Travel Ready - Let's Go

Table Mountain from the V and A Waterfront Cape Town South Africa

My own love of travel started in 1992 with my first trip to UK and Europe. This must be the only "bug" bite that I have ever welcomed with total abandon and never regretted. Although I am certainly not an adventure traveller, preferring the more leisurely options of photography, food, hiking and enjoying the various cultural aspects of each country, I do remain in awe of all the incredible feats witnessed on TV/uTube etc by so many amazing folk who seem to have a fear of absolutely nothing!

Nonetheless, a traveller I remain on my own small scale. Just watching Ben Fogle talking from his garden hut in his UK home, about his enforced Covid-19 Lockdown and his memories of his Atlantic Canoe crossing, makes me want to hop on a plane and head off to photograph somewhere different and new to me. Or maybe just to see somewhere with fresh eyes again?

Travel can be whatever you want it to be - no matter how sedate or how adventure driven it ends up being. The odd travel mishaps will occur - mine have been fairly few and far between.

In Argentina, I fell down some uneven steps and ended up in agonizing pain. With only 1 staff member who could speak English in the resort where we were staying, we were eventually assisted to a local hospital. The waiting room was full, dogs playing between patient's legs, breast feeding mothers, kids looking wide-eyed at everything around them and patient, resigned folk prepared to wait and wait for their turn. To this day, I don't know what the lady told Reception but I was brought a wheelchair and taken straight through to a doctor. The X-Ray equipment appeared ancient but functional and I truly got the best care. The injection that I received must have been a truly magic potion as my pain started easing within a few hours. I was told to rest for 6 days - really? In a country I had never seen before and would most probably never see again? I spent one day in bed and then braced myself to sit in the back seat of the car, with my leg extended, so that we could venture out exploring. We continued on our journey and I was able to walk again after a few days. Hats off to this small hospital in Argentina! A heartfelt thank you.

In Zanzibar I ended up with severe gastro the night prior to our departure. It appeared that I had been drinking too much mango juice - lesson learned - stick to beer! The doctor gave me the correct medrication and the hotel staff were amazing - offering me whatever I felt like eating - which was not much besides toast, tea and some soup. Our flights were postponed and I got to recover sitting on my lounger watching the dhows sailing by.

In Thailand, we started a hike into a forest and within minutes I was itching like never before. It was insane and I was jumping around like a grasshopper from one foot to the next but with no relief from the little blighters (whatever they were)  Needless to say, that ended the proposed hike. So stock up on cream BEFORE heading into these forests!

For our trip to India, we stocked up on loads of medication for the dreaded  "Delhi Belly"
Although we spent 4 weeks eating only local, delicious Indian food, we escaped unscathed and I eventually threw away the medication a year later! However, this was a very necessary precaution so do take care if travelling to this incredibly interesting country. The food in Southern India is truly yummy - the best ever!

These were all fairly minor mishaps and just add to the travel experience.
Travel opens once's eyes to so much and although, most of us will never get to all the places on our Bucket List, there is no harm in trying.....start planning!

Despite being an avid traveller worldwide, my own country South Africa, has incredible beauty and variety to offer. We travel as much as we can locally every year. For anybody, who has not yet travelled to South Africa, start planning. You will not be disappointed.

                            South Africa is "Travel Ready" 

                                Start planning your trip 

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                                    #proudlycapetonian

Table Mountain from Signal Hill Cape Town South Africa

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#iamtourism

Cape Town - Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Bo Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa

We enjoyed a wonderful wander around the Bo Kaap on a very hot Saturday - the community was out and about, the tourists were following the tour guides, a wedding was taking place and the atmosphere was congenial in this colourful part of our city. 

The lady above was selling koesisters - those delicious spicy doughnuts that one just cannot get enough of! Well known favourites are also samoosas (crispy triangle pastries), half-moons (crescent-shaped savoury snacks), daltjies (chilli bites), slangetjies and paaper bites (crisps) 

All yummy!

Or you can pop into one of the shops/restaurants for some delicious local cuisine or try a cooking class! This little girl was diligently sweeping the sidewalk of her parents restaurant while her brother played with his toys on the wall. 

Bo Kaap Cape Town South Africa

Start your visit at the Bo Kaap Museum at 71 Wale Street
This will give you an insight into the fascinating history of the area prior to a wander through the streets of Bo Kaap

"The Bo-Kaap Museum, situated in the historic area that became home to many Muslims and freed slaves after the abolition of slavery, showcases local Islamic culture and heritage. No. 71 Wale Street is today known as the Bo kaap Museum. Reportedly dating back to the 1760s, the building was converted into the Bo Kaap Museum in 1978, and is furnished as a 19th century Muslim dwelling.

