Life On The High Way
The Travels and Adventures of the High Family
Cape Town – Friday and Saturday
We decided not to go to Table Mountain on Friday as it was too cloudy. We had designated Sunday as a day of shopping, but changed our plans and went ahead and did the shopping on Friday. We went to the VA Waterfront.
I know it may sound ridiculous to go shopping while we are in Cape Town, but keep in mind that one, we haven’t received most of our stuff from America and two, most things in Luanda are extremely expensive. We had varied things on our shopping lists like dog leashes/collars, bed sheets, tennis rackets, and a cookie sheet we can use until our shipment arrives. We also needed to buy the kids new shoes. I bought shoes and included them in our shipment, but they won’t get here in time before the kids outgrow their current sizes. We brought an empty suitcase to carry all of our purchases back to Angola. Before we leave we will also hit the grocery store!
While we were shopping, we all got hungry and our family can get downright hangry. I was hoping to sit outside at the waterfront and have a nice meal, but the kids saw there was a McDonald’s and were so happy! I was not, but it worked out well because we didn’t have a ton of time to spend at lunch anyway. We knocked a few more things off the list (headphones for Lucy as hers broke, hats for all of us), and then headed back to our house around 3 pm.
Our friends who are also in Cape Town mentioned they were at the beach so we quickly changed into our swimsuits and walked the two minutes to sand. The kids were elated to see friends and we were, too! The wind was too strong at the beach so we moved to a tidal pool nearby for a couple of hours. We all decided to go to dinner together at a nearby restaurant cleverly named The Codfather. The restaurant is also near our house so on the way home I stopped by and mentioned 13 of us would be coming for dinner. They told me they had an outdoor “terrace” that would fit us. I wouldn’t call it so much a “terrace” as a side porch, but it worked and the kids were contained.
The Codfather has a conveyer belt of good sushi, but the highlight of the meal is that you go with your server to the fish counter to pick out the fish they will grill for you. Not only that, you watch them cut it and you then indicate if you want more or less. They had at least eight different types of fish. Three of the adults went to pick out the food and we chose tuna, salmon (hard and expensive to get in Luanda), king clip, seabass, and scallops. The food and service was great and the company was even better. I’m glad we were able to see our Luanda friends for a bit in Cape Town.
The wind continued all night Friday. It was so thunderous that I was sure there would be damage to our AirBnb. I have never heard wind that loud that wasn’t accompanied by a storm. By Saturday morning the wind was gone and the skies were perfectly calm. After we dressed and had coffee (hello my old friend, Starbucks!) we headed out to Boulder’s Beach to see the penguins. The drive south was beautiful, but I don’t have any photos because I was a little stressed. There were so many bikers on the road. I have never seen so many cyclists anywhere in my life. The roads were narrow, curvy, and hilly. I told Jordan these cyclists had to be confident in their abilities to climb these hills and to not be hit by a car.
We had been told that there are two ways to get to Boulder’s Beach. One is the boardwalk. The other, you go to a beach and then climb over a boulder (makes sense) and then you will be on the beach with the penguins. We opted to climb over the boulders. I underestimated how big these boulders would be. I had on a dress and sneakers that didn’t have much grip. We all managed to make it over and see the penguins. The penguins weren’t interested in us at all. It was kind of funny, but very cool to be walking around them. Of course, Hudson climbed every boulder that he could. Lucy also followed along.
After Boulder’s Beach we drove 20 minutes to a nearby restaurant that someone had recommended to us. Blue Water Cafe had a wonderful view, playground that kept the kids entertained, and great food. It was such a lovely afternoon.
On our way home, we decided to do Table Mountain. I had already purchased tickets so we parked and stood in line for the cable car. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait long. The trip up to the mountain was much quicker than I anticipated. Those cable cars can move. I had made the kids bring their jackets because I had heard it could be cold and windy at the top. We happened to be there on a warm day so instead of jackets we were seeking out shade. The views were incredible. Hudson said they should build a hotel on the top of the mountain. After our look around (and a fight in the gift shop were I refused to buy Hudson yet another hat), we headed down the mountain. We arrived home after a full day feeling tired, but grateful.
Hudson took his new racket outside and “practiced” tennis while the rest of us relaxed. He was begging for me to find him a tennis court to play on, but all of the tennis courts nearby are part of a club. He suggested we join. I said no. We realized we needed to eat dinner and headed to a restaurant I had read about. Unfortunately, a huge van for a bachelor party was parked right in front of the restaurant and blocked our view for our entire dinner.
The kids wanted to play on the beach so Jordan and I found a bench to watch the sun set while the kids played. They started playing tag which then turned into roughhousing. They both were enjoying themselves and we let them wrestle, but I kept thinking people were probably wondering where the parents were of these children who were participating in fight club.
Once the sun set, we walked home, took showers and went to bed at a decent time.
I mentioned to Jordan last night that I’m not sure if I’m enjoying Cape Town because it’s that incredible or because it is such a contrast to living in Luanda where buying and purchasing items is so hard. I think it is probably both. Cape Town is special and I’m so thankful we are spending time here. I never thought I would vacation in South Africa and here we are!
Until next time…
Sarah
Life On The High Way 
A visit to the V&A Waterfront is always a highlight for us! I think the reason you saw so many cyclists on the road towards Boulders Beach is because they were practising for the yearly Cape Town Cycle Tour that was held on Sunday (13 March) … that is part of the 109km cycle route.
And happy that you could go up Table Mountain – you have some really lovely pictures here!
LikeLike