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Tempest car hire

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This will be brief.

Car Hire is simple in South Africa. I hired one through Aroundabout cars who then gave my rental to Tempest. I turned up a little early but no dramas, on the start date of my rental. Please note Tempest Car hire are on 26 Chippani Street not what google maps says.

The paper work was fairly standard, driving license, passport the usual. Blocking so much on the card in case of any issues, the standard walk around the car to make a note of all the ‘damage’ already done etc etc. They were every welcoming and easy to talk to. I took a video of the guy going over the car and made sure I had copies of everything – naturally.

The one thing I would advice, Tyre and Winscreen Cover, try and get it included it is worth the extra R70 just in case. Hub caps being stolen so driving on a rough road. just better to have the cover.

Andrew walked me through everything, explaining everything to the n’th degree. Even with others asking questions around me, he was still attentive. My little Kia Rio and I were on our way with relative ease and speed.

R85 admin fee payable regardless. Full to Full policy, with R23 if they have to fill up the car – Gas stations are plentiful in Cape Town, however I made the conscious decision to just leave it.

The drop off was just as simple, a walk around the car and giving the keys in and all is well. Super Easy these guys I would recommend. Just don’t forget we drive on the left here.

Restaurant Reviews, Uncategorized

Fusion-review

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Normally I try not to go into restaurants where people are trying to persuade you in.

Hermanus is a small enough place that almost every restaurant had plenty of people in it. So it is hard to know where to eat. Many of them are offering the same types of food as well, so you are going to get good food regardless where you go. There is lots of seafood available, so be open to those options.

I was sat outside in the shade being able to watch the world go by. There is wifi available here for free – if that is important to you.

For a drink alongside I had a mocktail called Steelworks this was ginger ale and lemonade. This was very smooth and easy to drink, this along side a water was needed in order to quench my thirst.

I went for something light called Tramenzzini for food with chips. I was a lots heavier that first advertised. Four quarters of pita filled with cheese (cheddar and mozerella), bacon, chicken and spinach. There as little less chicken than I would have liked. It was so filling, not quite the light meal I wanted but it was so delicious it made up for it.

Until next time!

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Kirstenbosch botanical Gardens

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Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. A beautiful set of gardens a well worth a walk around if you are every in Cape Town. It costs around 70R to get in, you can get their on the blue route City sightseeing bus, Uber or drive. There is parking on site, it is mostly shaded parking a few sun spots.

There are many hiking routes through the gardens, and there is a map you can buy for R10 at the same place as the ticket which gives you everything you might want to see in the gardens, as well as giving you an idea of the space.

There are a few statues and plaques throughout describing what was going on, the plants, the people involved. It is such a lovely space, you can just wander, relax. It is on the side of the mountain so it is quite steep at times, so please make sure you are in good shoes. There are plenty of places to sit in the shade, and a few places to walk in the shade. A few water fountains throughout, so just make sure you have a bottle to fill up. On a hot day it can be quite tiring walking around, so just an awareness point there.

There are walking tours that go through the gardens with someone who knows the flora they go at certain times.

Kirstenbosch holds summer concerts, on a sunday around R250, you can bring your own picnic and a few beers or wine and sit and enjoy the music. It is quite popular so make sure you book tickets in advance if there is a band going you like. There is a range of bands through the season.

The major reason people go to Kirstenbosch, is for the tree canopy. The gardens are gorgeous and if you are a botantist or into your gardening then this may be untrue, I apologise. But The following photo is the picture people want. The tree canopy is not as long as you think it is, the views are breathtaking though. I took so many photos, I wish I could share them all.

Kirstenbosch Gardens is a lovely place for a day out. It does everything it says on the tin. It has two places to eat, plenty of places to walk or to picnic. A large shop if you want to buy yourself a little something.

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Hermanus

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There is a lovely beautiful drive down to Hermanus, please do it, and do it slowly. You can look over the city up on the mountains. The roads are easy to drive, and well kept.

This is a small town, a perfect day out of the city. There is a charm to it. A few boutique shops and stalls as well as other general shops. Plenty of food places, most of them overlooking the sea. Fish is done very well here. See my review of Fusion if you are looking for something to eat.

Mainly this place is a good stop during the Whale Watching season from June to December. There are plenty of places to stay in this little town as well, so don’t worry about accommodation.

Hermanus is well signposted coming out of Cape Town. Parking is easy, my advice would be to always park where there is an attendant, they can keep an eye on the car for you whilst you go around the shops. I parked for an hour or so and paid R6.

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Mount Nelson Afternoon Tea

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As I have said previously, I love afternoon tea, so when my Brazilian friend asked me to join her at afternoon tea – how could I say no…

The Mount Nelson hotel is well known in Cape Town, a prestigious hotel with a larger archway at the bottom of the driveway. You walk up this palm tree lined drive to the front of the hotel. There is security at the gate and at the front of the hotel. The door opened and we were steered towards the afternoon tea.

