Doing "Touristy" things...
So I have been absolutely terrible at updating and writing up on all my adventures, but I promise, every where I have been, every thing I have done, I have had it at the back of my mind that I need to write about this! So let's start with our Cape Town expedition over New Years...
Having been to Cape Town a couple of times in the past few years, I was determined to make this trip a little different, and with the passing of the great Nelson Mandela, I realised that the last time I was on Robben Island I was a child. It was important to include this as part of the trip. I had a vague recollection of the trip, but taking the trip as an adult is one I would highly recommend for every South African, and every person who looked to the ever heroic legendary Nelson Mandela. Walking onto the Robben Island brings about feelings that one can never truly express on paper...
 |
| Nelson Mandela's Cell as it is today |
If you are going through to Robben Island I strongly suggest pre booking and paying for your tickets on line before hand as the tickets sell out very quickly, especially over December. I saw so many people turned away at the ticket desk, and I was so glad I bought ours online. This can be done at webtickets, its safe and convenient. The cost of tour is R250 and includes a guided tour around the Island. The drive around Robben Island and historic artifacts on the Island are full amazing and interesting history.
 |
| Quarry mined by Robben Island prisoners |
A "touristy" trip to Cape Town would be incomplete without going up, the now official, seventh wonder of the world, table mountain. Once again, it is important to buy your tickets online before hand, as the ques do become very long (up to a two hour wait, if not more).
I strongly advise that you check the weather forecast, on the day you are going up. The day I went it up, it was a bit misty, and rather cold, and I glad I had dressed warmly (gloves and scarf are highly recommended) as it can get very windy up there. You can check out the weather forecast online. Once you have walked around and explored and taken in the beautiful views, do stop in at the Cafe and have a warm cup of hot chocolate and a delicious slice of lemon meringue cake.
If you can, you must definitely do the sunset special (these end in February), this will be an opportunity to take pictures of the most amazing sunset scenes you will ever see, I still remember mine from my first trip up table mountain as a child, those images are forever ingrained in my mind.
If you are a photographer at heart here are some from Paul Bruin on great spots to take pictures:
- From Signal Hill road, or the top of Lion’s Head.
- From Milnerton beach.
- Looking up Adderley Street, or from the Company Gardens.
- With the Cape Town Stadium in the foreground.
- From the air.
Comments
Post a Comment