Holiday Velvet Travel Blog

Friday, January 05, 2007

ART: Cape Town

Cape Town in South Africa is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world being surrounded by the ocean on one side and guarded by the Table Mountain on the other.

The rich cultural mix of the historic city is immediately evident. Members of various African tribes from the north with their distinct styles of dress are as visible as the Dutch, French, Indonesian Indian, British and of course the various shades in between. It seems hard to imagine that apartheid was such a harsh reality; and international sanctions had isolated this vibrant country for years. Yet the sight of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other Black freedom fighters had been imprisoned for decades is a reminder of the grim past. Cape Town is worth visiting just to pay homage to Robben Island, now a World Heritage Site.

Well worth a visit is also Camps bay, the Atlantic Seaboard, Blouberg and of course the City Bowl.

The colourful city is wedged between the famous landmark Table Mountain, the top of which gives a birds-eye view of the city, and the Atlantic Ocean. One can climb to the top of this lovely 1000 meter mountain via a hundred different and equally scenic paths or enjoy the thrill of a revolving cable car ride.

The mountain is within the Table Mountain National Park that thrives right in the center of the city. Take a relaxed afternoon walking among the wooden walkways and designated pathways. The biodiversity in this park is amazing and it comprises of three distinct areas that extend from Signal Hill at its north end to Cape Point at its south.

Cape Town has plenty for lovers of adventure sports like bungee jumping, skiing and paragliding. One can even enjoy the thrill of diving with the sharks on a package that takes you by boat off the South coast at Gansbaai, Dyer Island and Geyser Rock in Shark Alley. It is in a secure environment when you go down inside a cage with a mask and snorkel but hey this is the great white shark we are talking about!

The mix of races and the position of Cape Town, between the European and Asian influences, are very obvious in its lifestyle, food, architecture and even gardens. If you visit Cape Town you probably need not go anywhere else in the world to find out how people live!

» Ravenstein: Camps Bay holiday apartment, sleeps 12, from Euro 450
» Harbour Edge: City Bowl holiday apartment, sleeps 4, from Euro 160
» Big Bay Beachclub 118: Blouberg holiday apartment, sleeps 6, from Euro 45

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