Tag 96: Cape Town - The Most Beautiful City in the World?

Cape Town is the capital of the Western Cape province and the southernmost major city in South Africa. It is only 45 kilometers to the Cape of Good Hope. Framed by the famous Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the vineyards in the hinterland, Cape Town is one of the most beautifully located cities in the world. Approximately 3.8 million people live in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality. The special flair and countless sights attract millions of tourists to the city every year. Tourism is also one of the most important sources of income, along with textile production and information technology. The advertising industry is also strong in Cape Town.

When we arrive in the morning, the MSC Sinfonia is still blocking our berth. This delays the docking time by at least one hour.

Today is a windy, sunny day with amazingly clear visibility. Isaac drives us to the heliport in his taxi. We pay 300 ZAR; he is supposed to pick us up again at 1 pm and take us to the Boulders Beach to visit the penguin colony (2000 ZAR). Two days ago, we spontaneously booked the "two oceans" flight for 4 people at Cape Town Helicopters. In 25 minutes, we fly around Table Mountain once. It is the best way to get a good overview of Cape Town and the surrounding area in just one day. We start at the Waterfront, turn towards Robben Island, the former prison island where Nelson Mandela was also imprisoned, and then follow the Atlantic coast southwards. Cape Town with Table Mountain and Lion's Head glides beneath us, followed by Clifton and Hout Bay. Here, the helicopter crosses the peninsula above Chapman's Peak to False Bay, the kite surfer's paradise. The strong winds can also be felt in the helicopter, which is shaken vigorously from time to time, but our pilot Rian remains completely relaxed. On the backside of Table Mountain, we fly over extensive townships back to the harbor. Only from above can one realize the different parts of Cape Town in their entire extent and integration between mountains and coasts. It strongly reminds me of Rio de Janeiro.

As soon as we land, we go to Isaac's taxi and head to Boulders Beach. The journey takes about one hour and leads us 40 km across Cape Town. Isaac takes us directly to the ticket booth of the penguin colony (about €9 per person). We can walk right through the penguins on wooden walkways, which does not disturb the animals. They are smaller, about 30-40 cm in height, than I have imagined. Marion is thrilled until the wind blows her new baseball cap right into a group of penguins. The loss is bearable.

From here, we return to the Waterfront and enjoy seafood and a beer in the midst of this lively place. Restaurants, shops, and hotels line up at the Waterfront. Dance groups perform on a newly designed promenade, surrounded by passers-by. Art of all kinds is offered for sale at other locations. The walk back to the ship concludes an eventful day.