Joshua ElliottCape Town
June 10th 2008 11:28
I arrived here in Cape Town two nights ago, after a long long series of flights. First there was the flight from Cairns to Sydney, which was pretty short, and from their I caught a taxi to the international airport. The taxi driver was an absolute nutcase – he badgered me about my desitnation, complained about his life, and seemed to excommunicate me when I asked to pay by credit card. Anyway, I intended to spend the night in the airport but unfortunately they close up around midnight, but I was able to grab a seat in the train station – but let me tell you, they do NOT design those seats for sleeping.
The next morning I was severely tired and hungry, but I somehow managed to get on to my flight. The staff were all friendly and the seats were comfortable, the entertainment was awesome (although B Movie made no sense at all) and the sleep was great! We arrive in Johannesburg where I was helped to find my flight to Cape Town, and once again I was off.
At about 10PM I was picked up at the Cape Town airport by my accommodation, and collapsed in a heap on my bed. The next morning I woke up around nine, and decided to do some exploring! I had breakfast at a café named Lola’s, which had excellent croissants (croissants in Africa? You bet), before wandering down to the Castle of Good Hope.
The Castle itself is just amazing – the stone masonry and the architecture is absolutely fascinating, and if that doesn’t float your boat, you can hang out on the high walls and pretend your shooting cannons at office buildings. The only real disappointment is the torture room, which has long since lost its implements of torture (though it does smell pretty bad). Inside the castle there are a few museums, the military museum is the most interesting with some amazing antiques, and there is also an art studio with some friendly and eccentric artists. The signal gun is fired at ten and at twelve, and for such a small gun it is VERY loud.
After this I wandered around town for a bit and eventually found somewhere to buy food – now well stocked for the next few days. The markets are very interesting too, though it is disappointing that so much of it is just imports from Singapore and Thailand rather than being traditional African goods.
The culture is vibrant the locals are friendly (although sometimes difficult to understand, most of them speak English). One man even offered to help me find a South African girlfriend. I decided to mess with him a bit and tell him that my three other girlfriends wouldn’t like that much. The supermarkets are rather limited – or atleast, as so far – so it’s been peanut butter sandwiches and pasta for me. The backpackers is wonderful with a large group of pets, all of whom have become my friends. Everything is just great, really.
Now, a few quick links…
Long St Backpackers is an excellent place, the staff and other occupants are all friendly and welcoming. Definetly worth your money and right in the heart of Cape Town. One hundred rand for a dorm room.
Castle of Good Hope is great, as already stated, and only twenty rand for entry (which is pretty good considering you can spend hours just exploring).
South African Airways is an excellent airline, the meal service was great, the entertainment was great, and the flight in general was awesome. Probably worth booking through a travel agent for international flights.
Sydney Airport Approx. 11:30 PM
The next morning I was severely tired and hungry, but I somehow managed to get on to my flight. The staff were all friendly and the seats were comfortable, the entertainment was awesome (although B Movie made no sense at all) and the sleep was great! We arrive in Johannesburg where I was helped to find my flight to Cape Town, and once again I was off.
flight over. we went pas the south pole, I'm not sure why.
At about 10PM I was picked up at the Cape Town airport by my accommodation, and collapsed in a heap on my bed. The next morning I woke up around nine, and decided to do some exploring! I had breakfast at a café named Lola’s, which had excellent croissants (croissants in Africa? You bet), before wandering down to the Castle of Good Hope.
Unfortunately, this ISNT a practice range where you can shoot at tourist cars. It's just a lucky coincidence.
The Castle itself is just amazing – the stone masonry and the architecture is absolutely fascinating, and if that doesn’t float your boat, you can hang out on the high walls and pretend your shooting cannons at office buildings. The only real disappointment is the torture room, which has long since lost its implements of torture (though it does smell pretty bad). Inside the castle there are a few museums, the military museum is the most interesting with some amazing antiques, and there is also an art studio with some friendly and eccentric artists. The signal gun is fired at ten and at twelve, and for such a small gun it is VERY loud.
I can't be the only one who drooled at this.
After this I wandered around town for a bit and eventually found somewhere to buy food – now well stocked for the next few days. The markets are very interesting too, though it is disappointing that so much of it is just imports from Singapore and Thailand rather than being traditional African goods.
My accomodation. Nah, I kid, this is the supreme court.
The culture is vibrant the locals are friendly (although sometimes difficult to understand, most of them speak English). One man even offered to help me find a South African girlfriend. I decided to mess with him a bit and tell him that my three other girlfriends wouldn’t like that much. The supermarkets are rather limited – or atleast, as so far – so it’s been peanut butter sandwiches and pasta for me. The backpackers is wonderful with a large group of pets, all of whom have become my friends. Everything is just great, really.
Now, a few quick links…
Long St Backpackers is an excellent place, the staff and other occupants are all friendly and welcoming. Definetly worth your money and right in the heart of Cape Town. One hundred rand for a dorm room.
Castle of Good Hope is great, as already stated, and only twenty rand for entry (which is pretty good considering you can spend hours just exploring).
South African Airways is an excellent airline, the meal service was great, the entertainment was great, and the flight in general was awesome. Probably worth booking through a travel agent for international flights.
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Comment by Cindurzz
Comment by Joshua Elliott
Highway Trek
Comment by Brian Elliott
Hope the food improves as you try more local tucka. Did you take a camera? Hope you get a few shots of the sights you are seeing.
Take care mate. Love from Dad and Sue XXXX.
Comment by Vampiric
Great reading so far =)
Comment by Kaye