The first post in a two part series about my experiences in Cape Town and on safari in South Africa.
Bucket List (n): a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.
Recently, my parents and I had the immense privilege of crossing something off of our bucket lists: Safari. (Well, to be fair it was mostly on my mom's bucket list.) To do this, we made the 36-hour+ journey to South Africa. We began our journey in Cape Town - a city filled to the brim with history, architecture, and natural wonders. Luckily, our guide was able to give us a holistic view of the area, sharing with us both the beauty and realities of life in the Cape.
Photographic evidence that Cape Town is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
A number of my friends have lived in South Africa and could not stop gushing about how beautiful of a place it is. Unsurprisingly, they were right. I cannot get this experience out of my mind and am trying desperately to grasp onto the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes I experienced in the country.
Head in the clouds
It is easier to show than tell the marvels of this place, so below is a highlight reel of our brief time in Cape Town:
Table Mountain
Often noted as THE place to see in Cape Town. One of the new 7 wonders of the world. We took the cable car up, but you can hike it if you're feeling brave (supposedly in an hour but if you take me with you more like five). You can see essentially the whole city below you - on the horizon is Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years
Signal Hill
Above is the view of Signal Hill from our hotel
View of Lion's Head mountain from Signal Hill
Camps Bay
Bo Kaap
Historically Muslim district of Cape Town - famous for its colourful buildings and great views
Castle of Good Hope
Slavery Museum
A trip to such a historic spot is not complete without getting the full picture of its heritage. Cape Town was not always the lively, diverse place it is today - in fact, many of the societal structures in place today throughout South Africa still feel the aftershocks of apartheid. Slavery and suffering are not in the past - they are engrained in the societies many of us flourish in today. Do not turn a blind eye. Educate yourself, speak with others, and do what you can to make change.
Hout Bay
Smelled a lot like shutki maas, but much more beautiful than shutki maas
Cape of Good Hope
Southwestern-most point of the continent of Africa
Cape Point
Lighthouse and viewing spots overlooking the Cape of Good Hope. From here, you can see where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
Boulders Beach
Where the penguins live
This penguin was really going through something. Stood there with its back turned the entire time we were at Boulders Beach. Send good vibes its way.
Baby Blue! This is what you call penguins before they get their adult coat.
... and all other views and wildlife along the way
City Hall - the point from which Nelson Mandela spoke in 1990 to encourage peace within the people.
Long Beach - often has huge waves; attracts many surfers
Baboons - they're just like us!
Part 2 (safari at the Manyaleti Reserve) coming soon!
Watch my full recap of the trip below: