CAPE TOWN AFRICA
by: Gregory Hudson
For the discerning traveller to the Cape who would like to
explore Cape Town's City Bowl, here are a few suggestions.
Remember, Cape Town bears two distinct faces, a mask worn
by day and a mask worn by night. Whichever one you choose,
this article will provide you with a few hints on how, when and
where to explore the city bowl, whether by day or by night.
The Cape Town City Bowl by Day:
Pan African Market
Now that the subject of masks has been broached, the
discerning traveller to the Cape may want to experience the full
range of African facades. If this is the case, you need go no
further than the Pan African Market. Located in a national
monument on historic Long Street, one could easily walk to
this destination and most rented taxis know exactly where
Long Street is situated. Drop by the market on any day of the
week and they should be open, although there are certain
occasions when they may be closed due to certain religious
observances.
Well worth a visit, it literally looks as though the contents of this
shop sprang straight out of the pages of “King Solomons
Mines”. Although the motifs behind the masks and other
goodies have often been lost in time, just looking at them
should provide you with enough of an explanation!
Green Market Square
A large cobbled area known as Greenmarket Square can be
found in the centre of the city bowl. It is a busy place, a place to
barter and haggle, providing a pleasant, corner café
atmosphere good for just sitting peacefully and watching the
goings on.
There is perhaps no other place where paths cross as they do
at this hub of city life. A traveller to the Cape is able to gain an
insight into the African culture with only an hour's observation,
as Greenmarket Square provides a varied cultural sampling of
the cities folk.
The Cape Town Gardens
This historic parkland in the heart of Cape Town is simply
about birds, tea, roses, Koi Fish and history, hopefully mixed
with a bit of sunshine.
The best place to start your leisurely walkabout would be just
outside the Slave Lodge on the Corner of Adderley and Wale
Streets. To avoid disappointing the areas inhabitants, bring
peanuts. Oh, and lookout for the Albino Squirrel.
The Bokaap
The architecturally and socially unique Bokaap, otherwise
known as the Malay Quarter, rests on the slopes of Signal Hill.
This quiet niche on the fringe of the City Bowl is a newly
proclaimed national monument. With its quaint, cobbled
streets and renovated slave quarters it, till this day, houses the
original descendants for whom the quarters were built. If you
have never heard of a “Roti” ask for one at a Bokaap café, they
are delicious.
The City Bowl by Night:
The sunset in Cape town is quite remarkable. With the waning
of the daylight hours, the soft hues cast themselves across the
clouds welcoming the coming of the night. Cape Town
transforms, donning another mask as the city’s landscape
begins to twinkle.
The Cable Car Road
A drive along the Cable Car Road is a little daring for some,
particularly at this hour, but it is well worth it! It is possible to
see from this vantage point why Cape Town CBD is known as
the City Bowl. As your gaze moves from left to right, Lion’s
Head contrasts sharply with the backdrop of a golden sunset,
as you pan further to the right; the torso of this giant beast
becomes apparent. From the Cable Car Road, you can literally
see the complete outline of a resting lion guarding his
concrete jungle; a good time to take a snap!
The nightlife in Cape Town comes in many shapes and sizes,
here are a few possibilities:
Mama Africa
There is warmth and feeling to Mama Africa. This authentic
African restaurant, dressed in traditional African décor and
serving the continents cultural cuisine, is always a lively place.
You can often catch Marimba music and live African bands and
the bar is not your average elbow parking lot either; it has been
customised in rather a reptilian fashion. But you need to see
that for yourself!
The Crypt
Situated at the beginning of the afore-mentioned garden walk,
at the same intersection of Adderley and Wale Streets, lies the
Crypt. Under St George's Cathedral, the Crypt, which was built
in 1898, is now the haunt of Jazz enthusiasts and the
playground of dining room damsels from the Cape Town city
bowl.
After being closed for years, the Crypt's curved arches, leaded
window panes and plaques commemorating the dearly
departed have been revealed for your eyes to behold. Actually
used for choir practice and as a clergy vestry, the Crypt
provides big breakfasts, cosy couches and a surprisingly
warm atmosphere. Do make a calling!
If you decide to pay Cape Town a visit, remember Cape Town
bears two distinct faces; a mask worn by day and a mask worn
by night. Whichever one you choose, it is all up to you.
About The Author
Gregory Hudson
Icon Villas & Vistas (http://www.icape.co.za/Content/capetown.
asp) provide a discerning range of self catering vacation
rentals in Cape Town. Whether you are in the Cape Town city
bowl for business or pleasure, Icon Villas & Vistas will ensure
you have a wide range of Cape Town luxury accommodation to
choose from.
by: Gregory Hudson
For the discerning traveller to the Cape who would like to
explore Cape Town's City Bowl, here are a few suggestions.
