Namibia - Part 1

Hi guys... I'm back again. Although we are close to my last adventures in Africa, today we are speaking about my highlight during these 3 months. Today, I'm taking you to Namibia!!!

Namibia is a quite big country which bordering South Africa from the north. Namibia's population is around 1,5 milion people, whom 15% are infected by HIV (in accord to Wikipedia). The country owns loads of stunning natural landscapes (with mountains, rocks and desert) and an amazing fauna and flora. Surely is one of the best options for those who like to venture themselves into unknown places seeking for adventure (like me).

Well... everything has started in the school (as usual) when I joined two other friends (a russian guy and a suiss guy) as crazy as me. We started our research by the wisest person I’ve ever met… Google.com; and in a few days we already had our route. Our second step was to rent a car, and so we went for renting the cheapest one we found.

Our small desert car!

That wasn’t our best idea, unfortunately, because the car were very small, and not strong enough for namibian roads. Here I can give you the first advertisement: if you can, you'd better rent a big car with big tires, because in Namibia you are driving on gravel roads, mostly… so is better to drive a big car (either you have money or more people to join you on the trip), like a Toyota Hilux. Other useful tip is: you must arrange a GPS, updated with information of both countries.

Full of courage and disposition we started our journey, leaving Cape Town via N7. Our first stop was at Cederberg in a fantastic camping side called Gecko Creek (with hot water shower, warm tend, good internet and a real scary wolf). So, we spent our first night in that magical place, enjoying the brightest night sky I've ever saw in my life.

Firts accommodation!

Keep driving on N7, through the north, and you will pass reach the charmous and colorful Springbook, and if you have time make a short stop over that beautiful city. 

The way is too long but very pleasant. Nevertheless you must be ready to stay in the car for hours... so keep a good music on, unless you want to get bored. 

When we got at the border, the proceeds were very simple and fast; just keep your passport in hands (check if you need a visa, though you'll have to pay N$400,00 for driving in namibian roads) and with a new stamp you are able to go ahead into the Namibian B1.

Namibia has some magnificent landscapes, so be ready with your camera anytime. As there are few cities by the road, you'd better keep you a fully tank, whenever you find a gas station. The main cities you will find during the way are: Keetmanshoop and Mariental; in that last one you find better accommodations.

About food, you may have some few difficulties… because it is really rare to find a restaurant by the road; so is better to keep with you some snacks as hunger-killers (chocolate, biscuits, chips…).

So guys... I'll keep your curiosity about Namibia to my next post!!! See you later!!!

Durban!!

So everyone... are you enjoying the travelling tips about South Africa? Today I'm back with a excellent option for those whom want to stay in a car farther.

As a good and resilient Brazilian, I kept my ass on the car, seeking for more adventure, on the way to Durban. The trip takes a such long time, however each hour in the car worth it. During the way, you can appreciate the landscapes changing into a different and curious Africa – Kwazulu-Natal, the Zulu’s land.

Durban is a huge city and owns a very particularly beautiful cost. Although Durban is not as beautiful as Cape Town is, the city has its own attractive. In Durban you will find the biggest Indian colony in world, which gives you an impression of being in another country.

View to Durban

Duban’s people are faster and busier than Capetonians; the traffic is a big mess, however the city brings you a nice atmosphere. The culinary is hot and has strong flavors which is a strong influence from the Indian culture. In my opinion, what is the best over there is the weather, which is always warm and comfortable, even on winter time.

My tips for “places-to-visit” is: 

Go to visit the famous Moses Mabhida Stadium which was built to host some of the 2010 World Cup’s games. Once there, take the sky car through the viewpoint right on its top… from there you can have a nice view to the city. The skycar costs only R55.

Leaving the Stadium go to Casino which disposes you a rich sort of entertainment options. In the Casino, you may spend your time shopping, cinema, having a good meal or even playing  with the machines. From Casino you can go walking to the beach where you can also find some free markets and people in everywhere.

Another good tip is to visit uShaka Marine World, where you may spend an entire day enjoying your time, since they have plenty of amusement options for you. Over uShaka Marine, you may have a funny time doing shark diving or even swimming with dolphins. 