The Bo Kaap Museum documents the history of the ‘Cape Malays’, and the contribution of these skilled craftsmen and scholars to the history of the Cape as a whole. The yellowwood floors and ceilings were restored to reinforce the old Cape Dutch feel, as were the teak window frames, doors and shutters. One of the rooms is furnished as a bridal chamber."

Bo Kaap Cape Town South Africa

"To this day, the houses are a mix of Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture, in distinctive multi-coloured rows on steeply cobbled roads. The choice of colour is said to be attributed to the fact that while on lease, all the houses had to be white. When this rule was eventually lifted, and the slaves were allowed to buy the properties, all the houses were painted bright colours by their owners as an expression of their freedom".

Bo Kaap Cape Town South Africa

Local resident Bo Kaap Cape Town South Africa

We loved the fact that this lady's dress matched the colour of her beautiful home! She graced us with a beautiful smile.

Brian in Bo Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa

Brian is a cheerful artist selling his African art outside another art shop, Art du Cap. Anthony de Klerk is the artist and runs his gallery here. Although not a local Malay, he caters more for the tourist market.

A wedding had just taken place and all the folk were happy and smiling!

This car has obviously not been moved in a long time as the weeds guarding the parking place are pretty high already!

We also chanced upon a photo shoot - it was for some German online company. and was fun to watch!

Bo Kaap Homes Cape Town, South Africa

Bo Kaap Cape Town South Africa

So all in all, a wonderful place to spend some time soaking up the unique atmosphere, eating some delicious snacks, chatting to the locals and enjoying time with your camera!

And, given that 2020 is a Leap Year, perhaps a time to propose to a loved one in Cape Town!!!

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Cape Point - Cape Town, South Africa

Destination: Cape Point

Where is it and how do you access it?

Located 69km from the Cape Town Waterfront, it is a road journey of roughly one hour 45 minutes, out of season. However, in peak season (May to October), it is recommended that tours take into account the up to an hour-long queues at the entrance gate to the Cape Point National Park.

What makes it a tourist destination?

Despite the wide-held belief, Cape Point is not actually the southernmost tip of Africa. It is however an extremely significant Cape Town attraction. Bartolomeu Dias, the Portuguese seafarer, is recognised as the first to sail around the Cape (in 1488). On his return voyage, Dias actually stopped at the south-western tip of South Africa, and named it Cabo Tormentoso, or Cape of Storms.

A steep funicular railway takes guests on a scenic trip to the view site near the old Cape Point lighthouse. The more energetic can take the steep stairs to the top.

Walks are also available to the Cape Point beaches below, while the Two Oceans Restaurant offers sweeping views of False Bay far below, looking back towards Simon’s Town. Tip: if there’s a tour bus around, get your order in fast.

What is unique about the destination?

The wilderness aspect of this national park – baboon, eland, ostriches, bontebok and zebra are common, with jackals a little less so, and excellent birdlife. In the waters below are Cape fur seals, whales in season, while on the beaches and inland are over 300 years of San, Khoi and pioneering history.

The Cape Point lighthouse is the most powerful on the South African coast, beaming out three flashes with a range of 63 kilometres every 30 seconds. The Cape Argus Cycle Tour – the largest timed road-race in the world – wheels its way down the main road alongside the Park every February.

What are the top activities for tourists?

· Walk the shipwreck trail at Cape Point.

· Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias monuments at Cape Point.

· The tidal pools at Cape Point.

The Wildlife

· Barbecueing and picnicking at Cape Point.

· Sunbathing on the beach.

· The spring flowers are a beautiful sight, especially for photography enthusiasts.

Seasonality?

Hot in peak summer, especially vulnerable to the pumping south-easter in the months from January to March. Wet and cold in the winter months, which can last from May to October.

Travellers’ Tips

Suntan lotion and a wide-brimmed hat with a chin-strap are essential as the wind can be wicked. A good alternative is to visit mid to late afternoon during peak season, when the crowds have thinned out.

Text Courtesy Tourism Update

See Also...

http://www.travelsnippets.co.za/2011/11/cape-of-good-hope-for-nature-lovers.html

My personal tip....go early with a picnic basket - there is so much to see and explore that one day truly is not enough!

