Eager to remove any memories of Stellenbosch from our databanks, we cut out of town at 6am to beat the traffic.
Today makes up for any recent disappointments. First of all, it was a GORGEOUS day. As Cape Town is about as far south in Africa as you can get, it's known for it's stormy seas and unpredictable weather. Despite being autumn, today topped out around 90 degrees and without a cloud in the sky. As we drove into town, it was easy to see why Cape Town regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Terri and I agreed, San Francisco comes close, but we've not seen a finer city when it comes to landscape. Cape Town is surrounded by the stormy blue waters of the Indian Ocean to one side. To the other, spectacular mountain formations including Table Mountain, the 12 Apostles, and Lion Head.
Our first stop of the day was at Table Mountain, where we took a rotating gondola ride to the top. After a couple hours of photographs and hiking around, it was on to the meat of the day--a hike to the top of Lion Head. From the casual oberver, this peak looks insurmountable. However, a 1.5 hour, ankle-twisting trail and boulder scramble got us to the top to some unreal views. It wasn't without much effort and sweat, as the trail required ladders and chains in the rock in the more difficult sections. Anyway, the top view delivered a 360 degree panorama of Cape Town. Both Terri and I immediately inserted Lion Head into our Top 5 Hikes, anywhere in the world. Stunning.
After a much needed nap and some relaxation, it was on to dinner. Africa Cafe was the spot, and they delivered in a big way. Africa Cafe serves a set menu, around $23 per person (very expensive in comparison to the average meal-out in this country). The draw is the set menu, in which they shell out 15 dishes, all hailing from a different part of Africa. The meats included a garlic/lime chicken, curried lamb, and Mozambican prawns. Although these were tasty, it was all the delightful side dishes that left us stuffed and incapable of walking home. Cab please!
Three more action-packed days in Cape Town to go, and then 4 days in Kruger National Park to watch the animals. If you're following this journal daily, we actually may not update until our return home. Will do my best.
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