What I found more interesting in Durban is the beautiful beaches and its warm water…. So you may enjoy some time for swimming on the ocean, if you are up to.

Another curious aspect I got from Durban is the people; they are completely different from Capetonians, but not less cozy. Furthermore the biggest difference between both people are the accent; the english spoken in Durban has an easier accentn (actually reminded me a bit of british accent) comparing to capetonians. I think they owe their british accent to the fact they are literated in english only. So, the languange experience over Durban is quite particular, because you can get english better!

My friend from Durban, Lache! 

The nightlife in Durban is quite calm so don’t expect too much from it. The tip is to enjoy a good dinner with friends at Keys on Florida Restaurant, or any other restaurant at Key West Street.

So, I hope you guys have enjoyed my tips from Durban. Whether you have time or money just go there... you won't regret!

See you later...

Garden Route

Hi everyone... I'm back again with a very nice topic. Today we are talking about Garde Route.

Garden Route is one of the most beautiful and interesting trips that you may go on in South Africa; the trip goes from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. In the way to Garden Route, you will appreciate stunning landscapes, amazing places, curious animals, and many other things. 

First of all, you have to arrange a car and 3 or 4 friends to join you. Here my tip is traveling with friends from different nationalities is a very good opportunity to learn and practice your english (I did it twice and can assure you it worth). You might have a GPS which makes your journey safer and faster (but don’t forget a map).

I have been on the Garden Route exactly thrice and in each time I had a particular and unique experience. You don’t need to arrange too much stuff, beyond the car and friends. In case of you don’t get a GPS, get a good map or a travel book. And so, be ready to have some fun, during the trip.

To go through on Garden Route, you must start your journey taking N2, from Sea Point (on the way to airport). Driving on N2 is a pleasant and safe experience, because the road is well-signalized and there are no wholes. Find bellow the places that you can visit and the amusement you can find in each one.

Mossel Bay: normally that's the first stop on Garden Route’s trip. Leaving Cape Town, you may arrive at Mossel Bay after nearly 5 hours driving. That small town has a very charming old century english architecture. Over Mossel Bay you may find some nice restaurants by the beach where you can enjoy a delicious meal while watch some dolphins or even whales jumping out from the sea. You can also visit some museums in town, like the traditional Marine Museum which keeps a bit of Mossel Bay’s history. It's quite easy to find a B&B or Backpacker over there, even if you don’t have a GPS or a travel book.

Wilderness: Wilderness is one of the most magical places you can visit in Garden Route. The town is quite small, which takes place by the ocean though is surrounded by mountains. So, keep yourself  some time and enjoy Wilderness and the landscapes. You can’t waist a chance to stay at Wildfarm Backpackers… that place is amazing, beyond the good price (R120) and a breathtaking view to the ocean. Here I go with some tips: go to visit Woodville Tree (it's a small forest where you can admire an 800 years old tree); take your time by the lake to make some shoots; and go to the beach to explore the rail road tunel.

Knysna: that's a delightful place where you usually find a good and warm weather with colorful fields in a small, but no less comfortable, town. My tip is: go to Knysna Waterfront and have a meal at 34º South Restaurant… their price is nearly nothing and the view is quite beautiful. Afterwards, you can go to visit the orphans elephants at Knysna Elephant Park, where you can enjoy a nice elephant encounter, feed it or even ride it.

Plettenberg Bay: woww that is the most adventurous part in Garden Route. The place is simply amazing (as usual) and surrounded by the Tsitsikamma Mountains. You may enjoy some time in the beach or swimming on the ocean, if you’re up to. But few minutes away from town you can find the biggest bungy jump on bridge in world… get ready because the 216 meters jump is a life-changing experience. If you are crazy enough, just like me, then go there, book yourself a jump and the guys from Face Adrenalin will provide you anything else… you just have to pay a small fortune of R1000 (jump, photos, dvd and t-shirt).

