Cape Town, The Mother City

I feel lucky to arrive back in Cape Town on the eve of Nelson Mandela's funeral. He was laid to rest in his home village of Qunu, but Capetonians came out in droves to mourn his passing and celebrate his legacy. Events took place the entire week, and the day of the funeral screens were set up right in front of City Hall. People sat together and watched all morning, mostly silent with the intermittent cheers of pride. It was incredible to be a part of it all and be in South Africa to celebrate such a revolutionary figure. There were many who thought Madiba's passing would drive people apart, but at that moment it felt like we were all in it together. It was a great way to begin another week in Cape Town.

American #2 & I stayed once again in Observatory, but moved over to the Green Elephant to mix things up. Mavis made it feel like home :) Over the week, we explored the city. Table Mountain was closed due to wind most days, but the drive up was gorgeous. Around the peninsula is Camp's Bay - a bit fancy but it's a bustling part of town right on the beach. Long Street seems to be always busy if you want nightlife, and retail is all over City Bowl and along the Harbor. 

The District 6 museum downtown shares the stories of people who lived in the Sixth Municipal District of Cape Town in 1867. Originally established as a mixed community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, laborers, and immigrants, this all changed during apartheid. In 1966 it was declared a white area under the Group Areas Act of 1950, and by 1982, the life of the community was over. More than 60 000 people were forcibly removed to barren outlying areas aptly known as the Cape Flats, and their houses in District Six were flattened by bulldozers. The District Six Museum, established in December 1994, works with the memories of the District Six experience and with that of forced removals more generally. Worth a visit for the touching exhibits and learning experience. 

Back in Obs, there was live music at the Armchair, mexican food at Panchos, poached eggs for breakfast (with lots of rocket of course), and Trash Caberet at Desperados with their great live show. That, and catching up on sleep in that delightful real bed.  

And, on December 23, American #3 arrived for some adventures. We were off on another road trip Christmas Day, but first the 3 of us caught the Christmas Eve showing of Scrooge at the Baxter Theatre. Marc Lottering and the cast were hilarious and the children's choir sang beautifully. It was one of the best performances I've ever seen and I'd love to make it an annual Christmas tradition. Cape Town, I'll be back!

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