So I know this is very out of order and it's been a while since i've last posted something to the blog but the trip has been a hell of a time and I haven't had much free time.
Cape Town has been an adventure. The diversity of people and the culture here is really something else. Apartheid has only been abolished here for the last 16 years and in that time it is amazing to see how far they have come in comparison to the rate at which change was enacted in the States following the end of slavery. While many black South African's have been working their way up the social ladder and re-establishing themselves, there is still a large gap between the two classes. At the Nelson Mandela gateway, where you can pick up the fairy to Robbin Island, there are many displays about the Truth and Reconciliation commission. It really brings to life a lot of the atrocities that happened during the apartheid years and what is being done since to try and resolve many of the issues. You can footage of the interviews and what happened on the South African government website. With all of that though, this city and country really has a lot to offer and hopefully it will get to showcase all of that during the World Cup in a few weeks.
The views from the top of Table Mountain were amazing, to be able to look out over all of Cape Town, turn around and look out into the endless ocean during sunset was gorgeous. The African's called Table mountain the mountain of the sea, and it really is that. It rises over 3,000 feet up out of the ocean, straight up, to a mesa looking top. There's a really innovative cable car that takes people to the top, and as it moves along the floor rotates 360 degrees so that everyone in the car has an opportunity to see all that there is on the ride up.
The Cape of Good Hope is one of the most beautiful places in Cape Town and possibly all of South Africa. Down there you are put out on a little peninsula, with only the ocean between you and Antarctica. There view's are endless out over the ocean and the buildings sitting on the ocean have some of the best view's ever.
Much to my surprise, South Africa has over 300 wineries and makes some fantastic wine and the best brandy in the world. We took half a day and toured a few of the wineries and got to taste a lot of the wines that they make, fantastic. Unfortunately the cost to ship a case to the States with duty taxes ends up costing more than the wine itself so i'll have to find a place back home that sells some of the wine.
Then there was the International Jazz Festival. Not only were there a lot of people in town for the Easter weekend but partnered with the Jazz festival there were people from all over South Africa and the world here for the weekend. There were free shows at night showcasing some great bands and then a two day festival over the weekend that included the likes of John Butler.
After the free show's in the night everyone desceneded upon Long Street. Think Barcelona's Las Ramblas meets Bourbon Street. It was insane. Live music, people everywhere and bars galore. They have some pretty loose laws in Cape Town that allow you to walk out of a bar with your drink and go to another bar. So we were able to order drinks and walk around where ever and then come back to order another drink. No to-go cups or anything, just in, out and around the place. What a great idea. Mill ave needs to look into adopting that policy. It would make for one hell of a good time.
Now its time to head off to Ghana. Hope you all are having a great spring back home and Happy Easter.
Kyle Koelbel
kdkoelbel@semesteratsea.net
(Sent from a cruise ship somewhere in the world)
http://bearsatsea.blogspot.com
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