Cape Town, South Africa ONE

We have sailed the seas, at least the Pacific and Antarctic and Atlantic Oceans; we have not been off the ship in 14 days. And then this morning we sailed into Cape Town, South Africa. What a splendid vista! The decks were crowded with passengers pointing and smiling and taking pictures of Table Mountain rising sharply above the city and Robben Island’s ominous presence across the harbor.

We disembarked to clear customs and be chided by the police if our masks were not well in place, and then there were many many excursions to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Mall, a short walk from the ship. We were absolutely delighted to buy:
A pencil sharpener
An art gum eraser (to take pencil lines from a birthday card we made)
Magnets for hanging Hope’s beads on the (metal) wall
Some more beads
African rhythm instruments for a service we are planning at Zanzibar
Some lovely brightly colored woven baskets (hostess presents – you should invite us some day!)
Headbands for Hope (whose hair is growing!)
Soap for Bill
African earrings for African night on the ship.

After the shopping expedition (and lunch) we travelled on El Wierda (see photo) to a Chapman’s Peak, a beautiful overlook where we saw another great sign banning braaing. We tried hard not to braa. Continuing inland we encountered a dreadful brush fire that was threatening local houses. Another dreadful sight came into view against the mountain: a neighborhood sparkling and twinkling in the sun that turned out to be a township (informal housing for blacks and coloreds) shining because the shacks are constructed of tin scraps.

Then back to a rousing Trivia game on shipboard. Life is sure a mix of twinkle and darkness.

XXOO H&B