We did have a day at sea in between Port Elizabeth before arriving in Cape Town. The morning was a bit gloomy weather and then it cleared up with a spectacular afternoon for pictures. The picture of Cape Town and Table Mountain above was taken on day two early morning as the sun was rising.

With the assistance of Admiral Travel in Sarasota, we hired a private tour guide for Day 1 and we were picked up at 8 AM. Since Table Mountain was fogged in we didn’t bother to go up. Instead, Robbie, our guide, drove down the Cape to our first stop – Kalk Bay. There is a bakery there he wanted us to experience and also the fishing boats. Delish coffee and bakery goods, such as Hot Cross Buns and a Cinnamon Stick for me. A small vineyard is next to the Bakery. The foggy, misty weather and walking along the waterfront is perfect for visiting a fishing town. There is a seal swimming in the harbor area enjoying its day.

Next stop is Simon’s Town to see the Penguins. We were going to Kayak but with the mist and weather conditions, we told Robbie we’d rather visit and then continue down the Cape. John takes us down the beach to the Penguin colony and tells us all about the colony. They showed up in 1995, nest along the rocks, go off looking for food during the day and generally hang-out here. The rock offshore in the distance is called Noah for Noah’s ark – you can see why. There are seals that hang out there on Noah.

Continuing down towards Table Mountain National Park, we are lucky as Robbie drives us around to see a colony of baboons, ostriches and spring bucks. We take a short hike along the ocean area in a less visited section of the park. Spectacular sight to see! There is kelp along the beach; these plants are prevalent all along the shoreline.

After our short hike, we take a drive to the Cape of Good Hope – of course to say we’ve been there – along with the other tourists!

Back on the road now, Robbie drives us up the West coast of the Cape to a small town – Scarborough. We have lunch a the Whole Earth Cafe – healthy and delicious – especially Steve’s tofu-fish. Then a stop at another small town’s brewery, a [healthy] ice cream shop and small shopping area in Noordhoek before taking the Chapman’s Peak Drive.

The Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most beautiful in the world. Winding along the cliff side with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and shear cliffs upward on the other. There are sailboats, surfers, and cyclists as we slowing drive along the road towards Hout Bay.

At Hout Bay we stop to see the surfers enjoying their day in the perfect waves. We catch a glimpse of the Twelve Apostles mountains at a park in Camps Bay before driving back to our ship in the Victoria & Albert Waterfront.

At night we have the most incredible dining experience at a restaurant called Reverie Social. A table of 14 strangers dine on course after course of creative dishes of food and wines from the Sutherland and Themela vintners. Such interesting conversations with people from all over the world and all foodies too. Chef Julia and her team did an outstanding job of awakening our palates with dishes that combined such different flavors and textures. WOW! This is a must place in Cape Town. Thanks Admiral Travel for the recommendation and the reservation!

Today, we are up early and lucky because Table Mountain is not in the clouds this morning. Or at least until we get to the top, then the cloud cover creeps or is it floats in. Fortunately we did get some good pictures in the Cable Car on the way up. Now I’m sitting in their wi-fi lounge writing this blog and hoping to publish!

We don’t have as much time as we would like in Cape Town as our ship leaves at 3 PM. There is so much more to see and do in Cape Town. Definitely a place to return to and experience all the exciting things in South Africa.