Wow, it feels so good to be back here, writing. It’s crazy to think that I used to blog every single day. It was a different time then. I wasn’t a Mom. I wasn’t a business owner and my responsibilities were so different. Instagram stories are now the “micro blogs” aren’t they?
That being said, I really miss blogging. I often wonder if people still devour blogs like they did in the good ol’ days? Show your age much?
Well, I’m dusting off the blogging cobwebs and sharing a magical “long weekend” in Cape Town – photo & story heavy. Grab a drink and happy scrolling.
When last were you a tourist in your own home town? It’s not always easy with the hustle and bustle of daily life, to-do lists and errands. Friends from London arrived in Cape Town and we got to not only host them in our home, but play “tour guide” and I LOVED it!
R and Sox go way back and R has always loved Cape Town, but O, his wife has never been to South Africa, so to see the city through fresh eyes is really magical.
Sometimes we take seeing Table Mountain daily, for granted… I try not to, but to see her take it in for the first time, in person… well, you had to be there. Goosebumps.
I am astounded with how much we jammed in, and while it was a lot, it didn’t feel horribly rushed.
Thursday:
R had arrived yesterday already, as he’d had business in Johannesburg. After school drop offs, we grabbed a coffee from Seattle and took a beautiful Sea Point prom walk, looking at some of the street art. I love crisp, sunshiny Autumn mornings.

We stopped at The Winchester for a delicious breakfast, under the walls of bougainvillea and next to a trickling fountain.


It was time to go to the airport to fetch O. Her tour started right away. We went straight to Camps Bay where Sox, R and O walked Camps Bay beach and lunched at The Bungalow.
I left them to fetch Alexi from his little nursery school, took him to swimming lessons and then went to fetch the 3 of them, so we could all go and fetch George from school.

We took a scenic drive out to Hout Bay harbour, where we got to see Nicholas Cage, the seal.




We walked along the harbour where we came across an old boat, with Johnny Nine Fingers. That’s how he introduced himself. He invited us onboard, and at first I wasn’t sure what to make of it. My South African street smarts were on alert, but it turned out that he didn’t want anything other than to show us the boat, on which he lives. The boys were delighted – I’m pretty sure they think he was a real life Pirate.


On the way back, we drove along the beautiful coastal road, besides the 12 Apostle mountains and stopped at Llandudno beach, with it’s fine, white sand, surfers catching waves, and magnificent homes to admire. It was funny to see O run into the water and run out just as quickly. The Atlantic ocean is icy and can burn your ankles. If you’re into the Wim Hof method, it’s ideal.


We got home late afternoon, started on George’s homework, a puzzle for Alexi and dinner – a souvla braai with delicious sides and good banter between all of us.

Friday:
I took the boys to school and arranged play dates for the afternoon.
R & O were keen to get an art piece from South Africa, so we went looking at various art galleries, as well as sight seeing areas. We went to Woodstock, we stopped at Bo-Kaap – something I realised, I haven’t personally done. I’ve driven past (and through) several times, but I’ve never done the touristy thing of stopping for colourful photos. I loved it.





Wine farm time.
We took a scenic drive out to Stellenbosch. Delaire Graff is one of the high end wine farms. Situated on the upper slopes of the Simonsberg mountain, it has a winding driveway, dotted with sculptures and opens up to a beautiful space of art pieces and a spectacular view of vineyards and mountains.







We had the wine pairing of the Cabernet Franc Rosé (lovely), the Coastal Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc (a fave), the Shiraz and the Botmaskop (which I really liked, but I think I was alone in this); teamed with warm bread and a cheese and charcuterie board. It hit the spot.

For lunch, we went across the road to Tokara. Lunch was superb, in a glass house, overlooking a spectacular view of mountains, vineyards, olive groves and False Bay. Sox and I had the Pork Belly each, whilst R and O had the Lamb Rump. Delicious.




We went past Meerlust for a wine tasting and bottle buying. We didn’t have long there, but I’d love to go back. It has a wonderfully relaxing feel to it, whilst steeped in history, going back to 1756.

