The Cape of Good Hope

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Hello, since we spoke to you last we ended our two week guided tour through this most interesting and beautiful country. We've spent the past week in Cape Town, which reminds us of the landscape and climate of the San Francisco Bay Area. We've also been staying with friends, in their homes, so don't feel so much like outsiders or tourists, and we've met so many nice people!

During the dark days of Apartheid, South Africa was one of the world's most despised countries, boycotted by the world. In the 90's when racial segregation was ended, Nelson Mandela urged the majority blacks not to seek revenge, but to work together (and with the white and colored minorities), to build a country of their dreams.

As a result, South Africa is one of the world's most popular countries, a multi-cultural land, mostly efficient and modern, not so much third world. There is reason for optimism (hence the 'good hope'), as the government helps to ease the plight of the poor, and to move more people into the middle classes through education and work opportunities. However, the birth rate is highest among the poorest, and not everybody takes advantage of educational opportunities or has the energy to seek work. As a result, every home has burgler alarms, there are security guards everywhere, and people don't walk the streets at night, but in daytime one can walk almost anywhere safely.

We have two more weeks in Africa, so will travel up to Victoria Falls next week. More travelblog to come...

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Photos

Zulu Hello
Along the southern, Indian Ocean coast highway, an entrepreneurial Zulu warrior supports himself by waiting at a rest stop, welcoming travelers with African enthusiasm, giving his political opinions if asked for, and accepting donations.

The Cutest Ostrich
This ostrich near the home of early feather barons, the Lipshitz family. In the 19th centuries, ostrich feathers were a luxury for their beauty, silkiness, and lightness.

Evi Rides Again
Evi rides ostrich in Oudtshoorn, the center of the South African ostrich industry. Ostriches are raised for their meat, leather, and feathers.

Penguins Galore
Not too many places in the world where one can see penguins, but this beach in a suburb of Cape Town is one of them. These little penguins, small enough to fit in a backpack, live in harmony with their warm environment.

Near the Southern Tip of Africa
This point, not far from the Cape of Good Hope, is located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, just south of Cape Town. Only about 5000 km further south, and you've reached the south pole. Then you can start going north again. Oh, by the way, the sun crosses the sky from right to left.

This Way to Everywhere
Howard points the way to far-away places. Just ask.

Grooming Baboons
Two baboons sit and watch the tourists driving by in Cape Point Park. Signs warn travelers not to confront the baboons or hike with food in backpacks, which the animals sometimes steal away.

Girl Contemplates Lunch
We went to this fish restaurant where most people order this 'little' dish, containing most of the fruits of the sea.

Sunday Afternoon Family Outing
Family sleeping under tree in park on a lazy, warm, Sunday afternoon in Cape Town.

Cape Town from Above
Cape Town is in a most beautiful setting, surrounded by mountain, sea, and beautiful Mediterranean foliage.

Volleyball Paradise
Along the Atlantic coastline, in a tony town along the Atlantic (west) coast of Cape Town (which faces northward), yuppies play late-afternoon volleyball in a most beautiful setting, don't you agree?

Don't Bet Against Nature
The thundering sea crashes against rocks in Hermanus Bay, one hour east of Cape Town.

Dude, where's my beach?
Surfer tools his rod along the Atlantic southern coastline in Hermanus.

If I Was a Bird, I Could Live Here
Birds pause a moment from their busy schedules to admire the peace and beauty of their environment.

Heaven Looks Like This
Setting sun casts a warm glow over the coastal road along Atlantic Coast, east of False Bay and Cape Town.

Whispers of Whiskers
Winds from the cooler sea mix with the warm sun-filled rocks and create their own clouds.

Comments

[Linda & Marty]

Does the fun never stop??:) You are some of the luckiest people in the world!! xox

[garry]

Goodness knows where you are now. We look forward to reading your next journal. Enjoyed Camps Bay. Got a car for three days and visited Winelands etc. Back home now - heavy frost this AM. (got to get back to Tom Wolfe now!)