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Published: January 27th 2021
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Early morning over a coffee we stated to contemplate our options regarding the continuation of the trip. The Swiss Government is going a bit crazy because of this mutated virus from UK and South Africa. Even if we can fly back we will have to go into quarantine. They also are discussing a partial lockdown and all sorts of restriction we absolutely did not want to be part of. On the other hand there were Nenad's parents and Nenad did not want to leave them alone over the year end period. Finally Nui's visa was expiring 27th midnight. Unlike Nenad, who as a Swiss has 90 days, she only is allowed to stay 30 days in the country. Before thinking any further we wanted to see if we can fly at all. Further discussion and decision postponed to tonight.
The weather cooled again and the Table Mountain was engulfed in fog. Our hike will therefore not be accompanied with the famous gorgeous views, but we shall focus as we ascent on flowers, other flora and the mountains geology. Micro instead of macro. The ascent was steep but very satisfying. It was good to move the body again after weeks of
sitting in the car. The fresh air gave us positive energy and we listened carefully to all the explanations our guide gave. We took a guide again, not so much for showing us the way, but to teach us about Cape Town and its famous mountain. He was very knowledgeable on flowers. So Nui could not stop asking questions. Finally she has a companion on this subject, as Nenad is bloody hopeless !!!
Table Mountain in Afrikaans Tafelberg is a flat-topped mountain and the no1 landmark overlooking the city and the Cape. It is a significant tourist attraction, but again due to Covid we shared the hike with only few local hikers and runners. It was surprising to us how wild, but at the same time developed this mountain as a recreational area is. Running, hiking and mountain biking trails, all well marked for the citizens to be used. The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau approximately three kilometers from side to side, edged by impressive 700 to 800 meters cliffs. The entire mountain made out of mostly Cape Granite is 50 km long and roughly 10 km wide. The plateau, to be exact there two
plateaus, are flanked by Devil's Peak to the east and by Lion's Head to the west, forming a natural amphitheater for the city. The highest point is 1,086m. The first ascent of the mountain was recorded in 1503 by Portuguese settlers in the Cape. The mountain has a rich biodiversity. Its vegetation consists predominantly of several different types of the unique and rich Cape fynbos and many species of proteas, protected by large areas of indigenous forests. Don't touch the blister bush, it is poisonous and can cause painful blistering after contact. A variety of snakes and lizard, mongooses and birds can also be found. We were fortunate to observe several eagles, hawks and falcons flying around us looking at these intruders. The famous Cape Cobra we did not see, but Nenad is sure she saw us !!! An interesting story is the construction of five dams between 1896 and 1907. The reservoirs provide since then a stable water supply for the city and its surroundings. After a solid four hours of hiking we reached the Table Mountain's cable car station. The infrastructure was upgraded with a "Rotair" cabin in 1997 by the same Swiss company who build the Titlis
(in Engelberg) Rotair installation.
Down in the city safe and sound we met up with Alice, Nui's former boss in Thailand. Greg and Nenad had an interesting chat about many day to day topics, while the girls were reminiscing in old times. It was almost Christmas and our newfound friends had unfortunately too little time available. Nevertheless it was good to hear how life these days is for an upper middle-class white family in South Africa.
More drama regarding our return trip. Swiss was now not sure if they we can fly after tomorrow. The Bundesrat (Federal Council) has an emergency meeting later today to decide if its decision from 2 days ago is still valid. Nenad spoke to his parents and they convinced him, that they are fine, have everything and do not need Nui's and Nenad presence. So the option of prolonging the stay in Africa becomes real. However, staying in South Africa was not the solution, due to Nui's visa situation. But what about Namibia?, a country Nenad always wanted to see, full of raw nature; neither an ex-British, nor an ex-French colony, but German from the days of Kaiser Wilhelm. A must see we
thought !!! Final decision will be made tomorrow Dec 24.
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