On our way home, we fetched the boys from their playdate, packed an overnight bag for them and the boys had a sleepover at their Yiayia (Greek for Granny) – one of their favourite things to do. I was missing my boys – it’s been a while since I’ve had this amount of time away from them, but it was also wonderful to have some adult time – it really filled my cup. Missing each other is good.
Sox DJ’s at VIXI Social House every first Thursday and every Friday evening. We booked a table with our group of friends for dinner. The flatbreads, steaks, Lamb Ragu and Ossobuco are always winners. Afterwards we moved to the bar where we danced to Sox’s music. We left at closing time and it was such fun!



Saturday:
This was a day that I got to tick off not one, but two bucket list items. What a treat.
I have several bucket list “lists” and they range from huge items/experiences to small items/experiences, and to tick any of them off is so fulfilling.
Confession: I’ve lived in Cape Town for 11 years (one of those years was in Greece, if we want to get technical) and I have never climbed Lions Head.

I attempted once, got a third of the way and nearly collapsed. I had to turn back. I thought I just had a slight cold. I didn’t realise that I actually had Bronchitis and landed up in bed for a week. I never tried again. It was on my “list-of-things-to-do” before we made our move to Greece, but anyone who’s moved country will know that what you actually have to do in preparation is crazy.
It took our friends from London to get me up the mountain. We left home at 07h30, the sun was shining, the wind wasn’t as bad as it had been in the last few days and it looked like a good time to do it. No more excuses.


It was AMAZING. I was reminded of my fear of heights, and even though it wasn’t bad – it was climbing the ladders and chains (and coming down – because you really have to look down) that made my knees wobble a bit. Sox was the ultimate partner in his patience and encouragement and R offered a helping hand a few times over.






Standing on the very top of Lion’s Head felt like such a huge achievement. It’s no Kilimanjaro, but for me it was my Kilimanjaro. I’d FINALLY done it. To have a 360 degree view of Cape Town – the majestic Table Mountain, the Atlantic Seaboard, Signal Hill, the Harbour, the CBD buildings was magnificent. What a city we have the privilege of calling home. I breathed in the fresh air and felt such gratitude.

On the way down, about 20m from the base, as I was walking slowly down, I stepped onto a small rock and rolled my ankle. It was so sore, but I was able to walk and the coffee at the bottom was delicious and distracting.

I didn’t really feel my ankle until much later on, when I had cooled down. More on that later.
Home to shower and change, I was tingling with excitement for Bucket List experience number 2.
The weather had changed – it’s no joke when we say “Cape Town has 4 seasons in a day.”
We drove the coastal road that now looked quite moody and romantic with the dark ocean and rolling grey clouds, all the way to Tintswalo Atlantic, on Chapman’s Peak.
We had a table booked at Chefs Warehouse, right on the ocean overlooking the famous Sentinel mountain peak, Hout Bay harbour and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s already a dramatic backdrop, but an unexpected thunderstorm made it unforgettable. We sipped wine and watched the lightening light up the sky. We had such a beautiful table outside, almost on the pebble beach, that we held out as much as we could, before we finally folded and moved to a table inside. It was good timing too, as the heavens opened and we now had the rain, thunder and lapping waves as a soundtrack to lunch.





We enjoyed the set menu and every plate that came out was sublime. My favourite was the steak tartare.










By this stage, however, my ankle had now doubled in size and was throbbing. I asked for some ice, and a cloth serviette wrapped with ice came out for me. I made a rookie error by removing my loafer. I didn’t want the leather to be spoiled by the melting ice. However, I couldn’t put my shoe back on with the swelling.
I was not going to let a bloody painful ankle deter me from a moment I’d been wanting to experience for ages. I loved every moment, despite it.

Wonderful O, had to help me hobble to and from the bathroom and it’s a memory that will always make me laugh.
A gentleman said to her, as she had hooked her arm in mine: “You’re a very good friend.”
In her beautiful British accent, without missing a beat for banter she replied to the stranger: “I don’t mind. She’s drunk.”
The look on his face (and mine) made us both pack up laughing and I unfortunately couldn’t get out fast enough, so I had to hobble away blushing.


