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Published: August 28th 2007
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table mountain hike
This is one of the waterfalls that you have to pass under to complete the long hike down table mountain. Apologies for the late blog. Lisa and I have been indulging in the endless offerings that SA can give you.
We thought it rude not to try some of the more traditional food they have here such as Boerewors, (a mildly spicy sausage). It was a thumbs up from me but lisa was already looking to see what else was on the menu..................ah yes, 'the menu' - it was one of those large brightly lit menu's that sits nicely above the counter, behind perspex, (kinda like the ones you get in the large fast food chains such as Mcdonalds). However, there was one major difference. Unbelievably, it was upside down - how could they not notice.
In fact on closer inspection, the place we were in (a place called POZA), didn't bare any resemblence to a single restaurant or fast food outlet we had ever been in before. The stove was being held up by a large piece of wood, the microwave was right next to the till, the grease on the floor from a million ultra cheap eats ment that you would just glide rather than walk up to the counter to order, oh and if you wanted a
Boulders beach
These are the comical penguins at boulders beach. Completely wild and free to do as they please.
A great day out watching them. proper plate for your food, it's an extra 8 bucks please.
I mean we're all for finding a bargain but this place was cheap even by backpackers standards. I wish them all the best of luck ha ha.
We also sampled what's called a 'Koeksister', (possibly the sweetest dessert in africa). It's like two pieces of pastry entwined and soaked in a syrupy type substance. Needless to say, we discreetly disposed of most of it with a smile so not to offend the locals.
We've tried their tea (rooibos and lisa's favourite 'glen'), had crayfish braai's (thats's a barbecue to you and me) and even sampled their lagers 'castle' and 'windhoek'.
Above all though, we will remember SA for its hot chocolate - they do a mean hot chocolate, although its by no means native to the country.
The more memorable things we did, had to be scaling table mountain by cable car and (stupidly) walking down it. Note lisa's painful blister in the image. The poor lass couldn't walk for nearly a week..........nice view though!
Our first trip to Simon's town was quite an experience too. After paying pittance for our ticket, we jumped on
Zebra Crossing Hostel
This was our home for the 3 week stay in Cape town. We really enjoyed it here. Great location and cool people. Thanks for making us feel welcome. the train and after four stops, we were serenaded by a 3 piece band (one of whom was a young boy holding a plastic bottle with what appeared to be gravel in). This would be the shaker - I think you know the sort of band we were obliged to listen to for at least 5 stops. It was quite agonising at times by hey, we are here for the experience.
Anyway, we had gone to visit boulders beach, a beach that is home to 3000 wild african penguins. Nobody knows how or why they decided to settle there and they could just as easily up sticks and grace another part of the beautiful coast. Its a great place and a huge tourist attraction.
Next up was the eagarly anticipated shark diving. This took place in Gansbaai, a good 2 and a half hours away from Cape town. It didn't take long to reach our destination by boat (dyer island). A natural breeding ground for great whites and the premier place in the world to see them.
After just 10 minutes, the first shark appeared. I couldn't believe the size of it (around 3 and a half metres
Trek wounds
Lisa's impressive blood blister from our hike. She was in this position for the best part of a week because she was aching in places she didn't think she had. in length). This was the signal to lower the cage into the water. We all suited up and excitedly jumped in. 5 divers at a time. They attract the shark by throwing a large tuna head in attached to a rope, and as the shark closes in, they pull it towards the cage. I actually came face to face with the king of the ocean. An awesome experience. The only down side is that amongst all the excitement and sea sickness, I hardly got the pictures I had imagined. You'll have to just believe me when I say they look every bit as menacing as in the Speilberg classic 'JAWS'.
Our final trip in Cape town - Robben Island, was a case of second time lucky. Its a very weather dependent attraction due to crossing the rough sea that separates the island from the mainland. We had our first booking canceled initially but luckily got the call to go on our second to last day.
We made the trip across to the maximum security prison which housed many political prisoners, none more famous than Nelson Mandela. Its an emotional tour that is actually given by an ex prisoner -
Mountain Lizard
Soaking up the sun on the warm rocks. This was one of the many different types of wildlife present on table mountain. a must see attraction.
So we leave Cape town after 3 weeks. We have great memories and many new friends. We would like to include a special mention to all at Zebra Crossing hostel. Chrizaan and Susan (the two helpful receptionists), Stuart the medical student, Mark the biker, the belgian couple, Heather and Mel (the two party animals), the two germans -( we hope you get your flights home soon), Brian and partner (thanks for the chess games) and Megan the fitness fanatic. We do apologise if there is anyone not included here.
The next blog will come from Johannasburg after a 19 hour bus trip................should be eventful. Stay tuned!!!
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