South Africa - Cape Town

Before I start describing my first week in South Africa I think I should first say where I am writing this post. I am sitting in a Wild Tongue lodge in Nature's Valley on Garden Route. I was the only guest staying on this huge farm under bright African stars. This place is absolutely amazing and stunning. Unfortunately, this place is being sold due to family issues.

* leaving Buenos Aires

The start was stressful. For no good reason I was late for my bus and got to the airport only 1 hour and 20 minutes before departure. My bag was checked in the last as it took the desk some time to figure out my passport, visas, flights and itineraries. I walk onto the plane 15 minutes before departure. The lines was enormous, but moved quickly. In the US I am sure I would not have been allowed on an international flight so late.

* arriving Cape Town

I arrived at 9 am in the morning, half dead as I watched the movies instead of sleeping on my 7-hour Malaysian Airlines direct flight. Nevertheless, I managed to arrange both Namibia and Botswana visas on the same day. After that I slept for 15 hours in my lovely hostel Inn Long Street.

The next day I spent walking around Cape Town. Some highlights include V&A Waterfront (touristy upmarket shopping and dining), The Bo-Kaap (Muslim colorful area of Cape Town), downtown and its Company's Gardens.


Pictures are on flickr.:

V&A Waterfront with Table Mountains vistas






The Bo-Kaap colors



The Company's Gardens



* First impressions

Everything in South Africa feels new and interesting. Driving on the left side, 6 languages to choose from in the ATM, even coins with wild animals are cute.

The best surprise were the prices. I dare to say South African is cheap. The prices for food and accommodation are not higher than in Argentina. The real expense comes in when you are trying to do anything touristy... like say safari, wine tours, diving with sharks. The latter I am not doing as my heart will stop right there in the cage.