At the young age of 10, I joined my family as we made our way across the world from Cape Town, South Africa and made a new home in Cary, North Carolina. I will never regret my family's decision to immigrate, but part of my heart will always be left in Cape Town. After eight long years of being away, I was finally able to return to my homeland this summer and fall in love with it all over again.
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world. Not only is it metropolitan, but it is also mountainous and coastal at the same time! Table Mountain is a sight to be seen with its elevated flat top. This one view is visible from almost every area surrounding Cape Town. If you are into hiking, take your picnic basket and jacket and enjoy the incredible sights. If you enjoy guided tours, you can take a tour bus and ride around Cape Town and up Table Mountain, all while learning about the history of the area. Below are a few photographs from my own experience.
As a location with a Mediterranean climate, Cape Town's summers are warm and winters are moderate. The winter tends to be rainy and windy, but some days can be beautifully clear-skyed with spring-like temperatures. In summertime, enjoy strolls on the scenic beaches, surfing in the blue waters or even take a risk and go cage diving (with sharks)!
If you're a foodie and adore global cuisines, head over to the Waterfront and relax at an impeccable restaurant or try international foods in a covered area filled with dozens of stalls. Discover fresh seafood restaurants and try some biltong (spiced and dried meat) or boerewors (sausage), if you find yourself there. Best of all, compared to most US prices, this incredible food is inexpensive and definitely packs a bang for your buck!
Cape Town is a beautiful, diverse and multicultural city. It's home to people who speak many different languages, practice different religions and stand at different socioeconomic levels. Poverty and crime are more apparent than they are in many areas within the United States. Shanty towns filled with shelters made with metal, cardboard and other materials are visible along many roadways. With poverty comes crime, but taking care when traveling will provide personal security. Always be sure to keep doors locked and prized possessions hidden when driving. These risks are present in most major cities, but awareness goes far. The experience of witnessing for yourself our fellow people living lives filled with much less than we have is sobering and life changing. I believe everyone should have such an experience, and with Cape Town comes the opportunity to see how blessed we truly are.
Cape Town, South Africa is an incredible place to visit, tour and experience fully. Keep your heart and eyes open to the marvelous city and its delightful people. Listen to the different accents and languages, and find your place in a global culture. See sights of international recognition. Go visit Cape Town and maybe, just maybe, you'll find a missing piece of yourself.
