"Antelopes, Baboons and Penguins, Oh My" Tonka_eng's photos around Cape Town, South Africa
Preview of Tonka_eng's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tonka_eng/1/1258405484/tpod.html This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: Cape Town, South Africa Entry Title: "Antelopes, Baboons and Penguins, Oh My!" Entry: "Wow, Cape Town is really amazing. Dennis, why did you ever leave? It rained for a good portion of the first few days and the rain and the town reminded me a lot of San Francisco or Seattle. It's a huge city (3.5 million), but it feels small because of the mountains that separate the downtown area from the sprawling suburbs. Table Mountain dominates the skyline from any location downtown. I couldn't see it for the first few days because of the clouds, but when I first laid eyes on it my breath was taken away. It is so close you could almost touch it. It must have a profound effect and presence on the inhabitants of this city. While it was raining I explored parts of downtown like parks and museums. The fun didn't really start until the sun showed itself. I rented a car for a day and posted a notice at the hostel to see if anyone wanted to join me for a trip to the Cape of Good Hope. I didn't think anyone would respond, but Maarten, from the Netherlands, joined me at the last minute. We folded into the tiny Volkswagen (he's at least four inches taller than me) and hit the road. I struggled to drive for the first few minutes until I became re-accustomed to the right-hand drive. By the time we reached the highway I had it covered. The Cape of Good Hope is at the tip of a long penninsula and we were traveling down the eastern side. The towns we passed were incredibily cute and looked like good places to visit, however, we only stopped once to take a look at some colorful Victorian beach changing booths. A little farther down the road we reached Simon's Town which has a resident colony of African penguins (formally called Jackass penguins, but they changed the name to something more touristy). We were both disappointed that we couldn't get very close. We were confined to boardwalks above the colony, but it was still very cool. Penguins, like sea turtles, never seem to get ruffled by anything. The terrain of the Cape of Good Hope National Park is amazing. In such a small place there seems to exist several different types. There are rolling hills, sharp mountains, plains, and seaside beaches. Our first glimpse of wildlife was a troop of baboons playing and eating along the roadside. This caused a minor traffic jam as the tourists pointed their cameras at the primates. We saw another troop while we were at the beach. We were able to get within ten feet before it became uncomfortable; for us, that is. Baboons are very curious and strong and have been known to be overly attentive to some tourists. It was amazing to watch each family member; from baby to male leader. We also came across a herd of antelope, the Bontebok, and several wandering ostriches. I know it's not much relative to the diversity of southern Africa, but it was still nice to see animals that are vastly different from animals I'm accustomed to seeing. Finally the clouds cleared and Table Mountain was visible from all sections of the city. I took the cable car to the top and hiked around all day. The views from the top are amazing. Surrounding Cape Town are townships, which are informal settlements by immigrants. The city and federal governments seem to turn the other way regarding the regulation and policing of these districts. They are basically squatters living in shacks trying to make a living. 40% have HIV and a major social event is when one of their friends is buried in the now overflowing cemetary. The unemployment is around 80% and few have running water, but a majority have electricity. They are inherently unsafe places, but still many non-government organizations have stepped up to help them out from housing to education to employment. I was interested in visiting one, and while there are many 'tours' of the townships, I didn't want to feel like I was going to the zoo. I ..." Read and see more at: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tonka_eng/1/1258405484/tpod.html Photos from this trip: 1. "Company Gardens and Table Mountain" 2. "Victorian changing rooms at Muizenberg" 3. "African Penguin at Boulders Beach" 4. "View of Table Mountain from Lion's Head" 5. "The view of Monwabisi Park from the guesthous" 6. "Male Chacma Baboon" 7. "Pair of Ostriches at Cape of Good Hope Park" 8. "Bontebok at Cape of Good Hope Park" 9. "Me and resident of Monwabisi Park" 10. "Devil's Peak" 11. "A Beautiful Pincushion Protea" 12. "Table Mountain and Camps Bay" 13. "Children of Monwabisi Park" See this TripWow and more at http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-00c1-4f64-8a60?ytv4=1
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Added: 151 days ago by
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2010 FIFA World Cup - FIFA World Cup on ESPN - Robben Island
The path to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa began inside Robben Island prison during Apartheid.
2010
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Cup
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FA
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Added: 693 days ago by
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