SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE TOWN

CAPE TOWN - What also distinguishes this city of its deep sense of history. Nowhere else in the country will you find structures dating back to the 17th century. South Africa as it is known today, began here. Elegant Cape dutch buildings abut ornate Victorian structures and imposing British monuments. 

To visit Cape Town is synonymous with a visit to the peninsula south of the city, and for good reason. With pristine white-sand beaches, hundreds of mountain trails, and numerous activities from surfing to paragliding the beauty of the great outdoors will keep nature lovers occupied for days.

School girls on their way to  class....

Often likened to San Francisco, Cape Town has two things that the former doesn't : Table Mountain and Africa. the mountain, or table top, is vital to Cape Town's identity. It dominates the city in a way that's difficult to comprehend until you visit. In the afternoon, when creeping fingers of clouds spill over Table Mountain and reach toward the city, the whol town seems to hold its breath!!

HOUT BAY

About 25 minutes drive from Cape Town Central , this once quiet fishing village is the gaateway to Chapman's Peak. Mariners Wharf is very colorful. 

Chapman's Peak Drive 

SIMON'S TOWN - BOULDERS BEACH

you caught me molting......

This beach has its resident colony of African penguins. 

CAPE POINT

Cape Point is a dramatic knife's edge of rock that slices into the Atlantic. Looking out to sea you feel that you are on the tip of Africa.

From Cape Point the views of False Bay and the Hottentots Holland Mountains are astonishing.

The Flying Dutchman is the funicular that takes you to the top of the mountain. 

The Western Cape Zebra

DINING IN CAPE TOWN......THE POT LUCK CLUB

Wonderful dining, creative chef ,, Luke Dale Roberts who has won accolades and top awards for "The Test Kitchen" has created a wonderful venue of "small plates", tapas style dining. 

KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

Nestingin the gardens.....

During the 1800's Kirstenbosch was a farm, owned by the Cloete family. Cecil John Rhodes, who bought it in 1895 for $13,000 to protect the eastren slopes of Table Mountain from urban development. 

The camphor tree is one of the oldest trees in the garden. 

BO-KAAP 

Learning how to cook samosas "cooking with love"

This is the historic home of the city's Muslim population, brought from the East as slaves in the late 17th century.

Today the area remains strongly Muslim, and the largest collection of pre-1840 architecture in South Africa.

The colorful houses in the area are photographed by all. 

TABLE MOUNTAIN

Table mountain truly is one of southern Africa's most beautiful and impressive natural wonders. The views from the summit are awe inspiring.

The mountain rises more than 3,500 feet from above the city. It's distinctive flat top can be seen for 40 miles. 

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway...the cab rotates as you travel up the mountain. 

Robben  Island made famous by intss most illustrious inhabitant, Nelson Mandela - a symbol of triumph of human spirit....

The waterfront in Cape Town Harbour.....

It's time to move on..........