Growing up in Durban meant lazy beach days, hot humid weather, runs along the promenade, shopping around Gateway, beautiful sunsets, a safe neighborhood and fun family outings. I loved my time in Durban but when I got older I started to notice that I wasn't fitting in anymore. I had other interests and felt the urge to explore new places. I started to outgrow my home in Durban.
Luckily, I had the privilege of going to study Photo Journalism at Rhodes University. This experience altered my being in every way and shaped me into the person I am today. Those were the best 4 yeas of my life - so far ;)
Near the end of my varsity career I wanted to move to Cape Town to start a brand new life in the "big city". Around the same time I met & fell in love with a wonderful man who lived in CT. Everything fell together naturally and at the beginning of January 2015 I moved to Cape Town.
Fast forward a year and a half later and I have been completely bitten by the Cape Town bug. I love this place and to me it's my home away from home.
Here are my top 10 reasons to love living in Cape Town:
1. We have it all! In terms of scenery that is. I look out my flat and on one side we have the majestic mountain and on the other side I can see the ocean. I feel completely spoilt with these scenic views and i'm loving it!
2. Get active! Whether you like swimming in the ocean, runs along the promenade, gyming, or experimenting with new activities, this city has everything on offer! In my first year I experimented and tried pilates, pole dancing, surfing and yoga. Next on my list is kick boxing ;)
3. If you are a foodie like me then brace yourself because you are going to spend a lot of money eating out. I am a bit of a picky eater because I do not eat gluten (health reasons) nor do I like eating really oily/fatty foods. BUT that's not a problem because wherever you are in CT, you will be able to find many cool restaurants & cafes - and most of them serve gluten free alternatives, WINNING!
4. The theater world in CT is the best! Growing up in Durban meant there were hardly any theater shows. I think the only one I remember is watching Othello for school haha. Okay I will be fair in saying that my actor/comedian/musician of a boyfriend means I go to a lot more shows than most. But really, this place has everything to offer. From big productions like West Side Story at Artscape theater, to open mic comedy nights at Armchair, David Kramer's musical numbers at the Fugard, to brilliantly funny shows at the Rosebank theater. Let me not forget Baxter and Alexander bar as well.
5. Needing a break from the big city life? Well that isn't a problem when you live in CT. A month ago when we needed a break we managed to find the perfect spot and it was only an hour outside of Cape Town! Slanghoek Mountain Resort was the perfect spot - 3 little cabins along an islotaed dam. Read all about our experience here. But even if that doesn't tickle your fancy, there are so many places to choose from and the best part is that you don't have to travel far to get there.
6. I know that number 2 was all about exercise but i cannot let this one go unmentioned - hiking! I LOVE to go hiking. Whether it's for 15 minutes at Deer Park or a 1 hour climb up Lions Head - but my favourite spot to hike is definitely Newlands forest. There are so many trails to explore. Next on my hiking list is Silvermine!
7. Ah there is nothing better than spending your Saturday exploring different markets. I love walking around and having a look at what there is to offer and let's not forget how delicious all the tasters are that they leave out ;) Best markets in Cape Town? Oranjezicht farmers market (for really good food), Old Biscuit Mill (be prepared to spend some money), Hout Bay market (scenery and good food in one place)!.
8. This wouldn't be a Cape Town post if I didn't mention the wine farms. Whether you are going to taste, explore the area or eat at the resturants, the wine farms on offer are incredible! I treated Dan to a picnic basket at Boschendal wine farm. You order the basket online, and you can buy the wine there. All you have to do is rock up! A beautiful way to spend a Sunday afternoon relaxing on the lawn.
9. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM! Okay, let me be frank here. I have a slight obsession with ice-cream. If i was on death row and had to pick what my last meal would be, I would definitely say a big bowl of this stuff. And the best part is is that there are so many new ice-cream parlors around! The Creamery is definitely one of the best when you want to try new flavours, Unframed has great vegan and non vegan options and although it isn't traditionally ice-cream, I love visiting MyOG. Their peanut butter flavour is too good for words!
10. The people. I find the majority of Cape Town people to be very friendly and welcoming. Look you may not become best friends with them all because most Cape Town people have their own "clicks" already but I find that when you go out to functions or start work at a new place, the people are generally really nice. They remind me a lot of Durban people - laid back, relaxed but generally wearing better fashion labels ;)
So those are my top 10 reasons to love Cape Town! It might change over time but that's the best part about living in a new place.
xxx
