The Tramping Man

Hello!

There is a place so exotic and distant, and yet so familiar and close to our hearts – Its South Africa! And because we are all Africans, it felt a bit like a return home.

Alright, I’m not going to stretch it further, but I have to admit I felt the warmth everyone talks about. And it’s not only the sun warmth, but mainly people’s kind approach. Not everyone was smiling, obviously and it even felt a bit unsafe when I first arrived and had to find the hostel going through the dark and empty streets (nothing happened!), but as I ventured across the country I saw people of many walks of life and… full of life and cool approach towards life. Despite the difficult times and political whirlpool. Live your life to it’s greatest potential someone said!

People of South Africa are lucky to live in such a  beautiful and diverse country. I could capture only a small bit of it but hope you can get a grasp of the beauty it has to offer. I only spent 9 days in the country but man it felt like a month!!!

Let me take you there, dear reader. The journey begins in Liverpool and goes through Manchester, Dubai with the final Destination in Cape Town.

The journey took approx 25 hours in total and it was tiring. But I have to admit I was so excited that I did not feel tired when I landed in Cape Town. Actually – on the contrary – it’s like I found this source of hidden energy within me. And it stayed with me throughout the journey allowing me to take so many photos (too many actually…). So without further due, enjoy part one!

This is where the journey (like many other) begun.

Can you guess which train I took?

This is not a train. This is the plane! So push. I wasnt allowed upstairs!

Not sure what city this was but it wasnt far from Manchester. Possibly Sheffield?

Dinner Time! I have to admit that Emirates serves quite decent meals onboard.

Landing in Dubai the morning after. Quite deserty!

The plane. How on Earth they take off I do not know… many people ask the same question…

Not the size of a handwatch… not golden either!

Taking off to Cape Town. Dubai is a picturesque city!

Higher than Burji Khalifa!

Desert somewhere in Somalia.

I have not visited the city. Or have I ? You can spot the World Cup stadium down in the middle.

Open Mines

Cape Town Suburbs. Looks very Western, but…

You see a real township. There are millions of people living in so called “townships” and its mainly illegal immigrants to South Africa seeking a better life.

I really liked this poster and it suddenly felt like I was really there!

Cape Town is probably the only city in South Africa with a decent public transport system. It did the job for me!

British Airways.

Yes, I know I am here 🙂

The city is multicultural. English is the most widely spoken language, although Afrikaans is the dutch legacy spoken mainly in the Western Cape. There is also Xhosa language (ISIXEKO SESEKAPA) and many, many other…

It is, isn’t it? 🙂 Although it’s late and time to go to sleep as an adventure awaits early in the morning…

I probably won’t!

Gansbaai. The gate to the Shark Alley!

The first group awaiting to be submerged in the cage. The weather and birds made the atmoshpere!

Big Bad Boy!

A bit blurry apologies… but the imagination works fine here!

Jumped into a wet suit and ready for the adventure! Let’s get into the cage!

Lol.

Time to go back to the city. Another view at Table Mountain.

Another view of a township.

A very traditional view. Truly breathtaking!

Clouds do make the view so magical! Although I feel sorry for people up there – they cant see a thing!

Fancy a ride in the clouds? Too expensive.

I love the shape of the stadium!

Sleeping Beauty!

Oh… I woke her up! Show off time! 🙂

Father is sleeping and the kid is playing. So human!

A closer look 🙂

It must have been Oscar!

Yes, that is an artilery! Fort Wynyard – defence station.

Sea Point Promenade and “Morphus”, an amazing sculpture made by a local!

Another take on the sculpture!

I did smile a lot 🙂

Me, me! Take a photo of me!

That’s hell of a ship wreck! Although it must have been there for years now….

Yes, a place to live… but I wonder whether I’d like to have a mountain view or an ocean view? Probably both!

I could definitely live there. Amazing conversion!

Vcitoria and Albert docks – The clock Tower.

I think he meant for me to leave! 🙂

Getaway to Robben Island. The place where the poster earlier was taken. Or where Nelson Mandela was kept in Prison.

V an A Waterfront

V and A Waterfront. Quite busy as well.

Never been closer to South Pole! Although Still quite a distance.

V&A Waterfront. Shopping time!

Waka Waka, this time for Africa!

Cape Union Mart – good stuff there!

I have never been a fan of all them toys and souvenirs, but these were so cute…

Something else. This is to do with the hygiene. A real problem too…

Ostrich meat next to toys. This shop was the size of a Tesco superstore and they definitely did not lack the space…

Another band. Trying to make for a living.

Cannot get enough of this view…. seriously! Let’s go and explore the city a bit.

Red light district maybe?

Supposedly the best food in town! The queues killed it for me though…

Long Street – a very Cape Town!

Local performers.

I really like the balconies. It looks like a wild wild west city!

The open house. Not much room in it though?

Nope. Not much room. Not a single room!

This is just a temporary structure – a reminder what a democracy is. So vital in this part of the World to remember about this. Either way it’s time to go to sleep 🙂

This is a morning view of Table Mountain. Magical. Let’s start another day! And another post 🙂