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

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Capetonians Out and About - Slowly

The V and A Waterfront Cape Town South Africa

Covid-19 has placed the entire world in lock-down and we now have to face a new "normal"
Cape Town with empty streets just seems so sad. However, things are slowly returning to some degree of "normal"

Even the seagulls are looking for scraps - with no people eating at restaurants, they are now perhaps healthy without all those chips!

Seagull in the Vand A Waterfront Cape Town South Africa

For us, as Capetonians, this has been particularly difficult, given that we live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We so love being out and about, on our beaches, on our beloved Table Mountain, browsing around the V&A Waterfront, watching the boats bring in their catch of fresh fish and crayfish, fishing from the harbour wall in Kalk Bay, walking Sea Point Promenade etc etc..

Kalk Bay Cape Town South Africa

So, with brilliant sunshine and the exercise period extending to 18.00 hrs we, and hundreds of others, took ourselves out! It caused a tad of chaos on the mountains - so much so that some areas had to be closed when safe capacity was reached. This affected the very popular Newlands Forest and Lion's Head

Kalk Bay - access via the Brass Bell in Main Road

Walking with a mask and glasses is a dangerous experience, made even more so with a camera stuck to my eye! With the specs being misted up continually (why do I breather so much??) I was lucky to escape the week-end unscathed. With some beautiful memories to soothe my soul and the gentle, winter sunshine to soothe my body.

Kalk Bay Harbour - waiting for the crayfish

Kalk Bay Harbour is always a delight - there was much activity with a number of boats arriving and offloading all those delectable crayfish that we can no longer afford!

Seals at Kalk Bay Harbour

The seals of Kalk Bay love the sunshine but they sure do move quickly once they hear the boats arriving - diving into the water and going up close hoping for a fishy morsel or two. I don't think they were given any crayfish though!

Table Mountain from the V and A Waterfront Cape Town South Africa

The reflections in the water at the V&A Waterfront were incredibly beautiful this week-end. The boats are not yet allowed to take visitors out so there is no movement in the water which allowed for reflections all around.

Table Mountain from the V and A Cape Town South Africa

Hotels stand empty except for those taking Essential Workers or Quarantine guests.
Some restaurants are now open for take-aways but one has to wonder of they are even making any profit by doing this. We hope so as poverty hits so many on an unprecedented scale.

Cafe Alfredo V and A Waterfront Cape Town South Africa

Kalky's in Kalk Bay is very well known and they were doing a roaring trade - people were happily sitting on the quayside with their fish and chips.

Quay in Kalk Bay Harbour

So we battle on with the effects of Corona Virus on our city and our world. But this will eventually pass, albeit with many fatalities. Do we lay the blame somewhere or must we accept that the earth decided it needed a well earned rest from the millions of tourists world-wide, the packed skies, the clogged highways and the millions of people looking for their next adventure??

Empty Streets Cape Town South Africa

It is anybody's guess at this stage.

Take care and stay safe!

Empty Chairs V and A Waterfront Cape Town South Africa

Once our South African borders re-open, please come and visit our beautiful country.

V and A Boat trips Cape Town South Africa

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                For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

                                      www.bradclin.com