South Africa - Cape Town - Kalk Bay

 

Wondering what to do or where to go when you have a few hours free one day?

Take a slow drive over Boyes Drive from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay. Boyes Drive was built in 1929. In bygone days goods would have been delivered to the Deep South by wagons. Then progress happened when the railway reached Muizenberg in 1833. Boyes Drive is only 7km long but it offers spectacular views over Muizenberg and the coastline beyond. There are stopping places if coming from Muizenberg side towards Kalk Bay - do stop and take in the sweeping views across the village, sea and the far distant mountains.

Kalk Bay Harbour is the place to people watch, buy fresh fish, enjoy the sea breeze, and wander down the quayside. The lighthouse, with its red and white stripes stands proudly at the end of the quay. It is a perfect spot for photos but beware in winter when the waves will come crashing over that wall! Waves can be huge and the "Cape of Storms" reputation is well renowned. 

Families, young fishermen, older folk all try their hand at catching that elusive fish from the harbour wall. Its a favourite pastime in Kalk Bay and it remains a great place to meet the locals of all shapes and sizes. Once known as a whaling station, now a thriving fishing port with many colourful boats, coming or going or just at rest over a week-end. 

With many restaurants in and around the harbour and in the village, you won't go hungry. Prices vary and will suit various pockets from the laid back Kalky's to the expensive Harbour House. 

The village itself is fascinating and an absolute must to view art & antique galleries, bookstores, quaint cafes, bric-a-brac shops, more restaurants, cobbled side streets and historic buildings.

It is no wonder that this "not so sleepy" anymore village has been named by Forbes Magazine as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world!

Based on various reports by Forbes and its features, here are some of the top-rated coolest neighborhoods around the world:

• "Kalk Bay (Cape Town, South Africa): Described as a vibrant seaside harbor neighborhood, it is known for its quaint cafes, quirky boutiques, and rustic charm.
• Seongsu-dong (Seoul, South Korea): Often referred to as the "Brooklyn of Seoul," this area is a hub for industrial-chic cafes and artist workshops.
• Plekhanov (Tbilisi, Georgia): Known for its restored historic buildings and merging of tradition with modern trendy spots.
• Getsemani (Cartagena, Colombia): A lively, artistic area known for its street art, colorful streets, and bustling nightlife.
• Amsterdam Noord (Amsterdam, Netherlands): A trendy former industrial area known for its industrial design, creative industries, and cafes.
• Pilsen (Chicago, USA): Known for its vibrant Mexican-American culture, colorful murals, and strong community focus.
• Keramikos (Athens, Greece): An ancient neighborhood turned into one of the city's trendiest spots for nightlife and dining.
• District 5 (Saigon, Vietnam): A historic area popular for its bustling markets and traditional Chinese medicine shops.
• Casco Viejo (Panama City, Panama): The historic district of Panama City, known for its mix of renovated homes, plazas, and rooftop bars.
• Arroios (Lisbon, Portugal): A multicultural, diverse neighborhood noted for its artistic, creative atmosphere. 

These neighborhoods were selected for their ability to offer a unique, local experience and their rapidly rising, trendsetting status"

Visit once, visit twice, visit many times - there is always something to see and do.

 

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                         For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                              www.bradclin.com

South Africa - Cape Town - Bo-Kaap

 

South Africa is a melting pot of rich history, many cultures, various religions and numerous official languages (12 which includes Sign Language). Getting to grips with all of these will not happen on a short stay in the country but one can try and absorb of much of the atmosphere and culture while also enjoying the stunning landscapes, beaches and mountain vista's.

A great taster in Cape Town is to wander and explore the Bo-Kaap.

There are tours on offer or just explore at your own pace.

A good place to start would be in the oldest building in Wale Street which houses the Bo-Keep Museum

The Bo-Kaap is situated at the foot of Signal Hill in Cape Town. With origins reaching back to the 1760's, the area was originally developed as "huurhuisjes" (Rental Houses) for the slaves from Indonesia, East Africa and Malaysia. The Dutch were instrumental in creating this area and it was known as the Malay Quarter. 

The houses were all white originally and this changed when the slaves were allowed to buy their houses. As a celebration of their freedom, the houses were painted in bright, vibrant colours and this tradition lives on today. The architecture is a mix of Cape Dutch and Georgian.

Gentrification is currently an issue in this vibrant community and this is clearly seen in the number of Art Galleries that have sprung up. Whilst great in their own right, having upgraded the buildings and hosting amazing exhibits, it does mean the slight loss of the Malay culture. 

One building currently houses an enormous display of  art, all made from recycled material 

Nathan Chikoto also exhibits in Brussels, Belgium. The hours and hours that must have been spent creating these works of art is mind-blowing. Photography is allowed provided that you place a donation in the donation box. 

Another interesting gallery, especially for photographers, is the Chad Henning Gallery. This artist captures Bo-Kaap, Wildlife, Nature and Landscapes. No photography is allowed in the gallery! Chad Henning works on numerous commercial briefs from clients and photography can also be purchased online.

We chatted to a local artist who was painting small, square fridge magnets depicting Bo-Kaap scenes. 

Zachariah lives in the Bo-Kaap and had a small stall on a corner. He was telling us how many folk are selling their homes at huge prices and that this will change the way of the Bo-Kaap community eventually. As it still remains such an iconic part of Cape Town, one hopes that the colourful houses will always remain and that the spirit of the locals will still resonate in the cobbled streets of this community.

The Auwal Mosque (1794) is situated in Dorp Street. This was the first mosque established in South Africa. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

                         For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                              www.bradclin.com