The Journey Inward

Yesterday was my last day in Cape Town. I slept in a bit, then stayed in bed a bit longer to enjoy the beautiful view out the wall of windows. I am going to miss this place, the apartment and the town. Staying right until 10 am checkout, I then headed to Lily’s a block or so away and on the water, as well. I had passed this restaurant daily and wanted to get there for breakfast. It did not disappoint! It was chilly, and I appreciate how many places provide blankets! I read and ate and looked out over the bay. My waitress was so friendly. One thing I’ve noticed about South Africa is that the service is wonderful until it’s time to pay. There can be a line waiting to get in and they still don’t rush you and won’t bring the bill unless you ask. Breakfast bill: $23.65

Luggage with me, I then decided to walk the mile and half to Planet Fitness ($17 per month) for a little upper body workout to offset all the eating out I’d done this week. One of the women employees at my local gym told me it’s a must see while I’m in town because it’s even more lavish than Pretoria. Already having achieved a bit of a workout from the walk and dragging luggage, I made it upstairs to the gym. As it turns out, I can only go to PFs in my local area. That was a bummer. Some interesting sights I passed…

On the way to the gym, I passed the DHL stadium and got to see it close up. Cape Town is hosting a marathon this weekend, so runners were coming in to get their bibs and swag. Saturday is the 26.2 through town, while Sunday is a trail run up the mountain. People from all over the world were pouring into the place, all ages, shapes and sizes. Not my thing, but still so wowed by thoe who can. I sent pictures to Gigi, who is running her 5th (?) marathon next month.

Next, I headed to the waterfront via a coffee shop stop. I went from having a dirty chai latte to a flirty chai latte ($3.07) and sent the picture to my friend at work since it involves the red cappuccino she introduced me to! I figured that was the easiest place to spend the day with luggage. I walked through the Watershed, the artisan collab that I love. I turned down an aisle I hadn’t before, and there were two places offering massages. I started to turn back, but the man at the one place stepped out and asked if I wouldn’t like a head, neck, shoulder and back massage for 30 minutes ($20.29). After dragging that luggage for 2.5 miles, I thought that sounded divine. Sitting in a chair with my arms up on a pillow, I spent a glorious half hour with my eyes closed. He kept checking to see if the pressure was okay because he was working through some ropey areas, but it was just what I needed.

I wanted to get ice cream after that, but opted for a fresh fruit and vegetable juice ($2.96) instead. I went to drink it at one of the squares where a band was performing. Before I knew it, I became part of the act! It was fun, and of course they wanted me to buy their album and donate when I was done.

Some sights at the waterfront…

I then was mesmerized by a youth choir who performed for over an hour in that same square. The audience loved them!

Then while I was eating dinner ($18.49), this version of a favorite…

I can only imagine how much fun CT is on the weekends if Friday afternoon looked like this!

Finally, it was time to call an uber ($12.42 for a 40 minute ride) and say goodbye to the Cape. But I’ll be back!

Once back in Johannesburg, I got my car from the “valet.” The valet does not actually bring you your car, but instead just watches over it at the lot. I picked it up after five days and the tank was full of gas and it was clean and shiny!! Bill for 5 days of parking, wash and gas: $28.69!