This is what leads out to the gardens, where some of the afternoon is served. There are some tables inside but the outside is lovely.

We sat down at our table and given the tea menu which was incredible. There is a very extensive list of green, fruit and black teas to suit every taste. The waitresses are very helpful in figuring out which tea you want. The first part of the afternoon is the savouries, there is a range of quiches, sausage rolls, cauliflower bhajis, sandwiches, cheese bread etc. The choice is just amazing. It was filling, it was just so delicious. The china all matched and was immaculate. The serving was perfect. All very impressive.

What followed was warmed scones – with whipped or clotted cream and jam or even butter. They were plain scones so they were sweet enough but the cream and the jam was just the perfect compliment.

What followed were the clean plates ready for the final ‘course’ two tables full of every cake, sweet treat and desert you can think of. Allergens are on the descriptions/name plates of the items. You can stick to your favourites; millionaires shortbread, chocolate cake, lemon meringue, anything you could possible fancy. You can go back multiple times as well! Can you imagine? Unlimited tea and cake !

The gardens surrounding the hotel makes you think you cant be anywhere near a busy road. The vegetation, the trees and the bushes just seem to create this haven in the middle of the city. What an Eden. It is a stunning experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and although I will never afford to stay in the hotel, this small experience has been wonderful.

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Two Oceans Aquarium

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Location: Waterfront

Price: R175

Okay I know Aquarium’s are much of a muchness, all are very similar however I had heard some wonderful things about this place. So one a cloudy day I decided it was the perfect opportunity. It is one of the more expensive places to go. There is a massive range of fish and sea creatures to be enjoyed and learnt about. It is very accessible for families, wheelchairs and prams included.

Surrounded by Nemos and Dorys – hard feeling to beat according to this childs face. Bless him. This is right in the start of the Aquarium, and you walk through there are a few smaller tanks to see the stranger of the fish. As you work through there are sea horses and crabs and eels. The explanations are very easy to understand and read. The only challenge is then trying to see the different creatures, in the different tanks.

As you turn a corner there is darkened corridor – normally I would be the last person to go into this voluntarily but curiosity killed the cat. The photo below is what i was greeted with.

So I turned the corner and I am welcomed by Jellyfish , tubes of Jellyfish, and surrounded by mirrors so it made it look like there were hundred of them. It was a very cool affect – no pictures can really do it justice. Another ‘exhibition’ that could not be photographed well was a darkened one too, where you press lights and it lights up the tank in certain areas to see if the fish and crabs of that prefer the dark. This was just incredible. I loved it.

Just beyond here was a touching pool, the lady was in the know, showing me what could be eaten and not eaten. I got to feel all sorts of kelp and sea weed, starfish and other plants too…the woman tending it was very chatty and happy to explain everything. I love the hands-on learning in places like this. They really do help the whole process.

The big tanks for me are always the best part about Aquariums, either being able to walk through it and see everything going on around you, or just sitting and watching their world from a distance. Seeing the Kelp forest you start to appreciate the underwater world, the different sizes and colours. I must have sat here for a good 10-15 mins just watching penguins dart around and the fish avoid one another. All the big tanks have somewhere to sit nearby so you can just relax and take it all it.

There are to penguin ‘exhibits’ in the Two Oceans Aquarium. I happened upon them during feeding time, so I could see them in their element as above. It was very interesting to hear the explanations of how they distinguish between the different animals and how they all have name . They have to keep track of what each penguin eats and ensure everyone gets something. – What a job…

Just behind this part of the Aquarium, there was a section that helps you realise about the plastics used in daily life along side an interactive learning space to make sure people make the right choices with packaging and products. The ids seemed to love it.

If you get there at the right times you can change various feeding points. As I mentioned earlier I saw the penguins being fed but also the Stingrays. This Tank I watched for maybe 30 mins. It has so many fish and rays it was hard not to be fascinated by them. The divers explained everything so well, everyone was mesmerised by the experience. The lady on dry land helping to guide the conversation had to come up with a lot of the questions herself – i think we were all a bit dumb struck.

All in all, this place is a lovely stop on a rainy day or somewhere when it is too hot to be outside. As anywhere gets its busy and quiet periods. There i wifi throughout the Aquarium and it is easy to navigate, there is a cafe half way around and play pens for children too.

Until next time

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Cape Agulhas Backpackers

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This is one of the most welcoming places I have ever been. Welcomed with open arms.

The communal areas are very comfortable, games, pool, a fire every night, sofas and a bar. Cash bar only, beer is R20. The bar tender is always happy to chat and help in anyway.

You sign up for breakfast the night before out of 5 options and can opt in for extra proper coffee rather than the instant stuff. The prices of breakfast range depending on what you want. I had yoghurt, granola and fruit one morning and scrambled egg and bacon the next. All come with toast and jam, more toast – no problem just ask.

