South Africa is an anomaly to me; it is a very arid country, yet the plants are lush which makes the scenery breathtaking. It is January while we are there, summer in Cape Town, and the average temperature hovers around thirty degrees Celsius. We planned to go to Aquila Safari, climb Table Mountain, see the penguins at Boulders beach, visit Robben Island and the Castle of Good Hope and walk in Cango caves.
Our first week was relaxing: going to the beach and a little shopping. We had fish and chips (mostly snook or hake) a lot that week, and if we weren’t eating fish Uncle Clive would Braai (B.B.Q. on an open fire, every house has one). When South Africans braai there is never less than three types of meat: mostly chicken, pork and borewors (literal translation; boer =farmer’s wors=sausage.)
Week two was far busier. We visited the V& A waterfront, saw the “Coons” parade, went to Green Market Square and went to Burg River where the boys met the first of a long string of cousins. I learned that South Africans tent camp with a mini fridge, microwave and TV so they can watch the cricket and soccer matches.
Robben Island was an eye opener. Our tour guide was well spoken and if she didn’t have an answer the driver of the bus was able to answer our questions. Inside the jail we were taken around by a past political prisoner who told us his story and about sleeping sixty men in a room about 20’X50.’
We tried to balance our trip with something for the kids and enough of the “must sees” along the way. We took the boys to amusement parks and to tubes (waterslides). One busy day we ended with the boys riding on ATVs around the neighbourhood of yet another cousin.
A trip like this brought out more of the home-schooling mom in me, every experience was a learning experience. We can tell you about the stalagmites and stalactites (the drippings of minerals in the cave,) Gavin will always remember what happens when you get too close to nesting penguins; luckily his hand doesn’t have a scar. Climbing Table Mountain has so many benefits, too many to list. My kids can tell you about the funny words they heard too such as “donkey shoon” thank you in Africaans, and turning on a “robot” which is a traffic light. We will never forget this trip.
Liam, Ethan (reached the top first), Raoul with Gavin and I embarking on the two hour climb up Table Mountain.
Tara Willoughby says
Michelle I am so sorry that you missed the view from the mountain it was spectaular I have many pics. I would recomend to anyone to save their pennies and take their families. There is so much to do in Cape Town and surrounding area. Just don’t plan for 2010, thats the year world cup is there and it will be chaos! January is a great month to go, since the weather is still moderately 30C
Jen says
Gorgeous! What an adventure!
Michelle says
Glad the “table cloth” was not on the mountain for you (cloud cover) … we were not able to check it out when we were there.
What an experience, so great that you were able to enjoy it with your children. They will carry it with them throughout life, I am sure.
Kath says
Wow, Tara. What a fabulous experience for you and your boys, if for nothing more than the chance to meet so many cousins! And I love that stoplights are called “robots” – hilarious!