Sightseeing in Cape Town

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Geo: -33.916, 18.4222

Today we were back on the City Sightseeing Bus around about 9AM bound for the 'World of Birds' on the other side of Table Mountain, near Hout Bay. The weather was cool, cloudy, with sporadic patches of sunshine from time to time. As an avian enthusiast, fond memories of this place from my previous visit were well re-lived in Nat's company. This place allows you to get up close and personal with the animals, with very little in the way of mesh fencing and safety precautions. They generally let you get in the cages, and within touching distance of the birds and animals. My favourites from last time were there, my beloved friendly owls, and a big black raven, which made amusing and crazy sounds with a proud look on its face. There were other animals here too, Llama, squirrels, antelope and a honey badger. A highlight was a monkey cage, where you were permitted to allow the monkeys to actually jump on your back! Very cool.

The weather treated us well, being relatively pleasant and even sunny, until we reached our destination for lunch at Hout Bay, when the heavens opened up and rain came thrashing down. The resteraunt here was very cool, called the Wharfside Grill, designed in the theme of an old-style cargo ship. With the weather so bad, we elected to take the Sightseeing bus next to the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town. All under shelter, it was a nice aquarium, taking us an hour and a half or so to wander through, the highlights being giant Spider Crabs and a very active octopus.

From here, we grabbed a drink at Mitchells Tavern at the waterfront and then to dinner at the Bayside Harbour House. The food was fantastic, the experience only sullied by a vile, rude waiter who bordered on both racist and sexist. Lol, terrible. We grabbed a cab home for an overall enjoyable day.

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Photos

Cape Town Views
Some Shots of Cape Town City taken from the Sightseeing Bus.
That's the convention Centre.

Cape Town Views
Guns are Legal to own and easy to buy, but you do need a licence.

Cape Town Views
Long Street

Kris in Heaven
BIRD TIME!
http://www.worldofbirds.org.za/

Macaw
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaw

Eclectus Parrot
One of my favourites
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclectus_parrot

Grumpy Old Man Looking Bird
But I like Him

Scarlet Ibis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_ibis

Guinea Pigs!
That nat was quite fond of..

Secretary Bird
Impressive! :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary_bird

No barriers!
The awesome thing about this place is how close up you can get with the animals, no glass, no mesh (most of the time).

Saddle Billed Stork
Such a poser!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddle_billed_Stork

Ground Hornbill.
My favourite of the Hornbills, still yet to find one in the wild.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_hornbill

Flamingo City!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamingo

My favourite Owl Friend.
I remember him from two years ago. Still there, still with a relaxing, easy going temperament. Wonder if he remembered me?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spotted_Eagle_Owl