There is mini shop in reception with some unique things as well as some usual souvenirs. There are so many tours available to choice is unbelievable almost.
Braai is available if you provide the meat.

There is a pool area in the centre of the hostel, which has the sun almost all day around. Most of the rooms connect to the pool which is lovely. Patio doors in each of the rooms, these either connect to the front of the hostel or the pool area.

Beds are so comfortable, I slept very well. There is a ceiling fan in the room which with the window open was lovely and cool.

It is a very colourful hostel, the rooms are very comfortable. There are ensuite and shared bathroom rooms.

The location of the hostel is amazing. It is 5 mins to a 14km long white sand beach and 15 mins to the Harbour along a wooden boardwalk. It is a small harbour with a restaurant and a place to hire kayaks. You can, if you come at the right time feed the Stingrays in the Harbour!!

Resident dogs and parrot included.

At the beach – the warm is warm enough to get it. It is not Caribbean however it is warm.

There is a OK Grocer down the road should you want to cook a meal for yourself, there is no Ubereats down there, but there are a few restaurants near by.
Such a lovely place and people to be involved with. I would stay here again if i was stopping by.

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MyCiti Bus

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MyCiti Bus – an alternative to Uber.

Cost: R35 initial cost and then your top up.

Bus system in Cape Town is extensive, you can get most places. With two major hubs in the city centre it is not hard to navigate.

You buy at MyCiti card at any vendor, handy map on the website to find the nearest vendor to you. Be warned sometimes they do not have them in stock. Best to go to one of the hubs rather than a store like Spar.

There is an initial cost of R35 to buy the card and set up a PIN for the card. You load the card with money that transfers into credits on the card.

Once you get on the bus, there is screen to tap in and a screen to tap out. Very similar to contactless card payments, if you know these, or for those Londoners who can see this and Oyster Card.

There are so many buses be sure to know what bus you are looking for, all have different numbers or combo or letters and numbers. The generally stop around 7pm but always check the time tables, an you can call a number at the stops to find out where the next one is too.

The MyCiti Bus gets you all from Hout Bay up to Century City and Blouberg and to Khayelitsha as well. It is very safe and easy to use.

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Camps Bay

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Now you may think this is just an excuse to show off my beach pics…

Ok. It is a little.

Camps Bay is the first of the beach places in Cape Town. Clifton 1 -4 is another area, but that is for another time.

Camps Bay has views of Lions Head at the top of this blog and the 12 Apostles as below. White sand beach – plenty of bars and restaurants down the front.

It is always busy with people, whenever or wherever you join the beach there are people on hand to get you a sun bed and an umbrella, very polite. Likewise there are people walking down the beach with ice cream and water and cold drinks for you throughout the day. So you need not move from your sun worshipper state.

A warning – the water is cold. Wonderful if you have been walking all day, or led down in the sun. But regardless it is cold. It is a lovely long beach so it is perfect for walking down and back again.

I found a spot and was quite happy, a few people came up selling their wares but a quick thank you very much but no and they soon move on.

There is a place to get a massage as well, R140 for 20 mins on your neck, shoulders and back. R240 to include your arms and head. There is an option for your feet as well. It was perfect, it is under shade. They check the pressure with you throughout the process. It was lovely. Then I returned to my sun-worshipping position and continued with my book.

Catching some rays!
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Lions Head

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Walking the Lions Head is no small feat. It is a hike – a good hike but definitely a hike. Although saying this…I did it in Sketchers/ Trainers.

Let me start at the bottom – get it? It is free to get in, you just need to get an Uber to the base of the walk. It is dusty to wear hiking clothes or clothes you don’t mind getting dusty at least. Many people I saw were wearing Gym clothes and I wish I had done the same in hindsight.

It is about an hour walk or so (depending on breaks, fitness, how fast you want to go), but it is all uphill, some with stairs but initially just a steep slope.
Once past the stairs you come to the clambering bits up and over rocks, you end up watching your feet constantly.

There is a cave to find on the way up if you wish to, however it is a very narrow and quite cumbersome to get there. Although the view and the pictures are lovely when you get there.

Anyway, you clamber up and you come to a plateau where you can see both sides of Table Mountain, the 12 Apostles, Clifton and Camps Bay and the City too. It is a gorgeous view.

There is a walk up to the very top of the Lions Head (the bit I am looking at in the photo – yes you can climb to the top). However, it is more clambering on hands and feet and not many passing points. Therefore if you are doing this at Sunset as we did I wouldn’t recommend going up unless you are very sure on your feet and have good strong shoes on. It is easier to go during the day as the people traffic is more fluid and less of people wanting to stand or sit and take photos of the sunset.

It is a tough climb, I will be the first to admit I am not in the best shape but I still managed it in Sketchers. I did enjoy it. We stopped a couple of times and took it really easy. It is definitely a walk to do if you are in the vicinity and enjoy your hiking.

Table Mountain at Sunset featuring the Tablecloth