When Vasco Da Gama sailed down the west coast of Africa, he intended to stop short of the Cape but
realized the ‘Namibs’ were rather aggressive. Therefore, he pushed down further, making a left turn into
Table Bay and saw what Bartholomew Diaz had discovered at the end of the 15th century. Diaz had named it
the ‘Cape of Storms’ because on that day, just like this past weekend, there were gale force winds on the
mountain. So strong were the winds that the cable car system was not operating both then and on Sunday.
When Jan van Riebeck, the Dutch administrator arrived in 1652, he was so impressed with the
sight that he shouted to his crew: “Fire up the helicopter. I want to take a closer look at that
flat-hill up there.” Jan hated hiking but was equally against using the cable car. Prices were
exorbitant in guilders (pre-Euro) for a ride to the top. People say he had tremendous chutzpah.
Why? Coming from the relatively flat Holland, how could he refer to Table Mountain as a ‘hill’?
Others say he showed typical colonial arrogance.
When he landed on top of Platteklip Gorge, like us, he was most impressed. The sight of the narrow,
steep, stone trail up to Table Mountain convinced him that the helicopter was a far better means of
reaching the summit. We would concur; the climb is very strenuous. During the hike, one questions
the meaning of life; or at least, ‘what are we doing here?’ Seventy-one minutes is the time it took
to ascend and less for the descent but it ranks as one of our toughest short hikes.
The views of Devil’s Peak to the right and the bay in front were and still are, outstanding.
By that stage, Jan wondered why he had not emigrated to the Cape years before. Unlike the Dutch fellow,
a busy guy who had to manage the half-way station to the East for his company, we had time to play
around on the rocks and take in the wonderful views from all angles and sides. At the summit cafe,
we enjoyed tea and coffee served in a genteel way, a South African tradition to be admired and enjoyed.
We have mentioned this before. The Mountain with its many routes, features and so much that
we have yet to see, is for us, a real wonder. Jan can have his helicopter; we prefer to walk. We notice
that many people hike one way and use the cable-car system for the other leg. For us, completion dictates
that we return the way we came—another of our idiosyncrasies. When we looked to the top of the gorge
from the commencement, the gap looked so narrow we wondered whether we would get our hips through that
tight spot. ‘Nothing to worry about,’ said our wise editor, ‘by the time you get there, your hips will
be a lot smaller.’ We don’t know about that but we sure felt that we had shed a few pounds.
We spent Shabbos at the Sea Point/Greenpoint shul, which was as before, enjoyable. The Rabbi gives an
interactive talk after the Kiddush meal, which in itself amounts to a banquet. For anyone concerned,
the South African’s are still eating well. The strangest thing is the accents. We still can’t get
used to listening to everyone, as some Americans would say : ‘Talking funny’.
Every nation was represented on the Tabletop today. Having being closed for two days, the trade
was brisk for the cable system on a perfect Cape day. Once again, the Germans prove to be the most
prolific hikers. Wherever we are in the world, we find that nation dominates the slopes. Many speak
good English, too. We note that guidebooks suggest a certain greeting or salutation be used when
addressing Americans. Often we are thanked or thank others for standing aside on the trail. The reply
we receive in a foreign accent: “You’re welcome” or “have a nice day” in America and elsewhere.
In closing, we wish you a great week after a very 'blue' Monday for us.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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