night's stay in a hostel, but worlds-apart in comfort.

Beach houses on the Coast

Wide angle of the same Coast - Atlantic Ocean on the right

This guy was happy to pose for photos at the top of Table Mountain

However, notwithstanding the picturesque nature of the city and the visible wealth and luxury adorning those who 'have', the legacy of apartheid remains in an almost visible racial tension.  It was hard to feel safe in Cape Town.  People would aggressively beg for money and give you a funny look as you passed.  Properties were lined by high fences that were either electrocuted, barbed or spiked (sometimes with broken bottles that were set into the concrete).  I didn't feel like taking out the camera or  stopping much feeling safer only in the momentum of a fast-paced walk.  The whole town would also shut down at dusk, so all of the shops and transport would finish at about 6pm.

After 4 days or so of pampered relaxation, we joined our overland tour.  We were in for a shock!