Remember, Cape Town bears two distinct faces, a mask worn
by day and a mask worn by night. Whichever one you choose,
this article will provide you with a few hints on how, when and
where to explore the city bowl, whether by day or by night.
The Cape Town City Bowl by Day:
Pan African Market
Now that the subject of masks has been broached, the
discerning traveller to the Cape may want to experience the full
range of African facades. If this is the case, you need go no
further than the Pan African Market. Located in a national
monument on historic Long Street, one could easily walk to
this destination and most rented taxis know exactly where
Long Street is situated. Drop by the market on any day of the
week and they should be open, although there are certain
occasions when they may be closed due to certain religious
observances.
Well worth a visit, it literally looks as though the contents of this
shop sprang straight out of the pages of “King Solomons
Mines”. Although the motifs behind the masks and other
goodies have often been lost in time, just looking at them
should provide you with enough of an explanation!
Green Market Square
A large cobbled area known as Greenmarket Square can be
found in the centre of the city bowl. It is a busy place, a place to
barter and haggle, providing a pleasant, corner café
atmosphere good for just sitting peacefully and watching the
goings on.
There is perhaps no other place where paths cross as they do
at this hub of city life. A traveller to the Cape is able to gain an
insight into the African culture with only an hour's observation,
as Greenmarket Square provides a varied cultural sampling of
the cities folk.
The Cape Town Gardens
This historic parkland in the heart of Cape Town is simply
about birds, tea, roses, Koi Fish and history, hopefully mixed
with a bit of sunshine.
The best place to start your leisurely walkabout would be just
outside the Slave Lodge on the Corner of Adderley and Wale
Streets. To avoid disappointing the areas inhabitants, bring
peanuts. Oh, and lookout for the Albino Squirrel.
The Bokaap
The architecturally and socially unique Bokaap, otherwise
known as the Malay Quarter, rests on the slopes of Signal Hill.
This quiet niche on the fringe of the City Bowl is a newly
proclaimed national monument. With its quaint, cobbled
streets and renovated slave quarters it, till this day, houses the
original descendants for whom the quarters were built. If you
have never heard of a “Roti” ask for one at a Bokaap café, they
are delicious.
The City Bowl by Night:
The sunset in Cape town is quite remarkable. With the waning
of the daylight hours, the soft hues cast themselves across the
clouds welcoming the coming of the night. Cape Town
transforms, donning another mask as the city’s landscape
begins to twinkle.
The Cable Car Road
A drive along the Cable Car Road is a little daring for some,
particularly at this hour, but it is well worth it! It is possible to
see from this vantage point why Cape Town CBD is known as
the City Bowl. As your gaze moves from left to right, Lion’s
Head contrasts sharply with the backdrop of a golden sunset,
as you pan further to the right; the torso of this giant beast
becomes apparent. From the Cable Car Road, you can literally
see the complete outline of a resting lion guarding his
concrete jungle; a good time to take a snap!
The nightlife in Cape Town comes in many shapes and sizes,
here are a few possibilities:
Mama Africa
There is warmth and feeling to Mama Africa. This authentic
African restaurant, dressed in traditional African décor and
serving the continents cultural cuisine, is always a lively place.
You can often catch Marimba music and live African bands and
the bar is not your average elbow parking lot either; it has been
customised in rather a reptilian fashion. But you need to see
that for yourself!
The Crypt
Situated at the beginning of the afore-mentioned garden walk,
at the same intersection of Adderley and Wale Streets, lies the
Crypt. Under St George's Cathedral, the Crypt, which was built
in 1898, is now the haunt of Jazz enthusiasts and the
playground of dining room damsels from the Cape Town city
bowl.
After being closed for years, the Crypt's curved arches, leaded
window panes and plaques commemorating the dearly
departed have been revealed for your eyes to behold. Actually
used for choir practice and as a clergy vestry, the Crypt
provides big breakfasts, cosy couches and a surprisingly
warm atmosphere. Do make a calling!
If you decide to pay Cape Town a visit, remember Cape Town
bears two distinct faces; a mask worn by day and a mask worn
by night. Whichever one you choose, it is all up to you.
About The Author
Gregory Hudson
Icon Villas & Vistas (http://www.icape.co.za/Content/capetown.
asp) provide a discerning range of self catering vacation
rentals in Cape Town. Whether you are in the Cape Town city
bowl for business or pleasure, Icon Villas & Vistas will ensure
you have a wide range of Cape Town luxury accommodation to
choose from.
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