Tsitsikamma National Park: next stop is really excited, as well. Tsitsikamma is a huge National Park, with stunning landscapes and gorgeous mountains. Over there, you may enjoy your time in one of the beautiful beaches, mountains, viewpoints, camping places, and whatever. Of course, for being a National Park, you must to pay an entrance fee of R88 (foreigner’s price) which worth each cent. Once there, go to the famous suspension bridges and climb up the mountain until a viewpoint, right on the top. From there, you may have the most beautiful view in Garden Route (promise you). So, take your time there: relax, think abouth your life, try to feel the place, sing, jump, cry… but, please, don’t you forget to take lots of photos (You might want to keep this in your memory).

Jeffrey’s Bay: the most famous destination in Garden Route. For those who know about surf, JBay is an old friend, because the place hosts the Billabong Pro, every year. Furthermore, Jeffrey’s Bay has the most beautiful and astonished sunrise that I’ve ever saw in my life (so, wake up early and don’t lose it). The beach is other spectacular thing… so, take your time enjoying a bit of it. My tip is to stay at Vibe Island JBay Backpackers… that place is formidable and quite cheap (R120). In Vibe Island you can have some fun with friends in the bar and meet some new people, as well. Nevertheless, JBay is not only about that… the city is also famous because of the surf brands mega-stores where you can get real good prices. So, enjoy this opportunity to buy some gifts to your folks.

Port Elizabeth: the last destination on the trip. To be honest, Port Elizabeth is just a big town where the one of the biggest harbors in country is taking place. That’s why the city is so important and famous. Although I have been there twice, I don’t know the city; so unfortunately I can’t talk too much about that.

Addo Elephant National Park: if you want to put more adventure in it and if you also have time enough to do, so keep driving through on the road, 72 km away from Port Elizabeth. Once there, the National Park is able to provide you anything you may need, even nigh-safaris. My tip is to do a self-driver safari which is the cheapest way. The entrance fee is R110, however they have a very good discount for students (so keep your LAL card, if you have one). The tour takes an entire day but is very interesting because, during the way, you can see a rich sort of wild animals like buffalos, elephants, wild pigs, and so many others. Whether you want to stay there for one night, the cheapest way is staying outside the park; so, the best place is Orange Elephant Backpacker (R120)!

Route 62: if you don’t have any time to go through into other places, you should star your journey back via Route 62. The road is as safe and beautiful as N2 with mountains, fields, and marvelous landscapes. Don’t lose a chance of make a stop at Ronnies Sex Shop which places just by the road. My glue is to go to Oudtshoorn to visit the Kango Caves doing an adventure tour over there (you won’t regret). Afterward you can have some good and delicious time tasting some ostrich meat.

Do you really think you have seen all? If you have money and time enough my advice is to going on through East London, in the famous Wild Coast. On that way, there is a quit and beautiful university town called Grahamstown… my tip is to make a stop over there and visit The Rat and Parrot, the most traditional pub in town. You should also visit Coffee Bay, wich is famous for a stirred nightlife.

So... that's all for now. About all that you have read today, my tip is: Do not leave Cape Town without that experience! Whether you don't find anyone to share a car, you can book yourself a tour, it's so easy!

About the people and life cost!!

Hi everyone... I'm back again!! I guess after read all these interesting tips about Cape Town, you are probably considering my first offer, aren't you? 

Cape Town is a fantastic city and has loads to teach you... it isn't only about english (trust me). The city is inspiring, magic, welcoming, plural and happy. You just need to be open for the new experiences and opportunities and the Mother City will do the rest for you, for sure. Furthermore, you'll have a personal priceless life improvement, learning from people from everywhere, including South Africans.

About South African people, by the way, you will certainly fall in love with them. They are a very friendly people, warm and musical (actually, they're very similar to Brazilian, from this point of view). South African people are truly warriors and they have a curious and rich history to tell you. 

Dude, a zulu's south african lady, saleswoman at GreenMarket!

Try to speak with them, dance with them, laugh with them; try to get involved with them. Get to know them close and they may teach you about Ubuntu, the South Africa’s spirit/lifestyle. Try to understand a bit of their huge history of struggle and you may see how cruel humanity can be in order to keep the power and control in their very hands. It is just amazing speaking with mzanzi and share with them all the diversity only Cape Town can give you.

