I know it has been a while since I wrote anything. I wish to write more often, but yeah there is always an excuse. To update you real quick: I am done with India, well as in I finished my degree and moved back home. Otherwise, we all know I am going back for a visit very soon. While I was back there, I was introduced to Worldpackers and WorkAway– volunteering in a hostel in exchange for accommodation and maybe food, etc. One of the economic ways to travel and explore different places, so of course I jumped at the opportunity! Long story short, I am now volunteering at TheBackpack in Cape Town- learning so much and loving it! I have been here for almost two months now, and boy have we done a lot. Going into details about all of it is not practical, but I will share just enough for you to get excited and book your holiday.
Generally, when traveling, first thing I check out is the city centre. Cape Town is always buzzing with tourists. So you can imagine there is always something to do, and some of which you do not need to spend a dime, completely free! It totally balances the idea that Cape Town is expensive. From the free walking tours, super cute and cozy coffee and pastry spots, to the monthly events such as BeerRouteOnKloof and FirstThursdays (this one had me! Gallery hopping has never been cooler, trust me). And then of course there is Long Street nightlife, I am not even going to go into it. You either going to love or hate it, no grey lines.
One other major reason we admire the Cape so much is because of its marvelous beaches. Walk along the beach from Clifton one towards Clifton four, then The Glen, and end up in Camps Bay just in time to catch the most beautiful and breathtaking sunset (provided there are no clouds on that day). And if you still have up for it, plenty of restaurant/bar options in Camps Bay. Muizenberg, Bloubergstrand, and Long beach also come highly recommended. If it weren’t for the wind, and the super low temperature of the water, I would say beach-perfect!
You cannot say I have explored Cape Town if you have never conquered the three peaks. I am such a big fan of hiking I probably did all three within my first week here if I re-call correctly. You get a great view of all three from Bloubergstrand. And if you not a fan of climbing, you can always use the cable car to at least check out Table mountain. And well, Lions’ head is fairly easy and a great spot for sunset or sunrise. Kasteelport trail is by far the best one so far, you know why, spotted a Cape Cobra one time! To say I was excited would be an understatement. While people were freaking out around me, I just couldn’t believe how close we were, I mean I have only ever read about it in my textbooks, to see it live in its natural habitat, damn!
If there is one other thing that Cape Town does well is food markets- bless whoever came up with the concept. When they said a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, they weren’t wrong. Food is love, let’s not argue. V&A Waterfront and Mojo markets are open everyday of the week. Then there is Oranjezicht on Wednesday night, Old Biscuit Mill on Saturdays and then back to Oranjezicht on Sunday, it is truly a whole week’s affair. The only reason we are not balls of food right now is because we have the hikes to burn all the calories, and every now and then we subscribe to the original mode of transport- walking.
I know some of you might not have the luxury of a 3 month holiday and may want to do as much in a short space of time. In that case go for the mix and match tours such The Cape Peninsula Tour by BazBus or DayTrippers. And so quit over-thinking the details, you don’t need a plan, Cape Town already has one for you and guaranteed you gonna love it! I am still around until mid Dec, maybe I will share my full volunteer experience if you guys are keen, let me know…xoxo
matshidisolp 