Cape Town, South Africa – September 1999

As the bus pulls into Cape Town, I’m greeted by a spectacular view of Table Mountain, a South-Easterly covering the table with its cloth of cloud. My first thoughts at this awesome view are ‘get me off this bus and into bed’. After 18 hours on the bus from Jo’burg, its pretty hard to get inspired by much really.

However, after a few hours sleep and a decent cup of coffee, I have a big smile on my face again. For a whole three months in the Gauteng, I’ve been looking forward to climbing the mountains, walking in the forests or just watching a perfect sunset over the ocean. Of course, I’ve done none of these things as I’ve been over indulging in the nightlife and therefore sleeping all day, but I digress.

Whatever, its wonderful to be back.

Events this Month
Cape Town has gone festival crazy this month – too many to mention here, rather check the local press for details. Here is a selection of some of the best:

One City Festival – 22nd-26th.

This is the big one. Organised by the same people responsible for the ‘One City Many Cultures’ project, this is a celebration of the diversity of culture that is in essence what this city, and indeed country, is all about. See One City for more info.

Stellenbosch Festival – 24th-22nd.
In the heart of the Winelands, Stellenbosch is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. The festival celebrates the arts and culture that makes this historic town so worth visiting. Aside from the wine of course…

The Moby Dick Hermanus Whale Festival – 23rd-2nd.
This picturesque little town is famous for its population of Southern Right Whales. There will a whole range of activities both on and off shore, but what we really love is just to sit on the shore with a beer and a friend, just watching the whales splish-sploshing around.

Scream Xtreme/Table Mountain CableWay Festival
1st-3rd October.
This is one for all you adrenaline junkies out there. The rad dudes will be out in force, abseiling, climbing, downhill biking and skateboarding(?!) around the slopes. Contact Downhill Adventures
for more info, or just to say hello to the lovely but seriously overworked secretary.

September also marks World Tourism Day, and to celebrate this, South Africa has decided to expand the event to cover the entire month with events happening across the country.

Call me cynical, but to expand this day across an entire month, means that the whole thing promises to pass by pretty much unnoticed (sorry Peter). Still, there’s some pretty cool things planned – check out Tourism Month for more details.

Out on the Town
After a week of staggering home some time after sunrise, muttering such old classic sayings as ‘why-oh-why’ and ‘never again’, I note that nothing has changed – this is still an amazing party town. I think is a good thing – though not for my health! New bars have emerged, old favourites close and fantastic parties have been planned. Here is a line up of some of this months best parties – see you there!

Mo’funk – 3rd at 169 on Long St.
A Cape Town classic, with DJs playing a range of Mo’town, Funk, Soul and Disco.

Essential Mix
17th at Rhythm Divine, Long St. Hard house and deep house.
Can’t tell the difference myself, but then I never was "cool".

"Tomorrow can wait" – Camel Experience
23rd at HQ Acacia.
With 9 international artists and three floors of dance, retro and indie – this promises to be the big one.

The Cheese Strikes Back
24th, venue unknown as yet.
Cheesy, sleazy 70’s extravaganza – always a whole lot of fun.

Love and other stuff
Maybe because its Springtime, but love (OK, hormones) is most definately in the air. The flowers are blooming and all around young couples walk hand in hand. Call me a hopeless old romantic, but it’s hard not to fall under the spell of this beautiful place. Forget Paris, this is one amazing city to fall in love.

Am I speaking from experience? Hell no. I just continue to indulge in my unreciprocated infatuation with Mr Wrong, which we all know is SO much more fun than this romantic nonsense.
Unless of course, there’s any better offers out there?! Desperate, moi?

BIG hug to Les at Blue Lizard, for much needed beer, chocolate and useless advice

General Info
Cape Town is beautiful, vibrant and cosmopolitan.
Take your time and do it justice.

Geography
Right at the furthest South-Western point of
Africa. You’ll recognise it by the big flat
mountain in the middle of it all.

Accommodation
Abundant and reasonably priced. Depending on
your budget, try: Just backpacking or Hotelogue

Transport
From the airport – a lot of accommodations will
do free pick ups or call the lovely Andre (082)
809 9185 for the shuttle bus.

Around town Rikkis
are cute and cheap ish and go everywhere. If you
can figure out the network then the local minibus
taxis go every where and are cheap.
Be warned – the drivers must be buying their
licenses.

Good cheap food
Mr Pickwitts on Long St – good food, great
vibe and open very late.
Naked (on Kloof, on the square, at the
Shack) – wraps, juices, good coffee, nice vibe

Bars and Clubs
Just a couple of my
favourite hang outs:

The Jam – De Villiers St
live music, relaxed student vibe.

Also, Shack and
Blue Lizard Net Cafe next-door. You’ll find
me propping up the bar here most nights. Sadly.

Jo’burg – Long
St
Very cool and funky bar, open late

Weather –
snooze….
Just to say – although it’s Spring time, it still
pretty cold at night, so don’t forget some warm
clothes.

Recommended
Buy a copy of the Cape Review (R4.95) – monthly
what’s on guide. Or check out the Gig Guide.