Another curious aspect of learning english in South Africa is the linguistic diversity. The country has 11 official idioms (not even couting on the many dialects), and the most spoken languages in Cape Town are: English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. I used to say if you are able to understand a Xhosa or an Afrikaans accent, you then are able to get anyone else’s accent in this planet. Furthermore, after Apartheid, all South African children are literated in two languages (english +), at the same time in school.

My crazy italian friend... skydiving!

Coming back to Mother City... in Cape Town, if you like radical sports you will feel quite at home. It is easy, cheap and safe… you have access to just so many different options such as: gliding, paragling, skydiving, scubadiving, shark cage diving, and what more. You may also have some nice other options, involving less adrenaline: helicopter sightseeing, sailing tour, fast-boat or catamaran tour… everything is under your dispose at Waterfront, you just have to pay for it (or you can also arrange all of it from LAL)! Nevertheless, the most famous and biggest bungy jump on bridge in the world, you will only find outside Cape Town (we are speaking about that later).

The cost of living in Cape Town isn't too expensive, for brazilians I must say. One american dollar costs about 11 rands while 1 euro costs about 14 rands. So, the South Africa currency makes our life quite confortable over there. Furthermore, what you find really inexpensive is: food, convenience (restaurants, pharmacy, cinema), beverages (except water), taxi and fun. You dont trully want to look at electronics... they are indeed more expensive than anything. But, perfurms and cosmetics are way cheaper than Duty Free shops, trust me!!

My tip is... do not purchase Rands in your home country. It is better take dollar or euro on you and then exchange it into Rand on later stage... for this, you can to Long Street and meet my friend Mario, at Western Union Bureau of Change. Whenever you can, is also a good idea to draw cash from the ATM's (that was always my first option). While I was in school, studying, during 8 weeks I've spent about US$800,00; including trips, food and night life! It's just a matter of spending your money wisely!

Fellows, although the topic was quite short I think these information is very important together with the other topics. Next post I'm back talking about an INCREDIBLE trip!!

Cheers!!!!

That isn't only about learning... Let's have some fun!!

Hey everyone, I'm back again with good tips about Cape Town. And  at that time, I think you guys are enjoying a lot, because we are talking about something very interesting... FUN!!!

As I've been telling you here, english learning is not only about staying in class, being bored. There are many other possibilities (most of them are very amusement) for practicing and learning english all the time, including during the evenings. In addition to it, I can assure you that the learning goes really fast whenever you associate this with something funny.

The evenings at LAL used to be quiet (from Sunday to Wednesday); however the school is always arranging some night activities to the students, like karaoke turns, games, etc. Whether you want (like I used to do) you can also look for enjoying a friend's company in a good conversation or take your time surfing on the internet, posting photos and speaking with your family. Furthermore, Sea Point has lots of night programs…like restaurants, pubs… it’s up to you.

Now let’s have some fun... I’ll show some of the best places in town for enjoy your time, with your friends, in the capetonian night life:

Dubliners: that nightclub takes place at Long Street... it's one of the most traditional and well-visited places ever. As the name says, the nightclub is about a typical Irish pub where you'll find an excellent live music, cheap drinks, and people from all over the world (so, don't waste any chance and practice your english). You don’t need to pay any entrance fee (but Friday’s nights) and the nightclub disposes two nice dance floors (live music and Dj).

Dubliners, day-view!

The house is open from Monday to Monday.. however the best nights to enjoy are Thursday's and Saturday's. It’s quite safe, so whenever you leave Dubliners just take a taxi (you will find plenty of taxis) which costs about R50 to go back to Sea Point. My tip is to go at Thursday’s night because the place is not that overcrowded and the band is fantastic.

