(25 February)
An early morning. The train took us to the airport. After breakfast at the airport, and a few gate changes that sent us across the terminal a couple times (small terminal…) the flight took off just a little late.
A one hour 30 minute flight took us from extremely early spring in Stockholm to a fairly mild winter in Kiruna. Temperature at arrival was about -8 C. A beautiful sunny day.
Our pre-booked taxi picked us up.
(25 February)
When you decide to spend the night in an Art suite, or another cold room, there is an orientation with good-to-know information.
The guide showed us how to get into the sheet-bag, and then the sleeping bag. Told us to dress in thin thermals, warm socks, mittens and a wool hat. They also showed the light switch and the night entrance.
At check in they gave us a small booth where we could keep all our stuff locked up.
(3 July)
After a good night’s sleep, and a lovely breakfast we headed off for a quick look at Gardens shopping center. We then walked the length of Buitenkant, through District Six, to the Castle of Good Hope.
The castle was built between1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company. The star shaped castle is the oldest exciting colonial building in South Africa. Yellow paint was originally chosen for the walls because it reduced the effects of the hot African sun.
Around the long table in the dining hall they could seat 100 guests (Alex counted 101 chairs today).
There was a volunteer explaining the firing of a small canon, and also demonstrated a firing.
We then strolled through down town Cape Town towards the Waterfront. When we crossed the small pedestrian bridge to the Waterfront, the noon gun from Signal Hill was fired. We heard it and could see the smoke. Otherwise the clouds are heavy again today, even the top of Signal Hill was covered in clouds.
At the Waterfront we enjoyed a very tasty lunch in front of a small fireplace, with views overlooking the marina. There was also time for ice cream, and I got myself a take away coffee.
Today we also managed to dodge the rain. It started to drizzle as we hopped into the taxii. When it dropped us at our guesthouse, our airport shuttle arrived. Just popped in to grab out bags, and say goodbye.
At immigration they studied Alex’ birth certificate thoroughly. Now we’re waiting near our gate for or flight to be ready for boarding.
We have truly had an amazing African adventure! Thanks for coming along.
Tonight is our last night in Cape Town, we decided to go for pizza. Alex had spotted a nice looking Italian restaurant when we walked to Bo-Kaap. We found it on the internet, and it looked like they’d have Neapolitan style, wood fired pizza.
We asked at our B&B for a taxi. The first company said in 40 minutes, the next in 20. It’s a cold, rainy night and that was probably the reason.
Great pizzas, and a good game of M.I.G (kind of like Trivial Pursuit) on an app. The winner tonight was Anna.
The waiter at the restaurant called is a taxi to take us back. The driver wasn’t sure where our street was . We tried to explain, since we know some well know places and streets near by. The driver tried to find it on google maps on his phone. Jan had to tell him an address in Australia came up. Not even close, not even the same continent (LOL). Eventually he got us home.
We’re hoping for no rain tomorrow on the last day in Africa. I think they are happy about the rain here though, since they have had a long drought.
(2 July)
After a good night sleep, warm and cozy thanks to the provided hot water bottles, we started our day with a really nice breakfast.
Today the clouds weigh even heavier on Table Mountain, only the foot of it can be seen.
Bringing our rain jackets along, we then head off via Long Street towards Bo-Kaap, with its brightly colored houses. This is the muslim neighbourhood. Signal Hill towers in the background.
As read on the internet: On Signal Hill
signal flags were used to communicate weather warnings as well as anchoring instructions to visiting ships in order to ensure that they prepared adequately for stormy weather while in the bay. Similarly, ships could use flags to signal for assistance if, for example, an anchor line parted during a storm.
It is also known for the Noon Gun that is operated there by the South African Navy and South African Astronomical Observatory.
We feel quite safe walking around today. Here and there we see public safety officers, standing in strategic spots.
Our walk continues towards the Waterfront. From our guesthouse it’s about 50 min, a bit more since we make the detour via Bo-Kaap.
Near the Waterfront we pass a bridge ending into nothing. The last stretch to Victoria & Alfred Waterfront we take the scenic route, along a nice little canal. Signal Hill can still be seen in the background.
At the Waterfront we stroll around, see the Clock Tower, from 1882, from where the harbour master used to control the comings and goings in the docks. We also stroll around the different malls, everything from High Street brands to souvenirs can be found here.
Alex was craving for sushi, and at V & A Food Market, we finally find great sushi at a reasonable price, joining the locals for lunch.
Rain is hanging in the air, and the wind is picking up as we take a ride on the Cape Wheel. It swings quite a lot as the wind get stronger. From the top we can see Robben Island, were Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison, despite the misty air.
After an ice cream we take a taxi back since it’s starting to rain, walk to a ‘hole in the wall’ (literally) coffee shop and bring back coffee to enjoy in the lounge at our B&B.
Traveling from the airport we pass town ships, next to nicer areas. This is part of the city structure – really poor neighborhoods right next to better ones.
(1 July)
It was lunchtime by the time we arrived in Windhoek. We looked up a restaurant in our travel guide, to get a general idea of where to head. That restaurant was only open for dinner, but there was another one next door that was open. We enjoyed a nice lunch in a little garden, enclosed behind the restaurant.
(30 June)
Just after 9 am we headed of on our last road trip in Namibia. We had seen the sun rising over the Namib desert, with the mountains as shadows in the far distance.
We stayed at a small lodge just 16 km south of Solitaire. From our little patio we had a fantastic view, yet again, over the desert plains, large rocks nearby, and mountains as shadows in the far distance.
Oryx came to drink at the waterhole just in front, they even ventured extremely close to the deck where we had dinner. There were also plenty of ground squirrels.
The lodge had a pet springbok called Amanda. It walked around the premises like she owned the place. She was cute!
After our excursion to the Dunes we went to Solitaire for lunch. Back at the lodge Alex climbed to the top of the big rock, Jan and I did laundry. Well needed after our adventures in the sand. The sun, warm weather, and wind dried the clothes in absolutely no time. When I hung the last things, the first clothes were already dry!
No need for a hairdryer either. Before Alex came back with the message that there was none to be had, my hair was dry.
Tea and cake was served and enjoyed in the afternoon. Dinner and a game of Farkel (Alex won big time!) was enjoyed at night.
The sunsets were amazing!