So I've finally come around to writing about my trip to Cape Town. Would you believe me if I said it was the most beautiful place on earth? Would you believe me if I said that even an entire week was not enough to see and do all the things that this wonderful city had to offer?
After spending a week in Zulu land I was dying to see civilization again. Time constraints meant we had to choose between Johannesburg and Cape Town and I am glad we chose Cape Town. It is the most perfect combination of the ocean, mountains and valleys. What an amazing location for a city. The backdrop of Table Mountain and the amazing coastline made for a picturesque setting. We stayed in one of the smaller towns called Gordon's Bay in a charming B&B. Every morning we woke up to a spectacular view of the Bay and a traditional English breakfast. All the people who meditate or get away for the weekend should just come here, I thought.
The history of Cape Town was as complex and multicultural as the rest of the country. We spent the first day walking around all the historic buildings in the city and going to the museums. Cape Town had a long history of being a pit stop for the slave trade and the resulting diversity is apparent. Cape culture was a mix of Afrikaans, Malay, Indian and British. The beautiful Victorian architecture reminded me of visiting the Victoria Memorial in Calcutta. I immediately felt at home. A rainy next day meant a beautiful drive across wine country. Stellenbosch did not disappoint. Four years of visiting Napa and Sonoma had jaded me for this trip. The wineries were beautiful, almost quaint with a certain English charm and manner. Every tasting was exquisitely laid out. I was quiet impressed with the South African chardonnays and thrilled that they were not the buttery whites that seemed to have invaded California.
Wineries in Stellenbosch
Each day exceeded the previous in beauty and diversity. Our days were spent taking in such outstanding natural beauty and our nights were occupied with elegant dinners, cocktails and city strolls. The food was on par with anything I had eaten in SF and NYC, especially one particular tapas place that did a curry with papad. I love it when there is an Indian twist! We also did a grand High Tea service at one of the oldest hotels in the city, Mount Nelson. Suffice it to say that we skipped dinner that night. Rooibos, the local bush tea was interesting and a welcome change from my regular Assam tea.
High Tea
Our last day was filled with panoramic views of the city, mountains and ocean from Table Mountain. One of the oldest ranges in the world, it had its own unique ecosystem with flora, fauna and organisms found nowhere else. One can spend an entire day at the top just digesting all the views. We had to leave, in order to watch the penguins waddle on the beach. Penguins! Really! It was mating season and the beach was littered with mama penguins and their young. I couldn't believe I was looking at so many of them in their natural habitat. The picture of penguins and snow has been permanently erased from my mind. At least, till I make it to Antarctica (the husband has every intention of taking me there).
On Top of the World
I wish I knew more superlatives to describe the natural beauty of Cape Town. You will just have to make it there some day to see it with your own eyes.
Penguins