Tiger Tiger: the LAL student’s favourite place for Thursday’s nights. That nightclub takes place in a shopping mall at Claremont, nearly 25 minutes away from Sea Point by taxi which costs about R160. So, if you want to go there, you must join the other students whom use to gather at school’s reception, every Thursday's night. The place is quite good and you may find lots of beautiful young people… there is an entrance fee of R40. The guys must to pay attention at Tiger Tiger’s dress code (shirts and shoes, always), otherwise you can be refused. Drinks are cheap, they have 3 different bars and every night has drinks promos. The music is quite good; however the place is too overcrowded. I’ve been there couple of times and had so much fun with my friends; besides it, the place wasn’t my couple of tea.

Russian, Swiss, ME and German... at Bohemia!

Stellenbosch: outside Cape Town that's the best place for having fun… to have a really enjoyable Friday’s night. Stellenbosch is a small university town, 40 minutes away driving from Cape Town, so the only way to go there is by car. My tip is to rent a car with 2 or 3 other friends and leave Cape Town about 17:00; you can stay at Banghoek Hostel (to make things easier is better to have a GPS). Start drinking some good wine at the backpacker, park your car there and go to town walking (don’t worry because it is a really small town). The pubs you must to visit are: Den Anker (the most traditional), Bohemia (overcrowded, but very good), Opskop (good drinks), NuBar (dancing nightclub) and Cubana (good food). Nevertheless, you can find plenty of other good places over there. So, just go there and enjoy your time with your friends, but don’t forget the way back to hostel.

Some others nightclubs at Cape Town: in Mother City you should visit others good nightclubs. Don’t lose the opportunity to show your face at: Casablanca, 31º Floor, The Loop and Dizzy’s. My tip is to go to Long Street, just be careful.

Grand West Casino: Yes... Cape Town has a Casino and is a legal activity in South Africa. The place disposes dozen of different entertainment options, isn't only about old people playing in coin machines. Over the Casino, you can have loads of fun, doing different stuffs, although the disadvantage is the distance. The Grand West is quite far away from Sea Point, but don't worry because LAL has weekly tours to the casino.

I must to advice you that drinking outside streets is a prohibit activity in South Africa. So, if you don't want to be stuck in trouble, don't leave any pub, bar, restaurant or whatever handing a glass or any bottle of alcohol stuff (#Tip)!

I'm finishing another good topic with good information about Cape Town's life! Hope you guys are enjoying it!!

Cheers!!!

Where you HAVE to go!

Hello everyone... I'm back again with another "list"! At this time, I'm telling you what are the "unmissible" places you must to go for a visit once in Cape Town. Some of it are not in town, but all of them has their own relevance as an important history to tell us! Whitout it, it's impossible to say you had a real "Capetonian Experience".

Let's go...

My european friends and me!!

Bo-Kaap: once in Mother City, you must visit this place to feel a bit of the city’s history. Leaving Sea Point, by mini-bus, you just need to drop in Long Street, then keep walking up to Bo-Kaap (don't worry, because it's easy). Take your time walking through its colorful streets, at this beautiful muslin neighborhood. Try to feel the place and go for visit Bo-Kaap Museum. The place is quite traditional for host muslin people for hundreds of years in a row; which had a very important function during the Apartheid period.

Company's Garden... by me!

Company’s Garden: that's a fantastic garden among the city. Over there, you can enjoy the beautiful flora and the huge sorts of animals which can be found there. Beyond it, you can also find the famous South Africa Museum, the Modern Art Gallery and the South-Africa Parliament which worths a visit, surely. You'd better go in a sunny spring afternoon with your friends, and enjoy a time over there. What's best... it's a public place, safe and free of entrance (only the garden).

Signal Hill: it's a very nice and easy-access place...the best way (not the easier) to go there is walking from Sea Point (about 1 hour climbing up the hill); during the hiking, you can enjoy the ocean-view and the nature contact. Whether you don’t have time enough or disposition to do it, you may go there also by taxi which costs about R90 (one way). My tip is to visit a small mosque which takes place on the top of Signal Hill… it's one of the eldest mosques in town.

Lion’s Head Mountain: that's my “favorite-place-3”… take one afternoon (after class, of course), gather your friends, take a taxi and go there. The hiking takes about 1 hour, through the top, and it's quite easy until the half-way… from there you have to decide either take the "long and easy way" or the "short and adventurous one" (my type). Anyway… you won't, regret once on the top! Looking down, the view from there is simply stunning! My tip is: carry a wine bottle with you, and enjoy the sunset from the top, with your friends… it's just unbelievable.

