A Day About (Cape) Town

Sunday December 12th.

Today I decided to stay in Cape Town and see a couple of the local sites as well as pick up a couple of things I need for my tour. I started my walking tour by heading towards Green Point Stadium, which is where the World Cup Final was held. Then I went to the Green Point Flea Market, where I got a peak at all the African souvenirs they are going to be trying to get me to buy. Actually there are lots of interesting things, masks, bowls, prints and the like, but I'm not into buying things I have to lug around. Plus I've already got a house full of stuff!

Then I walked to the water's edge at Green Point and followed the rugged shoreline to the V&A Waterfront. This a beautiful and touristy area full of shops, restaurants, ships and tours. I just wandered around for awhile. Went to a bookstore but still can't find Marching Powders. Then I took a ride on a large ferris wheel to get an aerial view. Had a bite to eat and then shopped at a local shop similar to Mountain Equipment Co-Op (MEC). I bought a pair of small binoculars, a sleeping bag and a waterproof bag. Then I went to the Aquarium. It's beautiful with lots of tanks of amazing local fish and sea life. They have a really large tank full of predator fish that you can actually book to dive in! They had penguins and frogs too. Great place.

Then I came back to the hostel and changed for a trip to the beach. I took one of the local minivans that are used mainly by the blacks, for 5 rand (less than a dollar) to Clifton Beaches. There are a series of five beaches divided by rocks. Absolutely beautiful, white sand, turquoise surf and lots of people enjoying a sunny, hot day one the first weekend of their summer holidays. I stayed there for a couple of hours. I got wet, but didn't swim much because the water is cold!

Took a minibus back again. This time it was much more exciting. It slowed but didn't stop as I was told to get in the front with the driver. He told me I ran slower than his grandma! Then there was an argument between the driver and a woman passenger. They dissed each other a lot. Then another guy got in the front and I was jammed in between him and the driver. The driver and his assistant, who opens the side door and collects fares, were yelling at lots of people on the street. Then when I told him I wanted to get off at Green Point, he told me he's slow to 20km and I could jump out! I asked what do I do with the guy beside me.. he said he didn't care! It was all in good fun, but a bit nuts at the same time.

In the evening I walked to the Waterfront area and had dinner, seafood curry and a beer, at the Cape Town Fish Market.