I have been a tourist in my own city for years now. First DC, then New York, then San Francisco and now Cape Town. I’m even sort of a tourist when I go home to Austin since it’s changed so much since I left 12 years ago. I guess it’s what happens when you move every few years, or in my recent case, every few months. Luckily I keep moving to cities that offer tons of options for tourists.
We’re just past the half-way mark here in Cape Town and there were still a few key “tourist” spots I wanted to check out. Thankfully, my aunt, Bernadette, was game to see and do as much as possible during her visit a couple of weeks ago. Together, we checked out a lot of Cape Town must-sees. I’m so grateful she made the LONG haul here and we were able to share this adventure together.
First on the list was Robben Island. We tired to go her very first day but all tours that day were sold out. It being the off-season for Cape Town I was pretty surprised, but hey, good for Robben Island! The history of this island and prison is a giant part of South Africa’s recent history and it would have been a shame to live here and not experience it. Not to mention, the ferry ride over is an experience in itself. The views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head from the harbor are spectacular.
After our morning on the island we jumped in the car and drove directly to Stellenbosch a quick for lunch before we hit the vineyards in Franschhoek. I booked at night at a self-catering cottage in Franschhoek since that seems to be a very South African thing to do. I didn’t really know what “self-catering” meant but I assumed it meant no room service. I was correct. We had a lovely cottage on the hillside overlooking a beautiful vineyard. “Self-catering” also means build your own fire and I am proud to say, I can do that! I think. The fire had flames but didn’t produce heat. I guess I need to work on my fire-making skills. Before we settled in to our (cold) cottage for the evening, we got in one wine tasting before the vineyards closed. As usual, I was impressed with the wine and the setting.
The next day we drove back to Cape Town to meet Kip for lunch at my new favorite lunch spot, Hemelhuijs. In an effort to burn off some of lunch, Bernadette and I spent the afternoon at the top of Table Mountain. It was really warm and clear that day so the mountain was fairly busy with both tourist and locals. As we were waiting in line to get the cable car down, Bernadette spotted three people who were dangerously close to the edge of the mountain. One looked a little Harry Potteresque with a full gown on and it dawned on me that they were going to jump. And they did. I actually couldn’t watch but Bernadette confirmed all three of them jumped off the top of the mountain with squirrel suits on. I checked the paper the next day to see if anyone died on Table Mountain the day before and nothing was reported so I guess they are all good.
Every Saturday in Cape Town there is an outdoor market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. I hadn’t been before because I was warned it was body to body in there and that is Kip’s worst nightmare. I mentioned this to Bernadette and she said “let’s go, we can always leave.” Off we went and I am so glad we did. I have never seen anything like this. It was an open-air food market with some of the most delicious looking food I’ve ever seen. We sampled a lot and bought a little. B picked up some yummy looking treats for the flight home that I am sure made everyone around her extremely jealous. Her sesame coated cashews were definitely better than their honey roasted peanuts.
For her last day, we took the obligatory drive to Cape Point. I’ve now been there five times and it never gets old. It’s so beautiful there and each time I have a different experience. For example, this time, we hiked to the top of the Cape of Good Hope with Ron Livingston. He looked like a crazy mountain man; maybe he’s grown his hair out and has a full beard for an upcoming role? We also had a fun experience with some baby baboons jumping on the back of our car. Always something when you go there!
As always, it was sad to say good bye to another visitor but I am so thankful I get to have these once-in-a-lifetime experiences with loved ones. Thank you, Bernadette, for letting me be a tourist in Cape Town.
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