On the top!!!

Table Mountain: the national proud, Table Mountain is magical and owns the most special atmosphere you may ever feel in South Africa. You can spend an entire day over there, if you want to. My glue is to wait for a sunny or not-too-cloudy day, because the mountain is huge (over 1.000m tall) and use to be cold up there. From Sea Point, a taxi normally costs about R130 and there are lots of different ways to climb the mountain. For those who are more brave and adventurous, there are some tracks which goes through the top (all of them takes about 1 hour hiking). Although, if you just want to make things easier, you can take the Cable Car… don’t worry because the system is very safe and enjoyable. By Cable Car, the way up takes about 3 minutes and the ticket to go and to return costs R130 (student price, so don’t forget your LAL’s student card). Once up there, just take your time and have some fun… but don’t forget to take loads of photos, as much as you can. You CAN'T leave Cape Town whitout visit Table Mountain... so whether you have any these options, LAL can arrange you a way to go there!

by me!

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: take an entire morning or afternoon for enjoying this place because it's gorgeous. Unfortunately there are few ways to go there, because it's a bit away from Sea Point. By taxi, you are spending about R150 or you can also go there by "Sightseeing Bus", which you can take at Waterfront paying R130. LAL also offers weekly tours to Botanical Garden, if you prefer to take it. My tip is: treat yourself in a  nice coffee or lunch at Moyo Kirstenbosch, a very charmous restaurant. Enjoy the opportunity and walk as much as you can... with luck you may find a spring river with a cristal-clear, sweet and hot water.

Groot Constantia: that's one of the most famous wine farms around Cape Town. Beyond beautiful landscapes, you may enjoy your time there doing a marvelous wine tasting (R40). They have a diversified wine letter and you can have a taste in most of them. However,  as Kirstenbosch, there are few ways to go there: by taxi, Sightseeing Bus or LAL’s tour.

Chapman’s Peak Drive: it's an amazing tour. You'll have an opportunity to driving up through a mountain. The view from there is breathtaking. The glue is to go by mountain-bike, if you can! Otherwise you can go by car, as well… just leave the windows open. Don't you forget to over stop at the main point-view, where you can have a privileged view to Hout Bay.

Hout Bay: it’s a beautiful place, but a bit boring. From there, you can take a boat and sailing through the Seal’s Island. The really good tip is to enjoy a Fish & Cheps at Fish & Cheps on The Rocks Restaurant, the most traditional restaurant, specialist in preparing that unique meal.

Muizenberg: personally, I’ve spent so much time there, so I can speak a lot about that. The place is very calm and beautiful… but you will find lots of surfers, from everywhere in this planet. That’s because Muizenberg is quite famous as an international surf destination. If you are interested in surfing that is the place to be… over there you can find plenty of surf schools which charges about R800 for 7 surf classes in a row. Whether you don’t have time for doing a surf school, you can pay about R120 and have a single surf class which takes about 1 hour (including clothe, border and basics instructions). My tip is: if you go there by car, you must to drive through Boyes Drive Road and have a marvelous view to Muizenberg and Fish Hoek from up-above. Furthermore you can go there also by train which takes about 50 minutes and costs R11 (first class).

Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope: if you are in Cape Town and don’t go in those two places, your experience wouldn’t be succeeded. Both are part of Table Mountain National Park (one of the most famous national parks in South Africa) and for this reason there is an entrance fee of R85. First of all, you have to go through direct to Cape of Good Hope and get the famous shoot over there. After it, go quickly to Cape Point and take your time over there, enjoying the view, the ocean and landscapes. Unfortunately the only way to go there is by car, so you can gather your friends and rent a car for a weekend or you can either join the LAL’s tour.

Sunset at Gans Bay!

