Lion's Head

I love to hike, in fact, few things make me happier so when Ian suggested a 45 minute "walk" I leaped at the opportunity. Instead of the very popular Table Mountain trail he recommended Lion's Head because the path wrapped around the base of the mountain offering 360 degree views. We took our time leaving the house and I foolishly didn't prepare for the hike in part because I didn't know what to expect. At the last minute I grabbed a small bottle of water and ate a piece of bread since it was nearing noon and I hadn't yet eaten. From the trail head, we started an immediate ascent up to the 2195 foot peak. The heart pumping and sweet were welcomed as was the amazing view of the city harbor on one side and the Atlantic coastline on the other. What I didn't anticipate was scrambling up the face of the mountain, a vertical climb at times dependent on chains and hooks to hoist myself up to the next ridge. Light headed and hungry I kicked myself for not being better prepared. Ive been eating well, lots of fresh fish for dinner, but breakfast and lunch are more dependent on carbs when I travel than when I am at home. I miss the stamina and balance I get from green juices, protein smoothies, vegetables and grains. Being hypoglycemic I also suffer from Indulging in a glass of wine at almost every meal. Vacation or not I need to take care of myself. We were rewarded with crisp, breathtaking views when we arrived at the peak. In the distance, Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned rose from the sea. Even on his beautiful day South Africa's dark history couldn't be ignored.

Cape Town

After a long heavenly sleep in Ian's comfy guest room I awoke to a gray drizzle common during autumn in Cape Town. Low clouds obscured Table Mountain, but this didn't deter us from sticking to our plans and driving the coast line. Stopped in Hout Bay for a coffee to chase away the chill and ascended Chapman's Peak as the clouds were burning off to a reveal a bright blue sky. Cape Town's natural beauty rivals anything I've experienced. Cliffs, coves, waves and tranquil fishing villages and towns. After the previous day of travel I was thrilled to get out of the car at The Cape of Good Hope and walk! We stretched our legs as we climbed the steps to the light house and continued on the light keeper's trail to the point. To the west the Atlantic ocean boomed, its large waves cresting near the shore. To the east the deep blue Indian Ocean was calm as a lake. I rested on the rocks, chatting and dozing, breathing in the beauty of the surroundings. We continued on the east side of the peninsula around False Bay to Boulders Beach, infamous for penguins, and stopped in Simon's Town to watch the sun dip behind the mountains. We continued on to Kalk Bay to Polana a surprisingly hip and trendy restaurant on the water. Live music made the atmosphere even more festive. The seafood was fantastically fresh, and My calamari tubes were grilled to perfection, seasoned with garlic and lemon. A side salad of arugula and avocado was the perfect complement. Every trace of Tanzania was gone -- the climate, the culture, the language, the landscape. The change felt abrupt, not necessarily unwelcomed, but slightly jarring.