by Annette

Created on: April 26, 2009

It's impossible to capture the beauty of Cape Town in words or photos. It can only give a glimpse of the magic.

Long, long ago when the likes of Dias were travelling the seas to discover new countries the Cape was called the "Cape of Storms". Cape Town has very interesting weather patterns. Most of the times it is warm and sunny but when the "Suidoos" (the local name for the very strong South Eastern wind) starts blowing you have to hold onto everything you own.

Table Mountain is the best example of this unpredictable weather.
The one minute it's open and beautiful and the next minute the misty clouds come blowing in. Within minutes a white tablecloth of clouds rests on top of the mountain.

But it doesn't matter how bad the weather is, there is always something to do.
A big world city framed by the mountain on the one side and the ever changing ocean on the other side.

VICTORIA AND ALFRED WATERFRONT (V&A):
Very commersialised and expensive but a total treat. The vibrant atmosphere and energy is addictive. The aquarium is well worth seeing. If you have children it is a must. There is a touch area with a variety of sea plants that can be touched to get an idea of the textures. Feeding times you can watch the sharks having their lunch.
There are great restaurants and coffee shops for the hungry. In the designer shops you can virutally shop till you drop.

THE MOUNTAIN AND THE MOTHER CITY:
The cable car is an experience on its own, with a rotating floor and magnificent views when going up and coming down the mountain. Phone in advance or check at www.tablemountain.net. It is not always open. The weather can change in a second from great to foggy and cloudy. On the top is a restaurant and shop with great views.

Cape Town is full of historical buildings that are worth a view and great for pictures. In the famous Castle of Good Hope, you'll find examples of beautiful antique furniture. You can also experience the dark dungeons where prisoners were kept. It's horribly cold, pitch dark and small. You can take a guided tour at the Castle and get all the info on Jan van Riebeeck, the Van der Stell's, Lady Anne Barnard and everybody that was involved in the beginning years of the Cape.

There are also numerous historical church buildings. Take a drive through the city area on a Sunday or Saturday afternoon to visit all these buildings. During normal business hours the streets are too busy to find parking.

KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS:
Don't miss this. You can spend a whole day and

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