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 |    My random thoughts and reactions to my everyday life. The voices like a forum. |
| I do not know quite what happened or when , but my hubby and I now qualify for seniors' discounts at some venues. This creates a quandary; in order to save money, but not face, we have to admit to our age. HMMMM..... We definitely do not consider ourselves to be old. In this day and age ,when people as a whole are living longer and healthier lives why are 'young seniors', those in their fifties, like moi, considered 'old'?? It's so true that age is just a perception! "Maturity" is very objective/subjective, and I object! Whew, a few years have skittered by since I composed this biography block. Those "fifties" are in the rear view mirror and they are distant, fond memories. Oh, I do not plan to stop writing any time soon. |
| Day 21 Cape Town, South Africa Whew, day 21! The one-month virtual trek continues. It's all such a whirlwind. What's that lovely saying? I'll rest when I'm dead? There's no time for second or third winds. There's so much to see. Cape Town South Africa is beautiful. Everywhere I venture is set against gorgeous turquoise coastal water and towering mountains. Looming sturdy palm trees sway in the balmy breeze. Bo-kaap appears as a bright burst of rainbow hues, pinks, blues, greens, yellows and mauves. The buildings boast these happy colours and they remind me of the similarly painted homes in Newfoundland. I strolled through the cobblestoned streets of Bo-kaap smiling at the bold, vivid explosions of colour. Drabness is banished here. I enjoyed a cuppa in an historic school. Everything felt charming. Wow, Camp's Bay Beach has earned its reputation as the Beverly Hills of Cape Town. I sauntered in awe along a pristine white beach and marveled at that stunning turquoise water framed by an azure sky. There is such a contrast between the rugged rocky mountains and the sand and surf. Without hesitation, I waded in that inviting water and laughed at the sunbathing seagulls. Although tempted, I did not succumb to the lure of a massage on the beach even though a sign beckoned me with this tantalizing offer. If I'd relented and enjoyed a massage, I'd have stayed right there too relaxed to move in any possible manner to continue the tour. Sigh, a tourist is always on the move searching for that next jaw-dropping view. Cameras must be escorted to all the best locales. I hopped onto a sightseeing boat to motor out to Duiker Island where I was rewarded with the incredible sight of a seal hang-out. Above the steady crashing of the white caps, the multitude of seals barked. Were they greeting us, or shouting at us to leave them alone? Whatever their expectations, these sleek seals entertained us with diving, splashing, swimming and even sunbathing. They reminded me of bored teenagers hanging out together and trying to find amusements. The winding ascent of Chapman's Peak Drive offered breathtaking views of that ever present sparkling ocean. One rock formation resembled a crouching ape, or at least I thought it did. The tunnels that we passed through reminded me of similar tunnels in the Rockies in British Columbia. They are intended to offer safety should an avalanche occur. At the stunning summit, I meandered about Noordhoek Farm Village which caters to discerning tourists. I savoured ice cream as I people watched. Brave energetic souls cycled up this mountain road to congregate at the top. I recognized and snapped a pic of an amazing red amaryllis. This is a quaint oasis, but I had more exploring to do. Next on my agenda was a tour of Cape Point Ostrich Farm. At this breeding site, I snuggled a squirmy, fuzzy baby ostrich with unique markings on its head and long neck. Its eyelashes sparked my envy. It is an ugly/cute creature. The adults strut about on their powerful long legs flexing their heavily-feathered wings. No one suggested I hitch a ride on an ostrich and I didn't bring it up. I'm still recovering from the camel experience. The ostrich barely blinked as I waved farewell. My next stop took me to Table Mountain and the Cape Point Nature Reserve where I hiked, climbed, and 'cable-carred it.' At one point, I slowly ascended a steep set of stone steps. How tourist friendly. Wow, the vistas are stunning here. From the lighthouse built in 1860, the panorama is awesome. Apparently, this building did not prevent many shipwrecks because it sits too high and cannot be seen in foggy or cloudy weather. Now it is a focal point. Bold Baboons roam freely. Some decide to perch atop vehicles. Some recline next to tourists. Boulders Beach is aptly named. Boulders are strewn about as if tossed. Via a series of wooden walkways, I am able to slip in amongst the throng of tuxedo-coated penguins. How punk-rockish, they sport a bright pink slash above their eyes. When not diving, they too sunbathe on the rocks and the sand. Their gait is distinctive, a waddle. I amble about this way in the winter, shuffling in short steps praying I do not slip and tumble. Um, I wonder if some of the penguins attempt to escape their beach paradise and go awol. Do they enjoy playing hide and seek? I noticed a large sign with this lettering. WARNING Please look under your vehicles for penguins. Could I appear convincing when I insist that the penguin in our tour van is a single-minded stowaway and not a poor kidnap victim? Um, er, sorry, I forgot to check under the vehicle. The little fella must have slipped in when I wasn't looking. You do know he is a flightless bird, right? How else is he supposed to travel? |
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