Commuter Friday

When one mentions the word “travel” some thoughts that come to mind are “exploring”, “sight-seeing”, “adventure”, “new places”, and “new people”. Travel does not necessarily need to mean travelling to another city or country. Trips to the grocery store, to granny, to school or to work are all forms of travelling. My travel highlights are always seeing new places and meeting new faces. Sometimes we can meet these faces in the strangest of places. 

Cape Town is filled with so much diversity, and each person has a story of their own to tell. Using public transport is one way to meet new people, that’s if you are open to the idea of course. In Cape Town, a number of trains, buses and taxis are made available as an alternative mode of transport to personal vehicles.  Using public transport however would naturally mean placing your life the hands of someone who is usually a total stranger, and being dependent on them to get you to your destination safely and on time.  Train delay’s and bus strikes are things which happen all too often in Cape Town, in the country actually. Fees increase, and commuters comply. 

Being stuck on a stationary train for 40 minutes with complete strangers all around you is not exactly an idea of fun. This however is the perfect opportunity to sit and observe others. People with different personalities, coming from different backgrounds and cultures, all handling the situation differently. Each of these people having a story of their own to tell,  but the one thing that they have in common is that they are all in Cape Town at that one time (in the stuck train of course). It would be quite interesting to come across various tourists (visiting or living in Cape Town) and ask them “Why Cape Town?”. Cape Town is AFRICA, and those abroad are drawn to this Africa. The flaws and perfections all make Cape Town the city it is today, sure everyone yearns for a CRIME FREE WORLD, why wouldn't we? We could keep hoping and wishing, or we could change the world one step at a time. 

Creative Cape Town...Creating possibilities

Cape Town has been voted the WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL 2014! Do you know what that means? Well honestly I don’t. I read articles around the topic, follow new events revolving around the topic, but to explain what it actually means, is something I may find rather challenging.

I conducted some research for this post and discovered that The World Design Capital is a city promotion project and its purpose is to recognize and award accomplishments made by cities around the world in the field of design. This is therefore a MAJOR accomplishment for Cape Town, and one which is being seriously under estimated.

Cape Town designers, artists, and performers have the opportunity to SHOW OFF their talent to the WORLD! It not necessary for them to look far when seeking inspiration to practice their creative talent. Boasting night life, street life and city life, Cape Town creates endless possibilities!  

To visit CAPE TOWN

To visit the southernmost tip of Africa you would have to visit Cape Town, my Cape Town. A city known for its rich history and diverse cultural background, Cape Town sports some of the most beautiful scenic views in the world.
If you were to ask a Capetonian what makes their city great, they would probably mention things such as the wonderful beaches, the friendly people, and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World; Table Mountain. The mountain is a stunning sight which can be compared to no other. For those who love a bit of a challenge, a hiking trail runs along the mountain and you then have the option of going back down with the cable car. Another natural wonder is the fauna and flora at the Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens. Here nature lovers will find plenty indigenous plants and the venue also plays host to summer concerts, featuring local, as well as international artists. Taking a dip in the ocean is something locals enjoy doing all year around and not necessarily only waiting for the summer heat.

The rich historic background is made up of great leaders such as Nelson Mandela; who spent 27 years in prison on Robben Island, just a few kilometres out of Cape Town.
The city’s hot summers is an attraction to many tourists, as the beaches are then filled with beautiful women in bikinis, and handsome men sporting designer shades. Enjoying a sun downer on a chartered boat, on Signal Hill or at Camps Bay beach is popular during these hot evenings.
Choosing Cape Town as a holiday destination is cost effective to international tourists because of the low exchange rate which works well in their favour. Souvenirs can be found in and around the city with an array of hand crafted ornaments, clothing and furniture, those interested are spoilt for choice.

The people of Cape Town are not only friendly, but they are entertaining as well. With a range of established comedians being based in Cape Town, it is also easy to find amateur comedians out in public telling a quick joke to make a quick buck. Friendly, entertaining, and not forgetting innovative, Capetonians find it easy to make something out of nothing. This may either be for money, such as collecting your dirt from your car at the robots, or simply to make their own lives easier such as attaching a crate to just about anything to transport goods. The people of Cape Town know how to party, and the city plays host to a great night life.
Just when you thought Cape Town was all about scenic views and friendly people, an hour out of the city you can get to experience the Big Five on a safari tour at Fairy Glen Game Reserve, who was awarded the best destination winner for exhibition excellence.

Once visiting you are most likely to return as you will want to experience the feeling of euphoria again and again. The feeling you can only experience in Cape Town, my Cape Town.