The trip to Cape Town was reminiscent of the old days of flying in the USA, the home of flight. In a two-hour trip, we were served a full meal with refreshments. Hardly an earth-shattering piece of information but it does show South Africans clinging to the former comforts we all enjoyed (some say suffered) in the air not long ago.
Upon arrival, we called the condo agent to arrange to meet so we could take occupation and settle the bill. Cash only we were originally instructed. What a pleasure it was to hand over thousands of rand in notes to the agent and let her carry the risk. “I’ll meet you in twenty minutes,” she informed us in a friendly manner. ‘Make it thirty,’ we replied, ‘we need at least an extra ten minutes so we can get lost”. She chuckled because she obviously thought we were making a joke. Anyone who knows us, understands it wasn’t humorous.
Finally, man cannot survive on hiking alone. One of us dislikes shopping but it’s so easy to find the 'right foods' in South Africa—it is like being in Jerusalem but with a vast choice. Tastes very good, too.
One must give the devil its ‘due’ but not this ‘Jew’. In fact, let the devil be damned. However, the hike up to the peak of its ‘hangout’ was outstanding and memorable. The first third is up a steep incline on stepping-rocks, followed by a continuing mixed underfoot steep path with a final third scrambling over rocks at an even more acute angle—it felt vertical. The elevation gain was about 2,000 feet (although we cannot be sure), all of it in colorful and lush shrubs, bushes and wildflowers. It is a treasure. The views are spectacular from the start to the peak to which we believe, the pictures attest. The 360-degree sights are outstanding and command, if not demand, the admiration of the viewer. Looking at Table Mountain from the eastern side was a unique experience. From our peak, it appeared that we were on a par—there is a 280 feet difference. Lion’s Head is always prominent and one cannot help but admire it from all angles. We intend to hike ‘the Lion’ again but we have succumbed to the Devil—we believe the latter is easily superior.
We settled in a flat (apartment) in Sea Point, which is comfortable, spacious and secure. The agent said, “The area is very secure, you have nothing to worry about,” to our question about the rental car parked in the street. We trudged up to the second floor after opening the outside gate with a key, opening the common 2nd floor gate with a key, locking it after passing through, unlocking the patio entrance gate and finally, unlocking the sliding front door. We appear to be safe but our hands are in spasm. We wanted to ask whether it would be permitted to hang a rope ladder over the balcony for easier egress but the look in our editor’s eye was anything but encouraging.
We miss you all…even you don’t believe that.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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