The landscape of Cape Town is dominated by the mountains that surround the city, especially Table Mountain. The harbor and the city are beautiful... so much to see and do!
Our home for the next five nights would be the Spier Winery Estates just outside Cape Town in Stellanbosch. It was a bit of culture shock after the serenity of Kichaka... noise and traffic and lots of people... but we settled in a enjoyed the beauty of the resort and the area.
So colorful and modern! The lounge areas were the perfect place for gathering and relaxing and enjoying each others company. We especially liked the outdoor couches... even with heaters, it was cold and so we'd bring the blankets from our rooms and cozy up into the evenings.
Moya is one of the coolest restaurants at the resort (I'll have more about it in the next post) and their couches are perfect for relaxing, too.
Besides enjoying the resort, we were able to explore and tour the coast surrounding Cape Town. We were so excited that we were able to go to the top of Table Mountain! The top is often covered with clouds and that closes the cable car that takes you to the top. What gorgeous views! Just breath-taking!
The drive along the coast was spectacular! It reminded me of the Pacific Coast Highway in California.
We made our way along the coast to Simonstown to have a fish fry and see the penguins on the beach. That was so cool!
Another day we went to Hermanus to see the whales. There are so many whales jumping in the water... amazing! I didn't have a good enough zoom lens to show you but we could see them all throughout the bay. We ate right on the water at the Two Oceans restaurant... appropriate because it's where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.
We spent a little time at the Victoria and Albert Waterfront with lots of shops and restaurants. I didn't get many pictures there but I'd love to spend more time there. The Muslim area of Cape Town, Bo-Kaap, is especially colorful... I want the pink house!
Love the vuvuzela that's on a section of the highway that's never been completed. Of course we had to bring one home!
The most startling thing I saw were the shanty towns or townships that are along the highway. I still can't process the idea that people live like this. It was strange to see people walking along the highway; even cows and goats graze along the major highway. The people run across the road... we saw two people who had been hit by cars.
I love the occasional brightly colored shack. I wonder about the people who live there... I know it's very complicated. It was stunning to me though.
It's just an amazing city... we really loved it! Next up... the food and the flowers... what a treat!
Thanks for sharing your many travel adventures and experiences.
Posted by: JanSC | October 03, 2010 at 06:42 AM
Thanks for all of the pictures. It is so nice to see what a place looks like through the lens of people you "know." Much better than what you see in books about a country. Looks like you had a great time.
Posted by: Deb J | October 03, 2010 at 08:48 AM
Were you with a tour group?
Posted by: Gloria L. | October 03, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Gloria, no, just the other teachers.
Posted by: Debby Schuh | October 03, 2010 at 12:55 PM
WOW! Great pictures of that area! It does look like it would be too much to take in at one time! I know you keep good journal notes, so you can reprocess it later on. Thanks for sharing! xo
Posted by: joey | October 03, 2010 at 05:03 PM
Hasn't digital cameras changed photography! Your photos are great and we are enjoying you enjoying your trip. I do not believe your Pennies from Heaven book will hold these. LOL I have had to add new rings from mine. We are so Blessed.
Posted by: Judy Webb | October 04, 2010 at 08:07 AM