Week Three: Diving In

         I continued my mission to try and do everything possible in Cape Town this week, with highlights including snorkeling with seals, taking the cable car up Table Mountain, and renting a car. I’ve developed a large group of friends I know to varying degrees and enjoy spending time getting to know all of them. Work continues to be exciting and engaging, every day is full of interesting conversation, viewing of cool new content, and outlining my documentary. I’m finding my stride in Cape Town and truly enjoying every second of my time here. I like to say if you’re bored in Cape Town it’s your own fault.

         Despite the ‘red tide’ that murked up the water, snorkeling with seals was incredible. They’re very playful and friendly. Though never actually making contact with us, they’d swim around and bark to get our attention. There was one moment where we all clapped at once and a storm of ~30 baby seals rampaged down the rocks and dived in to join us. My buddy Shane did a scuba dive in deeper water at the same location right after we left and found an insane amount of sharks. He said he was nervous because there were so many and they were circling him (that’s how they hunt). He’s an experienced diver though, so he made a good time out of it.

         The cable car up Table Mountain is also a must if you visit Cape Town. The entire thing spins as you ascend, so every passenger gets a full view of the city below. On top is a massive trail system providing views of the city, ocean, or mountains behind. I set up a time lapse to watch the shadows of the mountain engulf the city, but unfortunately it got cancelled when I plugged in an external battery so I got nothing out of it… Luckily I had some wine and food to enjoy with my friends as the sun set over the ocean.

         I spent a lot of time on beaches this week as well. I managed to only get a minor sunburn one day and am actually developing a tan for the first time in my life. I’ve been learning manual the hard way as well, since I rented a car here and need to get around. I stalled it a couple times per ride the first few days, but am managing to get the hang of it reasonably well. I also got to enjoy fancy tea at the Mount Nelson hotel this week, which is apparently a big thing. I enjoyed the experience, but wouldn’t do it again. I don’t really need someone to unfold and place my napkin on my lap for me and feed me mini cakes.

January 15

Highlights

  • Snorkeling with seals
  • Steak at Tiger’s Milk
  • Beers at Gibson’s
  • The Waterfront

 

January 16

Highlights

  • Unlimited pizza and beer at Trenchtown
  • Classic night at Stones

January 17

Highlights

  • Riding the cable car
  • Failing a time lapse
  • Watching the sunset from Table Mountain
  • Walking along the top of Table Mountain
  • Riding down over the city in darkness

January 18

Highlights

  • Checking out Kalahari headquarters
  • Visiting Kirstenbosch gardens
  • Sushi and champagne picnic
  • Watching an outdoor film

January 19

Highlights

  • Renting my cheapie – yellow Hyundai Atos
  • Braai at my house
  • Goodbye party for roommate Thomas

January 20

Highlights

  • High Tea at the Mount Nelson hotel
  • Walking through the Mount Nelson grounds
  • Browsing Kloof and Long streets
  • Walking tour of the Bo Kaap district
  • Browsing Green Market Square

 

January 21

Highlights

  • Old Biscuit Mill market
  • Ostrich schwarma
  • Driving to Clifton beach
  • Beach lounging
  • Pizza on Camp’s Bay