Cape Town 3
Today’s
was a long drive with some exciting sights thrown in, it was sojourn of Cape
Peninsula!
We were to travel to Hout’s Bay. Around 30 kms down south from Cape Town, it’s considered suburb of Cape Town. It’s a seaside harbor famous for Seal Island cruises. It has a lovely crescent shaped beach in the bowl of Peninsula Valley made by surrounding mountains. In fact it has many sights of tourists’ interest as it was once a Dutch colony. It’s famous for its quirky market where you can get even fake passport! It’s multiracial township with large number of whites almost on par with African Blacks.
We
were to take a cruise to Duiker Island, also known as Seal Island. The boat was
huge, double Decker and apart from our group there were many others. Though not
overcrowded, (may be, not allowed) it carried quite a large number. Seal island
was on the other side of peninsula and boat has to take 180*degree turn. The
entire course of journey was spectacular. Blue waters, clear blue skies and the
view of beautiful mountains Suther Peak, Chapman’s peak and others as
background!
Duiker Island turned out to be a cluster of rocks may be 20 to 30 in number. They were occupied by seals, seals and seals everywhere! May be in hundreds may be more! Most were lazily taking sunbath while few were jumping in the waters for, may be enjoyment may be food. Their shiny skin glistened in the morning sun giving them the appearance of Nouveau riche damsel flaunting her imported waist coat made from shiny leather!
Back
to harbor with heavy heart. A red colored boat crossing the blue waters was
sight to watch as the colors contrasted giving it a picture post card feel!
Stretches for 9 kms from Hout Bay to Noordhoek beach it was the most scenic coastal highway we travelled so far. It had many view points and we stopped at one to appreciate the Hout bay with the cliff hanging S-Turns and breath taking pull offs that allow you to feel the essence of South Africa. The view of Hout Bay with The Sentinel located at the entrance of harbor on the west was absolutely eye catching.
Dileep Sahasrabuddhe fellow grouper, photographed my
various moods at this point when I was not much aware. Even though it might
look narcissist I can’t help but to put them here, as they have turned out to
be really good! Thanks Dileep!%20-%20Copy.jpg)
Noordhoek
beach was attractive and is home for surfers and as well as causal sea
swimmers. It’s a Dutch name meaning “North Corner”! Chapman’s peak can be seen
in the north. Sands were silver and waters turquoise blue. Best combination for
dip! But could not, due to group compulsions. We had our lunch at the
restaurant that was bang on the Noordhoek beach, I forget the name. Food was
really good especially sea food, did they serve Shrikhand as a sweet dish I
don’t remember but they did have few Indian recipes in the spread!
Traveling along the beach we reached another beach, Boulders beach that has native Penguin population.
South African penguins! They do exist,
I doubted as I always felt Penguins means either Antarctica or Melbourne in Australia; famous for their parade! As compared to Emperor Penguins from Antarctica, (had seen them in Singapore) this species was though smaller had the same grace and cuteness. They have other differences too but I am not here to write a paper on ‘Comparative study of Emperor Penguins and Jack Ass Penguins (as they are also known as)!’ Their waddle with funny movements of their flaps was equally cute. Another feature is the stench! All pervasive and repulsive! Unfortunately due to variety of environmental and other factors their number is dwindling, so efforts are being made to prevent them from extinction.
The
Cape Peninsula stretches down still further for many miles, till it reaches
Cape of Good Hope. On the way to it there was this ostrich, walking mid-road
oblivious of the cars all around it. It reminded of the lasses walking on romp
of the Fashion shows, it was that undulating and inviting (!!!)!
Cape
of Good Hope! A common misconception is that the Cape of Good Hope is the
southernmost tip of South Africa. The fact is, it actually is Cape Agulhas
about 90 kms south-east of Cape of Good Hope. It is where the Atlantic and
Indian Ocean meet or are supposed to meet. It also is arbitrary like the
borders between African nations. I was under impression rather a foolish one
that if you own a house in Cape Town, your east side window opens on the Indian
Ocean and west side on the Atlantic. In fact Cape Town is totally on the
Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Africa and Indian Ocean is whopping 1000 or
more kilometers away on the eastern side! And there is nothing like peninsula
at the tip, southern coast of Africa is practically a straight line, stretching
up to more than 2000 kms!
Nonetheless
Cape of Good Hope has its historical importance as it served the milestone for
ships travelling from Europe to India. On the hillock, there is age old Light
house and you can reach it by using a funicular. Remnants of ramparts and
watching towers are still intact at some places.
Swapnil
always searched for different Indian restaurants for our meals. This time it
was ‘Tava’ for dinner (I am not going to add ‘H’ as is always done by South
Indians) in grandiose mall of Cape Town, Grand Casino and Entertainment World!
It really was grandiose and had big casino to add to the merrymaking. Alas
multiplex here too did not exhibit any Bollywood flick! Food was Indian so no
experimenting but it was really good so I probably overate!
The
tour was in its penultimate phase and now we were to fly back home from
Johannesburg via Nairobi. But wait, we were going to traverse the entire South Africa
by road from West to East coast a distance of around 400 kms. ; At the shortest
points and were going to have one night stop (not stand! Strictly tongue in
cheek!); in Diaz hotel at Mossel bay.
