Cape Town, South Africa - February 2000
By
Barbara
There's a definate air of calm drifting through Cape Town this month. After the inevitable chaos created with the millennium madness, it's a much needed chance to breathe again. As predicted, Cape Town was packed full of people from every corner of the globe and Johannesburg, and things all got a bit ridiculous. Christmas blended into New Years and through into January in one continuous stream of parties. A month later and we're still partying like it's 1999. That's what I love about this town - it's Tuesday afternoon! Let's party!
Summer in the City
It's been oh-so-hot. So hot in fact that half the Cape Peninsula burnt down. And that's not too much of an exaggeration. Just as Table Mountain and Devils Peak did last year, this year's fires took hold of a significant proportion of the surrounding area causing huge damage to both the landscape and homes. Caused by a combination of heat, flora and, in some cases, carelessness this is an unfortunate occurrence each year.
On a more positive note, this is in some way essential to the environment, encouraging new growth of fynbos - the bush that covers the peninsula. The Peninsula is as stunning as ever however. There's a certain desolate beauty to the land - covered with a fine silver ash giving a strangely dramatic outline.
The Peninsula still remains one of the Capes most impressive tourist attractions and certainly at this time of year, when the heat reaches almost unbearable levels within the city bowl.
Within the City, there are certain locations that act as an oasis to the chaos of the city. In town itself, check out The Company Gardens, home to parliament, the museums and art galleries, as well as being a stunning setting in itself.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, located in Newlands are simply beautiful and definately worth a visit. The Sunday evening concerts are a must (see events).
If 'climbing Table Mountain' is on your list of things to do in Africa, then definately head to the Southern side and the Back Mountain. The routes that lead from Kirstenbosch and surrounds are far more interesting, partly shaded and less strenuous - important factors in this heat. You'll pass through forests and climb next to waterfalls (from which you can drink the water). Once at the top you can relax next to the reservoirs, before heading over to the other side, where you can grab a sundowner before catching the cable car down.
And if the heat does get too much for you, then give up and head to the beach. Cape Town and its Peninsula offers beaches with clear blue waters, immaculate white sand with dramatic backdrops - don't fall for the illusion! The water is ice cold and straight from the Atlantic. Recommended only to surfers or total masochists.
Events this Month
Not a whole lot happening this month, but its definately a case of quality over quantity. The ones not to miss:
Savannah Up The Creek Festival
Feb 25-27th
SA's answer to Glastonbury plays host to some of the best local talent. This years line up includes Springbok Nude Girls, Karma, Sons of Trout, The Usual and the Blues Broers. I guess you'll just have to trust us that this is a fantastic line up! Grab a tent, a case of beer and as many mates as you can find.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Summer Sunset Concerts
Every Sunday throughout summer, this spectacular venue plays host to local and international talent of varying styles from classical to jazz. Take a picnic, a bottle of white and someone 'special'...
This month's line up:
6th - Jazzattac Big Band
13th - Rainbow Trio (opera)
20th - Strand Combo Big Band
27th - Blues Broers
Love is in the air...?
Or maybe not. Considering this is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, there's a certain lack of romance in this town. The average Cape Tonian males' idea of romance is a begrudged bunch of flowers (roses.red.single or dozen) and a cliched candle-lit dinner, with a definate underlying goal to it all.
Now I'm just an old-fashioned-modern kind of girl (and I'm not alone here) and the whole hearts and flowers thing just doesn't do it for me. So as this Valentine's Day approaches, just remember that a spontaneous and creative gesture goes a long way, and you'll definately give the locals a challenge for the hearts of some of the most beautiful babes on the continent!
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Africa Insiders page.
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