Cape Town, South Africa

Hello Everyone!

     Well I have exactly 5 ports left until I am back in America! This trip has flown by... I wish I could travel like this forever! I was in Cape Town, South Africa for 5 days and I have to say that this port did not go as planned.... but there is no surprise there. Things can't go smoothly in every port! Cape Town is such a beautiful city with so much to do and see. I will recommend this port to everyone!

This picture is one side of Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain


Day 1 (Oct. 18): I woke up early to watch this ship come into port. I think it was one of the most beautiful mornings I have had on the ship. We had the most spectacular view of the city as well as Table Mountain. I am a firm believer in 'love at first sight' now because I honestly fell in love with this city the moment I saw it. I was planning on scuba diving this day but it didn't happen because we were not able to exit the ship early enough. So instead I made my way up to the top of Table Mountain where I spent a good majority of the day. It was breath taking... last year Table Mountain was voted one of the seven wonders of the world!



Day 2 (Oct 19): It was a really rainy day so we took it easy waking up and spent 99% of the day shopping in the mall. There were a lot of tourist stores where I was able to buy all my souvenirs. There is not much you can do on a rainy day so we took this time to slow down, reflect... and of course spend money!!

I thought this was pretty cool. It was a sculpture to symbolize non-violence and it was dedicated to John Lennon.




Day 3(Oct. 20): We left the ship around 10 am and wandered around the city some. Then we decided to take a ferry to Robben Island. Robben Island is a prison that housed political prisoners during the apartheid in South Africa. It was a moving experience just like the slave castles were. We were able to see the cell where Nelson Mandela was kept which was pretty cool. I was surprised by the size of the island. It was huge! I am still trying to process my thoughts regarding the apartheid, the after effects it has had on the citizens and about Robben Island. I don't know how to put my feelings into words. So this is a story that will be told when I get home :)



Day 4 (Oct21): This was the day I was suppose to go Great White Shark cage diving. It was cancelled due to rough seas. So instead I went down town and did some shopping at a local market. There was a lot of cool stuff there... The downtown area looked really westernized. It looked like Europe and America. But it was nice to walk around and see what the city had to offer.

Day 5 (Oct 22): Today I went to a township and met with some locals there. It was a day where my life was put into check. The township is pretty much the slum of the city. It is where all the lower class individuals live. It was interesting. The houses that are available to live in typically hold 16 families in 6 bedrooms. So next time you complain your room is to small or your bed is not comfortable remember that other people have to way worse. In a home like this each family has one bed that usually sleeps 3-4 people. I am not kidding when I say the beds are the size of a twin. I was in shock when I was walking through this town. I could not believe my eyes. It is another story I will have to tell when I get back... I am still trying to process their way of life.

This bed held two adults and three children.




EXPERIENCE OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE:




This is called a "Smiley" It is a sheep's head. In African traditions this is a delicacy. So there was no option to refuse it. Suprisingly it tastes like beef jerky. I will say that this is the weirdest thing I have ate in my life!

~~~ I am now making my way back across the Atlantic to Argentina where more adventures await!