My final days in Cape Town were spent catching up on some of the more touristy things that I had wanted to explore.
Cape Town sits at the base of Table Mountain, which looms as a magnificent backdrop to the city that unfolds into the sea. It is aptly named because the top is flat, like a table, and stretches for approximately 2 miles from side to side and has an elevation of 3563 feet. The mountain itself is made of sandstone which forms deep crags in its exterior. I opted to take the Cableway up to the top, rather than hike it, because of time constraints, and because I just didn’t feel like collapsing. The view from the top is said to be one of the best in Africa. Have a look.
Horseback riding on Noordhoek Beach was one of my absolute favorite pleasures. The beach is 8 km long and one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand I’ve ever seen. My horse was as sweet as pie and when I would talk to him, his ears would up and turn to me to show me he was paying attention. He took me through the magnificent sand dunes and high grasses and out onto the white vast velvet sand toward the blue sea. The sky was a magnificent azure canopy and I wished this peaceful beauty would never end.
My last day in Cape Town was spent on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. I hopped into an 8-passenger tour van and was driven through various points of interest. We visited the fishing village of Hout Bay and took a boat ride to Duiker Island to see the Cape Fur Seals, stopped at Boulders Beach to see the African penguins, and made it down to the southernmost tip to the Cape of Good Hope. On our ride back we also did a quick tour of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It was a long day, and I’m not sure I would opt to do it this way again, but glad to have seen these important landmarks before departing South Africa.
I take away many things from my visit to South Africa. Exquisite beauty that would rival the highest rated anywhere in the world, some of the loveliest people I have ever met, including the pharmacist in Bantry Bay who graciously took care of me, fabulous food (haven’t talked much about it, but everything I ate from a simple sandwich to a sit down dinner was top-notch!) and of course poverty, crime, corruption, and a very dark side. I am so lucky and blessed.
Next up….SAFARI!!!!!
Toured Home 
Love where you place the pictures in your blog. Reading and then seeing is “almost” as good as being there. Your connection with the horse made me smile. Horses are one if the few animals that I believe can see into your soul. I feel like you may agree with me on this point. As this part of your journey you have hit both sides of the meter between pure joy an pure terror… And yet you can still sense your happiness and enthusiasm as your journey continues. Carry on….and enjoy!!
Great pictures and another wonderful experience. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and Happy New Year, Meryl!
my dear cadaver, what wonderful (mostly) experiences you share! as i get caught up on my reading…. once i start, i can’t stop. i love to hear the emotion in your voice (words) and thoroughly enjoy the fabulous photos. you are truly inspiring all of us here, as well as everyone you touch over there…. miss you so… and profoundly yearn for your next adventure….. love you. happy 2014!
Hello Meryl, Chef Sean, we met on Table mountain. I hope your world tour is going well, and i look forward to keeping up with your blog. Look forward to staying in contact. Have fun.
Hi Sean! Thanks so much for following! Hope you are well and still traveling!!