Loving Capetown...

Day 2: Cape Point

I was required to go on a SAS trip for one (actually my 3 econ) class. I am definitely glad it was required because I wouldn’t have signed up for it, and boy would I have missed out! Our guide was terrific and I learned some many random things about many aspects of South Africa. Our first stop was a seal breeding colony. How cool. It was like being at the zoo but so much better. The seals are full of life. Our next stop was a huge statue park. When I asked a vendor what the statues were made out of the answer I got was “stone” (slightly obvious). I have no idea what kind but the statues were amazing. They had from very small figurines to huge sculptures. The designs and details were amazing! I had fun taking pictures… The next actual stop was Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Everywhere there were signs “Don’t feed the baboons,” “Beware of Baboons,” and the “The Baboons are dangerous.” We didn’t see any of the notorious baboons but we did see wild ostriches. To get to the light house atop of Cape Point, one must either hike or take the cable car. I chose to walk, since its free, and got some excellent views along the way. And mom, I took a picture of it for you. After lunch we headed to Boulder’s beach to see the penguins. Unfortunately there was a boardwalk, so actually mingling with, or being “thigh high in penguins” was impossible. Penguins are odd creatures. And for Kayla I took a picture of two mating. I really enjoyed the tour and I learned a lot about SA (and this is definitely the “I-am-too-lazy-to–type-all-the-details-version”).

Day Three: Company’s Gardens

After a late start, Janelle and Darnel and I headed to the East Dutch Indies Gardens. The gardens were absolutely gorgeous but it was at least 100 degrees outside. Around these gardens are many famous and important buildings, including parliament, St. Georges Cathedral, the National Library, and the Slave Lodge. I say all of them but the only place I visited was the South African Museum. It was soooo interesting. It was a natural history museum. I am pretty sure that I learned about every facet of SA’s natural history. Dinos, fossils, sea creatures/sharks, wildlife, rocks and gems, the indigenous people, the solar system/galaxy, and so much more! I got to touch a 250 million year old dino fossil! I was thoroughly impressed and if flooded me with memories of museum-going with my grandparents and parents.

Day 4: Three mile walk with a wooden giraffe

I headed to the Green Square Market to pick up some local crafts. I spent way too much (since I hadn’t fine-tuned my bargining skills) but I did get some cool items. One of them was this 3 foot wooden giraffe which I then attempted to carry back to the ship three miles away. I made it but not after my arms were ready to fall off.