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Cape Town - Just Nuisance - Simonstown

    Just Nuisance - an amazing story about an incredible dog!

Just Nuisance Simonstown Cape Town South Africa

Published by Kirsten Jacobs on January 28, 2020

 686  5

A visit to Simon’s Town is not complete without marveling at a statue of one of the area’s most famous residents, Just Nuisance. From travelling all across the Cape to becoming a member of the Royal Navy, this is the story of an extraordinary hound.

The Great Dane was born on April 1, 1937 in Rondebosch. As a pup, he was sold to owner Benjamin Chaney, who moved to Simon’s Town to run the United Services Institute (USI). Many Royal Navy sailors frequented the USI as they headed the Simon’s Town Naval Base at the time. Just Nuisance became very popular among these sailors, who would often feed him treats and take him for walks.

Just Nuisance could reportedly spot a sailor by his uniform and would often follow them around. His interest in the sailors would take him far, as he would follow them aboard their ships. The HMS Neptune was his preferred vessel. According to legend, he would lie on the deck on the brow at the top of the gangplank, essentially blocking anyone’s path. This caused sailors to curse the dog, saying, “You’re just a nuisance, why do you have to lie here of all places?!” And thus, his name was born.

No longer satisfied with his familiar streets, Just Nuisance began travelling far and wide. He would often follow sailors onto trains when they went for a “run-ashore” to Cape Town. He became a regular, traversing the trains like an expert. Even when ticket conductors forced him out, Just Nuisance would simply hop from one train station to the next to return home.

His travels angered ticket conductors, who sent demands to owner Chaney to either keep Just Nuisance of the trains, pay his fares or get rid of the dog. The conductors threatened to put him down if he persisted with his antics. Of course, Just Nuisance’s friends and fans objected. Many wrote letters in to the Royal Navy Commander-in-chief to urge them to take action. The solution? He enrolled Just Nuisance in the Navy!

On August 25, 1939, Just Nuisance became an official member of the Royal Navy, making him the only dog to ever do so. As with any other member, he had a host of benefits that came with the title. He slept on the sailors’ beds, attended parades and had a free train pass. He was soon promoted from ‘Ordinary Seaman’ to ‘Able Seaman’ for his valiant efforts.

His presence acted as a great morale boost for the sailors during WWII.

He was quite the brave dog, often breaking up fights between sailors by standing up on his hind legs and pushing his huge paws against their chests. He would also chaperone drunk sailors on the train to make sure they made their way home safely.

Just Nuisance became a married man when he said ‘I do’ to Adinda, another great dane. The pretty pair had five pups together, two of which were auctioned off in Cape Town to raise funds for the war effort.

Living up to his name, Just Nuisance had quite the wrap sheet. He incurred infractions for sleeping in a Petty Officer’s bed, losing his collar, and refusing to leave a pub at closing time.

In 1944, Just Nuisance was discharged from the Navy after a motor accident left him with thrombosis which was slowly paralysing him. His condition worsened, and he was put down on April 1, 1944, to end his pain.

On his last day, which was also his seventh birthday, Just Nuisance went on his last ride to the Simon’s Town Naval Hospital. His body was draped with the Royal Naval White Ensign and he was buried with full military honours at Klaver Camp on top of Red Hill where the South African Navy Signal School now sits. His final farewell included a firing party of Royal Marines and a bugler. A granite gravestone on Red Hill was erected in his honour.

Today, Just Nuisance’s legacy lives on. Locals and tourists often visit Simon’s Town to learn about his story. A statue stands proud in Jubilee Square, and the Simon’s Town Museum has a dedicated exhibition in his memory that feature his official papers, his collar and various images.

Since 2000, there has been an annual “Just Nuisance Commemoration Day Parade” in Simon’s Town main road. During the parade, Great Danes show off in the hopes of being crowned Just Nuisance’s lookalike.

View over the harbour Simonstown Cape Town

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Zanzibar - A Photographic Journey

Zanzibar is a beautiful island with a rich history, amazing beaches, colourful people, wildlife, exotic spices and much more! Absorb the culture, the way of life, the warm waters, the diving, the spice plantations, colobus monkeys and beautiful skies. The Dhows are ever present, especially in the North where the beaches are glorious! 

And the sunsets are incredible!

Goodbye Zanzibar

For More info, see link below

http://www.travelsnippets.co.za/2016/05/zanzibar-island-bliss.html

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For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

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