The last couple of days in Cape Town have been phenomenal... I managed to keep myself up the first day and head into the city using a mini-taxi bus which is of itself quite an interesting experience. Basically white vans that can carry about 10+ people or as many as can be forced in while still being able to shut the sliding door... they go back and forth from major destinations in the city, the driver and money collector/sales pitch man yell out to passersby who might be potential riders, they pull over anywhere if you want to get in and drop you off anywhere along their route for the low low price of about R6 or roughly 70 cents CAD. Although they can be sketchy for the most part they are a very effective alternative to taxi cabs. I used my first ride to go into town and visit my offices where I'll be working for the next 6 months- PMG or the Parliamentary Monitoring Group (www.pmg.org.za). I was introduced to the office staff and given a tour of the offices- everyone seems very nice and I'm really looking forward to starting work on Tuesday...
 |
| This is work for the next 6 months- South African Parliament House |
 | |
Last night I went out to Cafe Africa with 9 other new friends from all over the world, a restaurant in the city where you get a smorgasbord of African food from across the continent and you share it communally at your table... the staff paint your face and after the meal they come and dance and sing for you! A spectacular time with really friendly people and amazing food! After dinner we went out to Long Street- the main strip for bars and clubs in Cape Town... went dancing and had a few drinks with new friends but didn't stay out too late because this morning I had to get up at 0630 to go climbing!! It an absolutely perfect day for it... we left the hostel at 0700 and went to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens... the morning was chilly and very misty but I went well prepared for the climb and packed some layers and a good amount of water. We climbed up through Skeleton's Gorge on the southern face of Table Mountain through a wooded area next to a small stream and some waterfalls... It took roughly 2hr30min to summit at 1087m with a team of 5 including Nyasha our guide and a great new friend. After going for a run yesterday along the river in Obs it was great to keep up the fitness today... feeling really motivated after all this inspiring scenery and meeting some really great people. Big thanks go out to Renata for the recommendation to stay at the Green Elephant, fantastic spot to meet new people and have a time! Definitely recommend to all newcomers to CPT!! As well Obs is a terrific spot for an initiation into life in Cape Town- very chilled vibe and excellent cafes for food and drinks....Back to Table Mountain- the scenery and view from the top is completely and all-encompassingly breathtaking! By far one of the best things I have done lately! Just so nice to spend the day outside in nature surrounded by startling landscapes and panoramic views...
Tomorrow I am off on another adventure to the southern-most point on the African continent- the Cape of Good Hope!
No comments:
Post a Comment