Cape Town, South Africa

An Airport Council International world aviation security committee meeting allowed me a trip to Cape Town, South Africa in February 2012. Cape Town’s most distinctive feature is its stunning setting: it lies on a dramatic coastline of white beaches and icy waters, overlooked by the iconic flat-topped Table Mountain. There is also Camps Bay and the glistening ocean with sights to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years. Add in wine farms, a string of stunning beaches for a picture of this unique city. I had not been to this part of the world before.

We stayed at a lovely hotel in city centre but were cautioned about going out alone and not after dark. There were tales already of some of the attendees being robbed when they were out shopping.

The organisers arranged a few outings for us around committee meetings so we could get some exposure to Cape town so that took us to:

A township settlement tour – this was of interest to all. When we arrived to the chosen settlement there was considerable negotiations with some tough looking men who were controlling access. Eventually they selected a guide for us who turned out to be high on drugs. One of our local escorts from the Police took over the tour. We wandered the many alleys and streets of the settlements where residence live in very impoverished conditions. We were carefully scrutinised by the locals and an uneasy feeling pervaded the tour as much of daily life, food and existence was explained including the violence. It was good to finish and get on our bus.

A city and district tour to Table Top Mountain –

The trip up to the top of the mountain is a must as you watch Cape Town’s landscape slowly gets transformed below you from the comfort of a rotating able car. Opened in 1929, the Cable-way transports you to the iconic flat summit. We wondered along the pathways leading to the various jaw-dropping vantage points for views of Table Bay, Robben Island and Cape Point, and then we headed to the Table Mountain Cafe for a sophisticated bit of food.

What struck me as we drove around, I observed the houses that they all had high walls, barbed wire and signs about armed guards this must indicate something about the life here? The area was lovely and city modern but it had an uneasy feeling.

To the wine regions for a dinner and show

to a local city restaurant – a set course of local South African food was served along with some traditional music and dance. A most interesting and entertaining evening. We were driven to and from the hotel at night even though it was only two blocks from our hotel. When we wanted to walk home it was basically forbidden for safety.