Liz: Parting Tips

Parting Tips:

Liz stolling along in South Africa

For those who have never been to South Africa or never been on this program it is difficult to explain what the past three months have been like. You go from being herded around field-trip style to roaming around by yourself finding your own way. It took a while to find a routine with all the changes that were constantly being made but once you did things were awesome. You were able to feel like a local knowing how to get from train to train and town to town by yourself or with other people. That feeling of freedom and independence was beautiful and my advice to future participants is to make sure you find something to do on your own, whether it be yoga, or runs, or a club up at UCT find something to do on your own, as the semester continues you’ll appreciate the time a part from the group and learn to appreciate the network and support group you have around you more. Like I said there are a lot of things about this program that I can’t explain so for those coming on this trip next year here are my top tips and recommendations:

1.     Beaches! Enjoy the summer while it is here take every chance you get to go to the beach. The best beach, in my opinion, is Muizenburg. You could go here every day of the trip and still find something new, go for a walk to St. James’ Beach, take a trip to the market, take a walk down to see the kite surfers, try kite surfing (if you can afford it, $$$$$), try surfing, or my favorite activity lie on the beach and read (and by read I mean sleep). Other beaches are Camps Bay. This beach is more of a tourist beach feel rather than a beach town feel; more of a Miami feel than a Watch Hill feel. In my opinion, Muizenberg > Camps Bay.

2.     Obs! Observatory (one train stop away from Mowbray or a short walk away) has a great vibe, lower main road has lots of cafes and restaurants and bars to chill at. If you aren’t feeling the Long Street feel this is a great place to grab a drink (be it coffee or a cider) and be able to actually sit and talk to the people you’re with rather than grind up on someone. You can also find some great book stores and art stores if you need art supplies or a good book be is used, political, new, romantic, etc. you’ll be able to find it in obs.

3.     While we are talking about it- Long Street. Do it once, if you’re into it go back if not that’s cool (don’t worry you’re not the only one). Long Street isn’t really my scene but The Waiting Room has an open roof top and a cool balcony and great music for those who want to jam. Best place on the block, in my opinion.

4.     Restaurants! So many good place to eat out, and you can because going out here is not he same price as going out back home. Best places, in no particular order:

·      Mzoli’s (Gugulatu): Braai - $- Bring everything you want to eat besides the meat. Bring drinks, sides, and utensils/plates. You’ll be full on 30R worth of meat but can easily spend 50R and feel awesome. GET BREAD! You get amazing bread and if you don’t get the bread you’ll be sorry you didn’t.

·      Fat Cactus (Mowbray): Up the block from Malleson and delicious margaritas (strawberry and lime mix = the best), nachos, and the chicken burger! 

·      Golbi (Cape Town): Korean BBQ on Long Street. You pick your meat and grill it yourself on your own table and it is delicious! Be adventurous and try different types of meat, it’s the best price and style to do so.

·      Moma Africa (Cape Town): Food is good but nothing spectacular, you want to go here for the live music on Friday nights. You’ll have to pay a little extra to cover the band but it’ll be well worth your time and money. One of the best nights out as a group.

·      Coco Wah Wah/Coco Cha Chi (Rondebosch/Obs): Wifi café with delicious shakes and pasta dishes. Great to hit before class on Thursday or sit and do work at late at night.

·      Harbour House (Kalk Bay): Delicious food! A little on the pricy side but totally worth it, there are about three different restaurants owned by Harbour House and they are all amazing. The restaurant under Harbour House is has delicious tapas and a great lounge to sit in and enjoy mojito.

5.     Markets! I love me a good market. There are three markets in the area:

·      Old Biscuit Mill: Open on Saturdays only, 9-2. Expensive boutiques bring there clothes to the market and set up displays and then there is a HUGE food tent. Bring cash to buy food and prepare to do some fresh grocery shopping and then buy breakfast, lunch and late lunch. Advice: go on an empty stomach. (all food cash, all booths credit card)

·      Hout Bay: Open Friday 5-9, Sat. and Sun. 9:30 to 4. This market has much more variety of stuff to buy. Crafts, clothes, books, furniture, decorations, etc. all sorts of stuff. Oh yeah and food! There isn’t as much food here but it’ll still be really difficult to make a decision. You’ll also be able to actually sit down and enjoy the food while listening to live music. Great vibe and awesome stuff to buy. (food and some booth cash only)

·      Muizenburg: Saturdays, more of a flea market feel, not that cool but good for authentic cuisine. (cash only)

6.     Hike!

·      Lions head for sunset for the full moon, it can get crowded so go earlier rather than later to get a spot and miss the crowds. Bring drinks and a picnic. The hike down will take a while, bring a flashlight and you’ll be good!

·      Silvermine will give you a different view of the city than lion’s head or table mountain so that’ll be cool.

·      Table Mountain. Hike it or cable car it either way get to the top.

·      Chapman’s Peak: walk, bike, run, or drive around chapman’s peak. It’ll be worth it.

7.     Local Events:

·      Go to a Stormers’ Rugby Game

·      Go to a Bafana Bafana Soccer Game

·      Follow the Varsity Cup (the UCT rugby tournament)
8.  Yoga! At City Rock in Obs (short walk from Malleson, really good value for the full trip)
9.  The Book Lounge in Cape Town, awesome place to sit and chill out and get some alone time in a cozy and fun atmosphere, also there is a great coffee shop down the block.

10.     Road trip the Garden Route: Places to stop:

·      Stop in George and Hike

·      Stop and touch the Indian Ocean and just chill on the beach

·      Stop in Wilderness and see the “Map of Africa”

·      Stop in Plett Bay town – lots of cool stores and cute cafés

·      Bungee

·      Touch Elephants

Have an AWESOME time!