Gans Bay: don’t allow yourself to miss this amazing place, where you can admire a breathtaking ocean view. From there, you might have a perfect whale watching, as well... just by the rocks. At Gansbaai (Afrikaans) you also have a possibility of doing shark cage diving and have a look at the wild white sharks… you just have to spend a small fortune of R800 to go there and put your skin in a risk. Whether you want to oversleep at Gans Bay it is very easy to find a backpacker or a B&B over there.

As I wrote too much already, I'm staying here for a while. Hope you guys are enjoying all of these information. 

Laters... take care!!

Some important places in town...

Hi everyone, I'm back today talking about something interesting. As I've promised, today I'm taking out a short list, where you can find some good tips about important places to go, in Cape Town. To make your stay good and confortable you must to know those places quite well.

Sea Point and Green Point: if you stay at Sea Point, like me (LAL is at Sea Point), you should take a time to walk around these areas. You will find two really placid and safe residential neighborhoods. It isn't only about that, these places disposes anything you want, like: supermarkets, bookstores, restaurants, pubs, bureau of chance and whatever you need. At Green Point you can find a very beautiful public park (where you can enjoy a time with friends, or even alone), walker rows, grass fields; and from there, you can also see the Green Point Stadium, which was built for host the last World Cup.

Camps Bay: that is my “favorite-place-1”… leaving Sea Point by mini-bus, in 10 minutes you are in Camps Bay - the most beautiful beach in Cape Town. Camps Bay takes place behind the Table Mountain, and from there you can have a stunning view to the imposing Twelve Apostles’ Rocks. You can also have a privileged view to Lion’s Head Mountain. If you want to swimming, prepare yourself because the water is freaking cold. In Camps Bay, you can enjoy your time in one of those dozens restaurants and pubs that you can find there… most of them are quite expensive. Whether you have time or not, my tip is to go anytime you could, specially for enjoying the sunset on the rocks.

V&A Waterfront... by Stefan Willeke

V&A Waterfront: that is my “favorite-place-2”… leaving Sea Point you can easily go walking (as I used to do), enjoying a pleasant 20 minutes walking; or you can take a cab, with R40 and 5 minutes. In Waterfront you may find loads of entertainment options like pubs, restaurants and the shopping mall. My tip here is: do not leave Cape Town without going to Den Anker, a very nice Belgium bar where you'll surely enjoy your time with a rich sort of delicious Belgium beers. In Waterfront, you find the Nelson Mandela’s Gate, where you can book your visit to Robin Island (the place where Mandiba had been arrested, for over 20 years). Another good glue, to practice your english, is to watch a movie at V&A’s cinema. But you shouldn’t buy anything there… most things are bit expensive.

City Center: the Cape Town’s center is crazy as any other, but is very funny. Certainly you can get there anything you want… what is more interesting there is the GreenMarket Square, one of the most traditional places in town. Take your time to walk through the place, feeling the atmosphere and the people´s vibe. At Green Market, you find a very impressive diversity of souvenirs… so, do your best trying to push the prices down and buy some gifts to your family and friends. Another very nice tip is to visit the Tourism Center where you can find touristic information from all over the country. About the safety… if you are Brazilian, it doesn’t change anything: keep in touch with your stuffs, especially bags, wallets or cameras.

My friends and me, exploring Long Street!

Long Street: that is the craziest place from Thursday’s night to Saturday’s. You will find there lots of different nightclubs with many sorts of music styles and people… this is the freaking place (I’m writing about that further). Despite it, during the day Long Street is one of the most important business street in town. So you may find there loads of stores, restaurants, theater, and so on. My tip here is to have a dinner at Mama Africa Restaurant, one of the most traditional restaurants in town with African culinary. The meals are very sophisticated; however is quite expensive… besides it, you may enjoy your time there appreciating a very nice african live music.

Acess Park and Canal Walk: for those who like shopping, these are the best places to visit. You may find cheap tennis shoes at Acess Park, especially Levi’s. Although, at Canal Walk you may find whatever you need (not the best price… most times is similar to Brazil).

Well guys... that is it! Those places are essential whether you want to walk around or just having some fun. Certainly without it, you may not have an expressive Capetonian experience.

Next topic, I'm taking you to some nice places to visit!! Get ready!!!

Laters,