Enjoying Cape Town

At the V & A Waterfront with Table Mountain in the background

Local entertainers - they were very good - we bought their CD which wasn't up to their live performance standard!

At the base of the two hour climb to the top of Table Mountain

Half way up Table Mountain

Southeast view from the top of Table Mountain

View Northwest from Table Mountain

Table Mountain from Robben Island

Poster of last prisoners to leave Robben Island

Small cell where Mandela spent 17 years

Returning to Capetown on the ferry

Enjoying Cape Town

Oct 25, 2016

During our first week in Cape Town, we have been trying to fit in some sightseeing in between the boat chores that need doing. All three boats are getting some work done. For us, it is repairs to our roller furling and the foresail that is on it. Also, downloads for the upcoming trip and getting our Brazilian visas. The visas were a time consuming project with a half day of computer work and another day at the consulate. They were expensive but the fees varied depending on what your country charges Brazilians to visit.

We have visited the V and A (Victoria and Alfred) Waterfront, a shopping and entertainment complex, about a mile further along the water from here. We hope to get back, as there is much to see. We haven't visited any of the museums yet. Being a Sat, there was extra street entertainment to enjoy. We have also walked around in the downtown area, where there are street markets, malls, grocery stores, and tourist info. There are many colonials buildings and sights of historic interest. Both areas are about a 45 walk away which we have done several times, but now it's worth the $3 for an uber taxi.

On the weekend we decided to take the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain as it was a clear day. The line up looked like it would take hours so we decided to hike up. We did make it to the top but I wouldn't want to do it again. It was like climbing stairs, but on uneven rocks, for 2 hours. The knees are still sore. But it was worth the trip as the views are great in every direction. It is such an amazing setting for a city. The top is part of the park system so they have lots of info, as well as guided walking tours.

On Tues we took a half hour boat trip out to Robben (seal in Afrikans) Island. This is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 17 years of his sentence. It was predominately for political prisoners and all black males. The prison is now closed and the whole island is a museum and nature reserve. From the ferry we took buses around with a guide talking about the history as well as the birds and sea life. Then we had a walking tour through the prison itself, led by a former prisoner. He needed more time as he had so many stories to share. The inmates built much of the prison themselves. There were many well educated men imprisoned as well as the illiterate. They ran informal schools to share knowledge. There was a censor's office checking all communication in and out. But Mandela managed to hide and get out his book "The Long Road to Freedom". The ferry office had more background information and other exhibits.

On Tues night, six of us went to see the opera, Carmen, that was showing for a week. It was a treat to be able to do something like that. It only cost $30 for the best seats. It was a surprise to have a guest tenor from Canada in the cast. It was also good to see a full house.

If we have time, we still want to get to the renowned botanical gardens on the back side of the mountain. Also would like to spend a day or 2 on the "hop on hop off" bus, which has a good reputation here.