Fleeting Getaway - Cape Town, South Africa

Towards the end of 2014, I spontaneously planned a trip with my aunt and sister to Cape Town. This was the first time, since graduating from university, that my sister and I were going on a holiday together - which made it cool :D.

Cape Town..............

I was not totally taken in by Cape Town. Many have said Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. However, it did not take my breath away. It also felt like I was in a warmer Europe, and not in the African continent. We should have gone to Johannesburg too - next time!

However, the 3 things that are indelible are:

1) Great White Shark Cage Diving - in Gansbaai (2-hour drive from Cape Town)

This is definitely an experience! The only upsetting thing is that I thought it would be like the ones shown on Discovery Channel or National Geographic.

Like this

It was ACTUALLY this:

The cage is attached to the side of the boat. Nevertheless, it was thrilling! 

The water was freezing cold: 12 degrees Celsius. When in the cage, underwater, it takes exceptionally powerful core strength to stabilise oneself. 

I was all over the place - trying to stabilise myself, holding on to the cage for help, but then quickly letting go because my fingers were outside the cage - the shark may bite anything out of the cage! All this frenzy in the icy Atlantic Ocean! 

Then, I saw this huge whitish/ greyish fish swimming towards me. I saw its eyes - a shark! It swiftly swam away - about an inch from the cage. Oh my lord - to see god's creation like that, up-close, in its natural habitat - PHENOMENAL!

Sis and I in our suits, ready to go in

2) Kalk Bay - a cosy, picturesque coastal town, outside Cape Town. 

We explored this cute town on the way to Cape of Good Hope (we rented a car to drive to Cape of Good Hope).

3) History lesson at Robben Island (Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island)

On the ferry from V&A Waterfront, Cape Town to Robben Island (~ 30 minutes)

For nearly 400 years the island served as a place of banishment - not just for supposed criminals but also for many other unwanted members of society, including lepers and the mentally ill.

Robben Island is a tiny island - with an area of ~ 5.07 square km.

Our guide, an ex-Robben Island prisoner

Different foods for different colours - a reminder of the injustices carried out during the apartheid era.

Nelson Mandela's maximum security cell - he was classified as a dangerous threat.

Within the prison grounds

Back at the V&A Waterfront

There are many other activities and sights to see in Cape Town, but the three above were outstanding.

View from Table Mountain

Clifton

V&A Waterfront

Near Gansbaai

Whale Watching - near Gansbaai

Hike up Table Mountain

View from Table Mountain

The colourful Bo-Kaap (formerly known as the Malay quarter)

It is also the historical centre of Malay culture in Cape Town

Explore the vineyards of Stellenbosch

Wine-tasting

On the way to the Cape of Good Hope

Traditional/ folk dance

Short walk up to the tip

At the end

Walk down

Beach time

Drive back from the Cape of Good Hope to Cape Town - via the Chapman’s Peak Drive

Cape Town also has a prominent coffee culture *loves*. I made sure every day I went to a different cafe to sample the luscious coffee.

:D

Off to have my coffee now, see you soon!