"Fairest Cape in all the World" a Cape Town Travel Page by lynnehamman

“Fairest Cape in the circumference of the World.”
Sir Francis Drake- (1540-1596)

There are many cities in the world that have natural beauty. Cape Town , in my opinion, is top of the list. This city has it all. It has a mighty mountain as a centrepiece, which can be seen from miles away. A scenic drive around Chapmans Peak, which virtually surrounds the mountain, offers spectacular views of the Atlantic ocean on one side, and the Indian ocean on another.There is mountainous countryside. just an hours drive away. It has beaches that are so pristine and wide - they alone could take days to explore and discover. Flora, which grows wild on the mountains is a colorful sight - photo stops are hard to miss.
I spent 20 years of my life in this city - and even now, when I return to visit family, I still delight in discovering new places.
The drive through the winelands is incredibly beautiful. The vineyards stretch up the mountain-sides, dotted with white, gabled old Cape - Dutch homestead & farms. The French & Dutch architecture has been beautifully preserved, and restored.
The last 15 years has brought about a much needed change in South Africa. African people now show pride in their heritage. Its great to see colorful african dresses and jewellery being worn on the sreets. African music, which reverberates around the markets in the city centre is vibrant and joyful. And most of all, the atmosphere is relaxed - people of all nationalities are now socializing freely - discovering friendship that might in a former era might never have been considered. Capetonians are the most hospitable people in the world. Within hours of a meeting, one is invited to their homes. to share a home-cooked meal (always delicious) and a glass of wine (always the best ).This willingness to welcome a visitor inside their own homes is unique.

Cape Town, like all of South Africa, is still a "work in progress" It will be a long , long time before the existing problems are solved. The crime that exists, is unfortnately , is a sad bequest of the Apartheid Era. Too few had too much - and now, in a desperate attempt to aquire what is out of their reach still, certain elements are reverting to the age old manner of aquisition - smash and grab. I believe that this will one day be a safer place to live in. Already the streets of the city feel safer, to me, anyway.
For visitors,I MUST stress, the risk is minimal. Its in the suburbs, where Capetonians live in beautiful homes (albeit surrounded by high walls, and locked gates) that this sad,constant fear of danger occurs. Security- Businesses are doing a roaring trade.

One is absolutely spoiled for choice with food & wine in Cape Town. There are upmarket restuarants in the city,with amazing Cape cuisine.The wine lists are superb - local wines are amongst the finest in the world. Along the scenic coastal drives, towards False Bay and Simonstown, there are numerous harbourside restaurants, where a casual lunch or dinner can be had, while enjoying the view.
Foods that make my mouth water are wide variety of dishes that have the distinct Cape Malay influence. Although I am vegetarian, the Fish dishes (always fresh ) look delicious - enough to tempt a die-hard vegetarian like me.
Fruit is fresh always, and of a wide variety. Grapes are juicy, sweet and abundant. Vegetables are often spiced up with a bit of cinnamon, ginger garlic, this being a traditional way of Malay cooking that is loved by most South Africans. Cakes and desserts? well, just watch the diet.

GANDHI HONORED IN SOUTH AFRICA

During his eventful two decades in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi’s association with Cape Town is chronicled as the city from where he began his journey back to India in 1914. Almost 94 years later, Gandhiji has returned to the city where he was privy to several crucial events including the protests against the then revised immigration bill.

Following a suggestion by President Pratibha Patil, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed in the city’s University of Western Cape, which boasts a similar bust of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, also an acclaimed crusader against apartheid.