Day #2

11/19/2008
Bradley woke Kenz and I up this morning at 9am, saying, "Wakey wakey, eggs and bake-y."

Sunlight licked our faces through the white sailor curtains, as flashes danced around the room and as the breeze spun and whirled throughout the room. Although it was tough to get out of such a comfy bed after some much needed shut-eye, the beautiful weather enticed me to make the most of the day.

We got breakfast at a place called "Sophia's"-it was delicious. Sophia's was such a quaint little breakfast spot, much like one you'd find tucked away in New York City. All three of us ordered the special, which included 2 eggs sunny-side up, a grilled tomato, freshly carved bacon, and wheat toast topped with strawberry jam, accompanied by a steaming hot cup of coffee with a dollop of frothed milk.

I loved the photography hung so neatly on the walls-classical black frames with thick, white matting, bordering both black & white and colored prints.

Our next destination: the penguins. We first stopped at a overly touristy spot to see the penguins, which was a joke, as we paid $3/person, but could only view them from a boardwalk. We continued on to Boulders Beach, where we walked close enough to hug the penguins (for free). They were so cute.

After marveling at the little non-flying critters, we rode through the winding mountains, as Bradley drove us to Cape Hope/Cape Point, the southern-most tip of the African continent and where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic. We learned briefly about the National Park's history, before exploring the inside. Apparently, there are snakes, tortoises, and lots of other fauna and flora inside the park. Many types of flora that we believe to be indigenous to other parts of the world (geraniums, for example) actually originated in South Africa.

The landscape and seascape were both so beautiful, although the wind tattered us so fiercely each time we got out of the car (which I why I can now understand why over 950 boats have mourned losses of shipwrecks on the coast over the years). We saw a lighthouse that use to be the most powerfully-lit lighthouse in the world and Bradley pointed out a cross memorial dedicated to Bartholomew Dias, who sailed around the Cape in the 10th(?) century.

We walked the streets of Kalk Bay, finding Bohemian shops ("Oh So Boho", being our favorite) and other artsy finds. Kenz and I got scarves, beads, and all sorts of lovely treasures.

The artsy and eclectic atmosphere is something that I so badly miss. It made me giddy just being in a place that fostered and inspired creativity. We went in and out of bookshops, antique stores, and small cafes, each with its own unique decor.

One of the cafes (Olympia) had large, matted prints lining the wall, white white frames and white matting. Menus were scribbled on chalkboards, a sign hung in the front window that said "Hippies use side door". The bookstore had a cozy loft and all differently-shaped copper lanterns were strung from the ceiling of "Oh So Boho".

We ate lunch at a very narrow, but inviting deli. Worn and vintage picture frames adorned the place and multi-colored pillows piled on top of couch cushions. The outside terrace had a roof constructed of sticks. To enter, we walked in through the kitchen, which was stacked high with loaves of fresh bread and delectable cakes. Kenz and I ordered muesli with berries and yoghurt (as they spell it here). Very light and refreshing.

After lunch, we went to what we thought was a "Wine Shop", but it excitingly enough turned out to be a building harboring an assortment of collected work from local, national, and international artisans. I bought "lucky beads" from Zimbabwe that were orange and so delicate. The store sold vinyl record and license plate purses, recycled jewelry, words written in metal, artsy postcards, purses, etc. It was an inspiring shop to say the least.

Kenz and I went to "Wired Internet @ GreenPoint Circle" (which was super speedy) to answer emails, then went out for sushi (yummmmmy) with Bradley and Patrick. B enjoyed the all-you-can-eat sushi special for $9 (9 Rand, as they say in SA), and Kenz and I had California Rolls. We ended the night be taking a Jeep Wrangler ride (aka my dream car) with Patrick, as B follow us to Patrick's place. We watched TV and hung out before crashing at B's.

I love Cape Town. Not sure that I can say it enough. God's beauty is all around. It's hard not to look up and whisper something to the extent of, "thank you, thank you for allowing me to receive joy from Your majestic creation."

<3 C