Secondly, Cape Town was truly lovely and I would go back in a heartbeat if I could! There is so much to do that a week is just nowhere near long enough. That and the fact that the first half of the week the weather wasn't too great, so a lot of things such as shark diving and Robben Island weren't sending boats out :(
Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting
On our first full day in Cape town we went wine tasting in the morning with a few other people from the hostel. We went to two vineyards. The first was called Spier and is one of the oldest in the area. Three white and then three red. We also had a tour around the vineyard and learnt of the history of the vineyard. we stopped for lunch in a small town and had cheesy chicken nuggets (amazing!) and chips all for less than a pound! Next was the second vineyard where we had chocolates with our wine, slightly more expensive however totally worth it!Afrikaans Language Monument
After we'd sipped (/gulped) down all our wine we stopped off at the Afrikaans Language Monument (below).
Cape Point
The following day we had a busy day ahead of us; to start everything off we had a full English breakfast at a small cafe in Simons Town, before heading to Cape Point. On the drive we saw some Zebras!!! Maybe not the most exciting animal in South Africa (especially with what was to come) but to an IWB student it was very exciting nonetheless! At Cape Point we had a short walk up to the light house you see in the distance. Its lots further up, up little winding paths, than it looks and after I'd broken my foot and only wore trainers, it was hard work! But it all paid off with the amazing views you see up there.
At cape point you can see where the Indian ocean and the Atlantic ocean. It was lovely weather compared to what it had been the day before and pictures just don't show how amazing some of these views were.
Following suit of other visitors we all signed our names on the rock and then did one all together on bottom of the post showing where some major cities were and also positioned it so it was pointing to London!
Boulders Beach
Then on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where we saw lots of ostrich and a few seals on a far out rock, lazing around in the sunshine. Then off to Boulders Beach to see the penguins. They were adorable, if i could have fit one in my bag, I definitely would have. There were a lot of juvenile penguins there, some loosing their baby feathers and others still curled up with their parents.
We drove around the cliffs up to a small harbour where one of the fishermen was feeding a couple of seals. then gave us the chance to have a go.
Khayelitsha
In the Afternoon we went to a township called Khayelitsha.We had lunch in a small food place that our tour guide took us to. Its quite dangerous for tourists to go into the township by themselves. Our tour guide worked at the hostel and lived in the township himself. Lunch consisted of maize, beans, gravy and chicken and of course we had to eat it with our hands. It was rather messy but once you've got the knack its easy! And it was delicious!
Juma (Our tour guide), gave us a tour around near where he lived. Below is a picture of his office, the artwork on it done himself. As well as doing tours and working at the hostel, he also works with both local and international artists, doing street art in the township to try and promote social change through art. Its amazing how much it brightens the area up.
Some were of wildlife and others symbolic or had meaning. The Kindergarten was also painted, the community got together and managed to paint the whole garden/play area and the school buildings in an afternoon. He said the community in this township is very strong and important to them. Before heading back as it was going to get dark soon, we had a beer (or a cider if you were more inclined) in a tavern near his house. It was daunting at first as you got funny looks as they knew you weren't from there, but Juma knew them all well and it was rather an enjoyable experience.
To find out more about Juma's art tours go to: JUMA ART TOURS
No comments:
Post a Comment