Four Years of Fantastic Memories
I have been fortunate enough to call Cape Town home for the
past four years. In that time I have met
so many wonderful people and created incredible memories that will last a
lifetime. As my time in the Mother City
draws to a close, I have been feeling very nostalgic which in turn has prompted
me to reflect on some of my favourite Cape Town experiences. It is with some satisfaction that I can look
back and say that I have ticked off everything on my current CT bucket
list. However, I also know that I will
continue to add to the list because I will be back to experience more of what
makes this city one of the most stunning and sensational cities in the
world. Here are my top 10 favourite
experiences, in no particular order.
10. The Artscape
Theatre
I have seen some incredible shows at this iconic theatre, my
favourites being Singing in the Rain, Westside Story, Nataniel, The Parlotones
with the Zip Zap Circus and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (this was hands down
the best I’ve seen in CT). Some friends
disagreed with me regarding the retro glass chandeliers on the upper level of
the theatre (the word ugly was used by some) and perhaps the interior could use
a makeover. But I love the theatre and
am grateful that CT has a space to present large-scale Broadway quality
productions.
9. A stroll through
Company’s Garden
This hidden gem in the middle of CT offers visitors a little
oasis in the middle of the congested and noisy CBD. Besides assertive squirrels and pigeons, the
garden boasts a beautiful rose garden, a Japanese garden, the oldest cultivated pear tree in South
Africa and an aviary. The South African
National Gallery is located at the top of the gardens and features exhibits
from the African continent and beyond (the Asian puppet exhibition was one of
my favourites) as well as a Planetarium and the South African Museum, the
oldest museum in sub-Saharan Africa.
8. A stroll along the
Sea Point promenade
With unbeatable views of the Atlantic Ocean, the promenade
stretches along the ocean and offers the perfect area for pedestrians, joggers
(often shirtless) and cyclists to enjoy the outdoors. Sunset is a particularly magical time to
experience the promenade. The adjacent
parks include public art (such as the gigantic pair of spectacles that look
onto Robben Island), play areas for children and gym equipment for energetic
adults or simply a place to throw down a blanket and enjoy a picnic.
7. The Labia Theatre
The oldest independent cinema in CT (established on 16 May
1949) had a makeover recently but has retained its old school charm and
quirkiness that has made it such an institution. Tickets are more affordable than mainstream
cinemas, as are the snacks and drinks, while “art” or foreign films that are
not typically screened on the mainstream circuit find a place at The Labia. The fact that patrons can take alcohol into
their movie is also a plus.
6. The V & A
Waterfront
While this is a tourist mecca, it remains one of the best places in CT. There is always
something to see or do at the Waterfront, and no matter how many times I visit,
I never get tired of it. Besides the retail
aspect (especially the massive H&M store), the Waterfront is a hive of
activity and attractions, including the giant Ferris wheel, the Market on the
Wharf which has an overwhelming number of delicious food options for hungry
visitors, the Watershed, the Aquarium, performances at the amphitheatre, and
most recently and notably, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art which
is a world class addition to the Waterfront area.
5. A hike up Lion’s
Head
As someone who is the first to admit that I am not the fittest,
I was a little intimidated by the thought of climbing this iconic
mountain. But I put aside my fears and,
with a little help from my friends, made it all the way to the top, despite the
wet and misty conditions which made the hike a little more challenging. Unfortunately, the heavy mist meant that I
was not able to get any pictures of the views from the summit but perhaps not
being able to see exactly how high up we were (669 metres – over 2000 feet)
wasn’t a bad thing. I now understand why
so many people rave about this experience.
4. First Thursdays
One of the most exciting nights in the city, when the
beautiful people from all walks of life wander in and out of the many art galleries
in the CBD and enjoy the offerings of the trendy bars and restaurants in the
area. On these nights, there is a
palpable energy that runs through the streets and you feel part
of something
unique.
3. A visit to a
market
They say you will always remember your first and since the Old
Biscuit Mill was the first market I visited in CT, it remains at the top of my
list of favourites. Located in the
trendy part of Woodstock, the space includes a market, several cool retail
stores and galleries, a chocolatier, the famous Test Kitchen (way beyond my
budget) and the super fun escape game, Hint Hunt. However, there are several other markets that
I have thoroughly enjoyed and visited regularly, including the Bay Harbour
Market in Hout Bay, Root 44 in Stellenbosch and the Mojo Market in Sea Point.
2. Sunset over Camps
Bay
Camps Bay remains my favourite beach and I never tire of
walking along the white sand or sitting on one of the rocks on the beach and
watching as the sun sets over the horizon, painting the sky with strokes of
orange, red and pink. Watching the
sunset while enjoying a cocktail at one of the many bars along Main Road is
even better.
1. Open-air concerts at Kirstenbosch
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens provide a striking
backdrop for any concert. The audience
can bring blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy fabulous music in the middle of
nature. Some of my favourite concerts at
this venue have included GoodLuck, Mango Groove (a New Year’s Eve concert), and
most recently, Texas.
I refuse to say goodbye to CT; instead, it will be a “thanks
for the good times, until we meet again”.
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