I am from Durban originally and my family is still there but I have now been living in Cape Town 18 wonderful years and the place has made its way into my heart and it is there to stay.

Every day I am grateful for my life and lifestyle that I enjoy here in Cape Town. I know there is hardship, poverty and unemployment around us but we have to keep sight of the good stuff and remind ourselves of the joy, life and beauty that surrounds us. Look for it and you will find it.

This is what I have observed and enjoyed in my time in the cool, captivating, characterful, colourful Cape Town;

The People- From the banter of the flower sellers on Adderley Street to the foreign car guards, local informal traders and overseas visitors, diversity and different accents abounds.

Coffee Culture– I have travelled a lot and can honestly say we have some of the hippest coolest coffee spots out there. Some of my faves include Truth, Bootlegger, Jasons, Mischu and Origin.

Hiking Trails– The smells of the fynbos, the sight of awesome rock formations and local flowers, the sounds of crickets and birds chirping are just some of the things you will experience while hiking and walking in the Cape. From a quick trip up Lions Head to a hike up the busy Platteklip Gorge, to longer day hikes and exploring the back table and the 12 Apostles.

Beaches– Surfing at Big Bay, ice- cream at Milnerton Beach, Sundowners on Clifton, sun tanning at Camps Bay, walks on Hout Bay Beach, Horse Riding on Noordhoek Beach, Scuba Diving with seals, Penguins at Boulders Beach and to save the best for last, swimming in the warmer Indian Ocean at Muizenberg (and lunch and a beer after at all the cool restaurants there).

Sunsets– If you follow me on Instagram you will see that I LOVE my sunsets. My favourite on my doorstep is the aptly named Sunset Beach. Watch the sun dip into the Atlantic Ocean from the Top of Lions Head or Signal Hill, Sea Point promenade, Clifton Beach or Eden on the Bay.

Culture– World Class theatre venues like the Baxter and Artscape show ballet, orchestras, operas and theatrical shows. Watch local and international shows at the Comedy Clubs, music venues and Jazz Festivals. Natural History Museums and Art Exhibitions showcase local creative talent.

History- Absorb yourself in the richness of our history by visiting the District Six Museum and the Castle of Good Hope. Explore the Cape Malay culture at the Bo-Kaap Museum and don’t forget the World Heritage Site Robben Island.

Eating Out– Get the best burgers at super cool and hip places like Yours Truly, Jerrys, Hudsons and Tigers Milk. Local Cape Malay cuisine, gourmet food, tacos, tapas, Thai, Indian are all also available.

Markets– Spend a morning at The Old Biscuit Mill and soak up the vibe, yummy food and tasty treats, buy organic veg and enjoy a vegan lunch at the Oranjezicht Market and buy local crafts and jewellery at the Watershed. Visit the Bay Harbour Hout Bay Market and the Milnerton Market for vintage and unusual finds.

Wine Farms– Enjoy the awesome restaurants and excellent wine from the Cape Point Vineyards to the world class Constantia Valley Wine Area, Durbanville Wine Route and my current favourite De Grendal Wine farm.

The Parks–  Walk the dogs and the kids at our local green areas from the amazing Green Point Urban Park to De Waal Park and The Company Gardens and our regular with kids, dogs and the bonus of good coffee, The Deer Park in Vredehoek.

And some of the other gems that I visit on a regular basis with my family and foreign visitors are Kirstenbosch, Two Oceans Aquarium, The Noon Day Gun, The Planetarium, Bree and Long Street and Kalk Bay for cool shops and fish and chips.

On my TO DO list of things I would still LOVE to do in Cape Town- Dinner at The Pot Luck Club, Robben Island, Sea Kayaking, Bo Kaap Tour, parasailing off Lions Head, hiking the Hoerikwaggo Trail, Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the canals, ride the Big Wheel at the Waterfront, Open Air Cinema, snorkelling with seals, Township Tour, Lunch at Mzolis, District Six Museum, Red City Tours on the double decker bus and the St. James Coastal walk (I know, crazy that I haven’t done this) so stay posted.

And I haven’t even mentioned the Scenic Drives, the Shopping Centres, The Company Gardens, all the kid’s activities, Mountain Bike Routes, the Craft Beer Industry, high tea at the Mount Nelson, Trail Running, Rock Climbing, First Thursdays, Sea Point Promenade, Helicopter Flips, Shark Cage Diving and all the Sporting Venues.

Enjoy reading my other Blog post about What I love About South Africa.

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