I absolutely adored the experience. The most picturesque setting, delicious food, good wine and even better company. What a treat.
We fetched the boys and that evening we had a South African braai (BBQ) and played rounds of UNO.

Sunday:
After a breakfast of Banana Pancakes, we all got into the car and took a drive. We stopped at St. James Beach to see the colourful beach huts and then strolled through Kalk Bay, coffees in hand. I love the antique stores and book shops, the local stores with art and clothes and knick knacks.







We drove through to Simon’s Town, where we went to Boulder’s Beach to see the penguins. If you’re local, don’t forget your ID – you pay local entrance fees when you show your ID.
I’m glad we went to the lookout area first – most of the penguins were there and my boys LOVED pretending they were penguins, waddling along. They’re so beautiful and fun to watch.








We then went to the beach, where sadly there were not many penguins at all, hence The Lookout being a wise idea first. Still, it was lovely to feel the sand between our toes, get some Vitamin D and the boys explored the rocks and dug for treasure.



Stomachs rumbling, we drove Chapman’s Peak, which has magnificent views and had lunch at Cafe Caprice.

We got home in time for R & O to shower, finish packing and head for the airport.
When I think about what we did in just 4 days: Lions Head, Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo, 3 Wine Farms in Stellenbosch, picturesque drives, dinner with friends, Braai’s, Hout Bay, Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town, Camps Bay, Llandudno, Sea Point, Green Point, Bo-Kaap, Woodstock, CBD – it’s actually remarkable.
I absolutely LOVED playing tour guide/ tourist in our own city and I must admit, I absolutely ADORED writing again. Perhaps I’ll bring blogging back 😉
15 Comments
I’m coming to yours for the weekend!!! So wonderful! Some of my favourite things to do. Hope your ankle is feeling better xx
May 6, 2024 at 8:42 pmDesperate to go to Tintswalo! Great post x
May 6, 2024 at 9:09 pmPlease start blogging again, love your blogs! Thank you for sharing. You have a lovely flow of telling the story that is easy to visualise and feels like you there. Can feel your happiness and excitement. Don’t ever stop writing
May 6, 2024 at 9:17 pmOh I missed reading your blog posts – it’s almost like I’m there with you!
May 6, 2024 at 9:48 pmBeing quite new to the Cape myself I’ll definitely have to add some of these to my bucket list.
Looks like an amazing time. It truly is a beautiful place. So enjoyed reading about your experience.
May 6, 2024 at 10:03 pmBrilliant guide to our beloved Cape Town. Sublime photos too!
May 6, 2024 at 11:48 pmI loved this! It reminded me of how lucky we are to live in this beautiful city!
May 7, 2024 at 12:42 amI am absolutely saving this post to use as a guide when I eventually bring my new partner to Cape Town! It’s the perfect four day tour! Thank you for sharing, love reading your blogs xxx
May 7, 2024 at 2:09 amAbsolutely loved living vicariously through you guys for a weekend Bailz! You really must blog more – I adore your way with words and every blog takes us on a personal adventure almost as if we are experiencing it first hand! Thanks for sharing a beautiful weekend in the mother city with us ❤️❤️
May 7, 2024 at 5:01 amNice story shared Bailz
May 7, 2024 at 9:39 amLoved reading this, you write so well and your pictures are amazing!
May 7, 2024 at 10:02 amSorry about the painful ankle though. You handled that well!!
The real-life pirate
You perfectly experienced the best CT has to offer in just 4 days, that was some good planning on your part!! I love the idea of “being a tourist in your own city” – I must try it here in Centurion
JessV83
xx
This was beautiful to read, my husband and I are planing a few days in Cape soon so I will be using this as a guide
May 7, 2024 at 12:22 pmXoxo
I love reading about your Cape Town life, your Instagram posts too. Cspw Town is so beautiful ❤️
May 7, 2024 at 2:19 pmDon’t we just live in the most beautiful city ❤️ I’m coming with next time you go dancing to Sox’s music..! Hope the ankle gets better real quick
May 7, 2024 at 1:33 pmLoved this one Bailey ❤️
May 9, 2024 at 8:12 pm