Life in Cape Town.. a snap-shot perspective
Guest writer: Davina Rapaport
Background:
When I had the opportunity to live and study in South Africa I jumped at the chance. Life in Africa doesn’t march along; it dances to an entirely different rhythm.
The spirit of South Africa is palpable, so much so that I noticed it the minute I landed at OR Tambo airport in Jo’burg. The diverse mix of languages, ethnic groups, religions and political views makes South Africa a truly mixed bag and fascinating to unravel.
Coming from Australia, I found the African influence exotic and captivating. There is truly no more bewitching place that South Africa… It casts a spell on you and once you fall in love with Africa, you’ll dream of coming back again and again.
The People:
There are no more sociable, friendly and welcoming people on earth that South Africans. In no other country in the world can a person step off the plane not knowing a single soul on the entire continent and within a few weeks have made lifelong friends. Their ‘joie de vivre’ and magnanimity makes for fun moments and hilarious experiences. South African’s know how amazing their country is, and rather than being snooty about it, they’re so proud, happy to show it off and will make sure you’ll enjoy it as much as they do.
What to see & do:
South Africa is a traveller’s paradise, offering almost everything for everyone.
Between Table Mountain and the stunning beaches of Cape Town, Kruger National Park, the scenic Garden Route, the majestic Drakensburg mountains, the Wild Coast and the beating heart of South Africa – Jo’burg, South Africa kept me entertained for a year, and even then I felt that I barely scratched the surface. The best way to see South Africa is on the road giving you ample opportunity to see the country, interact with the locals and go at your own (often meandering) pace… It doesn’t take long before you slip into the African way of life.
The gut wrenching history in the Apartied Museum, the colours of Bo Kaap, the sights, sounds and spirit of Soweto (home of the only street in the world that boasts two former Nobel Prize Winners), the vibe of the Biscuit Mill, the gorgeous drive out to Chapman’s Peak, the blood pumping climb up Table Mountain, the chic eateries at Melrose Arch, the inviting water at Durban’s beaches, the tantalising opportunity to go wine tasting in Stellenbosch and Franshoek and the simple joys of having a laugh with locals mean that a visitor’s days will be as jam packed or as relaxed as they wish.
South Africa offers a diverse range of cosmopolitan activities. The amazing clubs, restaurants and bars will keep all visitors amused, satisfied and in good spirits. South Africans love to socialise, so you’ll find an interesting gathering or a “joll” (party) any time you want.
Amazing Nightlife in Cape Town
Crime:
You can’t plan a trip to South Africa without addressing the crime factor. It’s a prevalent issue for all travellers and locals alike. In Johannesburg it IS as bad as people say but it’s not insurmountable. In Cape Town and elsewhere in South Africa travellers need to have their wits about themselves. I was fortunate and didn’t have a single bad experience in South Africa – I never felt unsafe. That being said, I never put myself in a position where I would feel unsafe. Even though my apartment was 3 blocks away from three of the best clubs in Cape Town, I never walked home. That being said, even in Cape Town I’ve had friends who have been the victims of theft, had their apartment’s burgled and even experienced assault.
The driving factor of the crime rate is the unequal distribution of wealth. The distance between the very wealthy and the very poor is heartbreakingly disproportionate. The scary thing about Cape Town and South Africa is that a visitor could completely avoid the poverty and think that all of South Africa is Sandton, Sandhurst and the glamour of the Atlantic Sea Board in Cape Town. For travellers to really see the underbelly of South Africa they need to seek it out. Seeing the shanty towns and slums are a tragic and eye opening experience, but essential to understand the realities of South Africa. To truly grasp the resilience of the African spirit take a tour of Soweto which was the epicentre of the anti-Apartied fight. In Cape Town, a trip to ‘Mzolies’ restaurant in the township of ‘Guguletu’ is essential. This fun outdoor, restaurant / bar / dance party allows you to get up close and personal to a completely unique African experience (just be sure to leave well before dark).
A reason to try it yourself:
Despite its controversial past, South Africa is soaring like a phoenix to great heights. Perhaps it’s the promise of greatness to come that keeps South Africans infused with relentless energy. It’s contagious. Before long, tourists will find themselves tapping their feet to African beats, the honking horns of the local minibus taxis, and the infectious rhythm of their 11 official languages.
South Africa can at lift you up and make your spirit fly but also break your heart at the same time… a world away from any other destination. But isn’t that the point? A truly unique and special country, in every aspect.