Gate 1, South Africa Day 2, Cape Town

We were able to sleep a little later today as the bus didn't leave until 7:45 today. But first the hotels amazing breakfast.

We are staying at the Radisson Blu Residences and Hotel and there is a buffet breakfast that is part of our package. This is the fruit, cheese and meat section.

There is a hot crepe station with sauces, fresh vegetables and cottage cheese.

Freshly squeezed orange juice, other juices and liquid yoghurt.

Cereals and dried fruit and nuts.

Hot dishes containing; potatoes, baked beans, scrambled eggs, sausages and bacon.

Breads and pastries

A coffee machine that makes a very acceptable latte. You can also ask the chef to make a fresh omelette or eggs benedict.

 Back onto the bus and obviously we were not going to Table Mountain today; low cloud and drizzle!

We were driven around Cape Town, landmarks pointed out, some were  attractions like museums and galleries, others were necessities; closest pharmacy, good restaurants etc. This is the fort built by the Dutch East India Company. It used to be right on the sea front (in fact spring tides and storms would flood it) but is now well back from the reclaimed shore line.

In the foreground is the moat of the fort, then our bus and behind that "The Parade", the large square where the people gathered to hear Nelson Mandela's speech when he was released from prison. You can see the low hanging cloud.

The bus dropped us off to walk up to the Company Gardens, the central city park. "The Company" refers again to the Dutch East India Company.

There are many examples of Victorian architecture in the city.  Renier talked about the history of conflict between the Dutch traders and the indigenous people, between the Dutch and the British and the utilization of Malaysian slaves. He has spoken briefly about the democracy that was established in 1994 and the different peoples of the country (whites, blacks, coloured, malaysian, Indian)

We had to ask permission to walk up to the park as a film crew was set up. We walked past tents holding period costumed extras staying dry and old American cars. Note the Alabama license plate. Turns out they were filming an episode of Dr Who.

Hadada Ibis. We were rained on, off and on, while walking through the park.

It had originally been the fruit and vegetable garden for the Dutch South Africa Company and was worked by the slaves. This is the slave bell. From the bus we were able to see the Malaysia area of Cape Town, where the slaves moved to when they were freed. The houses are all painted in bright colours, streets are cobbled and it has a real neighbourhood feel to it.

Egyptian Geese. Renier compared these to Canada Geese in that, although they can migrate, they stay wherever there is ample food.

Stopping at the beach was on our itinerary but no-one was interests as it was windy and raining.

Next we walked around the Victoria and Alfred waterfront area.

Lots of boats, converted warehouses, shopping, restaurants, cinemas. On a nice day I am sure it would be hopping especially as it is Sunday and everywhere else is closed. People don't work on Saturday afternoon or Sunday here.

I think these are Cape Cormorants, nesting on one of the piers.

The Shimansky diamond store had a small museum and

we learned about how diamonds were formed, where they were found and (a pretty "whitewashed" version , to quote Christine) the history of diamond mining in South Africa. Really their hope was to sell us diamonds so they weren't going to tell us anything terrible.

The work area were we heard about the cutting process. We then had juice or wine and the opportunity to buy. We didn't!

While waiting for the diamond shoppers, I wondered into an art gallery. This is Beachcomber by Kim Mobey.

Celestial Horse by Weesnthal and Presloo has pegasus on one side and the stars as seen from Table Mountain on the other.

This artist, Boyce Magandella, painted on blankets; After the Shopping.

and Homecoming.

I came back to the hotel on the bus while Chris, Jason, Tessa, Kristin and Noah stayed down at the waterfront to do some shopping and have sushi for lunch.

Tessa and my hotel room. Very modern in design and decor.

Although Renier is upset by the rain (because he anticipates we are upset by the rain and it makes some of our activities impossible or uncomfortable) I suspect most here are glad to see it. There is an extreme water shortage and everywhere there are signs encouraging conservation of water.

A timer in our shower. This time of year rain is very unusual (it usually comes in the winter) although the wind is normal.

It is normal, in hotels, now, that they request that you re-use towels but they take it to the next level here; Save lives.