Unless you are planning to go out to The Wine-lands or drive around Cape Point, you can easily get about on a scooter. There are plenty scooter hire places. Parking and traffic problems instantly disappear. The only preclusion to using a bike is cold or wet weather. The bike is slippery on wet tar and being cold and wet makes me very grumpy.
One experience well worth trying is a visit to a health spa or beauty salon. Prices here are usually very good. Romney Spa, corner Hill and High Level Roads have a flotation tank. Most of the top end hotels have spas but their prices are top end too. There are plenty of spas and salons all over Cape Town. Yellow Pages lists most of them and if you go walkabout you’re sure to find plenty.
If you are travelling on a budget then try the International Day Spa. It’s where the students get to practice on bodies under the auspices of their tutors. You can even get cut price laser treatments there. And why not return home a more pampered version of yourself. You deserve it.
Cape Town is a malaria free area. It’s not really safari territory but you can still have a wild animal experience by taking a shortish trip inland where they have malaria free game farms. The Tourism offices at Burg Street in the city and at the Waterfront have piles of brochures. You will be spoiled for choice.
I know people who have had awful reactions to the new generation of anti-malarial drugs. It’s a catch 22 situation because you are advised to take them, but you could end up ruining your holiday if you are one of the unlucky people who reacts badly to the drug.
The standard of accommodation is usually very good in South Africa. Our B and B is almost back to back full for the Soccer World Cup. However I am sure you can still find accommodation. Try visiting the websites of Web Reservations International, A A Travel, Sleeping-Out, Safari Now, Travel Selection or Reservations Africa.
The first match in Cape Town is a week today!
Picture – Bedroom Cape Coast Views
Well look what we have! Our very own London Eye. Except it’s a Cape Town Eye. You will find it at the entrance to the V and A Waterfront. This one is probably not as tall as it’s older cousin in the UK, but the views are going to be fabulous. Let’s hope it stays up.
Cape Town is sometimes called the second city of light and the vista of twinkling lights at night will be breathtaking from this Ferris wheel. I sometimes treat myself to a drive along Signal Hill Road, on my way home from a night out, so I can gaze at the city lights.
Africa doesn’t always get a good rap in the press and is often judged harshly by western countries. A nice newsletter to read or subscribe to is – Africa, The Good News. It’s not all despots and tribal wars here. The simplicity of life in Africa can be refreshing in contrast to the gotta-have-it-all culture of wealthier nations.
Where to shop and what to buy in Cape Town?
The main shopping malls are – The V and A Waterfront in the city; Cavendish Square in the near south and Canal Walk in the near north. They feature more or less the same merchandise available all over the world – decor, clothing, foods, etc. Plus cafes, cinemas and the usual extras one would find in a mall. Same old stuff.
My preference is toward the more interesting and unusual. So Long Street and Greenmarket Square (in picture) are where I would go. Explore the edgy decor shops and funky fashion boutiques. You should find a vintage clothing shop or two and and antique traders. If you are fit enough, and walk all the way up Kloof Street, near the top is Stock Exchange. They trade in second hand designer clothing. Look out for Wellness Warehouse on the way up Kloof Street. They are packed full of organic and eco-friendly merchandise. Maybe take in an organic buffet breakfast or lunch while you are there?
Should you have free time on a Sunday then wander around the Green Point flea market for gifts for the family. The Red Shed and the Blue Shed at the V and A Waterfront are indoor craft markets, so you can still shop if the weather is rubbish. Do invest in Environ skin care products. They were developed by a local plastic surgeon and are very affordable here. Environ has cult status amongst A-list celebrities abroad. Your skin will thank you.
These poster boards are put up to help people identify our local fauna. This particular board can be found along The Promenade in Sea Point. There are different ones. They explain more about whales and whatever is of interest wherever you happen to be.
Whales are not so easy to spot because they look like rocks in the sea. But a tell tale sign is water blowing up from their backs. Rocks don’t do that. We get whales this side but they are more frequently seen in False Bay, which is the warm water side of the mountain. They can come up close. They roll about and flick their fins and tails in the air.
Sea gulls are impossible to miss and if you are hoping to have a picnic on the grass in Sea Point. Be prepared to share. They swoop down and pinch your food so fast. In fact in no time a huge amount of them will be hovering about. Even the restaurants along the coast have to chase them away. They eye you out, ever hoping to steal some of what is on your plate. An excellent pocket guide on all that is natural in Cape Town is available from SA National Parks. It’s called Mountains in the Sea.
