The start of another adventure in SA (Southern Africa): Cape Town

I wasn't sure whether or not I would like Cape Town, but it is a great little city.  Everyone seems happy, it's well developed, and stuff is cheap!  That the pound is strong at the moment against the dollar certainly helps, but buying food here is much more affordable than in any of the Latin American countries I visited last year except perhaps Bolivia.   Coffee ranges from 10 to 34 Rand in all the tourist places I have visited.  Ok, I did only arrive 36 hours ago or so, but with an exchange rate of 23 Rand to the £1 that is cheap.  Wonder what the price is like away from the city centre?  Walked up the main street last night, Long Street, and there were policemen on every block so it obviously is not as safe as it feels, much as over in South America.  There are no dogs here though .... they were everywhere in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.  Don't think I've seen one since I arrived here ...

Table top mountain looms above me everywhere I go ... I've even got a view of it from my hostel bedroom but it is cloudy up there at mo.  Plan to take the cable car there before I leave.

(View from hostel bedroom on cloudy day)

Am surprised how small this central part of Cape Town is, the "city bowl".  There is an unpretentious castle and a few small museums, a small flower market and a lot of places to eat.  The main government square was deserted today.  In fact the only place I could describe as busy is The Company's Gardens, about 4 blocks worth of really beautiful areas reminiscent of Kew Gardens ... lots of cool places to sit under jungle type foliage and plenty of exotic flowers and plants.  It was originally built in the 17th century by the East India Trading Company (by slaves) for the "people of Cape Town", presumably for the whites although I could not get anyone to confirm that.  A little ironic given recent events but no surprise that the central statue in this square was none other than Cecil Rhodes!

There is a lot more going on at the Victoria and Alfred waterfront about half an hour's walk from the centre of town.  It is busy busy busy.  Lots of smart shops, hundreds of harbour side eateries and touristy things to do.  Spent most of the afternoon wandering around it today .... really enjoyed its sunny and bustling ambience.  Had a steak and a Sauvignon Blanc in a posh place with a view.  Got my Dior sunglasses out for that one!   I really enjoyed sitting and watching some of the harbour life ... the location and wine did not disappoint; steak could have been better but can't complain ... even in this comparatively upmarket location it all only came to £8.

Booked a ticket to go to Robben Island tomorrow, something that has just got to be done.  Will try and get up cable top mountain too but it's looking a bit cloudy at the mo!  Lots of things to look forward to.  22 days of camping and overland truck in the African heat!